The Dodger Dugout Dopes

We discussed a LOT. Below is the AI summary. All we can say is that this is a can't miss episode, recorded right before the Dodgers face the Phillies in Game 1.Dodgers' Season Performance ReviewThe group discussed the Dodgers' 93-win season, which was viewed as below expectations given their financial strength but still a solid performance. They noted key injuries to players like Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, as well as underperformance from some stars, but emphasized that no team dominated the regular season. Jim and Williearon highlighted the importance of playing the full 162 games and the team's improved performance in the final weeks, which raised hopes for their October run. Betts' Performance and Team Impact The group discussed Mookie Betts' recent performance improvement, attributing it to his meeting with J.D. Martinez and his decision to focus on playing rather than worrying about numbers. They agreed that Betts' transition to shortstop, while challenging, demonstrated his athletic ability and perseverance, though it may have affected his offensive performance initially. The team noted that Betts' success is crucial to the Dodgers' overall performance, and his recent emotional and energetic play on the field has helped restore the team's spark and chemistry. NLDS Team Analysis and Predictions The group discussed the upcoming NLDS between the Dodgers and Phillies, agreeing that both teams are among the best in baseball. They analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the Brewers, Padres, and Dodgers, with Rob and Williearon highlighting the importance of power hitting in October. The conversation then shifted to the Padres' recent performance and leadership issues, with Chris and Williearon expressing skepticism about Machado and Tatis's ability to lead the team effectively. Dodgers Playoff Bullpen Strategy The group discussed the Dodgers' playoff strategy, particularly focusing on their bullpen challenges and the potential role of Clayton Kershaw. They agreed that while the team had made significant off-season acquisitions, including Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, the bullpen had underperformed during the regular season. The discussion centered on how Kershaw might be used in the playoffs, with Chris noting that the team would likely analyze matchups against Phillies' hitters like Harper and Schwarber, while Jim and Rob explored the implications of the quick turnaround between Games 1 and 3, and the unpredictability of the bullpen situation. Dodgers Pitcher Kershaw's Strong Season The group discussed the performance of Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who finished the season with an 11-2 record and was praised for his consistent deep-start performances, drawing comparisons to Sandy Koufax. They noted that while the Dodgers had better offensive and starting pitching numbers compared to their opponents, their bullpen and defense were considered weaknesses. Dodgers Playoff Strategy Discussion The group discussed the Dodgers' defensive lapses, particularly focusing on Teo's recent errors and overall decline in performance. They agreed that the Phillies, who recently played the Dodgers in a regular season series, pose a strong challenge, with runs likely to be at a premium. The team strategized about starting pitcher usage, noting the importance of getting length from starters and potentially letting them go 100 pitches plus, especially with off days built into the playoff schedule. They also briefly discussed the decision to leave Robleski off the playoff roster, attributing it to matchup strategy and his recent inconsistency. Playoff Roster Strategy and Otani The group discussed roster decisions for an upcoming playoff series against the Phillies, noting that Roblox was left off the roster while carrying three catchers, which created an arm shortage. They focused on Otani's potential impact as a pitcher and hitter, highlighting his dominant regular season performance and productive first playoff series against the Reds. The team predicted that Otani's opportunity to prove himself in the postseason would be crucial, especially given his recent shoulder injury that affected his playoff performance last year. Playoff Predictions and Pitching Strategies The group discussed the upcoming Phillies-Dodgers playoff series, with Chris and others predicting a Dodgers victory in four games. They analyzed the potential roles of pitchers like Roki and Sasaki, agreeing that Sasaki would likely be used as a closer in high-leverage situations. The conversation then shifted to predictions for other playoff series, with the group agreeing that the Brewers would likely defeat the Cubs in their matchup. Postseason Baseball Predictions The group discussed the upcoming postseason baseball games, focusing on the American League and National League Division Series. They predicted the Yankees would face the Blue Jays, with the Yankees being favored due to the performance of reliever Chapman. For the NLDS, they agreed on the Dodgers winning in four games. The conversation concluded with reflections on the Dodgers' aging roster and the possibility of this being their last chance to win a World Series together.

The Dopes chime in on all things Dodgers. Are they the evil empire? (Spoiler alert: no.) And what about Mookie playing SS? Why did they trade Lux? Which starting pitchers will be injured? How many regular season wins will the Dodgers have? Those stories and more....

Join the Dopes as we broadcast live from the Winter Meetings in Dallas! Well, actually, we are on zoom---from our homes. But it got your attention, yes? Anyway, we talk about Blake Snell, Mookie Betts, what other roster changes might be happening...AND, we re-hash the glorious 5th inning of game 5 of the World Series. Lastly, we ask and discuss the burning question of the day: Should Tommy John's elbow be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame?

The Dodgers are the 2024 World Series Champions! The Dopes talk all things Dodgers----the thrills, the surprises, and what might come for 2025.

Welcome to the "2024 trade deadline" episode of the Dodger Dugout Dopes. What grade to we give Andrew Friedman? What's going on with Gavin Lux? With Austin Barnes? And where will the Dodgers wind up at the end of 2024? Oh---we have a new co-host who wasn't able to join us today---Shoeshine Guy. He's got an inside connection to Andrew Friedman.

Should the Dodgers fire Dave Roberts? Trade Gavin Lux? Make Austin Barnes the starting catcher? These stories, and more! Tune in to our latest episode.

The Dopes talk about Ohtani, Muncy, the starting pitching, James Outman, Steve Garvey and....Mitch McConnell?

The Dopes ring in the 2024 Dodger season...we talk about Gavin Lux, Chan Ho Park, the globalization of baseball, and the upcoming Dodger season. And who wants a Gavelin? Tune in!

Will this be the year for the Dodgers? Will the Dopes ever get any more listener faxes?  And is Anthony Rendon one of the biggest asses around? Tune in!

Ohtani, Yamamoto and Glasnow....three significant additions to the Dodgers for 2024. Listen as the Dopes tell you what it all means. Or what it doesn't.

Well, that's a wrap for 2023. No championship. Questions about the starting pitching. About position players. About the manager and the front office. And, of course, our reader fax.

As the Dodgers enter the 2023 playoff season, the Dopes gather to discuss the team's chances for a championship. We also predict who win the four wild card series, and opine on the 2023 rule changes. As always, we have our reader fax segment. Finally, our own Willie Aron and his band The Third Mind played at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco this past weekend. Check that out here: https://youtu.be/NJ6s0UR-Ww0?si=C0W0tFb1gJwTRW8J

The four Dopes talk about the other SoCal team, the Angels. We also touch on the playoff pitching rotation, playoff matchups, the revenge of Max Muncy, how we hate Scott Boras, and anything else that popped up in our deeply analytical brains.

Musician and Dodger fan Willie Aron joins the Dopes this episode. We talk about the trade deadline, Max Muncy, Dave Roberts, how awful the Mets and Yankees are, the new rules, and of course we talk about Cody Bellinger.

The Dopes are back with the last pre-season episode. We talk about who we like on the current roster, who we are concerned about, Chris Taylor, Julio Urias, the new MLB rules and, lastly, how we see the Dodgers doing in 2023. Oh, and another listener fax!

The Dopes kick-off 2023 discussing Trevor Bauer, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and the state of the Dodgers a month before spring training is to begin. Oh, and we end with a round-table about Chick Corea.

Who will the Dodgers keep in 2023? Does Justin Turner return? Kershaw? Bellinger? Trae Turner?  Tyler Anderson? Will the Dodgers pursue any big name free agents? The Dopes have the answers. Not the right ones, mind you. But they do have answers. 

What happened to the Dodgers in the playoffs? Tune in, as the Dopes dissect what happened in the series against the Padres---what worked, what didn't, who to blame, and who not to blame.

The Dopes get more listener email, and talk about all things 2022 Playoffs. Who do the Dopes think will take the Division playoff series? Tune in!

The Dopes give their Round 1 playoff picks, both who they want to win versus who they think will win (and who they don't give a fuck about). We also discuss the Dodgers regular season ending, and give our thoughts on the playoff roster.

The Dopes discuss their favorite games they have ever attended; pretend to be general manager of the Dodgers; and debate the worthiness of being the best team in the regular season versus winning a World Series championship. Will Kimbrel Crumble? Gallo or Mondavi? Oh, and there's some Aaron Judge thrown in, along with listener email.

The Dopes remember Maury Wills; discuss MLB rule changes, and opine on the future of Trae Turner.

The Dopes discuss the Dodgers outfield and pitching situations, as well as opining on the 2023 schedule changes announced by MLB. Also, the episode leads off with reader email, always a dicey proposition.

This week's episode of the Dodger Dugout Dopes includes a surprise email from an interested listener; a discussion of the most feared opponent of the Dodgers in the playoffs; who should be included in the starting playoff rotation (and who should be the closer); and a roundtable on the benching of Cody Bellinger.

The Dugout Dopes mourn the loss of long-time Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully, and share their fond memories of him. The Dopes also discuss the trade deadline, and how shitty the Padres still are.

What to do with Cody Bellinger? Max Muncy? And what will Andrew Friedman do at the trade deadline? Lastly, the Dopes opine on their favorite (and least favorite) Dodger announcers. 

The Dodger Dugout Dopes (the 3D's) kick off their podcast with discussions of the closer situation; predictions on the Dodger starting shortstop for 2023; who should bat leadoff (Trae vs. Mookie); the weirdness of L.A. Times sports columnist Dylan Hernandez; and what we love and hate about the Dodger Stadium experience.

Coming in August 2022!  The Dodger Dugout Dopes - superfans Jim Brock, Rob Carnachan and Chris Joseph - join forces to talk about all things Los Angeles Dodgers. Each episode brings sometimes thoughtful (and sometimes not) analysis, probing questions about personnel and managerial decisions, and a segment where each of the Dopes puts on his General Manager hat and gets to make lineup and contract choices.  There will also be discussion and debate about needed rule changes in Major League Baseball. And watch for special guests in future episodes!