May 10th, 2016 at 12:54 pm 
by Ron Cervenka Remember when Kiké Hernandez hit two home runs off of Giants ace Madison Bumgarner on Jackie Robinson Day? It was great … epic even. It was also almost a month ago and the extremely popular right-handed-hitting San Juan, Puerto Rico native hasn’t hit a home run since. In fact, the perception that he hits lefties far better than right-handers may be somewhat overstated.
Through his first 10 games, Hernandez saw his batting average skyrocket to .440, with an on-base percentage of .481 and a slugging percentage of .800 for an alien-like OPS of 1.281 OPS. But as of Monday night’s 4-2 loss to the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium, he is now hitting a paltry .212 / .307 / .348 for a rather weak .655 OPS. In fact, were it not for the fact that Kiké’s defense has been absolutely stellar – even All-Star worthy – (and the fact that the entire Dodgers offense is slumping right now), he might have been in Oklahoma City by now.
Against lefties Hernandez is now hitting .276 – good but not great – and against righties he’s hitting only .168.
On the other side of the coin is second-year outfielder Trayce Thompson, who the Dodgers acquired in an off-season three-team trade with White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Thompson is the son of former Laker Mychal Thompson and brother of current NBA star Klay Thompson and was initially selected in the second round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Santa Margarita High School in California by the Chicago White Sox. He has appeared in 26 of the Dodgers 32 games thus far this season (as compared to Hernandez’s 29) during which time he has seen his batting average stabilize at .266 with an OBP of .299 and a SLG of .484 for an OPS of .783. But what absolutely jumps out at you about Thompson are his three home runs (tied for second-most on the team with Adrian Gonzales and Yasiel Puig) over the past two weeks, suggesting that he is becoming more comfortable at the plate with at-bat.
Although Thompson’s opposite field home run on Monday night was the shortest home run of the season for the Dodgers, it was long enough. Unfortunately, Thompson is one of very few Dodgers having any success at the plate right now. (Photo credit – Jill Weisleder)
Where things get a bit dicey for Thompson is with his defense. Though his 26 games, the Southern California native has committed two errors in 29 total chances (.931); this compared to zero errors committed by Hernandez in a combined 37 total chances while playing all three outfield positions. Thompson has also yet to have an outfield assist while Kiké already has three – two of which he made on Monday night. As such and in spite of his declining offensive numbers, don’t expect to see Hernandez in the OKC Dodgers lineup anytime soon.
Then again, don’t count on Trayce Thompson going anywhere anytime soon either.
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Have I mentioned before that I really like Trayce Thompson?!! This guy plays the game the right way.
BTW… I’ve been calling his shots “Traycer Rounds”… I also like your “Without a Trayce” shout on Twitter yesterday.
Thompson has surprised me by hitting to the opposite field so frequently; not the same hitter I watched play here in Charlotte last season as he was seemingly trying to pull every pitch into the LF bleachers. Same guy on defense however; he seems to lose concentration in the OF (bored? needs glasses?) and looks horrible on some plays, then makes an outstanding defensive play.
I’m not suggesting that Thompson should play instead of Kiké but he definitely needs to get at-bats. As noted, Kiké is too valuable to the team defensively not to be in the lineup almost every day. Crawford… well that’s another story.
Ron, The Dodgers must grow a pair and move on from Crawford taking valuable AB’s away from Trayce Thompson and if I didn’t know better perhaps it’s because the FO Nerds are making out the lineups. Trayce has shown this week he CAN hang in there against RHP and not just to be used against LHP.. I am so sick up to here with seeing noodle armed Crawford and his .190 BA taking up a roster space!
It has to be tough to grow a $60M pair ($40M salary + $20M luxury tax) and DFA Crawford. We can all see a better use of a 25 man roster spot, but, when you are “the guy” actually paying the $60M it has to be tough. If Crawford could get hot and traded (you listening Cleveland) with Dodgers paying salary except maybe $10M over two years (saves $15M) for something of value (Bauer) that would huge. Sadly, it’s looking doubtful, but, before eating $60M you have to try.
My Cleveland trade: Crawford + Guerrero + Van Slyke + Lee + Howell + $ 30M for Bauer + McAllister.
Kiké… noted, absolutely! One or the other… that is if the Dodgers decide to “rest” Puig… then, both can start the game!
What to do with Yasiel… good grief. We shall be patient… he is THAT good. (Note: I did not say, “is he THAT good?”
right parenthesis
Thompson looking like he belongs. Hernandez will start hitting. Real question is, what happens when Van Slyke gets healthy.
Good question. What happens when Ethier, Van Slyke, and Guerrero are all healthy? Guerrero must be returned to the active roster by May 30 (20 day max for rehab assignments), or agree to be optioned (chances of a trade before then are slim and none). I believe Van Slyke has a minor league option remaining. Either Culberson or Kike must remain as the backup at SS. Crawford DFA, if not on the DL by then? TBD.
More good questions. I think, if Van Slyke has options they use it and he goes to minors. Ethier comes up and Culberson goes down. Guerrero DFA if he can’t be traded, which apparently he can’t because I am sure they have been trying. Crawford, I think they keep and hope he gets hot, keep as left handed bat or traded for something/anything of value with Dodgers paying the salary (which they will have to do anyway if DFA). Because of their defensive versatility Thompson and Hernandez are keepers.
Trade candidates, Van Slyke, Guerrero, Crawford, Kendrick. Do it FAZ.
I digress, but take a look at Tim Locastro’s stats at Rancho Cucamonga, including his defense. .357/.403/.536/ .940, 10 K’s in 120 plate appearances, 1 error. Yesterday hit for the cycle playing SS. This young man deserves to be playing in Tulsa.
Needless to say, I’m a little late in responding to this article since it, most likely, was written before last night’s game. It looks like you’re right about Trayce Thompson. He looks like a keeper.
The Dodger page on mlb.com lists Trayce with 29 total chances, 27 PO, 2 E, 0 A.
Trayce looks really good moving laterally, but lost on balls hit toward him.
I’m trying to keep my promise, but those are the facts.
Fixed. And thanks for the email.