Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Honeycutt, Seager and Rich Hill has been Re-Signed

Check out legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito scamper through the Dodgers "Pop-Up Museum" at Dodger Stadium.  The museum highlights Dodger history through memorabilia/artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the collection of Gary Cypres and the Dodgers own archives.  Go here for more information. Go here to check out more pics by Jon SooHoo from the museum.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1933 Prohibition ended.  In 1973 the Dodgers traded trade outfielder Willie Davis to the Expos for relief pitcher Mike Marshall.  Dr. Marshall, as he is called now, went on to win the NL Cy Young Award that next season.  He pitched in 106 games, finished 83 of them and recorded a league high 21 saves as a reliever.
• Happy Birthday, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss!

Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Neutered Dodgers Lose 2 to 0

The Dodgers have just provided an early peak at the 1981 World Series Tri-MVP bobblehead that they'll be giving out on Saturday, July 2nd.  It features Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey.  Go here to see the Dodgers entire promotional schedule.

As for last nights game, the Dodgers got stymied.  Scott Kazmir was solid in his seven innings of work.  He had gotten bitten early in the first inning, allowing four hits that resulted in two early runs.  Then, Kazmir settled down and scattered three hits over the next six.  Per Jack Baer and Joe Frisaro at MLB.com:

"The cutter was good, the fastball command was good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Kazmir. "He started throwing his change later and that was good as well. It was down. He gave us 110 pitches, something like that. He gave us some length tonight, which we needed.

The Dodgers offense, on the other hand, was not good.  They continued to be befuddled by the Marlins.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“You could see guys pressing a little bit,” manager Dave Roberts said. “You could see some hard contact out there, but when (hits) aren’t falling, you start looking at your last three, four games. Some guys are looking at their average and not getting hits. When I feel like you need to get a hit, it gets tougher. I think guys are coming out of the strike zone a little bit more than they used to.”

All they could muster were two hits, and the only potential rally came on three walks in the eighth inning that could not be cashed in.  With the bases loaded, Yasiel Puig struck out and Adrian Gonzalez flied to right to end their only threat.  The Dodgers went out with a whimper; losing 2-0.  Below are more links to check out:

• Corey Seager is now on twitter.  Follow him here: @coreyseager_5.  His very first tweet was a photo of socks.  
• Via Cut4, "Let's watch Corey and Kyle Seager express their sibling rivalry through R.B.I. Baseball 16."  This is awesome.

Blog Kiosk: 4/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully, Don Mattingly and Rick Monday's Day

Yesterday's pregame activities included a ceremony celebrating Rick Monday's fantastic save of an American flag on that date in 1976.  Listen to Vin Scully talk about it here.  You can also go here to check out a bunch of photos from the evening.  Per Tracy Ringolsby at MLB.com:

"They were going to put the match to the flag, and it was soaked in lighter fluid," remember Monday. "My attitude was if they don't have it, they can't light it, so I scooped the flag up and kept running. I didn't know if it was on fire or not, but I did know one of the guys was not a [baseball prospect]. He threw the can of lighter fluid at me, but he didn't have a good enough arm to hit me."

Featured above is a photo, via Bill Shaikin on twitter, of Monday and his wife Barbaralee with that flag.

The story about Rick Monday's deed is well known and roundly celebrated throughout the country - as it should be.  What isn't well known, however, is the circumstances surrounding the two protestors who attempted to burn that flag.  In fact, no one really knows much about them, but Vice reporter David Davis does his best to uncover the story.  Unfortunately, we don't really know much more than what we already know (which isn't much):

With their disappearance, with their refusal to address the past, they leave behind questions that seem likely to remain unanswered: What pain and rage led them out on to the field that day, and what did it have to do with that mental institution in Missouri? Why burn an American flag as a method of protest, and why at Dodger Stadium? And, why did a father use his 11-year-old son as an accomplice? In the long silence that followed the moment, there are surely other questions—questions of regret, questions about what it has been like to live with this for 40 years.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2008 Vin Scully received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pepperdine University.  He would later give an stirring commencement speech to the graduating Class of Seaver College at Peppederine that you can watch a snippet of here.  Also, during that evenings game in Colorado Brad Penny would hurl an 93-mph fastball that is missed by catcher Russell Martin and knocks out homeplate umpire Kerwin Danley.  He would be stretchered off the field.

Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda and Chase Utley

The old man can still play.

At 37 years of age, Chase Utley is proving that this dog still has some jump in his step.  He sparked a Dodger team by making key plays on the field and scoring the go ahead run in the 10th inning after singling and stealing second base to put him in scoring position.  Per Jon Cooper at MLB.com:

"George made us all aware that [Grilli] can be slow at times," Utley said. "That first pitch, he was pretty slow to the plate, and we took advantage of it."

Utley not only swiped the base, but he changed the tone of the inning. The former Braves closer walked the ensuing hitter, Corey Seager, on four pitches, and then he give up an RBI double to Justin Turner.

"It was huge," said Roberts, a prolific basestealer during his career. "Now Grilli's got to pitch Corey Seager really carefully, and then J.T. gets the double, and we just kept the line moving. So that stolen base changed the inning completely."

And the catalyst for all that was the man expected to play a backup role this year.  Instead, Utley has slashed .306/.370/.408/.779, and forced himself onto the everyday lineup.  Pic above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  On this day in in 1967 the Dodgers experienced their very first rain out at Dodger Stadium against the Cardinals.  It snapped an 737 games streak of consecutive games at home.
• Happy Birthday to Joc Pederson and Jesse Orosco!

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Drysdale Controversy, Kershaw's Changeup and Kazmir's Wonderful Night

Following up an brilliant performance by Clayton Kershaw is no easy task, but Scott Kazmir made it look easy.  After having had a trying spring, he went out for the first time as a Dodger in San Diego and blanked the Padres.  Kazmir threw six scoreless innings; allowing just one hit and recorded a string of 17 straight outs to end his evening.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I just wanted to have a good start to the season, get outs early and get us to the dugout as quick as possible," he said. "Location was the key, being able to get ahead. I was happy with my fastball location and worked the other pitches off that."

Kazmir's mastery of the strike zone was fantastic.  He darted in and out, while keeping batters guessing about the speed of the pitch. 

On a side note, Yasiel Puig has looked really good at the plate.  He's having good at-bats, and as a result is seeing better pitches to hit.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"I'm trying to stay back on pitches, trying to not go with what they're trying to get him with," Puig said. "It has helped to make good contact with the ball."

Photo above of Scott Kazmir via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check out:

• Not exactly a great situation, eh?  Via an AP report at ESPN, "Don Drysdale's widow selling awards over objections."

"She has the legal right, but moral and decent right? Absolutely not," Drysdale said through tears by phone from her home in Hawaii. "It's not a very nice thing for someone to do. This is something that has caught me by surprise and is heartbreaking."

Meyers said timing played no part in the sale and that many of the items were in storage. She said a portion of the proceeds would go to as yet-undecided charities and the rest "to help my kids down the road."

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 29/Home Game 16

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

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

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-12-3) at San Diego Padres (8-19-2)
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. PT | Peoria Sports Complex
RHP Ross Stripling (1-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Colin Rea (0-0, 5.82)
TV: None Radio: None

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

(Camelback Ranch, pic via Camelback Ranch on twitter)

ALMOST THERE: The Dodgers face the San Diego Padres for the second time this spring and their last road game in the Phoenix area. Los Angeles fell to the Padres, 12-5, March 20 at Camelback Ranch during a split-squad contest. Following today’s contest, the Dodgers have one game left at Camelback Ranch tomorrow, before beginning the Freeway Series Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

Blog Kiosk: 3/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - Coleman, Scully and Corey Seager

Some folks play golf on their day off.  Others just want to sit by the pool basking in the sun.  Corey Seager, on the other hand, decided to spend some time with the folks at Panini America to sign some of his Baseball cards, as evidenced by a photo tweeted out by Beckett.  A close up view of one of the cards is on the right, courtesy of Panini on twitter.  As you can see, he is in the midst of signing some soon to be released Panini Flawless cards.  BTW, he wasn't the only Dodger in attendance.  Frankie Montas (pic link) was there too.

Below are more links to check out:

• RIP, Joe Garagiola.  Marty Noble at MLB.com has a nice story on him here.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Vin Scully remembers Joe Garagiola."

“I was very fortunate to know and work with Joe Garagiola,” Scully said. “Boy, did he surprise me as a broadcaster. Joe was always a funny and decent man, but he was a big surprise to me. When we got together in the booth, he was very serious. The part that surprised me was how well prepared he was for each and every telecast.  Joe didn’t just rely on his experience as a player, but he did his homework and all of us benefited from his knowledge and research.

“I will miss his laughter and his love for the game, but most of all I will miss a deeply religious man, who had a great sense of humor.  My prayers are with Audrey and his family.”

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 22/Road Game 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.

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

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-9-2) at Kansas City Royals (10-13)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – 6:05 p.m. MT | Surprise Stadium
LHP Alex Wood (0-1, 5.40) vs. RHP Chris Young (1-1, 5.63)
TV: SNLA & MLB Network (no blackout) Radio: None

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

(Kenta Maeda, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SNAP OUT OF IT!: The Dodgers, who have lost their last six games, look to snap their losing streak as they face the World Champion Kansas City Royals for the second time this spring at Surprise Stadium this evening. Yesterday, the Dodgers fell to the Mariners at Camelback Ranch, 6-3, despite third baseman Justin Turner going 3-for-3 with a homer, two doubles and three RBI. Turner is now 7-for-12 (.583) with four doubles, five runs scored and four RBI in just five Cactus League games this spring. On the mound, starter Kenta Maeda was solid, allowing two runs and four hits in 5.0 innings while striking out five. In four starts this spring, Maeda has posted a 1.32 ERA (2 ER/13.2 IP) and limited opposing hitters to a .216 average with 14 strikeouts. Additionally, Dodger mainstays Chris Hatcher (0.2 IP), J.P. Howell (0.2 IP), Yimi Garcia (1.1) and Kenley Jansen (1.0) all tossed scoreless baseball. 

• The Dodgers are playing the Royals for the second time this spring, following last Thursday’s 5-1 loss at Camelback Ranch. The two clubs last met in the regular season during the 2014 campaign, when Los Angeles took two of three in Kansas City.

GET WELL SOON: Today, the Dodgers announced that outfielder Andre Ethier sustained a right tibia fracture and will miss the next 10-14 weeks.

(Turner and AGON, pic via MLB on twitter)

NO MINOR THING: Several minor leaguers will be suiting up for the Dodgers, including right-handed pitchers Red Patterson (#89), Logan Bawcom (88) and Felipe Gonzalez (91), left-handed pitcher Dustin Richardson (94), catcher Jack Murphy (60), infielders Adam Law (0), Brandon Trinkwon (69) and Willie Calhoun (84) and outfielder Alex Verdugo (90).

MORE ROSTER MOVES: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers reassigned infielder Brandon Hicks, catcher Shawn Zarraga, outfielder Corey Brown and infielder/outfielder Cody Bellinger to minor league camp. The Dodgers now have 42 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• LHP Alex Wood will make his third start of the spring, after allowing one run in 3.0 innings Thursday against the Royals. The 25-year-old left-hander posted career numbers last season, winning a career-high 12 games (12-12) in 32 combined starts, while posting a 3.84 ERA.
• RHP Louis Coleman is expected to make his seventh Cactus League outing (0 ER/6.0 IP), last pitching 1.0 scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. Coleman has given up just two hits and no runs thus far. He enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Pedro Baez will pitch in his seventh game of the spring, after tossing 1.0 scoreless frame against San Diego. He went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
• LHP Adam Liberatore will take the mound for the eighth time this spring (2 ER/6.1 IP), after most recently striking out the one and only batter he faced Sunday against Milwaukee. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• LHP Luis Avilan will pitch in his seventh Cactus League game, last pitching .1 of an inning against Seattle Monday. He combined to go 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 73 relief appearances for the Braves and the Dodgers last season.

(Justin Turner, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 21/Home Game 10

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.

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

Seattle Mariners (9-11-2) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-8-2)
Monday, March 21, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0, 5.87) vs. RHP Kenta Maeda (1-0, 0.00)
TV: None Radio: None

Here’s how the #Dodgers & #Mariners will start today’s game. We’ll get you highlights & analysis at 7PM tonight. pic.twitter.com/umqG65vRH8

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 21, 2016

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

(Kenley Jansen, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

IT’S ONLY SPRING: The Dodgers, who have lost their last five games, look to snap their losing streak as they face the Seattle Mariners for the second time this spring at Camelback Ranch. Los Angeles, which played split-squad games yesterday, fell to both the Padres at home, 12-5, and to the Brewers at Maryvale, 3-1. In the home game, minor leaguer Jeremy Kehrt made his first start and appearance of Spring Training, after scheduled starter Mike Bolsinger was scratched prior to the game. Kehrt allowed six runs on nine hits in 1.1 innings of work and recorded the loss,  while Corey Brown drove in two runs on a single during a four-run sixth inning. Over in Maryvale, Scott Kazmir made his third Cactus League start, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in 4.0 innings and took the loss. At the plate, Charlie Culberson slugged his second homer of the spring with a solo shot in the fifth inning to collect the only run for the Dodgers.

• The Dodgers are playing the Mariners for the second time this spring after beating the M’s, 8-4, on March 12 at Peoria. Los Angeles swept Seattle in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium last year in their only meetings of the 2015 season.

(AGon, pic via @WBC on twitter)

VIVA MEXICO!: The Dodgers would like to congratulate Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico on its 12-1 win in last night’s WBC qualifier against Nicaragua in Mexicali, punching the ticket to the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Gonzalez finished the night going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk. He returns to the Dodger lineup in today’s contest against the Mariners, making the start at first base and batting cleanup.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: The Dodgers would like to wish Frankie Montas a very happy birthday, as he turns 23 today! The right-handed pitcher was acquired from the White Sox in December in a three-team trade and appeared in seven games (two starts) with Chicago last year in his first Major League appearances, going 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA. 

ROSTER MOVES: Prior to yesterday’s game, the Dodgers optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Lee to minor-league camp. The Dodgers have 46 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

ON THE AIR: The Dodger game on Sunday, March 27 against the Cincinnati Reds will be heard on AM 1150 in Los Angeles instead of AM 570 due to a scheduling conflict.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Kenta Maeda will face off against fellow Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma of Seattle in his fourth start of the spring (0 ER/8.2 IP). Maeda last pitched March 15 when he allowed two unearned runs in 3.2 innings of work against the White Sox. The 27-year-old right-hander was signed to an eight-year contract on Jan. 7 following eight professional seasons with the Hiroshima Carp (2008-15) in which he compiled a 97-67 record with a 2.39 ERA in 218 games (217 starts). During the course of his Japanese career, Maeda won two Sawamura Awards (2010, 2015), given to the league’s best pitcher.
• LHP J.P. Howell will pitch in his sixth game this spring, after tossing 1.0 scoreless inning Saturday against the White Sox. Howell finished the 2015 season with a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Kenley Jansen will make his sixth relief appearance, after most recently pitching 1.0 inning Saturday against the White Sox. Jansen enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third- highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).
• RHP Louis Coleman is expected to make his seventh Cactus League outing (0 ER/6.0 IP), last pitching 1.0 scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. Coleman has given up just two hits and no runs thus far. He enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.

(Kershaw & Maeda, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 13/Home Game 6

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

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

Milwaukee Brewers (6-5-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (8-2-2)
Monday, March 14, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Mike Bolsinger (0-0, 3.60) vs. RHP Wily Peralta (1-0, 7.36)
TV: None Radio: None

Today's Dodger lineup:
Johnson 2B
Puig RF
Turner 3B
Gonzalez 1B
Barnes C
Guerrero DH
Thompson CF
Culberson SS
Noel LF
(Bolsinger P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 14, 2016

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

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

ON A ROLL: The Dodgers (8-2-2) return to Camelback Ranch today to face the Brewers after beating the Rockies, 6-4, yesterday at Salt River Field. Los Angeles took an early lead in yesterday’s contest, scoring all six of their runs in the first three innings. Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded his second victory of the spring, allowing just two hits in five scoreless innings along with three strikeouts. Relievers Yimi Garcia (1.0 IP) and Adam Liberatore (1.0) each tossed scoreless innings, while Matt West (1.0) collected his first save of Spring Training. At the plate, Scott Van Slyke blasted a solo shot in the second inning to record his third Cactus League home run. Cody Bellinger went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI, while Joc Pederson also drove in two runs, going 1-for-4.

• The Dodgers took the 2015 season series from Milwaukee, 4-3.

GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, leading the National League with a .372 on-base percentage, while ranking second among NL clubs with both a .302 batting average and a .501 slugging percentage. Individually, Scott Van Slyke has put up a .409/.500/.909 slashline, while his three Cactus League home runs are tied for second with teammates Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin along with Colorado’s Trevor Story. Charlie Culberson is tied for third in the Cactus League with eight RBI.

(Cody Bellinger, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

WELCOME BACK, JUSTIN!: Dodger third baseman Justin Turner will make his first appearance of the spring in today’s game, batting third and making the start at the hot corner. Turner, who had offseason knee surgery, will likely play four or five innings. 

• The Dodgers would also like to welcome Eric Karros, who arrived in Camelback Ranch this morning and will serve as a guest coach. The 1992 NL Rookie of the Year played 12 seasons for the Dodgers (1991-2002) and is the all-time home run leader in Los Angeles Dodger history with 270 bombs.

1“B” GAME: The Dodgers and White Sox played a “B” game today at 10:00 a.m. on the White Sox’s Field 1. Left-hander Scott Kazmir made the start for the Dodgers, while Yasmani Grandal, Kyle Farmer and Cody Bellinger participated in the game.  

MR. WORLDWIDE: Major League Baseball has announced details for the Panama City and Mexicali WBC qualifiers for the 2017 classic. Dodger first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will play for his brother, Edgar, on Team Mexico from March 17-20 in Mexicali. In addition, Dodger legend Eric Gagné will manage Team France as they try to advance in their qualifier against Spain, Colombia and Panama.

(pic via Miracle League LA on twitter)

FEATURED STORY: The Dodgers will be spotlighted on MLB Network’s “30 teams in 30 days” program today. In addition to interviews with Dodger manager Dave Roberts and President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, MLB hosts Sean Casey and Matt Vasgersian will talk to numerous Dodgers and conduct a fielding demonstration with Adrian Gonzalez.   Dodger CEO Stan Kasten will also call in for an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

BUSINESS LEADERS: The Dodgers and leading global agency R/GA were named a finalist for the Sports Business Journal’s Sports Business Awards category for Sports Breakthrough of the Year. The nominees for all awards were announced this morning and the winners will be announced at the event to be held in New York on May 18.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Mike Bolsinger will make his first start of the spring against the Brewers, after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings of relief thus far. He went 6-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 21 starts in his first season with the Dodgers in 2015.
• RHP Louis Coleman will appear in his fourth Cactus League game, after throwing 3.0 scoreless frames with five strikeouts in his first three appearances. Coleman enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Pedro Baez will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after most recently throwing a scoreless inning against the Angels. Baez went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
• LHP J.P. Howell will come on in relief for the third time this spring, after striking out two batters in an inning of relief against the Angels. He finished the 2015 season with a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Jamey Wright will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after allowing two runs in 1.0 inning of relief against the Cubs on Saturday. Wright, a 19-year MLB veteran, last pitched in the Majors in 2014, going 5-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 61 appearances with the Dodgers.RHP Kenley Jansen is expected to make his third Cactus League appearance following a scoreless outing against the Angels on Friday. He enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third-highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).

(The Victory Line, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Pitchers & Catchers Workout #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.

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

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

HERE WE GO AGAIN: Dodger pitchers and catchers held their first official workout of Spring Training today, with PFPs, bullpen sessions and batting practice in preparation for Opening Day, April 4 at San Diego. Position players report on Feb. 24 and the first full-squad workout will take place the following day, Thursday, Feb. 25. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play on Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

• Josh Ravin missed today’s workout due to flu-like symptoms.

(Dave Roberts, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

DOCTOR’S ORDERS: Dave Roberts addressed the club’s pitchers, catchers and staff this morning as he opened his first season as Dodger manager. Roberts is the 10th manager in Dodger history and the 28th in franchise history after serving as the bench coach for the Padres the last two seasons. Roberts, who is of African-American and Japanese descent, becomes the Dodgers’ first-ever minority manager and the fourth L.A. Dodger manager to also play for the franchise, joining Tommy Lasorda, Bill Russell and Glenn Hoffman.

ON THE MOUND: Among the first Dodgers to throw a bullpen today was newly-signed right-handed reliever Louis Coleman. Coleman, 29, spent the majority of the 2015 season with the Royals’ Triple-A Omaha, going 8-2 with nine saves and a 1.69 ERA in 38 games, before receiving a call-up to Kansas City on Sept. 7 and making four scoreless appearances (3.0 IP) in the big leagues. Coleman made his Major League debut in 2011 with the Royals and appeared in 152 games with Kansas City from 2011-15, going 6-4 with two saves and a 3.20 ERA. He’s limited opposing hitters to a .223 batting average in the big leagues, while averaging better than a strikeout per inning, with 186 Ks in 177.1 innings pitched.

(Coleman and Anderson, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

• Joining Coleman in throwing their first official bullpens of the spring today were Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, J.P. Howell, Joe Blanton, Chris Hatcher, Luis Avilan, Yimi Garcia, Carlos Frias, Adam Liberatore, Ross Stripling, Matt West, Zach Lee and Chase De Jong.

KING OF THE VALLEY: Congratulations to Dodger outfielder Andre Ethier on having his Arizona State No. 14 jersey retired and joining the Wall of Honor last night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Ethier and his former teammate, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, were both honored prior to ASU Baseball’s home-opener against Xavier. In two years at ASU, Ethier posted a .371 batting average with 14 home runs and 118 RBI and was a two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection.

(Andre Ethier, pic pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

HITTING FOR THE “OURCYCLE”: Earlier today, the Dodgers’ community relations team played host to “OurCycle LA” at Dodger Stadium. The one-day event, part of the program launched by Mayor Eric Garcetti, provided 200 first-time Internet subscribers the opportunity to participate in computer literacy training and a free refurbished computer.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Louis Coleman!

As has been widely reported, the Dodgers have signed former Royals right-handed reliever Louis Coleman to a Major League contract.  Per a tweet by Coleman yesterday afternoon:

So thankful for the @Royals and the opportunity they gave me. I am also very excited for new beginnings with the @Dodgers #GeauxDodgers

— Louis Coleman (@LouisColeman31) February 19, 2016

Various reports indicate that his contract is for $750,000.00, but I don't think this guarantees a spot in the Dodgers bullpen.  He'll have to earn a position to stay in Los Angeles.  That said, he shined in Triple-AAA in 2015 and was spotless in a brief call-up last season for the World Champion Royals.  Coleman throws a four-seam fastball in the low 90's, a slider in the low 80's and an occasional change-up (strictly to left-handed hitters).  He had been very effective in his years in Kansas City, but got set aside due to an already deep bullpen.  With the Dodgers he will have a chance to earn a middle-relief job; especially considering how moribund the staff has been the past few seasons.

UPDATE:  Louis Coleman will be wearing #62 during Spring Training, via a tweet from Coleman.  I've already updated my 2016 Spring Dodgers Roster List (link here)

From a Dodgers press release officially announcing the signing:

Coleman, 29, spent the majority of the 2015 season with the Royals’ Triple-A Omaha, going 8-2 with nine saves and a 1.69 ERA in 38 games, before receiving a call-up to Kansas City on Sept. 7 and making four scoreless appearances (3.0 IP) in the big leagues. With Omaha, he struck out 63 in 64.0 innings and limited opposing hitters to a .212 batting average, while posting a 1.11 WHIP.

Coleman made his Major League debut in 2011 with the Royals and appeared in 152 games with Kansas City from 2011-15, going 6-4 with two saves and a 3.20 ERA. He’s limited opposing hitters to a .223 batting average in the big leagues, while averaging better than a strikeout per inning, with 186 Ks in 177.1 innings pitched.

In seven minor league seasons, the Mississippi native has gone 24-12 with 36 saves, a 2.26 ERA, a .197 opponents’ batting average and a 1.04 WHIP in 165 relief appearances after being selected by the Royals in the fifth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University.

In celebration of his signing I made the above fantasy card of him.  The photograph is from Zimbio/Christian Petersen/Getty Images and I used the 1987 Topps Baseball card design. 

Below are his career statistics, via Baseball-Reference:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *