Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Kenley!

Here is a fantastic vintage photo of soon-to-be Dodger star hurler Joe Black that I ran into at Hake's auctions.  (Auction Link)  It was taken following an impressive winter season effort where he lead the Cuban League (1951-52) in both wins and strike outs.  As you can see, a makeshift crown was placed on his head to commemorate this achievement.

As you may know, Joe joined the Dodgers that Fall and absolutely blew everyone away.  In 1952 he would go 15-4 with an 2.104 ERA, 85 strike outs, 41 walks, a 4.4 WAR and an ERA+ of 171.  Furthermore, he would be named the Rookie of the Year and come in third place in MVP voting.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happ Birthday, Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Leaked Trade Talks and Fire Department Not Happy with Hot Foot Prank

Recent call-up Clint Robinson ripped his first Major League hit last night, and it was a timely one.  With his pinch hit single he drove in Andre Ethier for the Dodgers only run of the evening to help them win the game, 1 to 0.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  We now stand alone in first place in the West by half a game.  Go here to check out Jon SooHoo's pics from the day.

• Via TMZ, "L.A. Dodgers RIPPED BY FIRE OFFICIALS ... Over Hot Foot Prank."  (Hat Tip: Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation)  

The whole thing made national news -- but Captain Jaime Moore from the L.A. City Fire Dept. tells us, "These guys are supposed to be role models and playing with fire is not a joke."

Is TMZ channeling The Onion?  I get that playing with fire is bad, but come on now!

• Via Barry Petchesky at Deadspin, he broke the story regarding leaked communications from the Houston Astros that deal with potential trades.  See that story here.  The Dodgers are mentioned twice, once dated 11/5/2013:

[Stearns] talked with [Dodgers director of baseball contracts] Alex Tamin: LAD is looking to acquire some back end SP depth and up the middle infield depth. They believe they have depth in the pen and would be willing to deal from it (AT mentioned Belisario and Guerra). LAD also has four OF for three spots and would be willing to talk about Crawford

You should note that these communications are straight from the horses mouth, and since they have been verified as real I consider this information rock solid. 

None of the above should be a surprise for Dodger fans.  The team eventually added Dan Haren a few weeks later and Paul Maholm in February to provide SP depth.  They also ended up signing Justin Turner, Chone Figgins, Carlos Triunfel and Erisbel Arruebarrena during the off-season for infield depth after this date.  BTW, both Belisario and Guerra were allowed to leave the club for no compensation, so we were never able to find trading partners for them.  I do not believe that the mention of Belisario and Guerra means the team was confident in their relief situation - this is supported by the subsequent signings of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez that winter.  I just think the Dodgers realized that they both were not in their future plans.

It should also not be a surprise that the only outfielder the team would talk about at that time was Carl Crawford.  (In other words, all that reporter talk about the other outfielders being available might be bunk - which should come as no surprise)

What is strange is a note a week later, 11/13/2013:

[Alex Tamin] told [Stearns] that if we consider trading Barnes this off season we should let them know. They view him as a good reserve OF/depth piece.

Did we really need another outfielder?  Really?  What would be the purpose of adding Barnes as a potential 6th outfielder?  Or, was trading an outfielder closer to reality?  Or, is there that much lack of faith in Scott Van Slyke?

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Dodgers prospect Lindsey Caughel named Cal League Pitcher of the Week."

“Individual accolades are great within a team game,” said Caughel after learning of his award. “But without a doubt the most important thing is that our team has put together some incredible games these past 11 games. People are starting to take notice of the talent that’s on this team. The chemistry on our team is second to none and it’s been so much fun playing with these guys. Hopefully I can keep stringing together good starts to help the team win.”

• Noooo!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Logan White interviews for Padres GM job."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his Sunday getting autographs from some Dodger legends.  Check out his story here.
• Via Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji, "A Perfect Day for Korean Baseball: SK Wyverns Game at Munhak Stadium, Incheon, South Korea."  Ryan shares some great photos from a ballgame in Korea.
• David shares some photos from an LA KISS game he attended (arena football).  Go here to check them out.  It's tough to take the sport seriously, but with ladies dancing in cages how can you not be entertained?

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: March 27, 2014 vs. Angels

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 Angels of Anaheim at Los Angeles Dodgers
LHP Hector Santiago vs. RHP Zack Greinke
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 7:10 p.m. | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV: SportsNet LA RADIO: AM 570 KLAC (ENG)

(Dodgers lineup via @Dodgers on twitter)

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(Tommy Lasorda sharing some cannoli's, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BACK TO SPRING TRAINING: After opening the 2014 Major League regular season with a pair of games against the D-backs in Australia last weekend, the Dodgers return to exhibition play and take on the Angels tonight in the first of three Freeway Series games. Los Angeles won the Freeway Series last year, 2-1, and then the clubs split their four regular season meetings, with each club protecting their home field. The clubs tied, 4-4, in their only Cactus League game on March 6 in Tempe and will play four times during the regular season, two games at Dodger Stadium, August 4-5, and two games in Anaheim, August 6-7.

• The Dodgers open their North American slate on Sunday evening against the Padres on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Los Angeles will also battle the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday before its home-opener on Friday, April 4 at 1:10 p.m. against the Giants.
• One of the world’s top jockeys, Victor Espinoza, will throw a ceremonial first pitch tonight. Espinoza, who has won more than 3,000 races in his career, will ride the favorite, California Chrome, in next week’s Santa Anita Derby.

(The crowd at Camelback, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIFE IN THE DESERT: The Dodgers went 6-10-5 during Cactus League play as they matched a Los Angeles record for Spring Training ties set in 2006 (15-13-5). In 12 home dates at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, the Dodgers drew 114,402 fans, with an average crowd of 9,534, their highest average since moving to Arizona in 2009.

ROSTER ROUNDUP: The Dodgers have made several roster moves since returning from Australia. On Monday, infielder Alex Guerrero was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque and outfielder Carl Crawford was reinstated from Paternity Leave, while yesterday right-handed pitchers Seth Rosin (Rangers) and Javy Guerra (White Sox) were claimed off waivers. The Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

• Guerrero will remain with the Dodgers for the Freeway Series and tonight, the club will also supplement its roster with minor leaguers C Tim Federowicz (#26), RHP Sam Demel (#38), RHP Zach Lee (#64), RHP Red Patterson (#78), C Jose Capellan (96), INF Miguel Rojas (#72), INF Corey Seager (#94), INF Darnell Sweeney (#87), OF Joc Pederson (#65) and OF Trayvon Robinson (#90).

(Hanley Ramirez in Australia, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

DOWN UNDER: The Dodgers returned from Australia on Sunday afternoon following a week Down Under, with a 4-2 exhibition victory over Team Australia and two regular-season wins over the Diamondbacks. Scott Van Slyke was the offensive hero in the season-opening 3-1 victory with a double and a two-run homer in support of Clayton Kershaw, who struck out seven and allowed one run in 6.2 innings. In the series’ second game, Hyun-Jin Ryu fired 5.0 scoreless innings and Dee Gordon, Juan Uribe and Yasiel Puig chipped in three hits apiece in the club’s 7-5 win.

• The Opening Series marked the first time that the Dodgers played regular season games outside of North America and the club’s ninth official team trip abroad: 1956 (Japan, postseason), 1964 (Mexico, preseason), 1966 ( Japan, postseason), 1991 (Mexico, preseason), 1993 (Japan/Taiwan, postseason), 2003 (Mexico, preseason), 2008 (China, preseason) and 2010 (Taiwan, preseason).

ALL DODGERS, ALL THE TIME: All three of the Freeway Series games will be televised by SportsNet LA, the exclusive new 24/7 TV network of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The network takes fans behind-the-scenes with the team and offers in-depth access to the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will televise more than 140 live regular season Dodger games, plus a full slate of original, classic and live studio programming that focuses only on the Dodgers, covering the team in a way that it’s never been covered. 

NEW AND IMPROVED!: Last night, the Dodgers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the latest round of stadium improvements, which included:

• Expansion of the entries at the field level, with two new 25,000 square-foot plazas in right and left field.  Each plaza houses a 5,000 square-foot new team store, tickets and concessions space, as well as memorabilia to celebrate Dodgers history.
• Seating and lounging areas at bars and drink rails overlooking the bullpens in the outfield, giving focus to pitchers warming up, as well as infield game views. 
• Two new restaurants in the outfield entrance plazas; Tommy Lasorda’s Italian Trattoria, in the right-field area of the plaza, and THINK BLUE BBQ in the left-field area of the plaza.
• A new state-of-the-art public wireless system.

(At the ribbon cutting ceremony, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

CHECK IT OUT: On Saturday, Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game, a new exhibition exploring the team’s storied past through four players and a Hall of Fame manager, will open at the Japanese American National Museum. Jackie Robinson, Fernando Valenzuela, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo, and Tommy Lasorda—each of whom made history in his own right—will be prominently featured, as will owners Branch Rickey, Walter O’Malley, and Peter O’Malley. The exhibition continues through September 14.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: MLB’s new instant replay system will be on display for all three Freeway Series games as managers will have the ability to challenge one call through the sixth inning (and receive another challenge if successful) and be able to request a review of any play after the seventh inning. Los Angeles had five test runs with the system in Cactus League play.

• Another addition for 2014 is experimental rule 7.13, which regulates home plate collisions.

(Wright, Jansen, Howell and Greinke go through drills, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ZACK ATTACK: Zack Greinke will make his third official start of the spring tonight after going 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA (3 ER/2.1 IP) in two Cactus League starts. Greinke suffered a mild right calf strain in his first start of the spring Feb. 27, causing him to miss two weeks of game action and the Australia trip. Greinke last pitched on Saturday against Cleveland’s Single-A team in Glendale, allowing just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts in 5.0 innings.

• Greinke made 13 starts for the Angels in 2012 after he was acquired from Milwaukee in a midseason trade and has gone 1-4 with a 4.10 ERA (24 ER/52.2 IP) in nine career games (eight starts) against the Halos.
• J.P. Howell is also expected to pitch tonight after walking one and striking out one in 0.2 innings of relief in Sunday’s win over the D-backs in Australia. Howell went 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA (2 ER/5.2 IP) in seven Cactus League appearances.
• Brian Wilson struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday against the D-backs in his last appearance. He allowed two runs in 4.1 innings in five Cactus League appearances.

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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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Blog Kiosk: 3/20/2014 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers BEat Team Australia

The Dodgers line up for the start of this mornings exhibition game against Team Australia, pic via Dodgers on tumblr.  The team beat the Aussie's 4 to 2 on the back of Yasiel Puig, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.  Check out two gif's below to see Puig's home run and his throw to the plate.  Both gif's are via the Dodgers on tumblr.  Unfortunately, Eric tells us that Adrian Gonzalez left the game early due to lower back tighness.

• Check out my contest to win a 12-pack case of Big League Chew bubble gum, here.  All you have to do is make a post and "Like" Big League Chew on facebook.  Go here to check out the contest. 
• Unfortunately, 
• Andy Gray at Sports Illustrated shares an interview with Adrian Gonzalez.

Hot Clicks: Are there any players you’re mentoring now?
Adrian Gonzalez: I try and talk to all the young kids. Last year the organization put my locker next to Yasiel [Puig] for that reason and we have a good relationship. There’s a kid here in camp I really enjoy watching and talk to him about different things. His name is Joc Pederson and he’s a left handed hitter so it makes it easier for me to talk to him. But I always try and be there for the younger players and help them when I can.

• Dustin Nosler at Dodger Digest takes, "A brief look at the Dodgers’ Erisbel Arruebarrena in the cage".
• Topps 2014 Opening Day Baseball card set came out yesterday.  Check out some preview pics from Topps on their facebook page, here.  Below are cards of Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp.

• Via Chris Ocotillo on twitter, the Dodgers have been fielding numerous calls for recently designated reliever Javy Guerra.  The team has until March 25 to work out a deal, or he gets claimed for no compensation.  I liked Guerra, and I believe he'll be effective in the bullpen for another team.  No doubt, we haven't heard the last of him.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Blue grit: For Mattingly, toughness breeds success".

"You look at baseball and you don't think of the game in terms of toughness," said Mattingly, who got a three-year extension in January. "People think of football, hockey -- in this country, rugby. Baseball is more about mental toughness, getting ready to play day in and day out, with travel and getting into town late and all kinds of things. It's not easy to do."

• I actually think this is great!  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers are like movie bad guys in Australia".

In Thursday morning's Sydney Morning Herald, there is a rooting guide to the Opening Series. It said that, if the Dodgers lived in Australia, they "would spend most of their time sipping lattes at Bondi. The payroll at the Dodgers is US$245 million compared to $110 million for their rivals Arizona. If you like the idea of hanging with celebrities in Hollywood and strolling down Rodeo Drive, the Dodgers are your team." 

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Signs point to Gordon leading off, starting at second".

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Blog Kiosk: 3/17/2014 - Dodgers Links - Uribe, Figgins and Some Magic Lights

The Dodgers are all packed up and ready to go to Australia.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "One giant leap for Chone Figgins' comeback".

After two dismal seasons in Seattle and one year away from the game, he’s one step away from making the Dodgers’ roster. When Figgins arrived at camp, he said his goal was to get on the plane to Australia. 

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Reminiscing with the ‘Toy Cannon,’ Jimmy Wynn".

“It wasn’t long, but it was playing with some great guys,” Wynn said. “We won the 1974 NL pennant, and I told Walter and Peter O’Malley (before the season), ‘Thank you for getting me. We will the NL pennant.’ I said to myself, ‘Why did I say that? Now you have to go out and prove it.’ So I did it, and I did for the fans and for the O’Malley family.”

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Julio Urias dominates in first Dodgers’ spring start".

“I felt really happy,” Urias told reporters after his start. “I was under control and not nervous at all.”

• Via Tyler Emerick at MLB.com, "Kershaw wraps up uncharacteristic spring".

"Physically, I feel 100 percent," he said. "It's time to start performing."

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Dodgers waive Javy Guerra as they name 30-man roster for Sydney".
• Roberto Baly at Vin Scully is My Homeboy shares some photos of the Jackie and Mack Robinson in Pasadena.
• Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Ultimate teammate: Uribe provides spark in LA".

"I try every day to help my teammates, my guys," Uribe said Sunday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. "It's what I'm doing every day, all my life. It's important for me to be a good teammate. If I'm not hitting, I can still do something good on defense and help the team win a game that way.

"My first year here [2011], I had two operations. So much happened. I don't want to make excuses, but a bad year is a bad year. Last year I felt good. Now it's a new year, and I want to do better than I did last year. I want to play every day I can. I feel good right now."

• Dodger Penguin shares his afternoon at the Kenny Landreaux autograph appearance.
• Weird Science.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Wary of being weary, Dodgers see the light: Special bulbs designed for NASA should mitigate effects of jet lag in Australia".

"It's a sleep aid for jet lag," said Soler, who also provided the bulbs to the United States Olympic Ski and Snowboard teams in Sochi. "You'd be surprised how well it works."

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 13/Home Game 7

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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 San Francisco Giants (6-4) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-5-3)
Sunday, March 9, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
LHP Edwin Escobar (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw (0-2, 18.00)
Spring Game 13/Home Game 7
Television: SNLA/Radio: KLAC/KTNQ

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Dodger Fandom, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SUNDAY FUNDAY: The Dodgers will take on the Giants this afternoon in the Dodgers’ lone contest of Cactus League play against their NL West rivals. Last year, despite winning the division, the Dodgers went 8-11 against their neighbors to the north. The Dodgers play their “North American” slate home opener in just 26 days against the Giants at Dodger Stadium

• Camelback Ranch – Glendale announced that today’s contest with the Giants is sold out.  Fans only have six chances left to see the Boys in Blue at Camelback before they take off to Sydney, Australia next Sunday: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday (two games) and next Sunday. 
• Yesterday, the Dodgers played to their third tie of the Cactus League campaign, knotting with the Rangers at 5-5 in their first of two games on the day. Mike Baxter had two hits and two RBI for Los Angeles and is now hitting .333 this spring. Not to be outdone, Justin Turner had two hits and two runs scored, upping his average to .375 in Cactus League action. On the mound, Paul Maholm allowed one run in 3.0 innings and RHP Seth Rosin allowed his first run of the spring (an unearned one), keeping his ERA at 0.00.   
• In the nightcap, the Dodgers fell to Seattle, 8-5. Outfielder Joc Pederson belted a two-run homer and missed a second one by inches, settling for a 410-ft double. The young prospect is hitting .211 this spring with two home runs and five RBI. On the mound, Jose Dominguez fired 2.0 more scoreless frames and has now tossed 5.0 innings without allowing a run this spring.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include IF Corey Seager (#91), IF Ozzie Martinez (#87), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#89), OF Scott Schebler (#90 and OF Noel Cuevas (#92).
• Seager is making his first appearance with the big league camp this season and was the Dodgers’ first-round selection (18th overall) in the 2012 draft. The North Carolina native’s brother, Kyle, plays for the Seattle Mariners and started at Camelback Ranch – Glendale last night. Last season, the Dodgers’ No. 1 draft pick in 2012 hit .309 with 12 homers and 57 RBI for Single-A Great Lakes, before getting promoted to Double-A Chattanooga, where he hit four homers in 27 games.   

(Home plate umpire and former Dodger Batboy Alex Ortiz, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE MOUND: Newly minted Opening-Day starter Clayton Kershaw will make his third start of the spring season this afternoon. Kershaw has allowed eight earned runs in 4.0 innings in Cactus League play thus far. The left-hander has dominated the Giants during the course of his seven-year career, going 11-5 with a 1.38 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) vs. San Francisco. In 2013, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA in five starts against the Giants.    

• RHP Javy Guerra is slated to make his fourth appearance of the spring. Despite allowing six hits in 4.0 Cactus League innings, Guerra has yet to allow a run this spring.
• Also set to see action is RHP Red Patterson, who has tossed 4.1 scoreless innings this spring in two games. Patterson last pitched on Tuesday vs. Seattle and went 2.0 scoreless frames while recording two strikeouts.  
• Minor leaguer RHPs Steve Edlefsen (#84) and Justin Souza (#88) will back 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.

(Joc Pederson, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season 13 days 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.

• This morning, Dodger skipper Don Mattingly announced that Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 of the Opening Series in Australia and Hyun-Jin Ryu would take the mound for Game 2. The Sydney start will be Kershaw’s fourth-career Opening Day nod.

RUN FOR THE CAUSE: This morning in Los Angeles, the LA Marathon kicked off at Dodger Stadium and a member of the Dodger family took part as Heather Howell, J.P.’s wife, ran in order to raise support and awareness for human trafficking. Howell is affiliated with “Run for Hope” at the marathon and is running for two shelters located in Southern California: one is a 72-hour rescue center, and the other a long-term rehabilitation and restoration program that provides for intense counseling, medical, and legal needs of victims, as well as GED and job search.

(Camelback Ranch, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Blog Kiosk: 3/8/2014 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero, Greinke and Hanley

Check out Matt Kemp and Joc Pederson hangin' out in the outfield, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• My deepest condolences to Yogi Berra and his family.  Via Nathaniel Vinton and Bill Madden at the NY Daily News, "Yogi Berra’s wife of 65 years, Carmen, dead at 85 following complications from recent stroke."
• Jon SooHoo shared some great photos of Yogi's wife, Carmen Berra.
• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Guerrero adjusting to life in US, at second base".
• Jesse then provides some info about Greinke's next step.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers' two-year plan seems to be Hanley at third".

"I’ve asked him, ‘Honestly, where do you think you’re going to end up?’ " Mattingly told Plunkett. "And he says, ‘Third base.’ I think he knows as you get older, you make that move. Hanley is like Alex (Rodriguez). He’s got third base power and pop. As he gets older, obviously guys are going to slow down." 

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Out of options, Javy Guerra is up to the challenge".

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 9/Road Game 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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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-4-1) at LA Angels of Anaheim (3-3)
Thursday, March 6, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Tempe Diablo Stadium
RHP Dan Haren (0-0, 4.50) vs. LHP C.J. Wilson (0-1, 13.50)
Spring Game 9/Road Game 5
Television: SNLA/Radio: KLAC

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(Tim Wallach, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

I-5 RIVALS: The Dodgers travel to Tempe to face the Angels in the clubs’ only meeting during Cactus League play. The two clubs will square off three more times during the exhibition season in the Freeway Series, March 27-28, in Los Angeles and March 29 in Anaheim, and meet four times during the regular season in early August. Since the advent of Interleague Play, the Dodgers trail 56-40 in the all-time series.

• Two weeks from today, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition game at the Sydney Cricket Ground followed by two games against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series, March 22-23. Opening Day is just 16 days away!

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Don Mattingly and the Dodgers will get their first taste of the new instant replay system today against the Angels in Tempe, as Mattingly will have the ability to challenge umpires’ calls. Los Angeles has a total of five Cactus League games where replay will be used; today, March 11 at Kansas City, March 12 vs. Arizona, March 15 vs. Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

• Dodger video coordinator John Pratt will be assisting with the replay process today and during Spring Training from the visiting clubhouse. Pratt is in his third season as the club’s video coordinator after joining the organization in 2011 as the Triple-A Albuquerque video coordinator.

FAMILIAR FACES: Dan Haren will face his former Angels’ teammates today as he makes his second start of the spring after allowing one run on three hits on Saturday against the Brewers. Haren, in his first season with the Dodgers, pitched for the Angels for three seasons from 2010-12, going 33-27 with a 3.52 ERA in 79 games (78 starts) with the club, before spending the 2013 season in Washington.

• Scheduled to make his third 2014 Cactus League appearance today is right-hander Javy Guerra, who has two scoreless outings under his belt (2.0 IP), last pitching on Saturday against the Brewers. Last season, the reliever spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Albuquerque and allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings in nine appearances during his only stint with Los Angeles from April 30-May 30.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound today after allowing one run in his first outing (1.0 IP) a week ago vs. the Diamondbacks. Frias, 24, 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.
• Zack Greinke threw off a mound again today after a mini-bullpen yesterday. Greinke made just four pitches in his only Spring Training appearance on Feb. 27 against the D-backs before suffering a mild right calf strain.

(Guerrero's Grand Slam swing, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: Los Angeles scored a bounceback win last night with two home runs, a grand slam by Alex Guerrero and a solo shot by Adrian Gonzalez, in a 10-3 victory over the Reds in Goodyear. Gonzalez had two hits, while Mike Baxter (2-for-3, R) and Juan Uribe (2-for-3, 2 R, RBI) also posted multi-hit games in the Dodgers’ 10-hit outburst. Hyun-Jin Ryu picked up the win, allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts in 4.0 innings, and Matt Magill earned the save, striking out three in 3.0 innings of one-run ball.

HELLO HALOS: Longtime Angel Chone Figgins will face his former teammates today after spending eight years with the Halos from 2002-2009. The 2009 All-Star compiled a .291 batting average with 31 home runs and 341 RBI in 936 games as an Angel before signing with Seattle as a free agent prior to the 2010 campaign. Figgins, who is in the starting lineup today at third base, has made starts at five different positions for the Dodgers this spring; second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field.

PENGUINS IN ARIZONA?: Six-time All-Star Ron Cey made his first appearance of the spring at Camelback Ranch-Glendale today and will serve as a special instructor through Monday. Cey played 12 of his 17 Major League seasons with Los Angeles (1971-81), posting a .261 career batting mark and averaging 25 home runs and 89 RBI per 162 games played.

ROLLING DEEP: The Dodgers will have eight minor leaguers suiting up for today’s game in Tempe: RHP Henry Sosa (#95), RHP Sam Demel (#38), LHP Daniel Moskos (#47), RHP Chris Anderson (#94), OF Jon Garcia (#86), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#89), OF Scott Schebler (#90) and INF Darnell Sweeney (#87).

• Chris Anderson will don the Dodger uniform for the first time today after he was selected with the 18th overall pick in last year’s draft out of Jacksonville University. Anderson, who enters the season rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 5 prospect, made 12 starts for Single-A Great Lakes in his first professional seasons, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.96 ERA. The 21-year-old limited opponents to a .201 batting average and struck out 50 in 46.0 innings.

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA DOdgers 2014)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 8/Away Game 4

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 (2-4-1) at Cincinnati Reds (3-4)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – 7:05 p.m. | Goodyear
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Homer Bailey (0-1, 9.00)
Spring Game 8/Away Game 4
Television: SNLA/Radio: KLAC

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(Blue Prints Photo Booth, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

UNDER THE LIGHTS: The Dodgers travel to Goodyear to take on the Reds this evening for the first of two games this spring, with the clubs meeting again a week from tomorrow at Camelback Ranch. Los Angeles currently holds a 1,108-1,089-13 all-time advantage against the Reds, falling in the 2013 season series, 3-4.

• Seven minor leaguers will dress for the club today: LHP Fu-Te Ni (#86), IF Darnell Sweeney (#87), IF Daniel Mayora (#88), OF Jon Garcia (#89), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#90), IF Aaron Bates (#95) and 2013 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year OF Scott Schebler (#91)
• The Dodgers will touch down in Sydney in less than two weeks for MLB’s Opening Series against the D-backs and are just 17 days away from Opening Day in Australia!

KING OF THE HILL: Left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu will take the mound tonight for the second time this spring after starting Friday against the White Sox, when he fired 2.0 scoreless innings, while allowing two hits. In 2013, the Korean-born pitcher turned in an impressive first Major League season, going 14-8 with a 3.00 ERA in 30 starts, while ranking among the Dodger team leaders in wins (3rd), complete games (2, 2nd), innings (192.0, 2nd), strikeouts (154, 2nd) and starts (2nd). Ryu started last season on a roll with six consecutive quality starts from April 2-30 and made 22 quality starts overall.

• Right-hander Jose Dominguez will appear in his third game of the spring tonight after firing scoreless innings in his first two outings. In nine appearances for the Dodgers in 2013, the Dominican native posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) with three walks and four strikeouts.
• Scheduled to make his third 2014 Cactus League appearance tonight is righty Javy Guerra, who has two scoreless outings under his belt (2.0 IP). Last season, the reliever spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Albuquerque and allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings in nine appearances during his only stint with Los Angeles from April 30-May 30.
• Right-handed pitcher Matt Magill is scheduled to pitch in tonight’s game after pitching scoreless ball in his only appearance of the spring on Friday against the White Sox. Magill saw his first big league action in 2013, going 0-2 with a 6.51 ERA (20 ER/27.2 IP) in six starts during three stints with the Dodgers.
• After walking two and striking out two in a scoreless inning of his first Cactus League appearance on Sunday at the Brewers, southpaw Paco Rodriguez will make his second appearance this evening. In 2013, Rodriguez ranked among the NL’s best relievers in ERA (2.32, 12th), opponents’ batting average .164 (3rd) and WHIP (0.90, 6th) in his first full Major League season.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound tonight after allowing one run in his first outing (1.0 IP) on Thursday vs. the D-backs.

(Uribe and Puig - Friends Forever, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: Yesterday, the Dodgers fell to Seattle, 4-1, in their Cactus League matinee at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The club’s lone run came off the bat of minor league outfielder Trayvon Robinson, who stroked an eighth-inning leadoff home run against his former team. On the mound, right-handed relievers Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen tossed perfect frames in the first and second innings, respectively, while RHP Chris Perez (1.0 IP), RHP Chris Withrow (2.0 IP) and RHP Red Patterson (2.0 IP) also pitched scoreless relief.

GET WELL SOON: Non-roster invitee Ross Stripling, who enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect, underwent surgery this morning in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The surgery was an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies from an inflamed and swollen elbow. The plan is to allow the inflammation to resolve and restore range of motion before proceeding with Tommy John reconstruction surgery. Stripling, 24, went 8-4 with a 2.82 ERA in 27 games between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga in 2013.

I underwent a scope to clean out my right elbow but was too swollen to continue. I will have TJ when swelling subsides, roughly 2 weeks
— Ross Stripling (@RossStripling) March 5, 2014

CONGRATS!: This evening, Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten will be presented with the 2013 Sports Executive of the Year Award by the L.A. Sports Council at the 9th Annual LA Sports Awards at the Beverly Hilton. The ceremony will be televised on Prime Ticket at a later date.

(Dee flips to Miguel, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgerrs 2014)

I SEE LONDON, I SEE FRANCE: Today, on Field 6 of Camelback Ranch - Glendale, a team of Dodger minor leaguers played an exhibition game against Team France, managed by former Dodger closer and 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne, in the first of a five-game Cactus League tour. This is the second time Team France has played against MLB clubs, last facing the Pirates and Blue Jays in October 2013.

• Gagne, a three-time All-Star, played for Los Angeles from 1999-2006 and racked up 187 saves over his 10-year big league career with the Dodgers, Rangers (2007), Red Sox (2007) and Brewers (2008). The right-handed flamethrower holds the franchise record for saves in a season with 55 in 2003, the year he won the NL Cy Young Award.

#GameOver: pic.twitter.com/3xSRTfgIcE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 5, 2014

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Expanded instant replay with manager challenges made its debut at three Spring Training games on Monday, but Don Mattingly and the Dodgers will get their first taste of the new system tomorrow against the Angels in Tempe. Los Angeles has a total of five Cactus League games where replay will be used; March 11 at Kansas City, March 12 vs. Arizona, March 15 vs. Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 4/Road Game 2

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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(Kershaw warming up, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BACK ON THE ROAD!: The Dodgers travel to Maryvale today for their second road game of the spring as they meet the Brewers for the only time in Cactus League play this year. The clubs will meet two times during the regular season, Aug. 8-10, at Miller Park and Aug. 15-17 at Dodger Stadium.

• The Dodgers picked up their second victory of the spring yesterday with a 5-0 victory over the White Sox. Center Fielder Joc Pederson and first basemen Clint Robinson, both non-roster invitees, hit their first home runs of the spring. Pederson’s go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh proved to be more than enough for a pitching staff that has allowed just seven earned runs in 27 innings of play (2.33 ERA).
• Left-handed starter Hyun-Jin Ryun was impressive in his Cactus League debut, allowing two singles in two innings of work. Six Dodger relievers, including Brian Wilson and Kenley Jansen, combined to throw seven scoreless innings.

(Clint Robinson, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Right-hander Dan Haren made his Dodgers debut this afternoon after going 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA in 31 games (30 GS) in his only season with the Nationals in 2013. In his career, the 33-year-old has gone 129-111 with a 3.74 ERA and has posted double-digit win totals in each of his last nine seasons. Also appearing in the game today:

• RHP Brandon League made his first appearance of the spring after posting a 6-4 record in 58 games last season.
• Dodger reliever LHP Paco Rodriguez made his Cactus League debut after limiting opponents to a .164 batting average in his first full season in the Major Leagues last year.
• RHP Javy Guerra tossed a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks and made his second appearance of the spring. Guerra enters his 11th year in the Dodgers organization.
• Non-roster invitee LHP Chris Reed will make his Cactus League debut. Reed enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 8 prospect.
• RHP Jose Dominguez tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks and will be making his second appearance of the spring. In 2013, Dominguez appeared in nine games with the Dodgers, posting a 2.16 ERA.
• Milwaukee will counter with RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Ariel Pena, RHP David Goforth, RHP Tyler Cravy and LHP and former Dodger Brent Leach. Leach pitched in Los Angeles for Joe Torre in 38 games during the 2009 season.

(Dan Haren, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NOTHING MINOR ABOUT IT: The Dodgers had seven minor leaguers joining the club vs. the Brewers today, with pitchers LHP Fu-Ti Ni (#91),  RHP Henry Sosa (#88) and RHP Lindsey Caughel (#93), infielders Darnell Sweeney (#87), Aaron Bates (#97) and Jamie Romak (#96) and outfielder Noel Cuevas (#92) all making the trip.

ON THE MEND: According to Manager Don Mattingly, the MRI on outfielder Matt Kemp came back with a good report, giving him the go-ahead to move forward with his rehab. While he is not at full strength, Kemp will start to incorporate running and agility work into his routine. Right-hander Zack Greinke is also feeling better than yesterday and will throw on flat ground today. Dodger starter Chad Billingsley threw a bullpen this morning, introducing curveballs into his repertoire for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April 24.

• Dodger left fielder Carl Crawford returns to the lineup today as the designated hitter. Crawford missed the last two games with a mild strain of his right quad. The 32-year-old played in 116 games last season and hit .283 with 15 steals in 19 attempts.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

OLD FRIEND ALERT: Former Dodger INF/OF Elian Herrera will start at shortstop for the Brewers this afternoon. Herrera hit .251 with a homer, 17 RBI and a .336 on-base percentage in 71 big league games with Los Angeles the last two seasons. The native of the Dominican Republic was claimed by the Brewers on November 4, 2013.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17 / Road Game 1

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 (0-0) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 – 1:10 p.m. | Talking Stick
LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy
Spring Game 17/Road Game 1

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(pic via MLB Fan Cave on twitter)

PLAY BALL!: The Dodgers will play their Cactus League opener today against the D-backs at Talking Stick. Today’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).

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Clayton Kershaw will take the mound today after winning his second-career Cy Young Award in 2013, becoming just the second Dodger (Sandy Koufax – 1963, 1965, 1966) and 17th all-time pitcher to win multiple Cy Young Awards. Since the start of the live ball era in 1920, the left-hander has the lowest all-time career ERA (2.60) among pitchers with more than 1,000.0 innings pitched and 100 games started. The Dallas, TX, native led the Majors in ERA in each of the last three seasons, becoming the first pitcher to do so since Greg Maddux (1993-95) and the first-ever Dodger to accomplish the feat. Also appearing in the game today:

• Seth Rosin (RHP) enters his first season in the Dodger organization after he was acquired through the Rule 5 draft and a trade with New York-NL in December 2013. In 108 professional games (42 GS), Rosin has gone 14-12 with a 4.00 ERA in the Philadelphia and San Francisco organizations.
• Right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque, allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings over nine appearances in his only stint with the Dodgers last season.
• 23-year-old Jose Dominguez made his Major League debut last season and posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) in nine appearances with Los Angeles. The hard-throwing right-hander was eventually transferred to the 60-day disabled list after being placed on the 15-day DL on July 23 with a left quad strain.
• Non-roster invitee Ross Stripling is in his first big league camp after posting an 8-4 record with one save and a 2.82 ERA in 27 games (22 GS) between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga in 2013. The right-hander enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect.
• Right-handed non-roster invitee Sam Demel has appeared in 72 games at the Major League level with the D-backs (2010-12), posting a 4-4 record with a 4.95 ERA.
• 27-year-old non-roster invitee Daniel Moskos (LHP) has gone 26-28 with a 4.43 ERA in 207 games (45 GS) in seven minor league seasons with the Pirates (2007-12) and White Sox (2012-13).

(Adrian Gonzalez, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

GET YOUR BIG LEAGUE ON: The Dodgers will have four minor leaguers joining the club vs. the D-backs today, with infielders Darnell Sweeney (#83) and Jamie Romak (#94), outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker (#83) and right-handed pitcher Stephen Smith (#95) all making the trip.

A WARM WELCOME: Dodger great Shawn Green arrived in camp today and will be in uniform as a guest instructor, joining Sandy Koufax, Tommy Davis and Eric Karros as those who’ve appeared at Camelback Ranch – Glendale this year.

• Green is a two-time All-Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, who set the franchise record for the most homers in a single season with 49 in 2001. The following year, Green hit four homers in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers, joining Gil Hodges as the only Dodgers two hit four homers in a game. Green surpassed 40 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs three times in his 15-year Major League career.

OPEN TRYOUT: The Dodgers’ annual open tryout will be held tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. MT (8:00 a.m. registration) on the minor league side of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Those wishing to participate must not be enrolled in high school, on a collegiate roster or be under contract with any Major League club. Additional information is available on the Dodgers Scouting Hotline at 323-224-1512.

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.

AND THEY’RE OFF: The new 24-hour-a-day network of the Dodgers, SportsNet LA, premiered last night with original programming, including the 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.

• 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 today and Thursday.

(SportsNet LA on-air talent, Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

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