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Since the Dodgers controversial trades three weeks ago, their only problem has been what was arguably the best bullpen in baseball. We've discussed the Dreifort/setup role extensively, but after last last night's 6-5 loss to the Braves we are suddenly worried about the "invincible" Eric Gagne.
It is absolutely inconceivable that Eric Gagne could lose two straight games, and three games in the span of a week. And the Dodgers division lead has dwindled down to 4.5 games as a result.
People I've spoken to in the baseball world believe that Gagne's pitch patterns are becoming predictable, and he might even be tipping his pitches. Gagne may be almost unhittable, but it sure helps if you know what's coming. Perhaps Gagne's recent struggles are due to the absence of his former catcher Paul Lo Duca. But LAist refuses to let the Dodgers get by with that excuse. Pitching coach Jim Colborn and catchers Brent Mayne and David Ross need to right the ship ASAP, because Gagne is absolutely vital to the Dodgers success.
As for the rest of the Dodgers bullpen, as Kerry/Edwards might say, "Help is on the way." Paul DePodesta acquired Elmer Dessens from the Diamondbacks who should provide some quality relief.
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If you look at what happened last night, it was the passed ball that made the winning run possible-- not Gagne's pitching. But still, 3 blown saves in a week is unheard of... I liked the trades the Dodgers made but really wish Mota was still in town. He was fire.
At this point, I'm sad to say, it looks like the finley pickup was fantastic and the penny/choi-loduca/mota trade was a bust (disclaimer: penny's late-season, and especially playoff performance could turn this completely on its head). This has something to do with on-field mgmt. Tracy isn't using choi exclusively against righties, and instead is still riding jayson werth (who has gone rather cold lately). Could we have sent another prospect to Arizona rather than Bill Murphy (who we got from the Marlins) in the deal for finley, and kept loduca and mota? Probably.
The dreifort injury was horrible luck. let's hope Tracy is willing to move Brazoban in there quickly. He needs to get experience because we WILL use him in the playoffs. I doubt Giovanni Carrara can keep up his stratospheric stats (almost 1 K/IP, something like 4/1 K/BB, about a 1 ERA and 1 WHIP).