Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at a mundane activity that happens in every clubhouse -- the manicuring of a Baseball uniform. Featured is Dodger coach Leo Durocher, circa 1961, having the sleeves on his shirt trimmed by a clubhouse attendant (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine throws his second career no-hitter -- becoming the eighth Dodger to do so in their history. He blanked the New York Giants, 3-0 (boxscore), at Ebbets Field. In 1979 Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchorman Bill Murray announced that lovable All-Star second baseman Chico Escuela (played by Garrett Morris) would quit baseball after Steve Garvey crushed a ball that hit Escuela in the crotch -- rendered him irreversibly infertile. In 2004 Alex Cora had his famous 18 pitch at-bat (including 14 consecutive fouls balls) at Dodger Stadium against Matt Clement of the Cubs that culminated in an unbelievable two-run home run.  You can watch this at-bat here. In 2015 Giancarlo Stanton owned Dodgers pitcher Mike Bolsinger when he become only the fourth player to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. Watch it here. Stanton's homer would prove to be the only run the Marlins would score (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, Lave Cross, Dutch Henry, Rafael Bournigal & Adam Liberatore!

Blog Kiosk: 12/12/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

All the hot stove stuff has me yearning for some Baseball. Featured above is a March 6, 1949 AP press photograph from that springs first game intra-squad game (eBay auction link). I love the backdrop -- seeing all the youngsters in the makeshift dugout and the Dodgertown barracks that house all the ballplayers.

WHITMAN FLIES OUT IN INTRA-SQUAD GAME.  Dick Whitman, Dodger outfielder, flies put in first inning of the first intra-squad game for the Brooklyn club at their Vero Beach, Fla., training camp.  Catcher Lembo and umpire Andrews watch the ball sail to the outfield."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 11/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Roy is "A-Okay".

Roy Campanella, popular Brooklyn Dodger catcher, winks and gives the "okay" sign to a group of admiring small fry after a physician said Campy's injured left hand isn't permanently damaged and he's fit for duty in the All-Star game in Cleveland.

Dated July 13, 1954, the above vintage press photo (available through eBay) features some very relieved Brooklyn fans with Roy Campanella. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 the Dodgers traded right-handed hurler Stan Williams to the Yankees for first baseman Bill Skowron. He would play just one season for Los Angeles -- slashing .203/.252/.287/.539 in 89 games. In 1965 Dodgers second baseman Jim Lefebvre is voted National League Rookie of the Year. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent righty Jon Garland to a one-year $5 million contract. Garland would start nine games, going 1-5 with an 4.33 ERA, then go on the disabled list with shoulder discomfort -- leading to shoulder surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Canavan, Dan McFarlan, Bob Lee, Jeff Torborg, Jorge Orta & Jay Howell!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Never count out the old guys.

The story of the season has been the rise of the kids. From Buehler to Bellinger, it is the youngsters who have driven the Dodger bus all season. That said, we've got some wily veterans who don't want you to forget that they've got some heroics left in them too. Last night it was the geezers -- Russell Martin and David Freese -- who got it done. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think we’re going to go to Denny’s after this and get on the 55 and older menu, order some Grand Slams,” Turner joked. “No, but it was a good night. Big swing by Russell, two strikes and gives us a lead. And before we even get done giving him high-fives, Freezer gives us a little cushion.”

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 5-3, last night. The photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers won both ends of a doubleheader against the Boston Braves -- sweeping their fourth doubleheader in four consecutive days. From September 1st to 4th they beat the Phillies twice and the Braves six times. In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team to draw two million fans at home and on the road when they defeated the Reds at Crosley Fields in front of 18,670 patrons, 8-6. In 1969 Willis Davis' Dodger hitting streak comes to an end at 31 consecutive games -- setting a franchise record. It came at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. Dodger Historian Mark Langill wrote a fantastic story about Willie Davis and this record here.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza & Brian Myrow!

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look of satisfaction on the face of Dodgers manager Walter Alston in the International News press photo above, dated October 6, 1955 (eBay auction link). It was taken following the Dodgers first world championship -- after all the parties and celebration throughout Brooklyn. Per the description attached to the reverse:

Hail and Farewell -- Brooklyn Manager Walkter Alston, carrying his baggage and a few bats, takes a last look over Ebbets Field before leaing for a long vacation. Brooklynites nursed the father of all hangovers as a result of the cataclysmic celebration that followed the Dodgers winning the first World Series in the history of the borough.

I know, one day, I'll know this feeling too. Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

Welcome Back to the Blue, Shane

Wow!  This trade may not be the slam dunk that the Hanley trade appears to be, but you can't deny that Shane Victorino is a gamer.  He plays hard and plays with grit.  Sure, the Dodger faithful had grown to despise him.  Heck, some fans may even hate him.  Me, I've been always mindful that he was once a prospect within the Dodger system who was never really given an opportunity to crack the lineup and went unnoticed by several teams before spreading his wings with the Phillies.  There, Victorino's will and abilities took hold as he lead the team to five consecutive playoff berths and one World Championship in 2008.  I welcome his experience and leadership.

Per FanGraphs, they mention that we really didn't trade anything that we would miss, so this could turn out to be a big winner for us.

Okay, they didn’t actually get him for nothing. To acquire the Phillies center fielder (who will almost certainly play left in LA), the Dodgers gave up 25-year-old reliever Josh Lindblom and enigmatic right-handed pitching prospect Ethan Martin. Reports are that the Dodgers felt comfortable moving Lindblom after acquiring Brandon League from the Mariners last night, but in reality, they should have always been comfortable trading Josh Lindblom for value, because Josh Lindblom is simply not a particularly valuable player.

Considering this, it appears that the Brandon League trade was put together to set up a trade for Victorino.  So, we give up Leon Landry, Logan Bawcom, Josh Lindblom and Ethan Martin for Brandon League and Shane Victorino.  UPDATE: According to a @Dodgers tweet, along with Lindblom and Martin a "player to be named later" will also be going to the Phillies. 

Below are stats for Shane Victorino from Baseball Reference.


UPDATE:  The Dodgers alredy have a pic with Shane Victorino in a Dodgers uniform.  See it below:

(pic via twitter @Dodgers)

UPDATE II:  BTW, Shane Victorino is on twitter, but doesn't appear to be very active.  Nevertheless, go ahead and follow him!  @ShaneVictorino

UPDATE III: From a Dodger press release today:

“We’re excited to add an All-Star caliber player with postseason experience,” said Colletti. “He plays the game with passion, gives us a top of the order bat from both sides of the plate, can steal bases and is solid defensively in the outfield.”

Victorino, 31, is batting .261 with nine homers, 24 steals and 40 RBI in 101 games this season with the Phillies. The switch-hitter is hitting .316 against left-handed pitching this season and is swinging a hot bat of late, having hit safely in five consecutive games and nine of his last 10 at a .378 clip (14-for-37) since July 18.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Busy Dodgers Weekend

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

There are a bunch of Dodger signing events planned over the weekend.  Some are pay events while many are free.  There are even a couple of Angels signing; including Vladimir Guerrero on Saturday (link here),  Kendrys Morales on Saturday (link here) (more info on Vlade and Morales signing here) and Howie Kendrick on Saturday (link here).  I've listed only the Dodger appearances below, with exception of Lakers great James Worthy.

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Just as a reminder, here are the free signers in Autograph Alley before this weekends ballgames at Dodgers Stadium

Friday, June 15 vs. Chicago White Sox
Dodger alumnus Chuck Essegian
5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

Saturday, June 16 vs. Chicago White Sox
Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas
5:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 17 vs. Chicago White Sox
at Viva Los Dodgers
Boxers Joselito Lopez and Chris Arreola will sign autographs for fans at Viva Los Dodgers at 11:45 a.m. followed by a first pitch.
Dodger Alumnus Tommy Davis
11:10 a.m-12:30 p.m.

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Kenley Jansen will be signing at Paul's TV (inside Living Spaces) on June 16, 2012 starting at 12:00 PM.

Paul's TV

(inside Living Spaces)
407 West Huntington Dr.
Monrovia, CA 91016

(626) 471-9698

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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Meet Dodgers shortstop, Dee Gordon, at St. Vincent de Paul Thift Store in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 16 from 12:00PM - 1:30PM.

KLAC Radio will be there with free prizes! One autograph per person.

St. Vincent de Paul Thift Store
210 N. Avenue 21
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 224-6273

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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Steve Garvey joins Mark and Brian on Pet Adoption Day on June 16, 2012, sponsored by spcaLA and 95.5KLOS.  The total event is from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, but I am unsure when Garvey will be there exactly.

spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center
7700 East Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815 (in El Dorado Park)

Get more information here.

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Manny Mota will be at Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe #2 on June 16, 2012 from 10:00PM to 12:00PM.

Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe #2 
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South 
City of Industry, CA 91746 

This is Toy Drive for Manny Mota's Foundation. Bring a toy, $10 value or higher and receive an autograph of the Dodger Legend. Free admission, free parking, all ages welcome.

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy
 

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**LOCATION HAS CHANGED**

This is a pay event.  Meet AJ Ellis on Saturday June 16, 2012 at All Star Collectibles in Woodland Hills from 12:00PM - 1:30PM.  $25 - any item if purchased in advance $29 - day of event 
$7 - inscriptions.  This signing is being put on by MVP Trading Cards and will take place at:

All Star Collectibles
6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 710-0513

Linked information, here.  For advance ticket sales contact MVP Trading Cards at (818) 518-0989.  Please note that the location had recently changed.

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This is another pay signing event.  Frank & Sons has a bunch of Dodgers showing on Saturday.  Below is a list.  Go to this link for information.  Click any pic to enlarge flyers.

Don Newcombe: small: $39. medium: $49. large: $59. inscription: $20. stage time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 

Jaime Jarrin: Dodgers Hall of Fame Broadcaster: small: $49. medium: $59. large: $69. inscription: $20. stage time: tba 

Jerry Hairston: small: $39. medium: $49. large: $59. inscription: $15. stage time: tba

Josh Lindblom: small: $29. medium: $39. large: $49. inscription: $10. stage time: tba

Elian Herrera: small: $29. medium: $39. large: $49. inscription: $10. stage time: tba

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Meet Lakers Legend, James Worthy, at Living Spaces in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, June 16th from 10:00PM to 12:00PM.  Only one autographed item per person. Line will be limited to 300 guests.  Linked information is here.

Living Spaces
12649 Foothill Boulevard
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(877) 266-7300

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 30

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-12-4) at Arizona Diamondbacks (11-16-2)

Saturday, March 31, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Talking Stick

LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Ian Kennedy

Spring Game 30/Road Game 16

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, Hairston 2B, @TheRealMattKemp CF, Ethier RF, Rivera LF, @jamesloney_7 1B, Uribe 3B, @AJEllis17 C, Kershaw P
Diamondbacks: Roberts 3B Bloomquist SS Upton RF Kubel LF Young CF Montero C Goldschmidt 1B Harbin 2BKennedy P

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(pic via twitter @SteveLyons12)

• WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?: The Dodgers and Diamondbacks meet for the first time this spring in the penultimate Cactus League contest for Los Angeles. Tomorrow, the two squads will tangle again at Camelback Ranch – Glendale in the Dodgers’ Cactus League finale. The National League West rivals will meet 18 times during the regular season, starting with a two-game series on May 14 and 15 at Dodger Stadium. Last year, the NL-West champion Diamondbacks won the season series with the Dodgers, 10-8.

• HURLERS: LHP Clayton Kershaw will make his fifth and final Cactus League start this afternoon. The 2011 Cy Young Award winner is 2-2 with a 1.47 ERA (3 ER/18.1 IP) and a .203 opponents’ average against this spring. The southpaw’s next start will be Thursday, April 5 in San Diego’s PETCO Park, otherwise known as Opening Day, 2012. The start will be Kershaw’s second consecutive Opening Day assignment. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Ronald Belisario will make his seventh appearance this spring. The native of Venezuela has allowed five runs in 7.0 innings this March, including a scoreless frame on Thursday against the White Sox.
  

  ● RHP Josh Lindblom will make his team-leading 10th appearance of the Cactus League season today. Thus far, Lindblom has a 4.50 ERA (5 ER/10.0 IP) this month and has struck out seven batters without a walk. The right-hander out of Purdue went 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) in 27 appearances for the Dodgers last year.

  ● LHP Scott Rice gave up a run on Thursday vs. the White Sox and now has a 4.70 ERA (4 ER/7.2 IP) to go along with eight strikeouts and just two walks. The 30-year-old non-roster invitee is looking to make the Major Leagues for the first time in his 14-year professional career.

(Oh ya!! @Dodgers !!!! 1000s still in line to audition!!!, via twitter @MannyStreetz)

• RACE TO THE FINISH: With just two games left, the Dodgers are looking to clinch their first winning Cactus League campaign since joining the league in 2009. Additionally, at 13-12 with five exhibition games left, the club is seeking its first winning Spring Training since going 17-16-1 in 2007. Yesterday, the Dodgers lost their fourth consecutive game, falling 9-4 to Milwaukee. Minutes later, the streak was snapped as the other split-squad put the finishing touches on a 6-3 victory over the Cubs in Mesa. Andre Ethier, James Loney, Luis Cruz and Matt Angle all had multi-hit games yesterday and LHP Chris Capuano looked spectacular on the hill, allowing just two hits and one run over 6.0 innings against the Brewers.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon went 1-for-3 with a triple yesterday, while Andre Ethier belted his third homer of the spring and drove in four runs. The duo have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring as Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.382, 5^th), steals (10, 2^nd), runs (15, 1^st) and on-base percentage (.460, 4^th). Ethier leads the league with 42 total bases, is tied for the league lead with 16 RBI, nine doubles and three triples and leads the Dodgers in average (.400) and slugging percentage (.933).

• 

(Los Angeles Dodgers Matt Kemp with Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun Friday, March 30, 2012 at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix, Arizona © Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2012)

• WHO’S READY!: The 2012 regular season kicks off for the Dodgers in just five days in San Diego and the Dodger Stadium 50^th anniversary season begins in 10 days. The Dodgers’ home opener against the Pirates has sold out, but a limited number of seats for the big day are available through the purchase of Full Season, 25-game Pick ‘Em and 15-game Mini Plan packages.

• SING FOR THE FENCES: Today in Los Angeles, the Dodgers are holding the first Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions at Dodger Stadium. The goal is to select performers to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. Singing hopefuls were lining up outside the stadium before 5:00 a.m. and hundreds of potential idols have turned out to let the judges hear their pipes. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3.

(Auditions to sing before a @Dodgers game have begun, via twitter @Dodgers)

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 29

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Milwaukee Brewers (11-14-2) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-11-4)

Friday, March 30, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

LHP Chris Capuano vs. Francisco Rodriguez

Spring Game 29/Home Game 14

Split squad games today.

Todays Starting Lineup for the game at Camelback Ranch:

Dodgers: Hairston LF, Sellers SS, Kemp CF, Ethier RF, Rivera 1B, Fields 3B, A.J. Ellis C, Joe Becker 2B, Capuano P.
Brewers: Weeks 4, Gomez 8, Braun 7, Conrad 5, Lucroy 2, Gamel 3, Izturis 6, Aoki 9, Rodriguez 1.

Todays Starting Lineup for the other game in Mesa:

Dodgers: Gordon SS, M. Ellis 2B, Loney 1B, Uribe 3B, Gwynn LF, Angle CF, Cruz RF, Treanor C, Nieve P.
Cubs: DeJesus RF, Barney 2B, Castro SS, LaHair 1B, Soriano LF, Stewart 3B, Byrd CF, Soto C, Dempster P

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(Eddie Vedder and Johnny Ramone visit Dodger Dugout, pic via twitter @PearlJamOnline)

• SPLITSVILLE: The Dodgers will play two games this afternoon with split-squads battling the Brewers at Camelback Ranch and the Cubs on the road in Mesa. Los Angeles and Milwaukee split their previous two meetings this spring with the Dodgers winning 7-6 on March 20 in Glendale and losing 7-1 on Sunday in Maryvale. The Dodgers lost the season series 2-4 to Milwaukee last season and the clubs will get their matchups underway early in the 2012 campaign with meetings from April 17-19 at Miller Park and May 29-31 at Dodger Stadium.

• HURLERS: LHP Chris Capuano will make his fifth Cactus League start this afternoon after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings in his last outing on Saturday against the Indians. The 33-year-old spent seven seasons in the Milwaukee organization from 2004-10, going 44-48 with a 4.34 ERA in 139 games (120 starts) with the Brew Crew. Capuano is 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA this spring and has limited opposing hitters to a .231 batting average (12-for-52) with 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Jamey Wright will tie Josh Lindblom for the team lead with his ninth appearance of the spring today after allowing one run in 1.0 inning on Tuesday against the Padres in a spot start. That same day, the 37-year-old had his contract selected by the Dodgers and was added to the club’s 40-man roster, essentially making the club as a non-roster invitee.

  ● RHP Todd Coffey has seen his ERA balloon to 8.53 after allowing a two-run homer in his 1.0 inning of work on Wednesday against the Giants and has allowed runs in three of his last four appearances. Coffey pitched three seasons in Milwaukee from 2008-10 before spending last season in Washington and went 7-8 with a 3.52 ERA in 156 games with the Brewers.

  ● RHP Matt Guerrier will make his third appearance of the spring after a back injury kept him off the mound since his last appearance on March 11 against the Cubs.

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• ROSTER UPDATE: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers released non-roster invitees OF Cory Sullivan (.289 batting average in 22 games) and C Josh Bard (.111 average in 14 games) from their minor league contracts. There are currently 37 players remaining in Major League camp, including Rubby De La Rosa and Blake Hawksworth, who are on the 60-day disabled list.

• THREE DOWN: The Dodgers lost their third consecutive game yesterday, falling 3-1 to the White Sox. Juan Uribe posted his second multi-hit game of the spring, going 2-for-3, and A.J. Ellis drove in Los Angeles’ only run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Aaron Harang continued to impress in his fifth Cactus League start, allowing just one run and striking out six in 6.0 solid innings.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon (six games) and Andre Ethier (eight games) both had their hitting streaks snapped yesterday, but have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring. Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.385, 5^th), steals (10, 2^nd), runs (13, T-3^rd) and on-base percentage (.458, 6^th). Ethier is tied for the league lead with eight doubles and three triples, is tied for fifth with 36 totals bases and leads the Dodgers in average (.390) and slugging percentage (.878).

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• SING FOR THE FENCES: The Dodgers will hold Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. at Dodger Stadium to select performers to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3. Interested performers can find more information and download the participant waiver at Dodgers.com/Anthem.

• LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Dodgers will pack up and leave Arizona for Southern California following Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Freeway Series against the Angels gets underway on Monday night in Anaheim (7:05 p.m.) with games on Tuesday night (7:10 p.m.) and Wednesday afternoon (12:10 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium. Fans can get their first in-person look at the 2012 Dodgers by visiting Dodgers.com or calling 866-DODGERS.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 27

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Chicago White Sox (11-15) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-10-4)

Thursday, March 29, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Aaron Harang vs. LHP Chris Sale

Spring Game 27/Home Game 13

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, M Ellis 2B, @TheRealMattKemp CF, Rivera 1B, Ethier RF, Fields LF, Uribe 3B, @AJEllis17 C, Harang RHP

White Sox: De Aza CF, Lillibridge 1B, Rios RF, Dunn DH, Ramirez SS, Flowers C, Viciedo LF, Beckham 2B, Escobar 3B, Sale P.

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• GET OUT THE BROOMS?: The Dodgers and White Sox complete their five-game Cactus League series with an afternoon tilt at Camelback Ranch – Glendale today. The Dodgers have won all four contests, including a 17-4 victory in in Tucson that benefitted the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation. Los Angeles has outscored its Glendale roommates 37-17 this spring. The two squads will meet again during the regular season from June 15-17 at Dodger Stadium.

• HURLERS: Dodger right-hander Aaron Harang will make his fifth start of the spring this afternoon and is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA (6 ER/14.0 IP) in his first Spring Training with the Dodgers. The 6-7, 230-pound Harang last pitched on Friday in Surprise against the Royals and gave up just one run over 5.0 innings. The San Diego native and resident is coming off one of the best seasons of his 10-year big league career after leading the Padres with 14 wins and posting a career-low 3.64 ERA in 28 starts last season. Since 2004, Harang ranks among the National League leaders in wins (85, 7th), strikeouts (1,223, 3rd), innings pitched (1,467.2, 4th) and complete games (13, T-7^th). He will be followed to the mound by:

  ● RHP Josh Lindblom will make his team-leading ninth appearance of the Cactus League season today. Thus far, Lindblom has a 4.00 ERA (4 ER/9.0 IP) this month and has struck out seven batters without a walk. The right-hander out of Purdue went 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) in 27 appearances for the Dodgers last year.

  ● RHP Ronald Belisario will make his sixth appearance this spring. The native of Venezuela has allowed five runs in 6.0 innings in March.

  ● LHP Scott Rice tossed a scoreless inning on Tuesday in Peoria and now has a 4.05 ERA (3 ER/6.2 IP) to go along with seven strikeouts and just one walk. The 30-year-old non-roster invitee is looking to make the Major Leagues for the first time in his 14-year professional career.

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• THIS FEELS FUNNY: The Dodgers have lost two-in-a-row for the first time all spring following yesterday’s 4-1 loss to the Giants. Nathan Eovaldi started and allowed two runs on three hits over 5.0 innings while Kenley Jansen and Mike MacDougal each tossed 1.0 scoreless inning of relief. At the plate, second baseman Mark Ellis went 2-for-3 with a runs scored and a walk while James Loney went 2-for-4 with two extra-base hits and the club’s lone RBI.

• A CHANGE IS GONNA COME: It was announced Tuesday night that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt reached an agreement under which Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC will acquire the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion upon completion of the closing process. The purchasing group includes Mark R. Walter as its controlling partner, as well as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Peter Guber, Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly.

• SPEE -DEE: Dee Gordon has hit safely in his last six games, batting .650 (13-for-20) with eight runs scored, one double, two triples and five steals since March 20. The 23-year-old leads NL qualifiers with a .417 batting average and 14 runs scored and ranks among the leaders in steals (10, 2^nd), OBP (.491, 2^nd), and hits (20, T-5^th).

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• THE BIG BATS: The Dodgers’ .282 team batting average ranks third among National League teams this spring and all three of the club’s starting outfielders are hitting over .300. Andre Ethier’s current eight-game hitting streak has given him a team-leading batting average of .421 while Matt Kemp (.313) and Juan Rivera (.304) rank sixth and seventh on the squad, respectively. Rivera is tied for fourth in home runs with four and Ethier ranks among the leaders in doubles (8, T-1^st), total bases (36, T-4^th), triples (3, T-1^st) and runs scored (11, T-7^th).

• MY GOODNESS, MY GUINNESS: On this date four years ago, a Guinness World Record 115,300 fans watched the Dodgers and Red Sox play in an exhibition game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that raised more than $2 million for ThinkCure!, the club’s official charity.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 24

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Chicago White Sox (10-12) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (11-8-4)

Monday, March 26, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

LHP John Danks vs. RHP Chad Billingsley

Spring Game 24/Home Game 12

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, M Ellis 2B, @TheRealMattKemp CF, Rivera 1B, Ethier RF, Sands LF, Uribe 3B, Treanor C, Billingsley P
White Sox: De Aza cf, Morel 3b, Rios rf, Konerko 1b, Dunn dh, Ramirez ss, Flowers c, Viciedo lf, Beckham 2b, Danks 1

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(Matt Kemp, pic via instagram @KeMvP_27)

• ONE-UP THE NEIGHBORS: The Dodgers will square off with the Chicago White Sox for the fourth time this spring and, so far, it has been all Dodgers. Los Angeles is 3-0 against Chicago this spring, including Friday’s 17-4 victory in Tucson. The Dodgers will play the White Sox for the final time this March on Thursday, but the two squads will meet again during the regular season from June 15-17 at Dodger Stadium.

• SPRING WORKHORSE: Dodger starter Chad Billingsley will make his team-leading fifth start of the Cactus League slate this afternoon and thus far owns a record of 0-0 and a 4.97 ERA (7 ER/12.2 IP). The Ohio native’s last outing was Tuesday, March 20 against the Brewers, when he gave up three runs over 4.2 innings. All five of Billingsley’s starts have been at Camelback Ranch. He’ll be followed to the mound by:

  ● LHP Scott Elbert has allowed runs in two consecutive outings, which has ballooned his spring ERA to 5.40 (3 ER/5.0 IP). Today will mark his sixth appearance this month. Last year, Elbert limited lefthanders to a .191 batting average (13-for-68) and no home runs.

  ● RHP Javy Guerra will make his first appearance since firing a scoreless inning on Friday in Surprise. Guerra has allowed just one run (a solo homer) in five outings this spring (1.93 ERA). The Texas native has held the opposition to a .188 (3-for-16) batting average this spring.

  ● RHP Ronald Belisario was reinstated from the restricted list and placed back on the 40-man roster Thursday. The native of Venezuela has allowed three runs in 4.0 innings this spring, but tossed a scoreless inning in his last Cactus League outing on March 17.

  ● RHP Jamey Wright will tie Josh Lindblom this afternoon for the most games by a pitcher this spring with seven. The 17-year veteran hurler and non-roster invitee has posted a 2.25 ERA (2 ER/8.0 IP) and last pitched on Saturday vs. Cleveland, when he recorded the save with a perfect ninth inning.

(Los Angeles Dodgers Tim Wallach and Dave Hansen pose with ex-Dodgers now Milwaukee Brewers John Shelby and Ron Roenicke Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Maryvale,Arizona. © Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers)

• NOT-SO MARYVALE: Yesterday, the Dodgers were held to three hits and fell to the Brewers in Maryvale, 7-1. Dodger starter Clayton Kershaw took the loss, dropping his spring record to 2-2. The left-hander allowed just two runs over 6.0 innings and his Cactus League ERA is now 1.47. At the plate, Cory Sullivan went 1-for-1 and Jerry Hairston Jr. was 2-for-3, raising his spring average to .357.

• DOUBLE TROUBLE: Dodger outfielder Andre Ethier has seven doubles on the spring season, tying him with Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison and Cincinnati’s Zack Cozart for the National League lead. His 30 total bases are tied for eighth among National Leaguers and his 10 RBI lead the team and are tied for 10th in the NL.

• HAPPY HAPPY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Special Assistant, Baseball Operations Jose Vizcaino. “Vizzy” turns 44 today and is beginning his fifth season in the Dodger front office, following an 18-year playing career that started when he was signed by the Dodgers at 17. Vizcaino’s game-winning single for the Yankees in the 12^th inning of the 2000 World Series, ended the then longest World Series game in history.

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• SPEE-DEE: Dee Gordon went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday’s win for his fourth consecutive multi-hit game. After getting the day off yesterday, Gordon will be back atop the Dodger lineup today and ranks among the National League leaders in batting average (.415, 3^rd), runs scored (12, T-1^st), steals (8, 2^nd) and on-base percentage (.489, 3^rd) in 15 games this spring.

• GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Dodgers are 11-8-4 this spring, which is the fifth-best record in the Cactus League, and have been one of the National League’s best offensive teams despite their three-hit attack at Maryvale yesterday. Among National League squads, Los Angeles ranks fifth in team batting average (.282), third in on-base percentage (.353) and has posted the fifth-highest slugging percentage (.439). The Dodgers have also fared well on the mound with their 3.59 team ERA ranking fourth in the NL.

• ON THE BACK FIELDS: Dodger reliever Matt Guerrier will toss an inning in a minor league contest vs. the Reds’ minor leaguers this afternoon. Guerrier has been hampered with a back injury and last pitched on March 11 vs. the Cubs. The Ohio native has made two appearances this spring without allowing a run or hit.