Let’s Talk About the Rest of the Season
September 2, 2010 at 7:16 pm | Posted in Clayton Kershaw, James Loney, Jay Gibbons, John Lindsey, Kenley Jansen | 31 CommentsAfter yesterday’s loss to the Phillies, the Dodgers are now two games over .500, and 7.5 back in the Wild Card race. They’ve outscored their opponents by four runs, which means we’re not seeing much luck happening here; they’re a .500 team, and they’re playing like it.
For the first time since 2007, we don’t have a pennant race to look forward to, no matter what the team claims. No, all we have to watch is the embarrassing divorce case (kudos to Jon Weisman for an absolutely perfect attack on the hypocrosy of ownership), state investigations into mismanagement of charity funds, and dozens of media members trying to rewrite the history of Manny Ramirez. Remember when all we cared about was baseball? The divorce case gets juicier by the day, but I’m not going to recap every turn in the court dialogue, other than when major news breaks, because it’s not what I do; again, I direct you to Josh Fisher and Molly Knight.
Still, there are 28 games remaining, and I can’t spend it all moping that the Dodgers foolishly made no trades to sell off veterans when it was clear they had no chance of contention. There’s still work to be done, progress to be made, and knowledge to gain. Do we really need to see the same eight guys every day for the rest of the year just to finish 82-80? It’s not like we don’t already know that Casey Blake is cooked, or that free-agent-to-be Scott Podsednik has a decent OBP but no power and average-ish defense. No, let’s use this time to see some sights and find out about 2011.
Here’s what I want to see for the month of September:
1) 4 more homers, 10 more RBI, and 99 more plate appearances from James Loney. It’s probably unlikely, because Loney has yet to hit more than 3 homers in a month or have less than 12 RBI (other than April), but it’s worth rooting for. If Loney can pull off those exact figures, he’ll put together a third straight season with exactly 651 PA, 13 HR, and 90 RBI. What would that mean, exactly? I don’t know. It’s not good production from a first baseman, that’s for sure. But it sure would be amazing to see.
2) Not trying to overwork Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen in the name of finishing 6 games out rather than 9. Kershaw has thrown 176.1 innings this year, 5.1 more than last year. Jansen has thrown nearly 60 between the majors and minors thus far; he threw 11.1 last year in his first year on the mound. Sure, it’s nice that Kershaw leads the NL in strikeouts, but that’s hardly a just reason to wear him down. I’m not suggesting that either be shut down immediately, but nor should either be ridden hard for no particular gain, at a huge risk.
3) A farewell speech from Joe Torre. Torre may have been the right choice for the 2008 and 2009 Dodgers, talented teams with clubhouse issues coming off the fractious “vets vs. kids” wars of the Grady Little years. He hasn’t been the right man to lead the 2010 Dodgers, clearly, and he almost certainly won’t be the right choice for the 2011 team. Torre’s been in the game for 50 years, but he’s also a 70-year-old man who clearly has had more trouble relating to the younger set like Matt Kemp. (Not excusing Kemp here, but Torre isn’t helping.) We’ll get to the discussion of Don Mattingly vs. Tim Wallach vs. the field later, but first things first: it’s time to move on, Joe. I can’t imagine any decision would disappoint me more than hearing he wants to come back for another shot.
4) John Lindsey to finally get a chance. If you haven’t read Ramona Shelburne’s recent ESPN piece on Lindsay, it’s well worth it. Like Mitch Jones last year, Lindsey’s a good guy who has been kicking around the minors for years without ever getting a chance. But “being a good story” doesn’t get you to the big leagues; pummeling the ball does. Or should, at least.
Lindsey’s dominating the PCL, with 24 HR, 40 doubles, and a 1.065 OPS. While clearly the ABQ environment helps him (he’s hitting .400 at home), he’s not strictly a product of his home park, since he’s got 14 HR and a 1.006 OPS on the road. At 34 in January, Lindsey’s certainly never going to be an everyday player, but it’s clear that the Dodgers need power from somewhere. Nice story aside, now’s the time to find out if he can be a power bat off the bench next year, right?
5) Finding out whether Jay Gibbons is worth a roster spot. Speaking of finding out about next year’s bench, Gibbons has been effective in limited duty so far – .991 OPS in 18 games, and only 2 K as a Dodger. He hit in the minors before being called up, and he’s proven he can hit in the majors before (121 HR in Baltimore). I like that his ability to play both 1B and the OF provides flexibility, and he might be a decent piece for the reserve puzzle next year. But we’re only going to find out if he plays, and he hasn’t started since August 21st – a game in which he homered, yet was pulled in the 7th. Do we really need to see Podsednik every day? Or Loney? I want to see what Gibbons can do.
6) Hoping that Rod Barajas knocks it off. I like Barajas; his story of being a childhood Dodger fan living the dream is something we can all relate to. The problem is, his ridiculous hot start as a Dodger – 3 HR, 1.271 OPS has far too many people thinking he’s a viable option to be the starting catcher next year. I’m okay with him being the backup, in some sort of job share, but 34-year-olds with career OBP of .283 don’t suddenly just “get good”. If he was that good, the Mets wouldn’t have just let him go, right?
Sadly, I think we all know what’s going to happen. They’re going to play the same eight guys every day in some misguided attempt to “win now”, and we’re not going to learn anything about Lindsey or Gibbons. At least we have the divorce to entertain us.
******
I’m off to the backwoods of Ohio for the next few days, so posting might be sparse until Monday. Hey, there’s one benefit of not being in contention – I don’t have to worry about missing much. Enjoy your holiday weekend, and play nice.
31 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a Reply
How Many McCourt Sins?
MSTI on the web
MSTI Library
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
I don’t find much to disagree with here, but I will add that I find Gibbons’s two K’s a surprising stat for a guy who hits with some pop. He certainly would have been a better bench option, with more defensive versatility, than GA ever was.
Comment by WBB— September 2, 2010 #
an uncooked dodger dog would have been a better option than auto out would have been.
Comment by format— September 2, 2010 #
Have a nice vacation. But sadly I think what you dread is going to happen until we are ‘really’ out of it. However I don’t think there is one chance in ten million that Torre will be back next year.
Comment by David S— September 2, 2010 #
AI disagree with your statement about Casey Blake.. Am I mistaken or did he hit a grand slam this week? not to mention his tenacity as a defensive ball player.. Just sayin
Comment by Joanna Blue— September 2, 2010 #
Joanna,
I like Blake too, but his numbers are in decline and he is at the end of his career. although I did promise myself that after friday night’s grand slam I would never say another bad thing about him again. although he makes it diffucult when he grounds into all of the double plays that he grounds into. I still like him though, hes been useful the last couple of years.
Comment by format— September 2, 2010 #
While Blake may not be an elite player, he’s still decent offensively and defensively, but not a middle of the order guy – if he hits seventh, say, it’s a pretty good batting order.
Comment by WBB— September 2, 2010 #
I agree that it would be nice to see how much gas Lindsey and Gibbons—especially Gibbons, who’s a proven major leaguer—have left in the tank. By default, we’ll see where Barajas might fit in. What would you say, MSTI, if Barajas hits like crazy until the end of the season?
Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll get to see Gibbons or Lindsey showcased. Torre has been on cruise control for years now and, given the inevitability of his departure, why would anyone think the tired old fart would care about sizing up players for next year? That’s what you get with tired old farts. Playing out the string and no future orientation. If Colletti had any nuts or sense, he’d seize control of the team this month, specifically to see what some guys can do. But he won’t, of course.
It would really be nice to see if Gibbons can still hit. If he can, think about a move to 1B, something that provides options WRT Loney, who is ultimately a disappointment. And of course, Gibbons can play 1B, the old outfielder’s resting place. Gibbons should be starting every game.
I don’t have a good opinion of Blake. Yeah, occasional power, but too many bad ABs with runners on over the years. Serviceable fielder, but doesn’t hit anywhere near what a 3B should. If they can get anything of value for him, I think they should pull the trigger.
Kershaw is a rare commodity. League leaders in SOs are traditionally stud pichers. The boy has a very bright future. Let’s hope they don’t screw up with him. Even though he’s a catcher, Torre doesn’t know how to handle pitchers. Which means Mattingly doesn’t either. Pitching coach? Eh. Manager means more. Read how Alston thwarted Koufax’s development, just because he didn’t like him. Koufax might have been Koufax two or three years sooner.
Comment by SC Dodger— September 2, 2010 #
Just don’t get it at all, Gibbons and Reed Johnson, somehow the Podsednik love affair has kept them on the bench, whenever those guys played they hit Homers no?? That’s more than Pods has ever done, why don’t they get more playing time? I forgot, Pods is the “spark” that’s taking us to the World Series.
Comment by DodgersKings323— September 3, 2010 #
Lindsay better get some at bats this year, or I’ll be pissed.
Comment by c.lo— September 3, 2010 #
I agree with pretty much everything you said. Unfortunately, I fear that none of it will. Fans have a tendency to think they can do better than the organizations they root for, but I think Dodger fans have a true gripe here. The incompetence of the McCourts has shown us that, at the very lest.
I really want to see Lindsay get some PT. Shelburne’s article was phenomenal and really made me feel for the guy. But it’s not just a feel good story. This guy is tearing the cover off of the ball in Triple-A. It may not be the bigs, but it’s not little league either.
Comment by Los Doyers— September 3, 2010 #
I agree with the Torre farewell speech, I’m tired of seeing him mismanage and micromanage the bullpen. And of course the Dodgers are out of it and it’s time to see some fresh faces. The one thing I’d really like to see that wasn’t mentioned was some new arms in the bullpen. The bullpen has been horrible this year and rather than keep trotting out the rotting corpses of Troncoso, Bellisario, Sherrill, and Broxton – why not bring some guys up and let them take a shot. I don’t care if they’re pitching like crap in the minors, could it be any worse than what we’ve been watching?
Comment by carolinabluedodger— September 3, 2010 #
Amen on this one.
the bullpen has been horrrrrendous!!!! except for kuo of coarse.
Comment by format— September 3, 2010 #
The bullpen has been inconsistent, but even the scapegoated Broxton has been good far more often than he’s been bad. Kenley Jansen, by the way, has been excellent since his callup.
Comment by WBB— September 3, 2010 #
I dont understand why you guys want to see me go I took this team to two consecutive nlcs’s and…zzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ… Sorry I dozed off for a bit what was I saying? Hold that thought its my nap time zzzzzZZZZZZZZ
Comment by Joe torreee— September 3, 2010 #
As if we don’t have enough to be upset about in DodgerWorld, I have heard that Lindsey will not be brought up. I think it’s just AJ Ellis and that’s all. Torre talked about the inequity of some teams utilizing September callups. Well, just spend a few bucks on per diem, and do it, dufus.
The Giants won a game the other night when a callup was used as a pinch runner. He went from second to third on a very short passed ball and scored on an errant throw to third.
Comment by SamAdams— September 3, 2010 #
I am not sure why Loney would all the sudden hit for power during the last month but it would be very nice to see him jack the ball a bit more. I would shut Kershaw down once the Dodgers get out of the race. Torre needs to move on. I can’t see him even wanting to come back. Gibbons and Barajas? Not sold. Blake is under contract so he will be back and will most likley start.
Comment by Adonis— September 3, 2010 #
They could bring Barajas back as a backup catcher. I’d like to see Lindsey platoon with Loney at 1B next season, but I doubt that will happen, because Ned and Joe love RBIs and Lindsey hasn’t made it to the majors yet, so how good can he be if he never gets called up? I’d also like to see Betemit signed and platooned with Blake next season, but I also doubt that will happen, because Ned and Joe love gamers. I’d much rather keep Gibbons than re-sign Scotty Pods, who Joe would be tempted to start every day and then forget about. I’d love to see Joe ride off into the sunset, but if he decides he wants to return, I’m sure he’ll be back.
Comment by The Dude Abides— September 4, 2010 #
I don’t get it. You hope Barajas “knocks it off” so that people don’t mistakenly think he can be an every day player – because “if he was that good, the Mets wouldn’t have just let him go”. But you want to see what Gibbons and Lindsey can do? I’m fairly certain that the Orioles and a lifetime in the minor leagues tells us as much as the Mets do for Barajas. Or are you suggesting we see if all these players are good enough for the bench. If the Dodgers are as in much disarray as it appears, I’m not sure bench players are going to make the difference.
Comment by bill— September 4, 2010 #
What is up with all this Lindsey love?
Comment by ramo— September 5, 2010 #
hes been tearing the cover off the ball for years in AAA. and the dodgers have never given him a shot. hes like 32 now and a career minor leaguer. since the dodgers dont like young prospects, and only like washed up loser veteran rejects. such a shame.
Comment by format— September 5, 2010 #
Lindsey finally gets his shot!
Comment by MR. potato head— September 5, 2010 #
Broxton does it again. Jon Weisman notes that, with the recent Padres tailspin, a win yesterday would have put the Dodgers within seven games, with the next three against the Padres. There’s your chance at drawing the inside straight. Right there. Instead, Broxton blows yet another save. So the Dodgers remain eight out and the Giants, happy to be able to feast on Broxton’s lame offerings, creep to within two games.
-
Weisman provides a breakdown of Broxton’s performance before and after the infamous Yankee game in late June. It ain’t pretty. This guy is either a head case as a result of his failures in key situations, or as some have it, he’s injured. Well, if he’s injured and isn’t telling the team, then that doesn’t say much for him. And if the team knows about it and isn’t telling, that doesn’t say much for the team. More likely, he’s just a head case. There is a lengthy history of weird, erratic closers. Closer is the most overrated position in baseball. Ask yourself how many times the starting pitcher gets the side out with no runs in the first inning, and then ask why it is that somehow a “specialist” is needed in the ninth. There is a reason why the best hitters fail 70% of the time: hitting the baseball is hard. Broxton is due to make $7M next year. He’s not worth it. Most closers aren’t worth that kind of money.
-
Nor are Martin, Blake and Loney. Sleazy McCourt wants to pinch pennies. This is where to do it. Get rid of the guys making bucks who don’t earn it. Blow up the team. Keep Ethier, Kemp, Kershaw, Billingsley, Furcal and a few others. Maybe you keep Lilly and some other pitchers, if the money works. Get rid of the has-beens and underperformers. Focus on young talent and free agents with some upside potential left. This team has been especially bad when it comes to free agents, e.g., Schmidt, Jones, etc. Those two signings should have been enough to guarantee Colletti his walking papers.
-
This is a .500 team. Not blowing it up means that Blake, Martin, Loney, Broxton, et al will be a year older in 2011, with no reason to think that they’ll do anything other than perform even worse. Which will inevitably lead to a dip below .500, and official “bad team” status. Do you want to see a Pittsburgh or Kansas City team in L.A.? That’s where it’s headed. That kind of team in a city that supports it to the tune of 3.7M attendance? When one thinks of the attendance in Pittsburgh, Oakland, Kansas City, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Minneapolis, one realizes just how shoddy this team and organization are. 3.7 million attendance. The Giants get 3M attendance, but they’re paying debt service of $20M per year on their park. Dodger Stadium has been paid off for years. Do you know what that says about the Dodgers? How far they’ve fallen? Ownership has sucked all of the money out and been content with giving the fans an inferior product.
Comment by SC Dodger— September 5, 2010 #
Who honestly thinks with this bullpen and no Manny we even have a chance to make a run? Blowing games now is just comedy, i don’t get worked up about it.
Comment by DodgersKings323— September 5, 2010 #
Why can’t Broxton just be having a bad season? Why does everyone think he can’t rebound and become the dominant pitcher he was before these troubles started.
Comment by dpwtv— September 5, 2010 #
you make a good point, but ive lost confidence in his abilities after he gives up a game winning home run to Jose Uribe. JOSE URIBE
Comment by format— September 5, 2010 #
check that Juan Uribe LOL
Comment by format— September 5, 2010 #
format..in the past I’d tend to agree with you about Uribe… but he has 18 homes and 70 RBI’s.
I’m not to confident in his abilities right now either… but I was having issues with Billingsley earlier and he turned it around
Comment by dpwtv— September 6, 2010 #
I agree, dpwtv, and it’s worth noting that Brad Lidge has been even worse and come back from it. At the same time, I think it’s possible Brox has been hiding an injury – his release seems awkward to me.
On the other hand, I agree with SC Dodger that, if he is hiding an injury, he’s harmed both himself and the team.
Comment by WBB— September 5, 2010 #
The best news all day is Lindsey being called up. In fact, this season has been so bad that Lindsey getting into a game will be my happiest moment as a Dodger fan this season.
Comment by The Dude Abides— September 6, 2010 #
[...] Lindsay lives the dream! I don’t think anyone can be against a story like this; as I called for last week, career minor-leaguer John Lindsay is finally getting the call to the bigs. Read this section of [...]
Pingback by Catching Up on the Weekend « Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— September 6, 2010 #
[...] of Anderson look all the worse. Or as I said on September 6… If you look at #5 on my list of things I wanted to see over the rest of the season, you’ll see “finding out if Jay Gibbons is worth a roster spot for next season.” So what [...]
Pingback by MSTI’s 2010 in Review: Left Field « Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— October 27, 2010 #