Mlb 2013
- Thread starter kneeOhFight
- Start date
All very true. In games where the Dodgers don't hit particularly well, there's no effort to try to manufacture runs - like work the count for walks, be more disciplined at the plate, put in guys who can bunt (but not always field), go with the ball and opposite field, etc. etc.
Sure, we've got a ton of injuries, but if that was true (and it was), Kemp should have been pulled long ago to rest up his shoulder or hamstring, instead of getting further injured and out longer, and possibly recurrently. Same with the pitching staff - guys have to be honest and tell the manager/pitching coach, or the coaches have to clearly be aware of the poor performance and seek out why its happening, and then do something about it. The DL has become the final resting point because so many times Mattingly did not take these guys out when they were poorly performing. You have to send a message like he did lately that he'll field the team that can win, not what is high priced.
And the other night with Brandon League - jeeeze, it was telling that he puts him in and has NO backup plan IN CASE it all goes to hell, which it did. When the two batters got on base, I would have been walking out there and saying you've got a short leash, you're a pro but if you're not cutting it, you're coming out before the lead and the game gets away from us. League hasn't been overpowering this year and not being able to hold a two run lead is shameful for any closer. And Mattingly didn't get anybody up in the bull pen till the bases became loaded - that's not seeing the possibilities and planning ahead for them - and I don't care whether the bullpen was already gassed and few were available, If he didn't trust League (as evidenced by his statement after the game that "yeah, we were contemplating a change for the past week" REALLY?!?!), Then he should have had 2 backups warming up just in case. I would have even asked a starter to throw.
(BTW, this behavior with relievers is actually pretty similar to Torre, his mentor)
The most telling stats for the Dodgers has been their ability to get runners on base and then leave them there. Slugging percentage with men in scoring position has been dismal, batting with bases loaded, they've had like 18 chances and only scored in 4 times, including that Puig Grand Slam. The day they lost, they had bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th with NOBODY out, and couldn't score. Bunting up the first base line, sac fly, contact with suicide squeeze, working the count for a walk, etc. etc. - teach some fundamentals, and use them! Or play people who can execute instead of striking out or hitting into double plays. BTW, when you have Mark McGuire as hitting coach, is it any wonder big hits are emphasized and small ball/manufacturing runs doesn't even enter into it?
As for the makeup of the Dodger team, GM Colletti should also be on a short leash if not outright released. The formula of taking on older veteran players who washed out on somebody else's team and somehow they're going to blossom here on the downside of their careers is laughable. For awhile, I thought Bostonian McCrook hired Colletti to torture us because he picked up every castoff from the hated SF Giants (but respected) and every single one of them has turned into a bust. I know he was hamstrung with the McCrook era budgets, but the future of this team is in the pitching (as its always been) and the younger players because the aging players are inconsistently producing. Heck, he couldn't pick up Marco Scudero from the Rockies, and look what that trade did for the Giants. The only players that has really worked out so far has been Adrian Gonzalez, Ryu, Grienke (before he stupidly got hurt) and to some extent Crawford.
Why were we not surprised that Beckett, Lily, Billingsley and Capuano blew up? That Ethier, as much as I like him personally, hasn't been able to hit left hand pitching? That previously injured players like Hanley R. and Carl C. continue to reinjure themselves? We've got to get better player evaluation and more measured use of them if we're going to climb out of the cellar, let alone contend.
Here's the DL today!
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/injuries/#team119
Puig, Van Slyke (when HE gets back from the DL), Crawford (if healthy), FedEx, maybe Cruz, will be the player backbones of the team in the future along with Kershaw, Grienke, and Ryu. Like a lot of teams, we need one more good arm to finally show up.
As for the makeup of the Dodger team, GM Colletti should also be on a short leash if not outright released. The formula of taking on older veteran players who washed out on somebody else's team and somehow they're going to blossom here on the downside of their careers is laughable. For awhile, I thought Bostonian McCrook hired Colletti to torture us because he picked up every castoff from the hated SF Giants (but respected) and every single one of them has turned into a bust. I know he was hamstrung with the McCrook era budgets, but the future of this team is in the pitching (as its always been) and the younger players because the aging players are inconsistently producing. Heck, he couldn't pick up Marco Scudero from the Rockies, and look what that trade did for the Giants. The only players that has really worked out so far has been Adrian Gonzalez, Ryu, Grienke (before he stupidly got hurt) and to some extent Crawford.
Why were we not surprised that Beckett, Lily, Billingsley and Capuano blew up? That Ethier, as much as I like him personally, hasn't been able to hit left hand pitching? That previously injured players like Hanley R. and Carl C. continue to reinjure themselves? We've got to get better player evaluation and more measured use of them if we're going to climb out of the cellar, let alone contend.
Here's the DL today!
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/injuries/#team119
Puig, Van Slyke (when HE gets back from the DL), Crawford (if healthy), FedEx, maybe Cruz, will be the player backbones of the team in the future along with Kershaw, Grienke, and Ryu. Like a lot of teams, we need one more good arm to finally show up.
kneeOhFight
Addicted Member
Damn, the Rockies front office isn't one bit shy about making roster moves. Eric Young Jr was DFA today. The moves have been working out pretty well so far.
Leaving all those runners on base this year in hopes the next guy is going to pop one out has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. Playing little ball has been absent without the obvious lack of power hitting and the idea of just getting one run is somehow abhorrent
Speaking of Mark McGuire, I've always felt that great ball players make lousy coaches and managers as natural talent does not translate into teaching mechanics as they never really had to struggle with learning how to hit.
As to General Management, I lost all hope way back when GM started giving away the likes of Paul Konerko, Pedro Martinez, Jason Worth etc etc.:scratch2:
pjsjr
Playing Around
I liked EYJr for his speed...he had recent lackadaisical, flubbed catches in the field and poor base running decisions. Couple that with Tyler Colvin doing so well at the plate. Hope he gets picked up and we can get something in return...a starting pitcher would be just great
.Is Arenado's spectacular catch and throw, in the top of the ninth, to get the runner at first on the highlights yet? What a combo on the left side of the diamond, Tulo and Arenado. Preston
kneeOhFight
Addicted Member
I liked EYJr for his speed...he had recent lackadaisical, flubbed catches in the field and poor base running decisions. Couple that with Tyler Colvin doing so well at the plate. Hope he gets picked up and we can get something in return...a starting pitcher would be just great
Is Arenado's spectacular catch and throw, in the top of the ninth, to get the runner at first on the highlights yet? What a combo on the left side of the diamond, Tulo and Arenado. Preston
The young second baseman they recently brought up from the minors has been very solid, too. Maybe not as flashy as Arenado yet, but he's really good, really early on.
pjsjr
Playing Around
Rockies got beat up in more than just the score today(Nats 5, Rox 4).
C. Gonzalez got hit in the ankle by a foul ball while in the on deck circle, is day to day. Tulo will have an MRI tomorrow for rib injury diving for a ball. Dexter Fowler was hit on the hand while pulling back a bunt.
Sure hope those guys are back soon! They account for a lot of the Rockies offense. Preston
C. Gonzalez got hit in the ankle by a foul ball while in the on deck circle, is day to day. Tulo will have an MRI tomorrow for rib injury diving for a ball. Dexter Fowler was hit on the hand while pulling back a bunt.
Sure hope those guys are back soon! They account for a lot of the Rockies offense. Preston
www.records
Quality over Quantity
Sounds like the injury bug is really taking it's toll on the Rockies. If the replacements can come in and get hot they may be an even stronger team when the stars return. Positive thinking in action.
kneeOhFight
Addicted Member
The Rockies are all up in the Phillies business with a 6 run first inning. Nice.
www.records
Quality over Quantity
Cards jumped on the Marlin for 5 runs in the top of the 1st, problem is we gave up 4 runs in the bottom of 1st. End of 5, Cards 9-7.
pjsjr
Playing Around
They have been known to blow a good lead
. Last night they didn't, winning 10-5. They're missing Tulowitski and Fowler but their young bats seem to be taking up the slack. Preston
steelcity
Super Member
They have been known to blow a good lead
They're missing Tulowitski and Fowler but their young bats seem to be taking up the slack. Preston
Do you want Clint Barmes back? Great fielder but this dude can't hit a ball if his life depended on it.
pjsjr
Playing Around
No thank you, I like the infielders the Rockies have now. Barmie did have his moments at the plate and a better BA with Colorado. Really good in the field...just not a Tulowitski, not many of those around!
Rockies almost got a complete game out of Chacin but he faded in the ninth. Rex Brothers came in and got the last out. Chacin pitched the best he's done this year. Rockies win 5-2, 1/2 game out of first:thmbsp:. Preston
kneeOhFight
Addicted Member
Another really nice game by the Rockies today, for sure. When Tulowitski is healthy, few teams have a more solid bunch at 3rd, SS, and 2nd base than Colorado.