The rubber match tonight between the Dodgers and Cardinals featured a national ESPN broadcast (bleh!) and Mike Mayers making his debut on the mound for the Cheatin’ Cardinals.
Spoiler Alert: It did not go well for the rookie.We already knew the broadcast would not go well, as ESPN almost totally ignored the Dodgers, choosing to discuss the Yankees, the Cubs, and the “culture” of the Cardinals.
1st inning
Dodgers
Single, single, walk, and it was bases loaded for Adrian Gonzalez.
Grand Slam!!! 4-0
Howie Kendrick then hit a double to extend the inning and his hitting streak (16).
Joc Pederson walked and stole second.
Scott Kazmir came up with a huge two-run single to cap the scoring at six.
Cards
They got a run back. But then, Kazmir’s ERA is over 4.
2nd inning Dodgers 6-1
Dodgers
Justin Turner on with a single.
AGone floowed with a single. The throw to third bounced into the stands, advancing Turner home. 7-1
Howie Kendrick went yard! 2-run homer! 9-1
That chased the rookie.
Cards
Kazmir gave up a deep double to Yadier Molina. Then the next batter, Pham hit it out for a two-run HR. 9-3 Just keep repeating- Kazmir 4 ERA, Kazmir 4 ERA.
Then everything settled down and nothing much happened for a few innings.
5th inning Dodgers 9-3
Cards
Since giving up the home run in the third, Kazmir kept the Cards quiet. Another scoreless inning, finished at 96 pitches.
6th inning Dodgers 9-3
Cards
Pedro Baez in. Job done.
7th inning Dodgers 9-3
Dodgers
Cardinals pitcher Rosenthal walked the bases loaded with no outs.
A new pitcher and Scott Van Slyke pinch hitting. One pitch, one swing. Weak grounder, two outs.
Cards
Adam Liberatore in. Loaded the bases with one out.
Joe Blanton in.
Sac fly. 9-4
2-run double. 9-6
Enjoy this 8th inning catch from Joc:
9th inning Dodgers 9-6
Kenley Jansen (trying again) vs Cards
Wong: 5-1
Rosario:K
Grichuk: K
Dodgers win! 9-6
Scott Kazmir stayed true to his ERA, and that helped me to keep my blood pressure low while he gave up runs.
He was hurt by the long ball, but otherwise, he was business-like and effective. He never let the Cards put together any extended rallies.
Has Gonzo’s power returned? For the second night in a row, Gonzalez hit one out. Tonight’s was especially sweet as it was a grand slam that gave the Dodgers a commanding lead they never surrendered.
Utley and Turner remained hot at the plate, and Howie moved his hitting streak up to 16.
Joc Pederson slowly getting back in the offensive mix with two singles.
Scott Van Slyke did nothing this weekend to convince me the Dodgers should hold on to him. Trade bait!
You saw it here first and we’ve been on top of it: The bullpen is faltering. Once again they gave up runs and let the opposition back in the game.
One more bright spot: The Dodgers win over the Cardinals is their second straight series win.
Scott Kazmir (W 9-3) went 5 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs, 1 HR, 0 walks. ERA 4.35
Home runs: Gonzalez, Kendrick
Team with RISP: 3 for 11
Oscar Martinez
I was born in the shadow of Dodger Stadium and immediately drenched in Dodger Blue. Chavez Ravine is my baseball cathedral, Vin Scully was the golden voice of summer all my life, and Tommy Lasorda remains the greatest Dodgers manager ever. My favorite things are coffee, beer, and the Dodgers beating the Giants. I also blog about my baseball card hobby at All Trade Bait, All the Time.
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The Dodgers won!
I love a parade!
Actually Howie’s HR was the key to holding onto this game.
Even in the comparison of the two rookie SS in the west ESPN posted the Rockies SS first and then Seager’s stats.
Artieboy
The Rockies shortstop’s stats might look better, when it comes to power numbers, but he is also striking out a lot, and the last time I saw his average, it wasn’t as good as Corys.
Bottom line when a player has really good offensive stats in Colorado, there stats are not looked at in the same way, because the balls, fly out of there so easy.
Our pitchers did not throw very good last night. I think the heat had a lot to do with it. I know, St. Louis played in the same heat. However, they play on it all the time and we do not. When your hands are sweaty it is hard to grip the ball.
The announcers were just what we thought they would be.
There was some luck involved. Seager’s first inning fisted dribbler could jukst as easily have been a double play had it been hit at somebody. Seems lately even when he doesn’t hit it hard it finds a hole. We clobbered a rookie. Luck is a good thing. But the pendulum swing.
Somebody recently said nobody good was available this deadline. I say you never know what might transpire. The next few days should prove to be very interesting. I’m thinking The Shredder should maybe be sent packing. Lucroy might be traded. There are upgrades available all over the place. Will the Dodgers be in on any?
Again, I am going to remind you of the fact that most of you wanted the Dodgers to sign Greinke, Price and/or Cueto and now you point to Cueto as a stunning example of what they could have had. Let’s analyze that a little:
David Price is 9-7 with a 4.51 ERA and has given up 143 hits in 135 innings. The BoSox will pay him $217 million over the next seven years! That would be real peachy wouldn’t it?
Zack Greinke is 10-3 with a 3.62 ERA and has been on the DL for almost a month. The D-Bags owe him $206 million over 6 years. He will be 33 before this baseball season is over. This will cost Stewart and LaRussa their jobs,,, that and the Shelby Miller Debacle (they gave up a King’s Ransom for him).
Johnny Cueto– Now, this is the deal everyone is pointing to any saying “Yeah, the Dodgers should have signed him.” NOT! This deal will be horrible for the Giants soon enough.
He’s not going to opt out of a $125 million deal when he is 32! They are stuck with him until 2022.
The Price and Greinke deals already are ugly. Cueto’s looks good now, but don’t just use your eyes. Use vision… He’s not going to keep this up!
I could use Samardzija as another example. He of the 4.22 ERA, but his deal is 5 years at $19 million. Maybe Sabean is all in right now, because in a year or two they will be hamstrung.
The Dodgers have a plethora of young arms at the ready:
Chase De Jong – As quiet as it is kept, this guy could be in the rotation next year.
Jharel Cotton
Brock Stewart
Jose De Leon
Treavor Oaks
Frankie Montas – new closer?
Walker Buehler – Can he come back like McCarthy?
… and there are more.
McCarthy, Kazmir, Maeda and are safe, non-long-term deals and yet the Dodgers are still competitive.
I happen to like the future of the Dodgers a lot… and the present ain’t chopped liver!
Yes, Dumb and Dumber (Lucille and the Drunk) are on the hot seat in AZ. A lot of us knew these were moronic moves, sure to fail. This is the way that baseball teams are destroyed. Thank God, after many, many years, Dodgers finally have good management!!!
Less than eight months after the Diamondbacks traded Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair to the Braves for Shelby Miller, Arizona has let teams know that the right-hander is available, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Not surprisingly, the Diamondbacks’ asking price for the 25-year-old Miller isn’t nearly as high as the cost they paid for him, according to Passan.
Well no shit!
Regarding the possibility of the Diamondbacks trading star right-hander Zack Greinke in the first season of a six-year, $206.5MM contract, a source told Cafardo, “It would take a great return of players and the team would have to assume the entire contract. The Diamondbacks wouldn’t pay a dime.” It seems as if Greinke will stay put, then. Before landing on the disabled list with an oblique injury earlier this month, the soon-to-be 33-year-old recorded a 3.62 ERA, 7.49 K/9, 1.73 BB/9 and 47.6 percent ground-ball rate across his first 109 1/3 innings as a Diamondback.
The source must have been Dumb and Dumber. This is probably what they are telling the owner about Greinke (right after discussing Miller) while trying to save their jobs. Might work, after all the owner signed off on Greinke in the first place. Truth is, AZ will be eating major dollars and giving top prospects to get out of this contract. Hard to believe some here thought Greinke would age like a fine wine. Laughable!!
I am trying to decide whether the Midget losing streak, DBag situation, or the DNC/Media sleezy tricks being exposed is what is making me happiest this morning. It’s a good day.
Go Dodgers!!!
Can you tell us the full story why you call them Lucille and The Drunk?
Lucille: http://deadspin.com/5950378/history-lesson-the-time-dave-stewart-was-arrested-for-soliciting-a-transvestite-prostitute
The Drunk: http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2807935
As Paul Harvey used to say: Now you know the rest of the story!
Yes, I can handle that.
Here is the LaRussa story: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/tony-larussa-dui-arrest
Stewart story is, Stewart mistook a male transvestite hooker, named Lucille, in a Hollywood alley for Michelle Obama and offered her big, big dollars for a romp in the hay. Showed lack of good judgement, like the Miller and Greinke transactions.
Isn’t that the name of the lady of the night, that that English actor was with, when he was dating the model Elisabeth Hurrley?
No, that was “Divine Brown”. But I think Hugh Grant, like Stewart, was also doing his shopping in Hollywood alleys. In my opinion, Hugh Grant wouldn’t make a very good GM either.
You are still an ass boxout.
Mark
I don’t know that Cueto won’t opt out.
Greinke was that age, when he opt out.
Cueto’s agent will have him opt out, if he continues to pitch as well as a has, or if he doesn’t get injured.
I think if the Giants retain Cueto, after his opt out, that deal probably won’t turn out good.
And with Greinke this is only one year, I still think he will continue to pitch well.
Remember when we first got Greinke, that Padre player, broke his collar bone.
And he came back and pitched well, the entire time, he was a Dodger.
I don’t think it was a good deal for a small market team, to pay one pitcher, that much, because they don’t have the same resources as the Dodgers.
Those two Dbacks front office people, made a terrible deal for Miller, because they gave up to much.
I think Miller will pitch well again, but probably not for the Dbacks.
I think they tried to change his delivery, and that messed Miller up.
Actually the Dodgers have asked about Miller’s availability.
I personally didn’t want Price, because his velocity is going down every year, and he hasn’t pitched well, in the post season.
I really didn’t want Cueto either, because I was leary about his arm.
But Dodger patch, has convinced me, that if we gave Cueto that opt out, after two years, that might of worked out.
But Cueto’s health still scares me.
Boxout 7
Thanks for your info!
Mark
I’m glad we have a lot of good young pitchers, and I hope they will have the arm strength, to pitch deep into games, in the next couple years.
Yes, Dodgers have a deep farm system of young arms and only thing is we all know we cannot keep them all forever, meaning some have to be moved or we simply lose them.. below I listed 4 farm hands that IMHO should be completely untouchable:
Urias
DeLeon
Bellinger
Verdugo.
If team insists on these players, then I say to them, GET LOST, especially if they were to be involved for some rental player.
Yeah, you’re a f’n genius. Just ask you.
I don’t know about Price. I figured he wasn’t cheap enough for our organization. The guy I wanted was Hamels. When we didn’t get him and instead brought in a second marshmallow man, as you know, I was WTF! for weeks. Then when Greinke slipped away to a Division rival, the writing wasn’t just on the wall, it was in in every fan’s face, and what it said was clear – we are are going to keep throwing grade B against the wall until some it sticks. Is it sustainable? Well, lucky for us the midgets have hit a wall.
You’re acting like we are in the playoffs already. Smug fits you. I remain unconvinced.
One more thing – I like the future of the Dodgers too. Stay the course. 2018 and beyond!
Lucky for the Midgets we got off to a bad start and had the most players lost to the DL in the NL – EVER! And… we are are still in it!
Slow start? We were .571 toward the end of April. That’s better than we are now. The Giants started 21-8. As I recall we were 4.5 out then. 3 out now. We’ve gained a game and half in 3 months. We’ll have to do better over the next couple of months.
I see box returns with anger and bitterness. Trump brings out the worst in all of us.
Off for coffee with Dave.
No projecting, please.
Trump brings out the best in me…..Hillary,,,,…not so much
Me too.
And Trump sure brought out the best in his kids. They are all very impressive.
..Chelsea…. not so much
I agree my friend and as a Vet, I am sick and tired of how we are treated by the Democratic woos’s in charge..
So, we’ve seen your best? Yikes.
Badger
You know Trump’s following, and the simple law of attraction.
Good observation MJ. Scary how effective it appears to be.
Not the point at all guys. I happen to think Hillary is the most unfit person to run for the office of president in my lifetime. I have a lot of reasons, not the least of which is my contention that she is not fit to be commander in chief of the US military. Being exe Army I can tell you she is no leader, and she left Americans to die in Benghazi…..And I am a lifelong democrat. She does not represent what I think the democratic party should stand for. She is anti gun, which I am totally against. So do not judge what ye do not know….
Right on Badger!
Michael
It was nothing personal to you as a person.
And you shouldn’t take it that way.
Everybody has a right to there opinion.
Badger is a vet, and so is my brother, and they feel different then you.
I like you, so please don’t try to look for something that isn’t there.
I am still upset that Scott swung at the first pitch, when the bases were loaded, and there were no outs.
Why do our players, continue to make these kind of mistakes?
Because Scott did that, we didn’t score one run, with the bases loaded, with no outs.
If Joc didn’t make that great catch, that game could have turned out differently.
This team needs to bury good teams, when they have the chance, and play smart baseball.
They would have had an excellent road trip this time, if Kenley wouldn’t have blown those two saves.
And they did this against two good teams.
I just wish we would have continued to score yesterday.
I was looking at some Cardinal fans comments, and they were all making excuses for there team.
Sounds mysteriously like some Dodger fans. Actually sounds like most fans…….
Michael
You should have heard them, after they won that first game.
Michael
Really?
Yes it does my friend….get out amongst us peons and you will hear a lot of that,,,LOL
Read Dodgersnation sometimes…..the excuses fly
Michael
The Cardinal fans were saying some very arrogant stuff, before they lost, and were losing in the last game.
It kind of reminded me, of those Giant trolls, that are always at the Dodger site.
I think us Dodger fans are a little different, because it has been a long time, since we have won a World Series.
And you know those recent play off games, we have played against the Cardinals, in recent years.
Michael
I hear more about the front office.
I just read this, and I thought everyone would enjoy this.
A writer asked Roberts if he felt bad for the Cardinals rookie pitcher, and Roberts said absolutely not, you pile on!
Did not watch the game, so really cannot say much, but a win is a win. Rumors flying that the Cubs are close on a trade for Chapman. They are willing to trade their top prospect a SS at AA. Also that the Mets are chasing Lucroy. Hellicson to the Marlins is on the table too. I had to catch up on all that last night because I went to see the new Star Trek movie. Excellent…….Saw that Liberatore had his streak broke. It was fun while it lasted. Still wondering what kind of moves Friedman has planned or is working on. One more dinger and A-Gone has 300…Hope he does it on the home stand so the home fans can give him a LOUD ovation.
Michael
The begining of the game was fun to watch, but later in the game, it wasn’t.
I was happy to see Agone hit that grand slam, because people have been all over him, most of the season.
Since Agone had those two days off, he has hit 349 and has hit in 18 runs.
I don’t understand why some fans get on him so much.
He has been a very good player, and consistent RBI producer, since he came to the Dodgers.
He hit in those 18 RBIs, without really hitting with much power.
That is because Agone doesn’t try to swing from his heels, runners on base.
Is Liberatore related to the Liberatore involved in the drafting of Piazza? Lasorda and Liberatore were both involved with the team back then. Maybe he bleeds Dodger Blue.
I do not think so……
Bobbie17
I don’t know, but Libertore was either born in Southern California, or lived here when he was young.
Because think he is living in Penn. now.
First big deal is done, as the Cubs get Chapman. Well, first really big deal was Dodgers getting Bud Norris, but I”m talking about deadline deals here!
3 games out. SF hosts Cincy and Wash this week. We host Tampa and AZ. We need to gain some more ground this week!
Bobby
Did you get worried at all, later in the game yesterday?
I hope we play well this week, and I hope we sweep the Dbacks this time around too.
Not really. I”m actually glad Liberatore got a bad game out of his system; he’d been so good for so long that you just knew a bad one or 2 was coming.
Yesterday was a perfect time for him to not have it, with a 9-3 lead
Bobby
I have always liked Libertore, and I could tell, he just didn’t have it last night.
But those seventh innings, against the Cardinals, have been so terrible, I was concerned.
When Kershaw was pitching that no hitter, through six innings, against the Cardinals, in the last post season, l told myself Kershaw is to good, to have a bad seventh inning again.
And you know what happened.
Watford
Where have you been?
I know you are probably pretty happy with the team right now.
Don’t be such a stranger.
I agree about SVS. Trade bait.
Regarding the shortstop comparison, let’s not forget that Seager is only 22, whereas Diaz is about to turn 26. I forget how old Story is, but believe it’s 24 or 25. Those years make a big difference. Can’t wait to see what a more physically mature Cory does over the next several years. I don’t think 30-40 HR’s is out of the question. Of course by that time I think he will be our 3rd baseman.
As for the election, I have this thing that won’t allow me to vote for a demagogue, especially one who believes in “America First”. And for those of you who don’t know, America First was an isolationist, nativist, anti-Semitic movement before the US entrance into WW II. And I don’t care if Trump says he didn’t know about that. You can’t tell me that no one in his campaign knew about it.
Dodgers in trade talks with Seattle for Cory’s brother. It’s being done to stop the chatter of Cory moving to 3B.
As far as knowing about the “America First” movement before Pearl Harbor, to know about it is one thing, to be INVOLVED in it is quite another story. Do realize that was almost 75 years ago? Who in Trump’s campaign knew about it or ever understood it. Geeze, they would have to be pushing 90 or better now.
What you said made no sense at all.
Richie
I think he is saying , we learn history, to not repeat history.
Made since to me RF.
Brooklyn
I think that Kennedy’s father had a leaning to that movement, while he was an ambassador in England.
I don’t think he continued to support that movement, once he found out, what it was all about.
I am with you, Brooklyn.
I rather have Turner.
I think he would sign a team friendly contract.
We give Turner three years, and pay him just below, what other teams, are offering him for four years.
Richie. Are u serious about Kyle Seager?
No Bobby.
damn you!
Don’t want my return to this board to be about politics, but, everyone has to agree Trump is already uniting Americans.
Republicans: Lock her up, Lock her up, Lock her up.
Bernie Supporters: Lock her up, Lock her up, Lock her up. http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/07/bernie-supporters-philly-chant-lock-video/
Nothing would unite ALL of America like seeing “Crooked Hillary” locked up, just like any of us would be, for all her crimes against this country.
If they locked up a crooked Democratic Presidential Candidate,, The crooked Republican president would pardon him/her. Or vice-versa. They are all scum and should all be hanged.
Can’t argue with that. Maybe what we need is an outsider, someone who doesn’t NEED the job. Maybe a billionaire, someone who isn’t in it for the money, someone who just wants to rescue his country from the status quo scum.
Too true too true. The whore career politicians are the problem. Long stays create deep corruption. TRUMP now, time to clean house and kick some ass!
That’s the only rational thing I have read!
Wondrering, Trump says that he is already well hung.
Wondering
Tell us how you really feel! Ha,Ha
Correction. Trump is uniting old white Christians.
He has zero percent of the black vote. 1 percent of the Latino vote. Every other minority thinks he’s a joke
And wondering,you are totally correct !
Correction. Trump is uniting old white and uneducated Christians. College graduates especially those with advanced degrees won’t be voting Trump either.
I am no Trump fan (not by a longshot), but I know lots of people with advanced degrees, Doctors, Lawyers, Scientists who think he is God!
I get the connection Trump = Dumb and Dumber! But, that is not how it is falling. I am shocked!
Mark
Are these people from Indiana?
I didn’t say 100%, but I think the demographic will favor Hillary heavily and though I’m a liberal, I’m no fan of Hillary.
Hawkeye
That is right.
I am educated and old…I am also convinced Hillary Clinton is UNFIT to lead a girl scout troop, let alone this country. As an exe soldier, I can tell you emphatically she is no leader. She would get in bed with our enemy’s faster than you can say jump. I am also sick and tired of the same old crap coming out of DC…you want the same old Potomac 2 step, less freedom and a country full of Islamic refugees, you go ahead and vote for the BIMBO……not me…..I like having my guns.
If I had half a brain I might agree with the Trump voters.
It’s good to see people like yourself setting high and lofty goals for themselves.
P.S. I think you have some drool on your chin.
Are these the same minorities that thought Obama was the smartest man in the world?
The only place Trump gets zero percent of the black vote is the same place Obozo got 100%, with voter fraud. Maybe these two black ladies can enlighten you: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e0b_1438044851
Too true too true, Box!
I have been a Dodger fan for 70 years, and I don’t remember ever feeling sorry for an opposing player, until yesterday. Watching him and his family, I felt some of what Mayers must have been feeling. And, wow, did he look lonely in the dugout afterwards! He was the picture of the agony of defeat. I hope that he continues to have a great year in the minors to soften the memory of yesterday.
Yeah, I felt that too, but just for a second. Here’s the thing: To get to this level takes a lot of effort and sacrifice by the players and generally his parents as well. Most of us have no idea! Then when the day come and you give up 9 runs in 2 innings. WOW! That hurts. I wish him success… except against us.
Here’s a true story: A few years ago when Jason Repko was released by the Dodgers, I said something stupid like “The bum is gone. We barely knew ya’ Jason.” It was just tongue-in-cheek and I really didn’t mean anything by it, but unknown to me, his dad was a reader of the blog and he posted that I had no clue how hard Jason worked, all he overcame and what he accomplished. He was right. I apologized and I try not to call them “bums” anymore… maybe morons!
Funny you say that. I once was at a college baseball tournament game (Fresno St v USD). We won in the bottom of the 9th only because our pitcher did that fake-to-3rd-throw-to first- move that never works. Well, it actually worked and we picked the runner off 1st to end the game with the tying run on 3rd.
I of course, had some choice words about the guy who got picked off as i was laughing. Come to find out his mom was sitting next to me. I apologized and walked out fast!
Mark
The White Sox are listening for offers, not only on Sale, but for Quentano, I think his name is.
Quintano
Michael
Thanks
As far as SVS goes, yes he can be a trade piece, but within a package because by himself won’t land us much. The ABSOLUTE untouchables FOR ANY PROPOSED TRADE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Urias
DeLeon
Bellinger
Verdugo
If teams insist upon one or more of these 4 players in a trade then I say NO DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’d add Alvarez to that list and maybe Rios.
“Don’t want my return to this board to be about politics”
Then shut the fuck up about it.
actually you’re right. I apologize for my political related comments above.
Trump v Hillary has nothing to do with the Dodgers or whether we get Chris Sale or whether we don’t. I’ll keep it to that
You started it.
Amen Badger. Box is vulgar.
So some of you do not want to trade anyone that has a high ‘projection’ (top prospects) and some of you also do not want to sign any players that have performed well in their careers (you know those that are seeking big $, longer term contracts)…..
How in the hell do you expect the Dodgers to compete with the top tier teams?
The players that are carrying this team…..Gonzo, Turner, Kershaw, Jansen along with Seager all were inherited. NONE of them were acquire by FAZ.
Thinking that every prospect is going to be like Seager is ludicrous. Seager has all the credentials of being a prolong star player. Trust me, he could be a once in a decade type of player and now people think all of the position prospects are going to be like that. Just the same, everyone is quick to identify the pitching prospects with the likes of Kershaw, Drysdale, Sutton…..not sure whom else I’ve heard comparisons to. Really? Chances are none of the prospects are going to be within 80% of any of those 3. Of all 10, 11 or 12 ‘great’ arms in the minors, might have one or two that have 10 year careers. The rest will get injure or significantly under perform.
Cubs have the best record in baseball and a favorite to win the WS and they still are looking to upgrade their team…..of course they are going all in cause the opportunity is there. Well the opportunity was there last year for the Dodgers. What did they choose to do?
Not all of the prospects are can’t miss. And we won’t keep all of them. But as it stands right now, unless you believe one or two players added to this team make us better than the other elite teams, why trade our best this year? If we are without Kershaw for any extended period of time, we need to figure out to secure a #1 to go with our 6 # 5’s. Right now I keep De Leon rather than trade him and a couple others for Archer. A year from now Urias, De Leon, De Jong, Holmes and Cotton could be better than what we are putting out there now. You want to get what we need this year say goodbye to a few of them, and Bellinger/Verdugo as well. Patience.
And – go Cubs.
Badger,
Not referring to this year. As good as the Dodgers are performing, no matter if they win 100 games….they are not going to advance deep in the post season. I can think of 4 other NL teams that have 3 stud type starters that will rise to the occasion when the time is right. Pitching wins in the playoffs.
The Dodgers don’t have those studs this year. They needed one more last year. Didn’t happen.
I don’t see all those guys arriving next year for a lot of reasons. I’d hate to see our potential RF/1B of the future traded unless they have their eye on someone better, though. We could probably spare Holmes and Cotton.
I don’t think anyone is against trading “top prospects” in the right deal. Most importantly, I am confident FAZ will pull the trigger in the right deal.
“The players that are carrying this team were all inherited”?
Following is the 2016 Dodger WAR to date.
Seager, 3.8 OWAR
Turner, 2.9 OWAR
Utley, 1.5 OWAR (FAZ Acquired)
Pederson, 1.3 OWAR
Grandal, 1.2 OWAR (FAZ Acquired)
Gonzalez, 1.1 OWAR
Kendric, 1.0 OWAR (FAZ Acquired)
Thompson, .8 OWAR (FAZ Acquired)
Toles, .3 OWAR (FAZ Acquired)
Ethier, .0 OWAR
Crawford, -.6 OWAR
$40M ($60M with luxury taxes, FAZ inherited Crawford/Ethier on the sidelines)
Kershaw, 4.6 WAR
Maeda, 1.9 WAR (FAZ Acquired) 113.2 IP, 3.25 ERA (Take that Greinke)
Jansen, 1.9 WAR
Blanton, 1.4 WAR (FAZ Acquired) 2.06 ERA
Liberatore, 1.3 WAR (FAZ Acquired) 1.35 ERA
McCarthy, .8 WAR (FAZ Acquired) 1.61 ERA
Kazmir, .4 WAR (FAZ Acquired)
Cubs did make a big move, was it a dope fiend move? Sounds like they gave up an awful lot. 100 years since your last championship can do that to you. I am looking forward to the LA Dodgers taking it to the Cubs in the playoffs. Send Theo to rehab Dodgers
You are right about the prospects.
Less than 30% will make the majors… if you are really good.
Here’s the thing: 30% of 10 = 3
30% of 30 = 9.
I like sheer numbers because you have a much better chance.
Here’s also the difference between the Cubs and Dodgers: For the past 6 or 7 years, the Cubs have been drafting at the top while the Dodgers are closer to the bottom.
The Cubs also traded players for picks. They did EXACTLY what I am saying.
They amassed a plethora of players and when they were ready, THEN and ONLY THEN did they start giving up picks and trading prospects.
Epstien is 6 years into the re-build. FAZ is in their second year and have not tanked seasons like the Cubs.
You can’t compare the two.
You are making my point EXACTLY!
When someone joins an organization in October of 2011 and we’re (well some of us) in July 2016, my math tells me he hasn’t made it to 5 years yet, little lone 6 unless he was rebuilding the Cubs while running the Red Sox.
No baseball team can trade for picks. Trade for prospects, yes.
Wasn’t trying to make any case for anyone except not signing star type of players and waiting for ‘star’ type of players to arrive will NOT create a top tier team.
There is and was a big difference between the current Dodgers of the past 3 years and the Cubs when Epstein took over. Go look at the Cubs 2011 roster. Epstein did what he had to do.
My question to you or anyone…..Does it seem like the Cubs are going for it?
And to think that their current closer, Rondon has an ERA of 1.95.
Chili, you are right about LAST year. We had a better shot to go really far if we had made a big move last year, adding to Kersh/Greinke.
I’m still torn as to how far “all in” to go this year, especially not knowing if Kersh will be back or not.
Also, yesterday someone asked who we were going to trade for Chapman back in December (I believe Ritchie or HWolfe) I heard on the radio today that it was Peraza and Holmes. That sounded right to me
Bobby
You know that Badger wasn’t talking to you right?
You don’t have to be 90 to know about what happened 75 years ago, all you have to know is how to read. Are you telling me that no one in the Trump campaign had any historical knowledge. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. As for my knowledge, it comes from reading.
So we’re not to ever say “America First” or put “America First”?
Seems like having to go back 75 years to find a “perceived insult/injury” is over the top!!
Political Correctness with it’s constant whining over “Micro Aggressions” is nothing more than people trying to exhibit their “moral superiority”. Total B.S.
It is time to put this country and it’s people FIRST. We have vets waiting years to get needed medical treatment at the VA, no funding. At the same time, plenty of money for illegals/refugees.
But you keep reading, may I suggest, a study of the Democrat Party and it’s slavery, KKK and “Jim Crow” history, now that is something really despicable.
All of that has more to do with the house and the senate, not the president.
Brooklyn
Remember the uneducated.
This year’s politics is making me, and a lot of you, crazy. Let’s not go there. Looking at the standings this morning, there is just one team playing over .600, the Cubs. Barely. All this building has gotten them zip, so far. I guess it is America’s team, but I’ve never been fan, even in the Ernie Banks days. There are different ways to build a team, but the giants’ model is the modern, popular version. Draft strong, smart, etc. Frankly, the giants’ success has some luck built in. No one could predict that its core would be as good as it turned out to be. It’s playoff record has as much to do with some guys playing over their heads, all at the same time. Still, I suppose the giants’ way, now the Cubs’ way, is THE way. Of course, it is predicated on most of the team, especially pitchers, stay healthy. There is where the luck comes in. How to keep these guys healthy in the era of no PEDS. The injury problem is making baseball a game for 20-30 year olds. After that, it is borrowed time. Now with pitch limits at the younger levels, it might be a game of 25-30 year olds. A small window for the suits. You better win when you get to that window because it won’t stay open very long. Add in free agency, and you have a smaller window yet. The Cubs window is open and will shut in about 3 years. I don’t see the Dodgers’ window open yet, and it will probably begin when, and if Urias learns to pitch at this level. By that time, some of the other, less known prospects might be ready. Until then, piece a team together, get to the playoffs, and may the healthiest team win.
Bobbie 1
The Cubs have not been playing that well
Lately at all.
I just heard that the reason FAZ didn’t trade for Hamels was that the Phils insisted that Urias be included. The Dodgers declined, unlike the fiction a certain person propounds. I also hear that they would include Uriss in a deal for Sale. So would I. Urias, Holmes and Cotton for Sale! On my iPhone at a Head and the Heart Concert. Pretty sure I’m the oldest person here. ?
Of course they will consider Urias in a trade for Sale. Urias value has diminished.
That is a dumb statement made by someone who hates FAZ. Anything they do will make you salivate like Pavlovs dog. Actually his value has went up because we know his stuff plays at the next level. BTW, I didn’t call YOU dumb. Just the statement and it was so predictable.
Urias was an untouchable before he made his ML debut….now he’s not (per your word)….I think that means his value has gone down. And ‘shockingly’ the Dodgers farm system grade has went down. Coincidence?
They’re grade went down because Seager, Thompson, and Urias are playing at the big league level not because Urias value has gone down.
“I just heard”
The voices in your head again?
Want a do over?
Don’t need one. The value of my post has went up.
Funny, I heard the same thing Mark did, from this article:
http://nypost.com/2016/07/25/dodgers-would-put-julio-urias-on-table-in-chris-sale-talks/
Meanwhile, on a more fun note, our top pitching prospect (I don’t consider Urias a prospect), Jose DeLeon laid an egg today:
1.1ip, 8 hits, 7 runs, 2 bb, 1k. Yikes! That must’ve enticed Chicago or Tampa!! Or maybe he stunk it up on purpose cuz he wants to stay???
So all of the brilliant posters here were fine with the Dodgers not going all in on trying for a title last year, while the uninformed dumb Dodgers players had a different point of view, per the Dodgers’ website:
“In the Dodgers’ clubhouse at last year’s Deadline, however, there was bitter player disappointment, because the front office wasn’t more aggressive improving a team that had a healthy Clayton Kershaw and a dominating Zack Greinke. This year’s team has neither.”
I guess that the Dodgers actual players had less information and poorer judgement than those who didn’t want to “go for it” last year?
The article was written by Ken Gurnick a reporter for MLB.com. The story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
To fully quote the article:
Gurnick: “In the Dodgers’ clubhouse at last year’s Deadline, there was bitter player disappointment, because the front office wasn’t more aggressive improving a team that had a healthy Clayton Kershaw and a dominating Zack Greinke. This year’s team has neither. Yet, some of those same disappointed players seem confident that this year’s acquisitions will make more of an impact — as if there’s any way to guarantee that.”
Maybe the “players”, like Dave Stewart, make better players than GM’s.
I wonder which players were “bitter”? Maybe the same players that would have been ditched by the deadline acquisition players? Maybe it’s just me, but, I have never known a player with HEART that wasn’t happy to go to battle with his existing teammates. A player with HEART always believes his team will win, prove all the naysayers wrong and loves being an underdog. I don’t care at what level of competition.
Sure Dodgers could have used a third ace, the two best pitchers in baseball last year couldn’t win three out of four from the Mets, who knew. But, maybe the “players” were just bitter Daniel Murphy wasn’t on their team.
agree with u about the Kersh/Greinke thing…..
still frustrated
Or maybe players knew Brett Anderson and Alex Wood we’re going to get roasted.
We blew it. No matter which direction the finger is pointed, the Dodgers blew it, and they blew it three years in a row. I think the window closed. I know many don’t agree.
I had more confidence in the past Dodgers rosters than I do in this one. Maybe I’m wrong. Surprise me.
So they should have traded De Leon, Urias and another top prospect for Hamels?
Just like trading for David Price got Toronto a Championship last year… and BTW, they are the team you picked THIS year! How’s that working out?
Excuse me if I don’t buy your logic… or lack thereof!
We went over this several times before. De Leon was a higher rated prospect than any of those used to get Hamels. The package I proposed started with him. FAZ didn’t really want Hamels. They mistakenly thought we had enough with Kershaw, Greinke, and Anderson. Latos was not a #3, he was just rotation depth. Some depth.
You know Mark, going over past does not change it. You of all people should know that.
Moving forward – I don’t trade any of our top 5. You now trade an untouchable. Flip flop?
Good point Rick. We were better last year. And last year Urias was untouchable. What’s changed. I think it’s as simple as being heavily invested in your own point of view.
So, how does the team feel about it now? Do they know how the current odds were affected when Kershaw went on the shelf? (we’re now 10th, +2000) Do they think giving up arguably the best pitching prospect in the game (plus two others) for the Shredder will take them to the promise land? Does anyone in here think he’s the difference maker?
I must confess having him step in for Kershaw sounds really freakin’ cool to me. I would be tempted. But ….. I don’t do it. And I don’t believe FAZ does it either. Also, if I were in the White Sox office I’d make it right with the Condor.
Badger
There are still players right now that think the front office now going to do something to help the team.
This was in the same article that Rick, got his stuff.
“Urias was an untouchable before he made his ML debut….now he’s not (per your word)….I think that means his value has gone down.
I am losing brains cells reading this stuff (and we all know I don’t have any to spare).
LISTEN CLOSELY:
Cole Hamels is 32 years old and a TOP 20 pitcher in MLB. Chris Sale is 27 years old and a TOP 5 pitcher in MLB.
HELLO?
The target has changed, not Urias. In fact, Urias’ stock has went up.
Give me back my brain cells!
“I am losing brain cells” – Timmons
Yeah, we’ve noticed.
From Correct Grammar:
“Gone is the past participle of to go. Used as the verb of a sentence, it must always be preceded by an auxiliary verb such as has, have, had, is, am, are, was, were, be, or one of their contractions. Went is the past tense of to go. It never takes an auxiliary verb.”
Now you’ve got two of those cells back. Try to take care of them. Start by putting the beer away.
You know I don’t care about that stuff!
I hire people like you to do that for me.
Oh, and it’s a typical Badger tactic to try and obfuscate (did I spell it right?) the truth with a grammar smokescreen when losing an argument!
You’re the one who admitted you were losing brain cells. I was just trying to help you make sense in presenting your argument. That’s what friends are for.
By the way, Greinke was a big critic of the FO not making a move.
He’s a big fantasy baseball guy.
He hears voices in his head other don’t.
Screw you Zack! I hope you are enjoying your year!
Then Greinke agreed with dome of us. And turns those of us who felt that way were right.
Greinke is making bank, living in a mansion in Scottsdale. I’m sure he’s doing fine.
Sorry. Had to make coffee and didn’t proof read.
Maybe Greinke would feel better about FAZ if Arizona were to trade him back to us. We would likely be the only trade partner, and we know what many of you think of the Dbacks management team – they’re stupid and FAZ is summa cum loudly, so we could get him back for Arruebarrena and Wood. Do we pull that trigger?
Only if AZ throws in Goldschmidt and $50M. Dodgers don’t need another pitcher on the DL.
Every day, we change. We move (slowly) toward the person we’ll end up being.
Not just us, but our organizations. Our political systems. Our culture.
Are you more generous than the you of five or ten years ago? More confident? More willing to explore?
Have you become more brittle? Selfish? Afraid?
Grumpy and bitter isn’t a place we begin. It’s a place we end up.
Do we intentionally choose the optimistic path? Are we eagerly more open to change and possibility?
Every day we make the hard decisions that build a culture, an organization, a life.
Since yesterday, since last week, since you were twelve, have you been making deposits or withdrawals from the circles of supporters around you?
People don’t become selfish, hateful and afraid all at once. They do it gradually.
When we see the dystopian worlds depicted in movies and books, are we closer to those outcomes than a generation ago? Do we find ourselves taking actions that make our conversations more considered, our arguments more informed, our engagements more civil? Or precisely the opposite, because it’s easier?
Your brand, your company, your community: it has so much, is it still playing the short game?
When your great-grandfather arrives by time machine, what will you show him? What have you built, what are you building? When your great-grandchildren remember the choices we made, at a moment when we actually had a choice, what will they remember?
We are always becoming, and we can always make the choice to start becoming something else, if we care.
— Seth Godin
I think Seth is right. I also don’t believe we are evolving as a society.
I read an article recently by Chris Hedges. Ever heard of him? Doesn’t matter. In it he was talking about how capitalism is inherently flawed because one day it would exhaust its potential and collapse. It would through expansion, like a cancer, devour its own host. I think that is what we are witnessing. This expression won’t make the conservatives amongst us happy to hear, but frankly I don’t care.
I could post the article if anyone is interested.
Or, we could talk baseball. It’s a public forum. Your call.
Thanks for the enlightenment, NOT.
Remember Winston Churchill, sure you do, you misquote him regularly.
He said, “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”
I could post more if you’re interested.
You’re confusing me with someone else you despise. I’ve never quoted Winston Churchill, Try to keep your facts straight.
Very slippery! No, you never have quoted Winston Churchill, only misquoted him.
Again, no projecting, please.