Max Muncy is and always has been one of my favorite Dodgers. It did not happen overnight. It took me a while to get used to this guy who took so many walks, struck out what seemed like every other at bat, and yet could slug a ball a mile. Where was he going to play? He was no defensive whiz. And he seemed marginal at any spot on the field. But after being signed as a free agent in April of 2017, and spending all of that season at AAA, in the spring of 2018 he got his chance.
His spring was not exactly eye opening. He played in only 7 games. He had 4 hits in 14 at bats. 2 doubles and a triple in there. But he only drove in 1 run. He was sent to OKC to open the year, but he was recalled after 9 games. He had 2 homers and 4 driven in while there. For the Dodgers in 2018, he would play 84 games at first, 38 at 3rd, 13 at 2nd, 6 in the outfield and 1 as the DH.
He hit .265/35/79 for the season surprising everyone with his power, and even more surprising to the Dodgers was his OPS of .973. He slugged over.500. In the World Series against Boston, he gave the Dodgers their only win of the series with a 18th inning walk-off homer. He also hit 2 homers against the Braves in the NLDS.
In 2019, Max’s BA took a dip, as did his OPS. But he still hit 35 homers, drove in 98 runs and scored 101. One reason his OPS is so high is because Max gets a lot of walks. He walked 90 times in 19. In the post season, Max hit 3 homers and drove in 5 in the loss to the Nats. Like many players, Max had a lot of problems getting going in 2020. With the split spring training, most players never really got into a groove. His BA of .192 reflected that. He did hit 12 homers in 58 games played.
The 2020 postseason was like none before. A team was going to have to win 13 games, in order to win the World Series. In the first round against the Brewers, Max went hitless. Then came a 3-game set against the Padres. Max went 3-11 and drove in 2 runs. In the 7 game NLCS against Atlanta, Max would hit 2 homers and drive in 6 runs. One of the homers was a grand slam in game 3. He also walked 9 times and scored 6 runs. In the World Series Max was 7-22 with a homer and 6 driven in. He scored 3 runs and walked 5 times. He and the Dodgers were Champions.
In 2021, Max was more like the Max we had come to expect. He hit .249, slugged 36 homers, a career high, and drove in 94 runs. He walked 83 times, and his OPS was .895. The Dodgers ended up a game behind the Giants in the division and would have to play St. Louis in the wild card game, but before that could happen, Muncy was injured during the last game of the season against the Brewers at Dodger Stadium. His elbow got hyperextended when a baserunner ran into him. So, he missed the entire playoffs. And there is no denying the Dodgers missed his big power bat. They had to play a combination of players at first including Albert Pujols, Matt Beaty and Cody Bellinger. The beat St. Louis, then beat the Giants. But they lost to eventual World Series winner Atlanta.
Max was ready to play come spring training in 2022, but it would be a tough year for him. His elbow was healed, but he later revealed that he got into some really bad habits. He was sharing 3rd with Justin Turner and occasionally playing 2nd. He also was the DH in 25 games. But he managed only a .192 BA, OPS .713, He did hit 21 homers and drove in 69 runs. But many questioned his defense at 3rd and felt he should be playing 2nd. Freeman had been signed as a free agent and was playing first every day. He did homer and drive in 2 runs against the Padres in the NLDS.
In 2023, Max was now well over a year removed from his injury. His power returned as he hit 36 homers for the second time in his career, and he drove in 105 runs. His OPS went back over .800 to .808. He walked 85 times but had a career high in strikeouts with 153. The good thing was that he improved as a third baseman. He worked very hard with infield coach Dino Ebel. Like the entire team, Max had trouble against the D-Backs in the playoffs.
Spring training this year, Max worked really hard to improve his defense even more. As this season started, Max was hot. Through the first 40 games, he had 5 homers and 18 driven in and a .242 BA with an OPS of .815. Then Max slumped. His next 11 games he had 7 hits. 4 of them were homers and he drove in 10 runs. Then he went down with a problem with his oblique. He was expected to be out about 2 or 3 weeks. He ended up missing almost 3 months. Since he returned on Monday, he has 2 homers, 3 RBIs and a double. He has walked twice and struck out twice.
So, why is my money on Max? For one, I love the guys work ethic. He works hard at everything he does. His bat has thunder in it. I love watching Max’s homers. Like Ohtani, they just have a different sound when they leave the bat. This year he has been better at home than on the road. So, it is good that his first game action is at home. My hope is that his road numbers improve. One, he is hitting lower in the order. He is almost like a second cleanup hitter. He has speed on the bases in front of him. And he has Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. 
Minor League Report
Great Lakes beat Wisconsin, 5-4 in 12 innings. Dylan Campbell hit his 10th homer, and Sam Mongelli his 6th. Mongelli also had a double. The Loons had 9 walks, but amazingly they struck out 22 times. Biddison had 4 of the walks. Wisconsin struck out 15 times. That is 37 strikeouts! Bruns went 3 innings allowing 2 hits a run and striking out 3 and walking 3. De La Paz and Hobbs went an inning each allowing 1 run and 2 hits between them, with no walks and 2 K’s. Jo Rodriguez went 3 innings allowing 3 hits 2 walks, no runs, and he struck out 7. Martinez went 1 inning, Neeck 2 and McDaniel’s 1 for the win.
Tulsa dropped a 10 inning 3-2 decision to Springfield. Keith gave the Drillers a 1-0 lead with his 12th homer in the 6th. Ramos drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a double. But Springfield scored 2 in the bottom of the inning for the win. Tulsa had 6 hits to the Cardinals 5. Duran and Harris pitched 6 scoreless innings between them with 6 walks and 8 K’s. Sublette went 2 innings and got the blown save. Suarez went 1.1 and took the loss, his 4th.
OKC took a 5-2 decision from El Paso. They scored 2 in the bottom of the first to overcome a 1-0 El Paso lead. Pages hit his 6th homer in the 6th. Andy was 2-4 with 2 runs scored. Trejo had 2 hits and drove in 2. It was a bullpen game for the OKC team, Feyereisen, Grove, Nick Anderson, Dodson, Henriquez and Petersen pitched. Petersen got the save and Anderson got the win.
As I am writing this, Rancho is trailing Lake Elsinore 7-5 in the top of the 9th. Elsinore has scored in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th; to take the lead, they have the bases loaded with 2 outs right now. Of note to Dodger fans is that Chris Taylor is 1-3 with an RBI. Quakes only had 3 hits, but they walked 7 times. Game just ended.
Took me awhile to warm up to Muncy also. During his absence this year it became very obvious what he meant to the team. He has even become a decent 3B.
i don’t think Max quite gets the respect he deserves, I’m guessing it’s the strike outs. All of those Ks make it a little easy to over look his OBP. Max is maybe an average defensive 3rd baseman I know he works hard at it, but we should acknowledge, that he moved off of 1st base when the team signed Freddie, then had to move from second to third to accommodate getting Mookie into second. Both of those positions seem to be more comfortable than third base for him, but he puts in the work and I’ve never read or heard a complaint. Put me in the Max fan bandwagon.
Been critical about MM too in the past. But his production can not be denied. When healty for a season he is a perannial 30 HR , 100 rbi guy with decent defense at 3b.
Makes our lineup that much deeper and better.
nice win, now back to a 4 game lead.
Lets hope Bobby Miller can overcome his problems on Friday and pitch a solid game.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DSL has ended its regular season, both Dodgers teams missed the playoffs.
But Emil Morales probably the best player in the entire league. Look at those insane nmbers:
.342 average, OPS 1.169, .478 OBP,.691 slug, 14 Hr,48 runs, 46 rbi, 12 sb,
Little surprised the Dodgers have not promoted Joendry Vargas to RC after the ACL finished. Did it with Quintero though.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
those are ridic numbers. Can’t wait to see where he is next year.
Way too early look to the offseason::
I hope the Dodgers make a play for Soto. Future HOF in his prime. Dodgers roster is pretty old so bringing in a 26 year old Soto would be a fantastic move.
As good as Teo has been for us this year Soto would be that much better .
FF contract is only for two more years so there will be some money coming off the books too.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope they do not get Soto! Im not sure his personality would be a good fit. Teo is a good player with a better demeanor.
What?!????
i mean Soto is a long shot to be sure, but disparaging his personality is daft.
Disparaging his personality??????
Take a hit and pass that one around
I like Teo, but he is not on the same level as Soto, not even close.
Soto has definitely cleaned up his act. I think a lot of that BS was because of the players around him in San Diego.
Absolutely true Bear. When he was in that package of hot dogs in San Diego, he fit right in. I watch him now with the Yankees and I see none of that bush league bullshit. With Judge, Stanton and even Duggie, I see none of that old act. None.
By the way, as much as I like Ohtani, Judge is the best player in MLB.
There must be a limit to the payroll.
Dodgers could probably lock up Teo and Adames for less than what Soto alone would cost.
Judge is the best player… this season.
But next season, Shohei will also be pitching. There is just nobody else like him.
Maybe this season. If Ohtani puts up close to the same offensive numbers and wins 20 games, I ouldn’t agree with you.
Well that’s my opinion and I resent Blutos insult calling me daft. Please guys, we are all entitled to our opinions and we are all fairly knowledgeable about the game and still don’t always have the same pov.
And absolutely front offices consider personality. Remember Muncy saying the FO cleared out guys that didn’t fit? Plus how much money does.Friedman need to spend? I agree w another poster, if they want to spend more money spend it on pitching.
Count my vote wanting Teo back in LF. I don’t care about Soto…we have enough bats when healthy. If you are looking to spend money….pitching, pitching, pitching, both starters and bullpen. Never have enough and most get hurt anyways. -TM
Freeman is under contract until 2027 Ram, three more years, not two.
I lost a lot of respect for Randy Arozarena last night. His actions after getting hit by a curve ball was bush league. In retrospect, I’m glad the Dodgers didn’t go after him at the trade deadline.
I didn’t even bother to look at what the stats say, I was not impressed with him and left field either. Okay, but nothing special.
.214
Yamamotos simulated game filmed at DS yesterday.
In the background they tell the velo. What is the other number they tell ? Spn rate ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice
One of the numbers sounded like how many inches of break on the ball or movement.
If Keirmeir retires we will have 2 big holes in the outfield. Center field is so important and Teo has done a good job in left.
Edman, Pages, Rushing and Outman will probably fill the CF/LF spots.
Not a chance. I think they look for a centerfielder come this winter. Rushing is a novice in left, Outman and Pages too much swing and miss. Edman is going to be the utility guy most likely. And right now, if they decide to keep Lux at second, Mookie might be back in the outfield for good. They will sign, or trade for a SS.
Betts loves the infield and a good hitting SS is a valuable commodity. It’s easier to find a good hitting OF. Betts is one of those guys that can learn a position and play it well.
Muncy, as he gets older, is more and more injury-prone and he hasn’t been as good as he once was hitting lefties. I like Freeland and Edmond at short for 2025 and Lux at second. Might Betts workout at third this off season and play there against lefties? Just a thought.
K
Kiermaier leaving makes a hole in the outfield?
The new additions and IL returnees certainly has made a huge difference. Not only with winning games, but the fan viewing factor as well. The past couple of months once the team got down 3+ runs early the game was usually over. Not now. The team just keeps grinding away at the starting pitchers. The Mariners’ starters are solid., playoff quality that the Dodgers will face in the postseason. A run here, a run there until the pitcher is worn down until the game frequently opens up in the Dodgers’ favor. With a lineup of the following:
Betts
Ohtani
Freeman
Teoscar
Lux
Muncy
Smith
Edman
Kiki, Heyward, or Kiermaier
This has to be a dauting task to have to try and get through this lineup 2-3 times a game. These are veterans who know how to grind a pitcher until they are not only physically, but mentally exhausted.
Congrats to Max on his return and solid start. Very impressive.
Carry on
This lineup, with Muncy and Edman added, is the one with which we should finish. Leave Kiermaier where he is.
Smith still looks like needs a break but it appears he isn’t going to get it. The lineup is less than with him out of the top of it. Oh well. And Ohtani better snap out of it. Just take the walk when they pitch outside the edges.
The pitching is still a bit shaky but it appears they are looking ahead and that’s fine with me. If they can continue to hold serve while Glasnow and Yamamoto take their time getting back the strategy will work to the team’s advantage come mid September on to November. I think it’s going to be an exciting finish and I’m all in for it.
They did it last night sans home run balls. 4-14 with RISP, 5 doubles and a triple. Every player except Edman had a hit. No game tonight, Padres are in the midst of a 17- day streak without any days off. They have 11 more games in a row before they get a day off. Mets for four, four in St. Louis, 3 in Tampa and then one at home against the Tigers. Their pitching staff is going to be gassed in a week and a half.
Looks like Scott Servais is going to be fired by the Mariners as early as today. Dan Wilson is seen as the likely interim replacement. Would be the second manager this season fired. Grifol in Chicago was the first.
Servais is a scape goat, if he is indeed fired by the Mariners. Dipoto and the cheap ownership are the real culprits. They waste that nice rotation.
They have 7 guys in the lineup under .225. Cal Raleigh couldn’t catch a cold. He failed to block 3 routine dirt balls last night, from Gilbert, in one inning. He’s down on that right knee with zero lateral mobility. He tries to catch the ball instead of block the ball, and it kicks away. Brutal.
Sevais should be happy, like Bob Melvin, to get out of that shit-show.
I noticed that too Phil. Drives me crazy seeing catchers on one knee. I also think it has an affect on his pop time as there were 2 stolen bases he didn’t even get a throw off
Jason Heyward has been designated for assigment
Just read that. Somewhat surprising. Taylor will be activated. Seems they value Kiermaier’s defense more than Heyward’s pop off of the bench. Makes them right-handed heavy again.
I’m not so sure this is about bringing back Taylor. If it’s about Taylor just wait until September 1 to activate him and keep Heyward. Maybe they are planning to bring up someone like Dryer or Henriquez and putting Hudson on IL. Hudson has looked gassed last few times out.
Good thought.
I was thinking they might be bringing Rushing but where the hell would they play him at this point?
Your theory makes more sense.
That was my thought, now I think that they will bring Pages back. Hit a three-run homer to ice a game and two days later you are designated for assignment? That is pretty cold hearted.
What a kick in the teeth to J. Heyward. I hope this move doesn’t bite the Dodgers in the ass. Hmm, what are the chances Heyward ends up on the Dbags or Padres?
Zero. He has to be put on waivers first, then it goes in reverse order of the standings. D-Backs and Padres would be very low on the list. Also, if he passes waivers, he could go to AAA for a couple of weeks if he so desires. And he cannot be traded since he has been on the roster all season.
Correct, and they could just bring him back as a free agent next year if they like him that much.
Wow. DFA’d a good power hitting pinch hitter instead of, well, nevermind.
Kinda saw this coming, I have to admit
Well my theory was completely wrong
I did not think that the Dodgers would do it simply because of his stature in the clubhouse. But judging from their line ups these past few games he seemed like the odd guy out in terms of usage. It appears that Kiermaier, Edman, and Rojas will share center and short for now. Heyward’s role was that of a left handed pinch hitter versus right handed pitching but he was hitting .200 vs. right handers with a below average slugging percentage so not sure he was truly a power hitter by any definition. Does Rushing come up in September to audition for left handed bat off the bench for the playoffs? This move has opened a spot on the 40 man roster.
This pretty much echoes my thinking.
Ardaya says Pages will be the call up when rosters expand
Angels extended their GM. Looks like Edgar Martinez is going to join the Mariners coaching staff for the rest of the season. Rosenthal reports that Servais will be fired later this afternoon.
The more I think about it, the less sense this move makes. Heyward is 4-8 as a pinch hitter with 2 bombs. Neither Kike or Taylor can do that, and neither is left-handed. Neither hit RHP worth a damn. 2 days after hitting a game winning homer? Cold as an iceberg. Thanks for some really great moments, J-Hey, including a game tying grand slam earlier this year in Colorado.
AF is not going to let go of his $60M baby and admit his blunder.
This is probably true as nothing else makes any sense to me about keeping Taylor over JHey.
They’re drunk on versitility (not that versitility is a bad thing, I like versitility). Kike, Taylor, Edman, Rojas, Kiermaier. Add Betts but he’s a good hitter. But can’t Heyward play all 3 positions in the outfield? It’s a serious question, I don’t know the answer.
I agree Bear nothing about this move makes sense to me. Taylor is not needed at this point in time. He’s not going to play anywhere that Keke could not play. Heyward has proven to be able to pinch hit and is better defensively in the outfield than Taylor. Another 9 days and Taylor could have been activated without giving up a left handed bat
again i say, what a kick in the teeth for Heyward. Good off the bench for PH, great in the field. Seems to rise to the occasion often. I don’t get it. If Dodgers think that they are going to get the same quality at bats from Taylor as they do from Heyward, as a PH, they must know something amazing that none of us have seen this season.
I am with Bear as this does not make sense to me. The only way this makes sense is if the Dodgers have their eye on someone who will be released or has already been released. Releasing J-Hey leaves the 40 man short at 39. IMO, this would need to be someone they would be interested in for the playoffs. The Dodgers have until August 31 to acquire that pitcher and have the ability to name him to a playoff roster.
I doubt that this would include Edgardo Henriquez or Jack Dreyer. AF/BG/Doc prefer the veteran at crunch time. Henriquez has 5.2 AAA IP after 17.2 AA IP. He does have that strikeout pitch. In 46.0 total IP over four levels (A, A+, AA, AAA), he has 78 K, but probably too many BB at 21.
In 31.2 IP at OKC Dreyer has a 2.27 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP, which is good in the PCL, with a great K/BB ratio (39/5). Both are legit candidates for 2025 bullpen. I would be surprised if either contracts are purchased before September 1.
One team to look at over the next week who could place multiple players on the waiver wire is Texas. (Think 2023 LAA and their ton of players waived). Texas could waive Max Scherzer, Kirby Yates, David Robertson, Andrew Chafin, and some say…maybe Nathan Eovaldi. It seems improbable that any of those will last until the Dodgers can pick.
Another potential reliever who could be waived is Aroldis Chapman (Pirates).
Just thinking out loud, but it sure seems that LAD is looking at the waiver wire to get that 40th roster spot filled.
I absolutely don’t understand the rush to bring back CT3 since they could have done that on Sept 1st without getting rid of JHey.
If you’re correct that they plan to use Heyward’s spot for a waiver claim, why do it so far ahead of time when you have no idea whom you’ll have a chance to claim?
On the other hand, if they actually do plan to IL Hudson in the next day or so and want to get a look at Henriquez or Dryer, even if not for the playoffs, this would make some sense. They’ll both be Rule 5 eligible this winter so if they plan to protect either of them, they’ll need a 40-man spot sooner or later.
Be good to hear Friedman or Gomes speak on this later today or tomorrow pre game.
I agree that the timing is curious as there is no reason to DFA J-Hey now and bring CT3 up before Sept 1. On its own it was not necessary. That is why I think there is something else in the works.
We do not know when players will be released. Houston just picked up Hector Neris who was released by Cubs.
Maybe it was coming down to AF/BG/Doc preferring Pages over J-Hey for the playoffs, and this will give J-Hey a chance to land on another team before Sept 1.
I do not have the answer, but there are any number of possible scenarios.
I am a fan of both Henriquez and Dreyer. I do think either or both could break camp next year with the Big League Club with the number of potential BP spots that will be open. But do you really believe AF/BG/Doc will want either of those on a possible playoff roster? Both of those guys can be added in September if they are looking for an audition. This would be similar to selecting the contract for Kyle Hurt last year (Sept 13). Both pitchers are strong candidates to be protected for the Rule 5, but that will not be dependent on a late season callup (IMO).
Usually don’t replace a position player with a pitcher when making 40 man moves
Why not? It is a 40 man roster spot for the playoffs. The Dodgers appear to need pitching, or do you disagree? This is not regular season roster construction, it is playoff roster construction.
I don’t know why not. It’s just something I’ve observed.
Oh they could, but it is still 13-13 in the playoffs.
Dodgers would have last pick since they lead the majors in wins
Arr you kidding me letting J Heyward go to make room for Chris Taylor so your choices to pinch hit in playoffs game are Kiki, Taylor, Rojas, Barnes, and Pages to hit a Homer wow. So there looking at guys that can play multiple positions rather then if they can hit the ball.
Has anyone considered that he may have asked for his release because he wasn’t going to play?
Doubtful. He is a pro, and he knew when guys returned his playing time would be limited, as a matter of fact, after hit PH homer, he addressed his role in the postgame interview with Kristen.
Wow.
Heyward DFA’d to make room for Taylor.
And right after that three-run pinch-hit homer. Maybe this is part of the reason Roberts said that HR was personal highlight.
Did not see this one coming. But I guess the roster crunch is crunchier than I thought–and the Dodgers do have Mookie in RF, after all.
With all the teams competing for a Wild Card, I hope another team brings him aboard and he creates another special moment or two.
…
Oh, for what it’s worth, I’ve been a Max fan and defender from the start. Great underdog story. Makes up for the Ks with the bases on balls–and the bombs, of course. Pundits wanted him traded to the AL to be a DH, but he made himself a solid first baseman, and then moved without complaint to 2B and 3B. A grinder and team player all along.
I sincerely believe that Max has cost himself maybe $4-5 million per season by not testing the FA market. Why does Chris Taylor have a better contract??? But he loves the Dodgers and doesn’t want to leave.
Was it really Heyward for Taylor? I think mb they wanted to keep Kiermaier. He suddenly is playing very well so that would allow Edman to play more positions. Edman was obtained to primarily play cf but Kiermaier has impressed with his d but also his energy. He stretched a double into a triple in a recent game and almost beat out a ball hit right to a fielder. I mean he is emptying the tank. Idk what they will do with Taylor but it would be a lot more money to cut Taylor than Heyward
A word on Muncy. I started out thinking who is this guy and why. But, he really earned his way. His injury on the last day of the season crushed our playoff chances in my opinion. When he is hot he is one of the best.
I looked at the stats and among the guys that don’t have a position to play everyday who have a large enough sample this year, Heyward has the best SLG against RHP over Pages (2nd best) by .024 and against LHP Pages has the best SLG by far. But still, they chose Taylor over Heyward. The reason why I brought up Pages is because Bluto mentioned in his post that it’s being reported that Pages will be brought up when rosters expand. By the way, Pages hit a HR yesterday against a RHP in AAA.
Most of us gave up on Lux earlier in the year and now we’re all coming back here, one by one, confessing we had that one wrong.
Some here gave up on Max after his arm injury, but most of us are happy we have him now.
I may be the only one in Dodgerland (except AF and Doc) who hasn’t given up on CT3 yet but if they’ve added him to the roster, I’m willing to see what he can do in September. If that works out well, he could be an asset in the playoffs. If not, he won’t make the post season rosters.
I enjoy being the contrarian and I’m looking forward to seeing CT win a few games for us.
I’m hoping CT3 figured something out with his swing while he was off.
Few things I’ve read online or thought up:
heyward move is no guarantee that Taylor is on the playoff roster. Taylor again reworked his swing during his IL stint. His last swing retooling was nigh-disastrous
Hayward move should also end the “Dodgers play or roster their favorites” narrative
there’s an interesting idea of Pages being on the playoff roster due to his skill in RF and against LHP. This would move Betts to 2B
finally, the idea if Kike and Taylor regress to early season form of adding Rushing to the playoff roster. He is mashing, could add some positional flex and blooding him could be a good medium term play.
I don’t know about Rushing Bluto, your talking about a guy who was in AA a few weeks ago and has played a handful of games in the LF, now you’re talking about him on the playoff roster. I’d like to see the kid have a little more time in the OF, I think you’re one season early for your prediction.
I’m not predicting it, there are lots of conditionals and even if those are met I doubt it happens.
But it’s interesting.
Oh I agree he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on. I’ll bet AF is just drooling thinking about having a LF who can also play catcher, we know how much he loves versatility
Not a chance Rushing gets called up. Mashing? Hardly. He has played in 15 games. He has 2 homers and 8 driven in. That is not mashing, and you are not going to stick a rookie with 15 games in the outfield under his belt out in left in a playoff situation.
Playing Pages in the playoffs In my opinion is not wise….i think the pressure will make him crumble. He is only a mediocre hitter at best. At lest Taylor and Kike have proven their worth in the playoffs and that the pressure doesn’t faze them.
Speech was fine. Nothing special, IMO. Better than rambling incoherence, but mostly whatevs.
Didn’t mean to post this here.
Feel free to delete.
I was going to watch it but me and my wife settled for watching the Little league semi final between Texas, and Nevada ( we taped it) I don’t know if any of you guys have watched any of the games, but man these kids are a blast to watch.
Im thinking I probably picked the better of the two, although I was curious to watch her give a longer speach.
Jay Jaffe @Fangraphs takes a look at Kopech and the works the Dodgers have done with him:
Heyward for Taylor. I guess I am not surprised. I wonder if it is really a big deal as neither was going to get much playing time with Kiermaier in CF, Edman now available in CF, SS, 2B, 3B and Mookie in RF.
Id be willing to bet win they got KK it was a temporary move due to the injuries, and they planned to dfa him when Taylor, Max, and Edman got healthy, kind of like they did with Nick Ahmed. Give the guy props for playing his way into the Dodgers plans, plus I’m really starting to like the guy, he seems like a good clubhouse guy, and his defense is a joy to watch.
Mets beat the Padres so the lead over them is now 4.5. Az remains 4 back. I still do not understand them activating Taylor right now. He is a redundant piece. And although he is a very good fielder, he is not in Heyward’s league in the outfield. And J-Hey has been a very good PH this year. Taylor strikes out way too much to flourish in that role, besides, Heyward is the only lefty power bat they had on the bench. Thanks for the good memories, Jason.
I agree with Bluto that it’s still not a lock for Taylor to make the playoff roster.
Servais firing official, Wilson is named manager. Nick Ahmed cleared waivers and became a free agent. Padres optioned knuckleballer, Matt Waldron after he got knocked around by the Twins on Wednesday. Members of the NBP, Nippon Baseball Players, are pushing for earlier free agency.