It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Here in the Southern California baseball world which of those times applies to you depends on whether you are wearing Dodgers blue or Angels red.
Actually, both teams in the NLCS are wearing Dodgers blue. In one of my favorite pieces of baseball trivia, the owners of the expansion Mets chose the colors Dodgers blue and Giants orange as a symbol the National League had returned to New York.
It is a lead pipe lock for that blue to be represented in the World Series. By whom remains to be determined.
If the Angels are going to have any chance of being competitive soon, they will need to make a few gambles that pay off. Walker Buehler is an intriguing piece. He fired off 4 scoreless innings on Wednesday night, his best outing of the post season.
His season numbers are horrific and he’s coming off his second Tommy John surgery. Most likely he wants a one year prove it deal or something with an opt out. Something to consider.
My favorite buy low piece is Shane Bieber. He’ll be very limited next season but so will the upside of this team. He could very likely revert to form and be a veteran ace for this team starting in 2026.
What is pretty crazy is Cleveland being in the ALCS and having such a great season despite the losses of Beiber and Triston McKenzie from their rotation. Triston was injured in 2023 and got off to a brutal start this year, but was transitioned to the bullpen with promising results.
Overcoming the loss of your top 2 arms and still winning your division is the definition of depth.
Bieber’s Guardians are up against it, down 2-0 to the powerful Yankees as I type this. In the midst of all their star power, Gleyber Torres has been the Yankees catalyst.
This is an Angels site and some Angels are playing out in the desert.
Niko Kavadas cracked a bomb on Wednesday night.
Cole Fontenelle made the bad side of this highlight but it shows he both got on base and is healthy again.
And it doesn’t stop there. These prospects took a big step forward in 2024 and a couple could breakout next season.
I agree on George Klassen. While watching Carlos Esteves blow post season games for the Phillies I kept thinking of the return Perry received. Check out this clip of him pitching with a roller coaster in the background. There are some funky minor league parks.
It is bad enough they swept us the last week of the season, now the White Sox might get a new ownership group.
The Twins are also shopping for a new ownership group. Given the current economic climate in the game, selling the team makes a lot more sense than buying it.
Where baseball meets real life, Tropicana Field was seriously damaged by Hurricane Helene and will not be ready for Opening Day 2025. But the baseball playing Rays aren’t the only rays that call it home.
Where the Rays will play next season is still to be determined and it doesn’t look like there are any easy answers. And with the team expected to open a new ballpark in 2028, does it make sense to fix the current one?
Enjoy the weekend and link what I missed. I get to spend time with my family this weekend, which is always a blessing. Hopefully the baseball gods bless us with some upsets as well.
If you have the McDonalds app, after a Dodger’s victory, Halo fans pay 100% on any purchases.
See, I knew Ohtani would miss playing for the Halos!
Go Yankees, time to reinstate you are the Dodgers Daddy period. No? How many times did Reggie Jackson have to homer on you, and don’t forget Mr clutch Bucky Dent who made you look silly. Fast forward to D Jeter the Captain of baseball himself! That Pin stripe dynasty will never be forgotten! George Steinbrenner wrote the book on how to buy a championship that Dodgers today have to copy. We own you !!! Ha, I actually hate both Yanks and Dodgers. That was a jab at you Grandpa, Enjoy the $$$ teams in this World Series
YUCK !!! Now I get to listen to the blue wearing a-holes for the entire winter. Although they will wear their Raiders gear on Sundays.
no question, I’ll root for the Dodgers. That is how much I hate the Yankees
One of us! One of us!
I have never really hated the Yankees. The Dodgers on the other hand are my MOST hated team. There are really only five worth mentioning, and others are honorable mention.
Most Hated
Interesting list. Yankees were a pest that seemed to always buy the best players in the early 2000’s. I hate the Dodgers the most because the cocky fan base. Don’t like Rays cause they are so good and bringing up great players who they just give away to rich teams.
Thanks for mentioning the Rays — I don’t like their luck. I would either put them or the team from Cleveland 6th and the other 7th…
Yankees?
My most hated:
I actually forgot about Houston.
Let me do it again ;
Winning the NLC with little staring pitching.
GOOD for SOCAL BASEBALL FANS!
poop
He asked for the biggest stage in baseball, there is nothing bigger than the MFY coming cross country to your house.
WINNER-WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER! BRING ON THE SKANKS!!!
DOS!!
Stfd, wanker!
UNO!
Free wings!
10-4 over and out!
Bring out Broderick Crawford.
HWY Patrol. 🚓
Shohei scores, 9-3 now.
Mookie just misses a HR, nothing wrong with a double.
Gave up a run, but the Mets got out of what was looking to be a big Dodger inning.
Could’ve been better for the Dodgers, but they’ll take one for sure. The Halos may have come up empty.
So happy he’s having a great series.
Ditto, this is what he said he wanted, and he is cashing in, so happy for him too.
This makes me think of Trout and what could have been
😞
Absolutely, Eric.
Trout is not a quitter. Shohei Took the easy way. Lost his legend if you ask me
Exactly and GO YANKS!!!
YESSSSSSSS! SHOHEI MVP!!!!