The 2016 season was filled with thrilling comebacks, rallies, decimating injuries and incredibly exciting moments. Even though the Dodgers fell short of their ultimate goal of ending this nasty now going on 29-year World Series drought, the season was a memorable one. One of the most memorable moments of the 2016 Dodgers season was the 5-game National league Division playoff series against the Washington Nationals. The series was a back and forth nail-biting tightrope that the Dodgers eventually won. They had to come from behind in the series to do it though, winning the final two games.
With the club down 2-1 in the series, game 4 was an elimination game; (the Dodgers had to win game 5 in Washington as well to advance to the NLCS round) played at Dodger Stadium. With the Dodger’s backs to the wall they had little choice but to give the ball to ace Clayton Kershaw on short rest to save their season. We’ve seen this show before. Kershaw has had mixed results in elimination playoff games.
In 2013 Kershaw pitched game 4 of the NLDS against Atlanta. He came out after six innings with the score tied at 2-2 in a game the Dodgers eventually won, but did not factor into the decision. Then later in that same postseason he was rocked in game 6 of the NLCS against the Cardinals as the Dodgers got blown out 9-0. In 2014 he tried to save the Dodgers again against the Cardinals in game 4 of the NLDS, but gave up that home run to Matt Adams in the seventh inning. As Adams blubbered around the bases, our hearts went out to Kershaw.
In 2015 Kershaw finally prevailed, limiting the Mets to just one earned run over seven solid innings as the Dodgers forced a game 5 by defeating the Mets 3-1 in game 4 of the 2015 NLDS. Unfortunately evil Daniel Murphy’s stolen base, and sixth inning home run against Zack Greinke helped the Mets edge the Dodgers out of the postseason.
Flash forward back to the 2016 season and we have one of the greatest postseason games in MLB history. Game 4 of the 2016 NLDS was filled with everything. Ending with the Dodgers finally prevailing. How they got there was equally as important.
Opposing Kershaw on the mound was 23-year old right hander Joe Ross, whom the Dodgers had seen very little of during the regular season. Unfortunately Kershaw gave up a run before the seats were warm in the first inning. Trea Turner led off with a single, Bryce Harper walked, and Daniel Murphy’s single brought home the first run of the game
The Dodgers came back in the bottom half of the first to score two runs and take a 2-1 lead. Justin Turner was hit by a pitch, and then Adrian Gonzalez’s two-run bomb put the Dodgers ahead. The Nationals notched another run off of Kershaw in the top of the third to tie the score at 2-2. Trea Turner and Jayson Werth singled. Turner scored on Murphy’s sacrifice fly.
The Dodgers would bust out for two runs in the bottom half of the third inning to chase Joe Ross from the game. It was Kershaw himself who would start the rally with a double to ignite the home crowd. Then two outs later Turner’s bloop single knocked in Kershaw to put the Dodgers ahead 3-2.
Gonzo would walk, and so did Reddick as Ross was unable to find the strike zone. The bases were loaded and Washington would go to the bullpen early. Left hander Oliver Perez immediately plunks Joc Pederson to force in the second run of the inning and giving the Dodgers a 4-2 lead.
Kershaw would settle in after that. He pitched a 123 inning in the top of the fourth inning, and pitched another 123 inning in the top of the fifth, (whiffing Turner and Michael Taylor). The Dodgers would add another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to go up by a 5-2 score.
Then heartbreak hit in the seventh inning. Oh that devil’s frame. The seventh inning is the Dodger’s postseason kryptonite. Kershaw was nearing exhaustion and was allowed to begin the inning. Danny Espinosa singled to start the frame. Kershaw struck out Pedro Severino for the first out. Former Dodger Chris Heisey (who homered in game 5) flies out and the Dodgers have two outs.
Then the wheels fell off. Trea Turner singles Espinosa to second. Manager Dave Roberts has a mound visit to talk to Kershaw. He does what former manager Don Mattingly did, leaving him on the mound instead of going to the bullpen for a fresh arm. Everyone still understood, I mean its Clayton Kershaw.
Then he walked Bryce Harper to load the bases. Finally with the bases loaded Kershaw is removed and right handed reliever Pedro Baez is brought in to face Jayson Werth. Baez’s horrible reputation in the playoffs continued as he hit Werth with a pitch to force in a run. 5-3 Dodgers. The crowd was palpable as we could feel the room caving in. Another pitching change, lefty Luis Avilan is called on to pitch to the red devil Daniel Murphy. Roberts preferred the left on lefty match-up. Murphy immediately singles to center to drive home two runs and stun all of Los Angeles. The Nationals had scored three runs in the seventh inning to tie the score at 5-5.
As the Nationals celebrated in the visitor’s dugout, the Dodger Stadium crowd sat stunned in silence. Kershaw sat in the dugout and ran his hands through his hair. You could see the look on his face. How could this happen to the Dodgers again? I quipped that it was like the Dodgers were in a bad episode of the movie groundhog’s day starring Bill Murray. They keep reliving the same Playoff hell over and over as stuck in some kind of loop. Once again Clayton Kershaw was unable to get out of the seventh inning and Pedro Baez and the rest of the Dodger bullpen allowed all of the inherited runners to score. What a nightmare.
The Dodgers got out of the seventh inning with the score still tied at 5-5. The Dodgers needed a run to break the tie and who better to come up big for them then a grizzled veteran of the postseason. The inning started with Joc Pederson striking out and Yasmani Grandal grounding out. After Andrew Toles was hit by a pitch, pinch-hitter Andre Ethier, (who still has it) grounded a single into left field. Finally Chase Utley would smack a single to right to score Toles and put the Dodgers back on top 6-5! Dodger Stadium went wild as everyone hugged each other and breathed a sigh of relief. The game was essentially over with super closer Kenley Jansen waiting in the wings.
Over the game was as Kenley pitched a 123 top of the ninth inning to tie the series at 2-2 and send the series back to Washington. In the end, Kershaw struck out 11 in the game, but was charged with five earned runs (all allowed to score by the Dodger bullpen). Dodger killer Daniel Murphy drove in four of the National’s five runs. Jansen recorded his second save of the season.
Of course the best was yet to come as the Dodgers awaited game 5 in the Nation’s capital. We all did too. The Dodgers always find a way to come from behind in 2016. This was one of the best games of the postseason and the number 2 Dodger moment of the 2016 season.
Odd that last year they were saying that the Dodgers probably thought higher of De Leon than Urius and this year we are hearing that they probably think higher of Buehler and Alvarez than De Leon. Who says this stuff? Is it Heyman? Who was it last year? Heyman? Just curious
I have never heard anyone say they thought more highly of De Leon than Urias… ever!
Urias has always been ranked way ahead of De Leon.
Buehler has Filthy Stuff. Absolutely Filthy, and Alvarez throws in the low 100’s, but De Leon’s star has no dimmed.
I remember hearing it last year during the offseason someone was quoted as saying that “some Dodger Insiders are saying”
I think the thought was that De Leon, due to his age, was ahead of Urias as far as who would first make a MLB start.
We need one of your crazy trade ideas. News has been slow.
Never ever heard of any pitching prospect for the Dodgers over Urias.
Calhoun and more Calhoun–http://www.thinkbluela.com/2016/12/do-the-dodgers-really-need-brian-dozier/
They lost me with this:
And while it is a given that not all of their top prospects will make it to the major leagues, at least as Dodgers, there is zero doubt that they absolutely see Julio Urias, Ross Stripling, Jose DeLeon, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler and Willie Calhoun as potential superstars with the Dodgers; hence their reluctance to trade for Dozier.
Wow! All of those are Potential Superstars? OK – I’ll go with that! I like it! Stripling? Tree Trunk Willie? Ummmmm… OK!
Did anyone mention that Kirby Puckett had short legs?
Kirby had speed. Willie is clocked with a sundial. He is very slow. Some short guys are fast. Willie is not one of those. I have nothing against him because of his stature. It is because of his lack of speed. I can run faster than him… for real!
Yes Badger did the last time we talked about Calhoun.
Not all second baseman are fast anyways.
Panick is certainly not fast.
Might have meant Verdugo instead of Calhoun.
Do we need a 2nd baseman? Yes. Do we need a leadoff hitter? Yes. Do we need someone who hits better vs LHP than we had this year? Yes. Who could that one player be?
Enter Jonathan Villar: SWH 2nd baseman who stole 62 bases this year and hit 19 hr as icing on the cake. In the last 2 years combined he has hit .301 vs LHP(68-226). His .369 OBP was higher than anyone we had this year(Seager .365) The Brewers are said to be listening for offers.
You all know I would love to get Braun and we almost did last this year. So why not go for the gusto and make an offer for Braun and Villar? Villar will be 26yo in May and not a FA until after the 2021 season
Braun: I’ve already broken down how he kills LHP(.336 BA and 1.028 OPS career)and how he loves to hit in Dodger Stadium(1.063 career). BTW: He also loves hitting in AT&T Park(1.048 OPS career).
So what do we give up for Braun and Villar? For a start Puig and McCarthy(because they were mentioned at the trade deadline). Lets add Deleon, Baez, Calhoun, DeJong, Stewart, and Kike.
Richie,
I like Villar and Braun, but it won’t take that much.
I would do Alvarez (high risk, high reward), Calhoun, Verdugo, Kike and Stewart. They don’t want McCarthy unless he is Free! Maybe Puig…
Alvarez is 2 -3 years away.
I would do that!
1. Villar 2B
2. Seager SS
3. Braun LF
4. Turner 3B
5. Gonzo 1B
6. Thompson/Toles RF
7. Grandal C
8. Pederson CF
Mark: McCarthy would be “free”. I forgot to mention that the receiving teams take on the new players salary.
Mark:
I like the lineup.Very similar to the one I was about to post with the exception of #6. I would have Thompson/ Ethier instead because I’m not completely sold yet on Toles. I guess that will work itself out in ST.
Nice players to get, but I would not do Alvarez or Verdugo. How about Kike, that shortstop we just drafted and Hatcher instead? And happy New Year everybody!!
Happy New Year to you too and to ALL of us here.
Back at you Richie!
Villar is a 3.9 WAR 25 year old. Braun, 32, is coming off a 4.4 WAR year. Why would someone say “it won’t take that much”? It most certainly will.
“I can run faster than him. For real!” Calhoun runs a 4.8 40. You haven’t run 40 since you turned 40, and before that my guess is they timed you with a calendar. Pudding runs faster than you. On Calhoun – “He runs the bases very well and has decent speed once he gets rolling” – one of my sources. Ragging on him constantly doesn’t change the facts. He won’t steal a lot of bases, but who on the Dodgers does? He’s a real prospect and it’s because he hits. He hits the gaps and can score from second on a single. What else do we need from an average defender?
I saw him score from second, and he didn’t look that slow me.
And I had no idea he was suppose to be slow.
And if he looked slow, he would have stood out like Agone.
He was on base three times, but one of the times, he hit a HR.
He was the MVP of this Allstar game.
I can still run a 4.8 40!
4 minutes and 8 seconds?
Piece of cake, make a sandwich and drink a beer. Yep, I can do it!
There’s about as much chance as Villar being the Dodgers 2B next year as Willie Calhoun being it.
One won’t be traded, the other won’t be ready.
I’d rather deal with possibilities that have an X > 10% chance of coming true.
Anything of value starts with an idea.
I’ll take your word Calhoun runs a 4.8 40, but I have difficulty believing it.
I really hope I am wrong about Mr. Tree Trunks.
He has that fast twig muscle thing that is the root of speed so leaf him alone and stop barking at him.
Hopefully Calhoun will not be the only Dodger that has rings.
Even Eye Can See that Calhoun will SMOKE you and all Your Friends in the 40
and definitely in the 30
I get it. Rings. He’s got 44 of them.
He’s got fast twitch muscle fiber in his hands and arms. If they exist there, they are in his legs as well. I’m not at all concerned about him on the bases. FAZ apparently doesn’t value speed so they don’t care either. He’s a hard worker with a good attitude. I’m looking forward to seeing him work in Spring Training. Im really looking forward to Spring, but Spring Training comes first.
He looks fast.
Badger
I think even Ray Charles is looking forward to spring too.
Ray
The bigger they are, the harder they fall too.
This guy looks and feels like he Wants It. I know the Feeling, I wanna see this guy in Spring Training. I can only hope he’s still there.
And MJ, he’s short. Like Ron Cey, The Toy Cannon, Spud Webb,Joe Morgan, Freddie Patek…won’t have too far….
Ray
And Ron Cey was a stud!
And isn’t that what makes baseball different, from other sports?
You don’t have to be a certain size, to play baseball!
I think I love this guy (I don’t mean like that) Lets put a DO NOT TRADE sign on him
I think we should vote on this guy, yay and nay, I say Thumbs Up Buttercup
Bleacher Report is saying fact Minnesota Twins are trading Dozier to the Dodgers and are not demanding certain returns other than De Leon
I meant one of my sources
Have a happy and safe New Year
Back at you Melton!
Villar’s an interesting guy who had a breakout season. If you’re doing a deal for Braun, it might be worth asking for him. We do need a leadoff hitter, and he’s cheap. I don’t think I’d give up all those prospects for him and RB.
Scott, I’m sure you meant to say the bullpen allowed three of those five runs to score. Thanks for all the work you put into this.
Happy New Year to all…..I can run a 4.8 40……..4 days and 8 hours!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I can run 40 meters if I don’t go full speed.
I am joining Badger who was the first to say Calhoun was his guy. I haven’t given up on Taylor yet so I am now in favor of Calhoun and Taylor platooning at second.
Shoot The Moon With Calhoun.
I can send an email 4000 miles in less than a second. What’s all this talk about running? That’s unseemly for crusty old gentlemen of our age; We use our heads, not our legs. Badger is trying to hold back time, with running and pushups and such. You can’t outrun Destiny…
What if running and push-ups ARE your destiny?
Destiny comes later. Embrace the now. And do so with both vigorous movement and stillness.
Happy New Year all. As I said to Bear this morning, may ’17 be more than ’16 in all ways possible.
Wondering
Seventy is the new fifty!
Sixty is the new forty!
And fifty is the new thirty!
Baby Boomers out live everyone, because we were not in the house playing video games, when we were young!
We were outside playing!
Amen sister
Happy New Year everyone…
Bunting and speed??? Lost arts in Dodgerland..,
Villar or similar would be sweet leading off…
ST will be fun…
Villar is 26 in May, arb eligible in ’18, and not a free agent until ’21. He scored 92 runs, stole 62 bases and OPS’d .826. If he was ours, a. would you consider trading him? and 2. would you trade him for “not that much”?
a. No
2. No – it’s gonna cost you at least 2 ML ready top prospects
That said, fangraphs doesn’t believe Villar will repeat his ’16 numbers. I don’t know what to believe but a guy who score 92 in Milwaukee should be able to score 100 in LA easy.
1. Villar 2B
2. Seager SS
3. Braun LF
4. Turner 3B
5. Gonzo 1B
6. Thompson/Toles RF
7. Grandal C
8. Pederson CF
Who doesn’t like that lineup? Use your sources and make it happen Timmons.
At least Braun is a good hitter, who also hits good pitching!
Badger
It is right around the corner!
If you and Mark would give Pederson some love and move him up in the lineup I would like it better.
Against righties Pederson should hit no lower than fifth and if his OBP and SLG were compared to those you have hitting above him, a case can be made for him hitting 4th against righties.
Who is no longer in the Dodger organization after we get that lineup?
Anyone remember the chants for Maury Wiills in the Ravine??? “Go,Go,Go”… You knew it was coming! The pitcher knew it!!! Sweet…
I like the notion that 2B is open competition in the spring. We have 3-4 guys who can adequately fill the spot. Is “adequate” enough to beat the giants? Not in 2017, I don’t think. Since I have given up on 66 being much good, but not traded, it would be nice to get some production out of that position. That’s where Dozier comes in. A talent more “proven” than anyone else we have. But at what cost? The suits believe that we can get similar production in house. They REALLY believe that. So bring on Glendale. NEXT MONTH.
Is Dodger Digest kaput?
Happy New Year to this site! Hopefully do better in 17 than we did in 16, and we did pretty good in 16.
I also have been a huge Calhoun supporter , but my only issue with him with our current mix is that he’s another leftie. Calhoun, Bellinger, Joc, Seager, Verdugo, Rios, Hansen: all lefties. All up or about to come up soon. We do need to mix it up with a rightie, so unfortunately somebody will need to be dealt for a right handed version.
Bobby
We need more hitters that can hit both lefties, and righties!
I thought most major league players, were suppose to do that!
I read somewhere that left-handed hitters struggle more against same-handed pitching that right handed hitters. I suspect it may have something to do with facing fewer of them as they come up. Looking back, a lot of great Dodger teams were predominately right-handed or switch-hitters.
Snider
Growing up you would think that both rightie and leftie hitters, would face the same amount of leftie pitchers, unless they are platooning at a young age.
This in from Breitbart Sports Science –
Professor I.M. Legerity, PhD, M.A. C.S.B.S. University of Arizona at Camp Verde Phys of Ex Labs
Glendale Arizona, December 31, 2016
“Resisted sprint training is used to increase force output at the ankle, knee, and hip in an effort to increase stride length (Lockie, Murphy & Spinks, 2003). Popular resisted sprint training methods include resisted towing, weighted vests, etc.
Resisted sprint towing is an effective method of increasing sprint speed. The sprint motion is directly loaded by pulling a sled, tire or weighted sledge (Behrens & Simonson, 2011). The proper load to optimize sprint speed remains unclear. A study by Lockie et al., (2003) noted significant changes in running kinematics, an increase in trunk flexion, a decrease in hip extension and a decreased stride frequency with loads of 12.6 to 32.2 % of the participant’s body mass. In order to avoid such changes in mechanics practitioners should carefully monitor for excessive changes in mechanics and speed. Authors Harrison and Bourke (2008) recommend a training load of no more than 13 % of an athlete’s body mass. Alcaraz, Palao and Elvira (2009) suggest the resistance should not slow the athlete down by more than 10 % of maximum velocity. The authors propose a regression equation for calculating the load in the maximal velocity phase (% bodymass = (-0.8674 x % maximum velocity) + 87.99). It should be noted, this equation is specific to performing resisted sled towing on a synthetic track surface. In addition to this training method, assisted sprint methods, actually towing an athlete FASTER than normal speeds is also recommended. The Los Angeles Dodgers Willie Calhoun is practicing Assisted Sprint Training Methods in Glendale Arjzona to produce what is called “over speed” effect. Overspeed training, running faster than the body is accustomed sends muscle memory to the cortex so the mind believes the body can indeed run faster. Mechanics are difficult to control so Professor Legarity recommends speeds no greater than 115% maximum and distances no greater than 40 meters. Calhoun, noted for his short but powerful lower body has in 2 months improved his 40 time from 4.96 to 4.76. He expects to be down to 4.6 by the beginning of the season. ”
There you have it. Sports Science for a new and improved athlete. We will soon be using the term “Calhounian Increase” to refer to an athlete in improving his home to home speed by as much as 20%. Brought to you by Professor Badgerdamus Taxus. You’re welcome.
Thanks OBadger
This is from the same network, that insists there is no such thing, as climate change, even though most scientists insist that that is true.
Badger states, if you practice it, and you believe it, it is so!
What joke best illustrates the difference between Democrats and Republicans?
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him:
“Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
She rolled her eyes and said, “You must be an Obama Democrat.
“I am,” replied the man. “How did you know?”
“Well,” answered the balloonist, “everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve not been much help to me.”
The man smiled and responded, “You must be a Republican.”
“I am,” replied the balloonist. “How did you know?”
“Well,” said the man, “you don’t know where you are — or where you are going. You’ve risen to where you are , due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it’s my fault.”
How about this one? God decided to end the world but thought it fair to tell people first. He contacted 4 newspaper editors to give them the news that the world was to end tomorrow.
The New York Times printed a small story below the fold “World to End Tomorrow says God.” After printing a few sentences, the article advised the reader that the rest of the story could be found on page A-6.
The Wall Street Journal’s headline reported – “World to End Tomorrow – markets down sharply in heavy trading”.
USA Today’s entire front page said in huge print “We’re Gone!”.
The Washington Post reported at the top of the first page “World to end Tomorrow – Women and Minorities impacted worst”.
I guess it all depends on how you look at things.
I like both those jokes.
Dems see what they believe
Reps believe what they see
If it isn’t getting hotter
and it’s not getting colder
it must be climate change
so it must be a problem
and we must have a ’cause’
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House. One is from Chicago, another is from Tennessee, and the third is from Minnesota. All three go with a White House official to examine the fence. The Minnesota contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. “Well,” he says, “I figure the job will run about $900. $400 for materials, $400 for my crew, and $100 profit for me.” The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, “I can do this job for $700. $300 for materials, $300 for my crew, and $100 profit for me.” The Chicago contractor doesn’t measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, “$2,700.” The official, incredulous, says, “You didn’t even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?” The Chicago contractor whispers back, “$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence.” “Done!” replies the government official. And that, my friends, is how the new stimulus plan will work.
Q: Have you heard about McDonald’s new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it.
A little boy goes to his dad and asks, “What is politics?” The dad says, “Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I’m the breadwinner of the family, so let’s call me capitalism. Your mother, she’s the administrator of the money, so we’ll call her the government. We’re here to take care of your needs, so we’ll call you the people. The nanny, we’ll consider her the working class. And your baby brother, we’ll call him the future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense.” The little boy goes off to bed thinking about what dad had said. Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has soiled his diaper. The little boy goes to his parents’ room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny’s room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy says to his father, “Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.” The father says, “Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.” The little boy replies, “Well, while capitalism is screwing the working class, the government is sound asleep, the people are being ignored and the future is in deep shit.”
We used to have Reagan, Johnnie Cash, and Bob Hope. Now we have Obama, no cash, and no hope.
I thought I started the humor with balanced humor and it seems like it trended to biased humor diatribe.
Everyone forgot when the economy took a dive, I guess.
I really liked Wondering’s anecdote.
The McDonald’s joke not so much, but the other one really resonated with me. I’m a big-Government believer, but Wondering’s parable (was it a parable) really encapsulated why some people are so let down and “past it” with Government.
Just me, and I’m loathe on political posts here.
Spoken from another, former democrat.
This is what ever party, gets you to where you want to go.
Best political joke of this century:
Donald Trump
The joke is on all of us.
Breitbart Sports Science? I. M. Legerity? C.S.B.S.?
Badger
No one tried to disagree, so maybe there is hope.
So, if it is true that Calhoun is working to improve his speed, it on reinforces my opinion that he truly is slow!
Not really Mark. Even guys who are fast work to improve. Those who are smart keep studying. Those who don’t keep studying just continue clattering the same babble.
We all know Calhoun’s Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 45 | Field: 40 | Overall: 55
45 is below average but the average MLB player is better than the average speed of accountants, etc.
Verdugo’s Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55
Barnes can play second and
Barnes’ Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50
Calhoun is not that slow. I think Mark is just yankining lanyards.
Watching Rams. They need an overhaul of their offensive line. Goff and Gurley are wasted behind this group.
What a dull off season. The most excitement we’ve had is reading the fiction in here.
I watched the UCLA Oregon basketball game the other day and Bill Walton had a microphone and totally abused it. He hasn’t bothered me that much before but I was getting to the point that I couldn’t stand hearing him during that game.
I watched a little of Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper last night. About 5 minutes is all I could take. What was that? Lots of blather.
Walton was one of the best college players I ever saw (Maravich was #1) but I I never liked him much after UCLA. Like his kid better. I don’t find Griffin all that funny. Why Anderson Cooper? Stick to corporate news Cooper.
Who wins a Championship first in LA? Probably be the Clippers.
I think Amy Schumer is trying to be like Griffen, and I don’t really find her to be that funny, of what I have seen on her.
I think Griffen can be funny.
But Cooper as her straight man, is kind of an old thing now.
Bum
Now that is a good one.
Which game, the one they lost?
Yes. The loss made Walton even worse.
Bum
I didn’t know who the announcers were, because I didn’t see them.
But it did sound really odd the way the game was called.
They should have won that game, but losing a game will make them a better team.
It was bad that the coaches son, missed that one and one.
It is still amazing how so many players can still miss the free throws so easily, considering how good some players are way out in the three point area.
My coach in college had the whole team shoot free throws, one by one, and if we missed one, we had to run lines.
He did this to try to build up our mental toughness.
Even after all of these years, no one shoots like Rick Barry use to shoot free throws.
Barry and Chamberlain.
And please tell me how someone gets an overall grade of 55 when only one of the 5 grades equaled 55. Must be that new math! Calhoun’s mean is 47 and his median would be 45.
I find that interesting as well Chili. Some have an overall that is higher than any of their individual scores and some have lower overall than any of their individual.
Many teams call their overall grade an OFP, short for Overall Future Potential. One of the clubs I worked for called their overall grade FV, short for Future Value, as that more accurately describes what this number is trying to do. The scout isn’t just averaging the core future tool grades; he’s trying to use one number to describe how valuable this player is on the overall player market, taking into account risk, distance to ceiling and other factors.
If anybody wants to read more about scouting grades look here:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/scouting-explained-the-20-80-scouting-scale/
I forgot the quote marks on the middle paragraph, sorry.
Greetings with hopes y’all have a spectacular year coming right at ya. It’ll have to beat the shit outta bout 40-50 previous years for mine to be good…….well make that 28 or so.
Good chat today and fun to read again. For awhile it was a little too hostile and seemed and commenting would of likely resembled picking a side and I’m neither dextro or levo. Still stuck in the middle of relocating and talk about something getting old. So I’m a lot better at reading than I am at typing so excuse me for doing more reading during my time of traverse.
Quas
Hang in there!
We have players in our system that will help us this year. Maybe we should try it again. I don’t think it’s time for a rebuild. Re-sign Blanton and Utley, bring up guys to plug in. If we’re going to trade, trade guys who don’t or won’t fit in for guys that do. We have a very, very good team with lots of depth.
Stars of ours and of other teams will go on the DL, its the timing, who and when. I think the Dodgers have the players and farm system to win, and win big.
i meant go to the WS
Ray
It has been so long, you can’t write it out!
We all want to go to a World Series. We’re close. If it all goes right, we can beat the Cubs in a close series. Of course, it all going right isn’t likely. But at least we will be relevant. It’s not like we’re the Rams.
Where is everyone? Wake up. The Rosw Bowl starts in 9 hours.
From Dodger Blue – we got rotation depth, unless of course the same thing that happened last year happens again.
“All in all, there are worse problems to have than too many starting pitchers. You don’t want it to ruin the clubhouse, but in December, it’s a good spot to be in.
As usual, if this group can stay healthy, they’ll be among the best in baseball. Then again, haven’t we heard that before?”
Yes. Yes we have.
1. There is a need for pitching depth or outstanding health of all 5 starters to get into the playoffs.
2. Outstanding pitching performances have won WS for many teams.
3. The Cubs hitting was better than Kershaw’s pitching in game 6 last year so hitting can get teams a WS as well.
4. The Dodgers have the pitching depth to get into the playoffs again and even win a 5th consecutive Division title.
5. Depending on who the Dodgers play in the playoffs they could have the hitting to win a WS. Such a team would be dominated with righty pitchers.
6. The Dodgers have 3 pitchers that could either help them or help another team if traded if healthy in McCarthy, Kazmir, Ryu. Those pitchers hopefully will be part of a three team trade that gets Dozier in July if it turns out that the team actually needs Dozier.
7. Other than Stewart being 25, I really like him and hope he stays a Dodger but it is players like him that includes Oaks, De Jong, Wood that might pry a player like Archer from a team that may prefer pitching depth of their own.
8. Puig will lead the League. Don’t know what that will be but I think he will be a huge asset in 2017 and along with Turner doing better against lefties and SVS/Thompson getting PAs that will turn some of the losses against lefties into wins–enough to not trade top prospects and/or Puig for Braun or Dozier.
9. Calhoun has a chance to do well as the Dodger second baseman no later than June 2017 sadly after Hernandez proves he won’t.
10. The Dodgers do not need Verdugo next year and probably don’t need De Leon either so it would be nice if those two could be traded for a righty hitting prospect such as Brendan Rodgers or Lewis Brinson or Clint Frazier. Those guys are all top 15 MLB prospects and can be reviewed here: http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=prospects
Badger
I think it might not happen until 2018, at the thirty year mark.
But then it will be worth it, like the Cubs,, because we will be set for years to come.
But even Theo didn’t think the Cubs were this close, until the first time they made it to the post season.
He thought they were at least a year or two away, at that time.
I am hoping one of our young pitchers becomes that tough as nails pitcher, in the post season.
Because I just don’t think Kershaw is going to be that pitcher, in the post season.
He has to much back history, that I think gets to him mentally.
Kershaw’s problem might have symbolically manifested in his back. He’s the guy that will be required to carry the staff. It will again likely be a heavy load. It’s possible no starter after him will pitch more than 150 innings.
Are they making this a three day holiday, by making today, another day off?
There is a college football game on, and the TV programing, looks like they are on a holiday schedule.
Yes, Monday is considered a national holiday….Rose Bowl and parade are today
Yes….National holiday today. Rose Bowl and parade today
I’m back at work today, MJ.
Badger
It isn’t just people expecting him to pitch those eight innings, it is Kershaw himself.
It was good he did have that back problem
last year, because it kept his innings down.
And he will have to watch some of the things he does.
I don’t see why any team would want there starters to only throw five and six innings, unless they have no money, or no decent starters on there staff.
The Cubs starting pitching rotation, had not two good starters, they actually had four good starters.
And by good, I mean four starters who were very capable to start in the post season.
And that should be the Dodgers model too.
Hopefully we will have at least three good young starters, in the rotation eventually.
And everyone that talked about how Kazmir and McCarthy, would still have value in this bad starting pitching market, haven’t mentioned them much now.
It looks like we are stuck with them now.
And I still can’t believe some people thought the opt out for Kazmir, was such a great move.
And some called it genius at the time, and I am not making this up.
I’m fine with five to six innings.
The stats about 3 times through the order are pretty strong, especially when you deal with non-superlative pitching.
Cubs had two really good starters, I don’t buy Hendricks long term (could be just me.) Montgomery, again to me, is just the rising tide of Cubs’ hype.
I guess it shows what a codger I’ve become. I remember when my Dad used to complain about Don Sutton all of the time “he’s just a 7 inning pitcher”. It hasn’t been that long ago when your best pitchers threw 300 innings in a season. By definition, your best pitcher is better than anyone in the bullpen. Thinking back, your top 2 or 3 starters were better than anyone in the ‘pen. A 4 man rotation was preferable to a 5 man rotation because a 5 man rotation means that every 5 days you are handing the ball to a pitcher who isn’t a good as the 1st 4.
Wouldn’t you rather have Kershaw make 41 starts rather than 33? He’s going to be better than the other 4 guys in a 5 man rotation – your 5th guy is taking 8 of Kershaw’s starts and 8 of the starts of the other 3 guys who are his superior.
It’s the same thing in the bullpen. Pitchers used to build up the stamina and arm strength to throw the innings. Your relief ace (or maybe 2) fill in the other important innings. You have a 5th starter “swing man” who is also your long reliever.
The pitching staffs in the 60’s and 70’s got it done. Look at some of the clowns that the Dodgers have had as 5th starters or middle relievers in the past 10 years and then tell me the team wouldn’t be better off with 4 starters capable of throwing at least 7 innings per start on average.
interesting proposal Rick. Sure, I would like to see Kershaw with 41 starts and 246 innings pitched. I think these days that would mean he’d be done by September 30 and finished at 31. They don’t build ’em like Sutton anymore. I believe Japanese baseball has the right idea. 6 man rotation. That would definitely come in handy for all playoff teams and it might make forbfewer dead money contracts.
Cubs starting pitching was first in ERA and second in innings pitched Bum. That team is complete. Well done Theo.
Bluto
Hendricks pitched like a good pitcher last year, but I believe he got a better strike zone, when he pitched in Chicago.
A lot of those pitches that umpires gave him strikes on, barely made it over the plate.
If any other pitcher threw those low pitches, that died right over the plate, those balls, were correctly called,
balls.
And he probably had a lot of run support, too.
Hey Rick,
I think there are a number of things going on:
1. The analysis of going through the lineups multiple times that corresponds with the pitcher tiring to shift favorability to the batter.
2. The specialization trend for LOOGYs and matchup pitching in the 6th inning plus.
3. The cost of pitching and how that has driven a look at maximizing the pitchers health (thus putting a downward pressure on usage.)
4. Free Agency, and the cost of starting pitching, which causes teams to seek out other solutions for pitching.
As to the Cubs:
They had health! The Dodgers didn’t. There’s a good amount of luck in this, even in Theo’s words he admits to the mystery, ““There’s more we don’t know about pitching health than we do know,… The season is more important than any one inning or any one situation.”
And they had defense (which the Dodgers did as well.):
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/whos-responsible-for-the-cubs-incredible-pitching-stats/
1 – I would still rather have my ace or #2 pitcher out there than a middle reliever in the 6th or 7th inning, In the “old days”, a Koufax, Gibson, Carlton, Seaver, Marichal, etc. took the ball every 4 days and went 9 innings regularly. As good as a Ron Perranoski might have been, Koufax was better – even in the 9th inning. Those pitchers developed arm strength by throwing a lot.
2 – I understand the whole LOOGY thing – but if I have, say Max Scherzer out there I would rather have him facing almost any lefty hitter than a LOOGY.
3 – See last sentence in #1 above. I maintain that there are more pitcher injuries now than there were 40 years ago. I have read several accounts by pitchers who pitched back then who maintain that throwing more builds arm strength and reduces the likelihood of injury.
As to the Cubs – it’s not just luck. If you sign or trade for injury-prone pitchers it should be no surprise if those pitchers are injured. Tell me, of the Cubs’ staff, who had a significant injury history?
Bluto
I’m sorry you had to get back to work!
At the job I had, no one got most of the holidays off either.
We were open in some stores, even on Christmas.
Oh. My job is pretty good.
But thanks for the thoughts.
Bluto
The Cubs didn’t sign pitchers with long injury histories, and the Dodgers did!
Michael
Thanks!
I just assumed it was a replay of the Rose parade, but it was on channel seven, so that seemed odd.
I have never seen this as a three day holiday, especially with all the time that some people get off.
My parents worked in the aerospace business, so they got Christmas through New Year’s Day off.
Apparently they never have the Rose Bowl on a Sunday due to blue laws in Pasadena. Federal holidays are always observed on Monday when the actual holiday falls on a Sunday, but many people are back at work.
Snider
Thanks!
I never worked at a job, that everyone got the holidays off.
But if we worked certain holidays, we got triple time.
Dodger rick
If we had Kershaw, Greinke, and Ryu, like we did.
And Kenley was used like he was last year, some of those series might have been different.
Dodger rick
As you know, I agree with you.
I think a good team like the Dodgers should have at least three pretty good starters, that more then often then not, pitch a good seven innings.
And although it might be better in the short term to have Kershaw pitch more innings, I think it is better, to have two horses behind Kershaw, who can pitch those innings too.
Not only to keep Kershaw fresh, to keep everyone else fresh too.
I don’t see paying a pitcher like Kazmir, 16 million, to pitch mostly five innings.
Even most of the lower starting pitchers in the majors, can pitch pretty well, the first two times, through the order.
Bluto
Are you on the the internet on company time?
Just teasing you!
Company time is Internet time here.
I think it is harder to justify paying a pitcher $25M+ if he pitches one in 5 games instead of one in 4.
I like the concept of a 6 man rotation more if a team had 3 #2s and 3 #3s and less with a team that has 2 #1s.
I appreciate the logic there Bum.
6 guys, 162 games is 27 starts each if they take the ball every 6th day. If they can pitch 6, that’s 162 innings. Guys like Kershaw could get more. I think a well rested Kershaw throwing 6-7 innings 27 times a year could win 18 games, put up 6 WAR and be rested for the playoffs, where we hope all those guys making big bucks will earn their money. It’s about wins. The $ is about Wins Above Replacement. How do we get them out of the 40 man? FAZ has a plan. Hope it works.
Kershaw an be his worst enemy in that he is going to insist going 8 innings but I like your numbers with him going 6 – 7 innings.
Urias, De Leon, Stripling, Buehler and maybe Stewart could benefit from a 6 man rotation in several ways. More would get to pitch and it would get them through the playoffs before being shut down. Kershaw would benefit as well even though its like Trout playing every third day.
Bum
I think your right about Kershaw having to learn, when to come out of a game.
And knowing that that is best for the team.
We were really lucky we went as far as we did, especially when Kershaw was allowed to stay further into the seventh inning, in the post season.
I hope Roberts learned from this last post season.
It is more about winning, then trying to help Kershaw’s post season record.
Bum
It is hard to pay a pitcher that, when they are not the same in the post season too.
He knows it MJ. It has to haunt him.
Bum
I think you are right about that.
Bum
A five men starting rotation, is the accepted number, in the majors right now.
And there is no way that Kazmir is worth what he is getting.
It is pretty pathetic that he couldn’t pitch decent enough for five innings.
Its all about pitch count. 100 pitch limits will either get a pitcher through 8 innings or 4. Either way, they are coming out.
WE ARE…….SC —-football is playing in the Rose Bowl so far.
Bum
So far USC looks pretty good, even after Penn scored.
Bum
I was thinking about the student body left.
Me too. I try not to think about OJ though.
I am right there with you!
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15780912_10154994450493117_2205625459263652769_n.jpg?oh=68aa0609a359f91207ec983fa8122fec&oe=58F036F5
Just call me a trouble maker.
Banal
Piquant
Bum
How?
He is so self centered.
And I think we are jinxes now.
We watch UCLA’s first loss, and now this game.
Talk about where the ball bounces.
Both made New years tweets and all I did was share what each tweeted.
For some reason I think USC will win.
Strange game. Not very well officiated.
Bum
The difference in those two tweets says it all.
After those two personal fouls, I had to take my dog for a walk!
Talk about stupidity.
The differences between those two individuals is immeasurable.
Talk about the difference , between Vinny and Keith Jackson.
Keith is obviously a legend, but I felt badly for him.
I did too.
And I think those anouncers should have known better, a head of time on that.
Bum
You just might be right about USC!
The Rams need Darold now!
Fun game. Seemed like all borderline calls went against SC.
I agree with that Bum. Even the spotting of the ball often looked shady. That overturned fumble recovery reminded me of one I saw a while back – the referees were over a scrum signaling one way and a guy from the other team was standing right next to them with the ball in his hands.
Good game. Lasted over 4 hours. Wore me out.
USC got that one break on that short pass in the middle, but Pitt got a couple good bounces go there way.
I am proud of this USC team, especially there offense, because it looked like all of the momentum changed big time for a while there.
Especially after those two personal
foul calls, almost were back to back.
Is Silly Season over yet?
To save your asking, that is an English Mastiff and I don’t know who owns him? Or maybe it’s “Who he owns…”
A snot rocket Bumgarner would be impressed by. That breed can generate it and then sling it 20 feet.
That dog looks like he’s about ready to get some.
Ethics committee about to be gutted. Clearly it hasn’t been working anyway, but stand by.
Still no Dozier. I can see St Louis or SF stepping in, but 52% of fans voting (538 of them) say Twins will hang on to him.
USC is back.
Not much else going on this morning. Yet.
My feeling is that FAZ has done all the stretching they’re going to for the Twins, the ball is on their side of the court. And they have maneuvered things so well, they’re going to look silly now no matter what happens.
So, that’s the Twins who look silly or FAZ? Or both? Frankly I’m losing interest in the Dozier Games. The Twins can keep him. Or trade him to the giants. Let him hit .250 up there. He’s from Pissimippi, he won’t fit in liberal SF.
The Twins are the silly ones. And I think most of us, like you, have become so bored with the whole Dozier thing, we’d be quite happy to just walk away and forget it.
Won’t fit in S.F.? Bumgarner fits.
The Twins own the asset. Not sure they look silly.
Bumgarner is a booger on parfait in SF. But, no one there seems to mind as he is dumb as a bag of cement. Look at his contract. He makes less than McCarthy, with team options of $12 million in ’18 and ’19. Over 29 WAR for $22 million. Damn. Wish the Dodgers could sign an ace to a contract like that. Not likely.
They would look silly if they turn down a good offer for him and he turns into a Pumpkin. Which some think he may well do.
They will determine what their asset is worth. If the market doesn’t meet their demand, he stays. In Minnesota, where the lights are low wattage, he can put up 3 WAR. I really doubt we see 5.9 WAR again, but, for $6 million he should easily produce more than for what he is paid.
The more important question for me is, what will Jose De Leon do over the next two years? Hard to know as we have no idea what the team plans to do with him.
MLBTR Poll: Will the Twins trade Dozier?
Will The Twins Trade Brian Dozier This Offseason?
Yes 50.23% (2,410 votes)
No 49.77% (2,388 votes)
Total Votes: 4,798
The Twins already blew there chance.
Everyday we get closer to spring training, and the start of the baseball season, Dozier’s value will go down.
Because the Twins only have him for another two years, and he is the biggest chip they have.
This trade isn’t going to happen.
And really can we count on Kazmir and McCarthy?
We might need JDL more then we think, and not to mention, Mark thinks he could set up on this team.
I don’t know how Bum got Bumgarner out of that dog, because those type of dogs, are suppose to be gentle Giants.
Reference to some of Bumgarner’s obnoxious habits. Even I understood that and most of the time I don’t understand Bumsrap at all…
Why would I choose to be straight forward, consistent, and coherent? I want to keep my options open and keep people wondering and guessing what I might do or say. 🙂
Congratulations. You are a success.
Bum
Is Boxout no longer allowed on this place.
I know Bumgarner picks his nose as much as he pitches, but I didn’t see Bumgarner in that dog.
Well the new year is here. Time for FAZ to get busy and fill out his wish list. It will obviously be his wish list since what we fans would like to see matters not. But that is their job. Spring training a little over 6 weeks away. The equipment trucks will be filling soon and the coaching staff will be making plans and schedules for the first players on the scene, the pitchers and catchers. And the first crack of the bat will soon follow. There will still be snow on the ground where I live, but the anticipation of green fields, the smell of popcorn and peanuts will fill the spring air. I cannot wait for the new season to start. Hello 2017 season!
Wondering
I love Bum but that was a good answer!
Oh, come on MJ. I admit i too laughed at Art’s reply but I also made myself laugh when I posted what he replied to.
Mattingly continues to create Dodgers East in SoBeach. Fish just signed Javy Guerra and Stephen Fife as NRI’s.
I just want to beat the Marlins, like a drum next year.
I hope Corey doesn’t play on that World baseball team this year.
Because he was tired at the end of the year.
And I don’t think Kershaw will be pitching on that team now, that he got hurt.
http://southsideshowdown.com/2017/01/02/white-sox-reunion-trayce-thompson-makes-sense/
Lawrie huh. Don’t we have an in house option than can put up a 99 OPS+? But, both players project out about equal so, yeah, sure…..
Badger
Before last year started, wasn’t JDL suppose to be the Dodgers biggest pitching prospect, after Urias?
Yes.
Badger
Thanks that is what I thought.
So has his value went down by a possible injury concern, or from the starts he made, at the major league level?
And I am taking about how the front office values him.
I don’t think his value has necessarily dropped, but the call-up of Stripling and Stewart did give me some pause. Perhaps Buehler and Alvarez’ value have risen as they both recovered and developed respectively.
I would see the implied value of JDL vis-a-vis the Dozier deal as affirming that he’s well regarded. I mean Dozier is a TOP 2B, and De Leon is being offered for him alone. That’s a pretty high value, no?
Ask the Twins…
He went from 21 to 33 on the MLB Top 100 list, but there is still this:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
There are only 3 pitchers on that Top 100 list that grade out better. As long as he checks out physically he’s the best pitcher in our minor league system. And we are willing to trade him for a rental. A two year rental, but a rental, and a rental that has already peaked.
Fixed your comment Badger…
There are only 3 pitchers on that Top 100 list that grade out better. As long as he checks out physically he’s the best pitcher in our minor league system. And we are willing to trade him for an impact player at a position of need. A two year impact player at a position of need, but a impact player at a position of need, and an impact player at a position of need that has already peaked.
I can live with that rewrite.
I’m really not comfortable with Rodney Dangerfield as an avatar. Since it’s so easy to change, I will. I will be ready if Catbox comes around again…
I’m adding my name to the ever growing list of disenchanted fans with regard to the Dozier trade. Dozier for Deleon straight up or walk away. I like Villar better and he and Braun would solve a lot of holes in the lineup.
I haven’t mentioned Braun and Villar since last year but this is a new year so I’m at it again. Of course it’s not going to happen, it makes too much sense.
I would also like to see Blanton back and yes he did bomb out vs the Cubs but he also did great vs the Nationals in the PS.
I think he was just overused and in the end had nothing left to give.
He was in more games, pitched more innings than anyone in the BP and threw 1423 pitches last year far and above anyone else. Those 1423 pitches doesn’t include the amount of pitches he threw in the BP then came into the game NOR the amount he threw warming up and wasn’t called to enter the game.
I’m glad to hear you say this Richie. Like I said earlier we have a lot of guys in our system that can come up and help. I would like us to keep our top tier players. Re sign Blanton, he did the job very well. Also re sign Utley contingent on making the team. Or maybe the White Sox trade makes sense. I think the goal should be to have as many Dodgers on the team as possible and go to the World Series. That route will keep us there or close for years to come. Why trade the future for a rental? I know that people want intsant gratification and Dozier’s numbers will help everyone feel really good for awhile but when it passes the regret will become the next issue. A lot of these trades will end up with great regret. Kind of like having a pocket full of money and spending it all on something shiny
Here you go MJ. This should answer your question http://www.dogguide.net/drooling-dogs.php
Bum
That is slobber not anything to do with the nose.
I know flat faced dogs like a Pug, snort at you, and that is more what Mad Dumb does.
Bum
That is slobbering, and that isn’t what Bum Dumb does!
I know flat faced dogs like Pugs, snort at you, and that is more what Mad Dumb does.
My comments are not going through
Bum
That is slobbering, and Mad Dumb isn’t slobbering, is out there on the mound.
Flat nose dogs like a Pug, snort in your face, and I think that is more like Mad Dumb.
The pocket full of money being our young players and something shiny being one guy coming off of a career year
We may only have Kershaw for 2 more years or less if his back stops him sooner. Should the Dodgers trade him? Should they hang on to depth in case he does have back surgery?
The Yankees have three players I would like to have on the Dodgers. They are Clint Frazier, Gleyber Torres, Gary Sánchez. Frazier is a potential righty OF bat, Torres is almost ready to play second, and Sánchez is their awesome catcher. Kershaw and Grandal for those three plus players from both teams that would balance the trade?
Come on, what else do we have to talk about?
There goes coherent…
Art, I made that comment very simple and I typed slowly. If you couldn’t understand it, that is on you.
Looks like I’m not alone in my opinion that your proposed deal has as much chance of happening as Mark does of being named a Saint. (Can there be two St. Marks?)
I believe it’s fine to talk about trading anyone. I would think if Kershaw ok’s any trade, wouldn’t it be to go home?
Kershaw’s contract has some interesting language in terms of what happens to his options if he is traded – including immense leverage to demand a new extension. And this year he enters the heavy years of that contract- $33 million. A MLB Trade Value list came out in March and he was 21st on that list. After a back issue in ’16, where might he fall on that list this coming year?
I think it’s logical to assume we have seen the best of Clayton Kershaw. He had a 6 year run of excellence before last year’s breakdown. Sure, he might have a few good years left, including the coming one, but two of the last three years he has missed starts. Will he be a 7 WAR pitcher for 4 more years? Frankly I doubt it.
Art, I didn’t make that proposal with the idea that it might happen. I was reminding us that Kershaw is not a sure thing. You might notice that you have a habit that may not be serving you all that well. You don’t seem able to explore comments before you react negatively.
I think my problem is that I would like to see a team full of Dodgers with just a few guys from other teams
You have the same problem the rest of us have—- FAZ doesn’t listen to us….
The system seems close to having that a possibility. First time since the 70’s and 80’s. We had it since but made stupid trades with our kids
We’ve moved several young players, some we traded for, in this effort to remain competitive. We didn’t trade Seager or Urias, of course, both being Top 10 prospects, but I wouldn’t say any of those still here are untouchable. Until they actually do something that really stands out as a large positive, I still don’t trust these FAZ guys in trade scenarios.
I have always been that way myself with the exception of players that were drafted by other teams but came to the Dodgers as a minor leaguer. I will also take other team’s players that are under 24 and have less than 81 games in the majors.
I am just getting conversation started.
I’m with you. I consider Ethier a Dodger
I talked to a scout friend of mine over New Years and got a few interesting takes:
1. He believes the Twins are asking for De Leon AND Alvarez or Buehler in exchange for Dozier. He thinks the Dodgers offered De Leon and a lower level pitcher.
2. He says that GM’s are paranoid about trading with two guys: Epstein and Friedman.
3. He says that he’s more afraid of Friedman… that Epstein got snookered on Heyward and that the Cubs would not have won if Fowler had not decided to take a one year gift offer and Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrietta were total luck – no one knew how good they could (even Theo admitted that). He says that Friedman is the GM others fear most and that they try and get more from him because of that.
4. He says that some of the long-term deals are going to change and in fact are changing as GM’s realize their dope-fiend (I made that part up) ways.
5. He says he believes Dave Roberts will be the best Dodger’s manager and that Friedman will retire with the most championships of any Dodgers Front Office.
6. He says Zaidi is Friedman’s lackey.
I thought you might find it amusing and interesting.
I guess it’s better to be lucky than good then.
For those of you who wish to listen, here’s a podcast from some Twins talk show guys talking about a Dozier/Dodgers deal. Interesting points being made both ways. it’s long, and the Dodger/Dozier stuff eventually ends as other Twins talk begins, but most of it from beginning on is about us.
http://www.1500espn.com/touch-em-all/2017/01/can-dodgers-afford-passing-brian-dozier-trade-ep-100/
Scott
My comments are not going through!
I am still for De Leon and Calhoun for Dozier.
I think Dozier would be a real asset at a spot where we need one.
If Calhoun and Johnson are not good enough now they won’t be two years from now when Dozier is gone. Prefer a trade that gets a player as young and as good as De Leon for second base.
I think the guy you may be looking for is Calhoun Bum. One more year in the minors and he should be ready. If he goes to Minnesota I think he plays in the bigs next year.
You might be right Badger. If Calhoun hit from the right side I would be all in on him. It would seem like the Dodgers need to swap one or both of Calhoun and Verdugo for equivalent righty bats.
MT….Yeah, so was Jeff Shaw and Delino DeShields
I agree with Mark on this one.
Which one? Include Calhoun or the 6 “He says”.
Dodger rick
You are the one that is more upset about our starting pitching rotation, then anyone.
Who is going to pitch if Kazmir and McCarthy, continue there slide?
And Kazmir didn’t pitch well much of the season, and when he pitched, he didn’t pitch much past five innings, and I am being nice by saying that.
And McCarthy has done exactly what everyone thought he would do.
And Mark what did that scout say about Friedman getting snookered on Kazmiz, McCarthy, and Anderson?
Let’s see:
Heyward – $184 Million
Kazmir, McCarthy, Anderson – $119 million.
Still not close!
Why can’t most of our young hitters, hit both lefties and righties?
I know the Giants Crawford, and there first baseman, didn’t hit lefties well there first two years.
But now Crawford hits lefties better then righties, and there first baseman hits lefties now.
Just a guess, but coming up through the minor leagues young hitters just don’t face the day in day out quality pitchers they suddenly see at the big league level. But hitters hit, and if not trained to be platoon players the good hitters will hold their own against same side pitching. That said, it would appear the new dynamic does not allow learning by failure. I would even venture a guess that even minor league managers are learning how to use platoons to gain advantage.
Corey Seager, in his first 691 plate appearances has a 200 point difference in OPS against LHP. His .757 v lh is still reasonable. But, if we have a SS sub that can hit .800 OPS against LHP, wouldn’t Roberts use him? Damn right he would. Platoons are here to stay. We will see a roster constructed around the strategy.