* Well, that was an interesting few day. One of the more active trade deadlines in recent memory. Roughly 60 trades were made.
* Some teams, like the Marlins, Rays decided they would just trade their entire team. They didn’t of course, but it certainly seemed like it. Both teams were super excited to learn that A.J. Preller still has a job. They each hauled in a boat load of prospects.
* San Diego reverted to their old play book and traded most of their top prospects for two relievers. Apparently. A. J. forgot how the Juan Soto trade worked out for the Padres. Soto is no longer with the team, the Padres did not win the World Series, and the Nationals have a few potential all-stars in their line-up. Mind you, the relievers they got are good, but as we have learned by watching the Dodgers lately, relievers are only as good as their last game.
* The Angels and the Rockies continued to believe their teams were good and hardly traded anyone.
* There were a lot of good players that were not traded: Skubal, Crotchet, Bichette, Robert, Jr., Guerrero Jr., Mason Miller, Pete Fairbanks, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Finnegan all stayed home.
* What about our Dodgers, how did they do? The simple question is, are they a better team after the deadline than before. My opinion is that they are.
* They were able to obtain the best starting pitcher on the market, Jack Flaherty for Thayron Liranzo and Trey Sweeney. I make that trade every day of the week. Of course, the rumor mill started churning out the story that the Yankees backed off of Flaherty because of “concern” over his medical records and balky back. Later, Cashman was interviewed and said that “he and the Tigers just couldn’t match up on a trade.” That’s GM speak for “we got out bid and were asleep at the wheel.”
* Flaherty can certainly go all Max Scherzer on us in the playoffs, but he’s a good addition. He helps and doesn’t hurt the rotation. Besides, he was raised a Dodger fan and that’s got to be worth something, doesn’t it?
* They picked up a decent utility player in Ahmed Rosario, currently hitting over .300, at the steep cost of non-prospect Michael Flynn. Even if we didn’t really need Rosario, I would still make that trade. Rosario could potentially fill the left field or 3rd base hole that presently exists. If Lux starts to tank again, he can also slot in at second real easily. I’m sure the decision on where he plays most regularly, will depend on what they decide to do with Mookie.
* Then they traded Ryan Yarbrough for Kevin Kiermaier. This trade is a wash. There didn’t seem to be enough room in the bullpen for Yarbrough (every time I type his name, I begin humming “Baby the Rain Must Fall”), and Kiermaier, at minimum strengthens the outfield defense. Yarbrough’s role in the bullpen can be filled by Banda or Honeywell.
* They also acquired Michael Kopech from the White Sox and infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman from the Cardinals in a three-team trade, for Miquel Vargas, minor league infielders Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez. Vargas may blossom into the player we hoped he would become, but right now he isn’t there. Kopech, on the other hand, has a super arm and, used properly can be a real lockdown reliever. Mark Prior and crew do your job and fix him! Tommy Edman, while not a stud outfielder, is a nice player. He’s good defensively and has a decent track record of being able to put the bat on the ball. Not much power, but he has great speed. He also knows how to lay down a bunt. For those of you who have forgotten what a bunt is, because the Dodgers rarely attempt them, they can be a rather exciting and effective offensive weapon.
* The Dodgers traded LHP James Paxton to Boston Red Sox for SS Moises Bolivar. This is addition by subtraction. Essentially, you swap out Paxton for Flaherty. Anyone have a problem with that trade? Plus, I have it on good authority, that Bolivar, who may or may not be a direct descendant of Simon Bolivar, is going to be as good, if not better than Francisco Lindor. Mark my word, you can take that to the bank.
* The Dodgers also traded Ricky Vanasco to the Detroit Tigers for cash. Apparently, the number crunchers for Guggenheim discovered that they were going to be a little light on the July budget, so the Tigers helped them balance the books. Totally underrated transaction to help the team make payroll this month.
* The Dodgers also signed 17-year-old Taiwanese outfielder Ko Ching-Hsien for $750,000.00. Ching-Hsien said he’s always dreamed of playing for the Dodgers and according to those who know more than I do, he is really, really good. Think Hong-Chih Kuo with a bat. This signing, while a hefty investment, still leaves the Dodgers with $2.3 million remaining in their international pool money. That’s plenty to sign Roki Sasaki.
– As a side benefit of the trade deadline, the Dodgers top 30 prospect list got substantially younger on average.
* Did the Dodgers do enough to get into the World Series, frankly, I don’t know. If I based my opinion solely on the way they played against the Padres on Wednesday evening, I think probably not. But then when I woke up the next morning, I realized the Dodgers are still in first place. Folks, I would rather be in their position, than I would the Padres or the D-backs.
* I’ve also read the comments that the Dodgers didn’t do enough. That Roberts, Friedman and the lot still need to be fired. That this team needs a major overall, blah, blah, blah. Seriously, who would you have replace them? You should be grateful that you’re not a Cubs fan, or that you were born in Oakland and raised as an As fan. Have mercy, some people just don’t know how good they have it.
* How about them Angels? They make a few trades, ostensibly for the future, only to have generational player. Mike Trout go down for the year with a torn meniscus. For some, if they didn’t have bad luck, they would have no luck at all.
* Probably not likely to occur, but I was wondering if there is any chance that Ohtani could pitch an inning or 2 out of the bullpen later this year. Even if he doesn’t it’s nice to know that he’ll be back on the bump next year.
* I know there have been a variety of opinions about Mark T. and the closing of his blog. I just wanted to chime in and say that I have a ton of respect for him. It takes a lot to run a blog, and it definitely takes a lot of time to write articles for the blog. Doing that on a daily basis for however many years he did it was quite the achievement. For many years, his site, along with Jon Weisman’s “Dodger Thoughts” and Mike Petriello’s “Mike Scioscia’s Tragic Illness” were the only places I kept up with Dodger news, etc. Weisman and Petriello, who are both outstanding writers, went on to bigger and better things. Namely, they needed to make a living. But Mark hung tough and kept things going. I, for one, greatly appreciated and enjoyed all he put into maintaining his blog. I was also grateful for the opportunity he gave me to write for his blog. I typically wrote under the moniker “2Demeter22.” I found that researching and writing was something I truly enjoyed. I also had the opportunity to meet Mark in person. Most of the commentors bemoaned his gruff and direct demeanor, but I’m here to tell you that the Mark I met is a much deeper and enjoyable person: He is a wonderful family man and an astute businessman. He’s also a big man and I’m sure that he could easily whip my rear end, but underneath that exterior was a teddy bear who loved his Dodgers.
* One thing I learned while writing for Mark’s blog (more so than here), is that commentors are quick to jump to personal attacks. I remember writing an article about Dave Roberts, were I compared his record to six or seven hall of fame managers at the same stage in their careers. You wouldn’t believe the vitriol, personal attacks and names that were hurled my way that morning. But then again, you don’t write for those folks, you write for your own personal enjoyment so, you just bite your tongue and move on.
* On the other hand, I have come to read many fine commentors on this and Mark’s site. So many of you have such great knowledge about the game, and you add wonderful insight and opinions. There were also others, like the now deceased DodgerBlueMom, who come to the blogs just to learn more about the Dodgers and about the game of baseball. They are people you would love to sit down and break bread with because they bring joy into your life.
* It was said that I quit writing because I didn’t like conflict. Actually, I stopped being involved in writing and commenting on the blogs, for the same reasons that Mark is shutting down LA Dodger Talk now. I’m 74, I still work full-time as a litigation attorney. I deal with conflict every single day. I thrive on it. However, when it comes to the Dodgers, I have absolutely no interest in reading people whine on about Dave Roberts, etc., etc. and trying to argue that their opinion is right. Who cares? There is absolutely nothing to gain from arguing with people I don’t know over nonsensical stuff. Frankly, I don’t give a rat’s rear if your opinion is right or not. This is baseball folks, it’s a sport played for our entertainment. It is not life or death and in many ways it’s not even real life. For me, being a Dodgers fan (which I’ve been since I was 7) is fun, lighthearted enjoyment. I will continue to be a fan until the day I take my last breath. If they lose tonight, oh well, the sun will come up tomorrow, and they’ll play another game.
* Enjoy the rest of the season, the Dodgers will be in the race until the end!
Minor League Report
As this is being written, OKC lost 7-2. Of note to Dodger fans, Brasier pitched 1 inning, striking out 2 and giving up 1 hit. Michael Grove was touched for 2 runs on 2 hits and had 2 Ks in .2 innings. Tulsa was shut out on 4 hits in Tulsa 3-0. Great Lakes beat Cedar Rapids 5-2. Gelof hit his 6th homer. Rodriguez had 2 hits and drove in 2. Bruns went 2.1 innings and was tagged for both runs. McDaniel’s went 1.2 innings and got the win; Rodriguez went 5 scoreless for the save. Rancho is up 10-0 on San Jose in the bottom of the 5th. George is 4-4. Hope is 2-2 with 3 runs scored.
What was your handle on Dodger Thoughts?
Were you Scareduck?
I didn’t post on Dodger Thoughts. I only read the articles.
Hey Rob, excellent job referencing Glen Yarbrough and Simon Bolivar in your nice piece.
Great piece Rob. Thanks.
I stated my take on Timmons. I do think he could have handled it better.
The Dodgers appear to have forgotten how to hit. All of them. With Ohtani and Smith slumping, Freddie, Max and Mookie gone, double digit strikeouts every night, and .600 OPS guys filling out the lineup, this will continue to be a very rough stretch.
Thank you Badger.
this version of the Dodgers is not fun to watch.
No, and now the lead is down to 4 over the D-Backs. Colorado beats the Padres 5-2, so LA is 4.5 in front of the Padres. Too many strikeouts. Double digits again tonight. Rosario with a PH double. My take, the guy is a .300 hitter this year against all-comers. He should start every game until the big boy’s return. Ohtani 0-15 prior to his 9th inning homer. Had he at least hit a single when they loaded the bases, they might have won this game. LA has 4 more games with the D-Backs. A wrap-around series at the end of the month, Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon. Labor Day weekend. If LA continues to struggle on the road the way they have, they are now only 2 games over .500 on the road, they might be fighting for their playoff lives.
Mark has decided to keep LADT open as a Newsletter. He plans on posting once a week and keeping the site as an open forum. Just FYI.
As I watch the Dodgers game tonite. And see them struggle to the Oakland As a team that they should easily beat but don’t. And watch and wait for some sort of rally or spark and it’s like the same thing strikeout strike out oh a Dodgerbfinnally got on base with a base hit. And then the next guy strikes out end of inning. It’s frustrating they must think when all these guys come bak that magic is going to hit this team. I sure hope so because right now its like were watching a minor league baseball team play. And not the real Dodger team were so used to seeing. The pitching is dreadful and the hitting is like really one two three strikeouts. True missing Freddie hurts missing Rojas hurts. But these other teams ain’t one bit scared of these Dodgers with the lineup now. And I just guess I am not used to that seeing teams not feared of the Dodgers has there been one postion player yet this year that came up and wow us and the Dudgers seem to have at least one guy that does that but not this year which is very strange. And you look and go what will the team look like next year. They need like three outfielders that can produce and be consistent each nite. Because outman and Pages sure don’t give me the like oh wow we get those two players next year. Many questions about wha the team will look like next year in the outfield. Trades or freeagent signings but who?
Every year the Dodgers have great teams Bradley.
They’ll have one next year, don’t worry.
Well Bluto, I think what your definition of a great team may vary from many others. Is this a great team? They have some great players but the majority of them cannot be relied upon to either produce, play uninjured, or support the team by and large. This team has proportionally more unproductive players than great ones.
So, “every year the Dodgers have great teams” is your fantasy which leads me to believe your standards are quite low.
Regular season they surely have put great teams on the field. Record speaks for itself. playoffs ? Different animal.
I am sure our team next year at least on paper will be even better than this years version. Looking on the returning starting pitching alone (and hopefully Sasaki too) the Dodgers will be very good again.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
We looked good on paper this season, too. Is this a great team? Look at our record. We have had a lot of help from SD and AZ to maintain our position.
Sure, but you just can not overlook those rash of injuries.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Can you be having a great year if you aren’t playing?
The Dodgers of July, and 2 days of August are far from a great team. But we all know, it’s how you finish.
Wow I bet some of you would have loved to have had Brett Rooker playing in rightfield for us last nite rather then Heyward which tge dodgers could have done. Or even a Seth Brown would have been nice at first base rather then Biggio. Just didn’t msk since why get versatility players that can play all over tge place get guys that can hit both righties and lefties. Duh. Som might say I say some crazy trades but I diffently would have gotten Rooker to play rightfiejd and a better centerfielder then Kiermeier we allready have four players like him that can’t hit there way out of a wet paper bag but they can play four positions.
I’m with you Bradley about Brent Rooker, but in LF. He would have given this team a shot in the arm, I don’t care what defense he brought with a BA around .290 and an OPS right now over 1.000 against LHP and a BA around .290 and an OPS above .900 against RHP. Heaven forbid we bring in a guy that has a reputation of being shitty defensively using flawed stats, but you can’t tell that to the defense only people that only care about defense, A.K.A Keirmaier. AF could have come up with a good package of the lower minor league prospects. The A’s are going nowhere this year, next year and the following year. If I was them I’d stock up on prospects that will be ready in a few years. Rooker’s under team control through 2027.
Top ten in the league?
I just went to the other site.
I hope it really wasn’t my post, which I stand by, that drove Mark off.
Running a fan blog is certainly something I would never do.
I hope he enjoys his time away from it.
I don’t think Mark is the type to enjoy anything for very long. He makes everything into a competition and then degrades the very people who have been posting on his site for years.
I visited too.
It isn’t you Bluto.
For what it’s worth I was listening to the game on radio with Neverett and Monday. They were talking about Betts doing the sim game on Thursday. They think if he comes out of that in good shape he might be activated with out a rehab stint. It would definitely be a good thing for the team if he can come back that quickly and be effective. Stone needs to visit the IL for general body soreness just to get a breather and a reset.
Excellent take on the deadline, Rob.
Being an attorney myself for almost 30 years over here in Germany I fully understand your feeling toward not being intereted in arguing and fighting with people on blogs or message boards over the Dodgers you don´t even know. When your daily business is conflict, arguing and fighting over who is right and wrong one does not need the same stuff in your spare time.
I found Marks blog couple years ago and liked it very much. I also like Mark from what I read from him . Hey, a person who likes and cares for dogs can not be a bad man after all. 😀 (we have 3 Weimaraner ourself).
But I also found out that Mark appears to have quiete a narcisstic side to his personality. It seems important to him to be right and if someone has an opposing opinion he does not handle it well. He then (rhetorical) turns to being aggressive and direct calling hs followers morons and idiots etc.
Periodically he vows to shut his blog down only to open it up shortly after his followers are begging him to do so(MOF that is exactly the word he used in his latest blog when saying he will again reopen it on a weekly basis).
It is always the same plot. It is childs play and it gets exhausting and boring after the umpeteenth rerun.
Couple of month ago (when he shut down the last time) I decided for myself that I will no longer be part of this silly game if he did it again. Will not go back there and stay here on Jeffs blog which is at least as good for content as is Marks blog.
I wish Mark all the best for his future and hope he has many more good years with his family , business and his new dog (a very, very cute boy).
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I stopped reading his blog for the same reason.
You kind of seem to totally discount the fact that every time he shuts the site down he has tons of people contacting him asking him to keep it open. I’ve seen dozens of posts there from people who either never or rarely post saying that’s the first thing they do every morning is go to that site. So is it narcissism or is it being a softy?
Its part of the game. He knows some of his followers will beg him to reopen the blog. Its not that he has done that once or twice already. It is a constant game he plays.
So IMHO from looking at the entire picture: Narcissism.
I was told early by my grandma to stay away from these kind of characters. And it does not mean that I do not like Mark. I just don´t like this specific part of his character.I am sure he is good guy in several other aspects of his life but since this is the only aspect I am in touch with him I will stay away in the future
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Timmons carries his feelings on open sleeves. If you knew his background you might know why that is. He said he was going to write a book about all of that. He’s said that for over 20 years. I would read it if it ever comes out.
What I respect about him is you don’t have to guess what he’s thinking. What was a problem for me was the mean streaks that could surface. That and the fact we don’t agree on some very important issues. I found it best if I just leave him alone.
Narcissism, and it’s variants. Almost is overused and incorrectly so as much as the word Nazi.
Give it a rest dude.
WS are playing Vargas at 3b, hit a HR yesterday.
Some insane numbers in RC game last night. George 5-6. Decker 6-6 with 10 rbi.
I was hoping the Dodgers would promote Joendry Vargas and Quintero to RC after the ACL ended but so far they have not
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can someone please explain to me why Biggio is still on this team. Oh never mind another friedman reclamation project that sucks. Maybe like taylor or to a lesser degree smith sign him to extension. Continue to overvalue has beens
and let your prospects whither on the vine. I hope vargas does well with the Sox.
Biggio is the best 1b to fill in with FF out but will be DFA as soon as FF comes back.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thnx ram do you think hes better than lipcius who has yet to get a chace?
Lipcius is not on the 40-man roster, and they would have to DFA someone to bring him up. They prefer players with MLB experience.
How is their preference to MLB experienced players working out for them? I would say currently that is a flawed approach. With a couple clicks, DFA Biggio and put Lupcius on the 40 man.
No offense to your post Bear. Just sayin’
Not my decision either. Worked pretty well until all of the injuries. Honestly, if Mookie, Muncy, Freeman, Yamamoto, were all healthy, would we even be discussing this? Doubtful. But they are all down for now, and this is what we have. Who knows, maybe Lipcius is the second coming of Max Muncy. He does deserve a shot. If James Outman played to the level he did last year, Pages would still be in AAA getting the experience he needs.
You need to give your top tier position player prospects a shot with consistent at bats. They gave that to Outman last year and he was sucessfull and then they turned around at the beginning of this year and dicked him around on a loaded team before the injuries. They gave Pages consistent at bats this year, but not a full year and he’s good against LHP. Outman is better against RHP and Pages LHP. There’s a platoon wherever defensively if there’s not enough room for both of them to get consistent at bats next year. What are you going to do, buy and trade for other teams homegrown players and players who have moved on and put a team together like that? Might as well call the Dodgers, The Los Angeles Buyers and Traders. There’s no top tier position players down in AAA besides Rushing, who I hope will be Smith’s back up someday, good hitting from both of them equals close to 50/50 playing time so they both don’t wear down towards the end of the regular season. Buy superstars if you can and only trade for them if the price is right and fill what you can with top tier prospects and then fill the rest of the team with whoever fits the best after that. 1) Superstars, 2) Top tier prospects, 3) Whoever fits the best after 1) and 2). My take for what it’s worth.
Here’s a nickel.
Overpay porpoiseboy!
Always a smart ass to me. Just like your response to me on Mark’s blog that sounded like you’re part of an elite country club and I’m an outsider trying to take over. Heaven forbid an outsider come in and have chats with your fellow country club types.
He made it sound like you guys are an elite country club, I’m not saying you guys are. Just to clarify my post.
The funny thing is Outman was never a top tier offensive prospect.
Top 10 before being called up.
What is your definition of top tier?
Actually part of that top 10 were pitchers, so he was up there towards the top of position players.
Outman when he is at bat this year it’s like okay hit the ball. And it’s strikeout or a walk. Then Pages he gets up strikeout or a big league pop out then juts try for a base hit. And then Heyward looks great in a uniform he does the same thing swings out of his shoes and hits a infield ground out to the second baseman. Then last nite Kiermeier another batter who looks good but swings at bat pitches. Oh and now Biggio what ar you swinging at. And the last batter that drives me crazy keke hernandez hey dude instead if trying to hit a Homer just get on base. Then Rosorio get up first at bat with dodgers hits a double down the third base line see all you other guys base huts do count as being good. my point is I mentions six batters on the Dodgers all swinging fir the fences and uf they don’t connect they strikeout. That’s has git to be a coaching thing they do to have six batters all hut like that. Sure we win if the hit Homer’s but when they strikeout and we have 10 strikeout in a game we just look awful on those nite and lose. Rosario ibhope will be the third baseman then Betts when he comes back should be the centeefielder becsue then they can put Tommy at shortstop Lux at second and Freeman at first with Heyward and Pages plattonong in RF and Teoscar Hernandez in LF. Then you have keke kiemeier Barnes and Rojas on the bench when they all get back to normal.
Ohtani, the 700-million-dollar man, was 0-15 prior to his 9th inning homer. He stranded the bases loaded in the 7th inning. Had he gotten a couple of hits in San Diego instead of going ofer, they might have won a couple of these road games, not just one. Kike hit three balls really hard last night. Two of them went to the deepest part of the ballpark, his last one he got a hit on. Would you rather he struck out? At least putting the ball in play you have a chance to get a hit. Smith and Biggio struck out 5 times between them. How do you know they were swinging for the fences? They were trying to hit the ball hard. Kike did it, so did Heyward, unfortunately for Kike, he hit it to the deepest part of the park, and Heyward hit an atem ball. Betts is not going to play centerfield Bradley. If he plays the outfield at all, it will be in right. He has not been practicing in the outfield at all. All of his reps have been at SS. Outman is having a really bad year and would not be on the roster at all if Betts were healthy and Freeman was back.
See my post above yours.
Scratch that. It’s around here somewhere lol.
Bear you watch a different game them I did I saw bighio up there standing at the plate watch three strikes go by then he swings at pitch out if strike zone. Kiermeier same thing watch strikes go down the middle then swing at pitch outside. All those two guys need to do is get on base with base hits the same with keke and then the big guys hit in the little guys that’s my point. They all swing fir the fences. Thats dodger baseball hit a homer or strikeout. But you watch the zgiants they don’t over swing they have three power hitter batters and a bunch of base hitters so what they do get loke three singles in a row and three guys on base then the fourth guy gets a double fiwn the line two runs scored. How because they get on base. That’s from Money Ball movie as long as the guys get on base that’s what counts. Because you need to score runs or you lose. Furthermore if the As win this series its like a world series game to them. If they sweep the dodgers that will make there season a little salary team beats the big spenders. Yeah they will say. Well we were missing guys. The guys on the bench for the dodgers should be better then any of those As players.
I watch the same game through more experienced eyes. Hitters like Kiermaier have never swung for the fences, but if a pitch is where they think they can hit it, they cut loose. Except for his first season in Toronto, Biggio was not a big strikeout guy. As for Kiermaier, he has struck out over 100 times exactly once in his career. He is not a high average guy, but he usually makes contact. None of the three strikes Biggio took was very hittable. They were on the outside part of the plate, had he hit them, he most likely would have grounded out to the third baseman. You also have to watch the way the ump calls strikes. Lux swung at a pitch because a pitch that was called a strike, was actually a ball. If the ump expands the zone with his calls, you have to protect that area or you are going to get called out on strikes. And you are crying over the subs, who would not even be playing if not for all of the injuries. ANY TEAM can beat another team on any given day. Are the Rockies as good as the Padres???? No, but they beat them last night. The A’s have been a very hot team, and they carried the way they have been playing in July into their first game in August. The Dodger offense, all up and down the lineup with only a couple exceptions has been ice cold. How many World Series did Beane’s A’s go to playing moneyball? NONE, they lost every playoff series they ever went to. The reason they used that system was because they could not afford good players. The Dodgers are a totally different organization. They will get healthy, and when they do, guys like Biggio and Kiermaier, Heyward and Kike, will all be nothing more than role players. But they have to play who is on the roster now. Dodgers lost season series to Detroit, Cincy, and are 1-2 against the Pirates, all of those are at a much lower payroll than the Dodgers. You are going to lose games to lesser teams. That is just baseball. At this point in time, this A’s team, is better than the Dodgers. Live with it, it won’t get better until the star players return. If Freddie’s son were not ill, he would be playing first, not Biggio. No one cares about the A’s. They are going to play the next three years in a minor league park in Sacramento. Who has a higher team BA and OPS? Oakland or LA? The Dodgers by a wide margin, in both categories. Oakland is right behind them in homers though. Oh, by the way, Oakland as a team, has struck out over 100 times more than the Dodgers
The Dodgers have scored almost 100 more runs than the A’s. So your argument is a moot point.
I said next year for Outman. He has all offseason if he chooses to work with coaches and all of spring training and he’s the kind of guy that will do it.
Speaking of Scherzer I see his shoulder is getting tired earlier this year than usual.
At least we haven’t lost any ground to the Rockies in the last 10 games. So we seem safe from finishing last in the West.
I believe the Dodgers will finish respectably. Getting Freddie and Mookie back will shorten that 6 man bottom of the order problem. Hopefully Smith will find himself.
There are a lot of ifs remaining. I don’t see any of Kershaw, Miller of Buehler being of any help through October. Hope I’m wrong about that. Flaherty will help but we needed more than that. If Grove and Glasnow fade and Yamamoto the Invisible remains so, the starting rotation just won’t be enough. Then there’s the 5.6 July ERA of the bullpen.
Many of these issues could right themselves. Until we are back at full strength it’s important the replacement players find a way to play .500 ball. And that can only happen if we beat those teams we are supposed to beat. Like the A’s for example.
Miller was shut down. Buehler is going to have one more re-hab start. Glasnow, Flaherty and Stone are going to have to carry the load unless Kersh can pick up the slack. Yamamoto is going to throw his first bullpen.
It was not a shutdown of miller. They scratched him from his start but he probably will take the mound in the next few days.
Buehler: No way should they call him up unless they want to deliberately run the bullpen into the ground and at the same time do everything to lose the division. Buehler very likely is cooked, at least for this season. Rather have Wrobleski recalled.
Yamamoto had his bullpen yesterday, no word how it went yet.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
It looks like he is going to miss more than just one start.
dodgerram, I hope it’s not the case with your Buehler take. But, I think you are probably right in that the BP would be hard pressed to take on another early exit by a starter. I guess though it would be better to find out now than waiting.
If Buehler has continued problems then I’m all for bringing back up Ryan and Wrobleski. The experience for them to pitch some meaningful games down the stretch could be a huge plus in their development. It’s a tough call regardless for the front office.
Ryan never went down, he is still on the roster.
He has an abductor strain. Sounds like more than a start or two.
Max quit on the team, and then had the cojones to blame his tired arm on the fact that the Dodgers did not use him enough. What an asshat.
i think there is tremendous pressure on Flaherty today to stop the bleeding. If he pitches well and we get a win things could start looking up. We need to stabilize the sp. if he does not then we are going to keep reeling.
Glasnow improved in his last outing. If Flaherty comes through then that would give us 2 solid starters. RR has looked really good with not many innings on that arm. I believe we should get Wrobleski back up ASAP. His last 2 outings no homers, throws strikes, and I like his fearless attitude. RR and/or Wrobleski could do what Wacha did for the Cards years ago. It is worth a shot because: on paper we had strong pitching and depth but:
Hurt out for the year
May out for the year
frasso ditto
sheehan ditto
Miller, Kershaw, Buehler do not show any signs of being dependable. So what do we have. A depleted staff that is teetering on the same as last year if the worm doesn’t turn.
our best hope:
Yamamoto getting healthy and performing. I think Wrobleski and Ryan. Kershaw and Buehler one more shot but no evidence that will help. Stone needs to go to the il until September and then mb. So if Flaherty gets blown up today the fat lady ain’t singing but she will be tuning up. Arizona, pads, and I think the giants(easy schedule) are smelling blood. We better fight back!!
I think Jack can handle it. Cashman is now denying that the Yankees backed out of the Flaherty trade because of his medicals.
Lawyers?
Awesome take Therealten!
The Dodgers are due some good fortune with their starting pitching because how it affects the bullpen arms. The BP could use a couple of days of minimal use. Looking forward to Flaherty’s first start as a Dodger.
Thanks Ted,
a bit about the deadline deals. With a 2 run lead over San Diego we didn’t use our most rested reliever Kopech. The next day he struck out the side.
Rosario had a .300 batting ave. With about equal splits. He finally gets in last night and hits a double the first ab. U have to play him somewhere don’t you with this anemic lineup?
Edman had been dhing for 2 weeks in rehab games for the Cards but he has to wait until next Thursday to play in a simulated game with LA. Typical AF get a player who can’t play but otoh and get 2 players they don’t play.
Even Flaherty had skipped a turn so they could have plugged him in anytime so he is working on like 10 days rest.
Kiermaier really? When we need offense as bad as we do we start him a defensive player!
idk I just find all of this bizarre and as usual no urgency on anyone’s part.
damn right he needs to play.
👍
Not equal splits, only BA and OBP. But I agree with you, he was the best position player AF got at the deadline and he should play everyday right now until the injured players come back and at that time he still might need to play everyday. Good opinion. 👍
Oh yeah this too. 👍
“Kiermaier really? When we need offense as bad as we do we start him a defensive player!”
And that’s why I say Doc does Doc stuff, stupid stuff. I don’t trust Doc.
I get your frustration with the hitters that are currently in the Dodger line up. It is a bad MLB line up, by any measure. But who would you play ahead of Keirmaier? Rosario makes the most sense but he can replace Hernandez at third, Heyward in right, or Ahmed at short as well. But Pages vs. RH, Outman vs. anyone, and Keirmaier are all at or below .200. Keirmaier is the better defender of the three. I guess my point is that there are no options (other than Rosario) to play in place of most of these guys. It is a combination of injuries, poor performance from back of roster players, and no reasonable AA or AAA players ready to fill in. Singling out Keirmaier from a group of 7 bad offensive players (Ahmed, Biggio, Hernandez, Keirmaier, Pages (vs. RH) Outman and Heyward) seems arbitrary. If your offense is this bad why wouldn’t you improve your run prevention if there are no options to improve your run production?
If Roberts were not the Dodger Manager then I would like Chase Utley to be.
I won’t add my psychoanalysis of Mark here or anywhere else.
I will say that Mark did a good job of baiting people to add their comments about the Dodgers. From time to time I wondered if he asked one of his US Water employees to help him generate content.
I fear Roberts will give Max a long run when he returns and that run will not produce anything more than Kike’ has been producing.
I would keep the Betts/Lux middle infield intact and put Edmonds at third but would also be okay with Rojas at third.
I believe Ohtani, Smith, Freeman, Lux, Betts, Edmonds, and T. Hernandez will produce enough offense to allow Outman and Pages to be regulars in CF and RF respectfully.
Max deserves a long run. Mark was frequently spectacularly inept in his Dodger analysis, making an even an innocent he made seem questionable.
For example, he once advocating a playoff roster without Muncy years ago.
I’m with you Bum about refraining from comments about Mark. You are spot on regarding his propensity to make comments he didn’t really believe, to generate “discussions”. I had a nice relationship with Mark. He spared me the moron and idiot labels and we sort of co-existed. I did tire of his attacks on others and the name calling. I wish him well.
“I believe Ohtani, Smith, Freeman, Lux, Betts, Edmonds, and T. Hernandez will produce enough offense to allow Outman and Pages to be regulars in CF and RF respectfully.”
That’s what I’ve been trying to convey to people at least for next year, but apparently they don’t understand.
Good opinion Bumsrap.
I agree. It could work.
Now, about the staff.
You have good takes/opinions Badger. I like reading your posts. I’m glad you agree 👍
Keep putting those good takes/opinions out there I like them. 👍
Edmonds retired a long time ago, perhaps you refer to Tommy EDMAN??
*Ohtani’s homer in the 9th made last night’s game look competitive. It wasn’t.
*We take so many fat pitches in advantage counts. I don’t get it. It drives my crazy.
Why does Teoscar take the cock shot on 3-1 top 6, against a struggling pitcher? And he whiffs on 3 and 2, with 2 guys on. How do you not look for the guys out pitch on 3 and 1 and let it eat?
Why are there 2 called strike outs looking, in the first?
Why does a struggling Will Smith take a cock shot 2&0 in the 9th, before grounding out?
I get it if they aren’t juicy pitches. But these are right down the can.
We are pitiful in advantage counts. These should be Green Light Specials.
*Here’s a look at batting averages by count:
I have somewhat of a different philosophy on pitch counts. Most claim that the most important pitch in a count for a pitcher, is strike ONE. I disagree. While it’s important to try to get ahead, it is not the most critical pitch, in a count. Some pitchers get in the trap of throwing a cock shot to get ahead in the count and get ambushed. That was Stone last night.
I contend that:
1 and 1 is the most critical pitch in an at bat.
I want 2 of the first 3 pitches for strikes as opposed to stressing friday pitch strikes.
*Here’s why 1 and 1 is the most important pitch:
Hitters in an advantage count of 2 and 1 hit .344. Hitters in a disadvantage count of 1 and 2 hit .166. A difference of .178 in batting average, based on one pitch.
For the life of me I can’t understand why we take fat pitches in advantage counts. If it’s paint I get it. But taking cock shots in advantage counts is just a missed opportunity. And we do it all the time.
*Not having a better concept of hitting in counts ie. taking hittable pitches a flailing at pitcher’s pitches, is a big part of the reason we have an unbelievable 107 K’s in the last 9 games. We are 3 and 6, with nearly 12 strikeouts per game. That is a remarkable futility.
*The A’s have some funky looking relievers. McFarland, a short arm lefty, and another short circle righty, certainly give an unconventional look.
*Wow the Coliseum is a dump. Plus their Spring Training site in AZ, HoHoKam, is also a dump.
I can’t believe Biggio lost his mitt apparent behind the dugout wall. He lost his bat long ago and now his glove.
*Long ago, I was playing in a minor league game in one of those dilapidated old green wooden ballparks in not the best neighborhoods. Early in the game there was some little brown arms extending through a hole in the dugout wall behind the bench. The little dude snatched our right fielder’s nice Rawlings glove and was gone. There was no such thing as security in those days and we tried to exit the dugout and catch the kid. No chance. He had his escape route planned out and was long gone. And our right fielder who was left-handed, had to borrow a glove from a LHP. Pretty funny for the rest of us.
*I have a question. Does pregame on SNLA give graphics on the starting lineups and batting orders for the game, and the Umpire Crew? That must be why I miss that information for every Dodger game as I get just the game on MLB Extra Innings.
Every single broadcast except the Dodgers give out that information before the first pitch. I want to know the defenders as well as the batting order. And the Umpires. Finally in the 8th inning, Stephen mentioned that the HPU was Phil Cuzzi. The Yankees even give the book on the HPU.
Great commentary Phil. I especially like the story on the stolen glove and the broadcast not providing lineups and umpire crew.
The Oakland Coliseum was a beautiful ballpark back in the 1960s and 1970s with a great history. It did not age well like Dodger Stadium has, mostly due to poor improvements and no maintenance.
Also, Rob made good points on the trade deadline. Yes, the Dodgers are better. Flaherty pickup looks helpful. Rosario adds a bat at little cost. But they now have even more position players who cannot hit consistently. Should be an interesting next two months.
RC, they can’t even wash the warning track dirt that covers the base of the outfield walls. And no railings in front of the dugouts either.
It looks like they are mailing it in until they can move.
Interesting read.
Never considered 1-1 like that. I figure strike one, as long as it isn’t a cookie (never heard the term cock shot) gives the pitcher room to hunt edges. But, your logic sounds reasonable to me.
When you said “little brown arms” I immediately thought a raccoon. Those critters stole anything left out in Wisconsin.
Yes, the Coliseum is a dump. Has been for years.
Nothing can be done about improving umpires calls. These guys are supposedly the best. Until we have a “Hawkeye” system (improved ABS) we are stuck with inaccurate calls. Once you have 2 strikes, you must expand your strike zone at least one ball in every direction. I think the key to a good at bat is don’t hit with two strikes.
Yup, I remember being told that the pitch “was too close to take” back when taking a called third was a sin. Now it’s acceptable under the pretense that it wasn’t their pitch and couldn’t get the right exit velo. Too much information. Swing the bat!
Different generation Phil. Twice removed from mine.
The Teoscar take on 3-1 was inexcusable. Biggio takes more third strikes than any hitter I remember seeing in quite a while. I thought Lux was incredibly passive before the All Star break and even admitted that he was intentionally more aggressive after the break. I appreciate your insight on the importance of the first pitch and the 1-1 pitch. I remember hearing Orel address this during a game.
Informative post. Idk what is wrong with will smith but he looks terrible.last year he had a broken rib so I thought a healthy Smith would be better. One of the reasons I don’t like the all star game is guys like Smith could use the time off. He just has no life. I can’t believe I am saying this but as someone else said play Barnes a couple of days. Smith might need a muzzle as well. He looks foolish with the profar comments and saying the Dodgers are the best. Let sleeping dogs…
Catchers wear down towards the end of the regular season, that’s why I’m hoping Rushing becomes Smith’s back up. 2 catchers that can hit (hopefully Rushing can) could mean close to 50/50 playing time so they both don’t wear down towards the end of the regular season.
Andrew always talks about how the front office is a collaborative exercise with everyone contributing ideas, analysis, etc.
I wonder if they work their hitting the same way, or if everyone just follows the RVS philosophy? I’d love to see how they would react if you would sit down with them and present the ideas you’ve just put forth in the above comment, Phil.
It would certainly make for interesting viewing.
Phil, a lot of interesting information and opinions. Great insight on the ultimate pitch count. I think the Dodger hitters take way too many hittable pitches early in the count.
It used to be the approach to “work the count” in order to increase pitch count and get the starter out and into the bullpen. Bring that most starters don’t more than 5-6 innings why the need to take so many hittable pitches? And why the rush to have relievers throwing 100 MPH come into the game? Doesn’t make sense to me. When will a team be consistently aggressive right from the first pitch?
Nice to see Michael Busch, the Cubs first stacker, Hit his 16 homer to give the Cubs an early lead over the Cards. Busch is hitting a respectable .260 after getting a chance in MLB
Busch’s OPS+ is 122 which is more than respectable. Happy to see him doing so well, especially in view of the fact that the two guys we got back look like they could be real contributors in the next 2-3 years.
I guess AF can develop an MLB position player after all.
1b DH? Just hit and you’ll find a job.
Speaking of that, anyone left in the minors that can hit?
Yeah, Cam Decker, 1B/LF/RF, 20 yr old playing for Rancho.
Drafted in the 18th round in 2022.
Last night, in their game he had 6 hits (including 3 doubles and a homer) and TEN RBI.
He may not get another hit this year, but it’s a good upbeat story.
If the Dodgers new Muncy was going to be out this long why did they not sign like a Longoria to play thirdbase and have some pop he was just playing last year for arizona that would have been a better option then biggio. And that taylor Ward for the Angels he plays a good centerfield and plays every day two options that would have been better then what they have now.
Ward is NOT a centerfielder. He plays left and has for most of his career. He has played centerfield exactly 19 times in his MLB career. And as I have told you a dozen times or more, Arte Moreno is not going to make trades with the Dodgers period. He has not allowed his GM to do so since the Joc Pederson deal fell through before the 2020 season. As for Longoria, he hasn’t touched a baseball since last September. No idea how long it would have taken him to get game ready. He wasn’t all that great last year in Arizona. And the Dodgers did not expect Muncy to be out this long. The thought was that he would be back in about 3 weeks after he went on the IL, unfortunately, his injury did not cooperate. Pretty sure if the prognosis was that bad at the time he went down, they would have traded for a third baseman.
Im thinking maybe someone who can hit ML pitching better than Biggio.
Forget it. Freddie will be back next week.
Still no Rosario in the starting line-up. Why did AF bother trading for him?
It is a mystery. But he will get a start for sure when a lefty pitches.
According to Doc, they got Rosario to play against LHP.
Also according to Doc they value Kike and Ahmed’s defense.
Translation: we don’t want to let Rosario anywhere near the ball defensively except if absolutely necessary.
They felt that way last year also but he really wasn’t bad defensively. They don’t think the fact that he’s hitting about 100 points higher than Biggio and Kike is enough to play him.
Doc wants the defense of the 85 Bears out there.
Leadoff walk, stolen base, 0 for 3 WRISP with a strikeout.
And that’s the top of the order.
Hey Phil Jones
If you’re online during the game here are tonight’s umpires
HP Alex Tosi
1b Dan Bellino
2b Tony Randazzo
3b Phil Cuzzi
A couple months ago this would have been an absurd truth. But in the next few games Lux may have a higher BA then Smith.
Could we just dfa 4-9?
coming in the pitcher had 97 innings 81 ks
already 5 ks
Nothing screams weak more than Pages hitting against RH pitching AND batting 7th!
Flaherty did his job no thanks to Biggio. I was shocked Doc left Flaherty in for brown but I guess he looked over n saw Vesia n said I will just stay with Flaherty. Good decision as it turns out. Docs got a lot of confidence in the bullpen.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen the #3 hitter get pinch hit for in a game that wasnt a blowout
That was a kick in the pants, watching Kiki pitch the ninth. Good job Kiki
That got weird. Gotta admit I was kinda waiting for the bullpen to blow it.
They sure liked that particular left hander – 6 earned in one inning. But in typical Dodger fashion the guy struck out 3.
Dbacks lost, Padres won. Still 4.5. Hang on til the starters get back.