July 20th, 2021 at 10:00 am 
by 0799291000348 The Dodgers started the official second half of the 2021 season on a positive note by winning two of the three road games against the Colorado Rockies but lost the first game of their four-game series with the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.
A few observations and opinions as the team starts its stretch drive for the postseason.
- For a team that has won 61.1% of its games this season, the Dodgers frequently play uninspired, mediocre baseball.
- Pitcher Tony Gonsolin is too inconsistent to be counted upon as a regular in the starting rotation.
- The Dodgers should make a concerted effort to acquire Rockies starting-pitcher Jon Gray. Technically, Gray is a rental as he is eligible for free agency after the conclusion of the 2021 World Series, but Colorado will demand a significant package of players from the Dodgers in a trade.
- Cody Bellinger’s swing mechanics and hitting approach are broken. Continuing to insert him into the lineup is Einstein’s definition of insanity; “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
- Prior to landing on the Injured List for what figures to be considerable time for a strained left hamstring on Sunday, Gavin Lux has slashed .255/.330/.409/.739 when facing right-handed pitchers, roughly ML average. Southpaws have dominated the young middle infielder (.143/.238/.171/.409).
- David Price has earned his place in the starting rotation. His fastball velocity is ranging between 92 – 95 mph, and off-speed pitches are 85 – 88 mph — all with good movement. Seems odd that the veteran has been forced to prove himself to the Dodgers.
- Dodgers should pass on Cole Hamels. They do not need to add another often injured pitcher who is well beyond his prime.
- Great news for the bullpen that Corey Knebel is ahead of his rehab schedule.
- Team needs to add a late-inning southpaw reliever.
- Dodgers hitters have been hit by opposing pitchers 67 times this season while opposing hitters have been hit only 39 times. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Dodgers pitchers must do a better job of protecting hitters.
- Getting Corey Seager back in the lineup will be a huge boost to the offense.
- Is top pitching prospect Josiah Gray auditioning for a spot in the Dodgers starting rotation, or being showcased for a possible trade? Would the Dodgers include him in a trade for a top of the rotation pitcher like the Minnesota Twins Jose Berrios or Cincinnati Reds Luis Castillo?
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
What’s your opinion, Dodgers fans?
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Posted in 
@Dodgers Goose is great, but for some reason can’t handle pressure games
Excellent point. When he first came up he attacked the strike zone with all of his pitches, but later began to nibble as though he lost confidence in his abilities.
Gonsolin has been somewhat of a disappointment so far. Cole Hamels could be a low risk option as a 5th starter. Depends on what the Dodgers saw at his workout. AF is gonna have to get a decent starter somewhere. Could also use another proven reliever. We will find out more next week. Most of our deadline deals have not worked out. Only Betts. Reddick, Darvish, and Machado didn’t really help us.
Hamels showcase his fastball was 88-90 mph, and he will need several weeks to build up arm strength and stamina. I think David Price is by far the better option, and I don’t see the Dodgers with both of them in the rotation.
I’m wishing Josiah Gray lots of luck, but I’m hoping he’s not traded.
Three more Dodgers HBP last night by Alex Wood, knocking Turner and Muncy out of the game. Dodgers hit HBP now at 70! When will Roberts do something? At least get out of the dugout and stick up for your hitters!