Results tagged ‘ St Louis Cardinals ’
Wednesday Thoughts: Ryu, Skip Schumaker, Zack Greinke Press Conference
다저스 류에 오신 것을 환영합니다 (Welcome to the Dodgers Ryu)
When I did the Zack Greinke post I walked out the house assuming nothing was going to get done with Hyun-Jin Ryu. Well 2 Text messages and a phone calls later I find out that the Dodgers signed him for $36 Million 6 Year Deal. Now for those who only heard of the Korean Left Hander I posted highlights above to give you a glimpse of what he can do. His career stats in the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) with the Hanwah Eagles is something amazing. In Korea Ryu (Prenounced Roo no Y) had a 98-52 record with a 2.80 ERA and 1,238 Strikeouts. Yes those are ridiculous stats and he’s only 25 Years old people. As he was introduced Ryu sounded like a guy who was ready to get at it. He has goals for himself in MLB and wants to win double-digit games with a low ERA and seeing Dodger Stadium is pitchers park that’ll work well in Ryu’s favor. I for one am excited that Ryu is on the team and can’t wait to see him pitch at Dodger Stadium very soon.
Dodgers introduce Zack Greinke
New Dodgers Pitcher Zack Greinke.
Yesterday the Dodgers Officially introduced Zack Greinke as he passed his physical and signed his $147 Million 6 Year Deal. Watching the press conference yesterday the one thing that I’ve noticed is that Greinke isn’t really much of a talker but I’m fine with that. As long as he can do his talking on the mound and grab wins then I’ll live with that. During the press conference Greinke said that he was very close to signing with the Rangers until L.A. upped the offer. He also said he wrote down the names and noticed that It’s obvious that he should join the Dodgers. For Dodger fans it was a joy to watch because now L.A. has two aces in Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke which on paper is a solid 1-2 punch and can be difficult for any pitcher. I mentioned the same thing with Ryu regarding pitching in Dodger Stadium and how it’ll help him, Greinke made that same mention. He talked about wanting to play in a flyball stadium and Dodger Stadium was just that. With the Outfield and Offense Mr Greinke has there’s no doubt he’ll regret it. One reporter asked Magic about the spending and Magic made it clear and simple “We Want To Win” Thats the attitude that will bring players to L.A. Zack looks at this team as a team that can contend for several years and as a player you want to play for a team that will contend. Zack Greinke welcome to Los Angeles!
Skip Schumaker Trade
Hours after Greinke was introduced the Dodgers made another move trading for Skip Schumaker. This has been in the rumors for a few days if not a week and now they came to light trading Minor League Shortstop Jake Limmerman to St Louis for the 2nd Baseman. Last season in St Louis Schumaker batted .276 with 28 RBI’s 1 Home Run and a .339 OBP. Schumaker not only plays 2nd Base but can play outfield has well so I can see why the Trade was made. With Mark McGwire as the Dodgers hitting coach Schumaker will have someone whom he’s familiar with so there’s something there. What role will Skip play on the team is something we all have to look out for but until them we can only speculate. Do I believe this is a good trade? I believe it’s a solid one but I have to talk to a few Cardinals fans to give me more information on him as far as fielding and anything else but this in my opinion is a solid move for the Dodgers who are very active over the winter.
Dodgers Hire Mark McGwire as Hitting Coach. Will he make an Impact?
Mark McGwire is in as the Hitting Coach for the Dodgers which is something that has been rumored for a week.
Yesterday morning the Dodgers made the official announcement that they have hired Mark McGwire as the hitting coach. Something that has been rumored since last Friday has now come to light yesterday. Ok he may not be on the field anymore but this is a big thing to have Mark McGwire come in and help a Dodger team who struggled to bring in runs let alone score runs or get on base. The Cardinals, Where he formaly played, had good success under him batting .269 (1st in NL), Had a OBP of .337 (1st in NL) and scored 2,263 runs (2nd in NL) so there is success right there. The Dodgers who struggled in all those things will finally have a hitting coach that can get the bats going and make them a big threat offensively. A lot of people are happy for this being done and we assume things will go right but Is this really going to help? I for one say yes he can and will help the Dodgers.
Last season many people wanted to know what the issue was with the offense. We got that Kemp was hurt along with Mark Ellis and had a team filled with the Isatopes but once they got healthy they still struggled with batting thats adding Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez. Having a guy who was barley batting .22o as pinch hitter in his playing career will not do it’s justice in my eyes and apperently I wasn’t the only one. Many felt Hansen was a problem so he has another position in the franchise leaving Mark Mcgwire to get the job. As I stated the Cardinals had some very good numbers in the NL with McGwire as their hitting coach so you can only imagine what this team will do come next season with the line up of Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Luis Cruz, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and so on. Yeah we know his history as a player and what not but him as a coach is just what the doctor ordered.
I believe there will be good results from this hiring and the Dodgers can be the dangerous team with the bat that they’re expected to be so be ready to see a lot of McGwire jerseys at Dodger Stadium. Will he make an Impact? Yes he will but that’s just my thinking and based off stats that the previous team he coached. Once Spring Training and the Season starts we’ll have our answer.
MLB Off-Season: Dodgers should tackle Pitching in order to win
While the elections are going on I figured I give people a little break with some baseball talk here eventhough many will be wrapped up in it but here it goes haha. The Dodgers will conduct an off-season with the New Owners in Walter, Kasten, and Magic Johnson and so far seem to be making strides towards winning a Championship. With the word around L.A. that Mark McGwire is expected to be hitting coach for the Dodgers, which will be huge, and not picking up players such as Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Juan Rivera to name a few the Dodgers are looking to take care of business. This year’s Free Agent class may not be what it was last season but A lot of interesting players are on this list and with the Dodgers having the money the possibilities are out there. So what will the Dodgers do and what are they tackling? Well it’s obvious right here that pitching is a good and huge need. Last season the Dodgers lost SP Ted Lily and Chad Billingsley for the season leading the Dodgers to trade for Joe Blanton from Philly and trade for Josh Beckett in that huge trade with Boston. Bullpen was something that many believed was a need as well and the Dodgers attemped to tackle that by aquiring Randy Choate (Miami) and Brandon League (Seattle). The Dodgers Pitching staff was 3rd in ERA in the MLB so what more do they have to do?
Well lets start with the Bullpen. The Dodgers ended up resigning Brandon League which was pretty obvious that they would do in this case here so that was a start but where else do they go? Randy Choate and Jamey Wright are in free angency but Wright as many believe will get resigned by the Dodgers which is something I don’t see at all nor think is something they should do. The Dodgers have some young arms in the Pen but they need to get some Playoff experiance arms. Look for the Dodgers to search in the FA Market to aleast make the Bullpen or what many call it the Box of pain less Painful. Starting pitching is figured to be pretty strong but the Dodgers really need a #2 Behind Kershaw big time. What suposively suppose to be Billingsley spot the #2 Spot have been going back and fourth and changing a lot. From Billingsley to Capuano to Harang things have changed a lot. We all know the Dodgers will likely Trade one of their Starting Pitchers not named Kershaw in the Off-season so that leave the Dodgers looking in the Market. The likely name that been floating around is Obviously Zach Grenkie who will be hitting the market after doing a half stint in Anaheim with the Angels. It won’t be easy with teams like Anaheim looking to get him back. Another name that’s on the Dodgers raidar is Anibal Sanchez from the Tigers which is someone who could be interesting to watch pitch in the NL where it’s more Pitchers oriented. Now I won’t be surprised if the Dodgers look at Ryan Dempster who was someone that came close to being a Dodger at the deadline and Kyle Lohse from the Cardinals. Both are up there in age and won’t get huge deals but I won’t be shocked and wouldn’t mind if they target them. Another guy the Dodgers should give a look at is Dan Haren from the Angels. Likely they’ll have to pick him up via trade but for a player who wants to stay in Southern Cal and a Solid Pitcher Haren would be a player who would benifit in L.A.
With most of the starting needs filled up at the Trade Deadline and Waiver wire Pitching is something that is a must for the Dodgers if they want to win. Getting a solid #2 for Starting Pitching and Bullpen help should be on L.A.’s mind. The Dodgers will work to get this done. What is the smart money on who the Dodgers will get? I predict by winter meeting the Dodgers will have Either Harang or Capuano Traded and sign Grenkie or Dempster for a #2 and see Choate being resigned by the Dodgers even though It’s not likely. Something we’ll have to keep an eye out on as things unfold.
Road Trip with Playoff Lives on the line
This is the most crutial part of the season once again and this Time the Dodgers are on the road with their Playoff lives on the line. Los Angeles split the series with the St Louis Cardinals 2-2 in a 4 Game series. A team that’s now 1 Game ahead of them in the Wild Card Standings. Now things go on the road with teams who are leading their Divisions and teams who the Dodgers beat earlier in the season. Cincinatti Reds and Washington Nationals will get the Dodgers in a very Important time for LA. They must keep winning in order to take the Wild Card and play their way into the Playoffs but thats easier said than done. With the recient Struggles and Injuries hitting the Dodgers They SOMEHOW managed to stay one game out of the Wild Card and SOMEHOW Snapped out of their funk beating the Cardinals on Friday and Saturday that gave more new hope to the Dodgers Playoff chances.
Now before you go one and tell me how tough these teams are and it’s all doom and gloom let me remind you that the Dodgers record on the east coast is monster. While the road on the west has been unkind the Eastern Zone has been a lot more forgiven to the Dodgers so that gives something for LA to look forward too. Yes the Nationals and Reds are playing great but I have a good feeling about this road trip. What Worries me about the trip is what Dodger team is going to show up. Where will pitching be? Will the Bats be in order? Will there be effort? That’s what I’ve been asking through out this time. If Yes Then the Dodgers will at least come back to LA Still a game behind, Tied, or In the 2nd Wild Card Spot. If No then honestly the Dodgers Playoff chances are basically over and done with.
Yes the NL West is out of site but if the Dodgers make the Playoffs then I can live with that. This Road Trip is HUGE Right Now and this where the Dodgers MUST and I do mean MUST play with everything from now to the last out of the World Series. Los Angeles Dodgers Your Fans ask for you to come back to Los Angeles with a Winning record and continue to take care of you. As long as thats done then Playoffs is right there in your sight.
Dodgers in First Place! So wheres the Respect?
Your Los Angeles Dodgers are 29-13 which is a MLB Best, 1st Place in the NL West, Playing really good baseball with Matt Kemp, Jerry Hariston, Juan Rivera, Mark Ellis, and Juan Uribe. The Dodgers are getting all types of production from everyone this season at this point. The Dodgers even Swept the Defending World Series Champion St Louis Cardinals with a dangerous line up. Yet the Dodgers still have not received any National media attention. It seems like no matter what obstacles the Dodgers over come it gets little to no notice. Why is that? It’s beyond me but whatever it is I don’t like it but at the same time I do. Last year the Dodgers were in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Bankruptcy, Frank McCourt Draining the franchise, Losing, Brain Stow beatings. It seems like the Dodgers and it’s fan base couldn’t get a break. Come winter meetings the Dodgers only big move was Extending Matt Kemps contract while another team in Anaheim was making big moves signing Abert Pujols and CJ Wilson. Came the start of the Season Dodgers had new Owners in Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter and great display of baseball but national recognition hasn’t been all that.
Sometimes not having that National spotlight on you isn’t always a bad thing if you think of it. Right now the Dodgers have the best record in the MLB but is also staying quiet. As you see teams with the most pressure are usually teams like the Yankees, Red Soxs, or even now the Rangers where if one minor thing can become big news for you. The Dodgers having a big media spotlight just adds pressure to them to win. With the Starting Pitching playing well, Bullpen getting it together, and Everyone stepping up for the Dodgers it seems like things are going pretty well. So not having that national exposure isn’t always a bad thing when it comes to the play on the field. Just as good as it is to fly under the radar comes that respect.
As of now the Dodgers may have the top spot on a lot of Power Rankings but there’s others who talk more about other teams more than the Dodgers. How is it that Collin Cowheard can go on his show as with a straight face say the Cardinals are the best team in the MLB. The Dodgers swept the Cardinals in a competitive series but a Sweep is a Sweep. I’ve also heard many say the Texas Rangers are the best team which you can argue but comes this argument on why the Dodgers don’t get that recognition is the Schedule. Dodgers have played teams like San Deigo, Pittsburgh, Houston, Cubs, Rockies. Well let me kill the arguement that it’s hard to beat teams the way the Dodgers do in Baseball regardless of the teams and not to mention the Dodgers have hung around in games vs Atlanta and was robbed in two straight games vs Milwalkee. Not only that but Swept the Washington nationals and St Louis Cardinals as well as come back from a 6-1 defecit on the Road against Arizona to continue a 6 game winning streak without Matt Kemp. Want to talk about other stuff? the Bullpen is getting better and the Starting Pitching staff like Chris Capuano, Ted Lilly, Clayton Kershaw (Defending Cy Young Award winner), and at times Chad Billingsley playing very very well. So the Dodgers should have that notice from the media that the Dodgers are something special. Now its not how you start but how you finish and the Dodgers have to keep this good play up once June July and September October hit.
As long as the Dodgers keep winning then all is well but most Dodger fans have to be some what frustrated that they’re being OVERLOOKED by the national baseball media. Does it bother me? Some what but the Dodgers are 30-13. As long as they complete the season in October with a World Series back in Los Angeles then Im fine and happy. Dodgers playing great baseball and I love it how they’re doing it!!
Dodgers Opening Day Facts
Next Week!! Thats right we are One week away from Opening Day as the Dodgers travel to San Diego to take on the Padres. In a Stadium where it’s expected to be A LOT of Dodger fans in attendence in San Diego there will also be fans at Dodger Stadium watching the game on the big screen at Dodger Stadium that day as well. As we approach opening day I looked up some Dodgers facts when it comes to Opening Day and came across some that you may or may not know about the Dodgers on Opening Day. Some quite Interesting and Schocking as we count the Few days till the Start of the Dodgers Baseball Season.
-Through out their time in Brooklyn and Los Angeles the Dodgers have played 128 Opening Day games. April 5th will be the 129th Opening Day Game the Dodgers have played.
-In those 128 Games the Dodgers have played their record on Opening Day is 63-61-4. The Boys in Blue are currently on a 4 game winning streak on Opening Day with 3 of the 4 wins over the heated San Fransisco Giants.
- The Dodgers open with the Padres. Dodgers and Padres met only 10 Times on Opening day prior to April 5th. Dodgers and Padres Split the Games against each other on Opening Day 5 to 5 (Last game on Opening Day 4-5-2004 Dodgers loss 8-2)
-Clayton Kershaw will be starting on Opening Day. The Last Cy Young Award Winner to pitch on Opening Day was Sandy Koufax on April 14th 1964 vs the St Louis Cardinals (9 Innings Pitched, 6 Hits, and 5 Strike Outs in a 4-0 Dodgers win)
-The Largest Margin of Victory on Opening Day was 14 Runs in 1969 vs the San Diego Padres (14-0)
-The Largest Margin of Defeat on Opening Day was 15 in 1912 by the Hands of the Then New York Giants (18-3)
-The First Game at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day of the 1962 Season was a 6-3 Loss against the Cincinatti Reds. Johnny Podres was the Pitcher for the Dodgers on that day.
(Credit to Baseball almanac for facts and stats)
Matthew
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