Blog Kiosk: 2/23/2015 - Dodger Links - Urias, Hatcher and the Hilarious Brett Anderson

The often introspective Zack Greinke ponders the meaning of it all, or maybe he's wondering if fish really do sleep.  I know I wondered about that after reading Brett Anderson tweet from yesterday.  See that below.  BTW, the above photo is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out a bunch of great photos by him from yesterday.

Today, @BMcCarthy32 and I googled if fish sleep...so there's your inside look at what happens during spring training.
— Brett Anderson (@BAnderson_30) February 22, 2015

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Julio Urias takes next step in development."

"I'll categorize it like this: they are going to take the gloves off a little bit. I don't know the exact number of innings, the number of pitches, but it sounds like he's growing up," Mattingly said. "That's part of the player development side."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Peralta behind schedule due to right-shoulder discomfort."

"The doctor took a look and everything's fine," said Peralta, who did not have an MRI. "I'm not worried. I should be OK."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "The Dodgers’ history in Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Hatcher up for challenge as Dodgers substitute closer."

“I’m just going to be ready when they call my name no matter when it is, get ready to take the ball and get three outs before they score,” Hatcher said. “The ninth inning, it is what it is. I guess you have a title if you’re the closer but to me it’s just doing your job.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Ali Solis leaves Dodgers camp over contractural issue."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Chris Heisey joins a crowded outfield."
  

  “We’ll have a chance to look at him all through camp. The combination of guys and who ends up being here, that’s all up in the air,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s definitely an interesting guy from the way he swings the bat and we have great reports about his makeup and everything else.”

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Nicasio embracing new life as reliever."

"I pitched better in relief," said Nicasio. "I like it. I concentrate on just the fastball and slider and can be aggressive, because I know I don't have to pitch six or seven innings or 100 pitches."

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Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Pederson and Andrew Friedman

With Spring Training around the corner I really get a kick out these vintage press photos of the Dodgers in Vero Beach.  Featured above is Carl Furillo hurdling over a bat held by Gene Hermanski and Duke Snider.  It was taken on March 3, 1951 and was originally found on eBay, here. 

Below are some links to check out:

• Via John Schlegel at MLB.com, "Kershaw etched among all-time greats with historic '14."

"Awards aren't why we play the game, but I don't take it lightly," Kershaw said. "When fans chant that [MVP] stuff, it's an amazing feeling. I remember a few times pitching, and fans at Dodger Stadium would chant M-V-P -- that's unbelievable. It really is chilling. I don't know if I'll ever get used to that."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Joc Pederson’s journey before the arrival."

“I’m excited (about next season),” Pederson said. “All you can ask for is an opportunity, and I hope I get one. So I’m just preparing myself to win a job. I don’t expect anything to be handed to me.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Andrew Friedman noncommittal on Joc Pederson in center field."

"We'll take some time in spring training and assess [Pederson]. We'll get a feel for him in camp and how he's handling things," Friedman said on Friday. "There will be a discussion we'll have with the staff, and I'm sure it will be an ongoing discussion we have between now and the last game in March."

• Via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair, "Dodgers Continue to Add Catching Depth, Sign Minor Leaguer Ali Solis."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Andre Ethier defying trade odds again – for now."
• Listen to Andrew Friedman talk about sending Matt Kemp to San Diego and adding Yasmani Grandal, Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick to the lineup.

Video Link:

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