It is good to see others coming around on the need for elite Starting Pitching.
Recently from Blake Harris.
Over the last couple of months, one thing has been pretty consistent here on my Substack. I’ve written numerous articles saying the Dodgers desperately need to add another bat.
While I think that is still true, I no longer think a bat is LA’s biggest need ahead of the trade deadline. Over the last few weeks, it’s become abundantly clear what the Dodgers need to address.
They need another starting pitcher.
Garrett Crochet would be my No. 1 target for the Dodgers. It’s likely going to be a steep price, but I think they should be willing to pay it.
The rotation is a question mark right now. If the playoffs started next week, what would your rotation look like? Obviously you’d have Glasnow start Game 1. Rookie Gavin Stone would likely start Game 2. But what about Game 3, or Game 4?
Now, I know the playoffs don’t begin next week, but this is a perfect example of what could go wrong by the end of the season. We saw it first-hand last season with the Dodgers. They entered October with a broken starting rotation and it cost them.
I don’t think you could ever have enough starting pitching. If you somehow make it to October with everyone healthy, well that’s a good problem to have. I think the Dodgers need to add an insurance arm to the rotation just in case something were to go wrong.
That is what I have been saying for over a month now. Almost verbatim.
I know that some have pooh-poohed the idea of Eric Fedde, but he is a good option. He struggled until he went to Korea and tweaked his “Sweeper”. It is now a lethal pitch to go with his excellent 4-seamer. Sweeper: Treinen, Phillips. The Dodgers pitching gurus know how to fine tune the Sweeper to make it even more lethal.
Fedde posted a 20-6 record with a 2.00 ERA over 30 starts and 180 1/3 innings, totaling 209 strikeouts to 35 walks and 137 hits.
Yes it is Korea, but he dominated, and he threw 180.1 innings. Maybe not the stress innings as in the US, but they are 180.1 innings of getting up and down and did so over 30 starts.
He is pitching well for CWS in 2024. Not #1 or #2, but a more than capable #3. A much better choice than Aaron Civale. Downside? This is exactly the type of pitcher that Baltimore goes after, and they can offer far more than what the Dodgers can.
My preference remains Crochet, but I do not believe the Dodgers will meet the price. They prefer to stay on the periphery and hope that the price comes down to them. It won’t, but they can say they were in the negotiations until the end. This approach sometimes even works, but not when the number of teams looking to add talent is projected to be high with so few looking to sell.
Here is a recent trade proposal for Baltimore acquiring Crochet. The proposal:
- MLB OF Heston Kjerstad
- MLB LHP Cade Povich
- #5 Prospect 2B Connor Norby
- #6 Prospect OF Dylan Beavers
I am not convinced that Mike Elias would offer that, but AF/BG can’t come close. And if not Baltimore, some team will offer more than what AF/BG can much less be willing to.
When approached by a The Athletic writer(s) (I think Athletic writer(s)) a couple of current GMs were asked what they would do if they were successful in trading for Crochet and wanting to monitor his innings. Their response was to immediately put him in the bullpen, and then start to lengthen him in September ready for the playoffs. A little forward thinking…planning. I like it.
My second choice is/was Jack Flaherty, but with two injections in his back, he may not be physically fit to stay in the rotation through the playoffs. He might, but will AF spend the prospect capital for a pitcher with a bad back that has needed injections the last two years? Not his style. Will Detroit take less back? Probably not. There will be plenty of demand, and if Detroit wants to trade him, that will not be difficult. Detroit can offer him a QO at the very least.
If not Crochet, Flaherty, Fedde, then who? Some have brought up LHP Yusei Kikuchi from Toronto. He is a rental, so he does check that box. He is a SP so he checks that box. He is LH so he checks that box. But the Dodgers can and should do better. If the Dodgers are looking to Toronto for a SP, they need to think bigger. Chris Bassitt is a SP that pitches a lot of innings and executes. Very good against RH batters, and good enough against LH hitting splits.
How about a Chris Bassitt and RHRP Trevor Richards package. Richards is in his walk year, but Bassitt has one more year (at $21MM) after this year.
Others that have been mentioned as available:
- RHSP Cal Quantrill – Colorado
- LHSP Austin Gomber – Colorado
- LHSP Andrew Heaney – Texas
- RHSP Michael Lorenzen – Texas
- LHSP Trevor Rogers – Miami
- RHSP Zach Eflin – Tampa Bay
- RHSP Frankie Montas – Cincinnati
It is more within the likelihood that the Dodgers choose from the above “others” to get their pitching. Then again, the Dodgers may just be counting on Justin Wrobleski to be that addition.
Relief pitching – I keep reading from others just how stacked the bullpen is. There is no evidence that Brusdar Graterol or Ryan Brasier will be back. Joe Kelly will be, but for how long?
- Anthony Banda LHRP (26 man)
- Nick Ramirez LHRP (26 man)
- Yohan Ramirez RHRP (26 man)
- Michael Petersen RHRP (40 man)
- Kyle Hurt RHRP (40 man)
- Matt Gage LHRP (40 man)
- Ricky Vanasco RHRP (40 man)
- Gus Varland RHRP (40 man)
- Michael Grove RHRP (40 man – IL)
The first three are on the 26 man, and the next five are the next ones up. Is Kyle Hurt a SP candidate or RP candidate? Why wasn’t he recalled over Nick Ramirez? Now we have to find out if he is injured and if so, how bad. How much better would the bullpen be with Trevor Richards and Tanner Scott over any of the above. Might include Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson in that group.
There has to be a trade to acquire any of these. And there has to be a trade partner. Most selling teams want Top 100 players, and the Dodgers are on the short side of this level prospect.
- Dalton Rushing – C (#32 BA, #48 MLB Pipeline)
- Josue De Paula – OF (#44 BA, #66 MLB Pipeline)
- Thayron Liranzo – C (#88 BA)
- Alex Freeland – SS (#92 BA)
Pitching prospects that are not hurt? MLB or near MLB ready Landon Knack (LAD #12) and Justin Wrobleski (LAD #14). Neither top 100. and neither in LAD Top 10.
River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Nick Frasso, and now Kyle Hurt are injured or just recently activated pitchers at the MLB or near MLB level.
Gavin Lux, Miguel Vargas, James Outman, Kiké Hernández, Chris Taylor, Cavan Biggio…Ryan Ward, Andre Lipcius, Kody Hoese, Drew Avans, Trey Sweeney, Austin Gauthier. Just exactly what is the trade value of any of these? The Dodgers do not seem to want them in regular role, so why should teams consider their trade value all that much.
I did not include Diego Cartaya because they are not going to trade both Rushing and Cartaya, and currently, Rushing probably has more trade value.
Right now the Dodgers three playoff pitchers (for Wild Card or NLDS) are Glasnow, Stone, and Paxton. And only if all three get over their innings concerns. Maybe Bobby Miller gets it together. There is certainly plenty of time to find his mechanics. I am far less certain that Walker Buehler, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Clayton Kershaw will be playoff level pitchers this year. But if you are feeling lucky, maybe? The best news about Yamamoto is that he is pain free. But he has not picked up a baseball, and there is no clear estimation as to when that will be. Feeling Lucky?
On another topic, I know there are those who do not like Dave Dombrowski. I have no idea what is not to like about a baseball executive that has built four teams that reached the World Series (five times), winning two.
Florida – He was the first GM, hired September 19, 1991. Florida’s first year was 1993. His Marlins won the World Series in 1997. He built a WS from scratch in five years. The owner decimated that team after winning the World Series, not Dombrowski.
Detroit – He was tasked with trying to get Mike Ilitch a WS Championship while he was alive. His teams got their twice, only to lose in the WS (2006 and 2012).
Dombrowski led the Tigers to five playoff appearances, four consecutive American League Central division titles, four American League Championship Series appearances, including three consecutive ALCS appearances from 2011 to 2013, and two AL pennants, in 2006 and 2012. Prior to his hiring, the Tigers had missed the playoffs in fourteen consecutive seasons, and had just four playoff appearances in the 60 season stretch from 1946 to 2005.
One of the negatives attributed to Dombrowski is that he decimates his farm system in trades. He acquired Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from Florida for Dallas Trahern, Burke Badenhop, Frankie De La Cruz, Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Mike Rabello. Household names one and all.
And what a mistake drafting Justin Verlander.
I think he did just fine for Detroit.
Boston – He was POBO for the Red Sox when they won the WS in 2018. Once again, one of the negatives for Dombrowski is that he decimates farm systems in trades. He acquired LHSP Chris Sale from CWS for Victor Diaz, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Yoan Moncada. I think he won that trade. The Dodgers had a chance at Sale and decided against it. Dombrowski did what AF did not do, and Boston won a WS. Oh and he signed JDM at his peak. Signed David Price. Traded Jalen Beeks for Nathan Eovaldi. Traded Andrew Miller for Eduardo Rodriguez.
Dombrowski was fired 9 months after winning the WS after speculation about participating in electronic sign stealing against the Yankees in 2017, and improper use of video replay to decode signs during the 2018 season. He was absolved.
Hired by Philadelphia December 11, 2020. Reached the WS for 2020. The Phillies farm system is better than LAD. They have 5 MLB Pipeline Top 100 to the Dodgers 2. So I doubt that he will decimate the farm system no matter who he trades for.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
OKC Baseball Club 7 – Las Vegas Aviators (A’s) 2
Alec Gamboa pitched 6.0 scoreless innings with just 2 hits. He did not issue a BB and registered 4 K. Will have to wait for the news, but Kyle Hurt left the game after getting the first two batters out in the 7th, due to injury.
- Trey Sweeney – 2-4, 2 RBI
- Hunter Feduccia – 2-2, 2 BB, 1 run
- Alan Trejo – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Double – Kody Hoese (18)
Tulsa Drillers vs Wichita Wind Surge (Minnesota) suspended after 5.0 innings with a 1-1 tie game.
Great Lakes Loons 4 – West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit) 2
Payton Martin completed 6.0 innings of 4 hit, 2 run (1 earned) pitching. This was his longest outing of his career. He has his A+ ERA down to 2.49. Great effort for a 20 year old pitcher in High A.
Brandon Neeck and Kelvin Ramirez pitched 3.0 scoreless innings.
The Loons had 4 hits but two were HRs: Dylan Campbell (4) and Thayron Liranzo (7).
Visalia Rawhide (Arizona) 7 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4
Visalia scored 5 in the 8th and 9th to pull out a win against the Quakes. Three RC pitchers allowed 7 runs on 11 hits and 4 walks.
- Jose Meza – 2-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI
- Jesus Galiz – 3-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 doubles (11)
- Doubles – Alexander Albertus (3)
LAD has lost back to back series against the Giants and the Dbacks, and they were closer to getting swept than winning any of the other 4 games. 3 out of the last 4 games the Dodgers have been pummeled, and they were fortunate to win the one game they did win. Run differential (-19). 17 runs – 36 runs against. If the Dodgers face Arizona or San Diego or Cincinnati or Pittsburgh in the playoffs they will get swept. They are not better. Any team that can force the issue and put pressure on the Dodgers with their legs offensively and defensively will beat them. The Dodgers have no answer for their games. Right now Arizona and San Diego own LAD. The Dodgers got lucky in Game 1. Sewald will not lose that game in the playoffs. The Dodgers are 4-5 against Arizona and 3-5 against San Diego. Neither team is afraid of the Dodgers. Philadelphia? I don’t think so. We will see about Milwaukee.
And yes this team is worse than Baltimore and Seattle. Not even close right now with Baltimore.
Look at the last two series. Who played harder? Who wanted it more? It wasn’t the team from Los Angeles.
In the last 48 games the Dodgers are 27-21, for a 91 win pace. In the last 37 games, the Dodgers are 20-17, for a 88 win pace.
For the remainder of July:
· 3 against Milwaukee at home
· 3 against Philadelphia away
· 3 against Detroit away
· 3 against Boston at home
· 4 against San Francisco at home
· 3 against Houston away
· 2 against San Diego away
Only Detroit and San Francisco are <.500 teams, and San Francisco is 43-45 and could go past .500 when they play the Dodgers.
Then they get
· Philadelphia for 3
· Pittsburgh for 3 (I mention them because they cannot beat Jones or Skenes)
· Milwaukee for 4
· St. Louis for 3
· Seattle for 3
· Baltimore for 3
· Arizona for 4
· Atlanta for 4
· Cleveland for 3
· Tampa Bay for 3
Pittsburgh and Arizona are the only sub .500 teams but they have proven they can bear LAD.
Even with how they are currently playing, and the caliber of the teams they will be playing here on out, they still should make the playoffs. But they will be playing in a Wild Card Series. Therefore I think I will change my mind. As long as they can get to the playoffs with what they have now and coming back, don’t do anything. They get to play in the Wild Card which is apparently a big advantage, and they can just rely on luck. Why make changes? Commit over a billion dollars and go backwards. Somebody owes the owners an explanation.
One other point, EK alluded to it. You cannot let Christian Walker to just sit in the box and be as comfortable as he was. Would Lasorda allow that to happen? The pitcher has to get him off the plate, right? 7 HR in a 5 game span? At your home field? That is just wrong.
I will not be surprised if the Dodgers leave town and head to Philadelphia behind Milwaukee for the 2nd bye in the NL.
Nah, the Dodgers have nothing to fear from their division. Everything you say is true but the Dodgers have shown on paper for the last dozen years that they are king of this hill. AF knows this and doesn’t care what the fans dream up. The players are happy because they are all millionaires. So what’s to worry about?
<sarc>, but you’re right.
LA lost 2/3 to Texas at home where Seager played 1 game but homered to beat the Dodgers. Texas is bad currently. The Dodgers are just mediocre currently. At this point the dbacks, giants , and pads are all playing better and if Ohtani, smith, freeman don’t wake up the division is in play. I know Ohtani has been hot but this series 1 k after another. Vargas is the only one who hasn’t been given a shot. Put him in and leave him in.
Yamamoto, I figured, was the pitcher least likely to be injured, what with all his yoga and flexibility and his simple delivery. When will we see him back?
And just when it looked like Stone and Knack might be a 1-2 rookie punch, both get rocked by the D’backs and Christian Walker, Dodgers killer. (Yesterday I said I expected this Dodgers team to get a beat down like that a couple times a season. Did not expect it on back-to-back games against the D’backs, at home. Ugh.)
Glasnow, Stone, Miller, Knack, Paxton–all have had rough starts in the past week.
So I can certainly see AF and BG going after Crochet or Fedde. And since they are talking to the Sox, no doubt the names of Robert and DeJong and maybe Pham would come up.
Assuming that Mookie and Max come back healthy, the offense should be OK. A lot of trade possibilities are out there, but some of the internal options are pretty good too. Outman is the same guy who hit to a .70 OPS in ’23. He’s performed well in OKC, and would immediately improve the OF defense.
My gut tells me Muncy’s injury is worse than reported.
That was a given as soon as it was reported.
Yeah, I’m a slow learner, but I’m coming around, lol.
I said it couple weeks ago that the division title for the Dodgers is not a gimme. 6.5 games up is a nice cushion but the upcoming schedule is brutal.
Would not surprise me if the Padres and D-backs make a serious run at us.
And with 6 silent bats on the roster (Barnes, Lux, Heyward, Biggio, Kike, CT) and one hot bat that is not played regularly (Vargas) the pitching staff will be really under pressure to keep us in games. And that pitching staff has looked horrible too in the last 2 series.
Dodgers front office better have a great trade deadline this year.
Regarding that proposed trade offer or Crochet from Baltimore; IMHO we could top that offer . Yes, Dodgers only have two top 100 prospects right now but with Ryan and Wrobleski coming on very, very strong lately we have enough chips IF we want Crochet. A package of Ryan or Wroblesik, Rushing or Cartaya, Knack and Vargas should be good enough.
WS would get one MLB ready starter (Knack) , our Nr. 1 prospect (if they want Rushing over Cartaya), a MLB ready bat with Vargas plus a potential top of the rotation guy in Ryan or Wrobleski. Both very close to MLB.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
What about Tarik Skubal from Detroit?
I have brought him up, but I just cannot see Detroit trading him. Maybe?
What appears to be fatigue is happening sooner than I thought it would. The Dodgers are noted for their pitching development so whatever starter is deemed the best needs to be brought up. As for the offense, it’s certainly lesser without Muncy and Mookie, but having them wouldn’t have mattered in several games lately.
It’s such a long season in baseball. Including Spring Training there are well over 200 games. To me it feels like 3 seasons in one – Spring, Summer and Fall. The Dodgers were among the best in the first season, so far are middle of the pack in the second season and in order to win the third season some changes will need to be made.
My opinion hasn’t changed. I would target pitching, centerfield and shortstop. Crochet, Robert, Bichette. Or the equivalent. I don’t know how that’s done. But I’m not the genius sitting in the GM chair. I’m just an aging Badger in a recliner currently with his foot propped up on pillows with an ice bag on it. I expect you guys, and Friedman, to figure out the course of action. I’ll continue to supprt and critique going forward so, I’m here for you. Don’t ef it up.
What’s up with Brasier? Dodger website says he suffered a minor calf strain but he’s been out since April.
Something doesn’t compute here. The Cleveland Clinic website says a minor calf strain is a 2-3 week injury. I realize a major league pitcher is probably in need of some additional time because of the strain on his legs when pitching and to avoid bad over compensation that might lead to bad mechanics and an additional injury, but nearly 2 1/2 months for a calf strain and no apparent mention of starting a throwing program.
Doc has never been completely transparent when it comes to injury status, nor does he have to, but 2+ months for a calf strain tells me this injury, like the one suffered by Graterol, has been woefully under reported.
Do you really believe anything coming out from the Dodgers regarding injuries is anywhere close to accurate?
No
How about Irvin of the Nationals? Don’t know if he is available but I have seen him 3-4 times. Seems impressive.
Had to look him up.
Good choice, but he’s team controlled for several more years. In fact, all of their starting pitchers, except Corbin, are team controlled. I have no idea if any would be available. Jeff might know.
He is very impressive. He is at the top of a very impressive young group of hurlers for Washington. They have brought up James Woods and Dylan Crews is not far behind. They are young and more than solid up the middle with CJ Abrams (SS), Luis Garcia (2B), Keibert Ruiz (C), and Jacob Young in CF. They lack depth, and their 2 positions of need are 3B and IB. But Yohandy Morales will be in line to take that job sometime in 2025. The Dodgers can give them a 1B (Vargas), and they can give them depth. But Washington is not going to give up their #1 for Vargas and depth. I like Washington a lot to be the next Baltimore.
Seems as though it will be a much quicker turnaround than for the Orioles, but then Washington did a great part of it with trades and the O’s almost entirely with the draft.
I 100% agree. They turned the Juan Soto, Max Scherzer/Trea Turner trades into multiple front line players. Although drafting Dylan Crews, Elijah Green, Brady House, and Yohandy Morales were pretty good choices.
The Dodgers were all in this pre-season and may still be. They spent big on Yamamoto and Glasnow and Ohtani. Yamamoto is now injured, Glasnow has been good except for when he hasn’t been. Asking the owners to spend more isn’t something I would enjoy doing if I were Friedman.
It success is all about the post season then why trade for Crochet who doesn’t have the track record of pitching through the season and into the post season. Adding Crochet seems like more of an intent to finish first in the Western Division.
The Dodgers need Kershaw, Miller, Buehler, Glassnow, Yamamoto, Stone, Knock, and Paxton to finish strong otherwise overspending assets for pitching is rolling the dice. I am okay using fewer assets for someone like Pepiot to create a bridge to get what they already have healthy.
I don’t love the idea of waiting for Max to save the offense. This will be my second year asking for another hitter.
You’re right, the Dodgers need the pitchers they already have under contract to pitch and pitch well. That is still a possibility but not likely until later. In the meantime they need innings eaters. Maybe Ryan and Wrobleski can contribute. Maybe they can get a guy like Pepiot to help.
There is still half a season to go. This organization has what they need to get help for now. And they will get it. But if Miller, Buehler, Yamamoto and Kershaw don’t get back in the game it’s going to take a few miracles to make it to November.
Come on. The Dodgers do not need miracles. All they have to do is get into the playoffs and then luck takes from their. It does not matter who they add. It is all luck in the playoffs.
In a more serious tone, Ryan is not ready for a start at MLB. Wrobleski? Sure. But Ryan is coming off an injury of his own (shoulder fatigue). They seem to have a lot of that. I wonder why? Somebody should be asking somebody.
I guess they could try Alec Gamboa. Right now OKC has Wrobleski and Ryan who are actual AAA starters. Gamboa, who is supposed to be a reliever is starting for necessity. OKC has A level pitcher, Christian Romero, starting. Chris Vallimont, who has been a disaster, is starting. Hyun-il Choi comes up to start every once in a while. They generally have at least one bullpen game in a six game series.
AA? – Chris Campos is showing good signs. Carlos Duran who is more reliever than starter is starting at AA. He started the suspended game and went 3.1 IP allowing 4 hits including a solo HR. He threw 58 pitches. Orlando Ortiz-Mayr, Jerming Rosario, Kendall Williams, and Hyun-il Choi are the other starters. Jared Karros is a starter. He has not pitched since June 9 but he is not on the MiLB IL. Not one of these guys is a top prospect.
When Yamamoto went down for 2 months because of “shoulder issues,” I too had to ask ..”why?”
Ok, maybe miracles is too strong a word for you.
How about fortuitous breaks going their way?
I meant to add this – Ryan is being built up at AAA. His last outing was 3.2 innings. He should be at 5 soon. And 5 is all that starters are being asked to complete now so, he should be ready to step in, here or elsewhere, by the deadline.
Heyward hurt? Bring up Outman.
Unless a trade is in the works, Outman is on his way back.
I am sure that is the plan.
Yency Almonte is shut down for the year and is considering shoulder surgery. Interesting that he was a Dodgers pitcher until the trade with Busch, and I am sure that he was provided an off season workout regimen including exercises supposed to keep the shoulder strong. And yet how many LAD pitchers have come down with shoulder issues this year? Then again maybe they are not shoulder injuries. After all, we were told that Emmet Sheehan had a shoulder fatigue issue (along with general soreness), and that caught him by surprise as he said all along that it was his elbow. Maybe the LAD doctors have a physiology problem? Yes Bluto, that is sarcasm. A joke if you will. I am not serious.
I think I remember a couple of people here telling me that Almonte was spectacular and Friedman was a genius for acquiring him because of his 30 good innings in 2022. I saw that fall from grace coming a mile away. Now he’s out of baseball and might not pitch for an entire year or more.
I guess the Dodgers squeezed the last bit of Baseball juice left in him.
Almonte to have season ending shoulder surgery per MLBTR.
Everybody enjoying the losing?
Excuse me if there are typos here, but im posting from my phone again. It seems nothing has changed. The Dodgers are still trotting out 4-5 mendoza hitting utility players every game, but now the pitching staff, which has up until now been pretty consistent is washed up already and it’s only July. Thats why we’re seeing them getting crushed by opposing teams. Expect more of this losing to come.
Never before have I seen a team more unconcerned with winning ball games than the Dodgers. They care about processes, Data and load management. How is that load management going by the way? There’s a small army of pitchers on the injured list. It doesn’t look like the load management is working and I’m hearing they want to do a bullpen game on Sunday. I have no clue how they think that’s going to work out since the bullpen is depleted already. Who’s going to pitch that game? Yohan Ramirez? Nick Ramirez?
Opposing clubs are doing bullpen games against the Dodgers and they still can’t beat them. I agree with what Jeff D. Is saying here, the team has little desire, no mental toughness in general, unless everything goes exactly the way they plan, which it rarely does.
Its July now and Lux is still hovering around .215 after another 0hfer. Why not put Vargas at second and get Lux’s noodle bat out of the lineup permanently? Because he’s Friedman’s “number 1 prospect?”
Taylor is starting to play better, but nowhere near productive. Heyward has been a disaster this year. Kike is useless. Rojas has played well. Even with Rojas filling in well at short during Mookies absence, they have no second baseman, third baseman, center fielder, left fielder.
The bullpen is filled with journey men and reclamation projects. We’re seeing Nick Ramirez pitching high leverage innings. Not good.
Its not as hard as it used to be to make the playoffs. With 3 wild cards any team can win 85 games and get in. Its not an accomplishment. Its also not as hard to win 100 games these days as it was 20, 30, 40 years ago. The Dodgers this year have had one good three week stretch and the rest ofbthe year have been close to mediocre.
There better be a plan here outside of waiting for Injured guys to come back.
On another note, is there a reason why the Dodgers just let Christian Walker stand there and crush balls out of the park every game? Why even pitch to him if he’s this good at Dodger Stadium? Does management have any kind of game strategies at all? I think a couple of other posters have already touched on this.
More losing to come.
I have no clue what they are going to do and no suggestions on how to do it. I am simply a fan. But this might be the best thing for the organization as a whole. Getting knocked down a few pegs since they have been at the top of the pyramid for so long, might change some internal thinking. I would have to think that ownership is more than a little concerned. As was pointed out, there are six players who are not playing well enough to even merit being on the roster at this point. But herein lies the problem. Taylor: Under contract for another season for a lot of money, and virtually untradeable. He has shown some improvement and for the foreseeable future, he is the starting third baseman. The Biggio experiment seems to be over. He should just be released. As for Kike, management likes his versatility, and sometimes this team is loyal to a player who is well liked to a fault. We have discussed Barnes at great length. Pitchers love him, fans don’t. Heyward may have solved his bat problem by injuring himself last night. Outman may be back and have a chance to show he can be better. Lux should be part of any trade package that brings back a solid third or second baseman. I am not trusting Muncy being back before the trade deadline and maybe not until mid-August after he reported soreness. Mookie will be back and should be fresh for the stretch. Maybe they will show some urgency now that they are having teams in their own division own them. I do feel they need at least one starting pitcher, another back end of the pen arm, a solid hitting outfielder, and at least one bench piece with some power.
I recognize that I have been negative lately, but quite frankly I need to vent through writing. This team just got their asses handed to them by San Francisco and Arizona. They hit the LAD pitchers silly. Both teams made contact with line drives, going with the pitch and hitting into the oppo field, they did not try to pull and yank everything, they take a great 2 strike approach, they bunt, they run…They even outslugged LAD. Arizona 9 HR – LAD 3, SFG 4 HR – LAD 2. They were out doubled. SFG 17 – LAD 8, Arizona 6 – LAD 5. The run differential was (-14) for the 6 games.
This next series with Milwaukee will say a lot. The 9 games before the All Star Break will say a lot more. Right now the pitching shapes up as follows:
Milwaukee – Civale, Peralta, Keuchel (at home)
Philadelphia – Wheeler, Sanchez, Nola (away)
Detroit – Skubal, Flaherty, Maeda (away)
San Diego will be playing Arizona (3), Seattle (2), and Atlanta (3) all in San Diego.
I do think that this team is far better than what they have shown. And I fully believe they will own August as they normally do. But what concerns me is that this team does not seem to know how to do the little things to get put the pressure on their opponent when they go into a funk, like the playoffs. They do not seem to know how to make the adjustments when needed. Why is that? I know…luck.
I will be pleasantly surprised if the Dodgers do make trades that will shake things up. Bring in a front line starter – Garrett Crochet or Chris Bassitt or Jack Flaherty (if convinced his back will make it through October. Two would be nice, but they have other needs as well. A 3B – Alex Bregman. OF – Randy Arozarena. Relievers – Taylor Scott and Trevor Richards.
I do not expect anything close to any of those talents. I do agree with Bear that there will be changes, but they will be more like last years trades.
“They do not seem to know how to make the adjustments when needed. Why is that? I know…luck”
I think I said this earlier in the year.
Actually a lot of us have. I think Bluto is the only one who has no problem relying on luck.
No x 2017 Astros ever. I’d rather loose forever then see someone who is at very least a former cheater from a cheater team with us.
I understand the sentiment. I was a hardliner once, but when I heard some former NYY and LAD players say they are moving on so will I. I have mentioned it before, but I do think that AF needs to ask the 4 remaining 2017 players on the current roster if they are accepting of one of the 2017 astros on the roster, who am I to argue. If they say no, I am okay with that as well. I remember this came up with Carlos Correa, and there were players who would have welcomed him to LAD. The fans said otherwise and AF/BG stopped the consideration.
If Clayton Kershaw, Austin Barnes, Kiké Hernández, and Chris Taylor, say okay to Bregman, so would I.
But that being said, I will drop the Bregman trade request and instead for trade for Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner.
Not that it matters. No front liner is coming to the Dodgers.
I go get Belli too. He fixes the centerfield problem, does not strike out as much as he once did, and I would take the better batting average and his speed in return for a little less slug. Who knows, in this lineup, he would probably get better pitches to hit, and his power numbers might go up.
I’m going to offer a Bear response. That will never happen.
That problem might be imaginary.
I’ve liked Hoerner ever since I discovered him when following Joc with the Cubs. He has played some short stop but his home seems to be second base. I would rather have him at second than Lux but that would keep Betts at short. I’m okay with that for now.
Ahh, I love it when my own words get thrown back at me. In this one instance, I hope you and I are both wrong, right.
Are you saying two wrongs make a right?
Possibly, it is called double talk. Started by almost every politician ever.
I blame Scott for this recent lack of winning.
Scott, you haven’t predicted a losing streak lately. That seems to do the trick every time, so would you kindly do your thing.
We have 9 games left before the AS break. Three here with the Brewers, then 3 in Philly and 3 in Detroit. How many of the 9 will they win?
I’d like to add another name to the list of pitchers we might go after. If the Red Sox wind up as sellers, I nominate Eovaldi.
I’m as frustrated as the rest of you with the holes in the roster, but I’ve decided I’m not going to go berserk until I see what AF does at the deadline. You’d better not screw up Andrew. I’m watching.
My bad STB, I’m slipping lately! I predict they will lose 6 out of 9. They’ll probably at least get swept easily in Philadelphia.
If that doesn’t get them out of this funk, then I dont know what will. Other than healthy reliable pitching, not putting 4-5 mendoza hitters in the lineup, contact hitting, two-strike approaches, good base-running, etc.
Don’t let them bait you.
Let me understand. If Boston ends up a seller, then Texas will trade Eovaldi? 😍
But assuming that you meant Texas, I agree. He is also a good playoff pitcher. He has been mentioned by some pundits as someone Texas will consider trading.
You have more confidence than I do that AF thinks he needs to make significant trades to make the playoffs.
I could try to b.s. my way out of that brain fart and claim I was trying to set up a 3 way trade but alas……..
No, you should have spun it. LOL
Old friend Edwin Rios has been called up by the Reds.
It’s true that the starting pitching has been horrendous of late, but the cavalry is coming. They have an entire rotation on the IL – Yamamoto, Kershaw, Buehler, May, Gonsolin.
I have no idea if Buehler will be one of the few who can survive a 2nd TJ procedure to approach his previous level of performance, but right now it doesn’t look good. Miller is down 3-4 MPH from last year and he is a surgery waiting to happen. I like Kershaw’s chances. Yamamoto hasn’t even started to throw yet, even though he is allegedly pain free.
It’s looking like the rotation down the stretch will be Glasnow, Stone, Kershaw, Paxton, and Knack. I have to agree with Jeff that the Blue need another starter to add to that mix.
But the lineup has the exact same problem.
With Muncy and Mookie on the shelf, they have the top 4 and not much more. The OPS of most of the others is not even replacement level:
Taylor – .506
Kike – .567
Biggio – .452
Hayward – .698
Barnes – .529
Lux – .558
Even if Mookie and Max return to previous levels of performance, and even if Rojas continues to hit at his current clip (not likely), the Dodgers still have 2 holes in the lineup – both OF spots not occupied by Teo Hernandez. This assumes that Mookie moves to 2B and Rojas stays at SS.
Backup catcher just isn’t a problem that you worry about. But they have multiple utility types that just can’t hit.
They need a SP and an OF.
No word on Heyward yet. I think they need a quick decision on this. Not having him available for several days if the knee is indeed a problem, it would be much better to put him on the IL now and worry about other stuff later. Outfield of Hernandez, Outman and Pages is not bad.
Outman is at Dodger Stadium waiting on results of the tests on Heyward per Dave Roberts. Happy birthday to Shohei Ohtani.
Imagine that Vargas getting a start against the right hander. Maybe the word on Heyward was not that bad. I still think they should put him on the IL and activate Outman. Outfield defense is iffy with this bunch
Iffy? It is downright scary.
Unless there is a decision, I have no problem with letting Vargas hit against RHP. If successful that would make his trade value increase.
And for all of the Vargas fans, yes I would much rather have Arozarena than Vargas. I will take Tyler O’Neill over Vargas.
I concur with that evaluation. Arozarena would up this team’s game a lot. Adds speed, power and a really good defensive player to the game, and you have to love the guy’s playoff numbers. O’Neill adds a lot of attitude, grit and just plain ballplayer to the team. Gus Varland is also at Dodger Stadium. They released Jonathan Arauz.
The “Dodger Way” is to declare in injured player “Day to day” for 9 or 10 days and then put him on the IL.
Arozarena instead of Vargas, OK.
O’Neill is where I part company with you.
I like what I’ve seen from Vargas, even against righty pitchers in his few at bats against them. I haven’t given up on him and I definitely would not get rid of him to add O’Neill.
Vargas making a statement for more playing time with his game tonight.
Definitely.
Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic is reporting that the Dodgers plan to call up Wrobleski to start Sunday.
I am okay with that. It only took 1 1/2 year for my 2023 dark horse to get called up. He draws Dallas Keuchel who the Dodgers should decimate, but will probably shut out the Dodgers on 3 singles for 7 innings.
I think this was predictable. Sure hope he can go 5.
Outman and Varland officially recalled.
Nick Ramirez optioned.
JHey to IL. I applaud the front office for not dragging their feet on this one like they usually do.
This was also interesting:
https://x.com/thereal_dv/status/1809352248843255873
I definitely am guilty of over-reacting to small sample sizes. Like the past 6 games. I may have done it last night.
I think it’s good to remember the Dodgers have anywhere between 6-10 real contributors currently on the injured list, haven’t really had a hot streak, and are 6.5 games up.
I’m going to try to stop over-reacting and hand-wringing. That’s just me. Adding Mookie (an MVP) and Muncy (a top 7ish 3B when he’s doing his thing) are going to make this team much, much better. Short term thinking will kill a team.
On top of this adding 2 from Brasier, Graterol, Kelly, and Grove will settle the bullpen. .
I still pine for a different manager and I haven’t even mentioned the return of Yamamota, Beuhler, Kershaw (or the potential opportunity for Gowdy, Wrobleski and Ryan…)
All that plus a little luck and maybe a trade aquisition or two.
Again, I do it as well ever time the team goes through imperfect stretches. And this is definitely one.
I’m still not sold on the pitching. Too many ifs.
Everything is an IF. Every player is an IF.
If Betts comes back.
if Ohtani stays healthy.
if Arozarena goes on the market.
if Stone doesn’t run out of gas.
if crochet hasn’t pitched too much.
if Glasnow’s stuff endures.
if Freeman keeps going.
if Phillips doesn’t lose his stuff.
I just try to stay optimistic.
If Yamamoto.
If Miller.
If Buehler.
Yes. A lot of ifs.
I’m staying optimistic too. Help will be arriving and the Dodgers, even wounded, are a very good team.
Add if Kershaw and May.
A fan sided trade proposal would bring SS Paul DeJong to LAD for SS prospect Trey Sweeney. If that is something that CWS would agree to, there is no reason not to pull the trigger on that trade.
Even though I don’t see DeJong as much of an upgrade that seems like it works for both sides.
What would his role be?
Reserve for Rojas and Mookie. Rojas can play 2B, SS, 3B. He is a better option than Kiké Hernández or CT3 in the infield. I think Rojas is going to need time off. Mookie and Muncy as well.
And here we go again.
Smith three bombs. Saved Glasnow’s bacon.
Gotta score 8.
They did, Freddie and Teo clutch in the 8th.
Reports of the Dodgers demise seem to be premature.
Just the first game of this series, let’s see what happens in the next two.
But sure, a Dodgers win ALWAYS feels good and brings hope!