PROSPECTS Meanwhile, Down on the Farm

That's a downgrade defensively at SS. Kike is almost unplayable at this point, other than a late inning defensive replacement.

 

I see Mookie make some really nice plays...as every ss does on every team for as long as bb has been played. Mookie is fine going to his right; as good as probably anybody in the game. But he FLAT OUT SUCKS going to his left. His first step is putrid and he quickly gives up like his manager on a bull pen day. He has one way range, it's blatantly obvious.
There's no doubt they went out for the vacated RF hole and got this deadbeat Tucker for who they thought was the best RF out there ( let's face it...multiple teams wanted him), and the guy is only NOT working out, he arrogantly flaunts his below average incompetence. I really don't care how much money they gave him, but it does put him in a more glaring light. But Betts is directly the causative factor in having Tucker on the team , whatever may ultimately come of it. It would a moot point if Mookie " didn't want to try something else".
But the team's reek on the bb diamond for quite a while now is not all Betts' fault...it goes way beyond that. He's an integral part, but one of many.
Just how much power this bald little diva- the Prince of Pop- ups- actually has seems quite substantial to me...and the much touted geniuses of this revered organization has allowed it, gladly, open- armed.
No telling what the next six years could bring under Betts' sly, substantial power.
I see one thing though. Mookies " humble " act has a whole bunch of powerful people allowing him to fullfill any whim that he so desires to excercise.
Clever.

 

Scouting report on Shelton. Sounds like our Freddie replacement (fingers crossed).

Easton Shelton 1B, LAD
2/4 HR 1R 2RBI

Easton Shelton is one mammoth of a human and the more intriguing power‑projection bats in the Dodgers’ lower‑level system, a tall physical right‑handed hitter whose combination of size, leverage, and bat speed gives him a clear carrying tool. At 6‑foot‑4 with broad shoulders and natural strength, Shelton looks the part the moment he steps into the box, and the swing matches the frame: long levers, real bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball with authority to all fields. His raw power is already above average and still trending upward as he continues to mature physically.

Offensively, Shelton’s game is built around impact. He generates easy carry when he squares the ball, and his best swings produce high‑trajectory contact that leaves the yard without needing to cheat for pull‑side lift. The approach is still developing he can expand the zone at times, especially against spin and chase, but he’s shown enough feel for the barrel to project improvement as he gains reps. When he stays compact and lets the ball travel, the swing works cleanly, and the contact quality jumps. The hit tool is the variable in the profile, but the power foundation gives him a real path to value even if the batting average settles in the middle range.

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Defensively, Shelton fits best at first base, where his size and footwork are workable and his hands are soft enough to handle the position. He moves better than his frame suggests, showing decent agility around the bag and the ability to finish plays cleanly. He’s unlikely to offer much defensive versatility The long‑term question is how much contact he ultimately makes. The power is real, the body is built for strength gains, and the swing produces the kind of damage that can anchor the middle of a lineup if the approach tightens. If he continues refining his pitch selection and trims the chase, he has a chance to grow into a middle‑of‑the‑order right‑handed bat with 20‑plus home run potential. If the hit tool develops more modestly.

Shelton delivered again in the seventh inning, launching his 11th home run of the season—a no‑doubt shot to left‑center that showcased the kind of raw power few hitters at this level can match. It’s the third home run I’ve seen from him in person, and what continues to stand out is that he still hasn’t truly squared one up. His strength is so advanced that even his mishits leave the yard, and he has the kind of natural force that can take a ball out of any stadium.

His power is real, it’s loud, and it plays even when the contact isn’t perfect. Shelton is one of the rare young hitters whose margin for error is wide simply because of how easily the ball jumps off his bat. Despite the power‑first profile, he’s pushed his average up to .265 with an .880 OPS, showing he’s not just selling out for lift—he’s finding enough contact to let the power show naturally.

 

Didn't know that about K rate. Have to get that cleaned up a bit.

 

i've never seen TT play ss but apparently he has a lot. get its not the best option but if mook goes to right? didn't mook kick a ball last night? every throw seems off at this point so idk how much of a downgrade a TT would be.

 

If he fields it cleanly behind second on the outfield grass it's doubtful he throws the runner out at first. He wasn't charged with an error.

 

oh of course its purely speculation and no way mookie is leaving ss. still would have been nice to see Tibbs swing the bat. Freeland has been making some solid contact though. hopefully some of those will start falling in.

 

Freeland drew a couple of important walks yesterday.