Blog Kiosk: 12/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this great, circa 1950's, vintage photo showing the exterior facade of Ebbets Field and a Brooklyn bus/trolley -- complete with kids getting a free ride on the back of the bus. Pic above via Dugout Legends on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1999, in what would be his final Major League season, the Dodgers signed free agent hurler and legendary pitcher Orel Hershiser to a one-year $2 million contract. He would not last the year, and be released on June 27th after going 1-5 with an 13.14 ERA. Overall, Hershiser would compile a 135-107 record in 13 years as a Dodger, with an 3.12 ERA, 24 shutouts, 65 complete games, 1456 strikeouts, an 116 ERA+, a 3.28 FIP and an 39.8 WAR. In 2004 Adrián Beltré leaves the Dodgers, after spending the first seven years of his career with the club, to sign a five-year $64 million free agent contract with the Mariners.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Ojeda & Chase Utley!

Dodgers Diamond Anniversary Gets a Special Patch

The marriage between the City of Los Angeles and Dodgers will be 60 years strong this season, so naturally a commemorative patch is in order. This afternoon the team unveiled that patch. Check out an graphic of it above. Below is a look at the real thing on a Kenta Maeda jersey.

Blog Kiosk: 1/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The first leg of the Dodgers 2018 Community Tour yesterday included an afternoon with firefighters and first responders at Dodger Stadium. They took part in batting practice and had an opportunity to meet with a whole bunch of Dodgers'. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We’ve been shoulder to shoulder with our citizens that have just endured an incredible situation, and it does wear on our personnel,” Millers said. “For the Dodgers organization just to give us a little time on the field where many of us have dreamt to be, it’s fantastic.” 

Wood said he knows how crazy the last couple months had to be for all the firefighters who were at Dodger Stadium on Monday, so he’s glad they got to have a day to just enjoy themselves. 

“You see the news with all the wildfires and everything,” Wood said. “I know it’s probably taken a pretty big toll on a lot of these guys and a lot of hours and work they’ve had to put in. To have a day just for them out here and to be a part of it, it’s pretty cool.”

Photo above via LA County FD on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded for future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson (during the tail end of his career) from the Cardinals for a minor leaguer and some cash. In 1962 Jackie Robinson, along with Bob Feller, are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. 
• Happy Birthday, Joey Amalfitano (a Dodgers pitching coach) & Billy Mullen!

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - AGon Won his Bet and More Vin Scully

I just love this photo of our rookie shortstop and MVP candidate Corey Seager taking batting practice within the bowels of Dodger Stadium. 

"It's Time For October Baseball," indeed.

The photo was shared yesterday afternoon by NikeLA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 future baketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was a prospect for the Dodgers.  On this day he was thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home.  He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one.  In 1961 Sandy Koufax struck out seven Phillies batters to pass Christy Mathewson's National League record for strike outs at 269.  Mathewson struck out 267 batters in 1903.  In 1993 Mike Piazza broke the Los Angeles Dodgers record for home runs at 34.  In 2000 the Team USA Baseball team, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the overwhelming favorites Cubans ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland!

Rockies Series Starts on Thursday - Autograph Opportunities, Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The last homestand of the 2016 regular season starts on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The twelfth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Vin Scully on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The 96-page September 19-25 issue of Dodger Insider magazine is devoted entirely to Vin Scully, in honor of the Hall of Famer’s final homestand with the Dodgers after 67 seasons.  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.  

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Thursday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM
RHP Tyler Chatwood vs. LHP Brett Anderson
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - McCarthy, Scully and Chase Utley

Yesterdays game had it all.  There was an opening inning homer by Justin Turner to give the Dodgers an early lead.  The opposition mounted a vigorous comeback that included several big hits from former Angel Mark Trumbo.  Although starting pitching was lackluster for both team, they ended up combining for a total of 36 strike outs on the day.  BTW, nine innings was not enough to decide the game.  They had to go to extras.  All the while, Chase Utley, an aging 37-year old shortstop, thought to be already over the hill, hammered out six hits throughout the day.  A feat last accomplished by Shawn Green in 2002.  Per Jack Baer and Brittany Ghiroli at MLB.com:

"Just found some open ground out there," Utley said. "Overall it was a good game. Obviously, we're disappointed with the outcome, but we battled. Our relievers did a great job keeping us in the game. Had a lot of guys on base, a few big hits, could have used a couple more."

Via Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Chase has been great," manager Dave Roberts said. "He finds a way to compete, put the barrel on the ball, and he found some outfield grass today. He's just a pro. The way he conducts his at-bats, I think he got three two-strike hits. Just used the whole field today."

Unfortunately, the exploits of Mr. Greybeard was not enough.  In 14 innings the Orioles outlasted the Dodgers and won, 6-4.  Go here to watch Dave Roberts talk about the game with Alanna Rizzo.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1959 Don Drysdale pitches a perfect three innings during the All-Star game in Pittsburgh.  In 2004 Kazuhisa Ishii tosses a one-hitter against the Diamondbacks to defeat Arizona 11-0.
• Happy Birthday, Jeff Shaw, Glenn Hoffmann and Brandon McCarthy!

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Outfield Analytics and Dee Gordon is Suspended

Here's a great pic of two old Dodgers, Don Newcombe and Manny Mota.  Photo via @Dodgers on twitter.

As for the game... Well, I don't really wanna talk about it.  Maeda was good until he ran out of gas in the seventh inning.  Pedro Baez couldn't get an out when he needed it.  Heck, the schlub balked in a run.  Then to make matters worse, the Dodgers offense continues to press.  They could only muster three runs in the loss.

Oh well, we get swept by a team managed by our old skipper, and that's got to make him feel pretty good.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We just got outplayed," manager Dave Roberts said, and not by just any team, but the one managed by his predecessor as Dodgers manager, Don Mattingly. It was the first series sweep in Los Angeles in Marlins history.

Of course, last nights game wasn't the biggest news of the evening.  What really got folks talking was the revelation that Dee Gordon, a man so beloved even after being traded to Miami, has tested positive for PED's and is suspended for 80 games.  Wha...?

Wow, Dee Gordon got 80 games for testing positive for exogenous Testosterone and Clostebol

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) April 29, 2016

To make matters worse, he likely failed testing weeks ago (maybe during spring training) and was in the midst of an appeal that he only dropped right after last nights game.  That certainly adds insult to injury.

The Dee Gordon announcement came tonight because he only just dropped his appeal and wanted to tell his teammates what happened.

— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) April 29, 2016

He claims that he did not knowingly ingest the illegal substances (per his recent statement), but the damage is done.  He's just a case of another false (failed) hero.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 Eric Gagne, who was on the DL, is suspended and fined for two games.  He had heckled home plate umpire Bill Hohn; in violation of a rule saying that an DL'd player may not take part in any activity during the game.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #6

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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(Ellis with the catcher signs, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

MARCH MADNESS: The Dodgers held their sixth full-squad workout of Spring Training today with some team defense work (pickoffs and rundowns) and live batting practice. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

GETTING IN THE RHYTHM: Chris Hatcher, Brett Anderson, Ross Stripling, Luis Avilan, Zach Lee and Chase DeJong all threw live BP today, while Scott Kazmir, Pedro Baez, Louis Coleman, Mike Bolsinger, Jharel Cotton, Jacob Rhame and Yaisel Sierra all threw regular bullpens.

• Anderson, 28, enters his eighth big league season after serving as a reliable starter for the Dodgers in his first season with the club in 2015. He posted a 10-9 record with a 3.69 ERA in a career-high 31 starts for Los Angeles and also finished with career highs in innings pitched (180.1) and quality starts (18). He led Major League qualifiers with a 66.7 groundball percentage last season and forced 23 groundball double plays, which ranked eighth most among starting pitchers in the senior circuit.

(Yaisel Sierra's first bullpen session, pic via Jon SooHoo on Dodgers twitter)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Newly acquired right-handed pitcher Yaisel Sierra participated in his first Spring Training workout with the club today, including throwing his first official bullpen of the spring. Sierra, 24, was signed by the Dodgers to a six-year contract last Sunday and pitched five seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional with Holguin (2010-14) and Sancti Spiritus (2012), going 16-21 with 25 saves and a 4.23 ERA in 131 games (25 starts). Sierra, who was ranked No. 13 on Baseball America’s Top 20 Cuban prospects list, pitched for the country’s gold-medal winning national team at the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games. Sierra will wear No. 70.

MIC CHECK: Dodgers broadcasters Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yñiguez arrived in Camelback Ranch yesterday, while Charley Steiner arrived to Spring Training earlier today, as they prepare to call the first Cactus League game on Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox. Steiner, a four-time Emmy Award winner, is entering his 12th season as play-by-play announcer for the Dodgers and will primarily call the action from AM 570 LA Sports. The 17-year Major League veteran and legendary Dodger, Valenzuela enters his second season calling games on SportsNet LA in Spanish alongside Yñiguez, who enters his 18th season with the Dodgers.

(Josh Ravin, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

GET WELL SOON: Right-handed reliever Josh Ravin was involved in an automobile accident yesterday and broke his left radius. His surgery was scheduled for today. We wish Josh a speedy recovery!  (You can take a look at his broken arm here)

Thank you all for the well wishes!
It's definitely a tough break... ; )

— Josh Ravin™ (@FreshSqueezed22) March 1, 2016

THE BEGINNING: On this date in 2009, the Dodgers played their first-ever game at Camelback Ranch against the Chicago White Sox, with right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda taking the mound and throwing the first-ever pitch at CBR. The club lost, 3-2, to their neighbors, who share one of the largest stadiums in the Cactus League.

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Padres Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The final homestand starts tomorrow evening against the San Diego Padres, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

As part of the club’s celebration of national Hispanic Heritage Month, the Dodgers are offering fans 20 percent off Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig Dodger player T-shirts for the remainder of the regular season at the official team store at the Top of the Park.

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Friday, October 2nd at 7:10 PM
SNLA & MLB Network / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme will be a salute to Hispanic Heritage Month.

As part of the club’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, mariachis will perform in the left-field plaza from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. DJ Adam will provide entertainment in the right-field plaza from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

LA Galaxy forward and 2014 MLS MVP Robbie Keane will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alum Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Navy Machinist Mate Weapons 2nd Class Richard Vasquez of Whittier.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include an Adrian Gonzalez autographed bat, Kirk Gibson autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, August 29th at 6:10 PM
SNLA & MLB Network / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 1:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:10 PM. 

It is Hispanic Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an specially designed commemorative Adrian Gonzalez t-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

The Dodgers will play host to their 18th annual Hispanic Heritage celebration, La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers located at the Historic 76 Station.  It all starts at 2:00 PM.  Sonsoles, Los 5 and Sinverguenza are scheduled to perform. La Gran Fiesta Viva Los Dodgers will include participation by current Dodger players and the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast teams: Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrín, Jorge Jarrín, Manny Mota, Pepe Yñiguez and Fernando Valenzuela. Dodger broadcasters Rick Monday and Charley Steiner will be on hand. Dodger alum Ron Cey and Al Ferrara will also participate along with Dodger scout Mike Brito. Boxer Miguel Cotto will also make a special appearance.

As part of Viva Los Dodgers, there will be a pregame mariachi performance on the field. Boxer Miguel Cotto will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  “Straight Outta Compton” star O’Shea Jackson Jr., who plays his father Ice Cube in the film, will announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup.

A living statue will be in the left-field plaza from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. DJ Sean will provide entertainment in the right-field plaza. Everett Coast will play in the right-field Reserve plaza and Bear Brass Band will be in the left-field Reserve plaza.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Shawn Boiko of Van Nuys and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Paul Roche of Pasadena.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Saturday include a Andre Ethier autographed photo, Don Mattingly autographed baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 7:45 p.m.

UPDATE  I just received a complete schedule of activities at La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers :

1:30 p.m. All Dodger Stadium auto gates open
2:00 p.m. La Gran Fiesta Viva Los Dodgers begins
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Autographs with Grandal, Peralta and Torreyes
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Photos with Hernandez
2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  On stage interview with Gonzalez
2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  On stage interview with the Jarríns
2:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.  Sonsoles perform
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Autographs with Ferrara, Monday and Mota
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Photos with the Jarríns
3:20 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.  Sinverguenza performs
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Autographs with Brito, Cey, Ferrara and Mota
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Photos with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:05 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.  On stage interviews with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:08 p.m. to 4:28 p.m.  Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Autographs with Avilan, Frias and Guerrero
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Photos with Garcia, Baez and Nicasio
4:35 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.  Cotto interview on stage
4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.  Los 5 performs
5:35 p.m. Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance on field
5:45 p.m. DJ Adam provides entertainment
5:55 p.m. Cotto first pitch
6:10 p.m. Game time

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Sunday, August 30th at 12:10 PM

SNLA & ESPN/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 12:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 9:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 10:10 AM.  This is Fan Appreciation Day!  Fans seeking to be eligible to win prizes in the first round of giveaways should have their tickets scanned by 11:30 a.m.  Prizes include a one-year lease for a 2016 C Class Mercedez-Benz, a LG 49” Class 4K UHD Smart LED TV, a suite to a 2016 regular season game, a pitching lesson from Orel Hersheiser and more unique experiences. A fan in attendance Sunday will also be randomly selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael Dominguez of Los Angeles.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a game-used LA Dodger third base, Corey Seager autographed baseball and A.J. Ellis autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 1:45 p.m.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 30 / Road Game 16

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Los Angeles Dodgers (15-8-6) at Arizona Diamondbacks (14-13-2)
Monday, March 30, 2015 – 1:10 p.m. MT | Salt River Fields

LHP Brett Anderson (1-0, 4.05) vs. RHP Allen Webster (0-1, 8.18)
TV: SNLA

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(Mota, Rollins & Kendricks, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

RIGHT IN THEIR BACKYARD: The Dodgers, who have the National League’s best spring winning percentage at .652, will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second and final time this spring this afternoon. Last year, the Dodgers dominated the Snakes, winning 15 of 19 games, including two in Sydney, Australia, and eight of 10 in Phoenix. This season, the clubs will square off during the campaign’s first month as the Dodgers travel to Chase Field for their first road trip, April 10-12. Arizona’s first visit to Dodger Stadium will come the next time the squads play, from May 1-3.

NOT HALF BAD: The Dodgers split a pair of contests yesterday in their final split squad of the Cactus League campaign. At Camelback Ranch, Los Angeles downed the Rangers, 10-5, behind three hits, three RBI and a homer from Buck Britton, and finished the spring season 3-0-1 against Texas. Jimmy Rollins, Howie Kendrick and Scott Van Slyke had two hits apiece for the Dodgers who collected 15 on the afternoon in support of starter Brandon McCarthy, who gave up three runs in 5.2 innings. 

• Over in Scottsdale, the “other” Dodgers lost to the Giants, 11-9. In that contest, Joc Pederson went 2-for-3 and belted his sixth Cactus League homer while Yasiel Puig went 2-for-3 with a double, run and RBI. Catcher Yasmani Grandal was 2-for-4 with two doubles and Kiké Hernandez cracked his fifth homer, a three-run shot in the eighth inning. Dodger starter Carlos Frias allowed three runs and eight hits in 3.1 innings. 

FOLLOW THE LEADERS: The Dodgers have blasted a Major League-leading 45 home runs (four more than the Cubs’ 41) and have a .289 team batting average (3rd, NL) with a .495 slugging percentage (2nd, NL) this spring.

• Joc Pederson continues to rank among the NL leaders this spring in batting average (.389, 3rd), slugging percentage (.796, 1st), hits (21, 2nd), runs (13, T-2nd), total bases (43, 2nd) and home runs (6, 2nd).
• Justin Turner has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games and is batting .465 with six doubles, three homers and eight RBI, while posting a .489 on-base percentage and a .814 slugging percentage in 17 Cactus League games. Turner’s 20 hits this spring tie for third-most in the NL and his 35 total bases are tied for fourth.
• Yasiel Puig ranks among the NL’s best this spring in home runs (5, T-3rd) and RBI (13, T-5th); Kiké Hernandez places among the league’s best in home runs (5, T-3rd) and runs scored (12, T-4th); and Howie Kendrick is tied for fourth with 12 runs scored.

(McCarthy & Gonzalez, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

FOLLOW ME TO BRADLEY!: The official dedication of the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication at Bradley University will be held tomorrow, March 31, at 3:00 p.m. at the Caterpillar Global Communications Center in Peoria, IL. The dedication program will include remarks from Dr. Jeff Huberman, Dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts; Dr. Paul Gullifor, Chair of the Department of Communication; Joanne Glasser, President of Bradley University; Jim Ardis, Mayor of Peoria; and of course, Charley himself. Video of the dedication will be available following the event at bradley.edu/steinerdedication. The Steiner School will have 120 majors, in radio and television broadcasting, journalism, production, direction, ethics, media relations, digital and sales. 

ON THE MOUND: LHP Brett Anderson will make his fourth Cactus League start today. Anderson has allowed three runs on 10 hits through 6.2 innings so far this spring. He last pitched in a Cactus League game on March 19 against the Angels, allowing three runs on seven hits through 1.2 innings. The southpaw did pitch in a minor league game last Tuesday, on the Dodgers’ off day. In that contest, he allowed three runs and nine hits in 5.2 innings. Anderson tossed 79 pitches and struck out five in that outing.

• LHP Paco Rodriguez is expected to make his ninth appearance of the spring today. Through eight Cactus League appearances, Rodriguez has tossed 8.1 scoreless innings, surrendering only three hits and striking out 10.
• LHP Adam Liberatore is also expected to see action today. Liberatore has held opposing hitters to a .148 batting average this spring, allowing only four hits in 8.0 innings of work.
• RHP Yimi Garcia will make his ninth Cactus League appearance today. Garcia allowed his first run of the spring in his last start on Friday against the Giants.
• RHP Pedro Baez will also make his ninth appearance of the spring today. Through eight Cactus League appearances, Baez has allowed five runs on seven hits in 8.0 innings.
• Veteran RHP Mike Adams is expected to make an appearance today. Through 3.2 innings this spring, Adams has surrendered four hits and three runs while striking out four.

(Tommy Lasorda,, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full – Squad Workout #5

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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(Puig playing MLB 15, pic via his twitter)

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY: With spring showers pouring down in Camelback Ranch – Glendale, the Dodgers held their fifth full-squad workout of 2015, working in the batting cages while the coaching staff held a baserunning meeting and also talked about the new pace of game rules with position players. Clayton Kershaw, Brandon League, Chris Hatcher, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Joel Peralta, Joe Wieland, Ben Rowen, Ryan Buchter and Daniel Coulombe tossed regular bullpens. 

FIVE-IN-A-ROW: Dodger Manager Don Mattingly announced today that he plans to start 2014 National League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw for the fifth consecutive year on Opening Day when the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres on April 6. Kershaw will become the second pitcher in Los Angeles history to start five consecutive Opening Days for the Dodgers, following Hall of Famer Don Sutton, who pitched seven consecutive Opening Days for the club (1972-78). Sutton and fellow Hall of Famer Don Drysdale (1958-61, 1963, 1965, 1969) share the mark for the most Opening Day starts in L.A. Dodger history with seven.

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

PLAY BALL: After declaring the starters for Dodgers’ first and second Cactus League games on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5 against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch - Glendale, the Dodgers announced the pitchers who are scheduled to throw for each game. On March 4, left-hander Erik Bedard will start the game, followed by Carlos Frias, Juan Nicasio, Sergio Santos, Adam Liberatore and Josh Ravin. On March 5, Clayton Kershaw will start, followed by Joe Weiland, Brandon League, Chris Hatcher, Daniel Coulombe and Ryan Buchter.

WELCOME TO CBR: Dodgers broadcasters Charley Steiner, Jaime Jarrín and Jorge Jarrín arrived in Camelback Ranch today as they prepare to call the first Cactus League game on Wednesday, March 4 against the White Sox. The Four-time Emmy Award winner Steiner is entering his 11th season as play-by-play announcer for the Dodgers and will be broadcasting games on SportsNet LA and AM570 KLAC. Hall of Famer, Jaime Jarrín, is entering his 57th season in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio booth alongside his son Jorge, who will be new to the broadcast team on Univision America 1020 (KTNQ).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: The Dodgers would like wish Single-A Great Lakes Loons hitting coach and former Dodger Jay Gibbons a Happy Birthday. Gibbons returns to the Dodger organization following a nine-year playing career with Baltimore (2001-2007) and Los Angeles (2010-11). Gibbons compiled a .260 batting average to go along with 127 homers and 427 RBI in the big leagues, playing first base and the outfield. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 14th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.

(Kapler brought Kendrick some organic maple syrup, pic via @DodgerInsider on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig the Gamer and Sweeney to the Next Level

Yasiel Puig has been tearing up the interwebs lately.  He's been posting up pics and videos on almost a daily basis on his instagram account, and the above vintage B&W is my favorite.  Yesterday, on #Throwback Thursday, he put up proof that he's been a gamer since he was a little tyke, and like many folks he started out with a Nintendo.

Below are some more links to check out:

• This is not great news for non-TW customers.  Via Bill Shaikin and Meg James at The LA Times, "Getting Dodgers' SportsNet LA to new viewers affected by media mergers."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "An energizing moment for the Dodgers."

But beyond that, the WDP (Winter Development Program) has also struck me as a major organizational retreat, a moment for the Dodgers’ new leadership to stamp its open-minded, thoughtful direction throughout the franchise.
...
“Some of it is a little new as far as what they’re really looking for, (but) when you hear Alex and you hear these guys talk about it and you get further in depth about the numbers, you start putting things together,” Dodger pitching prospect Zach Lee said. “I kind of had a little problem with last year, trying to get over some things mentally, when errors or things didn’t necessarily go the right way, rather than taking three or four pitches to reset, kind of resetting right away. And you realize that those things don’t really matter in the long run. Just continue to execute, continue to do things the way you’re taught to do, and things will work themselves out.”

• Via Marc Hulet at RotoGraphs, "Top 5 Prospects for 2015: Los Angeles Dodgers."
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Dodger prospect Darnell Sweeney gets next-level training from Barry Larkin and Dee Gordon."

From Larkin, he said he’s learned the following:
“His thing is it’s definitely a physical game, but you need to exercise the mental part of it, too. You have to make sure you visualize yourself being successful. Make sure before the game you visualize what you have to do, and after the game you go through the game, play it back in your head (and think), ‘I could have done this better.’ ”

From Gordon:
“How he reads pitches. His jumps. (And) have fun. He’s one of those guys who always has a smile on his face. That’s what I always want to do is play the game right and have fun.”

• Via Dan Espstein at Just a Bit Outside, "Bloop Hits: Terry Forster's musical feast."  (Hat Tip: Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider - BTW, Jon provides a whole bunch of worthwhile links to check out).
• Per Jon Heyman on twitter, Chris Heisey and the Dodgers agree to a contract before arbitration.

Chris heisey, dodgers settle at $2.16M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 16, 2015

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Bradley University names school for Steiner."
• Via Ben Marks at Collectors Weekly, "Flipping Out Over Handheld Movies, a Century Before Smartphones."  I must admit that I absolutely love flip books.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2015 - Dodgers Links - A Puig Team Meeting, Losing Rosin and Tommy's Wall

Check out Tommy Lasorda and his daughter Laura in front of a wall of his photos; adjacent to a food stand named after him - "Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria".  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check more pics from yesterdays unveiling of the changes to Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers private workout for season ticket holders here.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Road-tested Steiner welcomes another Dodgers year".

"To have Dan Haren four and Beckett five, that's pretty impressive. And we haven't brought up [Clayton] Kershaw or [Zack] Greinke or [Hyun-Jin] Ryu. So the rotation is solid. And the bullpen, you've got four guys that have closed at one time or another. The pitching is probably the strength of this team, as of this day."

• This is the best story written so far about the whole Puig thing. Via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.com, "Dodgers, Yasiel Puig clear air".  It's a great read and phenomenal reporting; unlike some of the other drivel that's appeared recently.

"I asked them to please keep helping me," Puig told ESPN. "Specifically with baserunning and hitting my cutoff man. I want them to help me with everything they can."

• The Dodgers lose Seth Rosin and Javy Guerra to the waiver wire, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.
• Jon also provides some photos and information on the newly created left field pavilion area, here.
• Mike Ozanian at Forbes just released their Baseball team value list, and the Dodgers are ranked 2nd.  Go here to check it out.
• Michelle Rubin at Dodger Insider, "Dodger Pride Rewards Program announced".  This is the new season ticket holder program.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA has the background story on how AJ Ellis came to endorse 'Game On' beef jerky.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ellis joins Cards' Motte in fundraising drive".

"It's to raise awareness and fuel cancer research," Ellis said. "He started it last year in St. Louis and decided, let's do every team. Now $5 for every shirt goes to Jason's charity and $5 to each of ours. I will have my charity chosen by Opening Day. It's a great idea to help fight the plague of cancer. I'm honored Jason reached out. When he was a catcher in the Florida State League, we bonded as two defensive catchers that couldn't hit. He transitioned into an All-Star closer."

• Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest takes a look at the value of Yasiel Puig's baserunning.
• This is just great.  Keith Olbermann shares a newly found video of an historic moment in Baseball history.  Check it out below.  It's awesome!  (Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily)

Video Link:

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Sunday Dodger Videos: A Ryu Commercial, Steiner Speaks to Olbermann about Dodgers and Backstage: Dodgers Episode 2

Here are this Sunday's Dodger Videos.

Below is Hyun-Jin Ryu's latest Korean ramen TV commercial featuring former Korean national team manager Kim In-sik.  (Hat Tip: MyKBO)

Video Link:

Charley Steiner joins Keith Olbermann to discuss the Dodgers' upcoming trip to Australia, Yasiel Puig's development heading into his second season, and why it will feel odd to see Derek Jeter walk away from the game after this season.

Video Link:

For those who haven't seen it yet, here is SportsNet LA show "Backstage: Dodgers Episode 2".

Video Link:

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 11/Road Game 6

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

--------------------------

 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-4-2) at Texas Rangers (2-6-1)
Saturday, March 8, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Tanner Scheppers (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 11/Road Game 6
Television: None/Radio: KLAC

--------------------------

(Puig fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THESE GUYS LOOK FAMILIAR: The Dodgers will play a pair of games today and tonight with split-squads playing against Texas in Surprise this afternoon and against the Mariners tonight at Camelback Ranch. Capacity crowds are expected for both Dodger games at The Ranch this weekend with tomorrow’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Giants also approaching a sellout.

• The Dodgers and Rangers met yesterday at Camelback Ranch, with Los Angeles emerging as 2-1 victors. Hanley Ramirez smashed a two-run homer in the first inning off Martin Perez to account for the Dodgers’ scoring. Right-hander Zach Lee made his first appearance of the spring and tossed 2.0 scoreless frames to pick up the victory. Brian Wilson, Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell and Chris Perez each pitched a scoreless inning of relief and Tom Windle picked up the save with 2.0 scoreless frames to close out the game.
• The two clubs last met in the regular season in 2009 and the Dodgers are 11-9 all-time against the Rangers.
• Six Dodgers are pulling double-duty today and are scheduled to appear in both games; OF Mike Baxter, OF Joc Pederson (starting both games), INF Alex Guerrero, INF Miguel Rojas, INF Clint Robinson and INF Brendan Harris.
• Minor league position players suiting up this afternoon include C Chris O’Brien (#70), C Griff Erickson (#79), IF Ozzie Martinez (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), IF Jamie Romak (#94), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#89), OF Jon Garcia (#90), OF Scott Schebler (#91).

(Uribe, Beltre and Hanley, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE MOUND: Paul Maholm will make his first start of the spring after allowing just one hit in 2.0 scoreless frames on Sunday in relief against the Padres. Maholm forced the Padres to ground into a double play in that outing and has induced a Major League-leading 184 double play balls since 2006. The 31-year-old, who enters his first season with the Dodgers, went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts with the Braves last year and enters the 2014 season just 50 strikeouts shy of 1,000 Ks for his career.

• Seth Rosin will make his third appearance this afternoon, last pitching on Monday against the Athletics with 3.0 scoreless innings, and has struck out eight without issuing a walk in 5.0 scoreless innings this spring. Rosin, who was acquired from the Mets after he was selected from Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft, appeared in 26 games (23 starts) last season, going 9-6 with a 4.33 ERA. He was originally selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound for his third appearance of the spring after allowing one run on two hits in 1.0 inning on Thursday against the Angels. The 24-year-old has allowed a run in both of his 1.0-inning appearances this spring and is coming off an impressive stint with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League, going 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA in 15 relief appearances.
• Minor leaguers RHP Steve Edlefsen (#86), RHP Justin Souza (#88), RHP Sam Demel (#38) and RHP Henry Sosa (#95) will suit up for the Dodgers this afternoon. Edlefsen, one of the newest Dodgers, was signed out of the club’s Feb. 27 open tryout and has appeared in 27 big league games during the course of his career with the Giants in 2011-2012, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA. The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Giants in the 16th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska.

(Miguel Rojas, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season two weeks from today (!) against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its March 16 game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition on March 20 and then take on the D-backs on March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

GETTING CONNECTED: Following tonight’s game against the Mariners, SportsNet LA will debut “Connected With…Adrian Gonzalez” at 10:00 p.m. PT. Alanna Rizzo conducted the in-depth interview, where Gonzalez discussed growing up in both Mexico and the United States, being the No. 1 draft pick and how living in Los Angeles is a great fit for him.

• Gonzalez is batting .400 (6-for-15) with three runs scored, two doubles, a homer and an RBI through six games this spring. Last year, in his first full season as a Dodger, the 31-year-old batted .293 and led the club in most offensive categories, including hits (171), home runs (22), RBI (100) and games played (157).
• Last year, Gonzalez batted .323 with runners in scoring position (51-for-158), the 13th-best mark in the NL, and ranks fifth among active players with a .328 career batting average with RISP.

ON THE MEND: This morning, Zack Greinke threw approximately 35 pitches in a simulated game to Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp, who is also progressing in his rehab. Kemp took some limited-range flyballs today in the outfield to supplement his running program.

(Orel Hershiser and Charley Steiner, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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SportsNet LA Launches on February 25th

The channel Dodger fans have been waiting for is about to go live.  Starting on Tuesday, February 25th, SportsNet LA launches as the 24/7 home of the Dodgers.  Per a Dodgers press release, they:

will take fans behind-the-scenes of the team and offer in-depth access into the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming.

Here is what you should expect:

• The revolution will be televised.  All Dodgers Spring Training games will be on television; except for two split-squad games. That's 22 total Spring games.
• Vin Scully will call the inaugural game telecast on Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 PM PT. 

"It is an incredible honor to have the remarkable opportunity to call the very first game on the Dodger network," said Scully. "The Dodgers' new ownership group has done a wonderful job assembling a team to make SportsNet LA what every Dodger fan deserves, a television network just for them. I'm humbled to be a part of it."

• A live daily studio show will air at 7:00 PM during Spring Training, and will be called "Access SportsNet: Dodgers".

The show will be hosted live from the SportsNet LA studios in El Segundo, CA with contributions from the SportsNet LA on-air team live in Glendale, AZ. John Hartung will lead the program, alongside longtime Dodger announcer Charley Steiner and Dodger legends Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra, with contributions from recently-retired Dodger Jerry Hairston Jr. and experienced baseball reporter Alanna Rizzo. "Access SportsNet: Dodgers" will deliver an hour of comprehensive coverage of the team, highlighting the behind-the-scenes access of the new network, while providing fans with the latest information, updates and team features.

• Another show will be called "Backstage: Dodgers", per @SportsNetLA on twitter.   It'll air every week during the season, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the team.
• Glenn Diamond, a sports TV producer and five-time Emmy Award winner, will produce Dodger games.  He has 31 years of national Baseball production experience.

Unfortunately, Time Warner has yet to receive a go ahead from other cable or satellite networks, so there is a threat that you may not be able to watch - unless you have Time Warner already.  So, the next few weeks should be interesting as things heat up. 

I would expect a loud and visible campaign to start very soon.

(pic via @SportsNetLA on twitter)

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The Dodgers TV Channel - SportsNet LA - Opens for Business on Feb. 25th - Details Here

Throughout the winter, we received word about various signings of former Dodger players who would join the Dodgers cable channel this upcoming season.  We rejoiced at Orel Hershiser's signing, celebrated Nomar Garciaparra's return, and congratulated Jerry Hairston Jr. on his career change.  So, all we were waiting on now was information about the new channel.

I have just been notified that the new Dodgers channel, to be called SportsNet LA, will officially be going live on Tuesday, February 25, which is the day before the Dodgers first Spring Training ballgame at Camelback Ranch.

What good timing, eh?

As their press release said:

SportsNet LA will take fans behind-the-scenes and offer in-depth access into the Dodger organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content, and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will televise 24/7 Dodger content, including live and classic games, live studio shows, numerous original programs, all with expert commentary led by the network's on-air talent team of Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Charley Steiner, Jerry Hairston, Alanna Rizzo and John Hartung.

Here is a pic tweeted out by the @Dodgers of the entire broadcast team.  As newest Feelin' Kinda Blue blog writer Jason Drantch said on twitter,

"Broadcast Team!  Assemble!"

You can follow SportsNet LA on twitter, here.  Also, their website is live.  Go here to see that.  The website is currently pushing fans to get in contact with their television providers to demand SportsNet LA.  No doubt we'll get upcoming stories about this or that cable/satellite provider refusing to carry the channel.  So that should be fun.

As for game broadcast, here is the lineup:

• Vin Scully will, of course, continue broadcasting all home games and road games (in Arizona and California only) on television.
• For games Scully will not be broadcasting on television, Charley Steiner and Orel Hershiser will make the call.
• On the radio, Charley Steiner and Rick Monday will do the broadcast.
• For games Steiner will be on television, Rick Monday and Nomar Garciaparra will be on the radio.
• For Spanish language radio broadcast, the team remains the same: Jaime Jarrin, Pepe Yniguez and Fernando Valenzuela.
• Jerry Hairston Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra will contribute both pre and post game Dodger coverage on television.
• Alanna Rizzo will be an in-game reporter for games broadcast on television by Steiner and Hershiser, and be a host for both pre and post game shows on television.
• John Hartung will be in the studio for SportsNet LA, anchoring the network's live studio shows.

BTW, Hartung was today's newest announced broadcast signing.  He was formerly with KABC-TV and a sports and news anchor.

So, there you have it.  Welcome your 2014 Dodger broadcasters.

Here's what some of them had to say on twitter.

Jerry Hairston Jr.

Looking forward to being part of a very talented team @SportsNetLA and backing the Boys in Blue. #Dodgers #LA #MLB
— Jerry Hairston, Jr.  (@Therealjhair) January 22, 2014

John Hartung

Thrilled and honored to be a part of the @Dodgers broadcast team on @SportsNetLA with @OrelHershiser @Therealjhair @Nomar5 @alannarizzo!!
— John Hartung (@_JohnHartung) January 23, 2014

Alanna Rizzo

It is officially, official. I can now say I am very excited to be one of the newest members of the @Dodgers organization and @SportsNetLA.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) January 22, 2014

Orel Hershiser

It's great to officially be back in Blue! I'm thrilled to be joining the best broadcast team in sports. @SportsNetLA is only a month away.
— Orel Hershiser (@OrelHershiser) January 22, 2014

Jaime Jarrin

It is a great honor to be a member of the new team of announcers x Dodgers-SportsNetLA.It is a historic picture x posterity because is 1st.
— Jaime Jarrín (@JaimeJarrin) January 22, 2014

And here's a video from the Dodgers introducing this new team.

Video Link:

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Congrats, Charley Steiner - He Will be Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame

I would like to extend an hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to Dodgers broadcaster Charley Steiner.  This coming Saturday, he will be inducted in the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago.  Check out his biography at the National Radio Hall of Fame, here.

Steiner joins 7 other radio legends being honored that evening; which also includes Los Angeles area Spanish broadcaster Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo.  BTW, past inductees include Vin Scully, Red Barber, Mel Allen, Harry Carey, Ronald Reagan and Ernie Harwell.

Charley Steiner has quite a resume.  He started his career in 1969 in Peoria, Illinois and quickly moved on to Davenport in 1971 to host his first sports show.  Since then, Steiner has has worked for WOR in New York, a sports director for RKO, was an ESPN sportscaster, did play-by-play for the Yankees with WCBS, then radio/television duties for the Dodgers.  Over that span he has won the Emmy 4-times.


Pic at the very top featuring Vin Scully, Sandy Koufax and Charley Steiner via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

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