I have been looking forward to this weekend since the schedules came out. This is my birthday weekend, as my birthday is Sunday. I had friends/family looking to put me on a plane to NY with LAD/NYY tickets. I had to decline because I just cannot walk with my knees.
So I succumbed to watch the games on TV. I was not looking forward to Apple TV providing the feed. But I concentrated on the game and not the coverage. As it turned out, the coverage was fine. Maybe because I really do like D-Train’s schtick. I know most do not, but I like him. I actually prefer Wayne Randazzo to Stephen Nelson.
This was as much fun of a game as I have watched all year. Sorry Scott, NYY will not sweep the Dodgers. And they are now 2-2 while you were predicting an 0-6 road trip.
I have never been a fan of players being mic’d up to talk with the announcers. I prefer the players concentrate on the game. Sure enough with Kiké mic’d up, a ground ball found him just as the announcers were asking a question, and he made an error. He basically kept his mouth shut the rest of the inning. I know Dontrelle felt horrible, but the error was made. Fortunately NYY did not get a run out of it.
What are your thoughts on players getting interviewed while they’re playing a game?
pic.twitter.com/xoIE3NlLuw— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 7, 2024
To make matters worse for Kiké, he got picked off 1st by Cody Poteet in the 3rd.
Poteet was as advertised. He kept the Dodgers hitters off balance even with the multitude of 3-2 counts. He mixed his pitches all night, and was on the edges which led to the high pitch count. I do not recall one pitch that he missed in the strike zone for someone to punish. I am sure that someone will remind me of one.
Poteet’s 4-seamer average 93.8 and his sinker averaged 93.1, so he did not overwhelm the batters. He allowed 2 hits, with 3 BB, and just 1 strikeout. He got 6 whiffs on 34 swings, so he was pitching into a lot of soft contact. It was a good bit of pitching against the Dodgers hitters.
On the other side, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was even more dominating. He allowed two hits, one a soft double by Aaron Judge, two BB, and 7 K, in 7.0 complete scoreless innings. Like Poteet, Yoshi has a lot of soft contact.
Yamamoto was amped. He threw 6 pitches on the night. Every one of his pitches averaged from 1.2 MPH to 1.9 MPH increase. His spin rate was up for every pitch except for his splitter, which is always low spin.
After the Trent Grisham single in the 2nd, Yamamoto struck out Jose Trevino. He then retired the next 11 batters before walking Judge in the 6th, but striking out Stanton. He walked Gleyber Torres with one out in the 7th, but got DJ LeMahieu to hit into a 4-6-3 DP. Yamamoto was finished after 106 pitches, with 13 swing and misses.
Yamamoto pitched to 25 NYY batters. He allowed 4 hard hit balls all night, and only two > 100 MPH.
- Anthony Rizzo – 95.5 MPH flyout
- Trent Grisham – 106.8 MPH single
- Jose Trevino – 97.6 MPH groundout
- DJ LeMahieu – 100.1 MPH GIDP
Yoshinobu Yamamoto tonight:
7 K
7 IP
2 BB
2 H
106 PC
0 ERHe walked into New York like he owned it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xJ7IVrCNrB
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 8, 2024
This was a superbly pitched game by both starters.
Poteet came out with two outs in the 5th and runners on 1st and 2nd and Shohei Ohtani coming to the plate. NYY countered with former LAD LHRP, Victor Gonzalez. On the 1st pitch up and out of the zone, Shohei hit a soft ground ball to Rizzo at 1B for the 3rd out.
Caleb Ferguson also got a chance to pitch against his former team, and got Ohtani, Freeman, and Smith in order, with Smith looking at strike 3. Yes, Ferguson was excited as he left the field.
Caleb Ferguson 😤#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/l1AGee0i1x
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 8, 2024
LHRP Anthony Banda relieved Yamamoto in the 8th and struck out the first two batters he faced. Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo followed with two bloop singles. Doc brought in Blake Treinen to face Aaron Judge.
Hudson got Rizzo, Torres, and DJLM in the 9th to take the 0-0 tie into extra innings.
Both pitchers got the outs in the 10th. Michael Grove continues to impress, leaving the runner stranded at 2nd.
It was in the 11th when the offensive action started. With Ohtani starting at 2nd, Freddie drew a BB. Smith hit a soft liner to Grisham in CF. But Teoscar Hernández hit one to the left center field wall for a 2-run double, and a 2-0 lead. I do not recall who was getting tired of Teoscar’s act, but how do you like him now? Nice short swing to the ball. No swing from the heels.
Teoscar Hernández gives the @Dodgers the lead in the 11th! pic.twitter.com/9MJoGxkzYa
— MLB (@MLB) June 8, 2024
Dennis Santana relieved Ian Hamilton, becoming the 3rd former LAD reliever to pitch against his former team. He pitched as well as the first two. Jason Heyward struck out, Andy Pages drew a BB, and Gavin Lux hit a routine F9 to end the inning.
Well, Evan Phillips was not available. Doc had already used Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson. So who is he going to bring in to close it out and get the save? He chose Yohan Ramirez to face Verdugo, Judge, and Stanton with the speedy Volpe at 2nd. Yohan struck out Verdugo, but Judge hit a hanging sweeper for an RBI single. I bet Judge will have nightmares not obliterating that pitch. Ramirez got Stanton on strikes, and then got Rizzo to foul out to Will Smith. What Ramirez was doing almost getting in the way is inexplicable. But it was such an exciting game, you can almost understand why he was trying to make the catch. Not a good choice, but Smith stayed with it, and the Dodgers took Game 1 in this very exciting 3 game series in the Bronx.
Yohan Ramírez 🤌#LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/zBBPwXyyvc
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 8, 2024
It has been a different Yohan Ramirez since this!
When I first saw this, like most people, I cringed. As it turns out, this turned Yohan Ramirez's season and career around. I give Dave Roberts a lot of shit, but deserves credit for this. https://t.co/CZKROd2638
— Josh Gitt (@joshgitt1214) June 8, 2024
Game 1 was equal to the national hype. It matched arguably the top two baseball organizations in 2024. Perhaps the two most storied MLB teams in history. Two classic teams with the two most classic uniforms perhaps in all of sports. At the end of the season, this game, this series, will not be season changing. If the two teams meet in the WS, neither team will have an advantage due to this series. What a start to a great matchup. Of course I am hoping for a sweep on my birthday.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
OKC Baseball Club 5 – Round Rock Express (Texas) 3
OKC sent out Bobby Miller in his 3rd rehab assignment against Texas’ AAA affiliate ant RHP Owen White, Texas’ #8 prospect.
Miller got through 4.0 IP but could not record an out in the 5th. Miller gave up a run in the 2nd on 2 singles, a 1-out BB and sac fly. In the 5th, Andre Lipcius dropped a foul pop fly. That batter and the next reached on singles. Kevin Gowdy relieved Miller after 85 pitches (50 strikes). A strike out, and two walks produced an unearned run before a DP ended the inning.
2nd inning for Bobby Miller, gave up a couple of bloop base hits, and a run, but has featured 6 pitches, thrown strikes with most of them and reached 98. #dodgers pic.twitter.com/Ro2mxMyoUg
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) June 8, 2024
Bobby Miller’s night is over: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 Ks. 85 pitches, 50 strikes. It’s 4-1 Baseball Club over Round Rock in the fifth at OKC. #Dodgers
pic.twitter.com/ej7oqIESTM— Howard Cole (@Howard_Cole) June 8, 2024
Kyle Hurt came in for relief in the 7th. He struck out the 1st batter he faced before giving up a single. Two wild pitches put the runner on 3rd. After a walk, Hurt struck out his 2nd batter of the inning, but was relieved by Jack Dreyer. Dreyer gave up the run scoring single, but got the next four out.
Here's a good look at the Rehab Outing for Kyle Hurt. He was obviously capped as far as a pitch count and Rehab outings are all about staying healthy and getting the "feels" back. Threw some 97 mph darts and looked electric. It was great to see him back on the bump! #dodgers pic.twitter.com/iGSVBLLxQ6
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) June 8, 2024
Michael Flynn got the final three outs for his 2nd save.
OKC used three solo HRs and some RR wildness to plate their five runs.
Andre Lipcius hit his 16th HR in the 1st. He is now one HR behind PCL leader Ryan Ward. Hunter Feduccia hit his 3rd in the 3rd. Chris Owings hit his 6th in the 6th.
HR #16 for Andre Lipcius which is a career high & ties him for the PCL League lead in Home Runs with his teammate Ryan Ward.
Here's the entire at bat from behind home plate. #dodgers pic.twitter.com/KOACgFF5Tq
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) June 8, 2024
Hunter Feduccia hit his third homer of the season for OKC pic.twitter.com/FhVrXWbCTz
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) June 8, 2024
Chris Owings stays red hot!
His dingers extends the lead in the 6th inning! pic.twitter.com/lFq4NYNarr
— Oklahoma City Baseball Club (@okc_baseball) June 8, 2024
In the 4th, Kody Hoese and Trey Sweeney led off with singles. With 2 outs, Hunter Feduccia walked to load the bases. Hoese scored on a passed ball. Jonathan Araúz drew a walk to re-load the bases, and Drew Avans walked to force in a run.
- Andre Lipcius – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (16)
- Chris Owings – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (6)
- Hunter Feduccia – 1-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (3)
Tulsa Drillers 17 – Amarillo Sod Poodles (Arizona) 4 – Game 1
Orlando Ortiz-Mayr was staked to a 2-0 lead but surrendered 4 in the bottom of the 1st. Three singles plated 1 and then a 3-run HR gave the Sod Poodles a 4-2 lead. Ortiz-Mayr allowed only a BB after the HR through 4 innings.
Juan Morillo, Christian Suarez, and Michael Hobbs pitched 3.0 scoreless/hitless innings to secure the lopsided win.
Tulsa scored 17 runs on 12 hits, 11 BB, 2 HBP, and 1 error. Every Tulsa batter reached base. Five Tulsa batters had 2 hits.
- Alex Freeland – 2-4, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 4 runs, double (6)
- Taylor Young – 2-5, 2 runs, 3 RBI, 2 doubles (15)
- Dalton Rushing – 2-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double (8)
- Brandon Lewis – 2-3, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 1 run, 5 RBI, double (5), HR (6)
Brandon Lewis absolutely crushed the ball!! So far today, Lewis has a double, HR, and 5 RBI’s. #Tulsa up 11-4 over the Sod, top of the fourth. @DodgersBeat pic.twitter.com/45NE4mxq7F
— 🇺🇸 DooM_Sal (@msalas24) June 7, 2024
- Yeiner Fernandez – 2-5, 2 runs
- Chris Alleyne – HR (4)
Amarillo Sod Poodles (Arizona) 6 – Tulsa Drillers 1 – Game 2
Kendall Williams allowed 4 runs in 3.2 IP, with Jack Little and Braydon Fisher each allowing a run in 1.0 IP each.
Tulsa could only muster 1 run on 6 hits and 7 BB. Tulsa was 1-11 WRISP.
- Damon Keith – 2-3, 1 BB
- Doubles – Alex Freeland (7) and Austin Beck (7)
Great Lakes Loons 6 – Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota) 0
Christian Romero started and completed 4.0 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 BB, and 6 K. Three relievers combined to finish the shutout on 1 hit over 5.0 IP. Jose Rodriguez had 5 K in 3.0 IP to get the win.
Great Lakes had 6 hits and 8 BB to score 6 runs.
Kyle Nevin opened the scoring with a run scoring single in the 3rd.
In the 5th, Thayron Liranzo, Nevin, and Chris Newell led off with BB. Sam Mongelli singled home Liranzo and Nevin. Newell stole 3rd and Mongelli stole 2nd. Nick Biddison singled home Newell and Mongelli moved to 3rd and scored on a ground out.
Noah Miller had a run scoring single in the 8th to finish the scoring.
Noah Miller was the only GL hitter with a 2-hit game. Great Lakes had 6 stolen bases including 3 for Jake Gelof.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 8 – Visalia Rawhide (Arizona) 4
Logan Wagner smacked a go-ahead grand slam and the Rancho bullpen enjoyed a fantastic night, as the Quakes dropped the Visalia Rawhide on Friday night.
With the Quakes trailing 3-2 in the third, Wagner launched his second homer of the year down the right-field line, a grand slam to give Rancho the lead for good at 6-3.
Rancho added two more in the eighth to put it away, as Samuel Munoz and Jordan Thompson had RBI hits, making it 8-3.
Visalia scored an unearned run in the ninth, but that’s all they could muster against the Quakes’ bullpen on Friday, as Felix Cabrera and Callum Wallace each tossed two scoreless innings. Christian Ruebeck gave up an unearned run in the ninth to finish it off.
Rancho starter Christian Zazueta allowed three runs in the first inning in his Rancho debut, but settled in and gave the Quakes four total innings. In case some of you do not remember, Christian Zazueta came to the Dodgers in the Caleb Ferguson trade. Zazueta was dominant in the ACL in his 18.2 IP before getting the promotion.
- Kendall George – 3-4, 1 BB, 2 runs
- Samuel Munoz – 2-3, 2 BB, 2 runs, 1 RBI, double (5)
- Jordan Thompson – 3-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 3 RBI, double (10)
- Logan Wagner – 1-2, 2 BB, 1 run, 4 RBI, HR (2)
ACL Dodgers 10 – ACL Guardians 1
Wyatt Crowell got his 3rd start and completed 2.0 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit with 3 Ks. Sean Linen followed with 3.0 innings allowing only a solo HR and 6 Ks. Two other relievers finished up the game.
The Dodgers scored 10 runs on 12 hits, 5 BB, 1 HBP, and 1 error.
Alexander Albertus was the hitting star with 3 doubles and 4 RBI
- Nicolas Perez – 3-4, 1 BB, 3 runs, 0 RBI, double (2)
- Eduardo Quintero – 3-4, 1 BB, 4 runs, 3 RBI, double (2)
- Alexander Albertus – 3-5, 1 run, 4 RBI, 3 doubles (6)
- Jose Meza – 1-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (3)
A glimpse into the future???
Ko Ching-Hsien
Los Angeles Dodgers' newest international signing, 柯敬賢 (Ko Ching-Hsien), just crushed a 3-run home run at a high school tournament today. 💪 #MLBTW #Dodgers #TWHSBaseball pic.twitter.com/79p7NP87YU
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) June 7, 2024
Exciting game. As for micing up a player, I do not like it. They did it to Miggy last year, and he did ok. There was a grounder hit to him and he said, excuse me, I need to make this play. Kike is no Miggy Ro!!!! There was a story on Yahoo news about how the White Sox are actively pursuing deals for Robert Jr. Personally, I think the Dodgers should pass. To injury prone and he is going to cost a ton.
Jays DFAd Cavan Biggio. Guess the Hall of Famers kid was no chip off of the old block. Not surprising though. He has never reached double digits in homers since his rookie season and his OPS only topped .800 once. Someone on another site suggested the Dodgers trade for Justin Turner. I believe that boat has sailed. JT is not having a good year, he is 39 now, and he really has no position. If anyone was counting, five former Dodgers appeared in the game for the Yankees. Verdugo, Gonzalez, Ferguson, who was way too pumped after his last K, Santana, and the one who flew under the radar even to the announcers, Jamai Jones. Spent two years in the Dodger system. Stros placed Kyle Tucker on the IL with a contusion on his shin. They also lost Jose Urquidy to season ending TJ surgery. Pham is also on the IL. Alex Manoah of the Jays will also undergo a season ending surgery. The Angels are listening to offers for Taylor Ward. He most likely would not be dealt to the Dodgers. We all know what Moreno thinks of LA. Rangers are DFAing OF Derrick Hill. Dodgers outrighted Elieser Hernandez to AAA. All teams passed up on him in waivers. The Brewers GM reiterated that a trade of Willy Adames was very unlikely. He will no doubt be a QO type player in the fall and would bring Milwaukee a compensation pick if he leaves. The Cubs will be looking to upgrade at catcher at the deadline probably. Both of their catchers are hitting below the Mendoza line and neither has been very productive. Rays designated Harold Ramirez for assignment.
This was a game I was not expecting to watch. Two power house teams that rely on all or nothing hitting locked in a pitching duel with no scoring going into extra innings. We’ve become used to seeing the slumping Dodgers hit meagerly in games, but two power houses colliding should have produced more sparks than it did. I was excited to get the win. I was excited to see Yamamoto pitch well for so long. I was not excited to see Shohei struggle and most of the batters unable to hit anything. We really need to see a change in the hitting mindset. Letting it play out for so long is not a good sign and will come back to bite us. If we are going to change the channel for hitters, we need some fresh blood and a different coaching team that can make it happen. Not sure if our home growns even know the difference or can change. Taylor and Kike need to be gone. They’ve outlived their usefulness. Even Rojas is contributing regularly. We need to make sure that Outman, Vargas, and Pages, are not all or nothing guys.
Jeff i wish you were running the Dodgers well said
I’ll be the first to say it, I wouldn’t know where to begin……….I also could never imagine myself doing that.
It is hatd to know where to start. If they need an outfielder I would consider someone like Tommy Pham. He might be the straw that stirs the drink, even if he didnt rake at the plate.
The other changes seem to be organizational philosophies on hitting which would take an off-season of change to accomplish
Making a significant trade could also shake things up.
As long as AF is around, it’s gonna be all or nothing I’m afraid.
Lipcius stands kinda hunched over the plate like Steve Garvey.
I was at the game last night with my 86-year old Dad (he is the reason I am a Dodgers fan)! The Dodgers offense was so anemic — they are really struggling to put hits together. When thy failed to even get a runner to 3rd base in the 10th, I thought we would lose. But boy did the pitching ever step up. Yamamoto was not at all afraid of the big lights. He looked so confident out there.
Some highlights/key plays:
(1) The entire pitching performance — just OUTSTANDING.
(2) The duel between Judge an Treinen that eventually ended up in a walk was so fun. The whole stadium was rocking on every pitch, and it reminded me about what makes baseball special. I don’t think any other sport has these prolonged one-on-one (in the middle of a team battle) intense spotlights.
(3) Our old pal Trent Grisham (who I have seen put down good bunts numerous times on the Pads) spits the bit and can’t get the bunt down in the 10th . I do not like Grisham, very much dislike his “too cool for school” act is catching fly balls. Some players just rub me the wrong way.
(4) Teoscar who looked very much like he was going to strike out fights off a nasty 0-2 pitch and just gets a piece of it to stay alive, and then delivers the game-winner on the next — Wow!
(5) Ramirez taking on the 11th. My Dad and I looked at each other and said. “Oh boy, this is not going to be easy.” Ramirez showed some major cojones. The atmosphere was crazy, and he did not buckle.
My dad and I were jumping up and down when Will Smith caught the final out!
I am a baseball fan for moments like these. That’s what being a baseball fan means (to me) — enjoying the moments. If the Dodgers win the World Series, so much the better, but that’s just one more moment.
Cheers.
Enjoyed your comments, Bison. Especially happy for you that you got to experience the game with your dad.
Yesterday, is what baseball is all about. The good, the bad and the ugly all wrapped up into one heart-stopping game. Especially great since our team came out on top.
As anemic as the Dodgers have looked recently they are 7-3 over their last 10 and the only team better than that is the team they beat last night. How fortunate are Dodger fans to have a team so good they can look like crap and still win?
Lipcius and Ward look ready for prime time. So does Outman. So did Vargas when he was banging at AAA. Sure would be nice to see what those guys could do. All it would take would be phantom injuries to Taylor, Lux and Kiké.
How long is the leash for Taylor, Kike, and Lux? They really need to DFA Taylor if he won’t voluntarily go to OKC to work out his problems. Then bring up Lipcius and see what he can do. Lux has been very disappointing so far. Playing decent defense, but not getting it done at the plate. Kike and Taylor are redundant. We don’t need both.
I wonder how good you would hit after missing a full year, having knee surgery, and then having to face MLB pitching. It took Ronald Acuna more than a year to come back after he suffered basically the same injury. The second year, he won the MVP only to suffer a similar injury to the other knee this year. Lux has a long leash. If he can get up into the .240’s he will be lucky. But by next year, he will be a better version of himself. Kike and Taylor have never been high BA guys. Their value lies simply in their ability to play several positions and do that well. That being said, they are basically the same player, and LA does not need two of them.
Happy birthday Sunday Jeff. That happens to be my birthday as well. Going to a Sacramento Rivercat game that my kids are taking me to. Game last night was exciting but worried about our bats for playoffs. This weekend will be good test of that.
And Happy Birthday to you as well. Thank you.
Happy Birthday to you both! Mine is this Friday. The 14th, Flag Day…..
On Friday night I couldn’t watch the Yankees -Dodgers, which Jeff described as the most fun game of the season. Sad to miss it but I don’t subscribe to Apple TV. I do have two iPods, two ear buds, an iPad, an IMac 24, and a MacBook Pro. But not Apple TV.
So instead, I ended up trolling channels and watching the Blue Jays and the A’s in the bottom of the 8th, tied 1 to 1. Chris Bassett, of the Jays was on the mound, and they listed his pitches on the screen:
1.Sinker. 42%
2.Curve. 18%
3.Cutter. 12%
4.Sweeper. 11%
5.Splitter. 6%
6.Changeup. 5%
7.Four-seamer. 3%
8.Slider. 3%
Yup, that equals 100%. And apparently he throws 8 different pitches.
Are you shitting me? Why would a guy need 8 pitches?
As best I can tell, Bassitt must have perfected close to a pitch per year in his 10 years in MLB. The catcher, without pitch-com, would have to drop his mitt and use both hands to call all of his pitches.
As near as I can tell, these days, RHP can have the following arsenal at their disposal:
Ole Chris is only 4 shy of having them all. Maybe he will play 4 more seasons and have them all?
Now somebody has to identify the differences between all these pitches.
I don’t think I’m able to identify the differences between these pitch shapes. I’m pretty good with fastball, cutter, slider, curve, change and then, I’m done. Even the pitchers can’t agree on what their pitches are called.
So, is there an MLB pitch recognition person? I’ve seen guys with laptops behind the dish at spring training games paying attention. Are these the experts that determine which pitch it is and put it in the computer? Or does a computer and in-house cameras determine the pitch type?
If so, that might be a good way to determine the pitch type and also whether the pitch is a ball or strike. Let’s call it the ABS System.
I’m inclined to take the pitch % and pitch recognition displayed, with a grain of salt.
Well, I can at least watch the next 2 games.
I think you know all those pitches Phil as none of them are new. A sweeper is what we used to call a frisbee curve and because it was “flat” and frankly hittable as it was easy to get bat on the plane. I once asked a university pitching coach (coached Chris Sale in college) the difference between a cutter and a slider and his one word answer was “depth”. He also added the slider is a foot shorter. A slutter is a variation of those two, a split finger is a fork ball, a sinker is a two seamer, the specifics of which we discussed the other day, A lot of great pitchers have similar repertoire but just don’t over analyze them. Hell I threw all that shit, and a knuckle ball, in Colt League. All of it is just variation in grips.
And yesterday Poteet gave a clinic on what I’ve been talking about regarding inside outside high and tight low and away change of speeds and spotting edges. Orel called it “edgey”. I call it brilliant.
Yeah, good call Badger. I’m pretty familiar with all the grips and pitch shapes. I was just having fun making light of a MLB pitcher trying to effectively throw the kitchen sink.
I too had an extensive menu of pitches in Little League. I recall a fastball, curveball, “drop ball (a humpback, overhand curve) and a knuckleball as a change up. While I thought this was cool what I really did was just throw harder than the other kids.
Fun conversation, Badger.
I agree. Poteet was brilliant. He was fun to watch. He was on the edges all night. Yamamoto was more dominant with power and movement. Other than Hamilton’s pitch to Hernández and Ramirez’s pitch to Judge, that game was a clinic on pitching. I do not fault either offense. It was just plain old great pitching.
Wasn’t aware of this,
Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement calls for a player to receive a $10,000 stipend for wearing a two-way microphone for at least one inning of a regular-season game. The amount rises to $15,000 in the postseason.
I think they should add a stipulation that he has to give back the money if he makes an error while talking to the booth.
Exactly. And a 10,000 bonus if he makes a great play. Last year, Miggy Ro was miked up while he was at SS. The guys in the booth were talking to him when a ball was hit his way, his reply was excuse me guys, I have to make this play. He gloved the ball and threw the runner out.
Some reports out there today saying that AF is interested in Tommy Edman of the Cards. Hasn’t played yet this year because of an injury but expected back around All Star time.
He’s extremely versatile and a very good fielder. Would certainly be a better alternative (if healthy) than are CT3 and/or Kike, but it would be nice to see what we have in Lipcius or even Gauthier before spending prospect capital on Edman. Supposedly, though, he’d play shortstop if we traded for him. He’s played everywhere on the diamond except pitcher, catcher and 1B and will reach free agency after 2025.
My preference would be to go after Brendan Donovan, who can play 2B, 3B and left field, three positions of need for us. He’s a better hitter than Edman but not as good a fielder and doesn’t reach free agency until after 2027. He’s off to a fairly slow start this year but still far better than any of the guys we have playing those positions and his lifetime batting numbers are very nice.
Edman is 29. Donovan is 27. The Cards are going to need pitching going forward. We have pitching that we can use in a trade.
I am one of what seems like the few that likes Teo, Pages, Outman, and Heyward enough that I wouldn’t seek out a trade for an outfielder. I haven’t given up of Betts at short either. So, of the two you mentioned, I prefer Donovan and put him at third. His 2023 line: .284.365.422.787
For those who subscribe to the trade simulator. how close are the values for a Miller and Vargas trade for Royce Lewis?
I can’t believe they put the simulator behind a paywall. Not sure the value of that tool is what the creators think it is.
Lewis – 46.8
Miller – 57.8
Vargas – 7.5
So according to the simulator you could get Lewis for Miller straight up and that would be a slight overpay. I’m a huge Lewis fan but you’re looking at the same situation as Buxton and Robert Jr. These guys just can’t stay on the field.
That said, and with all the pitching we have (I know, you can never have too much pitching), I might seriously consider Miller for Lewis and then hold my breath if the Twins would agree to it.
I would have no problem with Miller for Royce. You have to pay to get. But then go after Garrett Crochet.
I’m with you, STB. Before we shop for players externally, how about we get looks at players in the organization? Demote the deadwood, make up some injuries or cut them loose, and get a at look position players.
Despite our lofty reputation as having a loaded organization, where are they? AF must feel none of the prospects he hoards are MLB ready.
I’m sure players value the Dodger’s player development and organizational perks but I think there must be players who get a little pissed and discouraged if players are brought in from other organizations and dumped on their heads. It’s like WTF do I have to do here to get a shot? And those players are not getting any younger.
I continue to marvel at folks thinking we need a shortstop. We have one that supposedly couldn’t hit. But now he can and we don’t play him there. We have other, much more pressing needs.
Agreed. Rojas is solid as a SS and has enough bat to shut fans up. The problem is Doc/AF/BG (and some fans) are still hopng that Lux can hit enough to stick.
It has also been reported that the team fears Rojas wears down with near-starter Esque playing time
I agree too. I think we’re days, or short weeks, away from some debuts, and/or changes. If Lux starts hitting things will be different, but if not?…..
Rojas would be a decent solution for this year but he’s almost 7 years older than Adames and 9 years older than Bichette so long term it wouldn’t work with Rojas, certainly not as an every day starter.
I am just looking at this year. The team can worry about next year, next year. Adames is under control for this year only. I still do not believe Milwaukee moves him anyway.
As long as they are leading their division as comfortably as they are, he isn’t going anywhere.
If the Dodgers had a regular with this line .198.286.287.573 what would we be saying?
I say, trade for him but then I know who he is.
I can’t get myself to get down on Lux. I am willing to include him in a trade if the return is also young. But if it were not for a few others getting off to bad starts, Lux wouldn’t be such a sore thumb.
I thought Lux would be a good #9 hitter as he’s been around long enough to know the strike zone and not to chase. But he just doesn’t look confident up there.
Im thinking a few teams out there would be interested in both Lux and Vargas.
I just think it is antithetical to Friedman’s thinking to trade assets at low value points.
Others know better, but when was the last time?
Andrew is a smart guy so he certainly wouldn’t want to trade a asset at a low value point.
But maybe he’s holding too many assets for too long, thereby reducing their value.
For example, Rushing is considered a high value asset for us. He can catch, or DH, or play first base. He’s exactly the kind of asset AF holds on to, even though there is no spot to play him in the near future. This is the time to trade him for something we need.
This is exactly the time (between now and July 30) to trade Rushing. He is at his zenith in trade value right now. He is a consensus top 100 player. Dodgers top prospect. He is blocked at catcher and 1B. If Rushing was with SD, he would have been traded by now.
He will still be that player in July. If some team wants him before the things heat up then yes, of course, make the deal for the right player. But it just feels to me the Dodgers want to wait a little while longer. It’s still possible (though feeling less likely with each passing week) the Dodgers have everything they need already.
I agree that the Dodgers will not make a move now. I am just not convinced that AF will do anything to acquire a difference maker at the deadline.
Here’s one for Preller:
To SD: Robert Jr, Garret Crochet
To CWS: Ethan Salas, Robbie Snelling, Graham Pauley, Yuki Matsui
Trade Sim says OK. They could then flip Matsui.
Preller would add Dylan Lesko to get it done.
You gotta know when to hold ‘em
know when to fold ‘em
know when to walk away
know when to run
if the criteria is to evaluate moves based on them leading to post-season qualification and success shouldn’t running contra to SD be the way to go?
I was thinking the same thing, that Lux just looks extremely timid up there. His numbers may be improving but he just doesn’t strike me as an accomplished hitter who could steer the batted ball in a certain direction if he had to move a runner along, etc. He swings………….and he hopes. Not a good look.
I was originally dead set against getting Adames and moving Mookie back to second, but I’m beginning to think it isn’t such a bad idea. The Brewers aren’t likely to trade him in July but he’ll be a free agent this winter.
With Rojas, Adames is not necessary. Rojas does not have the HR slug of Adames, but his numbers are better across the board.
Rojas – .287/.343/.447/.790 124 OPS+
Adames – .244/.325/.423/.748 111 OPS+
In full transparency, Rojas has significantly less PA.
As good defensively as Adames is, Rojas is at least equal to.
IMO, the Dodgers have an ideal SS/2B in Rojas/Betts.
So, who’s the mystery batter?
2023 Rookie of the year Corbin
I’ll take him.
You can’t have him. Dbacks love him
And right now, he sucks. -0.1 WAR, .198 BA, 2 homers, 20 driven in 10 steals and a OPS+ of 77.
Like I said, I’ll take him.
This Phillies game reminds me how even heavy slug lineups can be fun to watch when they are on a roll.
Yesterday’s game reminded me how heavy slug lineups can be fun to watch even when they are not.
I wish we had more of both.
The Dodgers have more HRs than Philadelphia. They have a better SLG, BA, OBP, and OPS.
LAD – .255/.334/.431/.765 — 82 HR
PHI – .254/.329/.411/.740 — 73 HR
Difference?
WRISP
PHI – .287/.369/.478/.847 — 25 HR
LAD – .250/.338/.392/.730 — 16 HR
LAD has 5 more walks but 10 less hits
WRISP w/2 outs
PHI – .279/.374/.477/.851 — 13 HR
LAD – .199/.306/.286/.592 — 5 HR
LAD has 1 more walk but 20 less hits.
Philadelphia clutches up…LAD not so much.
That’s what makes it more enjoyable to watch!
indeed
This too will pass. The team on the field right now will not be the same 26 come September 1.
I think every pitcher would want to find their way to Cleveland. They always seems to develop pitching. The latest? 32 year old RHP Ben Lively. He has been a questionable pitcher since he first appeared as a MLB pitcher with Philadelphia. He also had mediocre seasons with KC, Cincinnati, and in the KBO. In December 2023 he was signed as a FA by Cleveland. For 2024, Lively is 5-2 in 9 starts and 50.2 IP. He has a 2.84 ERA, 1.164 WHIP, 47 K, 15 BB. His 2024 ERA is almost 2 runs less than his MLB average.
Not ce
Taylor starting in LF. Why in the hell did they bring Vargas up? They should be playing Vargas and see what he can do. We know what KT3 can do. Virtually nothing. I don’t get it.
Truly perplexing! He has a negative OPS+
A comment on another website suggested Doc wanted to give CT3 a goodbye present.
I’ll believe that when I see it, Fred.
Better built for October, Yankees or Dodgers?
The 3 former American League announcers say the Yankees. They also agree Friedman will make changes.
Is there any question that NYY is better built for October? Not IMO. They will also be getting Gerrit Cole back before the playoffs.
Trading for Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, and Ryan Yarbrough were changes he made last year. How did that work out?
Don’t tell Mark, but, AF is overrated.
So are the opinions of commenters on blogs and yet here we are
Two nice wins, good to see Teoscar coming through
I thought this place would be blown up with posters giving praise to the Dodgers. When they suck it appears to generate more conversation.
Another great win. The largest loss of the year for the Yankees comes at home against the team that’s not as well built as they are. Betts and Ohtani with 1 RBI between them and they still score 11. Even Taylor got a hit, along with 3 Ks. Still no answer on why Vargas is there.
It’s weird, but true.
Let’s hope the team is FINALLY rounding into form.