Saves in baseball did not become an official statistic until 1969. The first save was recorded by, as odd as it seems, a starting pitcher, and he was a Dodger. Bill Singer on April 7, 1969, opening day against the Reds at Crosley Field. Singer relieved Don Drysdale in the 7th inning with the Dodgers leading the Reds, 3-2. Drysdale had given up homers to Pete Rose and Bobby Tolan in the first inning. Those would be the Reds only runs. Singer threw 3 innings of hitless relief, allowing just a walk to Rose. He would appear in relief just 4 more times in his career getting 1 more save. His save got Drysdale his 205th career win. Big D would win only 4 more before being forced to retire because of a bad rotator cuff, which at the time, there was no surgery to correct. 
Before baseball became more specialized, relief pitchers were usually veterans on their way down, and it was considered mop up duty. The first real closer in Dodger history is Hugh Casey. Casey came to Brooklyn in 1939. His first full season, Casey started 25 games for the Dodgers and relieved 15 times. Because someone went back and checked old box scores to update records at some point, he was credited with 1 save.
He was in 44 games in 1940, only starting 10. He had complete games in 5 of those starts, with 2 shutouts, and he got 2 saves. In 1941, he started 18 of his 45 games. He got 7 saves that year. What Casey is most remembered for by older Dodger fans and historians, is what happened in the 9th inning of game 4 of the 41 World Series. Casey came in with Brooklyn leading 4-3. A win would tie the series. He got two outs. With Tommy Henrich at the plate, Casey threw a nasty pitch that Henrich swung at and missed, but catcher Mickey Owen could not hold on to the ball, Henrich reached first, and Casey imploded. The Yankees scored 4 runs to win the game 7-4 at Ebbets Field. They would beat Brooklyn the next day to win the series 4-1. From 42, while missing 3 years due to military service in WWII, until he left the Dodgers after the 48 season. Casey was strictly a reliever. He led the league in saves in 42 and 47 with 13 and 18 respectively. He had 49 of his 54 career saves as a Dodger, which puts him at #14 on their all-time list. 
If you look back on the Dodgers wins in the World Series, you will see that the first time they won, the starting pitcher, Johnny Podres was on the mound. In 59, it was their closer, Larry Sherry who was pitching in game 6. Koufax was on the mound in 63 and 65. Steve Howe was pitching in game 6 in 1981. Orel was on the mound in 88. In 2020 and 2024, both wins were closed out by starting pitchers pitching in relief. Urias with 2.1 innings of relief against the Rays, and Walker Buehler in 24 for the 9th inning of game 5. So only 2 of the deciding games had a pure relief pitcher on the mound when the team won. 
As the game has changed so much since 1969, pitching roles have become more specialized as the role of the starter has diminished. Clem Labine had the closer role but also started a lot for Brooklyn in the 50’s. He came west with the team and was credited with 23 saves while with LA. He had 81 overall as a Dodger. Labine’s biggest game came in the World Series in 1956. The game after Larsen’s perfect game, Labine pitched 10 shutout innings for a 1-0 win over Bob Turley. It staved off losing the series for 1 day. 
Larry Sherry was the next closer for LA, even though at that time that distinction was not made. He was just the pitcher Alston went to at the end of close games. Shery saved 39 games in his time as a Dodger, but his performance in the 59 series is one of the best by any Dodger pitcher in the post season. 2 wins and 2 saves, and a series MVP. Along with a new Corvette from the Sporting News. LA made a trade with the Cubs that brought them LHRP, Ron Perranoski and Perry would succeed Sherry as the closer. Perry would become the first LA pitcher with 100 saves, which is exactly how many saves he earned with LA.
Perranoski’s best year was 1963 when he won 16, lost 3 and had 21 saves. When the save became an official stat in 69, Perry was with the Twins. He recorded 31 to lead the AL in 69 and 34 to lead the AL again in 1970. Perry would return to the Dodgers in 1973 as their minor league pitching coordinator. Then in 1981, he became the Dodgers pitching coach ad remained in that position for 14 years before moving on to the Giants with Dusty Baker. The Dodger staff led MLB in ERA 5 times under his tutelage.
Jim Brewer, also rescued from the Cubs in a trade, was the next Dodger closer. Brewer racked up 126 saves in his 12 years with the Dodgers. Unlike many pitchers of his era, Brewer relied on his screwball as hit out pitch. It served him well. A few years later, a young lefty from Mexico would become famous throwing that same pitch. Brewer is now 4th on the all-time list of games played behind Jansen, Sutton and Drysdale. Perry is 5th.
Marshall with expansion Seattle Pilots
Mike Marshall took over as the closer in 1974. He had a historic season setting the record for games in a season with 106. He would become the first major league reliever to win the Cy Young award. Marshall marched to the beat of his own drummer, much like Bauer did. He trained his way and was a Dr. of Philosophy in exercise physiology, earning his degree from Michigan State in 1978. Marshall believed and taught a way of pitching that he said would eliminate arm injuries. Read his Wikipedia page if you want a detailed description.
Marshall famously waited out a disturbance in left field at Oakland when Buckner complained that the fans were tossing debris on the field. Marshall, who always pitched bare armed, did not take his eight warm-ups despite the delay and just coming in from the pen. When everything settled down, Joe Rudi homered to left on Marshall’s first pitch in the bottom of the 7th, and that proved to be the winning run in the deciding 5th game of the World Series.
Marshall pitched for 14 years and was on 8 different teams. He spent just over 2 years with the Dodgers and was traded to the Braves in June of 76 for Elias Sosa and Lee Lacy. Marshall finished with 42 saves in LA. When Marshall left, the new closer for LA was knuckleballer, Charlie Hough. Hough pitched in 77 games that year and had 18 saves. Hough did it for two years and the Terry Forster became the closer. Bobby Castillo did it for a year, but they had 6 pitchers with him who earned saves. Then Steve Howe was the closer from 1980-83. That was the year Tom Niedenfuer took over. 
Niedenfuer shared the job with Ken Howell in 1985. After getting the save in game 1 of the LCS against the Cardinals, Niedenfuer allowed a walk-off solo homer to Ozzie Smith in game 5. Lasorda, sticking with his man, brought him in to pitch with 2 on in the top of the 9th and LA leading 5-4. Instead of walking the red-hot Jack Clark and pitching to Andy Van Slyke, Lasorda let Tom pitch to Clark who promptly deposited a ball into the left field pavilion. LA lost the game and the series. Tom recorded 64 saves while he was a Dodger, 11th all-time. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Brad Havens and John Shelby. After he left, Alejandro Pena took over for the 87 season. 
That winter, LA traded for a true closer, Jay Howell of the A’s. He came as part of a 3-team trade with the A’s and the Mets. LA also received SS Alfredo Griffin from the A’s and Jesse Orosco from the Mets. They sent Jack Savage to the Mets and Bob Welch and Matt Young to the A’s. The A’s received Kevin Tapani and Wally Whitehurst from the Mets. Howell would be the Dodgers closer for the next 4 years racking up 85 saves in that span, plus 1 more in the 88 World Series. 
Roger McDowell was the closer in 92, and Jim Gott had the job in 93. In 94 they traded for Todd Worrell. Worrell would spend 5 years as the closer. He led the league with 44 saves in 1996 and had 127 as a Dodger, 4th on the all-time list. His 127 were just 2 shy of the total he had with the Cardinals prior to being traded. Worrell pitched just one post-season inning for the Dodgers. It was against the Braves in the LDS in 96. He walked 1 and struck out 1. 
In 1998, the infamous Piazza trade was made. Todd Radinsky and Antonio Osuna had been closing for LA, but Tommy Lasorda, the interim GM after Fred Claire was let go, decided they needed a true closer and he sent Paul Konerko to the Reds for Jeff Shaw. Shaw would pitch the next 3 1/2 years as the Dodgers closer, saving 129 games, 3rd on the all-time list. He won 9 games but lost 17. He did not pitch in any postseason games. Konerko was traded to the White Sox the following season and went on to hit over 400 homers for the Pale Hose. 
In 2002, LA converted former starting pitcher, Eric Gagne to be their closer. Gagne set a Dodger record with 52 saves that year. The following season, He converted all 55 save opportunities he had. He won the Cy Young and the Rolaids relief man of the year. When Gagne entered a game, the scoreboard would flash, GAME OVER, and “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns n Roses would blare through the PA system. Gagne also became the fastest pitcher ever to 100 saves.
Gagne would convert 84 straight saves before he finally blew one on July 5th, 2004, against Arizona. He signed a big contract prior to the 05 season, but he sustained some injuries and only pitched in 14 games, going 8-8 in save opportunities before he had to have TJ surgery in July. Basically, he was lost for 05-06. Gagne is second all-time with 161 saves. He went to Texas as a free agent in 07. In 06 the job went to Yhency Brazoban. He had a 4-10 record, an ERA over 5, but garnered 21 saves. His back up was Duaner Sanchez.  
LA went out and signed Japanese relief pitcher, Takashi Saito. Saito would pitch for LA for 3 seasons and rack up 84 saves. Rookie Jonathan Broxton and Joe Beimel were his main backups. In 09, Broxton inherited the role, he responded with 36 saves and a 7-2 record. But any good will he had built up with the fans disappeared when he allowed a 2 out 2-run walk off double to Jimmy Rollins in game 4. The year before, he had allowed a game winning 2-run homer to Matt Stairs in game 4. Corey Wade got the loss because he allowed the go-ahead runner to get on base. Broxton was traded to the Cardinals after 2010. Javy Guerra took over for 2011. But in 2012, Kenley Jansen, a converted catcher became the closer for the Dodgers. 
Over the next 10 seasons, Jansen racked up 350 saves in a Dodger uniform. In all those seasons he led the league in saves just once, 2017. He racked up an additional 19 saves in postseason play for LA. But those postseasons had their share of rocky moments. He was 3-2 in postseason games. In 2013, in the LCS with St. Louis, he gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings of work. In 2016, against DC in a series they won, he gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, including a homer and walked 5. That was in 5.1 innings of work.
In the LDS and LCS in 2017, Jansen did not allow a single run against the D-Backs and Cubs. But he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, 2 of them homers in the World Series against the Astros. He got the loss in game 5, the trash can game. In 18, he shut down Atlanta and Milwaukee, again not allowing a thing. He pitched 4 innings against Boston in the World Series allowing 2 runs, both of them on homers.
In the loss to DC in 19, he did not allow a thing. In 2020, he was unscored on against Milwaukee in 3 innings. He gave up 2 runs in 1.2 innings against the Padres. He was perfect in 3 innings against the Braves in 3 games striking out 3. He had a save against Milwaukee and 1 against Atlanta. Subsequently, he pitched in just 2 of the six games in the World Series. He had a blown save and took the loss in game 4. Because of that, Roberts turned to Treinen in game 5, and Urias in game six to finish the game. Those were the only 2 Dodger saves in the series.
He pitched 1 inning in the Wild Card game in 21, and got the win when Taylor homered. He pitched in 2 games in the LCS against the Giants getting a win. He pitched in 5 of the 6 games against Atlanta in the LCS loss. He gave up just 2 hits and a walk in 4 innings of work. That was his last season in LA. Jansen now has 458 career saves and is pitching for the Angels. Since he left, the closers role has fallen on Craig Kimbrel, Evan Phillips, who has gotten help from Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and now the job belongs to Tanner Scott for the time being. That is a short history of LA’s closers. Some good, some very good, and some occasionally awful.
I know as a fan; there was a point in time when I cringed when Jansen took the ball in the 9th inning. It seemed like he never had a clean 9th. It was extremely nerve wracking. Some guys come in and you say, Oh No! You just know they are going to lose. It will keep happening no matter who they get. But the relief corps they have, has a lot of depth, and some really good arms. Let us just hope they all come back healthy.
AF whiffed on Scott.
Well, he certainly overpaid. But you cannot evaluate the deal on the first three months of his first season. Wait until it’s over, then you will have a much better idea of how good or bad it is.
Yep. So far. He has been a huge disappointment.
The Dodgers could have signed Kenley Jansen for 1 year and $10MM. Take away his 1 absolute horrid appearance (May 2 against Detroit), and he would have 11 saves, no blown saves, 0-1 record, 2.16 ERA, and 1.200 WHIP.
Instead the Dodgers signed LHRP Tanner Scott for $72MM who has an 0-2 record, 10 saves, and 5 blown saves, 4.73 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. There are a lot out there who believed Scott was necessary for LAD to win another WS. Way too many better and less expensive options out there.
How many more wins would the Dodgers have, had KJ come home and Scott signed somewhere else?
The better question is why the heck they keep throwing him out there expecting different results. He’s had one good season in the majors and he’s the closer? With Kopech coming back they either need to demote him to mop-up or better yet just release him and eat the contract. They can afford it. He should not be pitching any innings outside of garbage time.
Which is ironic because his pitching has been garbage.
In 4 years in the NL Scott has an ERA+ of 148 and 11.5 K/9 rate. He put up great numbers last year and that’s why the Dodgers wanted him. Why that contract is a good question but AF knows what he’s doing. Nobody bats 1.000 in this game, and maybe Scott was a mistake, but his metrics this year suggest to me he’s still worth throwing out there.
Throw out like in the garbage? Ok, use him in less critical times until he proves he is contract worthy.
Agree with that 100%. Against lefties with runners on base in the 6th.
If only AF knew as much as we do!
AF has way more inside knowledge but right now, Scott is failing the EYE test badly.
Hypothetical coulda, woulda, shouda — water under the bridge. But now it’s all about AF working some deals to improve the team’s pitching prowess by the trade-deadline. Tough assignment.
Well, shoot…
Dodgers could have used a lock-down closer in the 10th today. With the new rule placing a runner at second, it’s very hard to prevent one run. But Scott gave up two hits and walk, allowing two runs to score.
Should Casparius become the closer?
I’ll credit the Dodgers for a good come-from-behind battle. Dustin May did fine, allowing only two runs in six innings, but received no offensive support.
Shohei did his thing to key the comeback, with both a homer and sac fly. Kim collected two more hits to raise his BA to .420. (Still don’t know why Roberts sat him for Rojas yesterday.)
Mookie is missed.
The way I see it, Conforto played because Mookie couldn’t. Conforto was 0 for 3 with a walk, has BA dropping to .170. With Mookie in at SS, Kim slides to 2B, Edman to CF and Pages to RF.
Both Outman and Ward are hot at OKC. Both, like Conforto, swing lefty. Of the three, Outman has the far superior glove.
But Conforto got the big contract, so he’ll remain on the roster and keep getting chances to show the brass didn’t make a mistake…
They miss Phillips and Treinen, and Yates too.
Yates is close to coming back. Maybe next week? As we know, Phillips is gone for 2025 and probably most (if not all) of 2026. Treinen? Who knows with him?
Conforto and Scott are making AF look bad. But he will never admit they may have been a mistake.
It’s now June. Getting close to when admitting mistakes might happen. Conforto and Scott are sunk costs unless they can be traded. The big question is whether the Dodgers have someone in-house that the organization has that will do better than Conforto. If so, his contract should not have any bearing on the decision to bench or move him.
Way too early to write off Scott.
He was doing well but has fallen on hard times the last 3 weeks.
I am still confident he will give us some huge outs when we need them most.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agree about Scott. Something is wrong and the Dodgers need to figure it out.
In looking at his metrics on Savant they make no sense to me. His K, whiff, chase, BB% and velocity are all good to great but for some reason his hard hit and exit velocity are poor. With a WHIP of 1.16 his ERA should not be approaching 5. I got a feeling it has something to do with command. He’s missing over the middle of the plate and hitters are waiting for it.
These Dodgers are frustrating. It’s often like they’re on cruise control, playing .500 ball, looking at their watch, or reading the newspaper, knowing when it matters, September/October, they can turn it on. The photo of Ohtani sleeping in the dugout, if true, sums it up.
They’ve been playing .500 ball since the second week of April, because of their terrible pitching. So yes, they are a .500 club.
We can now safely assume the Dodgers will prioritize pitching as their overriding need by the trade deadline.
So says Captain Duh. 🙂
https://fansided.com/freddy-peralta-trade-rumors-could-make-dodgers-rotation-even-scarier?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=2886516fdf4c1bbd0df3e577e8537ffae31f9cb863e3598a2891ce7bddb0fbce
I saw a similar report on that very trade idea. This would be a no-brainer if he were truly available. Unfortunately Freddie has been on the IL only 4 times and not since 2022. This is not who the Dodgers look at. Yes Bluto, this is a joke.
His strikeouts and walk ratios are above league average so he would fit in. His HR% is right at league average.
There is no way Milwaukee trades Peralta to LAD for Bobby Miller/James Outman headlining the return. But IMO, Peralta would be a fantastic addition if they were so inclined, but alas I do not believe they are.
If the Brewers think they’re in decent shape to make the playoffs, I figure they’ll wait until winter to trade Peralta.
If they do decide to move him in July, the thought that Miller and Outman could headline the return is absolutely laughable. They’ll have offers from 10-15 teams for Peralta and you can bet that all of them will be better than Miller/Outman. I’m thinking they would start by asking for something like DePaula or Hope plus Ferris plus another decent prospect. And AF won’t do that.
I am not losing hair over this loss. What bugs me is that after scoring 18 runs on Saturday and beating the best pitcher in the AL on Friday, the Dodger offense was held to 3 runs by a Dodger castoff, and 3 runs by a guy who hasn’t pitched in the majors for almost a year. What also bothers me is the Dodgers 700-million-dollar man swinging at pitches he could not hit with a very long bat. Ohtani has Bellingeritis. The tendency to go after low and away sweepers he cannot hit. For a guy with his talent, he strikes out way too much against mediocre pitching. Yes, he drove in 2 runs, one with a solo homer and the other with a sac-fly. But the guy is not a clutch hitter in my eyes. He is hitting .222 with runners in scoring position. The Dodgers get a slight respite after this stretch against very good teams. They play DC, Colorado, KC, White Sox, Astros, Brewers and Giants heading into the All-Star break. They play the Brewers, Twins, Red Sox and Reds after the break heading to the deadline. AF is playing reliever roulette again. Klein??? Loutos???
I have been saying the same thing about Ohtani and his lack of clutch hitting. When the bottom of the order was not getting on base, fans kept asking for Ohtani to be moved down in the order so he could bat with runners on base. My response was…why? You are taking a batter out of the leadoff spot, wanting him in the #3 or #4 spot while the Dodgers current #3 and #4 are two of the best hitters wRISP in all of MLB (Freeman and Smith).
I also think having Kim batting 9th and getting on base with Ohtani coming up takes away one of the LAD strengths…his legs. Kim is not going to run with Ohtani at the plate, as we all know that Ohtani will be walked. If I were in charge, I would put Mookie back at leadoff and slide Ohtani down to #2. Mookie has more walks than strikeouts. Excellent hand/eye coordination and bat control. He might be the ideal batter with Kim on base. A little hit and run through the right side? Mookie is more than capable of playing Jim Gilliam in that role. While not as magestic or as often as Shohei, Mookie is also capable of hitting one over the fence.
In order of OPS wRISP:
Ohtani has by far the lowest BA wRISP than any other Dodger batter.
Only Ohtani has a lower BA and OPS than their overall BA and OPS.
One of the worst ever in clutch spots as a Dodger to my mind was Grandal, He has hit .229 in his career. But it was worse as a Dodger. Dude was a frippen rally killer.
Move Ohtani to # 3 and hit Mookie and Freddie in front of him. Put Smith in the 4 hole and Teo hitting 5th. Muncy 6th when he plays. Pages 7th, against RHP and 6th against lefties.
Makes sense to me. But AF evidently doesn’t see it. Let Kim leadoff.
Ohtani has been disappointing with RISP. And yes, he strikes out way too much. It would be amazing what he could do if he had the Freddie Freeman approach at the plate.
The swings you describe Ohtani taking is his way of reminding us that he is also a pitcher.
Great stuff on the Dodger pitchers and the evolution of the relief pitcher, Bear. Very enjoyable read.
Entertaining, yet frustrating loss to the Mets. We refused to give in but just couldn’t get a big timely hit to get a lead.
I was wondering if Doc was going to pinch hit for Conforto in the 10th and he waited until the last second for reasons unknown. A little gamesmanship?
Joe Davis asked “who would you want up there Conforto vs Castillo or Smith vs Butto? Easy answer for me. I’ll take anybody up there over Conforto. He seemed to be improving with a homer and a couple of knocks lately, but he still stinks.
His .170/.596 is killing us as we all wait for him to find it like Muncy has. I’m not sure Conforto will ever find it.
It’s hard to criticize Ohtani but can look like a blind man trying to swat flies with a flyswatter, especially with men on base lately. He’ll take strikes and then swing at the rosin bag. Then he hits a massive solo homer. Where’s that with guys on?
Lots of well-deserved criticism of Tanner Scott. He comes into the 10th with all the energy and fire of a dead man. Geez, show a little competitiveness and swag, as a late reliever for $18 million a year?
May looked good which is a good sign as he goes where he’s never gone before. I hope that lower arm slot keeps him healthy. I think it’s compromised some movement on some pitches, but I’ll take it if he can stay on the field.
I had an idea for a new Dodger Bobble Head. This could be my next million. It’s the Blake Snell or Tyler Glasnow Bobble Head. Fans have to pay handsomely for it at the gate. You tap its head and after the 4th head bobble, its arm falls off.
Great idea Phil. I want to share in the profits so let me try to tweak your idea. Instead of calling it a bobble head let’s call it a bobble arm.
What’s going on with Glasnow? General body soreness? From what exactly? – he hasn’t thrown a competitive pitch in over a month and if his body is still sore from that then he really does have problems! 60 Day IL now.
I think Tanner Scott will turn things round. He’s bound to have lost a little swagger as his confidence must be very low. Maybe he could do with a couple of weeks rest to reset, but I guess there’s no real opportunity with so many in the infirmary.
I never believed Glasnow could stay healthy. I really disliked giving up Pepiot for him. Health wise, isn’t it better to have a bird in hand vs two in a the brush?
Your bobblehead idea is both funny and sad.
Don’t know if you have a marketing background, Phil, but if not, you missed your calling.
That bobblehead would definitely go into the BHOF (Bobblehead Hall of Fame).
Thanks Phil. I am beginning to think LA needs to target at least 1 starter, a reliever and a center fielder at the deadline. If Conforto hasn’t turned it around by the end of June, cut him loose. Also quit signing or trading for such mediocre relief pitchers like Loutos and Klein. Under the radar CF target, Brenton Doyle of the Rockies. Pretty sure they would not trade him to the Dodgers, but the guy can go get em in center. Decent bat his rookie year. Would benefit greatly with guys like Freddie, Mookie and Ohtani around him. He had 22 bombs and hit .260 last year. The Rocks new manager is faring worse than Black. Rocks are 3-17 since he took over. They are 10-50 overall. If LA does not sweep them the end of June, heads should roll.
Because Black was not the problem. Dick Monfort only needs to look in the mirror to see what the problem with the Rockies is. I agree the Doyle would be a good CF candidate, but I also agree that Colorado will not trade him to LAD. Another Monfort mistake.
Just when I was about to come over here and post about how the Dodgers pitching wasn’t the problem last night and did their job. They were down 2-1 in the ninth and about to lose, and the offense deserved the blame for this game right? Dustin May was effective for 6 whole innings (getting better), and two relievers pitched (Dreyer, Trevino) 3 scoreless innings. It was almost as if the baseball gods would just not allow the pitching staff to have a night where they allow less then three earned runs. NOT. Then the Dodgers tied it in the ninth, and Tanner Scott immediately came in and blew the game. Why he is continuously run out there game after game despite his dreadful results, is puzzling to say the least.
So after taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees, Dodgers drop the opener to the Mets. Since starting the season 9-1, the Dodgers are 27-25. Basically a .500 club due to their horrendous pitching staff.
I would recommend the Dodgers start paying more attention to results, and stop playing favorites, or obsessing over chase rates and zone sheets. There is absolutely no reason to continue to play Conforto. His days as a MLB hitter went by by a few years ago. It makes no sense to DFA or release two veterans who have been with the team for 10 years each, who have at least sweat equity, then a guy who’s in his first year with the club who has contributed nothing for two moonths. No, it’s not about the money either. They’re paying Taylor 13.5 Million to play somewhere else. For some weird reason, they like Conforto, which is bizarre considering he’s been so utterly atrocious.
On the pitching side, a return to basic pitching fundamentals is what’s needed here. It won’t solve everything with 15 pitchers on the IL, (most won’t be back this year) but it should help.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, the fastball is the foundation to good pitching, mixing that with an aggressive approach will help these loser pitchers finally start getting guys out. If you’ve got a 98 mph fastball, but are ordered not to throw it early in counts, what’s the point of pitching?
Simple stuff here, and maybe bringing in someone like Hershiser can help teach these fundamentals to the younger players.
Attacking the zone and challenging hitters should be an organizational decree. If you are not attacking the zone, then you are not pitching.
Getting ahead in counts is another pitching fundamental 101. Retiring the first batter of the inning.
The team has already admitted to needing to pitch more efficiently, which would involve giving up chasing the chase, and allowing starting pitchers to pound the strike zone, and get more outs on batted balls. Why not teach one or two of these guys to throw a sinker?, You could have a couple of ground ball pitchers that can gets outs efficiently. If you can teach guys how to throw sweepers and sliders, you can teach them how to throw a sinker. Better than some of the home run machines they currently have on their pitching staff.
And can we stop with the whole expecting to get all of these pitchers back from the injured list? Most of those guys are not coming back. not this year.
The Dodger’s pitching staff is undeniably pathetic.
“Dustin May was effective for 6 whole innings (getting better).”
Getting better? Every one of Dustin’s starts this year have been at least 5.0 IP. 5 of the 11 have been at least 6.0 IP. The average innings per start for MLB pitchers in 2025 is 5.20, less than 5 1/3 innings. For his last three starts, Dustin has pitched 17.0 innings, allowed 6 runs on 15 hits, 5 BB, and 22 K. That works to a 3.18 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Not too shabby for a pitcher who was supposed to be the #6 and moved up to #5, then #4…Some want to look at the back of his baseball card for his total 2025 season, while I prefer to look at the trends, and Dustin May is trending up.
Same with Landon Knack. If you want to look at the back of his baseball card for the 2025 season you could justify your disappointment. I choose to believe he is doing a very good job as depth filling in for Aces.
Not ideal but neither May nor Knack are problems. To expect more out of depth at the back of the rotation or long relief is unrealistic.
I am sure that my post tomorrow will be met with derision from you, but I choose to believe this team will get the pitching from internal sources and without selling out on the top prospects. And while I may be looking through rose-colored glasses, for me, that is better than criticizing the team all the way up until they win the WS, and then climbing aboard.
BTW, the Dodgers are not going to tear this pitching staff down and start over.
of course the Dodgers aren’t going to tear the pitching staff down.
of course they won’t hire Orel H as pitching coach.
Of course the Dodgers already stress getting ahead in counts.
Of course the Dodgers won’t fire Friedman.
Scott is, as is his want, performing for reaction.
sadly, people are reacting (myself included)
I am better with my kids!
Scott is fine. He is passionate, and has a different perspective. It is one I do not believe in, but he is fun to banter with.
I love the banter! No Bluto I am not performing, and I did not mention anything about firing Friedman. Why would I? especially when they just won the World Series last year.
But this pitching staff is bad. you know it. I know it. Jeff D. knows it. Bear knows it. Every Dodger fan right now knows how bad this pitching staff is. When I have a moment, I would be more than happy to post the numbers here to prove. Although you don’t really need numbers to see the results that are occurring in real time during the games. Just watch the games.
But hey I’m sure Ryan Loutos will help….right?
of course you are lying.
of course you are performing?
have trouble remembering what you do?
here is a list of things you JUST WROTE:
How many, if any, do you actually believe and how many are just for reaction:
— most IL pitchers won’t be back this year
— Dodger pitchers are ordered not to throw fastballs early in the count
— Dodger pitchers are told not to “attack the zone” (you can even define that inane phrase before you try to defend it)
— Dodger pitchers are chasing the chase, (another inanity)
— Dodger pitchers are told to not attack the zone
— Dodger pitchers don’t throw sinkers!
Once again Bluto, you are wrong, but allow me to go through all of these one by one to show everyone how petty you really are.
-That’s my opinion yes. Based on history. But how many do you think will be back and able to stay healthy all year? They have 15 pitchers on the injured list. 2 are coming back next week. What’s your guess?
-I believe they are ordered not to attack the strike zone in general, that means not throwing a lot of fastballs early in counts. They don’t want any balls put in play. So either they are ordered not to do it, or they are just not doing it. Which do you believe is accurate?
-They don’t attack the zone. We’ve already discussed this over here. Fact: Dodger pitching staff have issued the eighth most walks in MLB. Is that attacking the zone?
-They are chasing the chase numnuts. The pitching staff allows more walks than almost every team in the National League (Mets and Marlins) while running counts up on at least 2/3 of hitters. Jeff D. has already written an article about this and agreed with me. Do you even watch the games?
-Yes I believe they are told not to throw strikes, because the analytics do not like balls put in play. Didn’t we already go over this?
-I didn’t say they don’t throw sinkers, I said they should teach them how to in order to have a couple of ground ball pitchers. That would help them pitch more efficiently, and get outs without obsessing over chase rates and going 3-ball counts on every other hitter.
You never have an opinion on anything. My best guess is because you are scared to have an opinion. Grow a pair Bluto, have an opinion and discuss without acting like you are a snobby know-it all.
Yes, I’m too scared to have an opinion.
That’s a perceptive and good factual observation.
Speaking of perceptive and factual….
In order:
Injured List:
Without question:
Garcia will be back, it’s an adductor strain.
Snell will be back, next week he starts throwing off a mound.
Kopech will be back, this week I believe.
Henriquez will be back, he’s on a rehab.
Sheehan will be back, his rehab is underway as well.
Yates will be back, I think he threw or is throwing a sim game.
Sasaki will be back, he’s on a throwing program.
Graterol will be back on a rehab in August.
Most probably:
Ryan will be back, but maybe not in the majors.
Glasnow will be back, he’s throwing bullpens I believe.
Any doubt about any of those in specific? That’s 10! Feel free to indicate the plurality you feel differently about.
You wrote:
“-I believe they are ordered not to attack the strike zone in general”
If only someone of import has spoken about this. Oh. Wait, what’s this?
Dave Roberts: ““He continues to pick us up and be that top-end guy we expect him to be,” Roberts said. “For him to attack the zone and be efficient and get through that seventh inning was huge. He was on the attack all night long against a very good-hitting ballclub.”
Brandon Gomes: ““He’s been really sharp. The movement [on his pitches] is ungodly. His command has been good. He really hasn’t missed a beat as far as putting the entire arsenal together and being able to attack the zone.””
You wrote:
“Yes I believe they are told not to throw strikes, because the analytics do not like balls put in play.”
Gee, I always though the analytics said something to the contrary. Oh, wait. What’s this?
Increased Control and Outcomes:Throwing a first-pitch strike (F-Strike%) improves a pitcher’s control, leading to more outs and fewer walks. It also increases the likelihood of inducing weak contact or even a strikeout. Reduced Hitter Success:A batter facing a first-pitch strike has a lower batting average and on-base percentage than when facing a first-pitch ball. Impact on At-Bat Dynamics:A first-pitch strike puts the hitter on their heels, reducing their ability to get on base and advance. It can lead to a more favorable count for the pitcher. Statistical Significance:Statistics consistently show that a first-pitch strike is a valuable asset for pitchers, leading to better outcomes in the at-bat.You wrote:
“Why not teach one or two of these guys to throw a sinker?”
Wow. You got me there. IF only a national publication had written about the Dodgers teaching the sinker. I mean surely someone who maintains a blog about the Dodgers wouldn’t miss a national story contrary to the point he’s making…
Wait. What’s this? From the New York Times?!??!? no way.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5525246/2024/05/29/dodgers-sinker-tyler-glasnow/”
Can you please just stop posting nonsense and performing??!?!?!
You are a smart guy. Post smart things.
Stop making shit up and looking for reactions.
You almost gave an opinion on something Bluto. You are getting close. Maybe you’re first opinion can be about me.
You have no idea when most of those guys are coming back. Graterol is rehabbing in August? Lolz based on your crystal ball? Glasnow had entire body soreness just from picking up a baseball, playing catch.
Like when I have entire body sickness reading your snooty posts.
Who is Roberts and Gomes talking about in those quotes you posted? May? You didn’t post that.
Blah blah blah from you, yet the Dodger pitchers still don’t attack the strike zone. Walk tons of hitters, are constantly behind in counts. Again, I ask why aren’t they doing it?
Glasnow may have a sinker in his arsenal, but he is not there. I know Yamamoto throws one occasionally, as does May. But the rest of the staff doesnt, or rarely does. Every game I watch (do you watch the games?), the relievers are all throwing sweepers and sliders mainly. The point I was making is that they should teach these guys to throw the sinker more often. Possibly having one or more of the relievers focus on it more.
The article you posted only proves my point Bluto.
I’ll ask you another question. Why are there so many 3-ball counts? Why are the starters unable to pitch efficiently, or be under 80 pitches by the 4th or 5th inning?
The pitching is bad Bluto. Even the great Kershaw can’t get through the first inning without allowing an earned run.
Lastly, get bent Bluto. Please get bent.🖕
Scott,
I’ll keep this simple, because you seem incapable of comprehension right now.
Of course, I’m guessing which pitchers will be back.
You know why, you dingbat? Because you asked me to guess! Is this a joke?
How about this. 8 pitchers would be “most” given that 15 are on the IL. How about as soon as 8 pitchers return, you stop posting anything performative and only post facts?
What does it matter which pitchers Gomes and Roberts were talking about. You know why, you dingbat? Because I’m responding to your comment that the Dodgers “don’t attack the zone”. I showed you not only that they do, but it’s appreciated and valued.
On the subject of sinkers, you wrote the Dodgers don’t teach it. I showed you not only that they do, but they teach it well and their pitchers use it effectively. NOW you are changing the subject to “who throws it”. Of those who have pitched in the majors?
Yamamoto does. Kershaw does. Glasnow does. May does. Banda does. Wroboleski does. Hurt does. Buehler does. Vesia does. Treinen does. Graterol does. Ryan does. Brasier does. Joe Kelly does. Honeywell does.
See if you can figure out how many relievers on that list. I think it’s under 10, so you can count on your fingers.
Finally, you asked:
“Why are the starters unable to pitch efficiently, or be under 80 pitches by the 4th or 5th inning?”
Because they’re not pitching well!
This would be an excellent subject matter! It’s a bit tired, but it’s at least correct.
Here’s a post that you can try in the future:
The Dodgers aren’t pitching well. It would be so much better if they got the first pitch in for a strike. Anyone else have thoughts about what they could do better?
See? That’s correct. It invokes discussion. It’s not filled with made up stuff that’s easily identified as made up. It avoids hyperbole and stupidity.
Try to post correct things, Scott.
Be better.
Nice work Bluto. You’ve actually formed an opinion, removed your head from your butt, and looks like I’ve even gotten you a little riled up. I like that, and I like it when you have a little spunk. I like my Bluto feisty!
Now let’s dig into what you posted again. All you’ve done, us just proven everything I’ve posted about has merit. And at least some truth. One quote from one game from Roberts and Gomes doesnt disprove what I’ve written.
The truth is and I’ll post it again, and I know feisty Bluto may just take another swing at me. (You should always take a swing, see baseball metaphors)….
Dodger starters throw the least amount of innings in MLB….FACT
Dodger relivers throw the most amount of innings in MLB….another fact
Casual observance from watching games, something I’m not sure you do.
Dodger pitchers are inefficient and throw way too many 3-ball counts-observation…
Dodger pitchers give up way too many walks….FACT.
Why do the Dodger pitchers give up so many walks?, are in a ton of 3-ball counts? and make way too many pitches? About pitcher’s efficiently…?
Well my theory is that (Jeff D. Seems to agree with me here) the analytics guys do not like balls put in play (batted ball variance), they are obsessed with chase rates because that gets them the weakest contact, if anything. But it takes too many pitches to do it. Every hitter now sees 8-10 pitches. That’s why none of the starters can go more than 4 or 5 innings. By then they’ve already made 80-85 pitches…..Theory
My opinion is that from watching the games, many of the relievers and a few of the starters are throwing a lot of sweepers and sliders, nibbling and not challenging hitters enough. It goes back to what I was saying earlier about chase rates, chasing the chase ad Jeff D put it.
If the Dodgers challenged hitters more, attacked the zone more often they would make less pitches.
I also believe that a good strong fastball with a little movement (especially thrown early in counts) is the foundation of pitching…OPINION
To say they are just not pitching well doesn’t even scratch the surface. Maybe they are just not good pitchers…? That is an opinion.
Is this a bit better for you??? My delicate little flower? after all, you are essentially agreeing with me. What were arguing over is semantics. Potato…potato Bluto.
Oh and one more thing……🖕 take this post and shove it right up your…..
Btw yet another game where the pitching stinks…this time courtesy of the great Kerhaw. It’s 5-4 Mets as I write this.
This was a really good post!
Nothing speculative about tearing down the pitching staff.
Nothing inane about hershieser.
Nothing made up about sinkers.
Nothing easily disproven about “attacking the zone”
No performative declarative statements about pitchers returning from the Injured List!!
Nothing about fans “enjoying losing”
Nothing about Friedman!
You even presented an opinion as an opinion, and not as fact!
Seriously. Honestly. This was a wonderful post that would drive conversation. It’s great and thoughtful!
If you had posted this, you wouldn’t have come across like a shitposter, nor would you and I engaged in a thread that made you look like a stupid person incapable of reading.
Why do you always have to ruin my fun Bluto?
DODGERS WIN!!!!
😘🤓🖕
In regards to May, I meant his starts are getting better in general in terms of overall effectiveness and limiting runs. I like May, he’s normally been pretty good when healthy. And yes Knack has been very useful. Those two are not the issues.
Now Jeff, I don’t know if you are kidding me or not, but I never meet anyone’s posts with derision, least of all yours. I enjoy reading your generally nuanced and even keel takes. You have a unique perspective with your son being a former Major leaguer. I am just a lowly fellow blogger with a few followers (litterally a few) and a meager salary. I am merely a man who loves the Dodgers and does not like mediocre pitching.
I prefer to overreact. It gives me an advantage in two ways. If I am correct, then I am right, and I am prepared for the worst and not surprised when it happens. It lessens the blow. If I am wrong, then I enjoy watching the Dodgers win, also giving me plausible deniability.
I know they are not going to tear it all down, they’ll roll out the same guys over and over until the season ends. Tanner Scott will likely be blowing games in the playoffs, and the Dodgers will rave about his awful pitching. I get it.
But you gotta admit that this pitching staff still stinks Jeff. I can provide the numbers easily, and the results speak for themselves, but you already know.
But here’s hoping that it gets better.
Scott, I kid. I like bantering with you. But my post for tomorrow is antithetical to what you describe.
Sheehan and Ohtani will be back back the all star break. Snell and Sasaki are scheduled to return as well. Kopech will probably be reinstated this week with Yates coming back soon. Grateral most likely back after the all star game. Glasnow, who knows what’s going on there. But all in all, most of the staff will return. It’s not all gloom and doom.
Bear is spot on Ohtani no clutch whatsoever big k wtih risp. Scott also on playing favorites over performance. Poor fundamentals hurts this team along with atrocious pitching decisions.
Bear,
Enjoyed your article on the relief pitchers. Wow. All the way back to Hugh Casey. Always felt bad for Mickey Owen. Was it a spitball? On the other hand, 40 years later I still haven’t forgiven Tom Niedenfuer. That home run to Ozzie was the first one from that side of the plate in like 3000 ABs? Tommy should get at least a good part of the blame on the Jack Clark bomb.
According to who you believe, Owen said it was a spitball, Casey said it was not. It was recorded as a wild pitch. Whatever it was it was too nasty to catch. Casey is a somewhat tragic figure. He committed suicide on July 3rd, 1951, in Atlanta. While he was on the phone with his wife, who was pleading with him. He died of a shotgun blast to the neck. He was upset that he had been named by another woman as the father of her child in a paternity suit. He was just 37 years old. Yes, Tommy should have had him walk Clark. Van Slyke was hitting under .200 for the series.
According to who you believe, Owen said it was a spitball, Casey said it was not. It was recorded as a wild pitch. Whatever it was it was too nasty to catch. Casey is a somewhat tragic figure. He committed suicide on July 3rd, 1951, in Atlanta. While he was on the phone with his wife, who was pleading with him. He died of a shotgun blast to the neck. He was upset that he had been named by another woman as the father of her child in a paternity suit. He was just 37 years old. Yes, Tommy should have had him walk C Van Slyke was hitting under .200 for the series.
Dodgers to sign Jose Urena. See Scott, help is on the way ( just kidding). A move will be necessary to get him on the 40 man roster.
Does anyone on any team swing harder than Muncy?
I sometimes tend to not let go. I hung on to Loney and Joc. I am now trying to let go of Outman but not succeeding. It’s painful to pull for someone and not be rewarded. That’s the lead in for me to say I would be more entertained watching Outman than Conforto. Will Outman get one more try? I don’t think Roberts wants to do that though. He can be stubborn as well.
For me, Max is a platoon guy. I would platoon him with Kike’ or Rojas and whichever one it isn’t, I would release. I would make Kim the backup second baseman and shortstop and wouldn’t be afraid of using him at third. Maybe some center field.
Bench: Rushing, Kike’/Rojas, Conforto, Kim
Outfield: RF Pages, CF Outman, LF Teo Hernandez
Or, keep both Rojas and Kike’ and lose Conforto to balance the righty/lefty bats on the bench.
Fred would not be just Doc’s decision. AF would have a huge say in who comes up and who goes down.
I think AF has the ultimate say on who comes up and down.
Most likely true. But I am sure they discuss roster moves with the manager and the coaching staff. Stratton has to feel snake bit. They sign him, do not use him for nearly a week, he gets into two games and gets DFAd.
I too like Outman and was hoping he could find his 2023 Mojo. Alas, I don’t think we will see him with the big club again.
Urena???? Another reclamation project, and judging from the way he has pitched, it is going to take a lot of work to turn him around. Offense might get a boost with the possible return of Betts to the lineup tonight. I still believe the batting order needs a tweak. I like Betts better in the leadoff role. Ohtani is wasted there. Rather see him hitting 2-runs shots than solo blasts. Burnes went on the IL and the Mets called up Ronnie Mauricio with Viento’s expected to be placed on the IL after injuring himself getting out of the batter’s box last night.
Call me nuts, but I would rather have Sauer on this team than Urena. At least Matt can eat some innings. He is starting tonight for OKC.
LA on pace for a 99-win season, best in the west, but tied with Cubs and Mets and 4 games behind the Phillies.
Sadaharu Oh’s partner in crime, Shigeo Nakashima, has passed away at the age of 89. Tributes to the legend were led by Shohei Ohtani. Oh, and Nakashima led the Yomiuri Giants to nine straight Japan Series titles between 1965-73. He hit 444 homers and had a .305 BA with an OPS of .919. RIP
Bear, I look at Sadaharu Oh as the father of modern hitting in the good ole USA, way past his playing days in Japan. As MLB hitters went trough a ton of gurus like Ted Williams, Walt Hrinak, Charley Lau, Charlie Manuel, Rick Downs, Tony Gwynn and hitting style from stride and glide guys to pure rotational hitters, today’s style has a lot of Oh in it.
His high leg kick took years to catch on in the states but it became an accepted load for many MLB hitters and those who preach uppercut..
He was before his time in the states,. IMHO.
Glasnow, Snell, Yamamoto, Ohtani, Sasaki, May, Gonsolin, Kersh, Sheehan, Knack,Miller. Just pathetic! AF should be shot!! You gotta love Scott. And he’ll be apologizing once again come the end of October.
Another AF head scratcher, LA DFAd Chuckie, why did they even claim him??
Reliever roulette in full swing.
I’ll always cherish the Chuckie the Dodger era.
So long as Scott (Tanner, not Andes) doesn’t cost us a shot at October, I’ll give him thru October to see if he’s a failure of a signing or not. If he figures things out, he’ll be lightening for us when we need it.
So I’ll see if he shows up when it matters (if he doesn’t prevent us from getting there himself).
You can blame me if you like. My complaining could be the missing ingrediant this season.
You were certainly a good luck charm last year! 😍
haha whatever it takes to win it again!
Complaining is OK. It is not OK when it is not warranted. Complaining about Conforto and Scott is completely warranted. So far, $35M wasted. And we are stuck with Scott for 3 more years. I am still hoping they can turn it around and be contributor’s and not liabilities.
Some good news for future Dodger pitching Patrick Copen is being promoted to Tulsa
Also Eduardo Quintero was player of the month at Rancho
NICE!
Jeff mentioned he expected something like this.
The only way Kersh survives is with impeccable command. So far this season it isn’t there. Mistakenly recorded the Mets broadcast tonight. Aweful. Hernandez is soooo bad.
My first reaction is to say:
Give him time. He’s coming off surgeries. He’s always been mechanics dependent and he is old.
What I think may be better to say is:
He may need more than just time. He’s coming off surgeries. He’s always been mechanics dependent and he is old.
It’s sad for me to watch this. Kershaw with an ERA of 5.17. 4 starts and not even 16 innings. More time? Yeah. Sure.
Muncy’s error sunk him, that should have been a double-play ball.
Right now, the Dodgers are a hard team to watch. Another error by Muncy opens the door for the Mets.
So…Dodgers down by one in the 8th. A walk, a single and a passed ball put Shohei on third and Mookie on second with zero outs.
Then Freddie strikes out, Teo grounds into a fielder’s choice, and Smith strikes out…
Ugh.
Freddie is clutch. Max redeems himself and so does Scott.
Wow. Freddie comes thru, best hitter on the team.
Big props to Tanner Scott for that inning! Hopefully he figured something out.
Huge huge win.
Interesting close games these past couple of nights. Pleased for Scott – managed to get a lot of chase which is what he needs.
Caspa has been a revelation.
Great article Bear. I really liked Saito.