Blog Kiosk: 11/23/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw's in Zambia, McGwire Signs for Topps and Magill

The Kershaw's have returned to Zambia to visit the orphanage they built - Arise Home.  Go here to read about their first day back, and here's their second post.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Matt Snyder at CBS Sports, "Leaderboarding: Artists of the looking strikeout".  Kershaw sit in the top 3.
• I  had forgotten to put this up.  If you missed Dodger Talk on AM570 on Wednesday, then go here to listen to it.  Dodger coach Tim Wallach is a special guest.
• Ben Badler at Baseball America tells us about, "Ten Winter League Prospects To Watch In Puerto Rico, Mexico".  It includes Dodgers pitching prospect Matt Magill at #5.
• Jon Weisman shares something old.  He post up a 2005 letter to Dodgers season ticket holders, and it's remarkable how different the team is from then to now.
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, "Topps signs Mark McGwire to autograph deal".  He'll begin appearing on Topps cards next year.  No word yet if he'll be in a Dodger uniform.
• Pete Moylan has signed a minor league deal with the Astros, with an invitation to Spring Training.

“@some_sports_fan: #Astros sign LHP @PeterMoylan to a minor league deal” I hope they don’t think I’m left handed?!?
— Peter Moylan (@PeterMoylan) November 23, 2013

• Check out Matthew Kory at Sports on Earth, "Fan's Guide To Trade Proposals".

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AJ's Excellent Australian Adventure

As you know, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are schedule to open Major League Baseball in late March at the Sydney Cricket Grounds in Australia.  So, with Baseball on its winter break, why not send some folks down south to spread word about the event?   AJ Ellis and Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin were the lucky guys chosen for the promotional junket, and I'm sure their teammates are super-jealous.  What lucky duckies, eh?

In the land down under, it's the end of Spring with Summer fast approaching.  The sun is out and folks are enjoying the season with all the joy you'd expect.  Heck, even Baseball, Australian style, has begun anew.  It's the perfect environment to get Aussies excited for Major League Baseball.

Both Ellis and Corbin have been meeting fans, young players and the viewing public the past several days.  Check out some photo's I grabbed of their travels from social media.

Here's press conference featuring Ellis and Corbin with former MLB'er Justin Huber (member of Team Australia).  It was announced that both teams will play Australia's national team as a warm-up to the Opening Series match-up. BTW, they also did a Live Blog Chat for FoxSports Australia that you can view here.

(pic via @DBacks on twitter)

AJ met up with Peter Moylan in Sydney.  Moylan is a native Australian and spent most of last season with the Dodgers farm club in Albuquerque.

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Here they are on Manly Beach.  There's a joke in there, somewhere.

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Check out more pics at MLB's facebook page, here and here.

(pic via @SydneyBlueSox on twitter)

Here are a couple quotes from the the always quotable AJ Ellis.

"Trent Oelten was one of my favourite teammates when he was at the #Dodgers. Aussies play the game hard" AJ Ellis of the LA Dodgers
— Sydney Blue Sox (@SydneyBlueSox) November 19, 2013

AJ is right.  Baseball at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be special.  From my understanding the games are already sold out.  Check out a seating chart here.

"There are a lot of iconic fields in baseball, but playing at the SCG will be something really special" AJ Ellis of the #Dodgers
— Sydney Blue Sox (@SydneyBlueSox) November 19, 2013

And, below is a view of, I think, where the back stop will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

(pic via @DBacks on twitter)

And, here's a video.

Video Link:

Pic at the very top via @ABLeague on twitter

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Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Dodger Halloween, the Dodger Coaches and AJ Ellis

Are you still preparing for Halloween?  The Dodgers want to help.  Go here to see some Dodgers themed pumpkin stencils that you can use; including the Vin Scully stencil above.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Is there disagreement about handling Yasiel Puig?"

“Leave it to me, it’d be one way, but that’s not necessarily the way the organization wants things to go,” Mattingly said. 

• For some Dodger coaching contract news, check out these various tweets.

Davey Lopes, Rick Honeycutt and Tim Wallach's options were exercised by the #Dodgers. Mark McGwire already under contract.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 22, 2013

Dodgers hope to retain coaches John Valentin, Chuck Crim and Ken Howell, but they didn't have options.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 22, 2013

• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe has more info on the Dodger coaching situation.
• BTW, as a part of the recent Alexander Guerrero signing, reliever Peter Moylan has been DFA'd, per Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA takes a look at the 2013 Dodger season in thirds.
• "SportsDash: Carl Crawford thinks Cardinals will win World Series," via NBC on Yahoo Sports.
• "The Dodgers' A.J. Ellis breaks down the World Series matchups," via AJ Ellis in the LA Times.

"The best part of winning the World Series is you don't have to experience the devastation of losing." 

• Baseball America names Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig to their 2013 Major League All-Rookie Team.
• Nathan Masters at KCET shares a bunch of turn-of-the-century vintage photographs featuring Los Angeles area street.

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September Expanding Roster Moves - Dodgers Make Five Additions

In preparation for a strong finish and the playoffs, the Dodgers expand their rosters by five. 

• Drew Butera - C - He'll be our backup to the backup catcher.  As the Dodgers clinch a playoff spot I would expect Butera to get some playing time to give our catchers some rest.  Butera, who was acquired by the Dodgers on July 31 from Minnesota, appeared in 16 games with Triple-A Albuquerque. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder has a .182 career batting average with five home runs and 41 RBI in 186 career big league games with the Twins from 2010-13. Butera will wear uniform number 31.
• Stephen Fife - P - No doubt, he'll just be extra starter - although he had recently moved into the bullpen in preparation for this callup.  Fife has posted a 4-3 record with a 2.47 ERA (14 ER/51.0 IP) in nine starts in two stints with Los Angeles, allowing two runs or less in six of those outings. Since last being optioned on Aug. 5, Fife has appeared in five games (three starts) for the Isotopes and last started on Aug. 29 vs. Round Rock, allowing two runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. Overall, the right-hander is 2-4 with a 6.03 ERA (25 ER/37.1 IP) in 10 games (eight starts) for Albuquerque.
• Dee Gordon - SS -  Can Dee prove his worth?  He's horrible with the glove, but brings some speed to the basepaths.  Maybe he'll be a late-game replacement from time to time.  Gordon has appeared in 25 games in two stints for the Dodgers, batting .208 (16-for-77) with a homer, one triple, six RBI and six stolen bases. In 92 games at Triple-A, the left-handed hitter is batting .297 (111-for-374) with a Pacific Coast League-leading 49 stolen bases, 17 more than any other base stealer. Since Gordon made his Major League debut in 2012, the speedy infielder has 38 stolen bases, which ranks 17th in the National League during that span.
• Peter Moylan - RP - He'll be an extra arm in the 'pen.  Moylan, who has pitched in 16 games for the Dodgers this season, will be appearing in his second stint with the club after posting a 1-0 record with a 6.35 ERA (8 ER/11.1 IP). The right-hander spent the majority of the season with Albuquerque, where he went 4-1 with a 2.74 ERA (14 ER/46.0 IP) and tossed scoreless relief in 28 of his 38 appearances.
• Scott Van Slyke - OF - Our 5th/6th Outfielder.  Van Slyke has appeared in 38 games in four stints with Los Angeles this season, making starts in left field (18), right field (8) and first base (2), while hitting .252 (26-for-103) with six homers and 16 RBI. Of Van Slyke's 26 hits this season, 13 have gone for extra bases (seven doubles, six home runs). In 61 games at Triple-A Albuquerque this season, Van Slyke had a .348 batting average (71-for-204) with 12 homers and 48 RBI.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ryu is Sick and Who is Jigger Statz?

The 11th edition of Dodgers Playbill debuts today at Dodger Stadium with Zack Greinke on the cover. The playbill is distributed at all Dodger Stadium parking gates and Fan Services stations during the game.

• Via Eric Nusbaum at Deadspin, "Where Yasiel Puig Comes From".  Just awesome!
• "Withrow relishing new opportunity in bullpen," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• This is excellent, and must be said.  Check out Barry Petchesky's column at Deadspin entitled, "This Is The Worst Column About Yasiel Puig Until Later Today, Probably".

The common thread running between all these "bench Puig for the sake of the Dodgers" columns is the idea that Puig is stubborn—he doesn't want to fix the holes in his game, like skipping cutoff men or pressing for an extra base—and needs an authority figure to rein him in. Conversely, Bryce Harper is still learning, and it'd be foolish to try and stanch his passion.
...
So what's the difference between Harper and Puig, if not their countries of birth? Excellent question.

• Via Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs, "Today in Yasiel Puig Being Really Great".

What we can reasonably conclude is that this is at least among the longest non-homers, and quite possibly the very longest for 2013. 

• Via Christopher Jackson at Examiner.com, "Isotopes Notebook: Moylan pitches in to help after tragic incident".

“It’s just a tragic, tragic story. He was super intelligent, super hard-working and (became) a victim of a senseless crime.”

• Huh... So this is what they do when a player catches a cold and they have to fly.  I wish these were provided on normal commercial flights.  Via Hyun-Jin Ryu's twitter.  Translated: "From Miami caught a cold ... Blah blah for another team member" - maybe "don't want to give to a team member"?

마이애미에서 감기 걸렸어요... 딴 팀원들을 위해서 ㅋㅋㅋ pic.twitter.com/apIy5H2HOO
— Hyun-Jin Ryu (@HyunJinRyu99) August 22, 2013

• Nick Diunte at Examiner.com writes a great story about a balllayer who reached 4,000 career hits who you likely don't know - Jigger Statz.

“They interviewed him out in New York and they had the three outfielders, Snider, Mantle and Mays. They asked him who the best one he’s ever seen was. He (Duke Snider) said, ‘Jigger Statz.’ Duke said this. All the writers went, ‘Who? Who?’ like a bunch of owls.”

• Read Ryan Braun's apology here.  Frankly, I don't believe him when he writes that this was a one-time thing.
• This is what my nightmares are made of.  Please let the 80's die.  Here is the newest pop sensation - Corey Feldman.  Really... Corey Feldman.

Video Link:

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Welcome to the Blue, Jose Dominguez! - Welcome Back, Withrow!

There have been some major moves to the Dodgers bullpen lately.  I guess Colletti figured it was time to shore up one of the more glaring problems with the team.  About time, eh?

Instead of making some trades for veteran relievers, they go young by calling up some of the kids in the minors.

Last night, the Dodgers brought up AAA reliever Jose Dominguez and optioned Peter Moylan to Albuquerque.  Per a Dodgers press release:

Dominguez, who will be making his Major League debut and will be wearing jersey number 60, has appeared in 22 total games between Triple-A Albuquerque and Double-A Chattanooga this season, posting a combined 2-0 record with five saves and a 1.79 ERA (5 ER/25.1 IP), while striking out 40 against 13 walks and limiting the opposition to a .108 batting average. The 22-year-old last pitched for the Isotopes on Thursday at Memphis and struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief, totaling eight scoreless relief appearances for Albuquerque (8.0 IP). Dominguez, a native of San Pedro de Maroris, Dominican Republic, was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2007.

Dominguez is said to have a live arm with a fastball that hits 100-mph.  Per Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times:

“Last year, I was throwing 97, 98,” Dominguez said. “Occasionally, I’d touch 100. This year, I’ve been more consistent.”

The increased velocity has led to improved results. Dominguez didn’t give up any runs in eight appearances for Albuquerque. Earlier in the season, he posted 2.60 earned-run average in 14 appearances for double-A Chattanooga.

Then, news came down this morning indicating that another bullpen move has just been made.  Reliever Chris Withrow is back with Dodgers, and Matt Guerrier has been DFA'd. 

Withrow was called up earlier this month and pitched in 3 games.  In his last appearance against the Yankees he pitched 2 scoreless innings

*Photo used in fantasy card at very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

Below are minor league stats for Jose Dominguez, via Baseball Reference:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2013 - Dodger Links - More Puig, Hanley and Kemp Look to be Down and Out, and Hank Azaria

Hank Azaria was at the game yesterday and read the Dodgers lineup.  In the pic above he is posing with Peter Moylan.  Photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• The news just keeps getting worse.  Via Austin Laymance at MLB.com, "Hanley to have MRI on hamstring; Kemp has setback".
• Adam Nodiff at The Baseball Professor writes about Puig, a survey on him and his thoughts about his potential.
• "The growing legend of Yasiel Puig," via Dave Cameron at FanGraphs.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, Don Mattingly: 'We can't continue to play short'

"We can't continue to play short. I played with two extras today and a backup catcher. You can't play in a National League game like that," Mattingly said after the game. "You can get away with it in the American League, but we can't continue to do this. If you can't play you've got to go on the DL."

Ethier was unavailable Sunday after fouling ball off the arch of his foot on Saturday.

"He tried to swing early in the day and wasn't able to do it," Mattingly said. "I don't know where we'll be tomorrow with that."

• Funny stuff.  Via Outside the Boxscore, "Hank Azaria reads Dodgers line-up like "Apu" from The Simpsons".
• All Trade Bait, All the Time shares his day at Dodger Stadium yesterday and has a bunch of pics to prove it.
• Ron Cervenka at True Blue LA shares a bunch of pics from the Old Timers Game.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/8/2013 - Dodgers Links

Sandy Koufax was spotted at Dodger Stadium last night with Sweet Lou Johnson and Don Newcombe.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/2013 LA  Dodgers 2013.  See more photos from yesterday; including Schumaker getting a gatorade bath.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "First-round pick (Chris) Anderson not lacking in confidence: Hurler looking forward to going pro, sees himself in mold of Ryan Express".

Asked how he would pitch Dodgers Cuban sensation Yasiel Puig, the 20-year-old right-hander from Jacksonville University didn't hesitate.

"I'd attack him," said the 18th overall pick in the Draft. "That's what I do. Not to say he wouldn't get the best of me sometimes, but I'd get him, too."

• This is just plain awesome!  Paint the Corners, better known as @EuphusBlue on twitter, created some photoshop graphics melding some vintage 1880's style Baseball cabinet photos with the wonderful mustache's of Scott Van Slyke and Peter Moylan.  See the two photo's here.
• Yasiel Puig is so hot even Panini is getting in on the action.  They just released a preview pic of Puig's 2013 Pinnacle Baseball card.  See it below.  This set will be coming out in late July.

• Via Monica Rodriguez at the Daily Bulletin, "Author seeks photos of local Mexican-American ballplayers".
• My deepest condolences to Dave Duncan and his family.  His wife Jeanine recently passed away, via Derrick Goold at at St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  RIP.
• The Dodgers 2013 2nd Round Draft Pick, Tom Windle, is moving fast to sign.  Via Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 on twitter:  (Hat Tip: MLB Trade Rumors)

Was just w/ @tomwindle38. Him/his family ran to Ridgedale for Dodgers hats. He has a Dodgers Phiten necklace too. Signs next week. #gophers
— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) June 7, 2013

• This is just awesome.  Well... having to wait 3 hours in a plane on a tarmac isn't great, but what some passengers did to pass the time is.  The music starts at the 1:12 mark.

Video Link:

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Welcome to the Dodgers Roster, Peter Moylan

After being sent to Albuquerque to begin the season, free agent signee Peter Moylan finally joins the Dodgers relief corps.  As you may recall, Moylan signed a minor league contract with the team in February.  In exchange, Javy Guerra gets sent back down.  Per the Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of right-handed reliever Peter Moylan (#41) from Triple-A Albuquerque after optioning right-hander Javy Guerra to Albuquerque following last night's game. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred left-hander Scott Elbert to the 60-day disabled list.

Moylan last pitched on Tuesday at Memphis, striking out one in a scoreless inning, and is 2-1 with two saves and a 3.52 ERA in 17 appearances with the Isotopes this season. Moylan, 34, posted a 1.80 ERA in eight games with the Braves last year and is 20-9 with four saves and a 2.59 ERA in 295 career relief appearances all with Atlanta from 2006-2012.

Guerra made nine relief appearances with the Dodgers after his recall on April 30, posting a 6.75 ERA (8 ER/10.2 IP).

Check out my previous post from February that focused on the incredible tattoo artwork that he has, here.  BTW, the pic above is a fantasy card I made of Moylan back in February.

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Paco and Sellers Make the Team!

After last nights game, the Dodgers made some moves to drop the official roster down closer to 25 players.  Some more decisions need to be made; including a last-minute trade involving Harang or Capuano, and some likely Disabled List moves.  First, lets take a brief look at last nights cuts.  Via a couple of tweets from @Dodgers PR:

(twitter link)

(twitter link)

(photo credit: Paco: Jon SooHoo/2013 LA Dodgers)

We find out that Stephen Fife, Elian Herrera, Alfredo Amezaga, Peyer Moylan, Matt Wallach, Josh Wall, Alex Castellanos and Kevin Gregg have all been either optioned or reassigned.  Surprisingly, veteran reliever Kevin Gregg is included.  He has been recently touted as in contention for the final relief spot (via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA).  Also, Alex Castellanos was favored by many to capture an outfield reserve spot.

(photo credit: Sellers & Uribe: Jon SooHoo/2013 LA Dodgers)

What we find out by these moves is that Justin Sellers has won a spot in the infield, and will probably be our Opening Day shortstop.  Obviously, with Hanley Ramirez going to the DL the team has opted to focus on defense while we wait for the healing to end.  Of special note, recent 2012 draftee Paco Rodriguez likely earns a bullpen position as our 3rd left-handed reliever in the pen (assuming Capuano stays a Dodger).   He wowed the team in his 11 Major League appearances during his first year of professional play last year, and continued to impress the Dodgers staff with a great Spring.

At this point, assuming several upcoming Disabled List announcements, it looks like our 25 man roster for Opening Day will look like this:

Catchers (2):

• A.J. Ellis, Tim Federowicz

Infielders (7):

• Adrian Gonzalez, Mark Ellis, Justin Sellers, Luis Cruz, Skip Schumaker, Juan Uribe, Nick Punto

Outfielders (4):

• Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Jerry Hairston Jr.

Starting pitchers (4):

• Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Josh Beckett, Zack Greinke

Relief Pitchers (8):

• Brandon League, Kenley Jansen, Ronald Belisario, J.P. Howell, Matt Guerrier, Paco Rodriguez, Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang

Disabled List (4):

• Scott Elbert*, Hanley Ramirez*, Chad Billingsley*, Ted Lilly*

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15/ Road 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.

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

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-6-3) vs. Colorado Rockies (7-5)
Sunday, March 10, 2013 – 1:10 p.m. | Talking Stick
LHP Clayton Kershaw (1-2, 9.00) vs. LHP Jeff Francis (1-1, 0.00)
TV: None | Radio: KLAC (English)/KTNQ (Spanish)

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

(pic link: Ron Cey: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

WE WILL ROCK YOU: The Dodgers travel to Talking Stick to take on the Rockies for the first of their two Cactus League meetings. Los Angeles won its last four games against Colorado last year to win the season series, 10-8, and will play the Rockies 18 times during the 2013 campaign, starting on April 29 at Dodger Stadium.

• The Dodgers also played the Reds in a “B” game this morning on the minor league side. The only participating players from big league camp were RHP Javy Guerra, RHP Stephen Fife, RHP Steve Ames, RHP Matt Magill and C Matt Wallach.

BATTER UP: After playing 14 games with the designated hitter, Dodger pitchers will bat for the first time today with Clayton Kershaw appearing in the ninth spot in Don Mattingly’s lineup. Kershaw was the Dodgers’ best hitting pitcher last year, ranking seventh among NL pitchers with a .207 batting average and second with 13 sacrifices. Overall, Los Angeles pitchers led the Majors last year with 49 sacrifices, but batted just .119 (11th, NL).

GOING WORLDWIDE: Mexico and Venezuela were eliminated from the World Baseball Classic yesterday, ending the championship dreams of Luis Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez and Ronald Belisario. Gonzalez went 3-for-7 with a home run, three RBI and a .714 on-base percentage in three games, while Cruz hit .273 (3-for-11) with a double and three RBI in the tournament. Cruz and Gonzalez are expected back at Camelback Ranch tomorrow, while Venezuela has one more game in pool play (Spain, 9:30 am). To this point Belisario has made just one appearance, allowing a hit and a walk in 0.2 scoreless innings.

• While Hanley Ramirez has just one hit (1-for-6, HR) in tournament play, he has a .500 on-base percentage after drawing four walks. The Dominican Republic wraps up pool play today against Puerto Rico at 4:30 pm and has already advanced to the next round.
• Nick Punto and Team Italy lost to the United States yesterday, 6-2, but will advance to the second round in Miami with a 2-1 record. Punto is batting .417 (5-for-12) with two doubles in three games.

(pic link: Castellanos Home Run: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

HILLTOPPERS: LHP Clayton Kershaw will make his fourth start of the spring today after allowing four runs on seven hits in 3.0 innings on Tuesday against the Padres in Peoria. Kershaw has allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 8.0 Cactus League innings, but has struck out 12 and walked only one. Kershaw made two starts against Colorado last year, going 1-0 with a 2.93 ERA (5 ER/15.1 IP), and is 7-4 with a 3.82 ERA in 18 career starts against the Rockies.

• RHP Mark Lowe will make his fifth appearance of the spring after allowing four runs on three hits, including an Adrian Beltre home run, on Thursday against his former team, the Rangers. Lowe did not allowed an earned run (one unearned) in his first three Cactus League outings.
• RHP Peter Moylan last pitched on Thursday against the Rangers, allowing just one hit, a two-run homer by Konrad Schmidt, in an inning of work. 
• RHP Josh Wall allowed his first run of the spring in 1.2 innings on Thursday against the Rangers after tossing 3.0 hitless, scoreless frames in his first three spring appearances. Wall has seven Ks in 5.0 Cactus League innings and has limited opponents to a .167 average (3-for-18).

COMEBACK KIDS: Alex Castellanos blasted a two-run homer, his third of the spring, in the seventh inning yesterday to give the Dodgers a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Seattle in front of 10,330 fans at Camelback Ranch. Aaron Harang allowed two runs in 3.0 innings before the Los Angeles bullpen took over with scoreless innings from Shawn Tolleson, Kenley Jansen, Brandon League, J.P. Howell, Kevin Gregg and Paco Rodriguez.

• The Dodgers continue to lead all NL clubs this spring with a .303 team batting average.
• Andre Ethier went 1-for-2 with a double yesterday, raising his batting average to .417 and his slugging percentage to .833 in seven games.
• Non-roster hopeful Brian Barden struck out in his only at-bat yesterday, but has posted a .550 batting average (11-for-20) with two doubles and three RBI in 11 games this spring.

CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Dodger Senior Vice President and General Counsel Sam Fernandez on being recognized with the Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award by the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Fernandez will be presented with the award tomorrow night at a dinner at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, where Vin Scully will be the keynote speaker. Former Dodger GM Fred Claire will introduce Fernandez at the awards dinner.

THE GANG’S ALL HERE: Today, Dodger minor league position players officially reported to camp, increasing the number of players to 173 on the minor league side. The minor leaguers’ first full-squad workout is tomorrow.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 10/ 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.

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

Cleveland Indians (6-4) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-4-2)
Sunday, March 3, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch – Glendale
RHP Josh Beckett (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (0-0, 11.25)

TV: Dodgers.com Webcast | Radio: AM 570 Fox Sports LA

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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

(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

CLEVELAND ROCKS: The Dodgers and Indians square off for the first of two times this spring before meeting again on Wednesday in Goodyear. The clubs haven’t played in the regular season since a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in 2008 and the Dodgers hold a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 29 days away from Opening Day vs. the Giants!

• With no game tomorrow, most Dodgers will have the day off with only RHP Aaron Harang expected at Camelback Ranch for his scheduled simulated game at 10:00 a.m.

DOWNER: The Dodgers dropped their third in a row yesterday, falling 9-5 to the Mariners in Peoria. Andre Ethier went 2-for-2 with an RBI triple, raising his spring batting average to an even .500, and Jeremy Moore roped his fourth double of the exhibition season to start the Dodgers’ ninth-inning rally. Ethier’s two triples are tied for the Major League lead, while Moore tops the NL in doubles.

• The Dodgers continue to lead the National League with both a .309 team batting average and a .401 on-base percentage through their first nine Cactus League games.

HILLTOPPERS: Dodger right-hander Josh Beckett will make his second start of the spring after striking out three and allowing just one hit and one walk in 2.0 scoreless innings on Tuesday against the Giants in the Dodgers’ eventual 8-8 tie. The 32-year-old helped Boston reach the 2007 World Series by dominating the Indians in the 2007 ALCS, going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 14.0 innings in the series to garner MVP honors. Beckett, however, has struggled against the Tribe in the regular season during the course of his career, posting a 4-6 record with a 5.65 ERA (40 ER/63.2 IP) in 11 starts against Cleveland. Most recently, on May 10, 2012, Beckett was touched for seven runs in just 2.1 innings in an 8-3 Red Sox loss at Fenway Park. 

• RHP Javy Guerra, who was recently selected to join Team Mexico’s World Baseball Classic squad, will make his second appearance of the spring after tossing a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Cubs. Guerra has enjoyed the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium during his career with a 1.84 ERA (9 ER/44.0 IP) in 45 home appearances in his career, while posting a 3.02 ERA (16 ER/47.2 IP) in 47 road games.
• After giving up two runs in 0.2 innings in his first appearance of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox, RHP Peter Moylan bounced back to toss a scoreless frame on Thursday against the Angels. Moylan has struck out four in 1.2 innings this spring.
• RHP Josh Wall has retired all seven of the batters he’s faced this spring with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings. Wall last pitched on Thursday against the Angels and struck out two in a scoreless frame.
• RHP Mark Lowe allowed an unearned run on three hits in his last appearance on Wednesday against the Cubs. The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to allow an earned run in 2.0 innings in two Cactus League appearances.
• RHP Steve Ames, the winner of this morning’s Dodger Idol competition, surrendered two runs on three hits in his last outing on Thursday against the Angels. Ames fired a scoreless frame in his first outing of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox.

(pic link:Wallach,Green and Karros: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

BIG DOINGS: All-time Los Angeles home run king Eric Karros will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to today’s game and, along with Shawn Green, has been serving as a guest instructor at Camelback Ranch since Friday. Karros, who also serves as a television analyst on FOX and for KCAL-9 on their pregame show, played in 14 big league seasons (12 with Los Angeles), won the 1992 NL Rookie of the Year Award and took home the 1995 NL Silver Slugger Award at first base.   

• Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive Friday, March 8 and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.

GOING GLOBAL: Shortstop Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic) and right-handed reliever Ronald Belisario (Venezuela) have departed Camelback Ranch to join their respective World Baseball Classic teams. Adrian Gonzalez (Mexico), Luis Cruz (Mexico), Javy Guerra (Mexico) and Nick Punto (Italy) are slated to play in today’s game and will depart camp tomorrow to join their national teams.

• A split-squad of Dodgers will face off against Gonzalez, Cruz, Guerra and Team Mexico on Wednesday at 1:05 pm at Camelback Ranch – Glendale.

I SEE YOU: The Dodgers announced yesterday that they will broadcast eight additional Spring Training games via Dodgers.com, starting with today’s contest against the Indians. After today, fans will also be able to watch games on March 6 (Mexico), March 8 (Reds), March 9 (Mariners), March 14 (Cubs), March 15 (Royals), March 19 (Athletics) and March 22 (Reds) on the internet webcast. Rick Monday and Charley Steiner’s call on AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles will be simulcast on today’s webcast.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 6/ Home 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 Angels (0-4-2)LOS ANGELES DODGERS (2-1-2)
Thursday, February 28, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ
LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Jerome Williams

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012)

START A STREAK: Fresh off a road victory, the Dodgers host the Angels this afternoon at Camelback Ranch, before sending a split squad to Tempe tomorrow and wrapping up a two-game Cactus League set with their I-5 neighbors. The Freeway series will then take place from March 28-30, including the 2013 Dodger Stadium opener on March 29. The Dodgers face the Angels in the regular season on May 27 and 28 at Dodger Stadium and May 29 and 30 at Angel Stadium. Last season, the Halos went 4-2 against the Boys in Blue, taking two of three in both series. In case you were wondering and I know you were, there are just 32 days until Opening Day!

•  The Dodgers popped off for 11 runs yesterday, including three hits apiece for Alfredo Amezaga and Elian Herrera and three RBI for Jerry Hairston Jr. In addition, outfielder Alex Castellanos belted his second home run of the spring and Yasiel Puig scored three runs. On the mound, Matt Magill was impressive again, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings while RHP Javy Guerra made his 2013 debut with a scoreless frame.  

HILLTOPPERS: Dodger ace Clayton Kershaw will make his second Cactus League start after allowing two runs and four hits in 2.0 innings to the White Sox last Saturday. The left-hander will attempt to become the first pitcher to win three consecutive Major League ERA titles since Greg Maddux accomplished the feat from 1993-95 as a member of the Braves.

• LHP Ted Lilly is set to make his 2013 debut today. Lilly won five of his first seven starts without a loss last season, but did not pitch again due to left shoulder inflammation after suffering his first defeat on May 23. 
• RHP Peter Moylan will make his second spring appearance after giving up two runs in 0.2 innings last Sunday vs. the Chicago White Sox. Moylan has a career record of 20-9 with a 2.59 ERA over 295 games with the Atlanta Braves.  
• RHP Josh Wall will also make his second Cactus League appearance after firing 1.1 scoreless innings and striking out two in his debut last Sunday. Wall picked up the win in his Major League debut last season on July 22 at Citi Field, but was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque the next day.
• RHP Steve Ames fired a scoreless frame last Sunday and is set to make his second 2013 appearance. Ames was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2012 after going 3-3 with a 1.56 ERA and 18 saves in 54 games for Double-A Chattanooga last season.   

(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012)

GET YOUR BIG LEAGUE ON: The Dodgers will have three minor leaguers joining the club vs. the Angels today with right-handed pitchers Andres Santiago (#92) and Blake Johnson  (#83) coming over along with LHP Fabio Castro (#82). Johnson notched a save in the Dodgers’ first win of the spring after being signed out of the open tryout in 2012.

• Speaking of the open tryout, more than 80 Dodger hopefuls came out to test their wares on the minor league side this morning. Among those who showed off for the Dodger scouts were a 54-year-old local pitcher, a 40+-year-old Japanese professional hurler and Iraq war veteran Daniel “Doc” Jacobs, who lost his left leg below the knee and suffered serious hand and foot injuries when an IED exploded beneath him in 2006. Jacobs has sustained more than 50 surgeries, but has returned to his naval infantry and for one day at least was able to try out for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jacobs will also throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to today’s game. 

LET’S GET IT GOING DODGER FANS!: Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp advanced to the finals of MLB Network’s #FaceofMLB and is currently trailing Cincinnati’s Joey Votto in MLB Network’s bracket to decide who the Face of MLB is. The online hashtag battle (#MattKemp) runs through tomorrow. Start tweeting!

LEGENDS ARRVING: The Dodgers would like to welcome Special Advisor to the Chairman and medical pioneer Dr. Frank Jobe to Camelback Ranch today. Jobe arrived a day before Eric Karros, who will be in uniform tomorrow, speaking to the club in the morning meeting.

TODAY ON THE DIAL: AM 570 Fox Sports LA TODAY ON THE TUBE: PRIME TICKET

HE COMES FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER: The Dodgers would like to welcome former outfielder Trent Oeltjen back to Camelback Ranch today. The Sydney, Australia native was a Dodger from 2010-12 and is now a non-roster invitee for the Angels.

WORTH WATCHING: Today’s game will be broadcast live on PRIME TICKET and heard on AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles. This morning, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully sat down with legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax for a brief interview that will air on PRIME TICKET this afternoon.

(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012)

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2013

Check out more photos from Jon SooHoo of yesterdays rainy Spring Training day.  Featured above are Yasiel Puig and Luis Cruz.

• Mark Saxon at ESPN takes a look at the 2013 projections for Clayton Kershaw.

He has learned to minimize pitches and manage counts better each year, something [Chad] Billingsley has not come to grips with yet. He’s much more pitch-efficient than he used to be. 

• This was the best tweet of the day, yesterday.  From Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts.

(twitter link)

• Baseball Prospectus provides their rank for the projected 2013 season, and place the Dodgers in 1st place in the National League West.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has some info on the Dodgers ping-pong tournament yesterday.

The Dodgers began a team Ping-Pong tournament Wednesday, featuring eight doubles teams in a double-elimination bracket.

The first victory of the competition went to Peter Moylan and Mark Lowe, who defeated the duo of Carl Crawford and Tony Gwynn Jr.

Each team made up an off-the-cuff nickname to call itself, with the pair of Mark and A.J. Ellis going by "The Law Firm.

• Michael Beller at Sports Illustrated provides his 2013 Dodgers Fantasy Preview.

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