Michael Wacha is the latest St. Louis Cardinals pitching wunderkind. He came into last night's game against the Dodgers with a 7-0 record and for the first five innings, he owned the Dodgers. He carried a no hitter into the sixth inning and the Dodgers possessed a 42 inning road scoreless streak. Wacha lost his no hitter and a precarious 1-0 lead as the Dodgers scored four runs in the top of the sixth inning, the last three coming on Yasmani Grandal's two out, three run homerun. The Dodgers only managed three hits off of Wacha but three walks and timely hitting lead them to the victory.
When I saw the pitching matchup of Wacha versus Carlos Frias, I did not like the Dodgers chances. Frias settled down after a shaky first inning when he gave up an unearned run and pitched seven solid innings, getting his fourth win. The Dodgers really needed him to produce and he pitched deep into the game, saving a few bullpen arms in the process.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
Corey Seager
The internet sports world is abuzz after Corey Seager's 6 for 6 day with 6 RBI's for Oklahoma City last night. The big question being when will the Dodgers bring the 21 year old and #6 major league prospect up to Los Angeles. Seager is a natural Shortstop but projected to be a Third Baseman in the Majors. The Dodgers currently have a crowded infield. Turner and Guerrero are manning Third, starting Shortstop Jimmy Rollins is off to a slow start only batting about .200 but he is in the last year of his contract, Howie Kendrick is having a solid season at Second Base, and no one is replacing A-Gon at First. The Dodgers also just traded for utility man Alberto Callaspo.
The Dodgers will leave Seager in Oklahoma City because he needs at-bats everyday. I don't believe he will be brought up until the roster expands to 40 in September. I would look for him to be a regular in Los Angeles in 2016 unless Jimmy Rollins gets injured at some point and time this season.
The Dodgers will leave Seager in Oklahoma City because he needs at-bats everyday. I don't believe he will be brought up until the roster expands to 40 in September. I would look for him to be a regular in Los Angeles in 2016 unless Jimmy Rollins gets injured at some point and time this season.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
The Expendable
The Los Angeles Dodgers made their first trade of the seson last night trading Third Baseman Juan Uribe and Pitcher Chris Withrow across the hallway to the Atlanta Braves Visitor's Locker Room for Utility Infielder Alberto Callaspo, Pitchers Eric Stults, Ian Thomas, and Juan Jaime.
Uribe's playing time had waned over the course of the past couple of weeks with Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero getting the majority of the playing time. Guerrero can play multiple positions and has emerged as a legitimate power threat, hitting his 9th homerun against the Atlanta Braves last night. Uribe was in the last year of his contract, was not off to a good start, and did not have the defensive versatility that Turner and Guerrero have. Alberto Callaspo is also a versatile player and his stats and Uribe's stats about mirrored each other.
Pitcher Eric Stults was drafted by the Dodgers in 2002 and appeared in 35 games with 24 starts from 2006-09, compiling an 8-10 record. He has bounced around the majors since then compiling a 36-48 overall record including 1-5 with the Braves this season. He even spent a season in Japan. He is not really in the Dodgers plans so they immediately designated him for assignment. Internet chatter has the Milwaukee Brewers taking a look at him.
The Dodgers also picked up two relievers, Ian Thomas and Juan Jaime. Both have some major league time under their belt, Thomas appearing in 21 games over the past couple of seasons and Jaime appearing in 18. Thomas was sent to Oklahoma City and Jaime was sent to Camelback Ranch to try to iron out some control issues.
The player I hated to see go was reliever Chris Withrow. He has been a highly ranked Dodgers prospect for years and he appeared in 46 games over 2013-14 but a back injury and Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2015 season. He has always had a power arm but he was not going to be able to help the Dodgers this season.
This was one of those trades that might end up being a blip on the radar. The Dodgers moved an unhappy Uribe, got a more versatile Callaspo, and got some more arms for the bullpen. The Dodgers just shuffled some personnel and sometimes that unhappiness can infect the clubhouse. It was nice to see Uribe get a nice ovation from the Dodgers crowd in his first at bat with the Braves the other night. I remember seeing Juan Uribe play as an Asheville Tourist in the Colorado Rockies organization in the early 1990's and he has turned it into a nice long career.
Uribe's playing time had waned over the course of the past couple of weeks with Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero getting the majority of the playing time. Guerrero can play multiple positions and has emerged as a legitimate power threat, hitting his 9th homerun against the Atlanta Braves last night. Uribe was in the last year of his contract, was not off to a good start, and did not have the defensive versatility that Turner and Guerrero have. Alberto Callaspo is also a versatile player and his stats and Uribe's stats about mirrored each other.
Pitcher Eric Stults was drafted by the Dodgers in 2002 and appeared in 35 games with 24 starts from 2006-09, compiling an 8-10 record. He has bounced around the majors since then compiling a 36-48 overall record including 1-5 with the Braves this season. He even spent a season in Japan. He is not really in the Dodgers plans so they immediately designated him for assignment. Internet chatter has the Milwaukee Brewers taking a look at him.
The Dodgers also picked up two relievers, Ian Thomas and Juan Jaime. Both have some major league time under their belt, Thomas appearing in 21 games over the past couple of seasons and Jaime appearing in 18. Thomas was sent to Oklahoma City and Jaime was sent to Camelback Ranch to try to iron out some control issues.
The player I hated to see go was reliever Chris Withrow. He has been a highly ranked Dodgers prospect for years and he appeared in 46 games over 2013-14 but a back injury and Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2015 season. He has always had a power arm but he was not going to be able to help the Dodgers this season.
This was one of those trades that might end up being a blip on the radar. The Dodgers moved an unhappy Uribe, got a more versatile Callaspo, and got some more arms for the bullpen. The Dodgers just shuffled some personnel and sometimes that unhappiness can infect the clubhouse. It was nice to see Uribe get a nice ovation from the Dodgers crowd in his first at bat with the Braves the other night. I remember seeing Juan Uribe play as an Asheville Tourist in the Colorado Rockies organization in the early 1990's and he has turned it into a nice long career.
A Confession
I have to admit it, when the Dodgers put reliever Chris Hatcher into a 1-1 game in the 8th inning last night, I turned the TV off. I am not one of these fair weather Dodger fans that only pull for the Dodgers when things are going good, I am with them through thick and thin. I wear all of my Dodger gear proudly. Chris Hatcher had a lot of help losing last night's game due to a bullpen breakdown, but I have lost confidence in Chris Hatcher. Two batters and zero outs last night. He almost resembles a batting practice pitcher out there. It might be time to send him down to Oklahoma City and work things out there unless he is out of options, then I believe I would take my chances on another team claiming him. Arms seem to be in short supply in the Major Leagues this season so there might be a trade possibility there if someone does claim Hatcher.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw pitched one his best games of the season last night against the Atlanta Braves in the Dodgers 8-0 win. Kershaw was staked to a 6-0 lead after the 4th inning and Adrian Gonzalez drove in his 1,000 and 1,001 RBI's with a two run homer in the 5th. Kershaw struck out 10 and didn't walk anyone in 7 innings of work. A.J. Ellis even had a hit and drove in his second run of the season. He is now batting a robust .133.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The Backup Catcher
The backup Catcher has had a valuable role on a baseball team since the beginning of baseball. Catching is physically the toughest job on a baseball team. Foul tips, the constant squatting behind the plate, the now rare home plate collision, and blocking pitches in the dirt takes it's toll on any catcher. That is what makes a backup Catcher so valuable. Being a great hitter is not a necessity for a backup. Being able to call a good game, handle a pitching staff, throw out the occasional baserunner, and play solid defense is all a backup catcher needs to do to cement his roll on the team.
The backup catcher probably does need to bat higher than the .116 which is what Dodger backup Catcher A.J. Ellis is currently hitting. That is barely over half of the infamous Mendoza Line. This is after he batted .191 last year as the primary starter. Starter Yasmani Grandal and his .291 average is on the seven day concussion disabled list so Rookie Austin Barnes got the call from AAA Oklahoma City and went 1 for 3 in his debut on Sunday.
I don't know if the Dodgers are shopping for a backup Catcher or not but it will be interesting to see what happens around the trade deadline.
The backup catcher probably does need to bat higher than the .116 which is what Dodger backup Catcher A.J. Ellis is currently hitting. That is barely over half of the infamous Mendoza Line. This is after he batted .191 last year as the primary starter. Starter Yasmani Grandal and his .291 average is on the seven day concussion disabled list so Rookie Austin Barnes got the call from AAA Oklahoma City and went 1 for 3 in his debut on Sunday.
I don't know if the Dodgers are shopping for a backup Catcher or not but it will be interesting to see what happens around the trade deadline.
Power Surge
There was a power surge in Los Angeles last night against the Atlanta Braves and in came in the form of three homeruns in the eighth inning of a 6-3 win. Andre Ethier, Alex Guerrero, and Jimmy Rollins all hit one out to bring the Dodgers back from a 2-1 deficit in the 7th inning. The Dodgers had only scored 9 runs in their previous 8 games.
The Dodgers versus the Braves takes on a special significance for me because I live in Braves country. It was real bad for me when the Braves were going to all of those World Series in the 1990's. I never heard the end of it. It was just as bad when they were National League West rivals. The Braves had some great teams in the 1990's but only won one World Series during that time. I got to refer to them as the "Buffalo Bills of baseball." That is a title that they still retain.
The Dodgers versus the Braves takes on a special significance for me because I live in Braves country. It was real bad for me when the Braves were going to all of those World Series in the 1990's. I never heard the end of it. It was just as bad when they were National League West rivals. The Braves had some great teams in the 1990's but only won one World Series during that time. I got to refer to them as the "Buffalo Bills of baseball." That is a title that they still retain.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
The New Ace
Mike Bolsinger has turned into the ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff at this point in the season. He pitched eight innings of one hit ball with eight strikeouts and no walks against the San Diego Padres last night. Bolsinger got all the run support he needed from a Joc Pederson leadoff homerun (his 12th) and improved his record to 3-0 and lowered his ERA to 0.71. Kenley Jansen pitched a perfect 9th inning and between Bolsinger and Jansen, faced the minimum 27 batters.
The way the Dodgers offense is going now, the Dodgers need those kind of pitching performances just to get a win and with Jansen coming off the Disabled List, he can make those one run leads hold up.
The way the Dodgers offense is going now, the Dodgers need those kind of pitching performances just to get a win and with Jansen coming off the Disabled List, he can make those one run leads hold up.
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Panic Button
Losing three games in a row to the San Francisco Giants is bad enough. Getting shutout three games in a row by the San Francisco Giants? Madison Bumgarner hitting a homerun off Clayton Kershaw? I don't think these are three signs of the apocalypse, but in the Dodger universe, they are very close.
It is kind of ironic, but before the Giants series started, one of the Dodgers bloggers had posted something about what an unprecedented season the Dodgers offense was having. Now I read one today, that believed the Dodgers starting pitching was falling apart. It is not like the Giants averaged ten runs a game in the series. The Dodgers are missing two starting outfielders and two starting pitchers. Every team goes through periods like this. The Dodgers just need to ride the storm out and hopefully they will get back on track. They have only played about one-fourth of the season.
It is kind of ironic, but before the Giants series started, one of the Dodgers bloggers had posted something about what an unprecedented season the Dodgers offense was having. Now I read one today, that believed the Dodgers starting pitching was falling apart. It is not like the Giants averaged ten runs a game in the series. The Dodgers are missing two starting outfielders and two starting pitchers. Every team goes through periods like this. The Dodgers just need to ride the storm out and hopefully they will get back on track. They have only played about one-fourth of the season.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Bolsinger Makes His Case
Mike Bolsinger pitched six strong innings against the Colorado Rockies, giving up three hits, striking out six and walking two. He made a fourth inning two out RBI single by Yasmani Grandal stand up. Yimi Garcia got back on track after two bad outings by pitching an inning of scoreless relief, Chris Hatcher pitched a scoreless eighth, and Kenley Jansen earned his first save of the year by shutting the door in the ninth inning.
That was Bolsinger's third start of the year and he lowered his ERA to 1.04. He finally made it through the sixth inning and he is doing what the Dodger's need him to do- Keep them in games, go as deep as he can and save the bullpen some innings, and he is now 2-0 in three starts. Depending on what happens with Ryu and McCarthy, he may not be around all season long but he is making his case for at least the 5th starter's job.
That was Bolsinger's third start of the year and he lowered his ERA to 1.04. He finally made it through the sixth inning and he is doing what the Dodger's need him to do- Keep them in games, go as deep as he can and save the bullpen some innings, and he is now 2-0 in three starts. Depending on what happens with Ryu and McCarthy, he may not be around all season long but he is making his case for at least the 5th starter's job.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Prospects In Oklahoma City
Several of the Los Angeles Dodgers top prospects have made it to AAA Oklahoma City. One of the Dodgers top prospects, starting pitcher and #13 ranked Zach Lee, is off to a strong start with a 4-2 record and a 2.70 ERA with a strikeout to walk ratio of 3 to 1.
Top prospect Corey Seager got the call to Oklahoma City a few weeks ago from AA Tulsa where he got off to a .375 average with 5 homeruns in 80 at bats. At 21 years old, is the second youngest player in the Pacific Coast League. He has played both Third Base and Shortstop at Oklahoma City and he is still feeling his way around batting in the mid .270's with 5 RBI's.
#7 ranked prospect, Second Baseman Darnell Sweeney, provides an element of speed that the Dodgers are missing from this year's team. He has 17 steals in 34 games and can play both the infield and outfield although he is seen as primarily a second baseman.
#8 prospect, Outfielder Scott Schebler has not hit for a high average this season but he does have 6 homeruns and has hit in every league he has been in since being drafted by the Dodgers in the 26th round of 2010. With the Dodgers crowded outfield, he might be a trade possibility at the trade deadline this season.
#11 prospect Austin Barnes was acquired by the Dodgers from the Miami Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade and is one of those rare players that has played both Catcher and Second Base. He is batting in the mid .270's with 3 homeruns and 4 stolen bases and if anything happens to A.J. Ellis or Yasmani Grandal, may get the call at some point this season.
Top prospect Corey Seager got the call to Oklahoma City a few weeks ago from AA Tulsa where he got off to a .375 average with 5 homeruns in 80 at bats. At 21 years old, is the second youngest player in the Pacific Coast League. He has played both Third Base and Shortstop at Oklahoma City and he is still feeling his way around batting in the mid .270's with 5 RBI's.
#7 ranked prospect, Second Baseman Darnell Sweeney, provides an element of speed that the Dodgers are missing from this year's team. He has 17 steals in 34 games and can play both the infield and outfield although he is seen as primarily a second baseman.
#8 prospect, Outfielder Scott Schebler has not hit for a high average this season but he does have 6 homeruns and has hit in every league he has been in since being drafted by the Dodgers in the 26th round of 2010. With the Dodgers crowded outfield, he might be a trade possibility at the trade deadline this season.
#11 prospect Austin Barnes was acquired by the Dodgers from the Miami Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade and is one of those rare players that has played both Catcher and Second Base. He is batting in the mid .270's with 3 homeruns and 4 stolen bases and if anything happens to A.J. Ellis or Yasmani Grandal, may get the call at some point this season.
Jansen Back In Style
Kenley Jansen made his 2015 season debut last night against the Colorado Rockies and he did it in style. He struck out four Rockies batters on 14 pitches (the first batter he faced, Carlos Gonzalez, reached base on a strike three passed ball) and he looked like he never missed a beat. The Dodgers need Jansen to step up now because the closers position has been passed around a couple of times in his absence and no one has been able to nail it down. The Dodgers are now 23-12 and Jansen might have been the biggest missing piece of the puzzle.
Kershaw Finally Gets Win #100
Clayton Kershaw finally got his 100th career win last night. No Dodger fan thought it would take him until the middle of May to achieve that milestone. I believed he would get that in the first week of the season. His location has been off this year and his pitch counts have been high. He threw 110 pitches last night in 6 2/3 innings and his walk ratio is much higher than it was last year.
Even with Kershaw's slow start, the Dodgers are off to a 23-12 start and a solid lead in the National League West. This is due to a great start by Zach Greinke and a surprising offense that is putting up record numbers for the Dodgers and is one of the best in baseball. This is in spite of a slow start by Jimmy Rollins (.197 BA) and injuries to two starting outfielders, Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford.
Even with Kershaw's slow start, the Dodgers are off to a 23-12 start and a solid lead in the National League West. This is due to a great start by Zach Greinke and a surprising offense that is putting up record numbers for the Dodgers and is one of the best in baseball. This is in spite of a slow start by Jimmy Rollins (.197 BA) and injuries to two starting outfielders, Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Keep On Winning
The Los Angeles Dodgers record is 22-10 heading into tonight's finale with the Miami Marlins. The Los Angeles Dodgers Disabled List now contains nine names including two starting outfielders (Puig and Crawford), two starting pitchers (McCarthy and Ryu) and the team's closer (Jansen). I have always said that I believe Manager Don Mattingly is at his best when he is plugging in pieces in the lineup or cobbling together the starting rotation.
He has a reserve outfielder, Enrique Hernandez, who came from the Miami Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade. Hernandez has been an infielder throughout his rise through the minors and got in 121 at bats with the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins last year. He tied for the Dodgers lead in homeruns with six this spring.
Alex Guerrero, another natural Second Baseman playing out of position at Third Base and in the Outfield, has been pressing for playing time because of his bat no matter where they have to plug him in. He has six homeruns in 51 at bats and no steady position to play.
The Dodgers are only carrying 12 position players right now on their roster and 13 pitchers. Everybody should be getting their chances to hit.
He has a reserve outfielder, Enrique Hernandez, who came from the Miami Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade. Hernandez has been an infielder throughout his rise through the minors and got in 121 at bats with the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins last year. He tied for the Dodgers lead in homeruns with six this spring.
Alex Guerrero, another natural Second Baseman playing out of position at Third Base and in the Outfield, has been pressing for playing time because of his bat no matter where they have to plug him in. He has six homeruns in 51 at bats and no steady position to play.
The Dodgers are only carrying 12 position players right now on their roster and 13 pitchers. Everybody should be getting their chances to hit.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
The Utility Man Award
The NBA has a Sixth Man Award and I believe that Major League baseball should have a Utility man Award or Something. It would have to be a player that does not stat everyday and can play multiple positions.
The Dodgers have a couple of players that could win that award in Justin Turner and Scott Van Slyke. Justin Turner was Sunday's hero against the Colorado Rockies and Scott Van Slyke was last night's hero against the Miami Marlins. Van Slyke's first big play came on defense. I don't think he is ever going to be known as a five tool player but he threw a strike to Dodgers Catcher Yasmani Grandal to nail a Marlins runner trying to score from third on a sacrifice fly. The ball got stuck in his glove at first and he had to reload but he made the play. His biggest play came in the bottom of the ninth when he hit a walk off, three run homer to win the game.
Both Turner and Van Slyke are batting over .300 and only have about 100 at bats between the two of them. Van Slyke primarily plays the outfield but can play first base if absolutely necessary whereas Turner is primarily an infielder. Both would make excellent candidates for my new Utility Man Award.
The Dodgers have a couple of players that could win that award in Justin Turner and Scott Van Slyke. Justin Turner was Sunday's hero against the Colorado Rockies and Scott Van Slyke was last night's hero against the Miami Marlins. Van Slyke's first big play came on defense. I don't think he is ever going to be known as a five tool player but he threw a strike to Dodgers Catcher Yasmani Grandal to nail a Marlins runner trying to score from third on a sacrifice fly. The ball got stuck in his glove at first and he had to reload but he made the play. His biggest play came in the bottom of the ninth when he hit a walk off, three run homer to win the game.
Both Turner and Van Slyke are batting over .300 and only have about 100 at bats between the two of them. Van Slyke primarily plays the outfield but can play first base if absolutely necessary whereas Turner is primarily an infielder. Both would make excellent candidates for my new Utility Man Award.
Monday, May 11, 2015
And A Hard Rain Fell....
I borrowed this title from a book about the Vietnam War by John Ketwig. You need to go find a copy of that book. It is an excellent read. It is also an accurate description of the Dodgers weekend in Colorado. The Dodgers had a five inning game on Friday night getting a 2-1 win and Brett Anderson got credit for the complete game win. The Dodgers were rained out on Saturday and woke up to snow on the ground on Sunday.
Clayton Kershaw got the start on Sunday and he has not been able to find his groove this season. He gave up 5 runs in 5 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to a very un-Kershaw like 4.26. Luckily for him and the Dodgers, their bats are still booming. Justin Turner hit a two run homer, Adrian Gonzalez drove in three and the Dodgers completed the rain-shortened two game sweep with a 9-5 win.
Clayton Kershaw got the start on Sunday and he has not been able to find his groove this season. He gave up 5 runs in 5 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to a very un-Kershaw like 4.26. Luckily for him and the Dodgers, their bats are still booming. Justin Turner hit a two run homer, Adrian Gonzalez drove in three and the Dodgers completed the rain-shortened two game sweep with a 9-5 win.
Friday, May 8, 2015
The Elusive Fifth Starter
The Dodgers have been wanting one of their pitchers to step up and grab the fifth starters slot since the season began. Four pitchers have all had their chances- Scott Baker, Mike Bolsinger, David Huff, and Joe Wieland. Carlos Frias can be added to that mix but he slid into Brandon McCarthy's fourth slot when he went down.
Scott Baker is the only one that has more than one start (2). None of the four have a win (Carlos Frias is 2-0 taking McCarthy's spot)and none of them have made it past the sixth inning. Mike Bolsinger is the only one that had a good start (5 2/3, 1 ER). When McCarthy comes back, Frias will occupy that fifth starter's position. After yesterday's win over Milwaukee, Manager Don Mattingly said Frias would continue to get the ball. The Dodgers need somebody to nail it down until they start getting some arms back.
Scott Baker is the only one that has more than one start (2). None of the four have a win (Carlos Frias is 2-0 taking McCarthy's spot)and none of them have made it past the sixth inning. Mike Bolsinger is the only one that had a good start (5 2/3, 1 ER). When McCarthy comes back, Frias will occupy that fifth starter's position. After yesterday's win over Milwaukee, Manager Don Mattingly said Frias would continue to get the ball. The Dodgers need somebody to nail it down until they start getting some arms back.
A Grandal Day In Milwaukee
First of all, I have got to come up with better titles. Yasmani Grandal hit two homeruns yesterday and drove in eight in the Dodgers 14-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Grandal has resurrected his batting average from well below the Mendoza line just a week ago to .301 after his breakout game against Milwaukee. He got on base all six times he went to the plate (two walks) batting second behind rookie Joc Pederson.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Pederson Mmmbopps The Dodgers To A Win
Rookie Centerfielder Joc Pederson hit a second inning Grand Slam, his 5th homerun on the season, after being greeted with the walkup music "Mmmbop" by Hanson. A couple of the Dodger veterans hijacked Pederson's typical hip hop walkup music before his at bat. They should substitute teen bop hits of the '90's more often. Jeff Turner hit his second homerun on the season and Pitcher Carlos Frias pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball to improve his way to 2-0 on the season.
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