By Jon Weisman
One day in May, this little item appeared deep in the game notes of the Times’ Frank Finch:
Maury Wills and Willie Davis cut records with Stubby Kaye Friday afternoon as well as doing single platters. During the session Jimmy Durante made a record called ‘Dandy Sandy,’ singing the praises of Prof. Koufax. Wills said it would be a smash.
You didn’t think I would leave you hanging, did you?
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By Jon Weisman
On a seven-game road trip earlier this month to Milwaukee and Colorado, the Dodgers scored 39 runs, despite having 13 of the scheduled 63 innings rained out. On the days unaffected by rain, the Dodgers averaged 7.4 runs per game.
But the Dodgers past four road games — May 19-21 in San Francisco and Friday in St. Louis — have led to a team-record four consecutive road shutouts.
A bit extreme, you could say. In 2015, the Dodgers have averaged just under four runs per road game, but they haven’t actually scored exactly four runs in a road game this season.
In addition to obviously being homerless over their past four road games, the Dodgers have been an uncharacteristic 0-for-22 with runners in scoring position — uncharacteristic because overall this season, the Dodgers have an .839 OPS with RISP in 2015, No. 2 in the National League.
Here’s how each of the Dodger position players have done during the shutout streak, with batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS:
Today, weather permitting, the Dodgers face Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha, who has a 1.87 ERA despite only 5.5 strikeouts per nine innings. His xFIP is 4.09. To quote from “Joe vs. the Volcano”: “Joe, nobody knows anything. We’ll take this leap, and we’ll see.”
Yimi Garcia has struck out 33 and walked seven in 20 innings this season. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
By Jon Weisman
Here’s where the Dodger bullpen ranks in 10 key categories, compared with the rest of the National League:
The last bullet point shows that Dodger relievers aren’t doing everything right. But they’re doing a lot of things very right — and that’s with Kenley Jansen having thrown 57 pitches so far all season.
And the other good news, heading into a stretch of 34 games in the next 34 days (with one doubleheader and one day off in June), is that so far, the Dodger bullpen haven’t been overworked.
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By Jon Weisman
How many fans are even aware that Zack Greinke leads the Major Leagues in ERA? Here’s more on Greinke’s super season so far, plus other news and notes:
In combination with his fastball, the changeup and slider have presented an unusual problem to the opposition. Ninety-three percent of Greinke’s pitches have been clocked within roughly 5 mph of each other. They’re released similarly, travel at unusually similar velocities, and then, approaching the plate, they split off in separate directions.
“It’s pretty hard for hitters when the three pitches come in and you don’t know which way they’re going to go,” Ellis said. “Is it going to come straight through? Is it going to run down and in? Is it going down and away?”
Greinke, whose fielding-independent ERA is higher than Clayton Kershaw’s, acknowledges he has been lucky on balls in play this season, in contrast to Kershaw and …
Hatcher’s ERA in May was 3.00 entering Wednesday night (it is 6.00 now), after a 7.56 mark in April. But if there is one glaring difference in the two months, it’s in strikeouts. In April Hatcher struck out 15 of 38 batters faced (39.5%), but in May just two of 31 batters he faced have struck out.
We are talking about all of 14⅓ innings on the season here, so take these numbers with a grain of salt. But peripherally Hatcher is having a fine season. Despite his 6.91 ERA, his 17 strikeout, five walks and no home runs allowed give him a 2.23 FIP and a 3.58 xFIP.
But waiting for the numbers to even out isn’t a luxury most relief pitchers have, nor does it make giving up actual runs any less annoying.
“I feel like every ball put in play is a hit off me, recently,” Hatcher said. “A couple of those were poor pitches. But what’s frustrating is when you execute your pitch and somehow the ball still finds the ground or the guy ends up on first.”
Update: Here’s more analysis from Dustin Nosler of Dodgers Digest.
Yasiel Puig is one of several key 2014 Dodgers who won’t play in St. Louis this weekend.
By Jon Weisman
Seven months ago, the Dodgers suffered their most frustrating playoff defeat of the decade, losing three games to the Cardinals in the National League Division Series that Los Angeles either led or was tied in going into the seventh inning.
As I write this, the Dodgers are in the air on their way to St. Louis, returning to the scene of the crime, you might say. Beginning Friday, Los Angeles will play seven of its next 10 games against the team that vanquished them.
The memory of October is not a closed wound. At the same time, win or lose, this weekend’s series against the Cardinals feels like something of another limb.
Don’t get me wrong: These games are not exhibitions. For one thing, the NL West-leading Dodgers are trying to the team by the bay at bay. San Francisco, which in April was as much as six games out (which really isn’t that much), is now within a game of the Dodgers, pending what happens tonight against Atlanta and former Cardinal pitcher Shelby Miller.
For another, it would be hard to say there isn’t any emotion when St. Louis is involved. Not only have the Cardinals eliminated the Dodgers in the past two postseasons, but at 31-16, they are the only team in the league with a better record than the 28-18 Dodgers. Since 2011, the Cardinals are 306-227 and the Dodgers are 300-232.
The Cardinals are the barometer, and they bring the barometric pressure.
Having said all that …
Fifty years ago today, the Dodgers activated retired third-base coach Jim Gilliam to return to the field.
“The old pro is back,” Walter Alston told the Times.
Though he had been a full-time coach, Gilliam had been taking batting and infield practice since Spring Training.
“I’m glad to be back on the roster,” he said. “I think I can help the club, and that’s all that counts.
Alston cautioned that he didn’t “intend to play Jim at third base very much, but there will be times when he will finish up the game there after pinch-hitting.”
That plan lasted for about three days. The 36-year-old Gilliam played 16 innings across a May 31 doubleheader and went on to start 99 more games during the remainder of the 1965 season and all seven in the ’65 World Series.
In a story that appeared in Dodger Insider magazine this month, Mark Langill offers a fond look back at how Gilliam’s improbable comeback boosted the Dodgers to a title. (Click each page below to enlarge.)
— Jon Weisman
Juan Uribe has a message for you, Dodger fans. pic.twitter.com/a7xuNPX2BM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 27, 2015
For photos from Tuesday, visit LA Photog Blog.
By Jon Weisman
As unusual as the past 36 hours have been, nothing quite brought it home more sharply than seeing Juan Uribe in Atlanta Braves gear at Dodger Stadium, so soon after he had worn Dodger whites for the final time.
Gazing upon Matt Kemp as a Padre on Opening Day took an adjustment and a half, but at least we had most of an offseason to prepare.
But baseball, the game without a clock, ticks on — and everyone moves forward, ready or not. Here is a bullet-point summary of this late afternoon’s news.
Uribe says he would have felt bad if he had been traded to a soccer team or basketball team. But a baseball team is OK.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) May 27, 2015
An injured Chris Withrow joined in the celebration of the Dodgers’ NL West clincher in September. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
By Jon Weisman
Chris Withrow, who is still on the rehab track from surgery, joins Juan Uribe in the trade to Atlanta for infielder Alberto Callaspo and pitchers Juan Jaime, Ian Thomas and Eric Stults.
A first-round draft pick in 2007, Withrow pitched 56 innings for the Dodgers with a 2.73 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 71 strikeouts. An easy guy to talk to in the clubhouse, Withrow leaves with the fourth-highest K/9 in Dodger history for those who pitched at least 50 innings, and while sentiment has been pouring out about Uribe, best wishes for the future certainly go to Withrow as well.
As for the return in the trade: While Callaspo will be on the active roster tonight, Thomas has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and Jaime has been assigned to extended Spring Training at Camelback Ranch. Stults, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2006-09, has been designated for assignment.
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Callaspo, who turned 32 last month, has mostly struggled (.545 OPS) since signing an offseason free-agent deal with Atlanta. However, his batting average on balls in play is at a career-low .214, and as the Dodgers’ public relations department noted in its official announcement, Callaspo “the switch-hitter has been the hardest active player to strike out in his career, averaging 11.20 plate appearances per strikeout.”
He has played all four infield positions plus left and right field in his career, though he hasn’t played outfield since 2010 or shortstop since 2009.
In addition to his 15 2/3 shutout minor-league innings this season, the 28-year-old Thomas had a 3.38 ERA in 5 1/3 innings with Atlanta, allowing nine baserunners while striking out five.
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“The lefty doesn’t throw all that many pitches north of 90 miles per hour,” Jeff Sullivan wrote of Thomas at Fangraphs today, “but he has a decently full repertoire, and in the majors he’s struck out more than a batter an inning. This year in the high minors, he has a walk and 20 strikeouts. His peripherals are strong enough, and he just hasn’t had much of a big-league opportunity. You can see why a team would want to stash him away.
Jaime, who is remarkable if only because he is a 27-year-old who was originally signed by the Montreal Expos, has walked 13 in 13 2/3 career big-league innings, but he has also struck out 19, so the Dodgers will see where that goes.
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By Jon Weisman
Though Juan Uribe has officially been traded by the Dodgers, his bobblehead lives on.
“We are proceeding with our Juan Uribe Bobblehead promotion on July 11,” Dodger executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen said.
“The Dodgers have a long tradition of recognizing players who have made great contributions to the organization. Juan Uribe will hold a special place in Dodgers history for always being a fan favorite and a consummate professional. There was no better teammate to have than Juan Uribe.”
The Dodgers host the Brewers on July 11, while Uribe’s Atlanta Braves will be at Colorado. The bobblehead is presented by Farmer John.
Juan Uribe, April 26, 2011 (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
By Jon Weisman
What an unreal journey this was, and I honestly feel I’m the better for having witnessed it.
* * *
Since a second-inning double June 20 at Oakland, Uribe is in the midst of an 0-for-27 slump, with three walks and nine strikeouts. That happens. The problem is that when he hasn’t been slumping … well, Uribe can hardly say he’s ever not been slumping as a Dodger.
— “The end of the line for Juan Uribe … or not?” July 8, 2012
* * *
“Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind – listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.”
— Eubie Blake
“Walk, two-run double, walk, groundout, two-run home run.”
— Juan Uribe
— “Uribe makes sweet music in Dodgers’ 8-5 victory,” July 21, 2012
* * *
If they sold Teddy Uribears at Dodger Stadium next week I'd buy one. He's so cuddly with his belly and that .408 OBP.
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) May 5, 2013
Someone expert in photoshop needs to make Uribear ™ a reality. RT @SpaceDodgers: @jonweisman he has a nickname now?! A CUTE ONE?!
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) May 5, 2013
— “Uribear!,” May 5, 2013
* * *
There have been Dodgers who have had their downs and ups, but I can’t remember such a purely bottom-to-top tale of redemption as the one of Juan Uribe. …
… What Dodger endured two miserable years, while collecting a big paycheck, before putting it together in his third season? Looking at this list of Dodgers in the post-1975 free-agent era, no one with the profile of Uribe leaps to mind. It’s not like Dave Goltz, Don Stanhouse, Mike Davis or Eric Davis turned it on in Los Angeles after stinking for two years. But Uribe has.
It’s remarkable.
— “The redemption of Juan Uribe reaches new levels,” July 5, 2013
* * *
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For those of us who come to baseball for an escape, for answers or even suggestions, to feel something that we can’t often or otherwise find in everyday life, consciously or unconsciously, and see such a tale of redemption played out right at center stage, see one who was so mercilessly derided become the hero, and to know it’s real, brings an emotion to cherish above and beyond the revelry of victory.
Yes, I know Juan Uribe was well compensated as he stunk up the joint in 2011 and 2012 and he didn’t need my sympathy. And I never offered it. But strip everything else away, and you have the story of someone who found his way back from tar and feathering into sweet serenity. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been failing, it is an inspiration. I’ll never be Clayton Kershaw, the best in the world. But I might be Juan Uribe. I might have my moment.
— “U-RI-BEAR! Dodgers swing into NLCS on redemption song,” October 8, 2013
* * *
Uribe choked up when asked what he would miss about the Dodgers and walked away.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 27, 2015
No one could bring a clubhouse together with only a laugh or smile like Juan. It was a joy to be his teammate. pic.twitter.com/QH4UriQgrj
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) May 27, 2015
Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
By Jon Weisman
The Dodgers have exchanged a relief pitcher on their roster for a position player, recalling outfielder Chris Heisey from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designating reliever Sergio Santos for assignment.
Heisey, who has 10 homers in only 94 at-bats for Oklahoma City, has reached base in six of his 10 plate appearances in two previous callups with the Dodgers.
Santos has allowed 20 baserunners in 13 1/3 innings with 15 strikeouts for Los Angeles.
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By Jon Weisman
The Hollywood Stars Game, once the on-field hobnob of Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon and Bob Newhart, comes back to Dodger Stadium on June 6 at 5 p.m., preceding the Dodgers’ 7:10 p.m. game against St. Louis. This year’s game is presented by New Balance.
Talkshow host Larry King and actor, director, producer and writer Garry Marshall will serve as honorary managers of softball teams that will include the following talent: Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”), James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”), Kevin McHale (“Glee”), Frank Grillo (“Captain America”), Jaleel White (“Family Matters,” “Dancing With the Stars”), Charlotte McKinney (“Dancing With the Stars”), Tyler Hoechlin (“Teen Wolf,” “Road to Perdition”), Austin Stowell (“Love and Honor”), Clark Gregg (“Iron Man,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Vivica A. Fox (“Independence Day”), Brian Dietzen (“NCIS”), WNBA great Lisa Leslie, USA soccer star Landon Donovan, “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Kevin Frazier, actor/comedian Rob Riggle, tennis pro Mardy Fish and Blink 182 bassist Mark Hoppus.
Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”) will reprise her Old-Timers Game role as one of the umpires.
Get your tickets here or by calling (866) DODGERS.
Tim Wallach, who knows a thing or five (1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990) about All-Star selections, and Joc Pederson celebrate Adrian Gonzalez’s 1000th RBI on Tuesday.
By Jon Weisman
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is the only member of the National League West-leading Dodgers (and NL’s No. 1 offense) in first place at his position in the initial release of NL All-Star voting numbers.
Gonzalez has nearly twice as many votes as second-palce Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs, but otherwise, the Dodgers need help — especially Joc Pederson, who (as you’ll see detailed later in this post) ranks No. 1 among NL center fielders in Wins Above Replacement.
It’s worth noting that Gonzalez was the NL leader among first basemen at this stage last year, only to eventually lose out to Paul Goldschmidt of Arizona.
Fan voting continues through July 2. You can read more about the selection process here. Click the image below to enlarge the current results.
For some perspective, here’s where the top Dodger All-Star candidates rank in WAR, according to Fangraphs.
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Congratulations, @AdrianTitan23! pic.twitter.com/DfQzkrqWry
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 27, 2015
On a night that Clayton Kershaw made the extraordinary (seven shutout innings, 10 strikeouts) seem ordinary again, let’s take a moment to salute someone turning the ordinary RBI into something extraordinary. (Whew — crammed a lot into that sentence.) With his two-run homer in the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ 8-0 romp over Atlanta, Adrian Gonzalez reached and passed the 1,000 RBI plateau.
Gonzalez’s homer was one of many Dodger highlights on offense. Every Dodger starter had at least one hit for the first time since September 16. And as the Dodgers’ PR department notes, it was the Dodgers’ largest shutout victory over the Braves since a 9-0 win September 17, 1984 at Atlanta.
— Jon Weisman
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Manny Mota
By Jon Weisman
Something in the news today made me notice that Joel Peralta, Jimmy Rollins and Juan Uribe are the only active Dodgers remaining who were born in the 1970s.
Naturally (or, upon reflection, perversely), I became curious about who held that honor in past years. Here’s the honor roll of players who were the last Dodgers born in each previous decade:
Sutton was the last Dodger born before the end of World War II, Reese the last before the end of World War I and Donovan the last born before the end of the Civil War.
The oldest recorded birth year for any player associated with the Dodger franchise is 1851, for outfielder Jack Remsen, who finished his career with the 1884 Brooklyn Atlantics of the American Association. For the National League years, you can go all the way back to infielder Jack Burdock (b. 1852), who got the 1,231st and final hit of his career with the 1891 Brooklyn Grooms.
What happens when three old friends in crisis fall into an unexpected love triangle? In The Catch, Maya, Henry and Daniel embark upon an emotional journey that forces them to confront unresolved pain, present-day traumas and powerful desires, leading them to question the very meaning of love and fulfillment. The Catch tells a tale of ordinary people seeking the extraordinary – or, if that’s asking too much, some damn peace of mind.
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