September 11th, 2022 at 9:00 am 
by 0799291000348 * * *
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
Abraham Lincoln
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Among the qualities that make Dave Roberts a successful Major League manager is his patience. In his seven seasons as the Dodgers on-field leader, Roberts’ patience has been validated when struggling players like Craig Kimbrel, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Justin Turner and others have returned to their respective norms and contributed to the team’s success.
But there are also players over the years who have failed to reward Roberts’ loyalty: Pedro Baez, Carl Crawford, Billy McKinney, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick to name but a few.
At what point does the “patience of Job” become “patience to a fault?”
There isn’t a magic formula to determine when further tolerance becomes foolhardy – nothing more than a wishful hope without foundation. Every player is different and the depth of a manager’s patience may be function of the player’s talent, dedication, persistence, and the team’s ability to overcome the less than satisfactory performance.
Has Dave Roberts’ tolerance of Cody Bellinger’s underachieving performance become patience to a fault?
Bellinger’s talent is without question. He has previously demonstrated five-tool player abilities that earned him the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year title, made him a two-time All-Star, won him a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award, and made him the 2019 NL MVP.
But Major League Baseball is unforgiving to those who are unable – or unwilling – to make adjustments to their game. When opposing teams find a weakness, they will exploit those flaws to their advantage, leaving the player to adjust or become another guy who was ‘once was a great player.’
Cody’s offensive stats over the last two seasons have been significantly below Major League average. In 2021 he slashed .165/.240/.302 with a 47 wRC+ (53% below ML average). In his defense, Bellinger played the 2021 season following November 2020 right shoulder surgery. However, his 2022 performance is only marginally better, slashing .197/.250/.378 and a 78 wRC+ through 122 games played while continuing to swing with an exaggerated launch angle (above 20 degrees) into the heart of opposing teams’ defensive alignments.
Fortunately for Dave Roberts and the team, there are other options for centerfield rather than the struggling Bellinger. Trayce Thompson, Chris Taylor, or Mookie Betts are more than capable of playing above average defense in centerfield, and outfield prospect James Outman is considered a plus defender.
It is time for Roberts to replace Bellinger in the lineup. He “…cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
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Posted in 
Sad to say, but, it may be time to move on from Bellinger. At least now that we have better options available.
A very painful but accurate piece, Jesse.
I am amazed that even though (nearly) everyone is talking or at least thinking about this subject, few writers are willing to touch it with the proverbial 10-foot pole.
That being said, and having covered Belli since his Rancho Cucamonga days, I am confident that he will make the necessary adjustments and will get back on track. He is really a great kid and comes from a great family.
My heartfelt hope — you are right
Although both soft singles, Belli went 2-for-4 on Sunday afternoon. Then again, he also struck out twice.
Ron,
from where does this confidence manifest?
he has steadfastly refused to make the much needed adjustment.
he is going to find himself non tendered this winter and quite possibly off the PS rosters. at his point he is no more valuable than Michael A Taylor or Billy Hamilton.
it is exhausting to watch him lay that bat on his back and stand straight up. everyone and anyone is saying the same things. he’s late and his helmet dances more than his bobble head statue.
Outman should be up here getting reps and preparing for a post season opportunity.
Vargas is here and should be getting more opportunities than gallo as well.