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Pick Your Favorite Moment of 2024

                                             This one is easy for me, Buehler striking out Verdugo to win it all. If you watch a replay of the video, Buehler had a much different reaction than Julio Urias did in 2020. He just looked towards the Dodger dugout and flung his arms out. Urias was bent over shaking his fists. It was the culmination of a year so filled with adversity. 

                                             1. Winning the World Series and the comeback in game 5. Looked like they were going to have to come back home to win it. Then that 5th inning happened and the Yankees imploded. Still had to score 2 more in the 8th to win it.  Both runs scoring on sac-fly’s. 

                                             2. Freddies walk off grand slam in game 1. Seminal moment of the series. Felt to me like they were not going to be denied right there. As big a series moment as Gibby’s blast in game 1 in 88. 

                                             3. Edman’s play in the NLCs. Tommy Edman was just unstoppable in this series. 11-27 with a homer and 11 RBI’s. Solid defensively and he just took the wind out of the Mets every chance he got. Drove in 4 in the game six clincher. 

                                             4. 4 shutouts in a five-game span, including the last 2 games of the NLDS against the Padres and games 1 and 3 of the NLCS. Bullpen game in game 4 of the LDS. Pen allowed 7 hits and walked 2 while striking out 8. In game 5, Teo and Kike went deep, and Yamamoto and four relievers held the Padres to just 2 hits and a walk.  Game 1 of the LCS, Flaherty pitched maybe his best game as a Dodger. 7 2 hit shutout innings against the Mets. In game 3, Buehler pitched 4 shutout innings, and the pen did the rest. 

                                            5. Mookie’s LCS performance. Edman got the MVP, but Mookie was right there with him, hitting 2 homers and driving in 9 runs. He and Edman accounted for 20 of the 44 RBI’s LA had in the series. Also, Ohtani and Muncy setting the table. Muncy drew 11 walks in the series and Ohtani 9. 

                                            6. Ohtani’s 50-50 game. In a game the Dodgers won 20-4 against the Marlins, Shohei went 6-6 with 3 homers, 10 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases to get him to 51 of each. All of his homers were no doubt jobs. 

                                            7. Comeback against the Rockies. Rockies jumped all over Walker Buehler scoring 7 runs in 4 innings. They scored 2 more off of the bullpen and went into the 9th inning leading 9-4. The Dodgers managed to load the bases with 1 out. Jayson Heyward PH for Chris Taylor. With 2 strikes, he launched a ball down the RF line for a grand slam homer. LA managed to get 2 more runners on base with just 1 out being made and Teo came to the plate. He had a checked swing called a ball. Colorado went nuts; it looked like he did not hold up. On the next pitch he hit a ball deep to right center that cleared the high fence for a three-run homer. LA scored 7 and won the game 11-9. 

                                           8. Ohtani’s 40th homer. Ohtani already had 40 stolen bases, and he needed a homer to become LA’s first 40-40 player.  On August 23rd, against the Rays, Otani came up with the bases loaded and 2 outs in a tie game. Colin Poche was the pitcher and Ohtani homered deep to right center for a walk off grand slam. It was his 40th of the year. 

                                           9. Games 2 and 3 of the final series against the Padres. After losing game 1 of the series, the Dodgers lead in the NL West was down to 2 games. Jack Flaherty and Dylan Cease were the starters. Both pitchers left after the 5th inning with the game tied at 3.  The Dodgers managed to score a run without a hit in the 6th off of Estrada, and the bullpen held on for the win. The Dodgers could clinch the division by winning game 3. Buehler got the start and went 5 innings allowing only a run. Joe Musgrove kept the Dodgers off of the scoreboard through six innings. In the bottom of the sixth, LA scored 2 off of Musgrove and 3 off of Tanner Scott, they added 2 off of Hoenig in the 8th and the bullpen secured the division clinching 7-2 win. 

                                          10. Fun moment. Ohtani when he tied Dave Roberts for the most home runs by a player of Japanese descent, gifted him with a toy Porsche. When Joe Kelly had given Ohtani his # 17, he gifted Kelly’s wife with a real Porshe. To say the least, Dave was a little disappointed. Those are my favorites, let us see yours. 

 

Born June 14th, 1948, in Los Angeles California. AKA The Bear

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dodgerram

Sasaki will be posted by his Japanese team.

https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/42280725/chiba-lotte-marines-post-japanese-star-roki-sasaki-mlb

Lets hope the Dodgers will get him.

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dodgerram

Robert jun. trade getting obviously some steam around the rumor mill.

How about Outman, Miller ,Freeland, Cartaya for him ?

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Badger

You’ve pretty much covered the highlights Bear. It was a magical season. I only wish Ohtani had shown up in the World Series.

Sasaki, Fried, Robert Jr, Adames …. and a bullpen arm?

I wonder what Gomes and Friedman think of Robert Jr. He did not have a great year. Grade 3 hip flexor strain would do it. And I am also curious what it would take to pry Crochet away. If they are both available it would take our best prospects as the bidding would be high.

Who in our system is the one guy that is not available for trade?

dodgerram

Don´twant Crochet. His second half numbers were bad and when he said he wants a contract or he does not pitch in postseason play that raises a huge red flag for me about his character.
No thanks. Rather have Snell or Fried.

I would include Vesia coming out and getting the final out in GAme 2 with the bases loaeded on the first pitch. Other than that Bear pretty much nailed it.

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!11

Badger

He’s 25 and projects 170 innings and a 4.8 fWAR. I’d take that without question.

And every ego barks. He’s young and no doubt frustrated he’s with such a horesh*t organization.

But, I doubt Chicago would trade him. He’s the star there and is team controlled until ‘27. If they decide to move him there would be multiple teams involved for such a talent. I think he would be a great fit in L.A.

Tom Britton from The Athletic has an interesting piece on projected salary. He uses projected fWAR in his process:

Soto 13 years $611million
Burnes 7 $217m
Fried 5 $140m
Adames 6 $150m
Snell 4 $110m
Flaherty 4 $92m
Santander 5 $105m
Teo 3 $69m
Scott 4 $69m
Buehler 2 $32m

And there’s more of course. Good read.

dodgerram

Soto for 13 years /611 is a no brainer IMHO. Sure fire furture HOF already, 26 years old. In 10 years from now that deal will be a bargain.
There will be coming some money off the Dodgers books too soon. CT3 only one more year left, FF contract after 2027, Muncy after 2026, Kershaw probably after 2025.

And I am not afraid of his defense . Put him in LF for the next 3 years. Then when FF contract is up put him or Shohei at 1b and the other at DH.

Plus he will bring some much needed youth to this team.Biggest challenge to the Dodgers future success at this moment might just be the age curve they are facing with Betts, FF, Ohtani, MM all on the wrong side of 30 already. Soto will lessen that threat quite a bit.

If Soto wants to come to LA you have to make it work.
Imagine Ohtani, Betts, Soto, FF at the top of this lineup. That is a historically superior lineup.

If not Soto I would like Snell, Teo and Adames along with Sasaki.

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keith

You’re getting a little greedy there DR😀

Keith

I’m with you Bear I don’t think the Dodgers will sign a Boros client unless it’s a good deal, several times Boros has made little comments about the Dodgers, I think only uses them to drive the price up on his players. Who was the last Boros client the Dodgers signed? He loves to deal with the Yankees, that’s where I think Soto lands.

OhioDodger

I hope the Mets sign Soto and stick it to the Yankees.

Northmsdodger

You got Ohtani for 700 million and then he defers it 20 years.you just can’t never say never.

John

If those numbers are close, I’d sign Teo, Fried, Flaherty and possibly Santander, depending on the trade market for outfielders. Edman and Rojas can man short. I’d rather stay away from Santander. Whatever the FO decides I’m good with.

Bluto

Not sure dePaula is near untouchable.

Bklyn2LA57

Sasaki to be posted; he will be a Dodger. The boat has sailed on Robert Jr. & Crochet for the Dodgers. Sign Sasaki, Teo, Adames and a couple of relievers. Move Lux for prospects; see how Rushing looks in LF in spring training.

Badger

Good plan Brklyn. And you are probably right about the Chicago players.

What about Flaherty and Buehler?

Bobby

Fave moment of 2024 was standing at Yankee Stadium near the Dodger dugout when Buehler struck out Verdugo and seeing the team rush out of the dugout and celebrate.

Being at Freeman’s grand slam game was amazing as well, but being present to see your team win the title is the ultimate goal. I saw the Lakers beat Boston in Game 7, 2010, and now the Dodgers in Game 5, 2024. Those games will always be top 2

Watford Dodger

Bobby – didn’t realise you were also at the WS winning game – thought you were at the Bullpen giveaway game!

It doesn’t get better than that. Must’ve been an unforgettable experience especially coming back from the dead in game 5.

Good on ya mate.

Bobby

Yaaa man, I was at Game 4 where we got shelled, but it would’ve made no sense to fly back and miss out on the main point of being in NY in the first place: to see us clinch it.

Plus that fantastic margharita pizza slice at 2:30am in Time Sq area was soo good!!

Cassidy

Totally jealous Bobby. Good on you!

Dave

Mine has to be Freddies slam in game 1. Just like Gibsons hr, it felt like we already won the WS!

Keith

I don’t know how it can be anything other than Freddie’s GS it set the pace for the whole series, just as Gibson did in “88” If the Yanks win game one it would have been a whole different series.

Hodges54

I agree with you Dave. Freddie’s walk off grand slam was fantastic. I had to contain myself from yelling in happiness. My wife does not like sports at all, so I had to keep the cheering to myself to keep the peace. 🙂

Last edited 11 days ago by Hodges54
Dionysus

Buehler’s strikeout of Verdugo and shrug toward dugout.

Bobby

Instead of spending $150mil or more on Adames, I’d personally LOVE to sign Ha Seong Kim to play SS. I bet he’d be way cheaper, way less years, and we’d still get him at a very young age. I think he’s an ascending player and would fit right in.

This guy is a fantastic defender and improving hitter.

Cassidy

Fav moment has to be Freddie’s grand slam. Just stole that game and tilted the series to us. Sign Sasaki, Buehler, Teo and then gather some prospects to throw at Blue Jays for Bichette. Give Rushing a shot in left. Outman and Edman in center

Last edited 11 days ago by Cassidy
Norcaldodgerfan

…..and sign Treinen also

Bluto

Plus he’s versatile!

The only downside is his shoulder surgery and how he recovers therefrom.

Keith

Im not to concerned about Adames defense. I looked it up he had 20 errors last season 6 of them were in an 8 game span in mid August. He was probably playing through some bumps and bruises, so I can give him a pass for having a rough two week stretch.

Keith

I’m a Kim fan but his shoulder injury scares me, I can’t get out of my head how much shoulder injuries messed up Matt Kemp, and Cody Bellinger. I don’t want to watch Kim, in our line up, struggle for a season or two like belly did, and Matt never was the same after his injury. If healthy I’d be right there with you.

OhioDodger

Yes he will. If Dodgers get him we are for sure going to a 6 man rotation.

Keith

I think the Dodgers still try to get Crochet from White Sox whether they get Sasaki or not. We all just witnessed how many SPs it takes to get through the year. He’s 25 and projected to make 2.9 mil in arbitration next season with control through 2026. Lux is in Betts way so he has to get moved anyway might as make him part of a WS trade.

Last edited 11 days ago by Keith
Keith

Bob Nightengale posted that Crochet was one of the most sought after players at the GM meetings, and that the Phillies and the Dodgers are the most aggressive teams after him.

Keith

Phllies GM says he is looking for position players in return.

OhioDodger

I would rather they get Fried.

Badger

I see a different guy than you do Bear. 25 years old, 4.7 fWAR (projects 4.8 fWAR, and 170 innings) 12.88 K/9. On a different, more successful team, he could become an ace. He did have a rough July/August but overall he pitched well.

If he’s available multiple teams will be all over him.

Last edited 11 days ago by Badger
OhioDodger

I hope the Dodgers bring Buehler back. And Kike.

Keith

I think Buehler will be a fall back for the Dodgers, if other deals don’t work out

Jeff Dominique

I have finally returned from Reno.  My son had surgery to remove a large mass from his stomach.  They got all of the mass, and he is home and doing fine. They still have to complete the biopsy, but they were generally positive about the outcome.  The pre-tests were all negative, but we need the final results.

I am also trying to recover from two 2 ½ hour trips in a car.

————————-

It is hard to pick over Freddie’s GS in Game 1, but for me it was Walker Buehler striking out Alex Verdugo for the WS win. The same is true for me for 1988. Gibby’s HR will always get the attention (and it should), but for me, Orel Hershiser striking out Tony Phillips to win the WS will be my favorite moment of the 1988 WS. Those two outs brought WS championships to the Dodgers. The two HR were pivotal and undoubtedly set the tone for the Series, but the K’s to win the Series will always be my favorite moments. 

And I cannot forget the Julio Urias K of Willy Adames to win the 2020 World Series.

The win will always prevail for me over all of the great moments in a World Series.

————————-

I hope to get back to writing very soon. I am currently working on the MiLB autopsies.

Keith

Sorry to hear your son needed surgery but happy he’s doing ok, hope all goes well, after the long car ride I’ll bet your back to the ice bags on the knee. Hope your feeling better tomorrow.

Jeff Dominique

Thank you.

Yes, my knee is swollen and I am icing.

Last edited 11 days ago by Jeff Dominique
OhioDodger

Prayers and best wishes to your son, yourself, and your family.

Northmsdodger

Nothing hits our hearts harder than when ourkidsare having medical problems.I feel for you and I will pray for your family.When it comes to my daughters well being,it reminds me real fast that the Dodgers are just a baseball team

Last edited 11 days ago by Northmsdodger
Singing the Blue

Bear, you seem very certain that we’ll be the ones to sign Sasaki, as are almost all of the media.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that although his agent (Wasserman) is also Yamamoto’s agent, they also represent Darvish, with whom Sasaki is very close. I still think we’re the favorites, but I never like to bet against Preller.

Here’s a link to a very thorough article on Sasaki by Jonathan Mayo.
https://www.mlb.com/news/roki-sasaki-faq?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage

Last edited 11 days ago by Singing the Blue
Badger

I thought he wanted to play in LA.

Cassidy

Jeff,
Will be praying for a speedy recovery for your son.

Jeff Dominique

Thank you.

Singing the Blue

Thought I had posted this earlier, but please wish Andy the very best for a speedy recovery from another Alemany household.

Singing the Blue

Hadn’t even thought about the extra draft pick possibility. Whichever team signs him (hopefully us) will basically be signing him for nothing.

We’ve already become Japan’s team. Unless Sasaki hates the idea of sharing the spotlight with two other Japanese stars, the Dodgers certainly seem like his most logical destination.

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