How about an off-day predictions thread? Friday marks the start of the two-month countdown to the end of the regular season, one in which the National League West might not deliver any wild-card representation. So who do you think will win the division title?
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Bobby A
Thinking it’ll be the Dodgers, with the Choate/League additions to the bullpen paying off even more than Hanley/Victorino.
KT
wow ballsy prediction…even with more limited playing time
Anonymous
The less League pitches, the better the Dodgers will do.
Anonymous
The better the Dodgers will do, the less League pitches
Anonymous
We certainly agree on this one. I was hoping the Gnats would acquire him.
Anonymous
The end of the Russia-Brazil basketball game was quite the thing. Except that the crowd didn’t seem to be in to it very much.
Anonymous
I really hope that the biggest deadline acquisition in the NL West doesn’t turn out to be Chris Johnson.
KT
He looked good in our series
Anonymous
Didn’t realize Arizona was playing so well.
Jon Weisman
The Dodgers sure did. :)
Anonymous
At this stage, I’d guess (emphasis on guess) the Giants, for three reasons. First, they have a head start – they’re currently in first place. Second, I think they improved the most (Pence is, marginally, the best player added to the NL West, and they didn’t give up anyone as valuable to the 2012 season as Eovaldi/Lindblom). Third, and most importantly, I think they have the most upside, because two of their best players, Lincecum and Kung Fu Panda, could contribute more over the stretch than they have so far.
That last point could be wrong, however, if Lincecum’s problems are due to injury and if Panda’s injury doesn’t heal in time to help, then the Giants are what they are, without much upside. To be honest, I really don’t know the status of either guy.
Dave Alden
There are several good points here. However, because of positional value, Hanley Ramirez is probably the best player added to the NL West. By fWAR, it’s 1.6 for Ramirez to 1.2 for Pence.
I see the Giants and Dodgers staying close into the final week, with the Dbacks fading. If I had to bet the house, I’d go with the Giants. But I don’t, so my heart stays with the Dodgers.
underdog
I honestly think 2 teams from the NL west are going to make the playoffs, with one team a close and disappointed 3rd. Giants have slight edge right now in schedule but that’s about it. Their lead is practically insignificant. And they haven’t really shown ability to beat any of the good teams very much this season. Dodgers of course have their own problems with inconsistency and need to make up some ground soon when they do play some weaker teams. Should be a tight one!
KT
even with the way the central division teams are playing (pitt/cinn)
underdog
Remember one more team makes the playoffs this year. Though being that last wild card team means a 1 game playoff which is not great odds, but better odds than missing playoffs.
KT
yea Pitt, Atl and StL are all ahead of us with Az right behind…I feel we don’t win the division we aren’t going. I know there is a lot of games left but we have to make up 4 games and jump 2 teams in the WC and only .5 in the west
Anonymous
The schedule seems to favor SF. My heart the Dodgers. Whoever winds up 2 & 3 better play well to even consider thinking WC though.
foul tip
“How about an off-day predictions thread?”
On news of Derek Lowe’s DFA, I predict Ned will need to be locked in a room with no communication devices, since the Dodgers missed on the starting pitcher he sought.
Lowe is way too PVLy for Ned not to be tempted. And a former Dodger and all that. Whoever locks Ned away needs to double-check the locks. If he escapes, maybe he’ll be deterred by Lowe’s recent numbers and his second halves the last year or so.
If Ned does bite, let’s hope Kasten acts as fail-safe.
Jon Weisman
If Ned has any interest in Lowe, it wouldn’t cost more than the MLB minimum, so I don’t need any reason to lock the doors.
foul tip
Wasn’t concerned about contract but about performance, or lack of…like lately.
KT
what about the roster spot? Wouldn’t we need to make room
Anonymous
Except I don’t want Kent or Lowe on my TV.
BB
Lowe’s sinker is very effective–it sinks right across the middle of the plate and then sinks again about six rows deep in the outfield. It’s an interesting exercise in physics: His sinker has lost maybe 5-6 mph, yet seems to speed up dramatically when it comes into contact with maple or ash.
Anonymous
From Colletti’s perspective, Lowe also has the DePodesta stink on him, so he might spite him for that reason alone.
Vail Beach
The one-syllable last-named that starts with an L that the Dodgers will obtain is not Lowe but L__.
BB
I doubt it. Word from Kevin Kennedy was Dodgers had him in a deal with Philly but he vetoed it because he doesn’t want to play in LA.
Anonymous
My bold off day prediction – Donnie will send out yet another lineup change tomorrow?!?
When will he just pick one and go with it – at least for a week? Ethier is clearly not a 2 hole hitter.
Why not just slide M. Ellis back in the 2 hole, Kemp at 3, followed by Andre and HanRam. See that was easy!
underdog
It probably has something to do with just about no one hitting well in the leadoff spot all season? Not to mention some other serious holes in the lineup for much of the year. Ellis is good in the 2 hole, I agree. But now that they have Victorino, he will lead off, Ellis will stay in 2 spot, and so on. I think you’ll find the lineups a lot more consistent now that they’ve added Victorino and HanRam.
Anonymous
I hope they don’t consistently feature Shane. He’s a mediocre lead-off guy.
They should give Hairston the lead off role at LF, and swap Shane in as a baserunner or PH at an opportune time when the SP fades (anywhere from the 5th to 8th).
This is obvious, much as the fact that Uribe and Loney shouldn’t have had a single AB since late May was obvious.
foul tip
With his history of success, especially post-season, count on seeing him lead off every day. He was described as the missing lead-off hitter when acquired.
Anonymous
That’s the past. The speed (bat and foot) has faded badly since his in the park in SD. It happens. His 2012 average doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
foul tip
Agreed that his 2012 isn’t his best. But management said he was acquired to lead off. So….
Anonymous
If after you switch 2010 and 2011 you put 2003 after 2010 your argument works even better
Anonymous
Yeah, while SV might get a day off now and again just to rest, there’s no way he’ll be platooned or any such (reasonable) thing.
Anonymous
Yes, and he’s not even a lead off hitter?!? Rollins hits lead off for the Phils!
underdog
I feel like this discussion is moot anyway given Mattingly saying Victorino is going to hit leadoff for the Dodgers. Obviously something could change if he slumps horribly, but this is generally what you’re going to see. Will see more mixing and matching of the lower half of order now while top off is pretty set.
Jon Weisman
What’s the argument for having the same lineup every day, as opposed to playing matchups the best you can?
Anonymous
The argument is that players are fragile little boys with delicate egos, and getting bumped from the 3-4-5 club to the 7-8 spot (or losing a leadoff spot, getting semi-platooned etc) might hurt their self-image and, hence, affect their play.
underdog
People are easily bored?
Anonymous
If he did played the matchups consistently, Ethier would be on the bench more often. He does keep players that are now utility players happy. I like to see a core group of players playing at a minimum of 75% of the time and hit in the same spot when they do play.
Based on the players on the team I think the core is composed of Ethier, Kemp, A.C. Ellis, Loney, Ramirez, and now Victorino. Rivera, Abreu, Hairston, Kennedy, Ellis, Herrera, Cruz, Gordon, Gwynn, are the utility role players.
Mattingly can mix and match with the role players but not the core players–my opinion.
Victorino, Loney, Kemp, Ethier, Ramirez, A.C. Ellis, Role, Role, pitcher–would be my everyday lineup.
Dr. Rockso
What no Mellis? And who is AC Ellis?
Victorino, Mellis, Kemp, Ethier, Ramirez, Loney, Cruz, AJellis, Pitcher–would be my everyday lineup.
Anonymous
I can live with that one as well. A.C. is A.J.’s first cousin by a previous marriage.
BB
In Shane Victorino’s case, I think playing leadoff every day can only benefit him. The Phillies bounced him all over the lineup (I believe he stormed out of the clubhouse a couple weeks ago when the had him 7th or 8th). I like Jimmy Rollins, but he was never a prototypical leadoff guy, yet insisted on being put there. Charlie Manuel might have done Victorino a disservice by not telling Jimmy he was batting 2nd (or 6th) and sticking the Flyin’ Hawaiian in the 1 slot.
Anonymous
I have been complaining about the lineup changes for quite a while.
underdog
Cliff Lee was placed on waivers! ZOMG! Everyone panic!
;)Thus begins the yearly period of guys with huge contracts waived who will be pulled back and not traded.
Anonymous
Yeah, isn’t everyone placed on waivers in August? What’s the downside, other than an administrative error allowing a superstar to leave for nothing?
Anonymous
What happens if the Dodgers claim him which I would love to see. Do you think it is 100% sure the
phillies will pull him back?
BB
More likely they’d dump his salary on them. But I heard he doesn’t want to play in LA.
foul tip
From the no sense of humor dept.–
The umpire in last night’s Class A Fort Myers (Twins)-Daytona (Cubs) ejected the Stadium’s DJ after he played Three Blind Mice over the PA system.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/extramustard/hotclicks/08/02/minor-league-umpire-ejects-dj-for-playing-three-blind-mice-ciara/index.html#ixzz22PymO1fC
Dave Alden
I spent several years as part owner of a minor league club. And was once threatened with ejection from my box seat if I didn’t direct our marketing director to apologize to the homeplate umpire.
With that said, I don’t think the PA announcer should have been ejected. But I do think that the league office should have fined the announcer and warned him that he’d be suspended if he did it again. Fans can get unruly. Part of the task of the home team is controlling that aggression, not inciting it.
Anonymous
Probably because in a Class A game there are only two umpires.
Anonymous
BP answers the topic thread question each and every morning, of course:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/odds/
Currently they have SFG winning 87 and us and the snakes winning 85.
They also think that the WC second seed will go to the NL central team that wins 89.
The coming road trip is a little more relevant than usual, seeing as how we’re in a race with the Bucs and Braves every bit as much as the Gs.
Dr. Rockso
My hope is that after a week or so, the revamped roster will gel and take off. Just in last 4-5 weeks we’ve had about a 32% turnover, what with Kemp, Either, and Mellis coming back, and the loss of Eo and acquisitions of Ramirez, Victory-no, League, and Choate. I think a consistent lineup would expedite the gelling effect as well.
Anonymous
What does it mean to “gel” in baseball? Especially on offense? IT’s not like there’s any teamwork involved.
I’m willing to believe that player in a new city, a new environment might take a while to feel at home, but these guys travel for a living and they only have to concentrate for about 4-5 ABs (so 5-10 minutes?) every 24 hours.
Dr. Rockso
If that were true, then steady lineups and lineup position would not matter. Mattingly could draw names from a hat each day (which sometimes I just wonder). Each spot has a traditional role and that role is tweaked based on each team’s actual lineup and needs, as well as the hitter that immediately precede and follow each batter. Granted, it’s not a choreographed offense like football, but to say that there is no teamwork involved is ludicrous.
Anonymous
First of all, lineup order is not teamwork. It’s merely a sequence of individual actions.
Second, yes, I firmly believe that 162 random draws of lineup order would produce roughly the same number of runs over the course of a season than 162 carefully constructed lineups with the notion of traditional “roles” in mind, provided the best hitters were in the pool. In fact, I don’t need to believe it – I know it. People have studied this. Simulations have been run. Lineup order has essentially no effect. There is some advantage to having high SLG guys up with high OBP guys on base in front of them, but that is mostly wiped out by the tradeoffs between power and OBP and by teh constant turnover the batting order. The most important thing for an offense is that the best hitters get the most chances and the worst hitters get the fewest.
Bill James also showed a long tiem about that “protection” in the lineup is , on average, a myth. Of course it could matter in a specific circumstance, especially to explain intentional walks, but over the long haul, it doesn’t matter.
What does matter is matchups, especially platoon advantages. For example, whatever the batting order, the Dodgers best lineup against LHP should not include James Loney or Shane Victorino (or, most years, Andre Either), but against RHP, they should all be in there.
Anonymous
In what way does a consistent line-up help as Jon asked below?
Jason Ungar
my personal opinion is that it dosen’t and I agree with GoBears. I do wonder though about having a consistent 2 hole hitter. Only cause that spot is generally asked to do things maybe other spots in the order would not be asked to do. Even saying that, these guys are all pros and should be able to hit wherever whenever.
Anonymous
Well the Dirty Snakes +44 in run differential really jumps out at me – they’re only 2.5 back, which is nothing, especially with the way Dodgers and Giants are currently playing. It would not surprise me at all if the Dbacks were to take the division.
Even with a healthy Panda and the addition of Pence, I believe the Dodgers have a better offense than the Hated Ones. Starting rotation has a lot of *if’s* on both Dodgers and Giants – will Cap and Harang be able to come close to thier 1st halves? how will Lilly fare coming back? Will Lincecum continue to flounder? Will Bum and Vogelsong keep up the good work or fade? I really think Dodgers will pick up another starter this month like Ned has done in the past.
All that said, I predict the Dodgers taking the division because, well, I’m damned sure not going to predict the Giants to beat us, and Arizona? C’mon, how long they been around? Aren’t they still considered an expansion team? They got no business beating out the DODGERS fercryinoutloud!
Anonymous
I don’t think the run differential means much in this case – it would be very different with a healthy Kemp in the lineup all year, not to mention additions like Hanley and Victorino.
Eric Enders
I’m still waiting for the next win to clear waivers.
Anonymous
If I knew for sure, I’d be heading to the nearest casino sports book!
I agree with a poster from yesterday that the Dodgers LOOK as good as anyone else on paper. But we know that the games are played on the diamond, not paper.
Anonymous
Mets have already knocked zito out, basically. The game took about ten minutes.
Anonymous
As long as the Giants keep the inconsistent Zito in the starting rotation, the Dodgers’ chances are helped. To wit, his top of the 1st inning today vs. the Mets:
R. Tejada grounded out to shortstop- A. Torres struck out looking- D. Wright walked- S. Hairston walked, D. Wright to second- D. Murphy hit by pitch, D. Wright to third, S. Hairston to second- J. Bay singled to shallow left center, D. Wright and S. Hairston scored, D. Murphy to second- R. Cedeno doubled to left, D. Murphy and J. Bay scored- R. Johnson grounded into fielder’s choice, R. Cedeno out at third.
Cedeno’s double went off Cabrera’s glove and should have been caught, as noted by Giants announcer Kuiper.
It’s 4-0 Mets after half an inning.
Anonymous
In the proud tradition of SF LFers too busy contemplating their awesome OPS to pay attention to the game…
Alex Chavez
looking at yesterday’s lineup I was impressed that the Snakes had 5 guys with slugging % over .450, while we had 2. That’s a big difference. I’ll pick them to win it.
Hadn’t read this, sorry if already posted – from the Chicago Tribune:
–The Dodgers honored Kirk Gibson with as bobblehead doll giveaway Tuesday. Not only does the head move on a spring, but so does his right arm, simulating Gibson’s famous fist-pump on his walkoff home run to win Game 1 of the 1988 World Series to spark a sweep. “It was a very cool thing that happened when I was here, got to experience a world championship with some great teammates,” Gibson said.
Anonymous
It must kill Bochy to have to play Belt. Crawford is pretty horrible, as well.
underdog
Belt’s not horrible, he’s stil young too, though he’s definitely been inconsistent. Crawford’s a good glove, poor bat guy mostly. They’ve had almost as much of a weaksauce carousel at 1st as Dodgers this year.
Anonymous
weaksauce carousel, I like that.
So in other words, the Giants should aBrandon the ship?
Anonymous
Unfortunately for the Gnats, they have no better option, and at least he’s better defensively than Huff (whom I would like to see at 2B again).
Anonymous
Belt is both young and horrible.
Anonymous
Well if my math is correct, a big if, we are 24 -30 since June 1. If we had not got off to such a good start where would we be now? Oh well still two more months to play better.
BTW a belated Happy Dog Days of Summer everyone.
Felton Suthon
An unreliable trio of Dodgers, Giants and Snakes – I’ll say the Snakes get the best leadership from Gibson and win the West. Dodgers will be left to ponder a demise from 42-25. I hope I am wrong.
Anonymous
Nice note except it wasn’t a sweep. Big Mac made sure of that.
Anonymous
Mets lead Giants, 5-0, after two innings. In top of second, Zito again retired the first two batters, and then he allowed an off-field double to right by Torres and a soft single to left by Wright for the run. Giants wasted a two-out triple by Belt (Belt?) as Crawford then struck out looking.
underdog
Have to say the Mets are doing their part to make me feel less bummed out about the Dodgers-AZ series. Though both LA and SF obviously have completely opened the door for Snakes to join the party now. Anyway, if Giants lose today they’ll have lost 6 out of their last 7 on this homestand.
Anonymous
What do you mean “if” the Gnats lose today?
Anonymous
Funny when righties figure out Zito’s curve crap. BP to left center.
Anonymous
The Giants now have both Pence and Penny. Does that make cents?
Anonymous
Way to coin a phrase!
Anonymous
Now they need to entice Schilling out of retirement. And ask him to Pound the strike zone.
foul tip
Penny would be unwise to Pound the strike zone, maybe foolish…
Anonymous
and get Don Money to play infield. and Kid Nichols to pitch.
Anonymous
COTD candidate!
Anonymous
I guess it is their kind of Money Ball.
Anonymous
Now all they need is Schilling :)
Jim Hitchcock
The only part of the Olympics I have watched so far are the volleyball games with Misty May Treanor and Kerry Walsh, and their level of athletisicm is just flat out amazing, I would be totally jelly-legged after about 5 minutes of play.
Anonymous
The women’s tour came through here a few years ago and we went down to the Sea Venture and watched ’em. Seriously athletic, and a couple had thighs from rule 1.
Jason Ungar
They really are amazing. Same with the swimmers. I’d drown like 30 seconds into a race…
Jeffrey Thomas III
“The Dodgers Should Claim Cliff Lee”
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-dodgers-should-claim-cliff-lee/
Thoughts?
Anonymous
I wish.
Jason Ungar
I think the biggest wild cards in all this are Billingsley and Loney. They have to produce at levels that are acceptable (not great) moving forward. Someone needs to protect that 5 hole and Loney seems like the guy (in the past 2nd halves) who can do it. And Billz needs to pitch like a number 2. In case no one has noticed Capuano is now pitching to ERA around 5 since the all star break. They were hitting .232 off him and his whip was 1.19 now they are hitting .295 and his WHIP has been 1.50. Let’s hope he can stop his own bleeding.
Anonymous
I disagree, I think the biggest wildcards involve health.
Bills will be average, which is better than most here give him credit for. Loney will be Loney.
Cap needs to up his game, or he’ll have an obvious pejorative nickname in these parts pretty soon.
Thankfully, we have a better pitching staff than the Bucs, Braves and Cards if it comes to a wildcard “series”.
Jason Ungar
I disagree, I think the biggest wildcards involve health.
—
Not something I disagree with at all. I think something like this is assumed.
Anonymous
Sure, but it’s a related point, Cap’s deterioration (if it is a trend) means we REALLY need a healthy Lilly.
Jason Ungar
Right! I agree! we miss him.
Anonymous
“an obvious pejorative nickname”
It doesn’t help that the last part of his last name rhymes with guano.
Anonymous
DT is actually quite favorable to Billingsley. I can not imagine how you got a different impression.
Anonymous
It doesn’t look like Mattingly is going to give Loney enough atbats to help much. His preference for Rivera troubles me.
Jason Ungar
You know I can’t wait for Loney to be gone, but I totally agree with you here. I just hope vs righties Loney will play. It makes no sense not to play him. It’s not like our other option is better and we know his defense is not close to Loney’s.
Anonymous
I agree 100% as it relates to Bills.
Anonymous
I posted this before but I guess yo did not see it, Jason
Loney career first half: 285,342,404
Loney career 2nd half: 285,342,448
He had 2 years with the 2nd half much better 2006 when he was sent back to AAA near the end of April and brought back near the end of July, and last season. As you can see from his career 1sthalf/2nd half splits, he has had a number of years when his 2nd half was worse than his 1st.
Rivera has a much better 2nd half career split than 1st half; about 10% better in each of the 3 stats.
jasonu
Thanks mike. I did miss your comment. Oh well..I was trying to be positive. The numbers don’t lie though. I do recall Rivera being a much better 2nd half guy. I don’t care which guy hits. Just hit!!
KT
7-1 Mets…sure glad they are helping us after we treated them so badly
veryolddodgerfan
if Kemp and Kershaw play like they did last august/september the dodgers will win the division. super stars must do it or it’s not going to happen. who bats where in the lineup matters little.
Jason Ungar
That’s a good take. Hard to disagree on that! Let’s hope!
veryolddodgerfan
but they might not be enough in the playoffs with the recent starting pitching degradation. but maybe by then- are you ready- Dee could be the baseball X factor he was born to be.
Anonymous
Hard to believe the Dodgers could stink so fetidly over the past three days and still be just a half game out.
Anonymous
Until you remember that their infield is as bad as ours with the bat, and Zito and Timmy can be rookie-league pitchers on any given night.
Anonymous
I pick the Dodgers by five over the Snakes, with the Gnats struggling to hold on to third. Lincescum let us down this week, but Gumbarner, Gnattcain and Zito have helped pick up the slack.
Anonymous
Bumgarner is already a parody of his own nickname. You can’t improve on that. It would be like trying to satirize the National Enquirer.
Anonymous
I miss Weekly World News – who can forget headlines like “Dracula’s Descendant Owns a Blood Bank” and “Savages Serve Queen Lizzy Roast Rat”?
Rob Carnachan
The D-backs have the only decent offense among the three clubs, although my hope is that the Dodger offense will click and begin scoring 4-5 runs a game with the recent additions. Even with Pence, the Giants’ offense is a joke and you can’t win with pitching alone. So I’m thinking Arizona is the favorite unless the Dodgers start scoring runs on a consistent basis and then it’s a two team race.
Rob Carnachan
Why did the Dodgers cut Abreu instead of Gwynn? Of the two, I think Abreu is more valuable due to his OBP. Gwynn has contributed virtually nothing to the team since the start of June (he was solid in April and May) and doesn’t possess the offensive tools that Abreu does. Bobby could have been a valuable weapon off the bench. I would have released Gwynn over Abreu.
Anonymous
I agree, especially because Victorino is more or less a slightly-better Gwynn at this point.
Rob Carnachan
Well I hope not. I expect a lot more from Victorino — he’s a .290/15/65 type hitter with speed and good OBP. He is far more talented offensively than Gwynn ever was.
Anonymous
I think he’s a .255 guy from here on out in his career. Just my opinion.
I’d LOVE to see him as a platoon pitcher-switch guy, especially if Donnie is imaginative enough to get him in the game as a runner.
Anonymous
I agree. Unless he sits against LHP, which I can’t see happening. I’ve actually been impressed that Mattingly has been willing to platoon Loney and Rivera. Strict L-R platoons are out of fashion, but I think they’d help more than most managerial manipulations (such as batting order).
Anonymous
Of course, platooning Loney and Rivera is sort of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. It’s making the best of a bad set of choices.
Rob Carnachan
Have you been watching the same Victorino I have? This guy killed the Dodgers in the ’08 and ’09 NLCSs. He’s only 31, which means he has at least 2 more years in his offensive prime before his bat begins to slow a bit. I expect .280 or better with an OBP near .380 or so with decent power (around 15 homers a season). In other words, Rafael Furcal-type production except with more selectivity at the plate, and consequently a higher OBP than Raffy.
Anonymous
Actually, at 31, it’s likely that he’s past his prime. Before the steroids era, most players peaked b/w 27 and 29. 31 is on the wrong part of the curve for a non-star player. If you think Victorino will OBP .380 with 15 HRs (outside of the Philly bandbox) you’re probably going to be disappointed.
Anonymous
Citizens Bank is not a bandbox. It’s basically at the median.
Anonymous
VictorGwynno sounds like a hitman, but not much of a hit man.
Anonymous
Nicely done, sir!
Anonymous
I think Gwynn earned his seat on the bench (in the eyes of management) by filling in for Kemp for 2 months. Not that he was great, but Colletti is all about depth and contingency planning, and Gwynn stays in case the team needs another legit outfielder for a stretch. Abreu’s bat is better, but he can’t move any more. Personally, I’d cut Uribe, then Kennedy, then Gwynn, then Abreu. Hey if we’re dreaming, Abreu’s the guy I’d want as DH in the World Series.
The thing Colletti doesn’t seem to get is that if Gwynn is needed, the team is sunk anyway.
Anonymous
I like the order : Uribe, Kennedy, Gwynn, Abreu – with an argument to be made Gwynn before Kennedy at this point – but the Dodgers are hoping for Abreu to clear waivers so they can hopefully convince him to play in the minors until September call-up time – maybe they thought Abreu was the most likely for that scenario to be able to play out.
chuck hoag
The Dbacks looked like world beaters against us. They would be my pick right now. I very much hope that is wrong, I want the dodgers to win.
Anonymous
A little “off day” catcher comparisons:
Name Avg. HR RBI OBP
AJ Ellis .278 8 29 .393
Carlos Santana .234 9 41 .362
Rod Barajas .235 8 20 .279
Russell Martin .188 12 30 .307
Our AJ is looking pretty good for a 31 yr old minor league lifer!
Anonymous
For a guy hitting .188, Martin’s doing awfully well.
Anonymous
Well, he does have inflated HR totals in the Bronx bandbox.
Anonymous
The new Yankee Stadium isn’t as friendly to right-handed batters, though, and Matin has .301 OBP which is pretty damn good with .188 avg. Martin would be an upgrade for us at 1B.
Anonymous
I expect his numbers would be no better, and perhaps significantly worse, with half his games at Dodger Stadium.
Anonymous
Wonder what he would have hit in the old Yankee Stadium which was worse on RH?
Anonymous
Or what he would’ve hit with better than .190 BABIP. Awful, too, that this happens in a contract year after he’s turned down an extension. It’s like the guy can’t catch a break.
Anonymous
Eovaldi is getting roughed up..
Anonymous
I think the Gnats have shown today that it won’t be them! (Mind you, at the moment we are not much better!!)
Anonymous
One game doesn’t mean much, but the Gnats’ “offense” and deteriorating bullpen are serious issues for them.
Anonymous
Our ‘offense” problems are quite similar, but it’s our starting pitching that is looking a bit shaky lately
Anonymous
The Giants by three games over the DBacks. And the Dodgers, a strong third place.
Anonymous
That is unwarranted pessimism.
Anonymous
No – that’s optimism from an Orange County Halo fan – the only good thing the Angels have ever done was to deny the Giants a WS win.
Anonymous
Actually, it’s looking like the Anaheimers could finish third behind the Llaneros and the Atléticos.
KT
^_^
Anonymous
The poster’s real name is Pollyanna.
Anonymous
And the Angels come in second place to the Rangers, get the Wild Card and get bumped out of the playoffs right off the bat.
Anonymous
C.J. Wilson gettin’ roughed up : 4-2 Rangers in the 2nd : Angels rotation overrated.
Anonymous
Yet somehow he’s outlasted Dumpster.
Anonymous
C.J. Wilson is doing his best Zito impression v. the Llaneros tonight in Dallas.
Anonymous
Actually the Angels did do one other good thing (for them) – hire a former Dodger great to lead the team and show that sorry organization how to play real ball.
Anonymous
Totally off topic, but does anybody know the last time that a major league had to use their so-called “emergency” catcher in a game situation?
Anonymous
I don’t know, but I would hazard a guess that it happens once or twice a year for all the games in the majors. I don’t necessarily know how to search this on BBRef.
Anonymous
I was wondering because of Mattingly’s (and other managers’) apparent reluctance to use their backup catcher as a pinch-hitter. The need is apparently so rare that it would seem a statistically insignificant risk.
Anonymous
On the other hand, what’s the upside of having Matt Treanor hit?
Anonymous
I was thinking in general, not specifics. On the other hand, Treanor did have that game-winning pinch-hit recently.
jasonu
Vinny will talk about Women’s beach volleyball!
Anonymous
I remember a game where Derrell Thomas had to catch :)
Anonymous
These last two games between the Halos and the Rangers reinforces the fact that the DH and the AL are baseball’s Frankenstein’s Monster. And while Mary Shelley’s Monster did not deserve the derision heaped upon him, the DH and the AL deserve all the derision they get and then some.
Anonymous
I come to praise Kennedy (relative to other Dodger bench players) not to bury him (see discussion below where the ability to reply ran out):
Kennedy since May1; 276/347/378 note May1
Kennedy since June 1:286/346/400
Kennedy since July 1:342/372/526 that’s 44 PA
The vast majority of this production was, obviously, against RHP where Mark Ellis is 204/307/239 on the season and Uribe (this is by far his good split) is 233/310/356.
Not only does Kennedy deserve not to be cut from the team he deserves to get some playing time at 2nd base
Anonymous
So, the less ABs he gets, the better he plays. Works for me!
Anonymous
fewer not less
Anonymous
Mike, the school year is only a few weeks away. Save a little for where it matters.
Anonymous
your post ignored my entirely but I felt the need to reply with some criticism, that was the best I could do but it worked for me.
Anonymous
I used to a be a “fewer” stickler, but I’ve since converted. It’s not like we have an entirely different word for “more” when talking about count nouns; fewer is just one of those words that gives non-native speakers fits, and troubles even many native speakers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/03/opinion/03ROSE.html
Anonymous
I’m with “fewer.”
Anonymous
Sold! Platoon Ellis and Kennedy too. Oh wait, isn’t Kennedy a bad defensive 2bman? That actually matters at 2b (unlike, say, LF).
Anonymous
Ellis is the dean of second baseman. No active player has more starts at 2b than he.
Anonymous
Puig 2 for 2 so far tonight. An RBI triple in the first and a lead-off single in the 4th came around to score
Anonymous
Angels bullpen circling the drain.
Anonymous
For them, Brandon League would be an improvement.
Anonymous
Chattanooga with no hits but 12 walks! What is the record for walks without getting a hit? Anyone know?
Jibin Park
Random question on an off-day… anyone have a link to the Scully Gibson 88 World Series HR call on the web or are you forced to buy the DVD from MLB?
Anonymous
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLexiZHy9wI
@ 2:32. Posted by ‘ktlasports’, so should be legit.
Anonymous
Re-watching the Gibson trot, it’s interesting to note that his teammates mobbed him at home plate, but did not attack him the way they do these days. Probably because they could have broken him. If the Kendrys Morales accident didn’t stop this inane practice, what will?
Anonymous
Mike Trout is having his first legal drink next week, so it isn’t like we’re filtering for maturity.
Anonymous
Although Morales did it all on his lonesome and it wasn’t the mob’s fault in that particular case.
Anonymous
Does anyone have statistics on which pitch (of a batter’s sequence, first,second, third, etc) renders the most homeruns? My gut feeling is it is the first pitch. Several years ago when Matt Kemp was great one week and terrible the next, I remember Vinnie quoting a statistic that he was hitting about .400 when he hit the first pitch, much, much lower if he hit lower in the count. Most Dodger batters seem to take two strikes before they swing at a marginal pitch. I understand the wear out the pitcher part but taking good pitches and being forced to swing at bad ones is not conducive to good hitting in my book.
Jon Weisman
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/split.cgi?t=b&year=2012&lg=MLB#count
Jon Weisman
NPUT