They can’t score runs: It has been evident all season, but was really highlighted by an eight-game losing streak where they scored three runs or less in six of those games.
They can score runs! They finally broke out of the depths of the abyss and scored seven runs against the Miami Marlins Saturday. Granted it was sparked by an unlikely source in Skip Schumaker, but it was an encouraging win that broke the depressing losing streak and carried over to Sunday for a 5-3 win.
Dee Gordon is going to force a hard decision: When Hanley Ramirez returns, it’s going to be hard to tell Dee Gordon to sit on the bench, or send him back down to the minors.
He sparked the lineup in a way that was badly needed. The batting average still isn’t impressive (.267), but he reached base 13 times in eight games since being called up, stole four bases, knocked in four RBIs and even roped a home run. It’ll be interesting what Don Mattingly decides to do with Gordon if he keeps playing well.
Ryu is real: What was a questionable signing at first glance, has been touched by the hands of King Midas. Hyun-Jin Ryu isn’t blowing the ball past anyone and he doesn’t have some gimmicky pitch he relies on.He is a solid, strike throwing, put on your hard hat and go to work pitcher. He showed it again Saturday as he allowed only one run in 6-2/3 innings in a win against the Marlins.
Other than Clayton Kershaw, Ryu has been the most consistent thing coming out of the Dodger dugout this season.
Scott Van Slyke’s stock is rising: He earned himself a start on Sunday when Adrian Gonzalez wasn’t able to go and made the most of it by going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. He even speared a sharply hit ball at first base that saved at least one run in the fourth inning and reached deep in the stands to catch a fly ball in the sixth inning. There’s obviously no room for him to be an everyday player on this team, but he could be used as trade bait to help fill some holes in the bullpen.
Juan Uribe can outrun a throw to the plate from Juan Pierre: I often watch Juan Uribe run and try to think witty ways to compare how slow he is. As it turns out, he has some jet fuel left in those legs as in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Marlins, Uribe tagged from third base and tried to score on a fly ball hit to left field by Andre Ethier.
We now know that Uribe is at least fast enough to beat a throw home from Juan Pierre’s noodle arm in left field. Barely.
The Dodgers have no closer: Brandon League is not the answer at closer. It is a hard position to fill, but Kenley Jansen is the obvious candidate to replace him. Jansen isn’t lights-out, but League is not the guy who should be closing out games. He can still be serviceable out of the bullpen, but a 6.28 ERA just isn’t acceptable for a closer.
Capuano might be coming for the No. 4 spot: Capuano had a solid start on Sunday against the Marlins going 6-1/3 innings and allowing one earned run. Josh Beckett hasn’t pitched horribly this season, but Capuano’s outing was more encouraging than any of Beckett’s last four.
Zack Greinke is insane: The guy was supposed to be out six-to-eight weeks. In what was less than a month from the initial injury, he was able to pitch in a rehab game Friday. He might be back this week, which is crazy considering the original diagnosis on his shoulder. Here’s hoping he isn’t rushing back.
Luis Cruz is losing favor: He didn’t start a single game this week and only had two pinch-hit appearances.
Tommy Lasorda has Mattingly’s back: Dodger fans have already fired manager Don Mattingly. His players love him, but can’t seem to show it on the field. Well, he at least has full support from Papa Dodger, Tommy Lasorda.
“He’s done a hell of a job with the team, and the players think the world of him. They’re just not putting out. They’re not playing up to their capabilities, and consequently, the manager has to suffer the brunt of it,” Lasorda told ESPN Los Angeles.
When Tommy talks, people listen.
