Joc Pederson – Page 3 – Dodger Thoughts

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw gets dirty.

That’s the thing. He’s so precious, that you want to protect him like a porcelain … well, like a porcelain Kershaw.

But Clayton Kershaw must think he’s Nerf or something. He leaps, he dives — he barrel-rolls if that’s what it takes.

Tonight, in the third inning, Kershaw singled. And then Chase Utley singled, and Kershaw took off. While all the Dodger fans clutched their hearts for dear life, like their boy was heedlessly dashing into the street to retrieve his ball, Kershaw rounded second and careened toward third.

He slid, hard, into the base, where the baseball was waiting for him, courtesy of Mike Trout. He was out. We was scared.

[mlbvideo id=”707679883″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

And then with that streak of Dodger dirt along his side and on his rump, Clayton Kershaw got up, walked back to get his glove, returned to the mound, and proceeded to finish dominating his latest Major League opponent.

In eight innings, Kershaw struck out 11 Angels and walked none, extending his unique Major League record, in a 5-1 victory by the home team at Dodger Stadium.

It was the sixth consecutive game that Kershaw had whiffed double-digits without walking more than one batter — two more games than anyone else has had. In addition, Kershaw is within one of Randy Johnson’s NL record for consecutive games with at least 10 strikeouts, and two of Chris Sale’s MLB record. (Pedro Martinez has the record crossing over two seasons of 10 games.)

And now, process this. For the season, Kershaw now has 88 strikeouts and still only four walks. Twenty-two strikeouts for each walk.

In his past five starts, he has 58 strikeouts. And one walk.

Joc Pederson’s quiet offensive surge

By Jon Weisman

On May 6, 2016

In Pregame

get in emmmmm #Defense

A post shared by Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) on May 5, 2016 at 5:59pm PDT

Dodgers at Blue Jays, 4:07 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Howie Kendrick, DH
Joc Pederson, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
(Kenta Maeda, P)

By Jon Weisman

Joc Pederson isn’t just about tight man-to-man defense, as seen in the above video.

Under the radar and near the bottom of the batting order, Pederson is quietly reducing fears about his offense after last season’s post-June slump.

Overall in 2016, the 24-year-old has a .386 on-base percentage (.403 against right-handed pitching) with a .500 slugging percentage, .380 weighted on-base average and 137 weighted runs created.

Champ and Joc Pederson, living life

By Jon Weisman

On May 4, 2016

In Off the field, Profiles

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Joc and Champ Pederson combined to produce a wonderful, multimedia piece for the Players Tribune on their relationship and their approach to life. It’s a must-read, so go check it out now …

— Jon Weisman

Dodger record: Three pinch-walks in same inning

By Jon Weisman

On April 28, 2016

In History

By Jon Weisman

Lost among Wednesday’s weirdness was this: According to my research at Baseball-Reference.com, when Chase Utley, Yasmani Grandal and Joc Pederson each saw ball four in the eighth, it was the first time three pinch-hitters had walked in the same inning in Los Angeles Dodgers history.

Twenty other times since the franchise began play in Brooklyn, the Dodgers had gotten at least three pinch-walks in a game — one time, they had four — but only twice before did they have three in the same inning.

Yeah, I know, how trivial — but what can I tell you? This is the kind of stuff that interests me.

The only other times this happened in franchise history were in Brooklyn, and both times were real doozies.

For Dave Roberts, lefty-righty not quite almighty

By Jon Weisman

On April 27, 2016

In Hitting, Managing

Left-handed hitters Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Carl Crawford

By Jon Weisman

When is a platoon not a platoon? According to Dave Roberts, when it isn’t quite a platoon.

Though the Dodgers have leaned heavily on lefty-righty matchups in constructing their offense this season, Roberts explained today some of the distinctions that he sees.

“Certain guys, their out pitch is a changeup,” Roberts said. “Certain lefties, it’s a breaking ball. So when typically, it’s a breaking ball is their best secondary, then it’s harder for the left-on-left — the visual. Guys that have a changeup as an out pitch, typically the left-handers can handle them more. There are other components to it as well.”

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Kenta Maeda (0.47 ERA) remains out of this world in Dodger win over Giants

By Jon Weisman

On April 17, 2016

In Postgame

Joc Pederson hit a huge two-run homer, but I already wrote the piece on why this was only a matter of time. So let’s talk about Kenta Maeda …

By Jon Weisman

Some night, Kenta Maeda will come back to Earth. Earth has this relentless habit of knocking its residents down. I don’t know why Earth is hostile like this. Maybe it feels unappreciated.

Or maybe Earth is just testing us. Because tonight, just when terra firma was ready to terra new one in Maeda, Maeda shook loose and soared again.

Maeda walked two of the first four batters he faced and went 3-0 in the count to the fifth, but recovered to complete seven superb innings in the National League West-leading Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over San Francisco.

Coming back (not unexpectedly) from Saturday’s disappointment, Joc Pederson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth to put Maeda and the Dodgers ahead, and Yasiel Puig added an insurance run in the seventh with a single, stolen base and mad dash home on Yasmani Grandal’s RBI hit.

Grandal, by the way, went 4 for 5 with three walks and two doubles this weekend in his first back-to-back starts of 2016. Pederson now has a .514 slugging percentage and .830 OPS this season.

Maeda’s career-opening scoreless streak ended in his 15th MLB inning with a third-inning Joe Panik home run, leaving him just shy of Dave Stewart’s Los Angeles Dodger record of 18 1/3. But after using 24 pitches in his first inning, Maeda needed only 74 more to reach a season-high seven innings.

He faced the minimum nine batters over his final three innings, capping his outing by starting a 1-6-4 double play when Giants starter Jeff Samadzija remained in the game to bunt.

In 19 innings as a Dodger, Maeda has a 0.47 ERA with 15 strikeouts against 18 baserunners. With runners in scoring position, opponents are 0 for 14 against Maeda.

Crisscrossing Corey Seager and Joc Pederson

By Jon Weisman

On April 17, 2016

In Pregame

Giants at Dodgers, 5:05 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Howie Kendrick, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Corey Seager connected for a huge hit in the eighth inning Saturday, a two-run home run off Javier Lopez that was the first the San Francisco southpaw had allowed to a left-handed batter in nearly two years.

It was huge because it put the Dodgers within one run (in a game that they ultimately lost by 90 feet, leaving the tying run on third in a 4-3 defeat). It was also huge personally for Seager, who had gone 47 plate appearances this season without hitting a homer.

Seager now has a .292 on-base percentage, .422 slugging percentage and .714 OPS, which might be lower than some expected but is more than fine for a 21-year-old shortstop with a world of potential.

No one, to my knowledge, has called for Seager to be sent to the minors to regroup. The same can’t be said for Joc Pederson, who has been taking grief for much of the season — even though Pederson’s averages (.306 OBP, .424 slugging, .730 OPS) are higher, as are his exit velocities compared to Seager’s, according to Brooks Baseball.

Looking at Joc Pederson’s interesting start to 2016

By Jon Weisman

On April 8, 2016

In Offense, Pregame

Dodgers at Giants, 7:15 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
A.J. Ellis, C
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

One of the quirks of the way the Dodgers have begun 2016 — hot enough for them to average 5.33 runs per game after their 15-0 win Opening Day — is how few walks they’ve drawn.

Los Angeles has nine walks in four games, and four regulars — Chase Utley, Corey Seager, Justin Turner and Carl Crawford — have yet to earn their first free pass. (Turner and Crawford did not start Thursday.)

Adrian Gonzalez has been the exception, with four bases on balls. Yasiel Puig, interestingly enough, not only is the lone other Dodger who has walked twice, he has but two strikeouts.

The Dodgers’ success when swinging at the first pitch has been something: 13 for 24 with three doubles and a homer. Even when they swing and don’t put that first pitch into play, the Dodgers have reached base at a .323 clip in those plate appearances, including two sacrifice flies.

That first-pitch homer was hit by Joc Pederson, who has also has two doubles among the five times he has swung at the first pitch this season. As new as the season is, Pederson has given us plenty at the plate to explore.

No, not everyone got hurt: 2016 Spring Training stars

By Jon Weisman

On March 28, 2016

In Spring Training, Status report

By Jon Weisman

One week from Opening Day, it’s safe to say that injuries have dampened Spring Training for the Dodgers this year, like picking the wrong line at Philippe’s 30 minutes before game time. If there’s an upside, it’s that aside from the injuries, there’s been a feast for the baseball senses. Nearly everyone on the field is meeting or exceeding expectations. Here are some of the brightest (and, knock on wood) healthiest lights at Camelback Ranch this month:

In case you missed it: Bolsinger won’t start opening week

By Jon Weisman

On March 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Postgame

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By Jon Weisman

Before tonight’s 3-1 loss to Kansas City, Andrew Friedman confirmed suspicions that Mike Bolsinger’s oblique injury would knock him off track for an opening-week start.

Carlos Frias, Zach Lee and Brandon Beachy are the leading possibilities for making that start on April 8, though Julio Urias conspiracy theorists will note that the teenage lefty threw three “impressive” innings in a minor-league game, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

What else can I tell you?

Pedro Baez struck out all four batters he faced, giving him 11 this spring against three walks. Half of Baez’s 22 outs have been whiffs.
Alex Verdugo didn’t enter the game until the bottom of the seventh – and doesn’t turn 20 until May 15 – but still made an impression. In the bottom of the eighth, he made a sliding stop of a double to the gap and threw to second baseman Charlie Culberson, who fired home to catcher Austin Barnes for an out. Verdugo followed that with a double in the top of the ninth.
Joc Pederson had a streak of 12 straight plate appearances with a hit or strikeout end when he grounded out to third in the fourth inning. Pederson, who also lost a six-game hitting streak tonight, was 5 for 12 with seven strikeouts in that little run.
Louis Coleman allowed his third hit of March but struck out his 10th batter while completing his seventh scoreless inning. He hasn’t walked anyone.
Chris Young held the Dodgers hitless for 4 1/3 innings, but was still charged with a run. Young walked his last batter, Rob Segedin, and reliever Scott Alexander gave up an RBI double to his first batter, speedy Rico Noel.
Four Dodgers played complete games tonight: Segedin at first, Noel in right, Kiké Hernandez at short and Trayce Thompson in left field.

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Alex Wood threw 62 pitches in a four-inning stint. Above, Rick Honeycutt talks about Wood.
Clayton Kershaw not only came out of a car accident unscathed, he posed for pictures with the pair who collided with him. Doug Padilla of ESPN.com has more.

Whatever you think of the Dodgers’ luck right now, there’s this: Clayton Kershaw came out of a car accident unscathed.

In case you missed it: Maeda rolls after getting a bit rocked

By Jon Weisman

On March 21, 2016

In In case you missed it, Postgame, Spring Training, Transactions

Matthew Mesa/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

It’s hard not to like what Kenta Maeda has brought to the U.S. so far.

Same with Justin Turner, even if the journey isn’t quite so far.

Video: Dodgers featured on MLB Network

By Jon Weisman

On March 15, 2016

In Status report

Public Enemy No. 1 reunion on @MLBNetwork with @TheMayorsOffice and @ClaytonKersh22 pic.twitter.com/ZBL0wdT24u

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) March 14, 2016

On Monday, MLB Network featured the Dodgers on its “30 Clubs in 30 Days” series. Below are several clips from the day …

— Jon Weisman

In case you missed it: Tale of two Uriases

By Jon Weisman

On March 11, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Postgame, Spring Training

[mlbvideo id=”551830183″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Matthew Mesa/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Spirits soared with Julio Urias’ first inning on a Cactus League mound this year, before his second inning reminded us of his youth.

Taking the mound in the seventh inning today against the Angels, Urias struck out the side — before allowing a single, double, triple and walk to the four batters he faced in the eighth inning of what became an 8-4 Dodger loss, recapped by MLB.com.

Urias told AM 570 Dodger Talk’s David Vassegh that he struggled with his fastball command in his second inning of work. Hopefully, it wasn’t from his coffee run earlier today.

.@theteenager7 y @JDL_87 entre los jugadores que fueron por 65 órdenes de @Starbucks por la mañana. (Foto: @kFarm17) pic.twitter.com/nuDFYnJGfv

— Los Dodgers (@LosDodgers) March 11, 2016

The Dodgers lost despite holding the Angels hitless from the second through seventh innings. Zach Lee gave up three hits in the first inning, including a three-run homer, but then faced the minimum over the next two innings. Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell, Pedro Baez and Louis Coleman each pitched an inning of hitless ball. They were helped by Charlie Culberson, who made two outstanding plays at shortstop today.

What else have we got?

Are Dodgers dodging the leadoff inquisition?

By Jon Weisman

On March 10, 2016

In Offense, Pregame, Spring Training

Just seeing if you’re paying attention. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Dodgers at A’s, 12:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Kiké Hernandez, SS
Chase Utley, 2B
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Andre Ethier, DH
A.J. Ellis, C
Trayce Thompson, CF
Charlie Culberson, 3B
Rico Noel, RF
(Kenta Maeda, P)

By Jon Weisman

Earlier this week, MLB.com, the Times, the Register, True Blue L.A. and ESPN.com all wrote about how the Dodgers don’t expect to have a full-time leadoff hitter in 2016.

“It’s still wide-open,” Dave Roberts said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Register. “It might change but I don’t foresee a designated leadoff guy – versus left, versus right, versus any type of pitcher – because any day is different, any pitcher is different. So whatever I feel is the best, which makes the most sense for that night or day, we’ll do.”

For some reason, this seems to get under the skin of some fans, who correlate a consistent presence atop the order with winning. And to be sure, if you’ve got guy who posts a .400 on-base percentage against all pitching and doesn’t have redwoods for legs, that’s a good head start toward victory.

But you’re not doomed if you don’t have that person, and it doesn’t serve anyone to pretend that you do. Whatever advantage might be derived from stubbornly batting the same player in the same batting slot, regardless of who the opposing pitcher is, is surely bettered by creating the best matchups.

Let’s look at the Dodgers’ potential leadoff hitters, casting a wide net …

In case you missed it: Lighting up the scoreboard

By Jon Weisman

On March 9, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Managing, Spring Training

[mlbvideo id=”549723983″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

By Jon Weisman

Today, when Dave Roberts had to make his first mid-inning visit to the mound as Dodger manager, to relieve starter Scott Kazmir with two out in the second inning against the Angels, maybe it seemed like a big deal.

It wasn’t.

Time of the nine-inning game was 3:44. Total plate appearances: 96. Total baserunners: 44.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) March 10, 2016

Kazmir’s five runs allowed were matched by Jeff Weaver of the Angels, only the start of what became a 13-13 tie in Tempe — recapped at MLB.com.

“I honestly think I’m on the right path,” Kazmir said. “If you look at the game and not the box score, it tells a different story.”

But really, this was a day for the offense.

Joc Pederson, Austin Barnes (who had three hits) and Scott Van Slyke homered for the 4-1-2 Dodgers, who have increased their Spring Training OPS to a rather ridiculous .916.

The player who made the biggest impression today was 20-year-old first baseman Cody Bellinger, the theoretical heir to Adrian Gonzalez — if he can wait that long. Bellinger, who is also capable of playing outfield, went 3 for 3 and is impressing Roberts.

“The game doesn’t speed up on him,” Roberts told Ken Gurnick in this feature for MLB.com. “He looks comfortable out there. The more you see, the more you like.”

What else?

Encouraging news on the injury front from Gurnick: Howie Kendrick and Alex Guerrero participated in fielding and hitting drills, Hyun-Jin Ryu threw for the third consecutive day, Justin Turner again played in a minor-league game and Julio Urias had a light bullpen session ahead of his anticipated Cactus League debut Friday.
Brett Anderson spoke at length to Gurnick about beginning his latest rehab from surgery to repair a bulging disc.
Bill Plunkett of the Register looks at the different ways Roberts tries to connect with his players.
Kenta Maeda, who pitches Thursday for the Dodgers, talked to Doug Padilla of ESPN.com about what it would mean if he were able to face off against the Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka when the Dodgers go to the Bronx in September.
Skip Schumaker, who had twin .332 on-base and slugging percentages for the Dodgers in 2014, has retired at age 36, ending an 11-year MLB career.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Tag: Joc Pederson (Page 3 of 11)

Rumblin’ Clayton Kershaw rolls on with 11 more whiffs

Joc Pederson’s quiet offensive surge

Champ and Joc Pederson, living life

Dodger record: Three pinch-walks in same inning

For Dave Roberts, lefty-righty not quite almighty

Kenta Maeda (0.47 ERA) remains out of this world in Dodger win over Giants

Crisscrossing Corey Seager and Joc Pederson

Looking at Joc Pederson’s interesting start to 2016

No, not everyone got hurt: 2016 Spring Training stars

In case you missed it: Bolsinger won’t start opening week

In case you missed it: Maeda rolls after getting a bit rocked

Video: Dodgers featured on MLB Network

In case you missed it: Tale of two Uriases

Are Dodgers dodging the leadoff inquisition?

In case you missed it: Lighting up the scoreboard

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