Here are some June stats for you:
Andre Ethier: 4-for-22 (.182), two extra-base hits
Yasmani Grandal: 5-for-18 (.278), all singles
Jimmy Rollins: 5-for-18 (.278), one solo homer
Justin Turner: 6-for-21 (.287), one extra-base hit
Alex Guerrero: 3-for-12 (.250), one massive grand slam
Kike Hernandez: 7-for-20 (.350), one extra-base hit
Joc Pederson: 7-for-24 (.292), lots of big hits
Adrian Gonzalez: 10-for-22 (.455), quite a few big hits
What does this all mean?
Take away guys like Pederson, A-Gon, and for the most part Guerrero, the Dodgers have a whole bunch of single's hitters, and not much else. That is, if they even bother to get a hit in the first place.
Yes, the offense has been letting the Dodgers down tremendously of late. Take away the four games in Colorado to start June, and the Dodgers have scored 2, 0, 5, 1, 1, and 1 runs going back to the end of May. From May 16-24, they scored 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2, and 3 runs. Let's see here... 19 runs in 14 games means they've scored 1.4 runs/game in that span. That's really, really bad.
I don't know how much longer they can just shrug their shoulders and say "We're injured and we're tired." Yes, they are injured. Yes, they are tired, though so are countless other teams as well. And yes, we hope Yasiel Puig is healthy enough to return this weekend like he says.
But let's be realistic - if Puig can't even wake up this deadbeat offense, then it's time to make some changes.
Corey Seager and Hector Olivera, I hope you two are ready. You could (and should) be with the big club soon.
The baseball season is full of peaks and valleys. While it wasn't fair to expect the Dodgers to keep up their torrid pace to start the season, there's no way we should have expected them to go into complete hibernation either. There are way too many games this team just drags to the finish line.
Friday night was the perfect example. Brett Anderson was sensational, taking a shutout into the eighth inning. The problem? His team spotted him a mere 1-0 lead, and a couple of runs given up later, the Dodgers lost another one to the Cardinals 2-1. Call it pessimistic, but this was something I could see coming from a mile away - there was no way Anderson was going to pitch a complete game shutout. The Dodgers could not score more runs to save their lives, and it cost them. Again.
How many times are we going to watch guys like Rollins and Ethier groundout or strikeout? How many times are we going to watch a couple of guys reach base, then nothing come of it? If this team isn't hitting the long ball, then what? They're just stuck in place time and time again.
Which brings me back to the two young guns ready to be called up. Seager has played 32 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City, and is hitting .300 with seven doubles, a triple, four homers, and 17 RBIs. Before that, he tore apart Double-A Tulsa, prompting the promotion. How badly to the Dodgers need a jolt of life from him in their lineup? Beats the heck out of watching Rollins day in and day out.
Olivera is getting started at Tulsa, but by all accounts, his bat is THIS close to being Major League ready. He's playing third base, which just got a little less cluttered after the Juan Uribe trade. After he works the rust off, then he can get time at third with Turner, putting Guerrero to play more in left. Sounds good to me.
Before any of that happens, let's first see how the Dodgers look with Puig back at the top of the lineup. It's laughable when people talk about how he's suddenly tradeable with Ethier's play this season. It's true, Ethier has played well, but give me a break. There's no way anyone can expect Ethier to put up better numbers than Puig. That's just crazy. And a bit delusional, too.
Over the next couple of weeks, the Dodgers have series against the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rangers before seeing the Giants again. And thankfully not the Cardinals. If Puig in the lineup is making little difference, then it's time to bring the kids up to LA and let them do their thing. If not, then the offense will continue spinning their wheels, and the Dodgers will continue to look average at best.
Yasiel, I hope you can go on a tear. This team should does need it.
Showing posts with label Olivera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olivera. Show all posts
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Uribe's time in Dodger blue is done
It was official, and then it wasn't. And now it looks to "officially" be official. Got that?
Juan Uribe sure does, and after a day of going back and forth, the trade that sends Alberto Callaspo and others to the Dodgers for Uribe is done. Apparently Callaspo had a change of heart about playing for the first place Dodgers. Or maybe he was told he would be DFA'd if he didn't accept the trade anyway. Who knows.
What we do know is that after a day of going back and forth with the Braves, the two-time champion Uribe is going across the coast to Atlanta. Actually, he's going across the field to the visiting clubhouse, as the Braves are still in LA. Go figure.
Before looking back at what Uribe brought to the Dodgers, it's important to note why exactly this deal was executed, especially after all of the praise of Uribe being such a great "clubhouse guy" on a team that was dysfunctional in the past. It's true - he is very well-liked, and I'm sure was invaluable in helping Yasiel Puig get adjusted to the Majors.
But, this year has brought a whole lot of change to the Dodgers, and keeping an older, declining guy in the fold over younger, better options just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Justin Turner can play many positions and hit well, and Alex Guerrero has already brought enough power to warrant more playing time.
So Uribe is the odd man out.
In reflecting back on Uribe's tenure with the Dodgers, let's remember that he was a Gold Glove finalist at third base the last two seasons. I thought he got robbed in not winning one of them, but it is what it is. Even when the hitting wasn't there, he really could flash some serious leather at a very hard position. His Defensive WAR the last two seasons are 1.8 and 2.0, respectively.
That's the good side, but the not-so-good-side has been his inconsistency in both staying on the field and at the plate. He's battled leg injuries the last couple of years, limiting him to 103 games last season. For a guy who's 36 and in his 15th season, that's some understandable wear and tear.
When Uribe was first signed before the 2011 season, he was coming off a World Series championship with the Giants. Ned Colletti, formally of the Giants' front office, liked his championship experience (he won another one with the White Sox in 2005), and wanted his leadership to rub off on the Dodgers.
Well, things didn't quite work out initially to say the least. His 2011 and 2012 campaigns featured some of the worst baseball any "big" free agent signing has ever played. He hit .204 with four homers and 28 RBIs in 77 games in '11, and followed that up with a .191/2/17 line in 66 games. To sum it all up, he was really, REALLY pathetic.
Somehow, some way he was able to survive being cut, and wouldn't you know it, in 2013 he actually looked like a real player again, going .278/12/50 in 132 games. Not huge, overpowering numbers, but much-improved and complimented his slick play at third very well.
Last year was when injuries limited him to 103 games, though he was effective at the plate by going .311/9/54 in 103 games. And he again failed to win a Gold Glove, even if he deserved to win.
The offseason signing of Hector Olivera to a six-year, $62.5 million contract (which only recently became official) along with the emergence of Guerrero had only further clouded Uribe's future in LA. Now, he's an ex-Dodger after 4+ years of service.
It was an interesting ride for Uribe, at times bumpy, and at times smooth. He was described as being very emotional about the trade, which one can only imagine what that must feel like. His teammates will definitely miss him, no doubt. The fans have grown to appreciate his hard work, too.
But in the end, the Dodgers made the correct call in freeing up some of the logjam (think Matt Kemp's trade helping the outfield), and will give more swings to Guerrero and soon Olivera.
Juan Uribe sure does, and after a day of going back and forth, the trade that sends Alberto Callaspo and others to the Dodgers for Uribe is done. Apparently Callaspo had a change of heart about playing for the first place Dodgers. Or maybe he was told he would be DFA'd if he didn't accept the trade anyway. Who knows.
What we do know is that after a day of going back and forth with the Braves, the two-time champion Uribe is going across the coast to Atlanta. Actually, he's going across the field to the visiting clubhouse, as the Braves are still in LA. Go figure.
Before looking back at what Uribe brought to the Dodgers, it's important to note why exactly this deal was executed, especially after all of the praise of Uribe being such a great "clubhouse guy" on a team that was dysfunctional in the past. It's true - he is very well-liked, and I'm sure was invaluable in helping Yasiel Puig get adjusted to the Majors.
But, this year has brought a whole lot of change to the Dodgers, and keeping an older, declining guy in the fold over younger, better options just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Justin Turner can play many positions and hit well, and Alex Guerrero has already brought enough power to warrant more playing time.
So Uribe is the odd man out.
In reflecting back on Uribe's tenure with the Dodgers, let's remember that he was a Gold Glove finalist at third base the last two seasons. I thought he got robbed in not winning one of them, but it is what it is. Even when the hitting wasn't there, he really could flash some serious leather at a very hard position. His Defensive WAR the last two seasons are 1.8 and 2.0, respectively.
That's the good side, but the not-so-good-side has been his inconsistency in both staying on the field and at the plate. He's battled leg injuries the last couple of years, limiting him to 103 games last season. For a guy who's 36 and in his 15th season, that's some understandable wear and tear.
When Uribe was first signed before the 2011 season, he was coming off a World Series championship with the Giants. Ned Colletti, formally of the Giants' front office, liked his championship experience (he won another one with the White Sox in 2005), and wanted his leadership to rub off on the Dodgers.
Well, things didn't quite work out initially to say the least. His 2011 and 2012 campaigns featured some of the worst baseball any "big" free agent signing has ever played. He hit .204 with four homers and 28 RBIs in 77 games in '11, and followed that up with a .191/2/17 line in 66 games. To sum it all up, he was really, REALLY pathetic.
Somehow, some way he was able to survive being cut, and wouldn't you know it, in 2013 he actually looked like a real player again, going .278/12/50 in 132 games. Not huge, overpowering numbers, but much-improved and complimented his slick play at third very well.
Last year was when injuries limited him to 103 games, though he was effective at the plate by going .311/9/54 in 103 games. And he again failed to win a Gold Glove, even if he deserved to win.
The offseason signing of Hector Olivera to a six-year, $62.5 million contract (which only recently became official) along with the emergence of Guerrero had only further clouded Uribe's future in LA. Now, he's an ex-Dodger after 4+ years of service.
It was an interesting ride for Uribe, at times bumpy, and at times smooth. He was described as being very emotional about the trade, which one can only imagine what that must feel like. His teammates will definitely miss him, no doubt. The fans have grown to appreciate his hard work, too.
But in the end, the Dodgers made the correct call in freeing up some of the logjam (think Matt Kemp's trade helping the outfield), and will give more swings to Guerrero and soon Olivera.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Olivera's signing could mean a whole new infield in 2016
If Yasiel Puig didn't exist, who knows if the Dodgers would ever aggressively pursue international talent like they have the last couple of years.
But he does, so they do.
Today it was the signing of Cuban infielder Hector Olivera, who reportedly has a six-year, $62.5 million deal signed, sealed, and delivered. Oh ya, and a nice $28 million bonus to boot.
That's some serious cash for a team that already has the names Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, and Juan Uribe manning the positions that Olivera plays in second base, shortstop, and third base. Let's not forget that Alex Guerrero is another international star who's making big bucks.
What does all of this tell me? Expect to see some big changes in the Dodgers' infield for 2016.
Yes, I know Olivera will soon be 30 and is ready to help right now, and he very well could be a factor this year. But there's no doubt Andrew Friedman is already planning for the next wave of Dodgers' stars, and Olivera, Guerrero, and Corey Seager teaming up with Adrian Gonzalez could be the fresh, new look he's envisioning next season and beyond.
It only makes sense, as Rollins is considered a one-year stop gap, and Uribe appears to be on his last contract with LA. About the only other thing I would consider is re-signing Kendrick, putting Olivera at third, Seager at short, and looking to trade Guerrero.
All of this is obviously looking into the future, so let's take a look at what Olivera brings to the table right now. As the link above states, he is a fantastic hitter who is capable of hitting 15-20 dingers and driving in 75 runs in the middle of a lineup. Not bad for an infielder with no MLB experience, but that's how highly he's rated by scouts.
What's a reason for concern? He supposedly has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, but he's vigorously disputed that by passing physicals with four other teams. So go figure.
If you're a fan of finding the next big star from all over the globe, like Puig, then this signing appeals to you. Who knows what kind of impact he'll make this year, but as I've stated before, I firmly believe this was made with 2016 and beyond in mind. That's some serious talent on the Dodgers' infield if all works out.
If you don't believe in throwing out that kind of money to someone without even Minor League experience, then this might make you cringe a bit. But let's give Friedman and his boys the benefit of the doubt: they turned around Tampa Bay by uncovering hidden talent, and with a much bigger wallet in LA, he can definitely do the same again.
But he does, so they do.
Today it was the signing of Cuban infielder Hector Olivera, who reportedly has a six-year, $62.5 million deal signed, sealed, and delivered. Oh ya, and a nice $28 million bonus to boot.
That's some serious cash for a team that already has the names Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, and Juan Uribe manning the positions that Olivera plays in second base, shortstop, and third base. Let's not forget that Alex Guerrero is another international star who's making big bucks.
What does all of this tell me? Expect to see some big changes in the Dodgers' infield for 2016.
Yes, I know Olivera will soon be 30 and is ready to help right now, and he very well could be a factor this year. But there's no doubt Andrew Friedman is already planning for the next wave of Dodgers' stars, and Olivera, Guerrero, and Corey Seager teaming up with Adrian Gonzalez could be the fresh, new look he's envisioning next season and beyond.
It only makes sense, as Rollins is considered a one-year stop gap, and Uribe appears to be on his last contract with LA. About the only other thing I would consider is re-signing Kendrick, putting Olivera at third, Seager at short, and looking to trade Guerrero.
All of this is obviously looking into the future, so let's take a look at what Olivera brings to the table right now. As the link above states, he is a fantastic hitter who is capable of hitting 15-20 dingers and driving in 75 runs in the middle of a lineup. Not bad for an infielder with no MLB experience, but that's how highly he's rated by scouts.
What's a reason for concern? He supposedly has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, but he's vigorously disputed that by passing physicals with four other teams. So go figure.
If you're a fan of finding the next big star from all over the globe, like Puig, then this signing appeals to you. Who knows what kind of impact he'll make this year, but as I've stated before, I firmly believe this was made with 2016 and beyond in mind. That's some serious talent on the Dodgers' infield if all works out.
If you don't believe in throwing out that kind of money to someone without even Minor League experience, then this might make you cringe a bit. But let's give Friedman and his boys the benefit of the doubt: they turned around Tampa Bay by uncovering hidden talent, and with a much bigger wallet in LA, he can definitely do the same again.
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