Rangers Series Starts Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos

The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Frito Pie Extreme Dog

There are three new food items being made available for this entire homestand (including the upcoming Giants series), and it is available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, in honor of Atlanta (the first team we faced during this homestand) you can get the Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos which features Slow and low smoked chicken, smothered in house made sweet smokey barbecue sauce, served on top of triangle cut nacho chips, topped with green onions and cheddar cheese.

Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries

The Texas new food item is a Frito Pie Extreme Dog that features an all beef hot dog, topped with fitos, chili, nacho cheese, diced onion, black beans, pickled jalapenos and sour cream.

The third food item honoring San Francisco is an Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries featuring crispy french fries, tossed in gourmet sea salt, topped with turkey pastrami, brown gravy and chopped parsley.

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Tuesday, June 12th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Texas Skirmish Overlooked by Topps Now - So, I Made My Own Fantasy Cards

Topps Now had gained a fair margin of success recently.  They sold a boatload of Bartolo Colon home run cards a couple of weeks back (8,826 to be exact), and you had to figure that yesterdays incident in Arlington would garner similar interest with fans.  After all, a set marketed as up-to-date with the previous days top events would have to make note of the brawl between Jose Bautista and Rougned Odor.  Right?

Wrong!  Instead, Topps wimped out.  And in doing so, are arguably missing out in the most "meta" event of the season.  Social media was awash in all kinds of memes yesterday, and a Topps Baseball card highlighting it would have been a huge publicity booster for them.

Instead, we get a trio of other cards, as you can see from the screen-grab above from their daily email.

I suppose we really shouldn't be surprised. I'm sure MLB wouldn't want something like this gaining any sort of steam, and a vendor like Topps is certainly fearful of an corporate backlash.

Fortunately, I'm too small a fish to be noticed, so I spent a little bit of time this afternoon making my own fantasy Baseball cards to memorialize the fight.  Check them out below, and if you're so daring you can print them out and trade them with your friends.

1960 Topps

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 28/Home Game 14

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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Texas Rangers (16-11-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-12-3)
Monday, March 28, 2016 – 7:05 p.m. PT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
LHP Derek Holland (3-1, 2.65) vs. LHP Alex Wood (0-2, 6.00)
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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(Gonzo and Joc, pic via Joc on twitter)

THE FINAL SPRINT: The Dodgers take on the Rangers in the second-to-last home date at Camelback Ranch this spring and the club’s final night game in Arizona. The Dodgers and Rangers tied, 3-3, all the way back on March 4 in Surprise. Following tonight’s contest, the Dodgers have two games left in the Phoenix area prior to the Freeway Series, which begins Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.

• Opening Day, April 4 against the Padres in San Diego, is just one week away!

Blog Kiosk: 10/7/2015 - Dodger Links - No Uribe, Ryu on the Mend and Andre Ethier

Andre Ethier knows it's all about the right frame of mind... and a playoff beard.

BTW, it's now official.  Clayton Kershaw will pitch Game 1 and Zach Greinke will pitch Game 2.  Also, the Game 3 pitcher for the Dodgers will be Brett Anderson.  The remaining games, if needed, have yet to be determined.

The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Ummm.... What?  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "By Jiminy, cricket coming to Dodger Stadium in November."  My first thought was... "those games can take days!"  Then I found out that they'll be playing an abbreviated form of the game called T20.  I have absolutely no idea how this game is played, but I just might take a moment to learn.
• This is actually good news for the Dodgers.  I was really afraid that Uribe would perform his usual heroics and win a game off the bench.  Now, we don't have to worry about that.  Via Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation, "NLDS News: Juan Uribe Won’t Face Dodgers In First Round."
• This is good news.  Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Ryu has started throwing again:

Ryu has started throwing program.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 6, 2015

• Steiner Sports recently released their 2015 Playoff Collection that includes the below 10" x 20" collage with game-used dirt from Dodger Stadium.  Go here to check that out. They also have individual player plaques with game dirt for seven different players.
  
  

• I'm not a particularly big fan of the Topps Bunt program, but I figure this was worth mentioning.  Topps Bunt is an app where fans collect virtual Baseball cards, and Topps recently released 20 different 2015 postseason digital cards; including the Clayton Kershaw on the right.  Ryan Cracknell at Beckett has more information here.  I'm hoping that they eventually put this on real cardboard.
• Jane Wells of CNBC spoke with Dodger President Stan Kasten to talk playoffs, fantasy sports betting and their new Accelerator program.  Watch the video here.  On a side note, the Accelerator program is just further proof of how brilliant this Dodger ownership is.  They are leveraging their brand as a leader in the game and in sports in general to invest in start-ups that could very well lead to giant returns.  What an incredible idea - the Dodgers doing some angel investing.
• For info on how to legally watch the MLB Playoffs online without cable go here. 
• defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown, tears apart an Hanley Ramirez card - just for the giggles.  Check it out here.
• I guess I'll take whoever wants to root for the Dodgers - for whatever reason.  Via Big Red Fury, "Why Husker Fans Need the Dodgers to Win the World Series."

Feel free to pshaw and call this idea cockamamie all you want, but if you do the research, you’ll see I’m not yanking your chain. Every time the Huskers have played in a title game or made a National Championship run, the Dodgers preceded those appearances with a World Series victory.

• I have no doubt that the Rangers want their fans to die.  Via Kyle Newport at the Bleacher Report, "Texas Rangers Introduce Wild New Concession-Stand Items for 2015 Playoffs."  They will offering concoctions like a cotton candy dog and a large bag of Cheetos filled with meat, cheese and other taco-like fillings.
• A must see!  In honor of Back to the Future here is Jaws 19.

Video Link:

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Rangers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Texas Rangers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Wednesday, June 17th at 7:10 PM
LHP Wandy Rodriguez vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers beach bag.  See it on the left.

It is also Korea Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Korean/ Hyun Jin Ryu themed t-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

Try the Kimchi Dog on Korea Night. The Kimchi Dog, a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog topped off Kimchi, will be available tomorrow only at Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels.

Popular Korean rock band YB will present a pregame mini-concert. The five-member Korean band led by Yoon Do Hyun will perform four songs, followed by the Korean and U.S. national anthems. YB is currently on tour in the U.S. with alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. Schoolboy Records and YG Entertainment recording artist CL will throw the ceremonial first pitch. CL, member of the global mega group 2NE1, is currently in the U.S. promoting her new hit single, “Doctor Pepper.” Following pregame festivities, both CL and YB will be signing autographs for fans at the KTO tent in the right field plaza. CL is set to sign at 7:30 p.m. and YB will sign for fans at 8:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Kenny Landreaux will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army CIB Purple Heart Korean War Citations recipient Joseph A. Del Rio and U.S. Army Corporal Roman Morales. Del Rio fought in the Korean War in 1951. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and awarded a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster and Korean Campaign Citations. He is now the commander of the Long Beach Chapter 210 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Morales fought in the Korean War in the early 1950s. Morales, along with others from the 40th Infantry Division, built a high school to honor the first American casualty of the Korean War. Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles Hyun-myung Kim will present the military heroes with a commemoration plaque.

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Thursday, June 17th at 7:10 PM
RHP Colby Lewis vs. RHP Zack Greinke
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Cy Young Collectors' Pin of Mike Marshall.  See it on the left.

Kelley Jakle, star of “Pitch Perfect 2” and great-granddaughter of Baseball Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey, will perform the national anthem.


Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army E3 Robert “Bud” Salisbury of Glendora. Salisbury joined the U.S. Army to be a paratrooper, then volunteered to go to Vietnam as a Forward Observer which placed him in combat. Two months later, he was wounded. Salisbury was presented with the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and earned a Purple Heart for his sacrifices in Vietnam. Salisbury currently resides in the City of Orange as an attorney, with his wife of 45 years, Connie.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 18 / Road Game 9

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

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Los Angeles Dodgers(8-3-6) at Oakland Athletics (10-7-1)
Friday, March 20, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Hohokam Stadium

LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 2.16) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (1-0, 5.68)
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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MESA MADNESS: The Dodgers, who have the Cactus League’s best winning percentage at .727,  travel to Mesa to take on the Athletics in the second and final meeting of the spring between the two clubs following Los Angeles’ 10-5 win in Glendale on Monday. The teams, who haven’t met during the regular season since 2012, will have a home-and-home, two-game series during the regular season, in Los Angeles July 28-29 and in Oakland Aug. 18-19.

• A split-squad of Dodgers that includes Yasmani Grandal, Adrian Gonzalez, Justin Turner, Alex Guerrero, Darwin Barney, Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson among others, traveled to San Antonio last night and will take on the Rangers this evening at the Alamodome. The pitching matchups for the two-game Big League Weekend series feature left-hander Erik Bedard for the Dodgers against Texas right-hander Anthony Bass tonight, followed by RHP Zack Greinke vs. RHP Anthony Ranaudo tomorrow afternoon.

NICE TIE: The Dodgers established a record with their sixth tie of the spring yesterday, tying the Angels, 7-7, at Camelback Ranch. Los Angeles pounded another 11 hits, including a three-run homer by Alex Guerrero, to raise his spring batting average to .400. Andre Ethier and Justin Turner both posted multi-hit games in the victory, as Turner hit safely for the eighth consecutive game and is now hitting .423 this spring. Brett Anderson lasted just 1.2 innings in his third start of the spring, allowing three runs on seven hits in a no-decision.

• Yesterday marked the Dodgers’ sixth consecutive game with double-digit hits as the club raised its cumulative batting average to .271 in 17 games this spring.

  

  (Guerrero 3-run home run, via Dodgers on tumblr)

OH HAPPY DAY!: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Pat Corrales, who turns 74 today! Corrales is in his third season with the Dodger organization as a special advisor to the GM following a nine-year MLB playing career and a nine-year run as a big league manager.

ON THE MOUND: Left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday, will make his fourth start of the spring today after allowing one run on four hits in 3.1 innings in his last start, Sunday at Seattle. Kershaw has faced the A’s twice in his career, in 2009 and in 2012, allowing just one run and striking out 15 in 13.2 innings (0-0, 0.66 ERA).

• LHP J.P. Howell is expected to make his fourth appearance of the spring today, last pitching 0.2 innings on Tuesday against the Rangers.
• RHP David Aardsma, who last pitched on Tuesday against the Rangers, is expected to make his fifth appearance of the spring today.
• LHP Adam Liberatore has struck out four in 5.0 scoreless innings in five Cactus League outings, last pitching on Wednesday against the Cubs.
• Kershaw will bat ninth today as Dodger pitchers hit for themselves for the first time this spring. Last year, Kershaw hit .175 with his first-career triple and three RBI, while Dodger pitchers combined to lead the National League with both a .163 batting average and a .207 on-base percentage.
• Kershaw and Howell, along with Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson, will be featured on a special “Connected With…the Pitching Staff,” which debuts tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA.

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Today marks the first day of exhibition games for Dodger minor leaguers as the club’s Triple-A and Double-A teams take on the Rangers at Camelback Ranch. The Single-A clubs begin games on Sunday.

NEWEST DODGER: Congratulations to Lisa and David Huff on the birth of a son, Ethan Thomas Allen Huff, yesterday! Huff’s next start has been pushed back to Sunday, with Chad Gaudin taking the hill Saturday against Colorado at Talking Stick.

RYU UPDATE: On Wednesday, Dodger left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu reported feeling tightness in his left shoulder, similar to the discomfort he experienced last season, and after consulting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, he elected to have an inflammation-reducing injection. Ryu will not throw for three days and his next step will be determined at that time. Ryu pitched 3.0 innings on Tuesday against the Rangers, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits, and has tossed 5.0 innings this spring.

ROSTER UPDATE: Yesterday, the Dodgers reassigned RHP Ben Rowen to minor league camp.  Including Brandon Beachy and Chris Withrow, who are on the 60-day disabled list, the Dodgers have 43 players remaining in big league camp.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15 / Road Game 8

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

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Los Angeles Dodgers (8-2-4) vs. Texas Rangers (7-6-1)
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Surprise Recreation Campus

LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (0-0, 21.60)   
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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(St. Patrick's Day 1998, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers)

POT OF GOLD: The Dodgers, who have the Cactus League’s best winning percentage at .800, travel to Surprise to take on the Rangers in the first of four exhibition contests between the clubs this spring. The teams will match up again this weekend as their split-squads travel to San Antonio for a two-game series and will also meet on March 29 in Glendale. The clubs will play four regular-season games in 2015, June 15-16 in Arlington and June 17-18 at Dodger Stadium, marking their first games against each other since 2009 and the Rangers’ first visit to Los Angeles since 2001. The Dodgers will don green caps in today’s game in honor of St. Patrick’s Day!

• Yesterday, the Dodgers optioned pitchers Zach Lee, Chris Reed, Mike Bolsinger, Joe Wieland and Carlos Frias along with catcher Austin Barnes and reassigned infielders O’Koyea Dickson and Erisbel Arruebarrena to minor league camp. Including Brandon Beachy and Chris Withrow, who are on the 60-day disabled list, the Dodgers have 50 players remaining in big league camp.

NO LUCK OF THE IRISH NEEDED: The Dodgers erupted for three home runs, including a pinch-hit grand slam by Darnell Sweeney, during an eight-run eighth inning yesterday to down the A’s, 10-5, at Camelback Ranch for their third consecutive win. Scott Schebler and Chris Heisey also homered during the eighth-inning rally, and Darwin Barney had a game-high three hits, going 3-for-3 with an RBI. Zack Greinke made his second start of the spring, allowing just one hit – a solo home run by Josh Phegley – in 3.0 innings in a no-decision.

TEXAS TWO-STEP: The countdown is on to Big League Weekend, with the Dodgers taking on the Rangers Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome in San Antonio! Erik Bedard and Zack Greinke are expected to start the two San Antonio exhibition games for the Dodgers, with a roster that includes Yasmani Grandal, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig, and Joc Pederson.

MAKING JACKIE PROUD: Major League Baseball announced yesterday that the Dodgers will play host to the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium in the 2015 Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day, Wednesday, April 15.  It will mark the first time that Baseball’s tribute to civil rights leaders and figures will be held in conjunction with its annual commemoration of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson breaking Baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947. The Civil Rights Game was developed by MLB to pay tribute to the spirit of the civil rights movement and to honor those who embodied the struggle for equal rights for all Americans. This is the first Civil Rights Game hosted by the Dodgers and second one they have played in (2012), while this will be the first overall for the Mariners.

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

ON THE MOUND: Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his second start of the spring today after striking out two in 2.0 hitless, scoreless innings on Thursday at San Diego. Ryu, who has never faced the Rangers, has struggled against American League opponents during the course of his career, going 3-3 with a 4.72 ERA (25 ER/47.2 IP) in eight starts.

• LHP Paco Rodriguez is expected to make his fourth appearance of the spring today, last pitching on Saturday against the Indians. Rodriguez has yet to allow a run and has struck out five in 3.0 innings this spring.
• LHP J.P Howell is also expected to see action today after firing a scoreless inning on Saturday against the Indians.
• RHP Juan Nicasio will make his fourth Cactus League appearance today after tossing a scoreless inning of relief in Friday’s tie with the Reds.
• RHP David Aardsma will also make his fourth appearance of the spring today, last pitching on Saturday against the Indians. Aardsma has allowed just one hit in 3.0 scoreless innings this spring.
• RHP Pedro Baez, who last pitched on Saturday against the Indians, has allowed just one hit in 3.0 innings this spring.
• Los Angeles pitching has been terrific so far this spring, as the club has combined to post a 3.02 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .209 batting average, striking out 98 and walking just 32 in 125.0 innings.

THE HOME OF THE DODGERS: Yesterday, iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the Dodgers announced the debut of the all-new AM 570 LA Sports.. The new baseball season will bring a new name, a new look, a re-brand, a re-launch and a new co-ownership with the Dodgers to the station formerly known as KLAC. AM 570 LA Sports will be under the co-ownership of iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the Dodgers, will have a new logo and will also incorporate the new 2015 Dodgers slogan “We Love LA.”  Another new addition, Dodger Talk featuring David Vassegh and Kevin Kennedy, will now air immediately following Dodgers baseball games or at 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

(Retired #'s added to Club Level at Dodger Stadium, pic via @DodgerInsider on twitter)

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Alamodome Here We Come - Dodgers to Play Two Spring Games in San Antonio

Following up on a series of successful spring games the past two years, the Texas Rangers have invited the LA Dodgers to play a couple spring training games at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.  The event is called the H-E-B Big League Weekend and it is scheduled for Friday, March 20 (7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, March 21 (1:00 p.m.).  Via a press release:

“We’re excited about this match up,” said Nolan Ryan.  “The Dodgers are one of the most successful franchises in baseball with some good, young players.  For fans in San Antonio and all over the state it’s a great opportunity to see us play them since there is not a National League team in Texas anymore.”

Furthermore, the Dodgers will be returning to San Antonio after a 23 year hiatus.  As you may know, the Dodgers AA minor league affiliate was in San Antonio from 1977 to 2000.  Notable Dodgers to have played in San Antonio on their way up to Los Angeles include Adrian Beltre, Bob Welch, Mike Scioscia, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Sax, Ramon Martinez, John Wetteland, Raul Mondesi, Mike Piazza and Eric Gagne.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking forward to visiting San Antonio for Big League Weekend this spring with the Texas Rangers,” said Dodgers' President & CEO Stan Kasten.  “Playing in the Alamodome should be quite an experience for our team and our fans.”

Last year the Rangers played host to the Houston Astros in Alamodome, and in 2012 they played the San Diego Padres.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the games against the Dodgers.  Go here for information and tickets.

“The Rangers are very happy to be returning to San Antonio and Big League Weekend in 2015,” said Rangers President of Baseball Operations Jon Daniels. “Ryan Sanders Baseball puts on a first class event and has done an amazing job in converting the Alamodome into a Major League Baseball facility. The reception we received playing before the tremendous fans of the San Antonio area has been outstanding and we look forward to another great weekend with the Dodgers.”

BTW, from what I understand a sports collectors show at the Alamodome had been planned for that weekend in the past, so I expect that will continue for 2015.  You can also follow the Big League Weekend on twitter here: @SABigLeagueWknd.

(Rangers manager Jeff Banister makes announcement, via @SABigLeagueWknd on twitter)

Here are more photos of the field at past ballgames in the Alamodome, via @SABigLeagueWknd.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Pic at the very top via @SABigLeagueWknd on twitter.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 10/Home Game 5

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

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 Texas Rangers (2-5-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-4-2)
Friday, March 7, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch – Glendale
RHP Zach Lee (0-0, ---) vs. LHP Martin Perez (0-0, 4.50)
Spring Game 10/Home Game 5
Television: SNLA/Radio: KLAC

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(Hanley's Hands, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

DOING IT BIG: The Dodgers play host to the Texas Rangers this afternoon in the first of two meetings this spring. The other matchup comes tomorrow, when Los Angeles will send a split squad to Surprise at 1:05 p.m. The two clubs last met in the regular season in 2009 and the Dodgers are 11-9 all-time against the Rangers.

• In just 13 days (Wow!), the Dodgers play Team Australia in an exhibition game at the Sydney Cricket Ground followed by two games against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series, March 22-23. Opening Day is just 15 days away!

HONORING A LEGEND: Yesterday, the Dodgers were saddened to announce the passing of Special Advisor to the Chairman Dr. Frank Jobe, who was 88 years old. Jobe is survived by his wife, Beverly, four sons—Christopher, Meredith, Cameron and Blair—their spouses and eight grandchildren. Jobe, who began his association with the Dodgers in 1964, made medical history in 1974 when he performed what is now termed “Tommy John surgery.” Jobe took over the full-time care of the Dodgers in 1968 and was named a Special Advisor to the Chairman in 2008. Said John: “Baseball lost a great man and Tommy John lost a great friend. There are a lot of pitchers in baseball who should celebrate his life and what he did for the game of baseball.” Today at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers will honor Dr. Jobe with a moment of silence.

(Scott Van Slyke's Grand Slam Swing, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NICE WORK, JOHN PRATT: Yesterday, the Dodgers had their first taste of the new instant replay system and it was a success as far as results are concerned. Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout tripled to center field in the first inning and was thrown out at home plate trying to stretch a triple into a home run on a great relay from Yasiel Puig to Hanley Ramirez to A.J. Ellis. After looking at the play on a television feed, crew chief Gerry Davis upheld his initial “out” call and history was made. The replay system will be utilized this season for the first time and is being tested in Cactus League play during various Dodger games, including March 11 at Kansas City, March 12 vs. Arizona, March 15 vs. Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado.

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

THE GENERAL: Dodger right-hander Zach Lee will make his first appearance of the spring today against the Rangers. Lee, who has been slowed by a lat strain the last few weeks, went 10-10 with a 3.22 ERA in 28 games (25 starts) for Double-A Chattanooga last season. The Texas native was the Dodgers’ first-round draft selection (No. 28 overall) in 2010.

• Dodger reliever and newly-minted knuckleballer Brian Wilson will make his third spring appearance today after firing scoreless innings on Feb. 27 and March 4. Last year, Wilson joined the Dodger bullpen in late August and went 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA (1 ER/13.2 IP) in 18 appearances. For good measure, he tacked on 6.0 scoreless frames and a victory in the 2013 postseason as well.
• The rest of the Dodger pitchers will feature a “who’s who” of the big league bullpen as closer Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell, Chris Perez and Brandon League are all scheduled to throw.
• Zack Greinke felt good again today and, according to Dodger skipper Don Mattingly, will face live minor league hitters tomorrow. Greinke suffered a right calf strain in his first Cactus League appearance Thursday, Feb. 27.

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

TIE ONE ON: The Dodgers held a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth yesterday, but came out of Tempe with a 4-4 tie, their second deadlock of the spring season. Scott Van Slyke provided the Dodger offense with a sixth-inning grand slam, the club’s second in two days. On the mound, starter Dan Haren was terrific, firing 4.0 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out three.

FOX SPORTS 1 ON 1: Today, Fox Sports 1 visited Dodger camp and conducted interviews with several players for their season preview. The Dodgers will make several nationally-televised Saturday appearances on Fox and Fox Sports 1 early in the season, including April 5 against the Giants (FS1), April 19 vs. the D-backs (FS1), May 10 vs. the Giants (FS1) and May 31 vs. Pittsburgh (FOX).

• The Nine Network from Australia, which will televise the Opening Series against the Diamondbacks in Australia, was onsite this morning, talking to Clayton Kershaw and Brian Wilson.

SOME MINOR ADDITIONS: The Dodgers will have five minor leaguers suiting up for today’s game vs. the Rangers: LHP Fu-Te Ni (#83), LHP Tom Windle (#94), infielder Darnell Sweeney (#87), infielder Jacob Scavuzzo ($90) and outfielder Jon Garcia (#91).

• Windle, the Dodgers’ second-round selection in last year’s draft, will make his first appearance with the big leaguers. The 6-foot-4 left-hander pitched for the University of Minnesota from 2011-13 and last season went 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) for the Single-A Great Lakes Loons.

(Peering into the Dodgers Dugout, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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In your Dreams, Ranger Jon... Puig ain't Going Anywhere

Yasiel Puig has been a wonder to behold.  So, it's no surprise that fans of other teams wonder if they can somehow steal him away from us.  

Well, a couple of days ago Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels took over their official twitter account to answer fan questions.  One of which was an inquiry about his interest in Puig.  He was asked,

"What are our odds of getting Puig from the Dodgers this season?"

To which, Ranger Dan responds,

"Pretty Strong."

Wha...??

.@Shieldsgregory #JDTweets Pretty strong.
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 4, 2013

That's right, GM Daniels wants Puig. 

Heck, who wouldn't, right?

Before you pull your hair in fear that Colletti might do the unthinkable, check out how the Dodgers twitter account responded, below.

"It might be time for a nap"

@Rangers it might be time for a nap. #JDTweets
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 4, 2013

Yeah, I don't think he's going anywhere. 

Pic Credit at very top: twitter @Dodgers.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/4/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Cruz and Last Nights Homer Parade

Yasiel Puig was named National League Player and Rookie of the Month of June.  See the Dodgers press release here.  Pic above via twitter @Dodgers.

• Cards That Never Were produces a fantasy 1962 Topps NL Stolen Base Leaders card featuring Maury Wills.  Awesome!
• In a somewhat surprising move, the Yankees have signed Luis Cruz.

The @Yankees sign INF Luis Cruz.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 3, 2013

• Check out Cruz in Yankees pinstripes, via twitter Marly Rivera of ESPN.  BTW, he went 0 for 3 with a throwing error in his debut.

• Wait... What?  Via Evan Grant at Sports Day DFW tells us that Manny Ramirez has just signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Yasiel Puig injury: Dodgers OF hits Coors Field wall, leaves game".  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com reports that Puig is day-to-day.
• Via Ken Gurnick on twitter:

Marmol has cleared outright waivers and has accepted a minor league assignment.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 4, 2013

• 7/3/13: Dodgers slug four home runs amidst their 17 hits, getting long balls from Juan Uribe, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp

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

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

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Texas Rangers (4-7-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-6-2)
Thursday, March 7, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
RHP Chad Billingsley (0-1, 10.38) vs. RHP Randy Wells (0-0, 4.50)
TV: PRIME TICKET | Radio: KLAC

(twitter link)

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(pic via Cathy a Blue Heaven reader)

TEXAS TWO-STEP: The Dodgers, in the midst of playing five games in three days, take on the Rangers today for the first of their two Cactus League meetings this spring. The two clubs have not faced off in the regular season since 2009 and the Dodgers hold an 11-8 advantage in the all-time series. Today’s starter, Chad Billingsley, has made just one start in his career against Texas and picked up the win on June 14, 2009 in Arlington, allowing three runs (two earned) in 7.0 innings in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win.

• In addition, RHP Josh Beckett pitched in a minor league game on the backfields today. 
• Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive tomorrow and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.

MIXED RETURNS: The Dodgers had mixed results in their two games yesterday with a split-squad defeating Team Mexico, 10-2, in a World Baseball Classic exhibition and another squad falling 4-0 to the Indians in Goodyear in Cactus League play. The results from the exhibition game against Mexico will not count towards the team’s or players’ cumulative statistics.

• In Goodyear, Hyun-Jin Ryu was dominant through his first 3.0 innings, but reached his pitch limit after allowing the first two batters of the fourth inning to reach base (both eventually scored). Ryu struck out five, including all three batters in the third inning with called third strikes. At the plate, the Dodgers managed just five hits with two coming off the bat of Jeremy Moore, who is batting .467 this spring. 
• The Dodgers scored 10 runs on 12 hits, including a two-run, first-inning homer by Andre Ethier, as they cruised to a 10-2 win over Team Mexico at Camelback Ranch. Dee Gordon went 2-for-2 with two steals, two runs scored and an RBI and though he was held hitless, Matt Kemp knocked in a pair in the win. On the mound, Stephen Fife picked up the win with 4.0 innings of one-run ball, while Brandon League, Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell each tossed an inning of scoreless relief. 
• Los Angeles continues to lead the NL with a .302 team batting average and a .385 on-base percentage. Yasiel Puig ranks ninth among NL qualifiers with a .391 batting average, while Jeremy Moore is tied for the NL lead with four doubles.

(pic via Cathy a Blue Heaven reader)

SIMPLY CLASSIC: All five Dodgers participating in this year’s World Baseball Classic will see action today as Italy (Nick Punto) takes on Mexico (Luis Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez) at 1:00 p.m. at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale and Venezuela (Ronald Belisario) faces off against the Dominican Republic (Hanley Ramirez) at 4:30 pm in San Juan, Puerto Rico. All games of this year’s WBC can be viewed on MLB Network.

• Javy Guerra returned to the Dodgers yesterday from Team Mexico. His offseason surgery prevented him from being eligible for the World Baseball Classic. He will continue to pitch for the Dodgers without restriction.

HILLTOPPERS: RHP Chad Billingsley will make his third appearance (second start) of the spring today after allowing three runs on five hits in 2.1 innings and taking the loss in relief on Saturday against the Mariners.

• RHP Mark Lowe has yet to allow an earned run (one unearned) in 3.0 innings in three appearances this spring. Lowe last pitched on Sunday against the Indians, walking one and striking out one in 1.0 inning. 
• RHP Peter Moylan allowed two runs in 0.2 innings in his first outing of the spring, but since then has fired 2.0 scoreless frames in two appearances. Moylan has six strikeouts in his 2.2 innings this spring, including two Ks in his last outing on Sunday against the Indians.
• RHP Josh Wall has yet to allow a baserunner and struck out five in 3.1 innings during his three Cactus League appearances. Wall last pitched on Sunday against Cleveland and struck out one in a 1-2-3 inning.

CAMERA READY: Tomorrow, Javy Guerra (@JavyGuerra54) will take over the Dodgers Official Instagram account (@Dodgers) capturing a "Day in the Life" of a big league ballplayer.

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