Dodgers Beat the Streak: Game two of Mannywood
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in Manny Machado’s first game as a Dodger. On Saturday, LA can secure a series win.
It still does not feel real; the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Manny Machado. For whatever reason, I still cannot wrap my head around this one.
Usually, when big trades happen it is cool and all, but I often come back down to earth fairly soon. In this case, though, even seeing Machado in Dodger Blue is not enough to make me really wrap my head around the situation.
In his first game as a Dodger Machado went 2-3 with two walks. Not the flashiest of days, but definitely a huge contribution in the two-slot, where Corey Seager usually hits.
If Machado can be better than Seager was last year, with the addition of Max Muncy, I like the Dodgers’ chances of making the World Series. Just imagine if they were to keep Machado and a healthy Seager came back. That would be dynamic.
Anyways, neither of us selected Machado in his first game as a Dodger. I went with Justin Turner, who did not get the start due to a sore groin. Sarah went with Matt Kemp, who did enough to extend her streak with a 1-4 effort.
Sarah’s pick — Current streak 2: Manny Machado
My pick for today is, who else, the newest Dodger, Manny Machado. I am still in complete shock that Machado is a Dodger, mainly because this a move that is different for the Dodgers.
Different, however, can be a good thing. Machado is having the best season of his career, and now he’s playing for us. Today I’m picking him because, since he’s in the National League now, not many pitchers in this league have faced him.
He’s a new face at the plate, and even though he’s great, we may be on the verge of seeing him get even better.
Jason’s pick — Current streak 0:
I really want to go with Manny Machado but if I picked him I would send bad luck his way which would hinder the start of his Dodger career. Thus, I am going with a bat that is starting to pick up some steam, Yasmani Grandal.
Grandal did not start the first game back from the break but has been tearing the cover off the ball in the month of July. In nine games as a starter, Grandal is hitting .417 with a 1.293 OPS, two home runs and eight RBIs.
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The time off may have cooled Grandal off a tad but it also likely re-energized him as the Dodgers finish up the dog days of summer. After a prolonged break, here comes Yasmani Grandal with a big night.