Neddy wrote:Ranma wrote:While I like the "swing for the fences" approach to first-round draft picks, I've seen too many times how an impotent offense that can't get timely hits have ruined our postseason efforts in the recent past. What's the use of having power bats if they come up empty with runners in scoring position. Our pitching should be a strength in the playoffs so I don't want it to be undermined by an inconsistent offense. I want reliable bats, so I'll settle for station-to-station offense as long as it is reliable and consistent.
With that in mind, this is why I want Barnes starting every game of the postseason for us. He's the better overall player on offense and defense. He calls a good game and platooning him makes little sense since he actually bats better against right-handed pitching than he does against left-handers with his reverse split. However, he has more home runs against southpaws.
The only knock against Barnes is Kershaw seems to be more comfortable with Grandal than Barnes for whatever reason, so I'd usually acquiesce to our ace's preference. Other than that, we won't have to worry as much about passed balls with Barnes as much as we do with Grandal. Barnes runs the bases much better and he's more reliable offensively. I've said it many times before, Barnes does the little things that wins championships, which is why I want him out there as much as possible.
Grandal seemed to be emerging from his slump, but Forsythe has actually shown sings of progress with his bat along with his dependable glove. I have a feeling Logan will be a significant presence in our postseason and likely the unsung or surprise hero before all is said and done.
I have Farmer on the postseason roster but I'm really tempted by Locastro as our designated burner. Farmer allows us to play Grandal and Barnes at the same time, but with Forsythe progressing, that may not be necessary any more. I usually favor speed in our lineups because stolen bases are usually key plays in the playoffs whether as a catalyst to spark an offense or to get in position to score that crucial late-inning run in a close game.
Grandal's power bat makes more sense as a pinch-hitter when we can employ him in situational at-bats.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Baez will find his way onto the roster and, if so, I hope it's at the expense of McCarthy instead of Buehler. McCarthy's yips are a bigger concern to me than Buehler's inexperience, plus, Walker's stuff is superior to Brandon's.
I'm actually glad to have Wood slated as the 4th starter despite his decreased velocity. He's the more reliable gamer and, if we can get him some rest by sweeping the D-back, it would serve us well in the next series, but we're getting ahead of ourselves a bit.
I was already concerned about Ryu's health from that shot to his forearm late in the season, but his last outing left little to be desired, plus, he doesn't warm up well out of the bullpen. Given the circumstances, I can't fault Roberts for making the call of Wood over Ryu in the rotation.
What I am concerned with is how he will use the bullpen. The Dodgers have plenty of capable talent with Jansen, Morrow, Watson, and Cingrani as late-inning options. Baez, Fields, Buehler, and Maeda should be utilized in low-leverage and early-inning situations.
hold on here man. Yasmani Grandal is the best catcher ERA man among all qualified catchers ERA this year.
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/stats?season=2017&category=FIELDING+II&group=1&sort=8&time=0&pos=2&qual=1&sortOrder=0&splitType=0Grandal's catcher's ERA is 3.22, Barnes is 3.74.
with regard to catching and game calling only, I want Grandal behind the plate.
with regard to overall game, I want Grandal on games where he is most compatible with the starting pitcher, and other nights Barnes with whom he is most compatible with, rather than which hitter is more effective against the opposing starting pitcher.
Exactly.
It’d be irresponsible to give Austin the whole staff for an entire October at this point.
Bad calls are bad calls but I’ve seen Kershaw AND Kenley visibly frustrated with Barnes. While it’s not a big deal, resolving those chemistry issues is for another time (season) imo.
This has NO BEARING on whether I think Austin is the best going forward because I do...but for this October, Yasmani is my catcher.
Barnes is like cream to me.
He will rise to the top and I have no doubt his fingerprints will be on any postseason success we have but I can’t fork over the lion share of the duties just yet...that’s a conversation that I’m willing to have this winter.
Sent from my iPhone using
RealGM mobile app“I’ve always felt that drafting is the life blood of any organization.” - Jerome Alan West.
