Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: March 28, 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
RHP Garrett Richards vs. RHP Zach Lee
Friday, March 28, 2014, 7:10 p.m. | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV: SportsNet LA RADIO: AM 570 KLAC (ENG), KTNQ 1020 AM (SPAN)

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

(Pujols, Mota, Puig and Gonzalez, 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 returned to exhibition play last night, losing 7-5 to the Angels. The clubs meet again tonight at Dodger Stadium before the series shifts to Anaheim for the Freeway Series finale tomorrow evening. 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 will play four times during the regular season this year, 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.

(At Camelback Ranch, 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.

HIGH NUMBERS: The Dodgers’ roster will be supplemented by minor leaguers RHP Matt Magill (#36), 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), OF Trayvon Robinson (#90) and LHP Tom Windle (#97).

GONE HOLLYWOOD: For the second consecutive season, the Dodgers will treat their fans to baseball-themed movies after three games – Saturday, April 26 “Field of Dreams” (6:10 p.m. vs. COL), Saturday May 31 “A League of Their Own” (4:15 p.m. vs. PIT) and Saturday, August 16 “The Natural” (6:10 p.m. vs. MIL). These three iconic and family-friendly baseball films will be screened for fans following each game and screenings are free with a game-day ticket. Fans sitting in the right field pavilion and left field pavilion will be invited down to the field postgame for a better viewing experience.

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.

JOB FAIR: Tomorrow, the Dodgers will host their 19th annual Community Job Fair starting at 10:00 a.m. and more than 100 companies will be on hand to meet with members of the Los Angeles community. Last year, more than 5,000 job seekers from throughout Southern California gathered at the stadium to meet potential employers. This year’s Job Fair features training providers, government agencies and employers including: Kaiser Permanente, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Fairplex, Lowe’s and many more. Parking at Dodger Stadium and admission to the job fair is free. Also, free shuttle service into the stadium will be provided from the corner of Elysian Park Ave. and Sunset Blvd. Participants are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring their current resume. 

CHECK IT OUT: Tomorrow, 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.

(Bullpen overlook, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodger 2014)

NEW AND IMPROVED!: The latest round of stadium improvements are being unveiled this week, including:

• 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 Dodger 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 left-field.
• A new public wireless system.
• Sunset Blvd. Gate A, along Elysian Park Avenue, will feature a dedicated pedestrian entrance with new lighting in an effort to encourage fans to utilize parking lots 13 and 14.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: MLB’s new instant replay system will be on display for the 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.

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

ZACH ATTACK: Minor league right handed-pitcher Zach Lee will make his third start of Cactus League play tonight and posted a 1-0 record with a 5.79 ERA thus far. Lee last started in an exhibition game against Team Australia on March 20 and struck out six, allowing one run on three hits in 4.0 innings, which did not count toward Cactus League stats. The 22-year-old, who was selected by the club in the first round (28th overall) of the 2010 MLB draft, went 10-10 with a 3.22 ERA in 28 games (25 starts) with Double-A Chattanooga last year, ranking among the Southern League leaders in wins (T-9th), innings pitched (142.2, 9th), strikeouts (131, 3rd) and WHIP (1.17, T-3rd).

• Kenley Jansen is scheduled to make his eighth appearance of the spring and has allowed only two hits in 7.0 innings in his previous outings. Jansen earned his first save of the 2014 regular season on Saturday night in Australia after finishing the 2013 campaign with a career-high 28 saves in 32 opportunities and ranked among the NL relief leaders in saves (T-11th), ERA (1.88, 6th), opponents’ batting average (.177, 7th), WHIP (0.86, 2nd) and strikeouts (111, 2nd).
• Also scheduled to pitch today are Jamey Wright, Chris Perez and Chris Withrow.

* 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 *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 21/Home Game 12

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

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

Colorado Rockies (8-10-2) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (6-10-4)
Sunday, March 16, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch
RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.13) vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-0, 2.45)            
Spring Game 21/Home Game 12
Television/Radio: SNLA/KLAC/KTNQ

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

(Lasorda throwing out first pitch, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

GETAWAY DAY: The Dodgers conclude their Cactus League slate this afternoon against the Rockies in their final tuneup before departing for Australia. The club will depart from Phoenix around midnight tonight and touch down in Sydney around 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday. Following a few workouts, the Dodgers will take on Team Australia in an exhibition on Thursday night before playing regular season games against the D-backs on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. All games Down Under will be played at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground, which has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB regular season games to be staged in Australia. 

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter for the fourth consecutive season and has not allowed a run in his three previous season-opening outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.
• Once back in the United States, the Dodgers will take on the Angels in the Freeway Series March 27-28 in Los Angeles and March 29 in Anaheim and then open the North American portion of the 2014 regular season on March 30 at San Diego. Los Angeles has opened in San Diego three times (1973, 2009, 2012), including two Opening Day victories at PETCO Park.
• This is the only Spring Training meeting between the clubs and Colorado won the 2013 season series, 10-9.
• The Dodgers will have six minor leaguers suiting up today, LHP Fu-Te Ni (#84), RHP Rob Rogers (#90), C Jan Vasquez (#87), INF Ozzie Martinez (#88), OF Jamie Romak (#94) and OF Jon Garcia (#89).

  

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

BIRTHDAY BOYS!: The Dodgers would like to wish relievers Brandon League (31) and Brian Wilson (32) very happy birthdays today!

ONE LAST TUNEUP: Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his final Cactus League start this afternoon as he builds toward Sunday’s start against Arizona in Sydney. Ryu allowed just one run on three hits in 5.0 innings in his last start against Oakland on Monday and has allowed just three runs in 11.0 innings this spring (2.45 ERA), while limiting opponents to a .220 batting average (9-for-41). The left-hander, who turns 27 on March 25, was selected to Baseball America’s All-Rookie team in 2013 and ranked among the top big league rookies in wins (14, T-2nd), winning percentage (.636, T-3rd), ERA (3.00, 2nd), strikeouts (154, 4th), innings pitched (192.0, 1st) and starts (30, T-3rd). His 14 wins tied with Kazuhisa Ishii (14-10, 2002) for the second-most by a Los Angeles rookie behind only Rick Sutcliffe’s 17 Ws in 1979.

• Kenley Jansen will go back-to-back for the first time this spring after walking one in a scoreless inning yesterday against the Padres. Jansen has surrendered just two hits and struck out six in 6.0 scoreless innings this spring.
• Chris Perez allowed two hits and struck out one in 0.2 innings yesterday against the Padres, his fifth scoreless outing in six appearances this spring. Perez has limited opponents to a .222 batting average in Cactus League play (4-for-18), striking out five and walking only one in 5.0 innings.
• J.P. Howell retired the only batter he faced, Yonder Alonso, to get the Dodgers out of a third-inning jam yesterday against the Padres for his fourth consecutive scoreless outing. Howell has tossed scoreless relief in five of six Spring Training appearances after posting career-bests with a 2.03 ERA, a .193 opponents’ batting average and a 1.05 WHIP, going 4-1 in 67 games with the Dodgers last year.
• Chris Withrow will make his sixth appearance of the spring today after striking out two in a scoreless inning on Friday against the Cubs. In his first big league action last year, Withrow went 3-0 with one save and a 2.60 ERA, limiting opponents to a .165 batting average in 26 relief appearances.

Julio Urias, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SPLITSVILLE: The Dodgers split yesterday’s doubleheader at Camelback Ranch, defeating the Padres, 5-4, in the afternoon and falling to the White Sox by the same score in the nightcap:  

• In yesterday’s afternoon game, 17-year-old phenom Julio Urias made his Cactus League debut and retired the side in order with two strikeouts in the first inning to pick up the win. Dee Gordon (2-for-3, SB, 3B, R, RBI) and Miguel Rojas (2-for-3) registered multi-hit games, raising their batting averages to .282 and .462, respectively. Following Urias, Kenley Jansen (1.0 IP), Javy Guerra (1.0), Chris Perez (0.2), J.P. Howell (0.1), Sam Demel (2.0) and Steve Smith (1.0) all threw scoreless baseball.
• Clayton Kershaw was tagged for five runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings in a loss under the lights in his final spring tuneup. The left-hander fell to 0-3 with a 9.20 ERA in four Cactus League starts. Justin Turner continued his hot hitting and reached base three times, going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored to raise his average to .333 in 15 games this spring.The official minor league slate of Spring Training games began yesterday and Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp played in the Triple-A game vs. Kansas City, going 1-for-2 with a single. Kemp played 3.0 innings in center field and will have a scheduled off day today.  

WALK THIS WAY: As a team, the Dodgers have been patient at the plate during Cactus League play, drawing 81 walks (2nd, MLB) in 20 spring games. Last year, the Dodgers ranked third in the NL with a .326 team on-base percentage.

• Los Angeles ranks second among NL clubs with 20 stolen bases this spring, including nine by Dee Gordon, tops in the Majors. Gordon has gone a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts this spring and the Dodgers, as a team, have been successful on 20 of 22 attempts.

(Nice catch!, 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 19/Home Game 11

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.

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

 San Diego Padres (6-8-3) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-9-4)
Saturday, March 15, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch
RHP Joe Wieland (0-1, 7.71) vs. RHP Sam Demel (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 19/Home Game 11
Television/Radio: None/None

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

(Carl Crawford Siginign for Fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE: With just three games remaining on the 2014 Cactus League slate, the Dodgers will face the Padres in the second-to-last home game of the spring season this afternoon. The two clubs tied each other, 3-3, back on March 2 at Camelback and Los Angeles won the regular season series, 11-8, in 2013.

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just one week against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• The Dodgers open the North American portion of their 2014 season on March 30 in San Diego. Los Angeles has opened up in San Diego three times (1973, 2009, 2012), including two Opening Day victories at PETCO Park.
• Tonight, the Dodgers play their final Cactus League road game of 2014, taking on the White Sox in a sold-out contest at 7:05 p.m.
• Minor league players suiting up today include C J.C. Boscan (#45), IF Brendan Harris (#35), RHP Sam Demel (#38), LHP Julio Urias (#84), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#92), RHP Steve Smith (#93), OF Trayvon Robinson (#91), IF Daniel Mayora (#89), C Webster Rivas (#88), IF Jamie Romak (#94) and RHP Romulo Sanchez (#97).
• Official minor league Spring Training games begin today and Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp will suit up in one of those contests here at Camelback Ranch.  

(Josh Beckett, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NOW HURLING NEAR YOU: Right-handed pitcher Sam Demel will get the start for the Dodgers this afternoon. Demel was invited to big league camp as a non-roster player and was reassigned on March 4. The Texas native has pitched in five Cactus League games this spring, allowing just two hits in 5.1 scoreless innings while striking out three. Demel also recorded a save on March 11 at Kansas City. The 28-year-old pitched for the Diamondbacks in parts of three seasons (2010-12), going 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 72 career outings.

• Also scheduled to pitch today is Dodger closer Kenley Jansen, who has tossed 5.0 scoreless innings and fanned six in five Cactus League contests. Jansen has yielded just two hits without walking a batter this spring.
• Left-handed prospect Julio Urias may make his big league camp debut this afternoon. Urias, who is 17, went 2-0 with a 2.48 ERA in 18 starts for Single-A Great Lakes last season. The native of Mexico struck out 67 and walked just 16 last season. 
• Other pitchers scheduled to relieve are LHP J.P. Howell, RHP Chris Perez and RHP Javy Guerra. 

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

MAKING IT HAPPEN: The Dodgers’ starting infield consisting of first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (.286), second baseman Dee Gordon (.250), shortstop Hanley Ramirez (.226) and third baseman Miguel Rojas (.409) is hitting a combined .265 with three homers, 12 RBI and nine stolen bases this spring. Gordon has eight of those stolen bases and has not been caught this spring. The eight steals are tied with Oakland’s Billy Burns for the most in the Major Leagues. Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).

• Yesterday, the Dodgers dropped a 5-4 decision to the Chicago Cubs in Mesa. Dee Gordon had two hits (2-for-3) for the second consecutive game and Miguel Rojas went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Gordon’s third triple of the spring season tied him for the big league lead while Rojas’ .409 batting average leads the club. On the mound, Josh Beckett tossed 3.0 scoreless innings, but was removed with a sore right thumb while both Paco Rodriguez (5.0 IP) and Jose Dominguez (7.0 IP) continued their perfect springs.
• As a team, the Dodgers have been patient at the plate during Cactus League play, drawing 69 walks (3rd, MLB) in 18 spring games. The club’s 15 spring home runs rank fourth in the Cactus League, trailing just the Mariners (17), Rockies (16) and Padres (16).
• On the pitching side, the Dodgers’ 4.47 ERA ranks seventh in the Cactus League while the club’s 21 errors are the third most among the teams training in Arizona.

(Hershiser speaks with the Dodger minor leaguers, 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 18/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.

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

 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-8-4) at Chicago Cubs (6-8)
Friday, March 14, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Mesa
RHP Josh Beckett (0-1, 9.00) vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 5.40)
Spring Game 18/Road Game 8
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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

(Van Slyke photobombs, Guerrero, Arruebarrena and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: With just four games remaining on the 2014 Cactus League slate, the Dodgers will face the Cubs at their new facility in Mesa for the first and only time this spring. Los Angeles leads the all-time series against Chicago, 1,034-1,024-14, and won six out of seven meetings in 2013, including a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field.

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just eight days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• After playing in intrasquad minor league games on a back field of Camelback Ranch – Glendale on Wednesday and Thursday, Matt Kemp will have a scheduled off day today. Right-handed pitcher Brandon League will take the hill in a minor league intrasquad game this afternoon.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include IF Brendan Harris (#35), C Chris O’Brien (#70), RHP Steve Edlefsen (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Justin Souza (#87), OF Jon Garcia (#88), OF Trayvon Robinson (#89), IF Corey Seager (#90), C Jose Capellan (#91), IF O’Koyea Dickson (#95), IF Jamie Romak (#96), RHP Romulo Sanchez (#97).

(Rick Honeycutt, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

KING OF THE HILL: Right-hander Josh Beckett will take the mound and is scheduled to pitch 4.0 innings in his third start of the spring and last since giving up five runs in 3.0 innings on Saturday against Seattle. Beckett enters his third season with the Dodgers and ranks sixth among active pitchers (min. 1,500 IP) with an average of 8.34 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in his 12-year Major League career.

• Also scheduled to pitch today is hard-throwing right-hander Jose Dominguez, who has pitched 6.0 scoreless innings (5 G) in Cactus League play this spring, while walking two and striking out six. Dominguez has allowed only two hits this spring, good for a .100 opponents’ batting average (2-for-20).
• Despite issuing four walks in his four appearances, Paco Rodriguez has struck out four and has not allowed a run in 4.0 innings pitched. Scheduled to pitch today, Rodriguez ranked among the NL’s best relievers in ERA (2.32, 12th), opponents’ batting average .164 (3rd) and WHIP (0.90, 6th) in his first full MLB season in 2013.
• Also scheduled to pitch today is right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque. Guerra has posted good numbers in Cactus League play, allowing only one earned run (two runs) in five appearances (6.0 IP) for a 1.50 ERA.
• Right-handers Chris Withrow and Jamey Wright are scheduled to pitch in this afternoon’s game.

(Mounf conference, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

WELCOME BACK: Manager Don Mattingly, who has missed the club’s last two games due to a death in his family, is back in camp today. With four Cactus League games remaining, the Dodgers will play two of their weekend games with the new replay system, tomorrow at Chicago-AL and Sunday vs. Colorado. The system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

• The Dodgers fell, 8-2, to the Reds yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Left-hander Paul Maholm made his second start (third appearance) of the spring and suffered the loss, allowing six runs (5 ER) on six hits in 2.2 innings, while right-hander Seth Rosin allowed his first earned runs in Cactus League play (2 ER) in 3.0 innings. At the plate, Hanley Ramirez hit his second homer of the spring, a solo shot, while Justin Turner plated a run in the fourth inning to account for the Dodgers’ scoring.
• Another bright spot on offense yesterday was infielder Dee Gordon, who went 2-for-4 in the losing effort. The 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).
• As a team, the Dodgers have been patient at the plate during Cactus League play, drawing 67 walks (T-1st, NL) in 17 spring games.

AUSTRALIAN FOR BASEBALL: The historic Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the site where the Dodgers will face the D-backs in MLB’s 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia, has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its Sunday game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on Tuesday, March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition March 20 and then take on the D-backs March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

(Watch out for that ball, 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 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 16/Home 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.

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

 Arizona Diamondbacks (7-6-3) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-6-4)
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Glendale
RHP Michael Lee vs. RHP Zack Greinke (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 16/Home Game 8
Television/Radio: SNLA/KLAC

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

(Bats, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NEXT TIME IT’S REAL: The Dodgers will open the 2014 season in just 10 days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. With their Cactus League series tied 1-1, the clubs will square off today for their third and final meeting of the spring. Despite the Dodgers winning the division in 2013 and leading the D-backs in the overall series 146-131, the D-backs won 10 of the 19 meetings between the clubs last season.

• Outfielder Matt Kemp is scheduled to play in a minor league intrasuad game today at noon on the backfields of Camelback Ranch – Glendale.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include LHP Daniel Moskos (#47), IF Darnell Sweeney (#83), IF Daniel Mayora (#88), OF Scott Schebler (#89), IF Jamie Romak (#90), RHP Craig Stem (#96) and RHP Romulo Sanchez (#97).

AUSTRALIAN FOR BASEBALL: The historic Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the site where the Dodgers will face the D-backs in MLB’s 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia, has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its Sunday 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 March 20 and then take on the D-backs March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

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

BACK IN THE “W” COLUMN: Yesterday, the Dodgers picked up their fifth Cactus League win, 7-5, against the Royals in Surprise, their first victory since Friday’s win vs. Texas. Outfielder Scott Van Slyke (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB) gave the Dodgers a late lead with a two-run homer in the eighth inning and, after the lead was given up in the bottom half of the inning, outfielder Noel Cuevas (1-for-1, HR, 3 RBI) put Los Angeles on top for good with a three-run shot in the ninth. On the mound, starter Dan Haren had a solid outing by allowing one run on seven hits with a walk and a strikeout in 4.0 innings, while RHP Jose Dominguez (1.0 IP), LHP Paco Rodriguez (1.0 IP) and RHP Sam Demel (1.0 IP) each tossed scoreless relief.

ZACK ATTACK: For the first time since suffering a right calf strain in his only Cactus League appearance on February 27, right-hander Zack Greinke will pitch 2.0 innings today against Arizona. Greinke enters his second season with the Dodgers after going 15-4 in 2013, one win shy of his career high of 16 in 2009, with the National League’s fourth-lowest ERA at 2.63 in 28.

• Also scheduled to throw today is left-hander J.P. Howell, who will be making his fifth appearance of the spring. Howell last appeared on Monday against Oakland and has fired scoreless relief in three of his four outings.
• Yet to allow a run in 4.0 innings (4 G), right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen is scheduled to pitch this afternoon against the D-backs. Jansen is limiting the opposition to a .154 (2-for-13) batting average this spring and has racked up three strikeouts without issuing a walk.
• RHP Chris Perez and RHP Chris Withrow are scheduled to pitch today for their fifth and fourth times of the spring, respectively.

(Justin Turner, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: With Manager Don Mattingly leaving camp due to a death in the family, bench coach Tim Wallach will serve as the manager and Special Advisor to the GM Pat Corrales will be the club’s bench coach this afternoon. Los Angeles will play their third game with the new instant replay system today and will have two more Cactus League games where replay is used after today’s game, March 15 at Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado. The system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

• Wallach managed the Dodgers’ Triple-A partner the Albuquerque Isotopes in 2009 and 2010 and guided them to a 152-135 (.530) record and an American Southern Division title in 2009. That season, Wallach was recognized as the 2009 Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year and also as Baseball America’s “Best Manager Prospect.”

SPRING CLEANING: Tonight, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Janet Marie Smith will speak at the NINE Spring Training conference in Tempe, AZ. NINE: A Journal of Baseball History & Culture seeks to promote the study of all historical aspects of baseball and centers on the cultural implications of the game wherever in the world baseball is played. The journal reflects an eclectic approach and does not foster a particular ideological bias.

• Renowned architect and urban planner Janet Marie Smith was named the Dodgers’ Senior Vice President of Planning and Development in August 2012 and is overseeing current upgrades and enhancements to Dodger Stadium.

(Dodgers 2013 draftee Kyle Farmer singles, 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 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 (4-6-4) at Kansas City Royals (6-5-1)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
RHP Dan Haren (0-0, 1.50) vs. LHP Jason Vargas (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 15/Road Game 7
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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

(Dee Gordon signs for a young fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BLUES BROTHERS: The Dodgers and Royals square off for their only meeting of the spring today at Surprise Stadium. The clubs will meet again in the regular season, June 23-25 at Kauffman Stadium, for the first time since 2005 and Kansas City holds a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series.

• The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves over the last 24 hours, reassigning RHP Red Patterson to minor league camp this morning following yesterday’s moves of optioning RHP Matt Magill and reassigning C JC Boscan, RHP Carlos Frias, INF Brendan Harris and INF Clint Robinson to minor league camp.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include C Webster Rivas (#89), C Kyle Farmer (#88), OF Noel Cuevas (#92), OF Trayvon Robinson (#93), INF Daniel Mayora (#91), INF Aaron Bates (#95), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Craig Stem (#96), LHP Danny Coulombe (#83), RHP Sam Demel (#38).

GREAT SELECTION OF TIES: The Dodgers registered their fourth tie of the spring yesterday, 8-8, against the A’s. Andre Ethier (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Juan Uribe (2-for-3, HR, RBI) gave the Dodgers the early lead with first-inning home runs and, along with Hanley Ramirez (2-for-3, R), finished the day with multi-hit games. Hyun-Jin Ryu delivered 5.0 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and lowered his spring ERA to 2.45 in three starts. Kenley Jansen closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning and has allowed just two hits in 4.0 scoreless innings in four appearances this spring.

• The Dodgers’ record for ties in a spring is five, set in 2006 (15-13-5).

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIEUTENANT DAN: Dan Haren will make his third start of the spring today after tossing 4.0 scoreless innings in his last start on Thursday against the Angels in Tempe. The 33-year-old has allowed just one run in 6.0 innings this spring and finished the 2013 campaign on a roll, going 6-3 with one save and a 3.14 ERA in his final 13 games with Washington (12 starts) after July 27.

• The Monterey Park, CA, native faced the Royals once last year and allowed four runs on eight hits in 7.0 innings in a no-decision (eventual 6-4 Washington defeat) on Aug. 25 at Kauffman Stadium. Haren has gone 5-2 with a 2.77 ERA (23 ER/74.2 IP) in 11 career starts against Kansas City.
• Backing Haren today will be Jose Dominguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 0 R, 1, H, 1 BB, 3 K), Javy Guerra (last pitched on March 9 vs. SF, 1.0 IP, 0 R, BB, K), Paco Rodriguez (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 0 R, K), Chris Withrow (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 1.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 H, BB, 2 K) and Jamey Wright (last pitched on March 8 vs. SEA, 2.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, BB, WP).
• Dominguez (5.0 IP), Guerra (5.0 IP) and Rodriguez (3.0) are all unscored upon this spring.

BASE BANDIT: Dee Gordon has the day off today, but the 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).

(Andre Ethier's home run swing, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season 11 days 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.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

ALL-STAR TEACHERS: Yesterday, Major League Baseball, Target Corp and PEOPLE announced the “Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers” campaign, which celebrates remarkable current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities. All-Stars Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Beltran will lend their support to the initiative by encouraging fans to nominate an outstanding teacher beginning today through May 6 at AllStarTeachers.com. Nominees will have the chance to represent their favorite team and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15 on FOX. MLB, Target and PEOPLE will review nominations and select three teachers per MLB team, with the 90 finalists to be announced on June 5. From June 5 through June 29, fans will be encouraged to visit AllStarTeachers.com to read nominees’ submission stories and vote for their favorite teachers.  All 30 winners, one representing each MLB Club, will be announced during All-Star Week.

(Uribe, Punto and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *