It was just another regular season game. The Dodgers have virtually locked up a playoff spot and they are playing out the last four weeks of the season with a very comfortable lead.
But coming off of a lost weekend against Atlanta, they were looking for a little boost from their ace, Kershaw, against the Marlins.
It was quite obvious from the beginning of the game that Kersh, like his last start, was not firing on all cylinders. His control again seemed off. What was of more concern was the drop in velocity on his fastball, which was not even topping out at 90.
Add that to the Urias situation, and all of a sudden, the only viable veteran left in the starting rotation is deadline pickup, Lance Lynn. According to CK and Dave Roberts, his shoulder is still giving him some problems.
But like the warrior he is, Kersh is going to push through and pitch until he just cannot do it anymore. I am really beginning to believe that we are seeing the end of Kershaw’s time as a Dodger. If, and this is a big if, he needs some sort of medical procedure at the end of the season, I believe he will retire.
This also makes Buehler being able to come back and pitch come playoff time, huge. Buehler would probably be an opener. Piggybacking with someone like Grove or Sheehan. Maybe even Stone.
As of right now barring no setbacks, the Dodgers playoff rotation will be Kersh, Lynn, Miller. Then take your pick, Pepiot, Sheehan, Yarbrough. There isn’t much choice after that. Urias is not going to be a factor. Unless something really unexpected takes place.
I can live with what we have. If Striker can give them some innings, it will be a good thing. I do not expect him to go five, or maybe even four. But give them three solid innings and then piggyback with Sheehan, who I am really beginning to think is going to be a solid pitcher, and they should be fine.
I don’t think they match up well with the starters the Braves can throw at you, and maybe not even the Phillies rotation. We all have to accept that this is what they have.
It will be over the offseason that they will have to add and subtract. But I love the fact that this is a team. They have great chemistry and they do not quit. I believe getting JD back makes the lineup that much longer and harder to navigate.
Playoff baseball is a different animal. The pitching and defense is better. You have to play your best baseball to win it all. This might not or it may be the Dodgers year. But it is going to take a concerted effort by all of the players to reach the prize.
If it does end up being the end for Kershaw, we will have witnessed one of the best to ever wear a Dodger uniform for the last 15 years.
CT scan on Mookie showed no damage. He will not play this weekend and will probably be back in the lineup on Monday. Buehler has been shut down for the rest of the year and will aim for a return in Spring training. Nice game tonight. Sheehan was not sharp, but the offense bailed him out. Martinez with a dinger in his first AB off of the IL. Congratulations to Freddie Freeman who broke the record for the most doubles in a season with his 53rd.
Kershaw will be 36 next year. It’s not like he’s had a lot of stress on his arm the last 3 years, not throwing more than 126 innings in 20’, ‘21 and ‘22. The problem of course are the nagging injuries.
I believe if he really wanted to hang around or even finish strong to 40 like Verlander, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, Seaver, Maddux, Smoltz… the list actually long, he probably could. It would take dedication to a long off season of hard work. He could go to Driveline and get some giddy up added to his fastball. He could lose some weight and reduce stress on his back. He could sign a 3 year contract with options that give both sides easy outs.
I don’t think any of that will happen.
Kershaw is a family man with many outside interests. He’s made enough money to support generations of Kershaws. I hope I’m wrong, but I think he’s done.
Yikes, with this game in rain delay, I think I’d rather watch Tampa/Seattle on FS1 than any of these boring college games
What will be the 2023 Dodgers?
Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.Christopher Morley
Let me be the first to anoint Bobby Miller as our next Don Drysdale. I love his attitude and fierceness.
Sorry for no new content this AM. I was with a Stanford alum friend last night watching the USC- Stanford game, and there might have been some liquor involved. As it turned out, I had a much better night than he did, but was way too tired to get anything cogent and coherent ready for this AM.
Dodgers lost, so I am sure there will be Chicken Littles calling for the end of the world as we know it, and I will get inspired. So in the words of tedraymond:
Carry On.
Gus Varland on the IL with a knee injury. Wander Suero’s contract purchased.
Another frippen rain delay. Teams on the east coast should all have retractable roofs. But that won’t happen. I like Yarbrough’s demeanor. Doesn’t have the best stuff, but he competes.