The Dodgers Need Manny Ramirez Back
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 10:53 AM PDT
in News
Email
PrintOn July 22, Manny Ramirez provided one of the most memorable moments of the season, with his pinch-hit, tie-breaking grand slam against the Reds, on his own bobblehead night. Dodger Stadium was rocking, the Dodgers won their fifth straight game, an enjoyed a nine-game lead over the Rockies in the NL West.
The Dodgers have gone 10-16 since then, and now their lead is a mere 3½ games over the Rockies. This doesn't bode well for people foolish enough to declare the division race over two months ago. There have been many reasons for the slump, ranging from Jonathan Broxton to the struggling trio of James Loney, Russell Martin, and Rafael Furcal (as pointed out by Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts). However, the biggest difference between expectations and performance has been from Manny Ramirez.
Since the Bobbleslam, Manny is hitting .242/.345/.379, with two home runs, eight runs batted in, nine runs scored in 25 games. Those are Rafael Furcal numbers. I like Furcal a lot, but the Dodger offense would be in grave danger if Furcal regularly batted third or fourth. Manny has also struck out 28 times over that span, one more than he had in his first 43 games this season.
Manny has four hits in his last 20 at-bats with runners in scoring position, to go along with eight walks. He is hitting .200/.429/.300 with RISP over that time, but you have to wonder what those numbers would be like without six intentional walks. The teams that have challenged Manny over the last month or so have benefited greatly.
Last night was Matt Kemp bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium. Who knows, maybe Manny's problems were only of a bobblehead to bobblehead time frame. The Dodgers desperately need Manny's bat back if they plan on making any noise in the postseason, let alone getting there. With a productive Manny, this lineup transforms into a force to be reckoned with.
Tonight against the Cubs would be a nice time to start a hot streak. The Dodgers need it.
92 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
1-0 Giants 5th inning....
Story of my August of 2009…
Let’s get a win streak going Dodgers!!!!!
(….please?…)
Manny was hit on the hand the game before his bobblehead which was why he didn’t start. That is probably part of the problem. Besides being an old left fielder.
Agreed, although it doesn’t mean the Dodgers till don’t need him.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh they need him
but if the hand is the problem then we just have to wait until it isn’t. Hopefully it isn’t the hand and he’s just in a slump which means he will break out of it.
by meercatjohn on Aug 20, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I didn’t think Broxton would end up undefeated on the season, but he had a nice run. He is now 7-1.
The Dodgers have never had a pitcher go undefeated with more than 4 wins.
The 4-0 club
Omar Daal (1995)
Tim Crews (1988)
Johnny Klipstein (1959)
Bill Crouch (1939)
The Bill Crouce marching & chowder society would have approved
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I suffer from Dodger myopia
I had no idea Gordon Beckham was hitting .297/.379/.477 for the White Sox. He also comes to bat with “The Heat of the Moment” by Asia. Awesome.
Yup
excellent long term prospect for the White Sox. Plus he’s getting better the more he plays.
by meercatjohn on Aug 20, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
I just found out I will be there too
Saturday day games, always fun.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
And me
we could do a mini True Blue get together. I’ll smuggle the cookies and prime rib out of the press box:)
by meercatjohn on Aug 20, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Over the last 21 games, Dodger pitching has a 3.27 ERA. They have allowed four runs or more only 3 times in those 21 games.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
In MLB this year, giving up four or less runs means your team wins 73.4% of the time (1425 wins, 517 losses).
The Dodgers started out 51-11 (.823) in such games, but over the last 21 game stretch, the Dodgers are only 9-9 in those games.
The problem is more offensive at this point.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Halladay would have solved that. (tongue planted firmly in cheek…MY cheek!)
I continue to be amazed at the focus on pitching by some. It’s the offense, pure and simple. (And maybe holding a runner on every now and then.)
by KellyStephen on Aug 20, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
May be the hitting now
but with Haeger and Padilla penciled in along with a struggling Kershaw we are not exactly the 65 Dodgers. Kershaw may get it going again but we have to keep in mind he’s 21 and is now reaching uncharted territory’s. He may simply be shot and that is why he’s struggling with his control.
It isn't just Manny
we also need the whole team to contribute again. Loney, Hudson, Blake, and Martin need to start being part of the offense again.
this guy was notable
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/545859
5’6", absolutely wicked curve. Dodger fans owe him a drink.
probably won't feel that way when you guys have to play against him in a little over a week,
He really is quite good, one of the best things Cincy has going for them.
A quick study
shows that since 1947 only Bobby Shantz at 5’6 or smaller has had any success as a starter. I’ll check relief pitchers in a minute.
First Inning says he's 5'8
http://firstinning.com/players/Daniel-Herrera-a/
Hasn’t allowed a run in August in 7 innings but was beat around a bit in July. I like small guys who are GIANT killers.
the low brim and short stature
instantly bring to mind Eazy-E… not quite “built like a tank” but definitely hard to hit…
by stillnotah8er on Aug 20, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Very nice pull!
“Ice Cube and Eazy-E cold running sh….”
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Saw him pitch in DS this year
I believe the 5’6". He looked a little funny out on the mound, but he threw a scoreless inning on a night the Dodgers put up 12 runs and looked pretty decent.
Crap vs Crap
as far as the starting pitching matchup goes tonight. Hopefully our crap is a little better than their crap, which I’d say is probably the case.
If last night was Rocky vs Drago, tonight would be Beavis vs Butthead.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Aug 20, 2009 2:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow, just read the Dodger Thoughts post you linked to
James Loney’s slugging percentage in August is .288! That’s slaptastic.
Not just slaptastic..
It’s Juanbelievable!!!
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Jim Abbott batting right handed...
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah
where the hells manny been since july 22nd???
about time he starts getting some friggin hits
and jumpstart the dodger offense…
cmon the cubs are a beatable team….
Giants travel to Colorado (next series)
On the one hand one of the those two teams will be losing every day, but on the other hand one of them will be winning. In fact, the Rockies next 10 games will be against either the Giants or Dodgers. Gonna be an exciting ten days.
vr, Xei
Given the fact that the Rockies are the more well rounded team
I’ll be rooting for the Giants in that series to take 2/3.
GO NATS GO!!!!
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I aim to please
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Pat Listach
Was that pun intended, Eric? If so, well played sir! Very well played…
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Ichiro
ok so he went 1 for 4 and that gives him 181 hits. 19 to get to 200. That will be 9 years in a row. He has to be on of the top 3-4 greatest hitters alongside Cobb, Williams and Rose
alongside Cobb, Williams and Rose
You forgot about Mark Sweeney!!!!!
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
“Greatest Hitters” in terms of what? Number of hits? Average?
Cobb & Williams = great hitters
Rose = not as good, but still great, HOF worthy (gambling aside) at his peak
Ichiro is a very unique talent in MLB history, but he’s not one of the top 3-4 greatest hitters ever.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
and I do think Ichiro will rightfully make the HOF
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, but does he get in before REPKO?
2009-10 LA Kings Hockey: Where Smyt Happens!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Aug 20, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Repko’s induction will pave the way for a lot of people, including Ichiro. And Willie Bloomquist.
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If one accepts that OPS is the best indicator hitting value
then Ichiro does not measure up. Lifetime OPS+ of 118.
Andre Ethier. Lifetime OPS+ of 121. That’s not quite fair because Ethier is still in his prime, but just giving you an idea of how his production stacks up with a current Dodger.
Manny Ramirez. Lifetime OPS+ of 155.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
The best hitters of the "modern era", based on OPS+, min. 5000 PA
1 Babe Ruth 207
2 Ted Williams 191
3 Barry Bonds 182
4 Lou Gehrig 179
5 Rogers Hornsby 175
6 Albert Pujols 172
7 Mickey Mantle 172
8 Joe Jackson 170
9 Ty Cobb 167
10 Jimmie Foxx 163
11 Mark McGwire 162
12 Stan Musial 159
13 Johnny Mize 158
14 Hank Greenberg 158
15 Tris Speaker 158
16 Frank Thomas 156
17 Dick Allen 156
18 Willie Mays 156
19 Manny Ramirez 155
20 Hank Aaron 155
21 Joe DiMaggio 155
22 Mel Ott 155
Pete Rose has a 118 OPS+ (126 when he left the Reds after his age 38 season already a lock HOFer).
Ichiro also has a 118 OPS+. Of course he has no seasons before his age 27. Ichiro is also remarkably healthy. That guy has missed very, very few games.
Only name I'm surprised to see on that list is Frank Thomas.
When I first saw the post I wanted to remind people how good Jimmie Foxx was.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
singles hitter?
Rose never hit the long ball. He was a singles/doubles guy. I do not know Cobbs number but did he hit homers? I know Williams did. Carew and Gwynn were singles guys. His batting average is what .365 now? I don’t think he has gone below .310. I do not know what more you expect. He hits high in the order so he isn’t an RBI guy. IIRC he is also good for 10-15 dingers so he has a little pop. His problem is he NEVER walks. I heard an interesting quote from him. He said he could get .400 but it would be miserable since that takes away the fun. Without taking walks they said he would need to get near 300 hits. now THAT is crazy.
His average is impressive
the problem is that most of us don’t really view average as a particularly telling metric. OBP is most important and SLG is next. Hence the use of OPS.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Cobb played in the dead ball era mostly, so it was a different game. Still, he was a beast who could do it all. he led the league in HR once (with 9!) and was top 10 in the AL 11 times.
Looking at Isolated Power (ISO for short, just slugging percentage minus batting average) shows us this:
Williams .290 (.634 SLG – .344 BA)
Cobb .146
Gwynn .121
Rose .106
Carew .101
Ichiro: .100
Gwynn had more pop than to just be labeled a “singles hitter” IMO
by Eric Stephen on Aug 20, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if the Dodgers could pursue Adrian Gonzalez in the offseason?
Maybe Loney, Martin, and a couple of prospects?
What other first baseman are available? I bet Milwaukee would listen on Fielder, but we don’t have a frontline starter to give them.
I think Milwaukee will listen
but you’re right, the price will be steep. It is Fielder’s last year under contract so that would be weighed on both sides. One one hand, it’s the last year MIL will have both Fielder and Braun— but they’re going to have to objectively predict their chances for success. The smart move might be move him and retool since they’ve have Braun and I think Gallardo for a while and put together another playoff run.
The Dodgers would probably be willing to take Fielder even its only 1 years. Manny likely returns and Loney is not a good hitter. I think a potential for a deal could be there, but it would be steep.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
They’d want Loney (maybe want isn’t the right word) plus guys who could go in the rotation. I’m guessing they’d prefer Elbert over J Mac, so probably Elbert plus 2 more prospects?
Loney, Elbert and 2 more prospects. That deal works for me (as a Dodger fan.) Upgrading from Loney to either Fielder or Gonzalez would be too good to be true.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes
Because even though I know this is probably not the best way of looking at it, you assume you would have an inside track in re-signing him after next year. With Boras in though, there’s really no point. We may get lucky, we may not, but there will definately be no home town discounts.
by Michael White on Aug 20, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Sheffield - LOL
wow – he demanded a contract extension. Mets said no. So he’s quitting – has pulled himself out of the lineup and is going home.
this is all per MLB Network right now.
Sadly if Sheffield gets released
he’d probably be a huge upgrade at 1b for us (if he could play there)
sheff has always been about shef not the team
there is a reason he has been on so many teams. Anyone who hits like him and bounces around has to have issues
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on True Blue LA
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
- Giancarlo Stanton misses cutoff man, and Logan Morrison is thankful he did (Video)
- Snoop Dogg delivers memorable first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field
