Ramon Hernandez has Been Released

Signaling an end to a trade that still boggles my mind.  It has just been annouced, via Bill Shaikin of the LA Times on twitter, that catcher Ramon Hernandez has been released by the Dodgers.

#Dodgers officially release C Ramon Hernandez.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 22, 2013

As you recall, the Dodgers received Hernandez via a trade during Spring Training that sent starting pitcher Aaron Harang to the Rockies.  At the time, we were overstocked with starters, so a trade was imminent.  I think it's fair to say, though that what we got in return for Harang was less than overwhelming.  Hernandez was always just a temporary placeholder and was clearly on the downside of his career.  Furthermore, we had Tim Federowicz waiting in the wings, so this particular move looked unnecessary to me. 

To make matters worse, the Rockies immediately sent Harang to the Mariners for a minor league pitching prospect.  They received Steven Hensley, who is currently pitching relief for Colorado's AAA club in Colorado Springs.  I am unsure if he is any good, but suffice to say that having a potential arm in the bullpen (even a 26-year old arm) is better than an aging unnecessary catcher.

(pic credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

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Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2013 - Kershaw Named Player of the Week

Clayton Kershaw has been named National League Player of the Week.  Pic via twitter @Dodger.  From a Dodgers press release:

Kershaw went 2-0 in two starts last week and did not allow a single earned run in a Major League-high 16.0 innings of work. His 0.00 ERA ranked tied for first among Major League starters. His two victories ranked tied for first in the Majors and were tops in the N.L., while his 16 strikeouts were good for third-most in the Senior Circuit.

Furthermore, Kershaw walloped a home run on Opening Day to help his own cause.

• BTW, Jon Heyman at CBS passed along a tidbit that although a new long term deal for Kershaw doesn't appear imminent, it is likely already over the $200 Million mark.
• Just awesome!  GCRL shares the completion of his 1978 Fleer grand slam hi-gloss baseball stickers reverse poster of Dodger Stadium.
• "He interviewed Jackie Robinson near the end," via Ron Rapoport at LA Observed Native Intelligence.  Hat Tip: Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.  Jon is right.  This is a must read for anyone interested in Jackie Robinson.
• "Carl Crawford is loving the fresh breezes of L.A.," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

“You see how loose Matt is right now going through it. That’s how I was,” Crawford said. “I’m like, ‘I’m going to hit.’ I was exactly the same way. He’s not stressing or worried, but if he was in Boston right now, they’d probably be ready to trade him, you know? “

• "Ramon Hernandez ready for new role with Dodgers," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

"This is one of the best pitching staffs in the major leagues. You have Kershaw, Greinke, Beckett. You're talking about number ones and number twos," Hernandez said. "They have so many good pitchers I forgot to name a few."

• LA Times reporter and Hockey Hall of Fame member Helene Elliott has more details about the proposed hockey game at Dodger Stadium in 2014.

The game would be played at night to avoid sun on the ice. The rink could be in place a week before and a week afterward to stage community events, minor league games or alumni games with Dodger Stadium as a stunning backdrop. The Kings are considering designing a special commemorative uniform that would be worn only for that game.

• This does not make me happy.  Red Sox President Larry Lucchino at WEEI recently remarked:

On last summer’s trade with the Dodgers: “We got a lot of what we wanted. Ben [Cherington] did an excellent job with the pitchers [Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa], and holding out for both of them. We would have been happy I think to get one. We were really pleased to get two.”

So, are you telling me that we could have gotten away with just trading one of those guys?  Son of a ....!

• Kenny Shulsen at Lasorda's Lair shares a talk he recently had with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti.
• Steve Wulf at ESPN writes about how Topps has kept the magic of Baseball cards alive for 62 years.
• Mike Oz at Big League Stew writes: ‘The Sandlot’ turns 20: Stories from the cast on the film’s 20th anniversary.

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