The Dodgers Playoff Bench
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 1:00 PM PDT
in Roster
53 comments
For most of the season, the Dodger bench has consisted of just four members: Juan Pierre, Mark Loretta, Brad Ausmus, and Juan Castro. The company line throughout the season has been that these are all former starters, veterans who understand their role and provide veteran experience and leadership from the bench. That's all well and good, when they are producing, and in the early part of the season, they were:
| Dodger Reserves, First Half | |||
| Player | PA | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Pierre | 289 | .328/.387/.417 | .804 |
| Loretta | 122 | .245/.344/.292 | .637 |
| Castro | 79 | .352/.397/.437 | .834 |
| Ausmus | 64 | .286/.355/.375 | .730 |
| Totals | 554 | .309/.375/.388 | .764 |
Pierre got quite a bit of playing time because of the Manny suspension, but overall (even with Loretta's struggles) that's a pretty solid second tier.
Since the All-Star break, however, the numbers are way down:
| Dodger Reserves, Second Half | |||
| Player | PA | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Pierre | 88 | .286/.341/.325 | .666 |
| Loretta | 66 | .183/.242/.200 | .442 |
| Ausmus | 35 | .281/.281/.344 | .625 |
| Castro | 27 | .154/.154/.192 | .346 |
| Totals | 216 | .236/.278/.272 | .549 |
The unfantastic four have been equally inept since the All-Star break against both lefties and righties
| Dodger Reserves, Second Half | |||
| Split | PA | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| vs RHP | 152 | .239/.274/.290 | .564 |
| vs LHP | 64 | .228/.286/.228 | .514 |
The additions of Jim Thome and Ronnie Belliard will help bolster the bench in the playoffs. I thought for a while that Doug Mientkiewicz was a lock to make the postseason roster, as the lefty pinch hitter, but the acquisition of Jim Thome has made him somewhat redundant. Similarly, Belliard does everything Loretta does, only better. I think the Dodgers will go with a six-man bench for the playoffs. Assuming everyone is healthy, here are the locks:
- Jim Thome - the big bopper off the bench
- Juan Pierre - the fourth outfielder; will lead off innings as pinch-hitter when needed
- Ronnie Belliard - the backup at 2B and 3B, and possibly 1B in a pinch
- Brad Ausmus - gotta have a backup catcher
- Juan Castro - nobody else can play shortstop; will likely get zero plate appearances in October
That final bench spot will come down to Mark Loretta and Doug Mientkiewicz. I don't think the club will actually keep Loretta off the roster, but its something to consider since the fork seems to be firmly lodged in his back. Loretta is hitting .223/.309/.259 on the season. Against southpaws, his strength coming into the season, Loretta hasn't been much better, hitting only .244/.373/.293.
Mientkiewicz can't play the field because his injured shoulder won't allow him to throw, so he's limited to pinch hitting only. However, I believe that's all this roster spot will entail. With Belliard and/or Castro able to play the field, Loretta's ability to play the field isn't needed. A postseason bench spot is likely already earmarked for Mark Loretta, but it shouldn't be automatic.
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Nice analysis
Quick question: This is kind of a dumb question, but Will whoever is left off the team be allowed to sit on the bench during october? Or are there only 25 guys allowed to be with the team at all times? I know its a non issue but if Loretta or Eyechart miss the team I would still like them both to be in the dugout if possible of course.
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on Sep 8, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
When Penny was left off the
playoff roster last year he took his things and left. Wasn’t that part of the knock against him, that he didn’t stick around to root on the team? Good question.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
unsurprising
Brad Penny went off the rails on much more trivial things than that. I can only imagine what his reaction must have been when he learned that he wouldn’t be on the playoff roster.
by sarcastro9 on Sep 8, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure Mark Sweeney was on the bench last post-season
and not on the playoff roster. Ditto for Sturtze.
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want two bench players
who can only swing a bat, I expect to see some close games, possible extra inning games so I’d rather have Abreu then Loretta or Minky, but Loretta is going to be on the playoff roster.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah
Torre is loyal to his crew, and even though Mark Loretta’s career is almost certainly over, Joe wouldn’t throw him over the edge at this point. In fact, it may be BECAUSE his career is almost certainly over that Joe keeps him on there.
by sarcastro9 on Sep 8, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t agree. I found Joe’s decision on the playoff roster last year to be calculated and reasoned and not at all being a “reward” for veteranny players. Sweeney and Proctor were out while McDonald was in.
I expect Joe will add players to the playoff roster who he feels can contribute. Interestingly, I expect this means McDonald will be out this year. As for Loretta, I think he makes it, but not because he’s a veteran, rather it will be because Joe thinks he can do the job better than other available options. If it comes down to Loretta or Eyechart, Loretta can at least play the field in a pinch while Minky simply cannot.
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
and I also agree that he feels Loretta is worth more then Abreu. Belliard has been playing like crazy since we got him but if it had been Abreu or DeWitt on the bench that is where they would still be.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, that Loretta will still be on the roster.
I almost tried to take the angle that we could carry 7 bench players, but I don’t think Torre would be comfortable going with only 10 pitchers.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, we can’t have two “pinch hit only” players in case of extra inning games.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Sep 8, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would take a leap of faith, to be sure. But I don’t think Castro sniffs any playing time anyway, and if you absolutely had to have someone play 2B/3B/SS, and Belliard has already been used, I’d feel better sending Mientkiewicz to hit followed by Castro playing the field if that were needed.
But in general I agree with the risk aversion.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree as well
Two guys who can’t play the field would be too much to ask I think. Especially since, well, who is our backup first baseman? Without Loretta they would have Blake as backup at 1st I guess, and belliard can play 3rd, but I don’t think this is ideal. Would be easier to decide if Loretta hadn’t fallen off a cliff in 2nd half of season (after a good first half). Still, I think Minky’s going to be the one left off, now that Thome’s around. (And it’s too bad he can’t field because otherwise I’d take him in a heartbeat.)
That is… IF we make the playoffs. ;-)
The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".
by underdog on Sep 8, 2009 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we don't make the playoffs
Eric is going to find out what a pincushion feels like.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I try not to think about what would happen, but I know it wouldn’t be pretty :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just having
Fanerman knock on his desk for the next month continuously. Just to prevent any possible jinxes.
The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".
by underdog on Sep 8, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should come up with a Fanerman metronome; maybe have a cross promotion between True Blue LA and Dodger Thoughts. We could slap both logos on it :)
It would sell like hotcakes.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, when researching the 2nd half numbers for this, I was shocked at just how bad the bench had been. I figured Pierre, with his hot pinch hitting of late (11 for his last 16 plus 2 walks) would have good numbers against RHP but even he was at a .677 OPS vs RHB since the ASB. And he is the bench leader in that respect!
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Drew SS
Parra LF
Upton RF
Reynolds 3B
Montero C
Young CF
Allen 1B
Ojeda 2B
Buckner P
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Also from Steve Giblert of MLB.com, Trent Oeltjen and C Luke Carlin were recalled from Reno, and will be available tonight vs. Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am so rooting for the Rangers
to knock off the Red Sox. Sox have made many mistakes this summer but jettisoning Smoltz and Lugo seems ludicrous given they had to desperately trade for Alex Gonzalez and the rotation is not as solid as they thought.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Can I say I am rooting for them because I can’t stand the Red Sox? Your reasons are good too.
by delias man on Sep 8, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An actual delias man comment from a computer! Huzzah. :)
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I'm not rooting against them because of those moves
I’m just tired of them. Used to be a big fan but once they won the World Series and then decided to spend as much as the Yankee’s I became a Ray’s fan. Since the Ray’s can’t make it, my rooting interest has slided over to the Rangers because the Angel road will be easier without the Sox involved.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn Loretta
Damn damn damn.. I do think if he got regular Abs he would pick up the avg.
Mitch Jones beat out my boy Jon Gaston for the Minor League HR title..
Is Jones gonna be called up?
Also kinda a personal question for you Eric..
you busting your ass and working and running this blog?
by NotJoeTorre on Sep 8, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jones will not be called up. He is not on the 40 man, and calling him up would require a DFA of somebody (Haeger or Stults would be the logical choices.)
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is
beyond big.. He was huge at ND now hes just a fucking beast.
by NotJoeTorre on Sep 8, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brady Quinn's arms look freakishly big these days
by silverwidow on Sep 8, 2009 2:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Quinn has an inferiority complex. He can pump iron all he wants but he’ll never be able to throw the deep ball as well as Derek Anderson.
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as Quinn/Edwwards throw TDs to Braylon, I'm good.
by silverwidow on Sep 8, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
I hold Edwards personally responsible for Anderson losing his job last year….
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is due for a huge bounceback year
I got him really cheap (6th round) and expect AT LEAST #2 production.
by silverwidow on Sep 8, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have you noticed how shallow RF plays against Loretta? Since 90% of his singles are dropped into shallow right, it makes sense. His absolute lack of power needs to get him left off of the roster.
by delias man on Sep 8, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seems these
utility/pinch hitters types are fading quicker then normal. Guys like Durham were not given a contract but Loretta was. Maybe next year even guys like Loretta won’t get any deals as GM’s skimp even more.
by meercatjohn on Sep 8, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe more will have to settle for salaries in the $500k to $1 million range. It will definitely be another interesting offseason.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think some of the advanced stats
like WAR are showing people that the cheap replacement is not as big a difference as they think when the $$$ are factored into the equation.
Either that or the economy sucks, or both.
by LA Taco on Sep 8, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Madison Bumgarner called up to the Giants. I wonder if he will also ride the pine with Buster Posey.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It looks like he’s actually starting tonight in place of Tim Lincecum who has an apparent back injury
by Bluetrek on Sep 8, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. turns out that is legit, not that I doubted you :)
In a strange way, that might make him more likely to pitch against the Dodgers this weekend, if he is ready by then (maybe).
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
does this speed
up Bumgarner’s contract clock, too? Or not affect it?
The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".
by underdog on Sep 8, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he stays on till the end of the season, he will have 27 days of service time. If they wait until July 1 or so next season to call him up, they should be fine at avoiding super two status after 2012.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
bumm(garn)er!
The commenter formerly known as "Dashiell".
by underdog on Sep 8, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Furcal SS
Kemp CF
Ethier RF
Ramirez LF
Loney 1B
Belliard 3B
Hudson 2B
Martin C
Billingsley P
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Is Blake's injury serious?
What are we to make of all this time he’s missing?
by Michael White on Sep 8, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It sounds like they are just being cautious. Belliard’s good hitting I’m sure is contributing to the extra willingness to let Blake rest.
Judging from some of Torre’s comments, Blake can hit, but just has problems bending down and fielding. If he had to, he might be able to play, but they are just letting him rest for now.
by Eric Stephen on Sep 8, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tulowitzki/Stewart out for the Rockies tonight
Moving EYJr. to 2nd?? This could be good for us
by PHAT JULIO on Sep 8, 2009 4:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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