Dodgers Phillies Series Review
More disgustingly uninspired baseball
I'm writing this while I work late, but I have the game on, so that’s the definition of ‘work-life balance,’ right? Nonetheless, my Dodgers took on the Philadelphia Phillies and got punked from inning 1 to inning 27 en route to a 3-0 sweep for the bad guys. Very clear who the best team in the NL is, and it’s not a West Coast ballclub. So let’s dive in while I remind Dean he still has a West Coast writer.
Overall Takeaway
Everybody knows the Dodgers are banged up across the board, and I still don’t like the excuses. They are 22-18 over their last 40 games, and only managed to drop one game leading the NL West. Dodgers fans, myself included, should thank our stars that the NL West has been generally uncompetitive for the last 5-7 years, because they can play .500 ball for month stretches and cruise to a playoff spot. I don’t want another division championship, who cares? Win something when it matters, and no, the 2020 Mickey Mouse World Series doesn’t count. All I’ve seen over the last month is mediocre baseball, they have make some deals now.
What I Loved
Will Smith
Even though he was not in the lineup in game 2, he continues to be the best catcher in the league. Currently leads all Catchers in OPS with .840, underrated af.
Ranting about this series with my Dad
Nothing better than calling up Pops during every one of these games to complain about the lineup construction, the lack of moves made, and how uninspired our favorite team has played.Â
Alex Vesia
Not a sexy player by any stretch of the imagination, but dammit, he is good when he needs to be. Shut down some high-leverage spots, rocking a 1.33 ERA with an 89.2% LOB%.
What I Was Mid About
Freddie Freeman
I love Freddie Freeman, don’t get me wrong. Future HOFer and one of the most likable guys in the game. 0-10 on the series is not going to cut it, especially against the best team in the NL. If it had been anyone but Freddie, this would’ve been found in the next section.
Bobby Miller
Optioned to AAA yesterday, truly hope they get him back in the lab and figure things out. He truly profiles as the next Walker Buehler, and I have a lot of faith in his stuff, but he’s averaging over 6 BB/9 in his last 4 starts and getting touched up. Misses are really bad, rooting for him, still one of my favorites.
What I Didn’t Love
Defense. Defense. Defense.Â
Pathetic effort in the field. I probably should’ve taken game 2 had it not been for a lazy ‘can-of-corn’ fly ball that Andy Pages lost in the lights and a 2-out error by Miguel Rojas, all of which extended the same inning so Trea Turner could burn us some more.
The Lineup Construction
I understand Mookie, Muncy, and Heyward are on the shelf, but the lineup construction was horrendous. James Outman, who is barely hitting his body weight, hit clean-up and 5th all series. When that didn’t work, it was Miguel Rojas or Andy Pages in the 4-5 spots. Now, I like Andy Pages, but he is not a 4-5 hitter, nor is Rojas. Makes for an unthreatening lineup. Chris Taylor found himself in every lineup despite hitting a cool .157. Desperately in need of a MIF.
Trea TurnerÂ
Knowing the Dodgers had him in 2022 and let him walk to pave the path of mediocrity that is Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas sickens me, especially knowing the need for a true SS. Turner went 7-12, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R in the series, and I saw every highlight on Twitter at least five times. Ouch.Â
The Pitching
3-7 record, 62 runs allowed (6.89 runs/game), and 22 HR given up in 9 games in July.
Taking on the Tigers starting tomorrow, confidence is at an all-time low as they’ll face off against Tarik Skubal in Game 1. Pray for my sanity, and for a Dave Roberts replacement in 2025.
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