Rant & Rave Sunday

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1. great time fot stone to break through! hopefully bobby is ok. profart been around johnny hustle and fernando the ped bull too long! will doesn’t say a lot but why he does it’s usually good. IRRELEVANT! nice way to keep the whole bunch! paxton today? next couple of weeks could be interesting! with Strider down and others dropping like flies the trade market could heat up! miami would have been sitting pretty in trade possibilities but they keep losing starters. washington has nothing of interest to contenders. rockies won’t trade within division, mets foolishly believe they can make the playoffs. every body else in the national league thinks they can stick around. the american league? if toronto falls behind the yankees and baltimore even more , basset and gausman may become available at a kings ransom. in the central every team is in it except white sox. in the west, every team competing needs pitching. texas shy get max back and maybe degrom. i personally believe max is done . degrom? if he’s healthy the rangers go to the top as far as favorite in the AL! houston? verlander a question. they need pitchers ! seattle could fall out and maybe have a pitcher they could move for a healthy return. by the way, if seattle falls out scott service is done! oakland will have old friend Ross Strickling available. wouldn’t be a bad thing. Buehler on the horizon along with clayton in august. what has been said about Emmit? haven’t heard anything. need that win tonight!! yu on the bump for the friars. always liked darvish, its ashame he left, he’s been healthy for awhile. but he’s on the team with a few a—holes so kick is butt tonight! go barnes!

2. Mark,
   Any news on Hayward ?

   1. Nothing immediate.

3. Well, that was different. It was fun watching Stone carve up the Pads. Profar is a tool, always has been. But Machado and the big dork are rubbing off on him, making him even more annoying. Hudson was nasty. I did hold my breath when Dave brought in Grove, but Michael got the job done. Phillips did his job and now is 5-5 in save opportunities. Nice to see Kike and Lux get hits when they were needed, and Lux had a key walk too. Last night, Dave left them in when the lefties came into the game. Outman and Lux had good ABs against the lefties. Miller just another in a long line of pitchers with arm problems this year. Atlanta lost its biggest gun for the year. I watched Buehler’s game. The comebacker was a line drive off of his fingertips. He kept looking at his finger but finished the inning. I think they were just being cautious. Otherwise, his pitches looked sharp. Paxton so far has been a surprise. They need to jump on Darvish early and often. Even his outs are impressive. Ohtani’s last at bat produced a fly out that was awesome.

4. Game ended very late here. But I did watch the whole thing.

5. Sunday Dodger’s Minor League Schedule

   10:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Christian Romero) at Lansing (Blaze Pontes)
   11 a.m.: Tulsa (Kendall Williams) vs. Arkansas (Juan Mercedes)
   11:05 a.m.: Oklahoma City (TBD) at Round Rock (TBD)
   2 p.m.: resumption of suspended game, followed by Rancho Cucamonga (Cam Day) vs. Stockton (Drew Conover)

6. “Dalton Rushing left the game in the bottom of the first inning. Here is how the play in question transpired, according to Tulsa’s own game recap:

   With runners at first and second, Rushing hit a potential double-play grounder to second. On the return throw to first, Rushing collided with Arkansas first baseman Tyler Locklear and landed awkwardly on his shoulder. He remained on the ground for several minutes before being escorted to the locker room by athletic trainer Jesse Guffey, but the injury was not believed to be serious”

   1. Thanks for this.

      Anyone have the skinny on Taylor Young? I only know what results the internet yields.

      1. Likewise…
         I’m struck that Taylor Young’s game seems similar to Austin Gauthier’s. Both profile as UT guys (probably best at 2B) who are good at getting on base. Both have made nice progress up through the minors.

         1. We need somers gamers, whatever-it-takes guys.

7. is barnes starting today? not a day game! we should save him for the next day game! i’ve heard will sees better at night! having fun!

8. I don’t like talking shyt about dudes I don’t know, and Jurickson Profar seems like a nice, jovial bloke, but the dude is a straight clown.

   For proof :

   Google “Profar baserunning mishap at the World Baseball Classic “

   Google “Profar Kershaw beef”

   Google “Profar fielding mishap in Miami and an upset Musgrove gets in his face”

   Always smiling, but the dude doesnt seem serious and definitely can’t read a room. Like Will Smith said: bro , chill, you ain’t all that…..

   Just calling it like I see it…if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it’s probably a Padre….haha, just fucking around…SDP—a lot of talent on that team, but will the Friars ever get their shyt together….stay tuned.

   I think LAD will get its shyt together.. I still don’t have an assessment yet; small sample size, still early, guys coming back from the IL and all. Fun to watch so far, though…

   @Mr Timmons
   @Old Bear

   Is the coach Phil Jones still around? I was cool with his posts because he comes from a coaching angle and I like the analysis. Just wondering because I haven’t seen his name for a bit. I might just have to ask my question to you two dudes about a certain Dodger’s swing and a certain pitcher’s mechanics….

   Welcome back Mr Timmons, hope all is well with the fam….congrats on the new grandbaby….

   Cheers….

9. Great outing by Stone!
   Mookie continues to play like an MVP.
   Phillips is money in the bank.
   The Dodgers may have the best lineup in baseball, but leading the league in counting statistics is partly due to playing the most games so far. The Dodgers are averaging 5.47 runs per game which is 7th in baseball behind the Brewers, Braves, Reds, Cubs, Dbacks, and Royals. The Dodgers averaged 5.53 runs per game in 2023. As the season continues and the games even out, I expect the Dodgers and Braves to lead the MLB in runs scored like they did last year.

   1. Correct. Looking at the Fangraphs page, the Dodgers are currently 6th in wRC+ at 117. The Braves, of course, lead the league at 130. They’re an outstandingly constructed team. Credit where it’s due.

      A surprise is Milwaukee, which is 3rd. They have a great offense so far. A huge part of that is Christian Yelich. He’s quietly raking. Yelich is back to MVP form. Some fans here were concocting trade scenarios with the Brewers where Yelich was tossed in as a payroll shedding throw-in for an Adames deal. We missed out.

      Like you, I expect the Dodgers to be better as the season progresses.

      Off topic, too, and not something that’s worth rehashing, but I noticed something about yesterday’s contentious back-and-forth between Eric and Mark. I don’t want to go too deep into that discussion because it’s silly and I don’t care all that much, and Eric’s need for validation is immature, but he did post something that I appreciated. He correctly – CORRECTLY – called out Mark for claiming that Eric called him stupid. No, he did not. He called Mark’s ARGUMENT stupid. That’s a clear distinction, and I’m glad he noticed that and addressed that without resorting to name calling.

      I notice that post of his is now gone. Was it deleted?

      1. I just checked, and the post is still there. I just chose not to respond.

         Some things are so obvious that no response is needed. It’s funny that when I say something is moronic people say I called them a moron, but it doesn’t flow the other way. 😉

         

      2. I don’t need validation, dodgerpatch. It all started when I gave my opinion on Vargas between 2022 and 2023 when I said “ I think Vargas needs at least another half year in AAA” he belittled me for saying that.

         I offended Mark with my opinion about Vargas and he sought revenge.

         I probably should have ignored his revenge on me. My fault.

         I’ve been branded as a moron so I punch back.

         I punch back at contradicting egomaniac bullies that I’ve dealt with in the past. I don’t get along with them.

         I only posted right now because my name was brought up.

         All I did was complement 4-Gens on his great post that I really liked.

         I don’t care because I’m not gonna post here unless I see a great post like I did yesterday or my name is brought up. If Mark response to my post in a bully way I’ll punch back.

         Hell, I might stop reading here.

         1. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,…………..

         2. Eric, Yes, Please go away!

            I am done engaging with you and your half or third truths.

         3. I don’t need the history, and I was actually paying you a bit of a compliment. By pointing out Mark’s double standard, you showed you can handle yourself.

            Honestly, I do think Mark is bullying you, but you need to learn how to handle yourself without acting like a victim or a martyr or it continues. It’s the way the world works. Weakness gets exploited.

            Personally, I think the central premise of your argument, that Outman and other lefties need a large enough sample to be able to prove they can hit lefties, is a defensible argument. Not saying it’s true, but it’s a defensible argument. There are many ways you could have dodged the arrows he was slinging at you, and he was deflecting when you were pressing him on that question.

            Or, even better, stop arguing about obscure topics on the internet. It’s not healthy.

            1. I wasn’t even going to grace this with a comment, but Eric said last season that he thought Miggy needed another half-season in AAA, and he had never seen him play except with broken fingers! I called BS and still do! For the record, he said Outman was ready, but he never saw Outman play in the minors. He was just looking at the Stats… and only a moron could look at Outman’s and Vargas’s Stats and think that Outman was ready, but Vargas was not.

               He liked Outman and adopted him as his favorite player. That’s OK, but there was nothing but emotion behind it and then he dismissed Vargas broken fingers as proof he wasn’t ready. Outman never could hit LHP in the minors. Vargas hit both ways.

               He made it Outman vs. Vargas… not me. He just keeps biting your ankles like a chihuahua and I got weary of it. He’s a damn broken record and I dislike even responding.

            2. Thanks Dodger patch and I’m sorry I made it sound like I was being mad at you.

               Take a look at Mark’s comment. He said I said that during the 2023 season when Vargas had a boo-boo on his finger and I explained several times that I said it between 2022 and 2023 after Vargas‘s time in MLB in 2022 when he didn’t have a boo-boo

            3. oh and take a look at the bottom part of his first paragraph talking about never watching minor-league games and stats. He’s saying his way is the only way and anyone who does it another way is a moron and a liar. That’s a characteristic of what I said he is. I’m not a victim anymore. I don’t care I’m done. I wish you the best dodgerpatch.

               Oh, and I told him a long time ago that I saw Outman play in spring training 2021 and I liked what I saw.

10. Per Ardaya, Miller has undergone an MRI which revealed no structural damage to the righty’s shoulder. Meanwhile, Harris adds that while Miller has been shut down from throwing for the time being, the Dodgers are “hopeful” that he’ll be able to build up at a normal rate once he resumes throwing.

11. Mookie appears to be improving at SS, no?
    He is a superior athlete, of course, and has a great work ethic. Also a quick study–although SS really isn’t that new to him. If his progress continues, Lux may get a chance to raise his game (instead of sitting so Rojas plays) and AF won’t have to go SS shopping.
    I’m remembering the interview when Trea said two interesting things: that the Dodgers never made him an offer to stay, and that he figured that Mookie might the next SS because he always took grounders with the infield as part of his daily routine.

    1. I think moving Mookie to SS was brilliant… especially if Lux can play the way I think he can. If Lux (and Outman) can OPS (Overall) .800 then they won’t platoon as much… but the bat is in their hands.

12. I was listening to Jim Bodden this morning and he said couple of scouts are telling him that pages is major league ready. He doesn’t think the Dodgers will just cut ties with Taylor anytime soon, but, he does think by the first week or two of May if Taylor continues to struggle pages will be brought up! Personally, I think another week of Taylor striking out three and four Times a game the move should be made sooner. What have you got to lose? hopefully good news on Bobby Miller and his shoulder. Still haven’t heard a timetable on Emmett Sheehan. If Gavin Stone continues to pitch at a high-level, I don’t think he’ll be sent down but, last night was just one game. The talent is there just have to put it into play! I think everyone’s in total Agreement, Profart Is a moron. The Padres seem to have had their share a morons Lately.. Machado tatis And even Soto are not very good around young players or in the clubhouse! Maybe not so much soto, Always liked Bogarts Never understood why he’d want to go to the Padres. I don’t see a World Series in their future! Haven’t seen today starting lineup, is Barnes catching? I would assume Trammel might get a start today against the right hander Darvish, but with Doc, he’ll probably run Chris out there! Barnes!

13. Pages just hit his 4th home run in the first inning of today’s Oklahoma City’s game today. He’s on fire!!!

14. well bring him up!!!!

15. 7:10 PM ET ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

    Padres (8-9)
    Dodgers (11-6)

    SP Yu Darvish R
    0-1 3.86 ERA
    SP James Paxton L
    2-0 1.64 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    SS Mookie Betts R
    DH S. Ohtani L
    1B F. Freeman L
    C Will Smith R
    3B Max Muncy L
    RF T. Hernandez R
    CF James Outman L
    LF E. Hernandez R
    2B Gavin Lux L

    64% Rain
    57° Wind 11 mph Out

16. Pages just hit his second home run today for Oklahoma City. Bring him up to the SHOW and DFA Trammell if you’re not going to play him.

    1. Are you kidding? Pull him and put him on a plane. It’s time.

    2. If Heyward is coming back soon, I don’t think the Dodgers will bring him up. It’s to bad Pages isn’t a left hand batter. As a lefty I could see him coming up when Heyward got hurt.

       You’re right about Trammell. He is a wasted roster spot.

17. don’t need left handed hitter! need a right hitter! got plenty of lefties!

18. Fabian Ardaya in The Athletic reported the Dodgers have stopped Emmet Sheehan’s throwing program. Roberts confirmed his recovery is now “long-term.”

    1. This is not good.

19. I talked to a friend from Texas who was at the OKC Game today. He was impressed with Andy Pages’s two Home Runs, but he said he believes the Dodgers will let him stay there at least until his first slump comes—and they always do. How will he respond? That’s a good point

    He was also impressed with Rooney’s 2 innings and Vargas’s patience. He says they are not pitching to Miggy. Indeed he walked 3 times today, but is hitting .302/1.001. Pages is at .371/1.146! WOW!

    He also raved about Andre Lipcius.

20. We started the season and Sheehan was the favorite to be the 5th starter. Tremendous stuff, I thought a top arm waiting his turn at the top. We had all this pitching depth. I thought Buehler back where will he fit.

    Now we have Glasnow off to a great start, Yamamoto the look of a number 3, miller out, Paxton has pitched surprisingly well, Stone promising. I doesn’t look like expectations are high for Buehler. Grove is not a mlb starting pitcher. So now u have to hold your breath that Glasnow and Paxton can stay healthy. We have gone from an embarrassment of riches to when will Kershaw be back.

    Our staff right now is very good but a couple of more injuries could really challenge us.

21. Michael Busch after 49 ABs:

    .327 BA
    1.087 OPS
    5 HR
    11RBI

    He just needed the chance. Good for him.

    1. Busch is off to a great start. Has homered in four straight games.
       I would have liked to see the Dodgers keep him since they are all in the next couple of years. He would be a great addition to this lineup who could play 3b, LF, 2B, DH, or PH with his salary of only $750k.

       Justin Turner is also off to a great start this year. He is hitting 386 with OPS of 1300

22. Can we ask nicely if they would give him back to us?

    1. So he can play in AAA?

       1. Well, I think I could find a place for him in LF instead of Kike or Taylor. His OPS is greater than our bottom 3 combined.

          1. No, he’s 1B/DH.

             1. I’d put him in LF blindfolded rather than Kike or Taylor to get his bat in the lineup.

23. It turns out that Blake Treinen has two fractured ribs.

24. Outman needs some work in centerfield.

25. Mr. Irrelevant clown strikes again. This looks like a little league team. 12 walks n now Mr. Walk in the game. Turn the lights out!

26. Wow! 14! Is that an MLB 9 inning record? Can’t win a WS playing 6 vs 9. The bottom of our lineup and the bottom of our pen needs a redo.

    1. And right now, the SP overall isn’t that great either.

27. It will take some time before the good SP’s and RP’s get healthy, and new faces with better pop can be found to man the bottom of the lineup.

    Which means we’ll be watching a painfully ordinary Dodgers team for awhile.

    1. They are simply not that good right now.

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