Dodgers Nation: Blue Heaven Podcast

Roberts, Kershaw, and Kelly oh my. Walker Buehler pitched his heart out and had it all taken away from him. Baseball is a tough game... it's the ultimate in a team sport -- every single player on the roster affects the pursuit of a lead after 27 outs. The Dodgers were there, and now the off-season is here early. Also on today's show: - RIP Dodgers (March 28, 2019 - October 9, 2019) - Where it Went Wrong - The Human Element - What Comes Next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decisions, decisions, and none of them apparently right in NLDS game 4. We (for some reason) relive the tough loss on the road and try to pinpoint where it most went wrong. The wolf in sheep's clothing is a heavy topic, all season long we saw the warning signs of what we're experiencing now in the postseason. Big bullpen arms not getting it done. Struggles to score without the long ball. Plus even the elements fighting us on the east coast. As the boys look to get positive, we look to Ross Stripling's visit last week to put us in the right frame of mind. Next, we call long time friend of the show Clint Evans (@diamondhoggers) to help us look ahead at Walker Buehler's VERY important day on. We side step for a big and focus up on a pleasantly plump Julio Urias before getting ahead of ourselves with some very bold moves, if the Dodgers happen to advance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The playoffs are here and we are honored to have an actual member of your current Dodgers in the studio with us! Ross Stripling helps us take an inside look at the Dodgers season, and shares his thoughts on the NLDS. Also on today's show: - Clint has a bone to pick with Ross - The Big Swing's giant leaps - The big costume win for Goose and Strip - Learning about "The Bracket" and more! Stripling has been busy since the last time he visited Blue Heaven. His podcast has had some marquee names join as guests, and he finally got to see the house he and his wife bought, but hadn't even set foot in since the winter. We assess the loose but focused clubhouse in 2019 compared to season's past. Plus the balance between the young blood rookies, and the veterans in the locker room. Importantly, everything we need to know about the team's impromptu costume contest, including his award winning ensemble.  Now, looking at the NLDS, Ross helps Dodgers fans feel better about the frightening looking Washington Nationals. And finally, Clint introduces Strip to a social media experiment that has gained some fun momentum. Getting a Dodger in office before playoff baseball is pretty cool in our book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the landmark 80th episode of Blue Heaven, Brook is out of town playing softball and drinking heavily (one assumes). In his stead, Clint brings in our Dodgers Nation postgame show host Doug McKain to talk about the boys in blue. On today's show: - Clayton Kershaw's Rebound in SD - Dustin Maynia in October - Injuries at the Wrong Time - NL Playoff Competition - And So Much More! The Dodgers took their last trip to San Diego of the season and did what they were supposed to do. Sweep a bad team and get your ace feeling ready for postseason action. While a personal career streak ended for Clayton Kershaw, so did his run of poor outings. Reading into the timing of his start, Clint says that it looks like he starts NLDS game 1. Recent usage suggests a big role for Dustin May in October. Roster talk plus "Beaty vs Rios" is a subject of debate for the boys. But with how injured the Dodgers appear while limping to the finish line, that may take care of itself. Milwaukee, Washington, or St. Louis -- the division series is going to be a big test. One important note is that Bryce Harper will not be participating! Finally, we share our thoughts on awards for the National League. Thanks to Doug McKain for joining the show! Check out his other podcast at "Get More Sports." Like, share, subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in Blue Heaven history, a person that won 100 MLB games becomes a friend of the show. 14 season MLB veteran, and former Dodger Brett Tomko joins us to look at a lot of things ahead of the postseason. Plus he gives us the player's perspective on a number of topics including getting booed by the home fans. Also on the show: - Dave Roberts' managerial limitations - Will Smith's conundrum with a veteran pitching staff - The Dodger Dudes podcast on the Bleav network, his new show We explore the upcoming playoffs, and the dangers of the 5 game "short series" round... Clint brings up the 2006 Dodgers vs Mets -- a team Brett was on -- as an example. Plus we get a "Dodger Dude's" thoughts on the big team to worry about in the National League. Among other points early on, Tomko gives us actual real life experience about the differences in the pitcher/catcher relationship, and we relate to the Will Smith/Hyun-Jin Ryu/pitching staff struggle narrative of the last few weeks. Dodger fans of recent vintage are spoiled, but we remind people that it's not always that way. Plus we assess Dave Roberts' mindset heading toward potential World Series take 3 and how things aren't always 100% in his control. Finally, we dive into Brett's podcast -- The Dodger Dudes on the Bleav Network -- and how he got into the game thanks to another friend of the show. A big thanks to Brett for joining us in studio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orange County Register superstar Bill Plunkett joins us to breakdown all things Dodgers ahead on the MLB playoffs. Topics on today's show: - Worries and Player Concerns - Injury Issues - The Smart Front Office - Vegas Loves LA - And More! September baseball has us all rolling our eyes -- Openers... 300 pitchers per game. 4 hours for a 9 inning game. We opine that the Dodgers may very well be trolling modern baseball.  Before the roster breakdown and injury concerns, the question of whether the team is engaged in the race for home field advantage enough. Plus, on a scale of 1-10, Bill rates his levels of concern for Justin Turner's ankle, Max Muncy's wrist and bat, and Alex Verdugo's back.  On the topic of Kenley Jansen, Clint asks which Kenley we should believe. There's also a lot of Rich Hill talk, and rosterbation ahead of the NLDS. After Bill, Brook and Clint don't want to address the Felipe Vazquez news, but see it as an opportunity to praise the instincts (or luck) of Andrew Friedman and the front office. Finally we take a look at some of the biggest news around Dodgers Nation this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clint is back and along with Brook and Gary, we're in awe of a dominant outing by Kenley Jansen -- no, seriously -- and sad about Rich Hill's short return to the mound. Also on today's show: - Clinchmas 2019 - The Bullpen Crisis - Home field or bust? - Lux's Ball - Arenado to LA? - Friedman to BOS? Running as a postgame show, the fellas were impressed by Kenley Jansen's suddenly incredible movement in Baltimore. Rich Hill suffered a knee injury in his return and puts the postseason rotation in flux. And recent pitching usage has people wondering if the boys heads are really in it. Following some of the top stories in Dodgers Nation over the last week, we also gauge our concerns with Justin Turner's ankle, Alex Verdugo's back, and the bullpen's makeup. Plus, Gavin Lux hit his first career home run and we know the price he paid to get the ball back. The reigning executive of the year is ousted in Boston around the same time that Dodgers president of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman's contract is expiring, leading to wandering minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another reason to worry about Kenley Jansen in the closer role. Brook and Gary also dive into some other worries about fatigue, as well as some positive outlooks on the team. Also on today’s show: - Hyun-jin Ryu Gassing Out - Joc is Going Crazy With Andre’s Bat - The Arrival of Gavin Lux - A Look Ahead to Playoff Matchups Hyun-Jin Ryu has been amazing in 2019, but it looks like he is running out of gas late in the season. Having only eclipsed his current innings mark once in his career, we dive into possible resting scenarios for the Korean Monster. The middle of the show shifts to a more positive tone as we talk over Joc Pederson’s amazing week. The streaky left-handed hitter crushed five home runs in a matter of four games, and all with the help of Andre Ethier’s bat. And in the final segment, the guys take an early look at possible playoff matchups as well as the arrival of one of our most exciting prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another week, another reason to worry about Kenley Jansen in the closer role. Once again, Clint and Brook worry about the big man's mental state after a struggle bus of a season. Also on today's show: - Joe Kelly Love - Belli's Flop - Is Cody's MVP slipping? - September Call Ups The 9th inning continues to be the biggest question mark in 2019, and chances are that KJ74 is not prepared to continue closing until he gets some confidence back. With that, save considerations once again fall on Joe Kelly (before he served up a 3-run bomb in AZ) In the middle segment, the talk is focused on Cody Bellinger and his perceived, but not talked about enough struggles have started to come to a head in August. With a batting average around .250 since the All-Star break, the question is asked: is he still the NL MVP? Brook shares his thoughts. And in the final segment, the guys take an early look at September call ups while making some tough decisions on former friends of the show... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We unfortunately have to focus on the biggest issue for the best team in baseball. Kenley Jansen blew his 6th save of the season on Wednesday and it made the fan base collective cringe... Also on today's show: - The Greatness that is Max Muncy - Baseball's rock hard problem - Previewing the Yankees series - A DJ Severe and Dieter Teaser 2 Brook and Clint wonder what's wrong with Kenley Jansen, and look at who should be picking up some innings in the 9th while the big man gets himself right for the playoffs. This conversation also takes a sidestep into the latest with the Julio Urias situation. Max Muncy is living a dream, and we have to talk about it. Baseball players are facing stiff penalties in this hard subject. And we touch on some of the things we're looking forward to in the upcoming Yankees series at Dodger Stadium. Finally, Beard-man plays a second teaser for out interview with DJ Severe and Dieter Ruehle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryunited and it feels so good... Clint and Brook are back and joined by our own Gary Lee to break down all the remaining bullpen issues the Dodgers have, and oh so much more. Also on today's show: - Belli Ball Game - The Far Out Machine - Our Time at Kershaw’s Ping Pong Tournament - A DJ Severe and Dieter Teaser Leading off, the audience wants to talk about the negative: the bullpen. After the fringe relievers offered no help in the final game in Miami, the question persists about the make up of the relief core ahead of the playoffs. On the positive, the bats went full Launch Angle Assault against the Marlins as Belli and the boys went nuts. Perhaps a little too literally. Remaining on the hot side, Seager, JT, and Pollock are all starting to cruise, while Kershaw remains very underrated, and Dustin May has been electric. We assess our biggest concerns as the Dodgers hit Mid-August. Plus the Far Out Machine looks at the big competition laying ahead in the playoffs. Next we tease Dodgers Nation's time with the backbeat of Dodger Stadium -- DJ Severe and Dieter Ruehle before finally revisiting our time at Clayton Kershaw's ping pong tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Blue Heaven Podcast goes solo as Brook answer questions and comments from the live stream. Tune in to hear him discuss the youth movement within the Dodgers' roster and the outlook for the rest of the year. Also on today's show: An Early Look At the Dodgers' Playoff PictureAustin Barnes Making a Comeback at Triple-A?The Surprisingly Quiet Bullpen Success of Sadler and KellyAnd more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Dodgers top prospect Gavin Lux, Clint helps us get to know about the 2019 MLB Futures Game All-star. Topics include:Gavin's hot 2019 bat in 2019Defensive strides this seasonCulture shock as a professionaland more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by our Dodgers Nation writer, and Friend of the Show AJ Gonzalez, we break down the MLB trade deadline that just passed, and whether or not to classify it as a letdown. Also on today's show: - Dodgers Prospect SZN - Rojo Thor love with Dustin May - Joc Pederson and the "Defense" The trade deadline came and went and the Dodgers did nothing close to what rumors had in mind for the team. The team added Jedd Gyorko and Adam Kolarek while shipping out Brock Stewart and Rocky Gale. If you had that prop bet in Vegas, you are the world's boldest prophet. While the Dodgers didn't exactly win the deadline, some contenders around the league got better. Namely, the Astros, the Cubs, and the Braves. So for the Dodgers, no Vazquez or Diaz or Elias or Greene; none of the guys we talked about for a month, thus leading us to wonder... is the time now for the prospects to step up to the forefront? Will Smith is already getting it done. Tony Gonsolin showed what could he can do. Dustin May -- Rojo Thor himself -- is making his MLB debut on Friday, and Gavin Lux is pounding on the door. Plus we come up with a plethora of quality nicknames for the newest Dodgers. Finally, Clint takes one last opportunity to stomp on Joc Pederson's attempted play at first base after Dave Roberts announced that he would no longer play there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long time Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes was sent to AAA. The team made a trade for somebody you've likely barely heard of. They're linked to Mets ace Noah Syndergaard... things are getting weird and fun ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Joined by NBC LA reporter Michael Duarte, we go hard in for the final week before the deadline. On today's show: - Bye Bye Barnes - What is a "Tyler White?" - Blue Thors-day - And what is San Francisco doing? "Doctor" Michael Duarte joins Blue Heaven for the first time in a long time, and is as locked in as ever with tidbits and goodies. Leading off the show, Brook gets his wish... Dodgers Nation gets its wish... Austin Barnes was optioned to the minor leagues and Will Smith SZN is here. Along with the move, the Dodgers also are the clubhouse leaders for the trade deadline so far when they picked up a dude called Tyler White. We try to place where he fits in with this Dodgers team. Plus, plenty of talk on Giants pitchers, relief arms being targeted around baseball, and will Noah Syndergaard ever rock Dodger blue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices