Blog Kiosk: 4/12/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodgers Sign a Couple Kids, Joc Pederson, and Chris Withrow

Adrian Gonzalez's home run swing, pic above via Jon SooHoo/2014 LA Dodgers. See more of Jon's photos from yesterday here.

(pic via Olimpiazzurra)

• The Dodgers signed a kid from Italy.  Via Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball, "Federico Celli signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers."  (Hat Tip: /Dodgers on Reddit Magikrat)

The young outfield prospect out of Romagna will begin his adventure in the States in Rookie ball as soon as he finishes High School in Italy. Celli, (born) 1995, grew up playing for Rimini Riviera, and is currently finishing up his 3rd year with the FIBS Baseball Academy in Tirrenia. The youngster has also played with the Italian National team at the throughout the youth level, and just a year ago he was on the Under 18 squad that won the European Championship. 

• The Dodgers also signed a kid 17 kid from (I think) Nicaragua named Alvaro Rubi, via Gerald Hernández at La Prensa.  (Hat Tip: JP Hoornstra on twitter)
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodger Insider, "Joc Pederson Off To Just A Fantastic Start in Triple-A."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chris Withrow making strong bid to stay in Dodgers bullpen."

"His stuff is power stuff, it's back end," Mattingly said on Wednesday. "It's late in the game stuff, and we're seeing it. He's been lights out."

• A darling for many fans during this past Spring Training, it has now been reported, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, that Seth Rosin has been returned to his original team - the Phillies - after being DFA'd by the Rangers.  Seth is racking up a ton of miles.
• Oh!  This is awesome.  Take a look at the Dodgers inflatable chair they are giving out to the 1st 40,000 fans on May 8th, pic via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2014 - Dodger Links - Baseball at the Reagan Presidential Library, Kenley Jansen and Chris Withrow

Nomar and the Minions.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  See more of Jon's photos from yesterday here.

• I thought I would let you all know that, right now, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is an exhibit of Baseball memorabilia from the Gary Cypress Collection (he owns the Sports Museum of LA).  I hear it's fantastic and worth a trip.  Go here for more information.
• Grant Bisbee at SB Nation writes, "Miguel Cabrera, Kenley Jansen, and the best at-bat of 2014 so far."  He does a pitch by pitch analysis.
• Unfortunately, Jansen has been far from great this year.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Kenley Jansen struggles, Dodgers not worried."

"It's tough, man. He's a tough hitter and kept battling. I feel like I executed, and one pitch I go in there and he took me deep. He kept fouling me off away and I tried to go in there to back him off," Jansen explained. "Nothing I can do about it. It's a tough series, but I can't worry about this. I just have to go now to Arizona and get it back together."

• Former darling of the chattering class, Seth Rosin, has been DFA'd by the Rangers, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Left Field Pavilion's graphic about our new mascot, non-mascot guy is hilarious.  Check it out here.
• Via Earl Bloom at MLB.com, "Withrow won't be under the radar for long."

"He can and will be a closer once he matures as a Major League pitcher," said bullpen coach Chuck Crim, who was Withrow's pitching coach for his last two years in Double-A. "No question his stuff plays."

• Peter Jensen Brown at the Early Sports and Pop Culture History Blog wrote about the etymology of the name Trolley Dodgers, here.
• Larry Pauley at Sports Collectors Daily writes about a little known mini-pennant set - the 1950 American Nut and Chocolate Co. Pennants.  I love mini pennants and especially love these.
• Topps just released an 1988 Dodgers World Series Championship Archives Collection items at its store.  Check it out here.  It includes a large 11"x14" sized photo Baseball cards, pins, patches and a bunch of other stuff.  Below are some some pics and a video box opening from Topps.
  
  

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2014 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends to Start the Season

The photo above is from the Dodger exhibit at the Japanese American Museum in Los Angeles, pic via Armando Arorizo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check out more pics here.  Mark Langill at the Dodger Insider wrote a story about the exhibition, here.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Clayton Kershaw to be placed on 15-day DL."  Again, I think this is all about staying on the side of caution.

 "I can't pitch right now, so I'm going to have to take a few extra days," Kershaw said. "It's frustrating. Right now, it's just not getting better fast enough."

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Turns out there is winner for rotation's fifth spot — Josh Beckett ."  Via Don Mattingly,

“We always felt like Josh had the upper hand. But we really didn’t know where the health was going to be, how that was going to go.

• Via Scott Miller at MLB.com, "Ellis appreciates ground swell of support."  AJ was at the plate when the earthquake happened on Friday.

"It felt like the crowd really came to life when I was at the plate," Ellis said Saturday afternoon. "I was like, 'I appreciate that. These guys are really into my at-bat.' "

• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Insider writes, "Yasiel Puig’s 2014 at the plate, regression, and his late-season ‘slump’"
• David Laurila at FanGraphs writes a bit about the Dodgers biomechanical assessments of Seth Rosin and Withrow's development.

“Once I got Rule 5’d over here, they said they’d watched a lot of video of me,” said Rosin. “They saw an opportunity for me to become more efficient with my body. The process of incorporating those things began at a camp in January, and I’ve continued to work on it since that time.

• Mark Townsend at Big League Stew notes that the Puig team meeting was set up by Yasiel.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA sums up the whole Figgins vs. Kennedy brouhaha nicely.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Brian Wilson and the fickle nature of relief".

"I’m not particularly used to having 'one of those nights,'" Wilson said. "Normally, it might have something to do with not making proper pitches. Tonight was about not being able to get ahead in the count, and they took advantage of it. Just forgive and forget." 

• Zach Hample shares his experience at the Australian ballgames.  Go here to check it out.  He has a ton of photos of areas in and around the stadium that I guarantee you haven't seen yet.
• Juan Uribe wore this into the Dodger clubhouse before the game in San Diego, yesterday.  I kid you not!  Via Hanley Ramirez's Instagram.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: March 27, 2014 vs. Angels

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 Angels of Anaheim at Los Angeles Dodgers
LHP Hector Santiago vs. RHP Zack Greinke
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 7:10 p.m. | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV: SportsNet LA RADIO: AM 570 KLAC (ENG)

(Dodgers lineup via @Dodgers on twitter)

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

(Tommy Lasorda sharing some cannoli's, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BACK TO SPRING TRAINING: After opening the 2014 Major League regular season with a pair of games against the D-backs in Australia last weekend, the Dodgers return to exhibition play and take on the Angels tonight in the first of three Freeway Series games. Los Angeles won the Freeway Series last year, 2-1, and then the clubs split their four regular season meetings, with each club protecting their home field. The clubs tied, 4-4, in their only Cactus League game on March 6 in Tempe and will play four times during the regular season, two games at Dodger Stadium, August 4-5, and two games in Anaheim, August 6-7.

• The Dodgers open their North American slate on Sunday evening against the Padres on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Los Angeles will also battle the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday before its home-opener on Friday, April 4 at 1:10 p.m. against the Giants.
• One of the world’s top jockeys, Victor Espinoza, will throw a ceremonial first pitch tonight. Espinoza, who has won more than 3,000 races in his career, will ride the favorite, California Chrome, in next week’s Santa Anita Derby.

(The crowd at Camelback, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIFE IN THE DESERT: The Dodgers went 6-10-5 during Cactus League play as they matched a Los Angeles record for Spring Training ties set in 2006 (15-13-5). In 12 home dates at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, the Dodgers drew 114,402 fans, with an average crowd of 9,534, their highest average since moving to Arizona in 2009.

ROSTER ROUNDUP: The Dodgers have made several roster moves since returning from Australia. On Monday, infielder Alex Guerrero was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque and outfielder Carl Crawford was reinstated from Paternity Leave, while yesterday right-handed pitchers Seth Rosin (Rangers) and Javy Guerra (White Sox) were claimed off waivers. The Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

• Guerrero will remain with the Dodgers for the Freeway Series and tonight, the club will also supplement its roster with minor leaguers C Tim Federowicz (#26), RHP Sam Demel (#38), RHP Zach Lee (#64), RHP Red Patterson (#78), C Jose Capellan (96), INF Miguel Rojas (#72), INF Corey Seager (#94), INF Darnell Sweeney (#87), OF Joc Pederson (#65) and OF Trayvon Robinson (#90).

(Hanley Ramirez in Australia, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

DOWN UNDER: The Dodgers returned from Australia on Sunday afternoon following a week Down Under, with a 4-2 exhibition victory over Team Australia and two regular-season wins over the Diamondbacks. Scott Van Slyke was the offensive hero in the season-opening 3-1 victory with a double and a two-run homer in support of Clayton Kershaw, who struck out seven and allowed one run in 6.2 innings. In the series’ second game, Hyun-Jin Ryu fired 5.0 scoreless innings and Dee Gordon, Juan Uribe and Yasiel Puig chipped in three hits apiece in the club’s 7-5 win.

• The Opening Series marked the first time that the Dodgers played regular season games outside of North America and the club’s ninth official team trip abroad: 1956 (Japan, postseason), 1964 (Mexico, preseason), 1966 ( Japan, postseason), 1991 (Mexico, preseason), 1993 (Japan/Taiwan, postseason), 2003 (Mexico, preseason), 2008 (China, preseason) and 2010 (Taiwan, preseason).

ALL DODGERS, ALL THE TIME: All three of the Freeway Series games will be televised by SportsNet LA, the exclusive new 24/7 TV network of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The network takes fans behind-the-scenes with the team and offers in-depth access to the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will televise more than 140 live regular season Dodger games, plus a full slate of original, classic and live studio programming that focuses only on the Dodgers, covering the team in a way that it’s never been covered. 

NEW AND IMPROVED!: Last night, the Dodgers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the latest round of stadium improvements, which included:

• Expansion of the entries at the field level, with two new 25,000 square-foot plazas in right and left field.  Each plaza houses a 5,000 square-foot new team store, tickets and concessions space, as well as memorabilia to celebrate Dodgers history.
• Seating and lounging areas at bars and drink rails overlooking the bullpens in the outfield, giving focus to pitchers warming up, as well as infield game views. 
• Two new restaurants in the outfield entrance plazas; Tommy Lasorda’s Italian Trattoria, in the right-field area of the plaza, and THINK BLUE BBQ in the left-field area of the plaza.
• A new state-of-the-art public wireless system.

(At the ribbon cutting ceremony, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

CHECK IT OUT: On Saturday, Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game, a new exhibition exploring the team’s storied past through four players and a Hall of Fame manager, will open at the Japanese American National Museum. Jackie Robinson, Fernando Valenzuela, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo, and Tommy Lasorda—each of whom made history in his own right—will be prominently featured, as will owners Branch Rickey, Walter O’Malley, and Peter O’Malley. The exhibition continues through September 14.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: MLB’s new instant replay system will be on display for all three Freeway Series games as managers will have the ability to challenge one call through the sixth inning (and receive another challenge if successful) and be able to request a review of any play after the seventh inning. Los Angeles had five test runs with the system in Cactus League play.

• Another addition for 2014 is experimental rule 7.13, which regulates home plate collisions.

(Wright, Jansen, Howell and Greinke go through drills, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ZACK ATTACK: Zack Greinke will make his third official start of the spring tonight after going 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA (3 ER/2.1 IP) in two Cactus League starts. Greinke suffered a mild right calf strain in his first start of the spring Feb. 27, causing him to miss two weeks of game action and the Australia trip. Greinke last pitched on Saturday against Cleveland’s Single-A team in Glendale, allowing just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts in 5.0 innings.

• Greinke made 13 starts for the Angels in 2012 after he was acquired from Milwaukee in a midseason trade and has gone 1-4 with a 4.10 ERA (24 ER/52.2 IP) in nine career games (eight starts) against the Halos.
• J.P. Howell is also expected to pitch tonight after walking one and striking out one in 0.2 innings of relief in Sunday’s win over the D-backs in Australia. Howell went 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA (2 ER/5.2 IP) in seven Cactus League appearances.
• Brian Wilson struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday against the D-backs in his last appearance. He allowed two runs in 4.1 innings in five Cactus League appearances.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2015 - Dodgers Links - A Puig Team Meeting, Losing Rosin and Tommy's Wall

Check out Tommy Lasorda and his daughter Laura in front of a wall of his photos; adjacent to a food stand named after him - "Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria".  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check more pics from yesterdays unveiling of the changes to Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers private workout for season ticket holders here.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Road-tested Steiner welcomes another Dodgers year".

"To have Dan Haren four and Beckett five, that's pretty impressive. And we haven't brought up [Clayton] Kershaw or [Zack] Greinke or [Hyun-Jin] Ryu. So the rotation is solid. And the bullpen, you've got four guys that have closed at one time or another. The pitching is probably the strength of this team, as of this day."

• This is the best story written so far about the whole Puig thing. Via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.com, "Dodgers, Yasiel Puig clear air".  It's a great read and phenomenal reporting; unlike some of the other drivel that's appeared recently.

"I asked them to please keep helping me," Puig told ESPN. "Specifically with baserunning and hitting my cutoff man. I want them to help me with everything they can."

• The Dodgers lose Seth Rosin and Javy Guerra to the waiver wire, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.
• Jon also provides some photos and information on the newly created left field pavilion area, here.
• Mike Ozanian at Forbes just released their Baseball team value list, and the Dodgers are ranked 2nd.  Go here to check it out.
• Michelle Rubin at Dodger Insider, "Dodger Pride Rewards Program announced".  This is the new season ticket holder program.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA has the background story on how AJ Ellis came to endorse 'Game On' beef jerky.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ellis joins Cards' Motte in fundraising drive".

"It's to raise awareness and fuel cancer research," Ellis said. "He started it last year in St. Louis and decided, let's do every team. Now $5 for every shirt goes to Jason's charity and $5 to each of ours. I will have my charity chosen by Opening Day. It's a great idea to help fight the plague of cancer. I'm honored Jason reached out. When he was a catcher in the Florida State League, we bonded as two defensive catchers that couldn't hit. He transitioned into an All-Star closer."

• Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest takes a look at the value of Yasiel Puig's baserunning.
• This is just great.  Keith Olbermann shares a newly found video of an historic moment in Baseball history.  Check it out below.  It's awesome!  (Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily)

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17/Home 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.

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

 Cincinnati Reds (4-12) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-7-4)
Thursday, March 13, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Glendale
RHP Alfredo Simon (0-1, 5.00) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 1.80)
Spring Game 17/Home Game 9
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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

(Dodger Fans!, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

COLOR WAR: The Dodgers and Reds face off for the second and final time this spring after Los Angeles scored a 10-3 win over Cincinnati in Goodyear on March 5. The Dodgers dropped the 2013 season series to the Reds, 4-3, but hold a 35-19 (.648) advantage over Cincinnati since 2006, which is the second-best mark among NL clubs in that span (Philadelphia, 36-19, .655).

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just nine days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• Outfielder Matt Kemp is scheduled to play in a minor league intrasquad game again today at 12:30 p.m. on the back fields of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Kemp had six at-bats and played in the field for the first time yesterday in a minor league intrasquad game, playing six outs in center field, and ran the bases.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include RHP Red Patterson (#78), LHP Fu-Te Ni (#83), RHP Juan Gonzalez (#94), C Kyle Farmer (#92), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), INF Ozzie Martinez (#87), INF Daniel Mayora (#88), INF Jamie Romak (#90), OF Jon Garcia (#89), OF Trayvon Robinson (#91) and OF Aaron Bates (#95).

(Matt Kemp, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE HILL: Paul Maholm will make his third appearance (second start) of the spring today after allowing one run on three hits in 3.0 innings on Saturday against the Rangers. The 31-year-old has allowed just one run in 5.0 innings (1.80 ERA) this spring, while limiting opposing hitters to a .235 batting average (4-for-17). During the course of his career, Maholm has been especially tough against lefties, holding them to a .225 batting average/.287 on-base percentage/.318 slugging percentage.

• Rule 5 hopeful Seth Rosin will make his fourth appearance today and has not allowed an earned run (one unearned) in 8.0 innings this spring. The 25-year-old last pitched on Saturday against the Rangers, allowing only an unearned run on one hit in 3.0 innings, and has limited opponents to a .161 batting average (5-for-31) this spring.

SPELL CHECK: Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena reported to Camelback Ranch for the first time today and met with the training staff, players, coaches and media on his first day in Dodger blue. Arruebarrena posted a .276 career batting average with 27 homers and 171 RBI in 437 games in six professional seasons for Cienfuegos in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. The 23-year-old was signed as a free agent on Feb. 22 and will wear uniform No. 11.

(Zack Greinke, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

FILLING OUT THE LINEUP CARD: Bench coach Tim Wallach will once again serve as manager today and Special Advisor to the GM Pat Corrales will be the club’s bench coach with Don Mattingly leaving camp due to a death in the family. Mattingly is expected to be back in Glendale tomorrow. Wallach managed the Dodgers’ Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes in 2009 and 2010 and guided them to a 152-135 (.530) record and an American Southern Division title in 2009.

• The Dodgers fell, 9-2, to the D-backs yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Zack Greinke made his second start of the spring and first appearance since throwing only four pitches (right calf injury) in his Cactus League debut on Feb. 27, and allowed three runs on six hits in 2.0 innings in a losing effort. Andre Ethier gave the Dodgers an early lead with his two-run double in the first inning, but that was the only scoring that Los Angeles could muster. Ethier finished the game 2-for-3 to raise his batting average to .357 this spring.
• In the fifth inning yesterday, Wallach issued the Dodgers’ first challenge of the spring under the new replay system. Following replay review, the umpires confirmed the call on the field that Didi Gregorius had kept his foot on second base during a slide on a stolen base attempt. It took 1:48 for the umpires to conduct the replay review. Los Angeles will have two more replay games in Cactus League play, March 15 at Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

ON DISPLAY: Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Hank Greenberg and Joe DiMaggio are among the baseball pioneers featured in a new exhibit that opens to the public today at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Hailed as the first large-scale exhibit focused on the role baseball plays in the lives of immigrant and minority communities seeking to express or challenge American culture, Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American features 130 baseball artifacts. Koufax is the centerpiece of the exhibit, which is open to the public until Oct. 26. The pitcher’s 1963 National League Cy Young Award is on display, as well as scorecards and tickets from his perfect game against the Cubs in '65, the cap he wore during his no-hitter against the Phillies in '64 and a ticket from his first no-hitter against the Mets in '62. There's also a mound where fans can put on a replica Koufax jersey and try to pitch like the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner.

(Pat Corrales and Tommy Lasorda, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 11/Road 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.

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

 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-4-2) at Texas Rangers (2-6-1)
Saturday, March 8, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Tanner Scheppers (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 11/Road Game 6
Television: None/Radio: KLAC

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

(Puig fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THESE GUYS LOOK FAMILIAR: The Dodgers will play a pair of games today and tonight with split-squads playing against Texas in Surprise this afternoon and against the Mariners tonight at Camelback Ranch. Capacity crowds are expected for both Dodger games at The Ranch this weekend with tomorrow’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Giants also approaching a sellout.

• The Dodgers and Rangers met yesterday at Camelback Ranch, with Los Angeles emerging as 2-1 victors. Hanley Ramirez smashed a two-run homer in the first inning off Martin Perez to account for the Dodgers’ scoring. Right-hander Zach Lee made his first appearance of the spring and tossed 2.0 scoreless frames to pick up the victory. Brian Wilson, Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell and Chris Perez each pitched a scoreless inning of relief and Tom Windle picked up the save with 2.0 scoreless frames to close out the game.
• The two clubs last met in the regular season in 2009 and the Dodgers are 11-9 all-time against the Rangers.
• Six Dodgers are pulling double-duty today and are scheduled to appear in both games; OF Mike Baxter, OF Joc Pederson (starting both games), INF Alex Guerrero, INF Miguel Rojas, INF Clint Robinson and INF Brendan Harris.
• Minor league position players suiting up this afternoon include C Chris O’Brien (#70), C Griff Erickson (#79), IF Ozzie Martinez (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), IF Jamie Romak (#94), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#89), OF Jon Garcia (#90), OF Scott Schebler (#91).

(Uribe, Beltre and Hanley, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE MOUND: Paul Maholm will make his first start of the spring after allowing just one hit in 2.0 scoreless frames on Sunday in relief against the Padres. Maholm forced the Padres to ground into a double play in that outing and has induced a Major League-leading 184 double play balls since 2006. The 31-year-old, who enters his first season with the Dodgers, went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts with the Braves last year and enters the 2014 season just 50 strikeouts shy of 1,000 Ks for his career.

• Seth Rosin will make his third appearance this afternoon, last pitching on Monday against the Athletics with 3.0 scoreless innings, and has struck out eight without issuing a walk in 5.0 scoreless innings this spring. Rosin, who was acquired from the Mets after he was selected from Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft, appeared in 26 games (23 starts) last season, going 9-6 with a 4.33 ERA. He was originally selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound for his third appearance of the spring after allowing one run on two hits in 1.0 inning on Thursday against the Angels. The 24-year-old has allowed a run in both of his 1.0-inning appearances this spring and is coming off an impressive stint with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League, going 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA in 15 relief appearances.
• Minor leaguers RHP Steve Edlefsen (#86), RHP Justin Souza (#88), RHP Sam Demel (#38) and RHP Henry Sosa (#95) will suit up for the Dodgers this afternoon. Edlefsen, one of the newest Dodgers, was signed out of the club’s Feb. 27 open tryout and has appeared in 27 big league games during the course of his career with the Giants in 2011-2012, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA. The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Giants in the 16th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska.

(Miguel Rojas, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season two weeks from today (!) against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its March 16 game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition on March 20 and then take on the D-backs on March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

GETTING CONNECTED: Following tonight’s game against the Mariners, SportsNet LA will debut “Connected With…Adrian Gonzalez” at 10:00 p.m. PT. Alanna Rizzo conducted the in-depth interview, where Gonzalez discussed growing up in both Mexico and the United States, being the No. 1 draft pick and how living in Los Angeles is a great fit for him.

• Gonzalez is batting .400 (6-for-15) with three runs scored, two doubles, a homer and an RBI through six games this spring. Last year, in his first full season as a Dodger, the 31-year-old batted .293 and led the club in most offensive categories, including hits (171), home runs (22), RBI (100) and games played (157).
• Last year, Gonzalez batted .323 with runners in scoring position (51-for-158), the 13th-best mark in the NL, and ranks fifth among active players with a .328 career batting average with RISP.

ON THE MEND: This morning, Zack Greinke threw approximately 35 pitches in a simulated game to Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp, who is also progressing in his rehab. Kemp took some limited-range flyballs today in the outfield to supplement his running program.

(Orel Hershiser and Charley Steiner, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Take a Deep Breath, It's Just the First Game of Spring - Same Can be Said for SportsNet LA

After spending a little bit of time reading various comments on twitter during this afternoons inaugural game, I am reminded that way too many folks take these early Spring contest way too seriously.

You'll need to take a breather and realize that anything you witness in the early goin' must be taken with a grain of salt.  It's very easy to take for granted that nearly every ballplayers that is a cinch to make the Opening Day roster are not necessarily working on getting outs or hitting for average.  They are preparing for when the games count, and at this moment we are many weeks away from that.  So, I would expect pitchers to be working on getting a feel for pitches they haven't thrown competitively in months, and for batters to become more comfortable with a swing they haven't used in ages.  Remember, getting muscle memory in tune with your desired performance level will take time.

I am always reminded of this when I think back to my own visits to Vero Beach for Spring Training many moons ago.  I recall sitting nearly behind the catcher and realizing that the days starting pitcher threw nothing but fastballs.  Not only that, he wasn't varying the speeds all that much.  Instead, it was clear that the pitcher was testing out his feel for the pitch and his ability to locate it where he wanted.

It was an early Spring game, and that pitcher, along with nearly every pitcher that followed, couldn't care less about the results.  They were more interested in making that slow and steady climb towards competitive performance, and not being perfect right out of the gate.

So, with that being said, these early Spring stats are meaningless; whether they be negative or positive.  Case in point, Clayton Kershaw threw his first Spring game this afternoon and he got shelled.  Via a tweet from Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:

Kershaw's line: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 SOs. 42 pitches, 26 strikes. #Dodgers
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 26, 2014

Not a great start, eh?  Fortunately, Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider adds some perspective:

Kershaw gave up hard-hit balls to all three OF spots in first inning. Nothing new: Last year at ST, he had 4.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP #Dodgers
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) February 26, 2014

Jon also wrote more about Kershaw's day at Dodger Insider.  Check out his post here.

BTW, the same can be said for Rule 5 Draft pickup Seth Rosin.  Via @Dodgers on twitter:

.@SethDanielRosin strikes out four #Dbacks in a row and five in two innings. That's pretty good. #Dodgers down 3-1 through 5.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 26, 2014

I don't want to rain on everyone's parade, but this is just the first game of Spring.  I do, on the other hand, agree with what Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest said on twitter:

Seth Rosin just whiffed five guys in two innings.  That includes Hill and Goldschmidt. Way to make an impression.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) February 26, 2014

I believe it's safe to say that Rosin is earning hard looks by everyone in the front office and coaching staffs.  He could be a diamond in the rough, or he a flash in the pan - only time will tell.

*Pic at the very top via @Dbacks on twitter.

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

(Vin Scully at SportsNet LA launch, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

I also wanted to take a moment to briefly comment about last night's opening SportsNet LA broadcast. 

In one word, it was "AWESOME".  There is nothing like knowing that there will be Dodger Baseball available to me 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  I especially loved the opening montage to begin their broadcast that featured a brilliant monolgue by Vin Scully.  You can watch that online here. 

If you missed it (likely due to issues out of your control - more on that later), I shared one of the stories Vin Scully spoke about during his interview on Access SportsNet: Dodgers.  Go here to see that post.  In that interview, Vin regaled us about a game when he actually wore the Dodgers uniform.  It was hilarious and perfect.

As for many of you folks who could not watch last nights broadcast, all I can suggest is please be patient.  Believe me, the wait is worth it.

We've seen this song and dance many times over the years - whether it be over the recent battles with AMC Networks or ESPN.  In retrospect, this carriage dispute should have been expected, and I suspect it will not be resolved until the very last moment.

In the meantime, hopefully the fine folks from throughout social media (myself included) will share whatever they can to bridge the divide.

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

Earlier today, Time Warner's PR group sent along some photos from last night's show, so I figured I should pass them along here.  Check them out below.

(Hershiser and Magic on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(Magic as a guest on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(Hershiser and Hartung on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(SVP TWC Sports, News and Local Programming Dan Finnerty, SVP/GM TWC Sports Regional Networks Mark Shuken, EVP, Los Angeles Dodgers Bob Wolfe, Owner/Partner, Los Angeles Dodgers Peter Guber and President, TWC Sports, News and Local Programming David Rone celebrate the launch of SportsNet LA. Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(SportsNet LA and Dodger executives watched the SportsNet LA’s ‘Go Live’ moment in El Segundo. 
Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17 / Road Game 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.

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

Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 – 1:10 p.m. | Talking Stick
LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy
Spring Game 17/Road Game 1

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

(pic via MLB Fan Cave on twitter)

PLAY BALL!: The Dodgers will play their Cactus League opener today against the D-backs at Talking Stick. Today’s game will be the Dodgers’ first of 21 games in Arizona, with the club playing 25 total exhibitions this spring, including a game against Team Australia (March 20 in Sydney) and the Freeway Series (March 27-29 in Southern California).

(Clayton Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Clayton Kershaw will take the mound today after winning his second-career Cy Young Award in 2013, becoming just the second Dodger (Sandy Koufax – 1963, 1965, 1966) and 17th all-time pitcher to win multiple Cy Young Awards. Since the start of the live ball era in 1920, the left-hander has the lowest all-time career ERA (2.60) among pitchers with more than 1,000.0 innings pitched and 100 games started. The Dallas, TX, native led the Majors in ERA in each of the last three seasons, becoming the first pitcher to do so since Greg Maddux (1993-95) and the first-ever Dodger to accomplish the feat. Also appearing in the game today:

• Seth Rosin (RHP) enters his first season in the Dodger organization after he was acquired through the Rule 5 draft and a trade with New York-NL in December 2013. In 108 professional games (42 GS), Rosin has gone 14-12 with a 4.00 ERA in the Philadelphia and San Francisco organizations.
• Right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque, allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings over nine appearances in his only stint with the Dodgers last season.
• 23-year-old Jose Dominguez made his Major League debut last season and posted a 2.16 ERA (2 ER/8.1 IP) in nine appearances with Los Angeles. The hard-throwing right-hander was eventually transferred to the 60-day disabled list after being placed on the 15-day DL on July 23 with a left quad strain.
• Non-roster invitee Ross Stripling is in his first big league camp after posting an 8-4 record with one save and a 2.82 ERA in 27 games (22 GS) between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga in 2013. The right-hander enters 2014 rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect.
• Right-handed non-roster invitee Sam Demel has appeared in 72 games at the Major League level with the D-backs (2010-12), posting a 4-4 record with a 4.95 ERA.
• 27-year-old non-roster invitee Daniel Moskos (LHP) has gone 26-28 with a 4.43 ERA in 207 games (45 GS) in seven minor league seasons with the Pirates (2007-12) and White Sox (2012-13).

(Adrian Gonzalez, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

GET YOUR BIG LEAGUE ON: The Dodgers will have four minor leaguers joining the club vs. the D-backs today, with infielders Darnell Sweeney (#83) and Jamie Romak (#94), outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker (#83) and right-handed pitcher Stephen Smith (#95) all making the trip.

A WARM WELCOME: Dodger great Shawn Green arrived in camp today and will be in uniform as a guest instructor, joining Sandy Koufax, Tommy Davis and Eric Karros as those who’ve appeared at Camelback Ranch – Glendale this year.

• Green is a two-time All-Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, who set the franchise record for the most homers in a single season with 49 in 2001. The following year, Green hit four homers in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers, joining Gil Hodges as the only Dodgers two hit four homers in a game. Green surpassed 40 home runs, 100 RBI and 100 runs three times in his 15-year Major League career.

OPEN TRYOUT: The Dodgers’ annual open tryout will be held tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. MT (8:00 a.m. registration) on the minor league side of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Those wishing to participate must not be enrolled in high school, on a collegiate roster or be under contract with any Major League club. Additional information is available on the Dodgers Scouting Hotline at 323-224-1512.

GIVING BACK: Following Friday’s game between the Dodgers and White Sox, Camelback Ranch-Glendale and the two clubs will host a clinic for youngsters from the Glendale Youth Project and Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix. 2014 marks the second year that the clubs have hosted a youth clinic during Spring Training and is just one of the many Camelback Ranch community initiatives, which include food drives, Home Runs for Life (honoring patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Phoenix Children’s Hospital) and a Read Across America Day event at Glendale’s Main Public Library. Dodger prospects Joc Pederson, Zach Lee and Jarret Martin will represent the club at Friday’s event.

AND THEY’RE OFF: The new 24-hour-a-day network of the Dodgers, SportsNet LA, premiered last night with original programming, including the live studio show “Access SportsNet: Dodgers,” the inaugural episode of “Backstage: Dodgers,” back-to-back “Connected With…” interview shows featuring Clayton Kershaw and Don Mattingly and a one-hour retrospective special about last year’s season.

• SNLA will televise all of this year’s Dodger Cactus League games, with the exception of two split-squad games, giving fans more Spring Training coverage than ever before. Vin Scully will call four Cactus League contests, including games today and Thursday.

(SportsNet LA on-air talent, Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2014 - Dodgers Links - Keeping Hanley Focused, Puig's International Impact and Dodger Ping Pong

Eric Karros and Mark McGwire are featured in the photo above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Here's a 360º tour of the Dodgers Weight Room at Camelback Ranch, via the @Dodgers on twitter.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA has some updated construction photos from Dodger Stadium.
• Miguel Rojas, a slick-fielding infielder vying for a job, just beat Kershaw, via a tweet from @markasaxon.

Apparently, Miguel Rojas does have great hands. He just beat reigning champ Clayton Kershaw in ping pong
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) February 18, 2014

• BTW, the Dodgers annual ping pong doubles tournament has just begun, via Josh Tucker at Dodger Insider.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Seth Rosin hopes to deliver on promise".  Rosin was a Rule 5 Draft pick, so the Dodgers have to place him on the roster to keep him.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly ensuring Hanley is not distracted".

"It's a conversation I wanted to have. I didn't want it hanging out there," said Mattingly. "I've been a player, I know. He knows what I think about him as a player."

• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider writes a piece titled, "Remembering Walter Alston".
• 2014 Topps Tribute officially comes out today.  Below are some preview pics, via Topps facebook page.  Do you see that '1 of 1' Puig batknob?  It's gorgeous.

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Puig's impact goes beyond the field for Dodgers".

"New ownership came in and asked what were some of the things we needed to do immediately, and we said, 'We need to get engaged in Latin America like today,' and they said, 'Let's go,"' Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "Puig became available and we made a push to sign him, but also to serve notice to other players in Latin America that we are back and we are real and we'll spend money for talent."

• Via Ben Badler at Baseball America, he shares a video from a Cuban League Baseball game, and it features a brawl on the field you will not believe.
• This isn't great news.  The Bob Feller Museum in Iowa is in financial trouble, via Tommy Birch at the Des Moines Register.

Feller “was the engine that powered that museum,” DiBiasio said. “With his passing, the business model is just not working.”

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *