That’s not a distinction you want to be known for. I read on another blog that, to date, Bellinger is having the worst MVP follow-up season in the history of MLB. Neither Max Muncy nor Cody Bellinger look right.You’re kind of having to rely on a lot more feel this year. Just checking on little setup things and little corrections you’d normally make throughout the game, you’re not really able to. “ Even in zone, you sometimes get confused. As Corey Seager explained: “ Whether you’re going good or bad, you like to see where pitches were, where you thought they were, where they actually are,” Seager said. Like all things, some are better at it than others. As a result, the players are relying more on “feel” than they have in the past. Thus, they’re not able to view video to get immediate feedback on what they did right or wrong in the just completed at-bat. Also, the players aren’t allowed to view video during the game as in past years. The pre-game time on the field is limited and, as a result, the players have less time to work out the kinks in their swing. For example, COVID protocols don’t allow for hitters to have as much batting practice before games as in past years. Other than last night, the offense is down, I’ll look at that more hereafter, but one explanation that has been floated is the failure to adjust to the COVID protocols.His old schoolwork ethic is precisely what this team needs. I know the conversation of getting Lindor has heated up a bit lately, but as for me, I keep Seager and sign him long term. CT3 might have a slight edge defensively at shortstop, but Seager is such a solid offensive player that he needs to be in the lineup. Without a doubt, this team is much better with Corey Seager, than without him.I’m not sure how much we’ll see of Alex Wood for the rest of the year, but up to now he hasn’t been missed much. Which Kershaw is the Kershaw that we’ll see for the rest of the year, he of his first start, or the second start? Because he’s such a competitor, I think more of the first start then the latter. Even as that I can see him having a significant role being used in a “piggyback” role, should any of the other starters falter early in a game. That said, I have to agree with some of the others on this blog, he may just be a #6 pitcher and nothing more. Strip is Strip, he will give you all he has every time he is on the mound. I have to believe (hope perhaps) that Buehler will return to his dominant ways, but even if he is just good, it will be all right. If the Urias we saw last night, is the Urias we get moving forward, I’ll be very happy. We’ve gotten all we could possibly expect from May and Gonsolin. The starters are beginning to round into form.His cutter has more movement this year and he appears to have regained some velocity. Kenley Jansen still makes me nervous, but I can’t argue with the results. We may not see much more of Victor Gonzalez for the remainder of the season, but I think he has the stuff to be effective. I think Doc has also used them in the right circumstances, to help them build their confidence. Alexander, Kolarek and Santana have also been useful. He is so jittery, and looks like he is but a moment away from a nervous breakdown. But is he ever painful to watch on the mound. I have no complaint about how he has pitched. Graterol and Ferguson have also been very solid and, in my opinion, will only get better. Dylan Floro has been a pleasant surprise, and Doc has used him in the right situations. Both have seemed to have recaptured some of the magic of when they were dominant pitchers. I really like the additions of Treinen and McGee. For all the woes the offense has experienced, in contrast the bullpen has been has been very solid.In any event, I hope last night’s game was a precursor of better days ahead. Once the season started though, and even though their record isn’t that bad, their play (mostly the offense) has just seemed “meh.” Perhaps the expectations for this team were put much too high. In “summer camp” it looked as if though they would be invincible. Until last night’s game, this year’s Dodgers just haven’t been as fun for me to watch as teams in the past.
![pic of mlb ump lopking at tv screen replay pic of mlb ump lopking at tv screen replay](https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2018/04/08/images/mlbf_1058767_th_45.jpg)
I’m writing this on Friday morning, basking in the joy of the Dodgers 11-2 thumping of the Padres and thought I would share some random thoughts from my recliner: