It’s the perfect time for mid-season Major League Baseball awards.
So, who are my 2010 All-Star Break’s Most Valuable Players, Cy Young award winners, rookies of the year, comeback players of the year, managers of the year, biggest player surprises and disappointments, and biggest team surprises and disappointments?
Let’s begin with the National League MVP. We’ll end with the American League’s biggest team disappointment…
Whether it was Rafael Furcal’s sizzling bat, Jonathon Broxton’s overpowering pitching, or Andre Ethier’s clutch hitting, the boys in blue performed exceptionally throughout the first half of their season.
However, numerous injuries and continual struggles within the pitching staff have obstructed their consistency.
It’s difficult to determine whether the buzz generated about their chances to contend in the NL are too hasty or totally warranted.
A multitude of factors will contribute to the Dodgers’ goals ultimately coming to fruition.
Rafael Furcal
Batting .333 with six home runs and 35 RBI, Rafael Furcal is the ideal lead-off man, captain of the infield, and intimidating presence for the Dodgers.
If Rafael Furcal can maintain his health, the Dodgers will have a powerful advantage.
It’s not his agility, his speed, his range, his bat, or his field vision that distinguishes him from his peers, but instead the fusion of all of his talents that makes him such a threat.
Just today, Furcal was chosen to replace the Mets’ shortstop, Jose Reyes, for the All-Star game; a recognition he undoubtedly earned, but must live up to in the second half of the season.
All-Stars need to continue to perform at the highest level
Outfielder Andre Ethier and pitcher Jonathon Broxton have been on a tear in the 2010 season and deservedly will play in the All-Star game Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in Anaheim, CA.
Ethier was at or near the top of the NL leader lists for all three Triple Crown categories—batting average, home runs, and RBI—for the first six weeks of the season. However, an accident in batting practice landed him on the 15-day disabled list.
But Ethier has gradually returned, recovered, and been revitalized, batting .324 with 14 home runs, and 54 RBI.
In Jonathon Broxton’s 38 innings pitched, he has struck out 55 batters, recorded 19 saves, and has a 2.11 ERA.
Though he started slowly this season—carding just one save in the Dodgers’ first 28 games—Broxton has revealed his overpowering speed, control, and stamina as the Dodgers go-to closer.
It is absolutely essential that both Ethier and Broxton sustain their stellar play and act as leaders for the rest of the team.
Matt Kemp, James Loney, and Russell Martin need to step it up
Loney: Sure, when you think about first baseman, it’s nearly impossible not to think Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, and Joey Votto.
But James Loney has the potential to become one of the elite first basemen in professional baseball.
His .305 BA and five home runs are decent, but his 59 RBI illuminate Loney’s capacity to swing the bat with force and at the right time. Loney’s consistency is crucial to the Dodgers success.
Kemp: Though Matt Kemp has 16 home-runs and 50 RBI, he has struck out 97 times so far this season. Kemp is obviously aggressive at the plate, but if he can train his eye to select the right pitches to be aggressive with, he will become a threat each time he steps up to the plate.
Martin: Russell Martin is another example of a Dodger who has struggled over the course of this season due to injuries and, consequently, inconsistency.
Though Martin has brute force at the plate, he has only produced five home runs and 22 RBI, which is mediocre for a player of his capacity. Defensively, Martin has the potential to be one of the best catchers in the league, but his injuries have made him appear “sluggish,” as manager Joe Torre recently commented.
Hopefully the All-Star break will benefit his recovery and he will return in the second half as one of the Dodgers offensive and defensive leaders.
Manny Ramirez needs to find his swing
Does anyone else cringe when the ball is hit to Manny in right field?
Defensively, he’s not much of a star or model for emulation.
But, there’s no doubting that his swing is unrivaled in power and precision. Ramirez has unbelievably quick hands, incredible pitch recognition, and when he fully turns his lower-half into the ball, he strikes it with an almost violent force.
However, Dodger fans have suffered unceasing frustration as Ramirez has been struck by injury (allowing him to play only 59 games thus season) and only hit eight home runs, with 39 RBI this season.
There used to be a palpable, roaring presence that permeated the stadium when Manny approached the plate. The pitcher would tense up, outfielders would take steps back toward the warning track, and young kids in the bleachers would slide their gloves on in anticipation of a bomb.
Ramirez needs to be smart about getting healthy and gradually return to his old self because he is far too talented to not shine among the league’s best.
Pitching: The Dodgers Achilles Heel that must subside
It’s as simple as this: Either the Dodgers organization needs to lure in new, effective pitchers, or the current pitching staff needs to come through.
The Dodgers pitching has been wrought with inconsistency and critics have been quick to blame their inadequacy for the Dodgers No.3 ranking in the NL West; one game behind the Colorado Rockies and two games behind the San Diego Padres.
While some pitchers have been plagued by health issues, like Chad Billingsley (7-4), and others by lack of experience, like John Ely (4-7), the pitching staff has been neither effective nor reliable this season.
But this is not just about starters.
Only Hong-Chih Kuo has pitched well this season (recently chosen to replace Jason Heyward of the Atlanta Braves in the All-Star game), while relievers like Carlos Monasterios, George Sherill, and Jeff Weaver have underachieved and ruined far too many possible Dodger victories.
Whether it’s an attitude adjustment or mechanics reconstruction, the pitchers of the Los Angeles Dodgers have the capacity to make or break the second half of their team’s season.
It’s about winning series and gaining momentum
The Dodgers will lose games—that’s an undeniable part of the sport.
But, if the Dodgers can learn to cultivate their strengths and use the momentum of winning series to their advantage, there will an overall surge in the team’s attitude and presence among the league.
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The fireworks were going off on the July 4. These guys were putting on a show the week leading up to our nation’s birthday. The summer nights were lit with their bats and the fire burned many pitchers on the hill.
1) SS Rafael Furcal LAD
The Dodgers outfielder was 14-for-26 with two home runs, five RBI, one stolen base, and finished last week with a .538 AVG.
He is hitting .336 with five home runs, 33 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 45 runs for the season.
2) DH Jim Thome Min
The Twins designated hitter was 8-for-20 with four home runs, eight RBI, and ended last week with a .400 AVG.
The Twins have been doing some shifting with their infielders and designated hitters, giving Thome more playing time.
Thome has nearly no fantasy presence with not many owners buying into his recent streak.
It would be wise to wait to see if Thome can continue his production before picking him up.
He is hitting .263 with 10 home runs, 28 RBI, 27 BB, and 20 runs for the season.
3) DH Vladimir Guerrero Tex
The Texas slugger was 8-for-22 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and finished last week with a .364 AVG.
The Rangers are one of the best teams in baseball, and one of the reasons is because Guerrero’s power production.
He put a hurt on his old team last week with a home run and three RBI in the win over the Angels.
The deserving American League All-Star has had a terrific year. He is currently hitting .330 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI, and 54 runs for the season.
4) OF Matt Kemp LAD
The Dodgers outfielder was 9-for-22 with three home runs, seven RBI, and finished last week with a .409 AVG.
Kemp had a horrible June. He drug around a .208 average last month.
He is hitting .267 with 16 home runs, 49 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and five runs for the season.
5) OF Torii Hunter LAA
The Angels outfielder was 8-for-19 with two home runs, seven RBI, eight walks, one stolen base, and ended last week with .421 AVG.
He is hitting .302 with 14 home runs, 60 RBI, 39 walks, and 50 runs for the season.
6) 3B David Wright NYM
The Mets’ poster boy was 14-for-32 with three RBI, two stolen bases, and finished last week with a .538 AVG.
He is hitting .317 with 14 home runs, 64 RBI, 43 walks, 15 stolen bases, and 52 runs.
7) IF Felipe Lopez StL
The versatile Cardinals infielder was 12-for-27 with one RBI, one stolen base and finished last week with a .444 AVG.
Lopez has only a 10 percent ownership in most leagues. He has seen a slight increase in ownership in the last few days.
He could be a solid pick-up if you need some options in your infield.
He is hitting at .275 with five home runs, 21 RBI, three stolen bases, and 27 runs.
8) 1B Mark Teixeira NYY
The Yankees first baseman went 9-for-21 with five RBI and finished last week with a .429 AVG.
All of the fantasy owners are waiting for Teixeira to break out and provide the production he is know for. Last week might be a sign of that turn around.
You could likely get a strong trade for him if you are tired of waiting for him to bring the fantasy points you expected.
He is hitting only .241 with 14 home runs, 54 RBI, and 57 runs.
9) 1B James Loney LAD
The Dodgers first baseman went 10-for-23 with five RBI, and finished last week with a .435 AVG.
10) 2B Sean Rodriguez TB
The Rays second baseman went 12-for-28 with one home run, three RBI, two stolen bases, and .429 AVG.
Rodriguez is an excellent fielder and is getting a lot of attention in Tampa lately.
Last week’s performance has improved his stock by nearly 25 percent.
He is hitting .280 with six home runs, 29 RBI, six stolen bases, and 45 runs for the season.
Honorable Mentions:
OF Juan Pierre CWS10/24, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB, .417 AVG.
SS Cliff Pennington Oak 10/24, 4 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 2 SB, .417 AVG.
OF Dexter Fowler Col 10/24, 8 R, 3RBI, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .417 AVG.
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Rafael Furcal is ready to rejoin the Dodgers—finally.
After a longer than expected stint on the disabled list, Furcal will be reactivated on Tuesday, as Los Angeles opens up a three game series at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.
Furcal has been inactive since April with a strained hamstring, and was originally slated to return on May 14. However, the tightness persisted, and additional healing time was required.
Furcal’s final test came last Saturday in extended spring training, and with five at-bats and numerous quick action movements, he finally convinced coaches and trainers that he was 100 percent.
But Raffy’s return means that Los Angeles will need to make room for him on the 25-man active roster—a situation that the Dodgers have been all too familiar with already this season.
The obvious move is to designate SS Nick Green for assignment; but Green doesn’t have any options remaining on his contract, which means that he could clear waivers and be picked up by another team.
Dodgers Manager Joe Torre has explored other options, however. One possible situation involves sending opening day starting second baseman Blake DeWitt down to Class AAA affiliate Albequerque. DeWitt has one option left on his contract.
If this scenario does indeed occur, this would mean that interim SS Jamey Carroll would slide over to start at second base, and possibly share time there with utility infielder Ronnie Belliard.
Notwithstanding, DeWitt has been a chief contributor to the most recent success of the Dodgers. He has elevated his batting average to a very productive .286, and has accumulated nine extra base hits in the month of May alone. Carroll or Green don’t even come close to that type of production.
But as we have seen with earlier disabled list-related moves already this season, it’s not always about who is performing the best on the field.
Another option the Dodgers could consider is sending a pitcher down to the minors—at least temporarily, since the fifth starter’s spot isn’t due to come up again until May 28.
Los Angeles is expected to announce the decision prior to the start of the game on Tuesday.
Whatever decision takes place, it’s obvious that Dodgers management is keeping a close eye on its pocketbook, and losing a player to the waiver wire without any compensation surely wouldn’t help that cause.
Reasoning suggests that the Dodgers want to hold on to every player possible, perhaps to have the ability to put together a package deal in obtaining an anticipated fifth starting pitcher.
Completely losing a player to waivers without any recompense certainly doesn’t help the team from a value or financial standpoint.
With the returns of Andre Ethier, Vicente Padilla, Corey Wade, Charlie Haeger, and Brad Ausmus in the foreseeable future, it’s certain that Los Angeles will have similar scenarios to contend with in the upcoming weeks.
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Maybe the starting line-up should just take a nap before games.
On Wednesday night, pre-game warm-ups claimed another Dodger victim, just minutes before the first pitch against the San Diego Padres.
Manny Ramirez was warming up his aging legs, performing an exercise he does every day before the game begins. The left fielder was swinging his legs in the recreational room, attempting to stretch out his hamstring, when he got too close to a table and struck it with his foot.
Already down their star right fielder, due to another freak pre-game mishap, the Dodgers took no chances and removed Manny from the starting line-up. With two outfielders out and a reliever on the mound to start the game, the Blue Crew finally relinquished their nine-game winning streak to the Padres, losing 10-5.
Manny’s injury didn’t appear to be serious, as he pinch-hit later in the game. However, the incident comes less than a week after right fielder Andre Ethier broke the pinky finger on his right hand during pre-game batting practice. Ethier is on the 15-day disabled list, and is sporting a splint on the injured finger.
The Dodgers can ill-afford another injury, already missing several starters due to injury. There has been no updates regarding Rafael Furcal’s return from the disabled list with a sore hamstring. He was eligible to return from the 15-day DL last weekend against the Padres, but team doctors and manager Joe Torre felt he was not ready after complaints from Furcal of continued discomfort.
Starting pitchers Vicente Padilla and Charlie Haeger are still out. Padilla has elbow soreness and isn’t due back until early June. Haeger suffers from Plantar fasciitis in his right foot and finished up rehab last week. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in the arch of the foot that causes sudden and immense pain, making it difficult to walk or even stand. Haeger should return soon, but will need to find a groove as he is still struggling.
Cory Wade has yet to see game action this season, and his return is expected some time in June.
Finally, Brad Ausmus is on the 60-day disabled list with a pinched nerve in his lower back. The veteran catcher had surgery on April 28th, but there is no time table for his return. He appeared to be moving slowly and gingerly, walking around the Dodgers’ dugout during pre-game in San Diego.
The current Dodgers success is a welcomed sign for concerned fans, but starting games with more than half of the line-up comprised of reserves will eventually take its toll on the win-loss column. There could be new faces in the clubhouse as the All-Star break nears.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are approaching a pivotal stretch in the 2010 season. The next 11 out of 17 games the team will play will be against division opponents. Fewer and fewer anaylists and experts are calling the season “young” as Major League Baseball is nearly 30 games in, with several surprises including the Boys in Blue.
The San Diego Padres are currently half a game back of the San Francisco Giants for the division lead while most had predicted the Colorado Rockies and the Dodgers to get off to the best start.
Look no further than re-tooled pitching for the Giants marking early successes while the Dodgers have been constantly hindered by injuries to key starters and pitching.
However, the next two weeks will undoubtedly mark change for L.A. Key players will be coming off the disabled list and will need to have an immediate impact in their returns. The corresponding roster moves will bring fresh faces to the mix while some exit to await another call.
If the defending National League West Champions want to prove they can defend their crown, the next couple weeks would be a glaring opportunity.
As of this writing, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in last place in the National League West, with an 11-16 record. The Milwaukee Brewers have scored 11 runs on them the past two nights.
Most Dodger fans did not expect this, with the team coming off two straight NLCS appearances with a good core of young players.
However, when the season started, I was afraid that this swooning futility might happen, sorry to say.
Here, in my humble opinion, is why the Dodgers are where they are at this point:
Injuries
Manny Ramirez and Jeff Weaver are currently on rehab assignments in the minors, they are scheduled to rejoin the team this weekend.
Shortstop Rafael Furcal is on the disable list with a bad hamstring, and opening day starter Vicente Padilla is out with an arm injury for roughly two months.
Particularly with Ramirez and Furcal, those are key players that the Dodgers have been missing.
It is safe to say that these injuries have hurt L.A. badly, if not outright decimated them. Unlike Juan Pierre last year, outfielder Reed Johnson and infielder Jamey Carroll haven’t stepped up in Manny’s and Rafael’s absence; they went 0-for-8 last night in the Dodgers’ 11-3 loss to the Brewers.
Pitching
In my view, this is the biggest reason why Los Angeles has only won 11 out of their first 27 games.
The starting pitching was a concern for me going into 2010. I felt that Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw had to step up big time, and have dominating seasons in order for the Dodgers to win their third straight division title.
Even though Billingsley has been pretty good of late, he gave up four runs in the first inning last night; he and Kershaw have not pitched as well as expected.
Kershaw gave up seven runs in two innings in his last start, and he continues to throw too many pitches and walk too many batters.
As for the bullpen, except for Jonathan Broxton, who has been lights out, it has flat-out sucked.
Charlie Brown would fit right in with L.A’s middle relievers and their ineptness, and may be the best one if he was a Dodger.
Guys like Ronald Bellasario, Ramon Troncoso, and especially George Sherill have thrown gasoline on the fires whenever they’ve taken the mound. It has gotten to the point where high school players could probably hit off them, their pitching has stunk so bad.
If the Dodgers are going to climb out of the cellar and be the contending club that they are more than capable of being, the pitching absolutely must perform better.
Otherwise it could be a long, frustrating year in Chavez Ravine.
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Some unfamiliar faces have been spotted around the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout lately, but suddenly the number in the “W” column is going up. Meanwhile, the pitching has stepped it up with the return of some familiar faces and the infusion of some new ones.
Pop Quiz: Who has the lowest ERA on the Dodgers’ roster? If you said Carlos Monasterios, you’d be wrong. It’s actually Jonathan Broxton. In nine games or 8.2 innings, Broxton has allowed just four hits and no runs while striking out 14 and walking only one. Tough to compete with that, but Monasterios isn’t far off. In his 14.2 innings, Monasterios is sporting a 1.84 ERA and has filled in marvelously for injured Dodger veterans.
Monasterios was brilliant in his first major league start, going four innings while only allowing one run. Manager Joe Torre pulled him after 79 pitches, leaving many to wonder why he didn’t stretch him out over the fifth inning, which would have qualified him for the win. However, Monasterios isn’t the only young Dodger getting valuable regular season experience.
Pitcher Charlie Haeger, catcher A.J. Ellis and utility outfielder Xavier Paul all have bolstered their major league resumes this season, as injuries continue to nag the defending National League West Champions. Haeger has had a “rough go” of it so far this season, but he has filled in as an innings eater, sometimes pitching on just three days rest, in a time when the Dodgers have really needed him. Ellis has become the catcher for Haeger, and has given Russell Martin a much needed break as Martin’s groin continues to heal. Paul is seeing significant innings, even batting leadoff in front of Russell Martin while Rafael Furcal is still out with hamstring issues. Thus far, Paul is struggling at the plate, batting just .200 (3-for-15) but providing versatility and range in the outfield.
Although the Dodger rookies and prospects can’t all be Jason Haywards, their roles are all vital in the season swing for a team looking to rebound once their veterans come back from the disabled list. The role of unsung hero is one that is rarely relished in the public eye. So give them a hand, they are the reason we are still within range of the division lead.
Hiroki Kuroda and Clayton Kershaw need to remain consistent, as it is apparent they will need to carry the load for a rotation lacking depth, and thus far it appears the rest of the pitching staff is following the lead. Dodgers pitching has allowed just five runs in the last three games. Granted, it was against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but hey, it’s a two game win streak and the Dodgers have looked dominant after losing two of three to the sea burglars in Pittsburgh.
With the recent performance of the Dodgers’ pitching staff and a return to consistency with the offense, the Dodgers look to be on the up-and-up. One thing is for sure, the trend is uplifting for L.A. fans: The team ERA is dropping, and the run production is rising. Good things to come…
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