Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
The Dodgers on Sunday looked like the Dodgers of recent playoffs disappointments. It’s especially disappointing coming off Saturday’s victory, in which they looked more like the 2017 and 2020 versions of the Dodgers.
And now, we have this whole “Manny Machado throwing the ball toward the dugout” situation that, frankly, is not a great look for either side — but especially the Dodgers.
Here is the incident in question.
Here is video of Manny Machado throwing the ball toward the #Dodgers dugout. The ball had just been used by Yu Darvish to warm up. Kyle Higashioka’s throw to second bounced in the dirt, so Darvish received a new ball to begin the inning. #Padres pic.twitter.com/Wkf1L4Pff5
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) October 8, 2024
Here is an alternate camera angle of San Diego 3B Manny Machado throwing a ball toward the Los Angeles Dodgers' dugout during Game 2 of the NLDS, obtained by ESPN. The incident remains a point of contention with Game 3 tonight, as @Alden_Gonzalez reported: https://t.co/grEVYusdPY pic.twitter.com/Qo0CGqqeVz
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 8, 2024
It wasn’t exactly a lob, but it also wasn’t something that would necessitate the Dodgers sending video the MLB Commissioner’s Office.
It looks soft. Not the throw, but the Dodgers reaction to the throw. They were getting thoroughly handled by Yu Darvish and it just reeks of desperation. The starting pitching is in such disarray that we were happy Jack Flaherty was able to get through 5 1/3 innings while giving up four runs. The offense looked absolutely lifeless (hi, Mookie Betts — I admit, this isn’t totally fair). If not for the bullpen in Game 1, this could be a 2-0 series deficit.
We all know Machado is an asshole, but he’s playing the villain while the Dodgers are playing the victim on the defensive because, honestly, they appear a bit scared or — at the very least — uncertain of themselves.
Instead of wasting time and energy on something that will prove to be fruitless, maybe focus on how to keep the Padres from hitting another six home runs tonight. Maybe figure out a way to score more than one run with the bases loaded and no outs when you’re already down 3-0. Maybe figure out a way to be the bully and not be bullied. I’m not saying I want the Dodgers to be dirty or anything like that. There’s an allure to the Dodgers, just as there is to the Yankees. This behavior is that of a plucky underdog trying anything to gain an edge over the big bad favorite. And yet, the Dodgers led the majors in wins, while the Padres had to play in the Wild Card round. With LA’s reaction to this situation, you wouldn’t know it. The gamesmanship isn’t working in this scenario, nor is it worth giving the Padres’ clubhouse anything else to galvanize around.
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Macho bullshit aside, the Dodgers are far too talented to be bounced yet again in the NLDS. That’s not to say the Padres aren’t talented, because they clear are. But with Shohei Ohtani doing his level best to put his brand new team on his back and basically saving Game 1, it’s time for the others to step up. Otherwise, we’ll be looking at another October disappointment.
I don’t want Dave Roberts to be fired. He’s the best manager this organization has ever had, and I don’t think this is all on him. I do think if there’s another NLDS embarrassment (which, now, would be a 3-1 series loss), his job could be in jeopardy. So, let’s just hope the boys show up tonight, tomorrow night and, possibly, Friday night.
