At the age of 24 J.A. Happ of the Phillies was in AAA where he complied a 4-6 record with a 5.02 ERA.  At the age of 25, also in AAA, he improved to 8-7 with a 3.60 ERA, and also had a “cup of coffee” with the Phillies where he went 1-0 with a 3.69 ERA in 31 innings.   However at age 26, he had his “breakout year” and went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA while pitching more innings that he ever had (166).  

I point this out because 2009 was Happ’s 6th season in the Phillie system.   2010 will be Scott Elbert’s 7th season,  Eric Stults’ 9th, James McDonald’s 6th (as a pitcher), Charlie Haeger’s 9th professional season, and Carlos Monasterios’ 5th pro season.  It’s not foolish or wishful thinking to believe that one, maybe two of these guys could step up and fill a rotation spot.  I’m sure that the Dodgers would rather not COUNT on this, but the fact of the matter is that one of those pitchers could easily step up and make it happen. 

I would guess that Charlie Haeger would be the top candidate for the 5th spot, but who can deny James McDonald’s outstanding stuff?  It could be his time to” go J.A. Happ!”  This is what makes baseball so much fun – just when you think you have it figured out, YOU DON’T!  These kids just have a way of stepping up when you least expect it.

I am going to go one step further and say that I still believe there could be a three or four-way trade involving Russ Martin, Jon Broxton, George Sherrill and prospects, which would net us a Top Starter.  If his market stays suppressed, the Dodgers could then sign Molina to a two-year deal.

Around the League:

• The Giants got the LH power bat they were seeking by signing Aubrey Huff (be still my heart).  He is capable of having a very good year now and again, but he’s a journeyman…
• The Reds allegedly have signed Aroldis Chapman.  Hummmmm…

The Top 10 - In No Particular Order

I have no clue where this “Debacle in the Ravine will take us, but I’d say Jamie does not have the upper hand.   No, I’m not going to speculate on who we will sign and who we won’t or who we should trade.  Today, I just want to do some “farming.”  Let’s take a look at the Dodgers top prospects. Read the full story

Joe Torre doesn’t have it “in” for Charlie Haeger and said Haeger will continue to be in the mix of the rotation as the team moves toward the

Look at the Grip!

 postseason.  Here’s what Joe said (Steve Gartner of mlb.com)

“He’s a hot hand.  He’s pitched well two times in a row now. I trust him at this point.It’s going to be [a matter of] whether the knuckleball is working or isn’t working. I think we’ll know that early.”

The fact of the matter is that Charlie currently has a huge advantage over team who have not seen him and his “Dog and Pony Show.”  Joe is wise to pitch him as much as possible and ride him until the wheels fall off!  He goes today against the hot Cincinnati Reds.  I should be in Cincinnati right about now, but my son had football practice last night and has a football game today.  Maybe we’ll go catch the finale Sunday.   By the way, Cincinnati won’t accept the Dodgers request to allow “stinking bloggers” in the press-box.  It seems that their press policy is as sad as their team!   Mediocrity permeates that once proud organization.   It is amazing the degree of ineptitude in business and baseball is no different. 

Rants & Raves

• There’s nothing wrong with Billingsley… that is, nothing wrong below the neck!  He has an ERA of nearly 6.00 in the pst 2 months.  This is a strange year for some young “rising-star type” pitchers.  Look at Hamels and Kazmir as well.  Billingsley is an Ace compared to them.   Hopefully Chad can get it together by the end Read the full story

• 5th in the NL in innings pitched with 162 (only 10 behind the leader)
• 18th in strikeouts in the NL with 123
• ERA – 3.43
• WHIP – 1.14

Sounds like a pretty good pitcher and actually he has been our most consistent pitcher since the start of the season.  Solid, not spectacular and a pretty good hitter too.  Too bad he could have gotten that triple so he would have hit for the cycle.  Props to Joe Torre for batting Kemp at leadoff and Andre 3rd.  Props to Andre for some very timely hitting.  Props to Matt and O-Dog for igniting the team.  Memo to Joe: Leave the lineup the way it is and bat the SS 8th!

The Knuckleballer

Today, knuckleballer Charlie Haeger starts against the Cards.  Fast forward to August 24, 2009.  Here’s the headline on that date: 

Charlie Haeger beats Orel Hershiser’s record of scoreless by pitching his 7th consecutive shutout and now owns the scoreless inning record which now stands at 63. 

Charlie stated, “I have to thank Joe Torre for starting me seven consecutive games.”  Joe responded “Tomorrow we will demote all the pitching staff and call up only position players.  Charlie has it covered the rest of the season.”

I hope he wins today or Lawdog may do himself harm… Read the full story