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Dodgers Debate

Dodgers Debate

Bill Plaschke, Mirjam Swanson, Maddie Lee 61 Episodes Sep 18, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers are changing baseball constantly. From star players, to salaries, to breaking records and upsetting opposing fans, the team has the attention of not only the nation, but the world. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson, three writers who intimately cover the team, take you through the ups and downs of the season as they try to win another World Series. Or sign another superstar. They might do both.

Episodes

Dodgers Debate: Playoff bound! But, World Series bound?
Dodgers Debate: Playoff bound! But, World Series bound? Sep 18, 2026 00:20:32 In news that you knew was coming, the Dodgers won the NL West. Now, the team is still fighting for that first round bye they definitely need as many on the team heal up. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at their possible postseason roster.
Dodgers Debate: Can this team turn it around in a month?
Dodgers Debate: Can this team turn it around in a month? Sep 4, 2026 00:16:54 Shohei Ohtani is hurt. The Dodgers’ rotation is injured. The team is in a fairly long slump and a first round bye isn’t remotely guaranteed. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at what the team needs to do right now (hint: shut Ohtani down from everything) to get ready for the postseason.
Dodgers Debate: There's hope! The Dodgers have big names coming back
Dodgers Debate: There's hope! The Dodgers have big names coming back Aug 27, 2026 00:16:32 It’s hot. It’s not great for the Dodgers. They’ve looked a bit lost since the All-Star break. But, rejoice! Will Smith is coming! Shohei Ohtani, as a pitcher, is returning! Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about Tarik Skubal's Detroit return and how the Dodgers are adjusting to getting players back and ready for the postseason.
Dodgers Debate: Never a dull moment with the Dodgers ...
Dodgers Debate: Never a dull moment with the Dodgers ... Aug 20, 2026 00:20:01 Well, the Dodgers just can’t have some peace and calm, can they? Now, an owner is getting in on the fun with some controversy. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at the situation and how it could affect the team and also question if Shohei Ohtani is still the MVP frontrunner.
Dodgers Debate: The Dodgers will stop at nothing to win
Dodgers Debate: The Dodgers will stop at nothing to win Aug 4, 2026 00:15:29 Tarik Skubal. He IS a Dodger. The team made the biggest splash at the trade deadline and upset a lot of MLB fans who don't like that the Dodgers will spend money to win. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at the new pitcher and the team's new life.
Dodgers Debate: Trade deadline madness
Dodgers Debate: Trade deadline madness Jul 30, 2026 00:19:51 Tarik Skubal. Is he a Dodger? Do they need him? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson really think so, and Plaschke has an exclusive “picture” of him in a Dodgers jersey!
Dodgers Debate: The White House and the trade deadline
Dodgers Debate: The White House and the trade deadline Jul 24, 2026 00:19:50 The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House. It was hot. It was sort of odd? But mostly hot. But now that it’s over, we can get back to baseball. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about the visit but then hit the trade deadline talk hard, with vastly different opinions on what the Dodgers should, or shouldn’t, do.
Dodgers Debate: What the Dodgers need right now
Dodgers Debate: What the Dodgers need right now Jul 17, 2026 00:18:52 The second half of the baseball season is upon us and the Dodgers ended the first half looking… sort of sloppy. Shohei Ohtani might not be on the mound for a while. Will Smith might not be back yet and no one is sure when. And now, starting pitching is an issue. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson break down what the team needs to do in the seco
Dodgers Debate: Midseason awards
Dodgers Debate: Midseason awards Jul 3, 2026 00:13:50 Shocking news: the Los Angeles Dodgers are really good. And they haven't really even been clicking at the same time yet. Mookie Betts is looking like Mookie Betts, but injuries are still an issue. However, we're at the halfway point of the season almost and they look unstoppable. Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson talk about who is the MVP so f
Dodgers Debate: Ohtani and Rushing, trouble in paradise
Dodgers Debate: Ohtani and Rushing, trouble in paradise Jun 26, 2026 00:18:30 Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing aren’t really working. Will Smith, the starting catcher, is still on the injured list and not coming back soon. What do the Dodgers do? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at how Rushing can improve, why he needs to and what happens if he can’t work with Ohtani.
Dodgers Debate: BLISTER WATCH. Should Shohei Ohtani Be shut down?
Dodgers Debate: BLISTER WATCH. Should Shohei Ohtani Be shut down? Jun 19, 2026 00:17:46 Shohei Ohtani’s finger is being ripped open due to a blister. He has a knee issue. IS HE FALLING APART? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look at the best player in baseball’s issues and wonder if it’s that time of the season where Ohtani could sit for a bit and heal up before the postseason.
Dodgers Debate: The pitching blues of the summer
Dodgers Debate: The pitching blues of the summer Jun 11, 2026 00:19:26 The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is coming back to earth, blowing numerous games lately. And is Shohei Ohtani going to watch a new catcher after some ABS issues? Los Angeles Times beat writer Maddie Lee and columnists Bill Plaschke and Mirjam Swanson look into the team’s recent pitching woes and wax philosophical about the 2020 World Series ahead of the team’s series against the Tampa Bay Devil Ray

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