Showing posts with label Jarret Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jarret Martin. Show all posts

Friday, December 19, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2014 - Dodger Links - Fernando's Visit and Vinny's Ring Found in Ribs


Fernando Valenzuela made an unannounced visit to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles yesterday to give gifts and joy to patients and families there.  Via Yvonne Carrasco at Dodger Insider:
“I wanted to visit the kids here at CHLA today because it’s almost Christmas, and I thought they might like Dodger gifts from me,” said Valenzuela. “I like this time of year, because it’s a time where you can do more things for the community.

“I also want to say I wish all the Dodger fans Merry Christmas, and I hope everyone is able to enjoy time with their families.”
The photo above was provided via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014Go here to check out more pics of Fernando's visit.

Below are some links to check out:
  • If you haven't heard yet, the Matt Kemp trade is done, and as a consequence the trade for Jimmy Rollins is also completed.  I'll have a little more on this later on.
  • RIP, Ryan Bolden.  Via The Angels, In Order, the Angels prospect was shot and killed on Wednesday in an altercation.
  • Following up the small incident where Vin Scully lost his 1988 World Series ring, Bill Plascke at the LA Times writes, "Dodgers' Vin Scully loses one golden ring in holiday loop around Costco."
Sure enough, while Vin was unloading the stacks of items, he heard a cry from inside the house. While emptying the ribs, Sandi found the ring at the bottom of the bag.

"I'm still laughing about it," said Vin. "But you know, I think I've been laughing about things all winter."

Scully phoned Costco's Rahhal and wished him Merry Christmas. He phoned the Dodgers' Brener and wished him Merry Christmas.

"This time of year just blows me away," said Vin.
  • The Dodgers made a minor trade yesterday by trading a bunch of minor leaguers, via their twitter feed:

We effectively gain a little bit of catching depth in the minor with the acquisition of Shawn Zarraga.  Check out his stats, via Baseball-Reference, here.  From what I understand, Zarraga has a nice bat, but is a bit subpar behind the plate. 

But, unlike the women immortalized by “A League of Their Own”, Manley wasn’t a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Instead, she made a name for herself in the Negro Leagues. The trailblazer served as co-owner of the Newark Eagles alongside her husband Abe Manley from 1935 to 1946. After he died, she was the team’s sole owner through the 1948 season.

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    Sunday, August 03, 2014

    Here are July's Dodger Pride Award Winners - Minor League Players of the Month for July

    The Dodgers just announced their July Dodger Pride Award Winners.  This award celebrates the franchises best performers in the Minor Leagues for the month of July.  

    Check them out below.

    -------------
    Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

    Pitcher - RHP Matt Magill posted a 3-2 record with a 4.63 ERA (6 ER/11.2 IP), striking out 10 batters against four walks in nine July appearances. The right-hander held opposing batters to a .227 batting average (10-for-45), while not allowing a home run in the month. The 24-year-old Simi Valley native is in his seventh professional season with the Dodgers after being selected by the club in the 31st round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - 1B Brock Peterson batted .379 (36-for-95) in 27 July games for the Isotopes. During the month, Peterson ranked among Pacific Coast League leaders in doubles (10, 4th), batting average (.379, 5th), hits (36, T-8th), RBI (22, T-8th), on-base percentage (.454, 3rd) and recorded 11 multi-hit games. Peterson was acquired by the Dodgers on July 1 from Washington for cash considerations. The Washington State native was originally drafted by the Twins in the 49th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

    Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

    (pic via MiLB)
    Pitcher - LHP Jarret Martin posted a 3.57 ERA (7 ER/17.2 IP), fanning 17 batters against eight walks in 11 July appearances. The Bakersfield native did not allow a home run in the month, while holding the opposition to a .190 batting average (12-for-63). On the season, the left-hander has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.40 ERA (18 ER/47.2 IP) in 39 relief appearances and also has four saves. Martin was originally acquired by the Dodgers in a three-player trade with Baltimore on Dec. 8, 2011.

    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - 1B O'Koyea Dickson posted a .326 batting average (30-for-92) with a .398 on-base percentage in 26 July games to earn the Dodger Pride Award for Chattanooga. During the month of July, Dickson led the team in doubles (9), hits (30), home runs (4), and RBI (16), while earning Southern League Player of the Week honors for the period ending July 28. The Bay Area native went to school at Sonoma State University and was a 12th-round selection by the Dodgers in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.


    Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

    Player - RHP Lindsey Caughel went 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA (8 ER/32.0 IP) and 32 strikeouts in four July starts (five games). The 23-year-old had opened the month with consecutive starts without allowing an earned run, totaling 13.0 innings with 15 strikeouts. On the year, Caughel is limiting opponents to a .172 (15-for-87) clip with runners in scoring position. Caughel was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 23rd round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.


    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - OF Jeremy Rathjen batted .363 (37-for-102) in 26 July games, while leading the team in runs (20), doubles (9), home runs (6) and RBI (20). The Houston, Texas native recorded his first multi-homer game of the year on July 24 with a season-high five RBI and on the year, he is hitting .283 (71-for-251) with 11 home runs and 36 RBI in 68 games for the Quakes. The 24-year-old was selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.


    Single-A Great Lakes Loons

    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - RHP Jacob Rhame went 1-0 without allowing a run in 12 July appearances (18.1 IP) to go along with one save. Rhame limited opposing hitters to a .086 average (5-for-58) with 27 strikeouts against five walks. On July 19 against Kane County, Rhame struck out five of the six batters he faced in his two perfect frames. On the season, Rhame is 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA (14 ER/53.1 IP) in 40 relief appearances and has also notched four saves. The 21-year-old was a sixth-round selection of the Dodgers in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - INF Paul Hoenecke powered three home runs and plated 16 runs in 26 games in July for the Loons. The 6-2, 205-pounder had his most productive game of the season on July 20, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI in a Great Lakes 9-5 victory over Kane County. On the season, the 24-year-old is batting .253 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI. The Wisconsin native, who attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, was selected in the 24th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.


    Rookie-level Ogden Raptors

    (pic via MiLB)
    Pitcher - RHP Jose DeLeon posted a 3-0 record with a 1.38 ERA (4 ER/26.0 IP) in his five July appearances for the Raptors, leading the Pioneer League in wins, ERA, strikeouts (35), opponents' batting average (.189) and WHIP (1.08). The Puerto Rico native struck out at least seven in four of his five appearances in the month. Overall, DeLeon is 4-0 with a 3.04 ERA (16 ER/ 47.1 IP) in seven starts and two relief appearances. He has been dominant against right-handed batters, limiting opponents to a .194 batting average (21-for-108). The 21-year-old was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 24th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

    (pic via MiLB)
    Player - C Julian Leon batted .370 (34-for-92) with five homers, a triple, eight doubles and 23 RBI in 24 games in July, while stringing together a 12-game hitting streak (July 14-31) and recording a trio of three-RBI games. He ranked among Pioneer League leaders with a .627 slugging percentage (6th) in July. On the season, the Mexico native is performing well in clutch situations, hitting .400 (2-for-5) when the bases are loaded and .375 (18-for-48) with runners in scoring position. The 18-year-old was signed by Los Angeles as a non-drafted free agent on July 10, 2012.


    Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers

    Pitcher- RHP Kevin Guzman went 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA (6 ER/25.0 IP) in five starts in July for the Arizona League Dodgers. The Venezuela native limited opposing batters to a .217 batting average (20-for-92) with 22 strikeouts, while allowing only three walks in the month. In his last start during the month of July, he allowed only one hit and one unearned run in 6.0 innings, while striking out four and issuing only one walk against the AZL Reds. On the season, Guzman is 1-1 in seven starts with a 4.02 ERA (14 ER/31.1 IP) and has three starts without allowing an earned run. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 29, 2013.

    Player- OF Alex Verdugo batted .324 (24-for-74) with six doubles, a home run and 11 RBI in 21 games during the month of July, leading the team in hits (24), batting average (.324) and walks (12) in the month. The 18-year-old is batting .305 (32-for-105) with nine doubles, two homers and 18 RBI in 29 games this season for the AZL Dodgers. He currently leads the team in hits (32), doubles (9), RBI (18) and runs (18). The Tucson, Arizona native was selected by the Dodgers in the second round of June's First-Year Player Draft.


    Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers

    Pitcher- RHP Hector Rodriguez went 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA (3 ER/31.0 IP) in six starts in July, while limiting opposing batters to a .159 batting average (17-for-107) and striking out 20. On July 24, he threw 6.0 hitless and scoreless innings while striking out five. Rodriguez shined in his last three July starts, recording consecutive wins and limiting batters to a .111 batting average (6-for-54) during that time. Overall, the Venezuela native is 4-3 on the season with a 1.63 ERA (10 ER/55.1 IP) in 11 games and has limited batters to a .173 batting average (34-for-197), which is the fifth lowest in the Dominican Summer League. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on December 6, 2012.

    Player- OF Johan Mieses batted .378 (28-for-74) with four home runs, a triple, four doubles and 11 RBI in July. The Dominican Republic native led the DSL Dodgers in batting average, homers and stolen bases (12) during the month. On the season, he is batting .300 (48-for-160) and leads the team in home runs (5), triples (7), doubles (10), RBI (21) and stolen bases (23). Mieses is clutch when runners are in scoring position with two outs, batting .348 (8-for-23) with two triples, two doubles and six RBI this season. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 31, 2013.

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    Tuesday, February 25, 2014

    Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #12


    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.
    --------------------------
    (Contemplative Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

    TAKE IT EASY: The Dodgers completed their 12th full-squad workout today, a shortened tuneup before the club’s Cactus League opener tomorrow at Talking Stick against the D-backs. Tomorrow’s game will be the Dodgers’ first of 21 games in Arizona with the club playing 25 total exhibitions this spring, including a game against Team Australia (March 20 in Sydney) and the Freeway Series (March 27-29 in Southern California).
    • Hyun-Jin Ryu, Chad Billingsley, Kenley Jansen, Brian Wilson, Chris Perez, J.P. Howell, Matt Magill and Yimi Garcia threw normal bullpens today, while Josh Beckett, Paul Maholm and Stephen Fife threw live BP on the minor league side.
    (Kemp and Etheir gab away, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

    FOR REAL (ALMOST): The lineup for tomorrow’s game against Arizona was already posted this morning in the Dodger clubhouse with Chone Figgins leading off at shortstop followed by Carl Crawford in left field, Yasiel Puig in right field, Juan Uribe at third base, Joc Pederson in center field, Scott Van Slyke at first base, Tim Federowicz at catcher, Alex Guerrero at second base and Justin Turner as the designated hitter. Clayton Kershaw will be the starting pitcher and will be followed to the mound by Seth Rosin, Ross Stripling, Javy Guerra, Jose Dominguez, Sam Demel and Daniel Moskos (L).

    LAUNCH PARTY: The new 24-hour-a-day network of the Dodgers, SportsNet LA, will premier tonight at 7:00 p.m. PT with original programming. Tonight’s lineup will feature a live studio show “Access SportsNet: Dodgers,” the inaugural episode of “Backstage: Dodgers,” back-to-back “Connected With…” interview shows featuring Clayton Kershaw and Don Mattingly and a one-hour retrospective special about last year’s season.
    • This spring, SNLA will televise all of this year’s Dodger Cactus League games, with the exception of two split-squad games, giving fans more Spring Training coverage than ever before. Vin Scully will call four Cactus League contests, including games tomorrow and Thursday.
    • SNLA’s programming lineup will include shows “Backstage: Dodgers,” “Access SportsNet: Dodgers,” “Leadoff LA,” “Dodgers Clubhouse,” “Connected With,” “Talkin’ Blue,” “Dodgermentary,” “Timeless Dodgers” and “Dodgers Squeeze Play.” For more information, please visit www.ineedmydodgers.com.
    • SportsNet LA will be available to Time Warner Cable’s customers in the Los Angeles area with Standard TV service or above in high definition (HD) on channel 431 and in standard definition (SD) on digital channel 249.
    (The Dodgers broadcast crew, pic via @alannarizzo on twitter)

    OVER THE AIRWAVES: The Dodgers announced their Spring Training radio schedule earlier today, which includes 15 broadcasts on AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles (KLAC) and eight broadcasts in Spanish on Univision America 1020 (KTNQ). Tomorrow’s game can be heard in both English and Spanish and the full broadcast schedule can be found on Dodgers.com.
    • The Dodgers’ English-language radio broadcast will be led by a combination of Rick Monday (8 play-by-play, 7 analyst), Charley Steiner (7 play-by-play) and Nomar Garciaparra (5 analyst). Monday begins his 22nd season as a Dodger broadcaster and 30th overall with the organization, including eight as a player. Steiner enters his 10th season as a play-by-play announcer for the team. Garciaparra, who enters his first season with the Dodgers as a broadcaster, played three seasons for the Dodgers (2006-08) in his 14-year Major League career.
    • Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrín, Pepe Yñiguez and legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela will call the action in Spanish for the Dodgers. Jarrín enters his 56th season in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio booth and Yñiguez will begin his 16th. Valenzuela enters his 12th season calling games for the Dodgers after a 17-year playing career.

    GIVING BACK: Following Friday’s game between the Dodgers and White Sox, Camelback Ranch-Glendale and the two clubs will host a clinic for youngsters from the Glendale Youth Project and Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix. 2014 marks the second year that the clubs have hosted a youth clinic during Spring Training and is just one of the many Camelback Ranch community initiatives, which include food drives, Home Runs for Life (honoring patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Phoenix Children’s Hospital) and a Read Across America Day event at Glendale’s Main Public Library. Dodger prospects Joc Pederson, Zach Lee and Jarret Martin will represent the club at Friday’s event.
    (Don Mattingly, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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    Friday, February 14, 2014

    Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2014 - Dodgers Links - You Can Forget ABout Getting Actual Tickets for Home Games


    Don Mattingly picks up a bat.  Bill Plunkett of the OC Register shared a pic on twitter of Mattingly in the batters box.  He likes to get a feel for what a hitter sees against his pitchers.
    • RIP, Jim Fregosi.  He passed away yesterday at the age of 71.   Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider writes, "Jim Fregosi’s Dodger Stadium ties".  Did you know that he hit the first inside-th-park home run in Dodger Stadium history?
    • JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers receives a comment from Dodgers President Stan Kasten regarding an online petition seeking a reverse of their paperless ticket policy.  Fans of ticket collecting will not be happy.  Kasten, more or less, dismissed any concern fans have.  There just hasn't been the kind of uproar needed to change their minds.
    • This is great.  Mark Langill at Dodger Insider writes, "Dodger position switches through the ages".
    • Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Mattingly compares Miguel Rojas’ defense to Omar Vizquel".
    “You watch him take groundballs,” Mattingly said today of Rojas, “it’s like watching (Omar) Vizquel and some guys like that take ‘em. It’s just another level.”
    "We don't think it's serious, but we need to find out," Mattingly said, calling Puig's reduced throwing "precautionary."
    “It’s been a pretty exhilarating experience,” said the Bakersfield native of his first major league spring training camp. “Being around all of these major league players is an honor and I’m just glad to be here and learn from these guys.”

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    Monday, January 06, 2014

    Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2014 - Dodgers Links - A Dodgers Pillow Pet Giveaway, Stadium Upgrades and the Winter Development Program


    I thought I'd announce this great little promotion.  This coming Saturday, January 11th, the Bakersfield Condors ECHL hockey club is holding a Dodgers vs. Giants Micro Pillow Pet Giveaway. The first 2,000 children, 12 and under, will receive their choice of a Dodgers or Giants Pillow Pet.  The team that runs out first will be declared the city favorite!! Go here for information. A big Hat Tip to Jose for letting me know about it.
    The lookouts are the focal point of a modest Dodger Stadium expansion beyond the foul poles in left and right fields. The Dodgers would like those spaces to develop into gathering areas for fans, with concession stands to be added there and the merchandise tents to be replaced by permanent team stores.

    Since Dodger Stadium opened in 1962, fans seated in the pavilions have been restricted to that area. The new gathering areas will be accessible to fans seated in the pavilions as well as to those entering from the field level.
    • The Dodgers 7th Annual Winter Development Program began this past Sunday.  15 of the Dodgers' top prospects will be in LA for seminars and workouts to focus on fundamentals, strength training and conditioning. They will also spend some time familiarizing themselves with the city.  Among those in attendance will be Zach Lee, Scott Schebler, Joc Pederson, Seth Rosin, Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia, Jarrett Martin, etc.  This event is not open to the public.
    • Ross Gasmer at Dodger Nation notes that Brian Wilson recently tweeted a photo of himself checking out the Sydney Cricket Grounds this past weekend.  The Dodgers and Diamondbacks will be playing a couple of games there to start the season.
    • Via Bryan Hoch at MLB.com, "Mattingly doesn't expect Hall to call on 14th try".
    • Ken Levine eulogizes Jerry Coleman.  The former Yankee and Padres broadcaster recently passed away.  RIP, Jerry Coleman.
    • Vin Scully had this to say about Jerry Coleman, via the Dodgers tumblr.
    “We were much richer for having known him.  He had a wonderful and full life as a major league player, a war hero and a Hall of Fame broadcaster.  He was a sweet good natured and happy soul and he will be sorely missed.  Our sympathies are extended to his family and all the many wonderful friends that he had.”

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    Friday, November 22, 2013

    Welcome to the 40-Man Roster -- Baez, Garcia & Martin

    Although, at first glance, it doesn't appear like such a big deal.  Reaching this milestone is important for any young Major League hopeful.  You work hard you entire young career to be considered, and you can't play for the big club until you get there.

    The 40-Man Roster, sometimes called the expanded roster, consist of all players who are signed up to a Major League contract.  Therefore, they can, at any time during the season, be placed on the active 25-man roster.  This means that once you reach the 40-man plateau, you are more likely to see some real time in Los Angeles.

    The other day, in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft in December, the Dodgers added 3 new names to their 40-man roster, and they represent 3 young arms who may to be ready to contribute on the mound.  They are Pedro Baez, Yimi Garcia and Jarret Martin.

    In celebration of this stepping stone, I put together fantasy Baseball cards for them.  Check them out below.  I've also added some background and statistics to help familiarize yourself with them.

    Pedro Baez

    Pedro Baez is a 6'2" right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic.  He spent the first 6 years of his professional career as a Dodger infielder, but couldn't hit a lick.  Then, in 2013 he went to the mound and has impressed the Dodgers staff.  He went a combined 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 48 games with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga.  Could he be the next Kenley Jansen (he was a converted catcher)?

    Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com from last Spring Training. 
    Baez showed Koufax a natural delivery, a fastball in the mid-90s and a curveball more advanced than many of his fellow Minor Leaguers who have been at this pitching thing for years. Koufax told other staff members he'd like to see Baez in a game this spring.
    There's no better way to start a pitching career then to impress Sandy Koufax during your first bullpen session with the Hall of Famer.

     Below are his Minor League statistics, via Baseball-Reference.



     Yimi Garcia

    Yimi Garcia is a 23 year old right-hander from the Dominican Republic.  He is probably the most exciting prospect of this group, and is likely to be the first one of the three to wear Dodger Blue.

    Per a Dodgers press release:
    Garcia, 23, was a Double-A Southern League All-Star in 2013, going 4-6 with 19 saves and a 2.54 ERA in 49 games with Chattanooga. The Moca, Dominican Republic native, who also played for the Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League following the season, limited opponents to a .164 batting average this year, while striking out 85 and walking only 14 in 60.1 innings.
    Right now, in the Arizona Fall League, he has pitched in 10 games, and has limited batters to a .227 batting average.  Yimi throws a legitimate strike out slider that may be one of the best in the Minors and is considered MLB ready.

    Below are his Minor League statistics, via Baseball-Reference.



    Jarret Martin

    Jarret Martin originally came over to the Dodgers as a part of the Dana Eveland trade in 2011.  He is a hard throwing left-hander who can reach the mid-90's with a fastball that has some sink and run, and has a decent slider that he uses as an out pitch.  Since coming to the Dodgers he has reworked his mechanics to use more of his legs, and has seen positive results.  Hopefully, he can continue advancing, as it appears his control problems may be a thing of the past.

    From a Dodgers press release:
    Martin, 24, combined to go 6-7 with two saves and a 4.30 ERA in 40 games (14 starts) with Rancho Cucamonga and Chattanooga during the regular season before a stint in the Arizona Fall League. Martin, who was acquired in a trade with Baltimore in December 2011, posted a 2.77 combined ERA (8 ER/26.0 IP) in his 26 relief appearances this season, including a 1.69 mark (2 ER/10.2 IP) in 11 games during a late-season promotion to Chattanooga.
    Below are his Minor League statistics, via Baseball-Reference.


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    Thursday, November 21, 2013

    Blog Kiosk: 11/21/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kemp Wants to Stay, Dodgers Lose Tolleson and Hershiser


    AJ Ellis is making friends in Australia.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.
    "It's just an honor to be chosen to represent the Dodgers and talk about the upcoming games and be a small part of this once-in-a-lifetime event," said Ellis. "I was fortunate enough to travel with the club to Beijing in 2008, but these games actually count. Sitting next to Patrick (Corbin) and talking about meaningful games with our divisional rival is really getting the competitive juices going."
    “Nobody wants to have their name thrown around with all the different teams,” (Dave) Stewart (Kemp's agent) said. “In our conversations, what we’ve come to is that if it does happen, the only thing we can hope for is that he goes to a team with an opportunity to win. That’s first and foremost, if it does happen.
    • The Dodgers lose reliever Shawn Tolleson to the Rangers on a waiver claim, via @MLBRosterMoves on twitter.  He was injured for most of 2013.  Still, the fact that he was left unprotected is a huge surprise.  I had thought he would be an effective arm out of the pen, someday.  The Dodgers must not feel good about how he is healing.
    • Emma at Dodger Blue World notes that former Brooklyn Dodgers Rod Miller passed away earlier this month.  Here is an obituary.  RIP, Rod Miller.
    • Via Steven Choi at Arirang News, "Ryu Hyun-jin Baseball Field to be erected in Incheon".
    • In preparation for the Rule 5 Draft, the Dodgers added 3 players to their 40-man roster, via a tweet from the Dodgers.  This is a major stepping stone for these young players.  It often means that they are likely to be called up to LA at some point soon.



    • For those interested, the Professional Baseball Scout Foundation dinner will be in Los Angeles in January.  Go here for details.
    • Via John Thorn at Our Game, "Some Baseball Tricks: The Unfair Means by Which Some Games Were Won in the 1860s".


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    Monday, June 10, 2013

    Here are May's Dodger Pride Award Winners - Minor League Players of the Month for May

    With Yasiel Puig already in the show, I guess we won't be hearing any more news about his exploits in the Dodgers' minor league farm system.  On the other hand, he did play most of the last month in Chattanooga, so I guess he gets one last hurrah.

    Just announced today are the Dodgers Pride Award Winners for May - given to their minor league players of the month.

    Per a Dodgers press release:

    Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

    Pitcher - RHP Blake Johnson posted a 3-2 record with a 1.96 ERA (8 ER/36.2 IP), striking out 32 batters against eight walks in six May starts. Johnson had quality starts in five out of six games in the month and is currently on a run of five straight quality starts. The 27-year-old was among the Pacific Coast League leaders in ERA (1.96, 5th) and wins (3, T-9th) in May. Johnson was selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

    Player - IF/OF Elian Herrera posted a .363 (33-for-91) batting average, which tied for eighth-best in the Pacific Coast League during May, with 33 hits, three home runs and 10 RBI in the month. On the season, Herrera has come through consistently in big moments, batting .348 (16-for-46) with a homer and 20 RBI with runners in scoring position. The switch-hitter was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 14, 2003.

    Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

    Pitcher - LHP Rob Rasmussen posted a 2-1 record with a 1.97 ERA (7 ER/32.0 IP), fanning 29 batters against seven walks in six May games (five starts). The Pasadena native recorded quality starts in four of his five starts in the month and struck out at least five batters in each start, holding the opposition to a .200 batting average. Rasmussen went 13 consecutive innings without surrendering an earned run from May 15-31 and is 3-3 with a 2.42 ERA through 12 games (11 starts) this year. The Dodgers acquired Rasmussen in a trade with the Astros on Dec. 20, 2012 and was originally selected by Houston in the second round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of UCLA.

    (pic credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)
    Player - OF Yasiel Puig posted a .301 batting average with 28 hits, nine doubles, four home runs, 26 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 26 May games to take home the May Dodger Pride Award for Chattanooga. The outfielder ranked among the league's best in RBI (26, T-2nd), stolen bases (11, T-3rd) and doubles (9, T-8th). Puig recorded an RBI in five games in a row from May 25-30, totaling 12 RBI during that stretch. Puig, who was signed as a free agent on June 29, 2012 out of Cuba, was recalled by the Dodgers and made his Major League debut on June 3 and finished his first week in the Majors with a .464 batting average (13-for-28), four home runs and 10 RBI in seven games (including five multi-hit efforts) to earn NL Player of the Week honors.

    Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

    Player - LHP Jarret Martin went 3-1 in May with a 2.41 ERA (9 ER/33.2 IP) in six starts. In the month, the 24-year-old collected 37 strikeouts against 16 walks while limiting the opposition to a .236 batting average. Martin was originally selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft and was acquired in a trade with the Orioles on Dec. 8, 2011.

    Player - OF Noel Cuevas batted .336 (34-for-93) in May, driving in 24 runs and clubbing three homers. On the year, the native of Puerto Rico has a .314 batting average, the fifth-best overall mark in the California League, including a .333 (17-for-51) batting average with runners in scoring position. The 21-year-old was selected by the Dodgers in 21st round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

    Single-A Great Lakes Loons

    Player - RHP Jharel Cotton posted a 3.67 ERA (14 ER/34.1 IP) in six May starts. Cotton limited opposing hitters to a .206 average with 31 strikeouts, while limiting left-handed hitters to a .160 batting average. Cotton was recently named to represent the Loons in the Midwest League All-Star team alongside teammates Carlos Frias and Tyler Ogle before being promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. The right-hander was selected by the Dodgers in the 20th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of East Carolina University.

    Player - INF Kevin Taylor posted a .263 (20-for-76) batting average with a homer and seven RBI in 21 May games. On the season, the 21-year-old is batting .321 (9-for-28) with runners in scoring position and .309 (25-for-81) against right-handed pitchers. A native of Portland, Oregon, Taylor was drafted by the Dodgers in the 26th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft from Western Nevada Community College.


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