First off, I would like to apologize to Ross Stripling and his family for the steaming pile of crap that Andrew Friedman thinks is the Dodger bullpen. Ross you did great and you deserved a better fate in that game. It’s too bad that you couldn’t have at least gotten the win. You have a long and successful career ahead of you.
Of course I understand the Dodger’s decision to take out Stripling at 100 pitches with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Dodger’s latest disaster last night. The Dodgers made a prudent move taking out Stripling when they did. He was tired, he’s had Tommy John surgery, the season is young, there’s no reason to risk his arm for a game in April. I get it. It was the right move. It just didn’t feel like the right move.
That’s not what I am most upset about though. What we should be talking about is the Dodger’s terrible bullpen. The problem was never addressed during the winter. It was just quietly swept under the rug with more cheap reclamation project acquisitions. Oh here’s Louis Coleman for you. Hey guys we signed one of the worst pitchers ever! Joe Blanton! Enjoy!!!!
Joking aside, the bullpen was never fixed. Besides Kenley Jansen the rest of the relievers are average at best. Maybe it’s not moneyball arrogance, but more moneyball neglect? The club had to have known that removing Stripling from the game for anyone other than Kenley would mean a certain loss.
Ok so screw it then. If that’s the case then you might as well just let Kike Hernandez pitch the bottom of the eighth. Because we all knew that bringing in anyone other than Kenley would result in the game being blown right then and there. The proof is in the results.
Dodgers @ Giants
Game time- 1:05 PM –TV-SNLA
Part of the problem with the Dodger bullpen besides all of the mediocrity is that there is no long man. We saw how much of a problem that was in the Dodger’s 12-6 loss in game 1. Without a long man or someone to come in and give them some innings during a game in which the starter doesn’t go deep, the club is left with a bunch of average one inning guys. You burn through the pen quite quickly when that happens. The lack of a second left hander is another problem.
Meanwhile the sun continues to shine for the Giants. Everything they do turns up roses. Everything they touch turns to gold. Every ball they hit drops in, every fly ball they mash leaves the yard. Every pitcher hits their spot, and every guy they call up from the minors hits like Hank Aaron. It’s disgusting, but it really demonstrates the Giant’s ability to play under pressure. Something the Dodgers seem unable to do. New manager, same bullpen, same result.
Kershaw vs. Giants
| Name | PA | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | SH | SF | IBB | HBP | GDP |
| Buster Posey | 79 | 76 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 16 | .224 | .253 | .329 | .582 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Angel Pagan | 58 | 56 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 13 | .268 | .293 | .357 | .650 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Hunter Pence | 56 | 56 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 15 | .089 | .089 | .089 | .179 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Belt | 41 | 37 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | .081 | .171 | .108 | .279 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Gregor Blanco | 27 | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | .208 | .296 | .208 | .505 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Crawford | 22 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | .048 | .091 | .048 | .139 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Matt Duffy | 19 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | .263 | .263 | .263 | .526 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Madison Bumgarner | 15 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | .143 | .143 | .357 | .500 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Matt Cain | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | .111 | .111 | .111 | .222 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Panik | 8 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .250 | .250 | .250 | .500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kelby Tomlinson | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | .000 | .143 | .000 | .143 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ehire Adrianza | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Denard Span | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Johnny Cueto | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jake Peavy | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trevor Brown | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 360 | 344 | 56 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 113 | .163 | .196 | .212 | .408 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
Bumgarner vs. Dodgers
| Name | PA | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | SH | SF | IBB | HBP | GDP |
| Adrian Gonzalez | 44 | 42 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | .143 | .182 | .190 | .372 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A.J. Ellis | 36 | 33 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | .212 | .278 | .333 | .611 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Justin Turner | 36 | 33 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 7 | .212 | .250 | .455 | .705 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scott Van Slyke | 31 | 26 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | .346 | .452 | .385 | .836 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yasiel Puig | 27 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | .292 | .370 | .542 | .912 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Clayton Kershaw | 15 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | .214 | .214 | .214 | .429 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chase Utley | 13 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .167 | .231 | .167 | .397 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Enrique Hernandez | 10 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .500 | .500 | 1.000 | 1.500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Charlie Culberson | 9 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .125 | .222 | .250 | .472 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Joc Pederson | 8 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | .250 | .250 | .750 | 1.000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Blanton | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carl Crawford | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Corey Seager | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Scott Kazmir | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alex Wood | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 242 | 220 | 49 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 56 | .223 | .277 | .364 | .641 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Today’s match-up is the ultimate Clayton Kershaw vs. Madison Bumgarner heavyweight fight. The first such fight of the season. It’s sure to be a great pitching duel. As long as the bullpen stays far away from this game then we may have a chance to see the Dodgers win one game of this series.
I won’t be there to watch this afternoon because of work. Maybe it’s a good thing that I step away for a day and take a breather. I can only take so many of these deflating disastrous losses to the Giants. I better come home and see that Kershaw shut them out. Please Clayton, for our sanity and mental health, please go 9 innings.
Oscar will have the recap for you guys, so make sure to check back in over here after the game.
Go Blue!
“the steaming pile of crap that Andrew Friedman thinks is the Dodger bullpen.”
“As long as the bullpen stays far away from this game…”
🙂
Scott you have a great talent for witty writing!
Now that was funny, Scott!
I have my moments
If Crawford wants to jump in the bay this afternoon and just start swimming and never come back, that would be fantastic, what a nightmare he has been.
Truth it is are bullpen, not Crawford, ask Stripling.
lol, good call MJ
Crawford has been put on DL, and they are bringing up Micah Johnson. Are they going to put Micah in left?
No, pinch runner and sent back down on Monday when Grandal and Kendrick join the club.
Boxout 7 Micah played leftfield in AAA last night, for the first time.
So I think they are thinking the same thing that Mark has suggested.
The line up is out, and Cory isn’t playing today. They have Cuberson in at shortstop, and have Kike at second, and Trayce in center, against Bumgarner. I think I would have Cory in the game, and maybe Joc.
But Maybe Trayce is the right call. And Bums we haven’t heard from you. Where are you?
I was pulling for Crawford, but it’s just not meant to be for him. He’s going to have to be happy with being incredibly overpaid. I think I could do that, but, I’ll never know.
No, you probably never will know. I will be watching with FAZination how FAZ operates once they are rid of the Either/Crawford $40M anchor. Maybe more money for elite relievers.
Don’t count on it. We’re stuck with Moneyball until there’s another fan revolt.
They keep on putting people in scoring position, and can’t put the ball in play. They can’t get a fly ball, to the outfield.
You might be right snider fan regarding relievers (also AlwaysCompete). Maybe FAZ does see relievers as a low cost solution.
I am working and listening to the game today. Just heard that Dodgers were 77 – 8 when leading after 7 innings in 2014. Only the Royals were better. How does that reconcile with all the complaining about the 2014 pen?
2015 Dodger bullpen ERA- 3.91, 18th in MLB- IP 467
2015 Royals bullpen ERA- 2.72, 2nd in MLB- IP 539
Second Half
Dodgers bullpen ERA- 4.33 ERA, 22nd in MLB- IP 214 (HORRENDOUS)
Royals bullpen ERA- 3.33 ERA, 5th in MLB- IP 254
They were terrible Box.
2014 Dodger bullpen ERA- 3.80, 21st in MLB
2014 Royals bullpen ERA- 3.30, 11th in MLB
Second Half
Dodgers bullpen ERA- 3.89, 22nd in MLB, IP 208
Royals bullpen ERA- 2.87, 5th in MLB, IP 200
Consistently terrible.
the truth hurts, math doesn’t lie, your numbers don’t surprise me. What surprised me was the 77 – 8. How do you reconcile the two? Jansen in the ninth explains a lot of it. Who got us through the eighth 77 times last year?
That stat sounded odd to me too….I wonder if it was a Steinerism?
Turner and Agon have to have better at bats, in that situation. I guess I’m just frustrated, because they usually do better then that.
I have to admit that pitch didn’t look strait down the middle. but I don’t have the same viewing point nor do I call myself a major league umpire.
Kershaw has to win today with a shoebox strike zone.
My phone is lighting up with messages from my midget friends. Sure would be nice to shut them up. With this lineup? Could be a long day. With this team, could be a long month. With this management in charge, could be a long year. Years. Decade.
Even Kershaw throws fastballs right down the middle. What – is that an organizational dictate?
Simple, you have the WRONG NUMBER!!
Yeah, whatever. I just texted back that the f’n disgusting hillbilly can hit a tubed fastball. High and tight, low and away.
We are 1 for 10 WRISP and scored our only run on a HBP. These are the Giants, not the Padres. Get pissed and get going!
“get pissed and get going”……..notice how much “swagger” the Giants have? The Dodgers have lost it, they had it with Uribe/Hanley/Puig/Agon, the “I see you” days but since the FAZ stat train rolled in, this team is robotic, no life. It was a huge problem last year and looks the same this year.
It doesn’t feel like a “team”, it feels like puzzle pieces put together that just don’t fit.
Maybe they are quietly waiting for the numbers to kick in.
I was suprised that Kershaw let that happen, with Bumgarner, because he knows that Bumgarner, is always trying to hit a HR.
And like Nomar said, Bumgarner was swinging for a HR, in every swing he had.
Up till today, the Dodgers offense, has looked ok, but today, no one can put the ball in play, with runners in scoring position.
This is going to be a long season. Painful.
Heard a radio joc, blaming Roberts for the pitching change and loss. Not his fault. He can only use the players the GM gives to him.
Think Roberts slept last night? Knowing that he had to face it all again?
They signed a lefty pitcher today, to a minor league contract. It was Sean Burnnet.
Boxout7, Why do you continue to be such a richard.
It’s a shame because when you stick to baseball and not trolling Badger you have good takes.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions even if they differ from yours.
well put, thanks
Another home run by some guy I have never even heard of…. this is comical.
Roberts has his own way of doing things. Might actually work with better players.
1 for 15 WRISP. Same incompetence, different year.
Make that 1 for 18.
I thought odds were the Dodgers leave Frisco
4-3, even though pitching matches favored them a wee bit.
Looks like I was too optimistic:-).
April is extended Spring Training for me, so no conclusions.
But in small samples, not crazy about the manager, the
hitting approach in game situations, fundamentals,
the work of the training staff, and the continued failure,
in spite of millions thrown at it, and what must be 50
acquisitions, to solve the bullpen.
The Giants, who never threaten to have “the best minor
league system” – just do what winning clubs always have done –
prepare a few kids every year to graduate and play well.
I’m so glad the Los Angeles Hedge-Fund Balzacs have the smartest
FO in baseball. Love that “where-is-this-pich goin’?” Chris is the
new reliable eighth inning guy.
Say it again: I have liked most of their strategy. I have been struck dumb
by their tactics. Possibly the worst bang-for-buck job ever done in
the game.
First game of season – home plate ump, by second inning, has become
the most important player in the game (Mets-Royals opener). Makes bad
calls for both teams, but many more against Mets – who MIGHT have won
with an electronic ump. Farce-ball continues. Turned game off before
the inning was over, and left it off. New clueless commish takes over for
old clueless commish….
2 for 19.
Culberson just earned another start.
Hatcher is throwing some sliders. Yeh! Struck out Pence on a slider. There is hope.
I saw that too al. Sliders down and often near the plate. There is indeed hope.
Never doubted it.
Oh ye of little faith. I knew it. Hatcher you are a stud. Jansen you are a stud also.
Who was saying Stripling for rookie of the year? Sorry, Seager all the way. Stripling and Maeda fighting for second.
Midget bullpen is a joke. Now to return some phone calls!!!
Oh I did. I took a picture of a baseball in my living room and messaged it to them – said it was Buttgatherer’s and it just landed. Too late though. Game over.
Moral boosting win.
Good to see Seagar & Culberson come through when it mattered and Utley of course.
Pleased for Hatcher. Showed balls to strike the side out in the 9th.
I like Culberson.
He is a gamer.
Former Midget 1st round pick, love him, even if he is a FAZ guy.
We were really lucky to win this game. The Giants practically gave this game, to the Dodgers, with there error, and by Bumgarner hitting Scotty.
But Cory and Charlie, pulled this out for the team. And actually, Bumgarner was pretty tough today, when he needed to be.
And that made it hard, to produce, when it was needed, so I will give them a break today. But there is no reason, for not being able to bunt the runner over.
I would insist, that everyone on the team, should be able to bunt. I hope they can come back tomorrow, and hit Cueto hard, and show the Giants, just how much money, they wasted, on signing Cueto.
To win a game when going 2 for 21 WRISP is a freakin miracle. I like miracles. Gritty win. Could light them up a bit. Momentum.
Greinke and the snakes, my team, are getting beat again.
I don’t know about your, Midget fan, friends, but, mine sure didn’t want to talk about it. How sweet it is.
Yeah, they shut up very quickly. Love it when that happens.
And Bum where are you? We haven’t heard from you, and you haven’t gave, your two cents, about the Dodgers, for at least 24 hours.
I dub our bullpen THE BLIND SQUIRRELS.
They actually happened upon a nut today.
Its squirrel time:
http://adlertraining.com/uploads/2/7/6/8/2768570/4167332.jpg
Darn that squireel is buff!
True Blue good name, I only wish they were blind, because that would explain!
I do not understand. Friday Hatcher threw only fastballs. Today Hatcher threw sliders, change ups and fastballs. Why the change? The only difference are the catchers. AJ caught Friday’s game for Hatcher and Barnes caught today’s game. I do not know, just wondering.
HI MJ, I am here. Watched all 6 games. I have enjoyed them and have come away thinking the Dodgers are a very good team and can get to the WS.
I’ve been having fun and didn’t want to join in on the the conversation that seemed fidgety over a small sample size.
Joc has been doing pretty good! And up until this game, the offense has been better, then last year. Bumgarner pitched really well, when he had to, unfortunally, but I will take the W.
1. The Gloom & Doomers sure have stayed curled up in the fetal position after this game! Don’t worry – the Dodgers will lose again soon and you will have your 15 seconds to crawl out of your hole.
2. Grandal will be back next week and the pitching will improve even more.
3. The Giants were one of the best bullpens in baseball – THEY LOST! They must be toast!
4. Zack Greinke has a 9.90 ERA.
5. Mat Latos is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, but the guy is a bum and can’t pitch because some of you __________ said he can’t! BTW, the bum allowed 1 hit in 6 innings.
6. Hatcher throws a lot more than fastballs. Look it up!
7. Anyone who questions whether Roberts was right in taking out Stripling is a ____________ (rhymes with electron).
8. I think it’s time to just DFA Crawfish. He will play 8 games and then get hurt. Nice guy, but he has to go. I’d rather have Johnson.
9. Kendrick was signed as a “chip” – I look for him to be traded. At $10 million he’s a bargain!
10. Chase Utley can really play and does. Right now, he’s showing the youngsters how the game is played. He looks like he’s 27, not 37!
11. Right now, the Dodgers have these rookies on the team: Maeda, Johnson, Thompson, Stripling and Barnes. That’s 20% of the team!
12. Would I trade Hatcher, Barnes, Kendrick and Hernandez back to Miami for Dee Gordon? HELL, NO! Are you freaking crazy?
13. The Dodgers have played 6 games on the road to start the season while the Giants have played 3. The Dodgers are tied for first place…. but the sky is falling, right?
14. What is the matter with some of you? I really don’t get it! This should be fun.
What the hell is wrong with you, is the real question? You must really have a poor self-image and seek attention. Must have been denied the nipple as an infant. You really are a miserable presence
Mark did you see that Johnson played leftfield, for the first time, in his last AAA game?
Mark, you forgot Seager, six rooks. I think Johnson goes back down, Culberson stays. He is the true backup shortstop we need and can play left.
I keep Hatcher, Barnes, Kendrick and Hernandez also. Agreed, no brainer.
1. You can’t count Kendrick (or Haren) as part of the trade anymore. Howie was a free-agent signing. If you’d rather have a backup catcher, a utility player, and a setup man of dubious quality than an All-Star, that’s your right.
2. I don’t care if Latos wins 10 in a row. When the Dodgers gave him a chance to pitch in games that mattered, he sucked and tried to blame the manager for not leaving him in the game to “figure it out.” BUM.
Hey, we won a game Kershaw pitched. We are supposed to win those. It’s the next one that’s the most important. Then the next one and the next one and the next one then it’s Kershaw again. That’s how it’s going to go for several months. Can’t we just accept and get along with those who have different opinions? Some work so hard at being contrary it’s become laughable.
Now, admit it – you counted how many next one’s there were didn’t you.
We haven’t even played at home yet and we’re in first place. I’m impressed. First place starting 7 on the road. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that before.
Well I’ve taken my Epsom salt lavender oil bath and I’m going to bed happy and relaxed. It’s a good day.
Up until the ninth inning today this series against the Gigantes had me feeling it was same old same old Blue. BP chokes wasting superlative effort by starter. Team can’t hit a lick WRISP, despite having the leadoff on 2nd base with no outs in what seems like every damn inning. Only run scored is on HBP with bases loaded. More players on the DL than the starting nine. Blue somehow manages to tie the game sending it to extra innings, setting me up for another gut wrenching flame out by the arson sqaud.
Then Blue finally shows very un-blue behavior. They push over a run in the 10th and Janzen slams the door.
Maybe this isn’t the same old same old Blue.
Fun win, do it again.
I enjoy reading these when everyone gets a little freaky. I was voted most optimistic in high school so I’m going with the cup half full! Hatchet throwing non fastball strikes! Seager and Culbertson putting the winning rally together. – awesome!
Time for Crawford to ease on down the road. Hope Kasmir can bring it again today. Go Dodgers beat the Vagiants!
I just looked at our roster. Who does go down for Kendrick and Grandal? Probably Johnson and Barnes, but, I sure like Barnes kid is a gamer. Ellis is looking long in the tooth to me. Thoughts?
I like Barnes too, but his bat doesn’t look ready for prime time. He’s already 26, Thompson and Johnson are 25, so I don’t like to see all of them still at AAA. But, that is where they all belong and unless there is more DL activity, that’s where they are going. Ellis and Grandal are the receiving corps and Kendrick and Utley are the platoon at second base. In my opinion this what I refer to as “odd structure” of the roster. Through all these names in the air and sort them out when they land on the table. My choice, and that’s the only way I can phrase it, is Grandal everyday, and Utley/Hernandez platoon, Puig, Pederson and Thompson and live with the results. On MY team there is no Kendrick, but on THIS team there is. Ellis? He’s Kershaw’s boy, so, he’s here for the year. But he’s on his last step into the retirement facility.
Mostly agree. I would like to see some more at bats for Barnes before I agree about his bat. How about Kendrick/Utley platoon at second with Hernandez in left. I am not sold on Thompson yet, but, hope I am wrong.