Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.

Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!

Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Saito, Gordon and Veteran's Batting Practice

A group of 300 military veterans visited Dodger Stadium yesterday for batting practice with Kenley Jansen, Dodger alumni like Billy Ashley and Al Downing and fellow veterans Don Newcombe and Roy Gleason. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The players understand we're not as young as we used to be, but to give us the attention makes me feel happy," said (Ret. Lt. Col. David) Friend, who retired after 30 years of service. "I was particularly happy to see Don Newcombe. When I was going overseas, I saw him at a base in Virginia."

Via Anthony Irwin at Dodger Nation:

Kenley Jansen, who was at the park for conditioning, also took in the festivities before getting to work. He ran the stairs as the batting practice took place on the field. 

“It’s just great to be here for them. They’ve given so much for us, I just want to give back,” he said.

Featured in the pic above is Don Newcombe welcoming the crowd, via the Dodgers on twitter.  Check out more photos from the days activities by Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Congrats to Jake Arrieta for being selected the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, via BBWAA.  He edged out Zack Greinke by just 22 points.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares the final numbers on the Dodgers 2015 payroll.  It's striking how many of the top paid players didn't play for the Dodgers at all... So many dumped contracts.
• An old friend to join San Diego - Takashi Saito.  Via Dennis Lin on twitter:

Former All-Star closer Takashi Saito will be an intern in the Padres' FO. Padres exec Logan White was a key figure in signing Saito in '06.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) November 18, 2015

• Here's a fantastic story via Clark Spencer at the Miami Herald on Dee Gordon; "Loss of his mother to domestic violence spurred Dee Gordon to comfort others."

Gordon, through his Flash of Hope program, is working with children in Miami-Dade County who have lost a parent from domestic abuse, just as he lost his mother 20 years ago.

“I went through it, and when I went through it, I didn’t have anybody,” Gordon said. “Nobody could relate to me. So now I just want to relate to kids and give back my time.”

• Via Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun, " Blue Jays could have interest in Dodgers executive Byrnes as GM."   Elliott also mentions that Ned Colletti interviewed for the President job in July.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us all about getting the autograph of former Dodger John Werhas.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2013 - Dodgers Links - Haren, Dodger Options in Outfield and Saito Still Pitching

Before heading back to the US, AJ Ellis tweeted a photo of the Sydney Cricket Ground - where the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will be playing.  See it at top.

• "Sundays and Sundaes," from the Kershaw's in Zambia for Kershaw's Challenge. 
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Jhonny Peralta is about to make Juan Uribe a lot of money".  Rumor has it that Peralta is about to sign a huge deal, and Uribe stands to benefit.
• AJ Ellis welcomes Dan Haren on twitter:  AJ is 1 for 9, lifetime, against Haren,  So, he's happy that he won't have to face him.  On the other hand, Andre Ethier is batting a robust .420 against him in 50 at-bats.

Excited about Dan Haren. Always admired his professionalism. Also atop "guys I want to catch because I struggle hitting them" list.
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) November 25, 2013

• Via Jason Collette at FanGraphs, "Dan Haren Becomes Rare Underpaid Dodger".

Steamer projects Haren to reach the 180 inning benchmark this season, and projects him as a 3 WAR pitcher. Ten million dollars for a 3 WAR pitcher is something 30 major clubs should be interested in, but one team beat all the others to the punch.

• Via Tim Brown at Yahoo Sports, "Dodgers' best play may be to keep Matt Kemp along with crowded outfield".

So, yes, Kemp's body might not be holding up, and that contract ain't getting any cheaper, and the Dodgers could have too many outfielders and not enough outfield. But he has years of prime left, and a winter to heal, and a resume that says he can play the game with anyone. There was a time when he was worth the wait. Worth the patience. (And worth the money.) It's still that time.

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers And “Too Many Outfielders”  Mike takes a look at the various options the Dodgers have.
• Old friend, Takashi Saito, is still playing ball.  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, he has just signed a 1-year deal to pitch for the Ratuken Golden Eagles in Japan.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 12/29/2012

12 of the @Dodgers favorite celebrities to visit Dodger Stadium in 2012 are featured in the pic above, tweeted by @Dodgers.  Can you name them all?

• Mike Newman at FanGraphs notes that the Dodgers have a pair of power left-handed pitchers.

In 2012, four left-handed pitchers touched 93-plus on my radar gun. In Onelki Garcia and Chris Reed, Dodgers prospects accounted for half the list. This is nothing new. Two minor league baseball seasons living in the Atlanta area has yielded many hard-throwing Dodgers prospects. What’s new is every top prospect I’ve seen from the Dodgers has been right-handed before this.

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com writes a great story about the Dodgers newest bullpen coach Chuck Crim.

"I compare it to the same feeling I had when I was called up," said Crim, who pitched for the Brewers, Angels and Cubs. "You see how hard coaches work to get through the Minor League system. I feel blessed. I love what I do. It's a dream come true to accomplish this." 

• An old friend report:  Takashi Saito is said to have signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan, via MLB Trade Rumors.
• Greg Zakwin at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle recently got a couple of Corey Seager autographed card.  Congrats!  I hope to add one, as well.
• Night Owl Cards completes his list of the best Dodger cards ever made with #10 through #1.  This has been a great list.  I especially love his choices for the Top-10 cards of all time.
• Steve Dilbeck at the LA TIMES lets us know that the Dodgers are exploring a fan rewards program for using social media sites.

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Collection: Takashi Saito SPx Rookie Signature

I loved this guy.  Takashi Saito came over from the Japanese Central League as a star reliever in the twilight of his career.  He was 36 years old, having spent the previous 13 season with the Yokohama BayStars, and would for the first time test free agency in the hopes of playing in America.  The Dodgers did their scouting and decided to take a flyer on the old pro.  Their decision to sign Saito would pay immediate dividends.

Takashi came into Spring Training in 2006 with a minor league contract in-hand.  Unexpectedly, he won a job in the bullpen and would soon take over closing duties by mid-May.  By the end of his first Major League season he completed 24 saves with a 2.07 ERA.  Not too bad from someone thought to be too old to make any impact.  The next season he again beat all of our expectations by closing out 39 games with an infinitesimal ERA of 1.40.  

Since this time he had bounced around from the Red Sox, Braves, and Brewers, and remained competitive until this past season with the Diamondbacks.  In 2012 he pitched his way up Arizona's minor league system while battling an injury until his late call-up, but ended up allowing 9 runs in just 12 innings of work.  Today, Saito is a free agent.  I am uncertain if at the age of 42 whether another team will sign him.

Featured here is a 2006 Upper Deck SPx Rookie Signatures card of Takashi Saito in my collection.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2012

Here is a photo shared by Tommy Lasorda on twitter of a caricature of himself in the Baseball Cafe in the Tokyo Dome.

• Are you looking for some Dodger Talk?  Well, now you can listen to the show this winter- starting this coming Wednesday, via a Dodgers press release.

The Dodgers announced today that starting Wednesday, October 31, Dodger Spanish-language broadcaster Jorge Jarrín will host a one-hour weekly show on AM 570 FOX Sports LA, “Dodger Talk – Offseason Edition.” The AM 570 Fox Sports LA program will air each Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Fans will have access to the latest Dodger news, interviews with Dodger players, coaches and front office executives. The inaugural guest on “Dodger Talk – Offseason Edition” next Wednesday is All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

• Matt Kemp's shoulder was worse than the doctors imagined, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"When I hurt it, I asked the doctors if I could damage it more by playing with it and they said no, so I kept playing, and when they got in there they were surprised that I could play with it. It was worse than they thought," said Kemp in his first comments to the media since the operation. 

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has the 2013 tentative Camelback Ranch Spring Training schedule.
• With all of the Shohei Otani talk recently Mike Rosenbaum at the Bleacher Report wonders how he ranks when compared to Yu Darvish and other prospects.
• Dodgers assistant GM Logan White seems to believe he would be a No. 1 draft pick if he was in the USA, via the Dallas Morning News.

While answering a question about Otani's impending free agency, (Jim) Callis referenced a meeting between Dodgers assistant GM Logan White and the Japanese media in September. White told the assembled press that Otani "had the talent to be the top overall choice in the MLB draft."

• Via Nate Aderhold at Baseball Nation, since Otani was drafted by the Nippon Ham Fighters he would be ineligible to sign with any MLB club until April 2013.  So, everything is premature at this point.
• LA Kings broadcaster Bob Miller writes a great article at LA Kings Insider about some of the old stadiums that no longer exist.

As the interview started, Red Wing fans started throwing glass bottles from the upper deck.  When one crashed close to Pete and Marcel, Pete said on the air, ‘This is London’ as reporters did during the bombing of that city during World War II.  Pete quickly decided to end the interview and he and Marcel got safely off the ice.

• Ryan G at This Card is Cool finds a really cool card in Japan.  It's a Upper Deck/Kellogg Japanese card of old friend Takashi Saito in a Dodgers uniform.  Awesome!  And it can be yours for the right trade.
• WAGs of the 2012 World Series, via Busted Coverage.
• PSA just rolled out a new online resource for the autograph collector called PSA Autograph Facts.

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Day 20 Spring Training Report

Here is the Dodger lineup for the B Game today: Oeltjen CF, Sellers SS, Hoffmann RF, Sands LF, Ellis C, Baez 3B, Galvez DH, Jacobs 1B, Ynoa 2B, Kuroda P.

Lineup for the A Game: Gwynn RF, Navarro C, Ethier DH, Kemp CF, Gibbons LF, DeJesus 2B, Mitchell 1B, Castro SS, Miles 3B, Ely P.

Below are some Spring Training Notes from the Dodgers.

• ROLL OUT THE BARRELS: The Dodgers make the short bus ride over to Maryvale this afternoon to take on former Dodger Takashi Saito and the Brewers. Los Angeles went 4-2 against Milwaukee last season, which included a three-game sweep at Miller Park in August, and will face the Brewers for the first time in 2011 for a two-game set at Dodger Stadium on May 16 and 17.
• THE BOOK ON ELY: Dodger right-hander John Ely makes his second start of the spring season this afternoon and has allowed just one hit with five strikeouts in 3.0 innings over his two Cactus League appearances. At Dodger Stadium last season, Ely limited the Brew Crew to four hits and one run over 6.2 innings on May 6 in his second Major League start. The 24-year-old will be followed by LHP Ron Mahay, RHP Travis Schlichting and RHP Javy Guerra. RHP Takashi Saito will get the start for Milwaukee.
• PLAY “B”ALL: This morning, the Dodgers took on the Mariners in a “B” game on the back fields at Camelback Ranch. Hiroki Kuroda started for Los Angeles with Luis Vasquez coming out of the ‘pen. The top of the Dodger lineup featured the familiar names of Trent Oeltjen, Justin Sellers, Jamie Hoffmann, Jerry Sands and A.J. Ellis with the rest of the squad coming from minor league camp. An update on the game action will be sent out as soon as it’s available.

(Pic Link: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2011)

(Los Angeles Dodgers Don Mattingly and Franklin Stubbs smile in the dugout during game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona.)

• LETTING THE STICKS DO THE TALKING: Jerry Sands crushed a three-run home run to break a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning as Los Angeles downed Colorado 7-1 yesterday at Talking Stick. Sands added a triple in the eighth and is now batting .462 (6-for-13) with a 1.077 slugging percentage on the spring. The Dodger hit parade included a solo home run from Xavier Paul in the eighth and a 2-for-2 afternoon from A.J. Ellis, who plated a run with an RBI single in the seventh. The bullpen provided 5.2 scoreless innings in relief of Ted Lilly as Mike MacDougal (0.2 IP), Blake Hawksworth (1.0), Tim Redding (3.0) and Kenley Jansen (1.0) kept the Rockies off the board.
• TAKI-NG THE NEXT STEP: Congratulations to Dodger Assistant General Manager Kim Ng, who has accepted a position as Major League Baseball’s new Senior Vice President for Baseball Operations. The Dodgers would like to thank Kim for her nine years of service and wish her nothing but the best in her new position in New York.
• MAKING HIS BID: Yesterday, RHP Tim Redding fired 3.0 hitless innings of relief to pick up the victory and has yet to allow a run through 8.0 innings pitched this spring. Redding remains tied with Clayton Kershaw for the N.L. Cactus League lead with a 0.00 ERA and Chad Billingsley ranks third among qualifiers with a 1.35 ERA.

(PicLink: TwitPic TommyLasorda)

• FAB FIVE: Ted Lilly made his first official start of Spring Training yesterday and continued the Dodgers’ trend of superb starting pitching, allowing just one run over 3.1 innings. Through 11 games, Dodger starters have posted a miniscule 1.20 ERA (4 ER/30.0 IP). The Los Angeles projected rotation of Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda and Jon Garland will boast five pitchers who each won 10 or more games last season. Their cumulative 2010 ERA of 3.39 (371 ER/986.0 IP) and .234 opponents’ batting average (857-for-3,663) would have led all Major League starting rotations and their combined 844 strikeouts would have ranked third. Each member of the club’s starting rotation posted an ERA under 3.65, pitched more than 190.0 innings and made 30 or more starts last season.
• CAN’T TEACH SPEED – Dodger outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. swiped his Major League-leading fifth stolen base yesterday as the Dodgers moved into a tie with Pittsburgh for the National League lead with 16 steals. Eugenio Velez also stole his third base of Spring Training in yesterday’s contest. Only two Dodgers have been caught stealing in 11 games this spring after the club stole just 10 bases in 30 Spring Training games last season.

(PicLink: TwitPic DeadtoFred)

• SIMPLY CLASSIC – On Sunday, Dodger Stadium will host the 2^nd Annual Dodgertown Classic presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The doubleheader of collegiate baseball kicks off at 10:00 a.m. as Saint Mary’s battles the University of Georgia followed by the crosstown rivalry game of USC vs. UCLA at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Dodgers.com/classic with free parking and half-priced concessions for the day of family fun.
• HIGH NUMBERS: 10 Dodger minor leaguers will join the big leaguers in Maryvale this afternoon. Infielder Corey Smith (97) was a 2010 Double-A Southern League All-Star after ranking second in the league with 86 RBI and finishing ninth with a .467 slugging percentage. RHP Steven Ames, RHP Francisco Felix (91), INF Christian Lara (87), INF Jaime Pedroza (90), LHP David Pfeiffer (89), RHP Stuart Pomeranz (98), RHP Javier Solano (95), RHP Merkin Valdez (96) and C Matt Wallach (92) will round out today’s minor league additions.

(Pic Link: TwitPic KellyKelll)

• TOGETHER IN TUCSON: It was announced on Friday that the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will play a Spring Training game on Friday, March 25 at 1:05 p.m. in Tucson with proceeds benefitting the Tucson Together Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to the victims, witnesses and their families for expenses associated with the January 8^th tragedy. The contest will be played at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium (formerly known as TEP) with tickets available at Dodgers.com/Spring.

Box Break: 2009 Goudey

(click to enlarge)

Yesterday I wrote that I had stopped into a Target and left with a blaster box of 2009 Topps Heritage. Well, there is a little more to that story. I actually walked out with 2 blaster boxes. The other being the 2009 Goudey Baseball box by Upper Deck.

I had refrained from mentioning it because, well, I didn't get a whole lot. Although, I did get a bunch of Dodgers. Overall, it was a weak box. Anyway, as you may know, this new set from Upper Deck borrows its design from the 1933 Goudey Gum card set which is famous for having 4 different Babe Ruth cards in it. So, putting together a complete vintage set is very cost prohibitive.

Check out the 6 different Dodgers I pulled in the box above; including cards of Brad Penny and Takashi Saito- both of whom are now with the Red Sox. It's funny that both of those cards actually designate them as Boston players, but keeps their uniforms in Dodger Blue. Nevertheless, since they are still wearing the right colors they go in my collection. Below are the back of the cards.

(click to enlarge)

In addition to the base set show above there are 3 main subset or short printed sets within the set. Below are examples of the 3 sets. On the left is the "4 in 1" insert set of the Rays that take its design from the 1935 Goudey set. Center is Reggie Jackson in the "Heads Up" subset that is fashioned after the 1938 Goudey set. Finally, on the right is Tony Gwynn in the "Sports Royalty" subset. The Gwynn card copies the design of the 1933 Sport Kings Gum set.

Thank You Saito!

Warholizer Link:

I'm gonna miss Saito. He was always a joy to watch on the mound as he rocked back and forth before each pitch.

I will always remember his infectious smile. Saito embodied the pure joy this game is all about.

The worse part is that it was the Dodgers who turned their back on him.

"The decision in leaving Los Angeles was not Takashi's," Balelo (Saito's agent) said. "It was the Los Angeles Dodgers'. That needs to be very clear. It was the Dodgers' decision."

It just doesn't sit well with me. Even given his recent arm troubles I still believe he is valuable.

Takashi Saito has signed with the Red Sox.

Foxsports.com reported that the contract was a one-year deal worth between $1.5 million and $2.5 million plus incentives with an option for 2010.

Why couldn't we sign him? I don't get it.

"He will always remember his friends in Los Angeles," Balelo said.

In turn, I will always remember Saito as a friend.

Kent Must Carry Us

There is one out in the top of the 11th inning. The game is tied 6 to 6 in a game that should have been won outright in regulation. Clayton Kershaw sure can't catch a break. This was his eighth start and probably his best performance so far.

Jeff Kent is up to bat. The future Hall of Famer is the one veteran on the team who knows what it takes to make it into the playoffs. After all, he's done it before. Pierre, Furcal, Jones and Garciaparra are currently stuck in "injury hell." We can't depend on them to come back and carry this team. Only Kent can do it. He must step up.

Kent is facing Wesley Wright with no one on base. With one mighty swing he lifts the ball deep into the left field stands for a homerun. This old codger appears to be picking up his pace. The Dodgers win the game shortly afterwards as Saito ups his save total to 13.

Jeff has recorded 5 hits the last 3 games, but is still hitting a paltry .261 for the season. If we are to make it into the playoffs then we need him to carry us. His 40 year old frame needs to do it one last time.

If we are to go to the World Series this year, as boldly predicted this afternoon on ESPN, then Kent must lead the way.

WooHoo Dodgers Win!

This was a hard fought battle. The Dodgers came screaming out of the gate by scoring 4 big runs in the 1st inning on a 2 run double by Loney and a 2 run homerun by Russell Martin. Unfortunately, an initially hittable Paul Byrd righted his ship. Byrd finished the game by pitching 7 strong innings. For the remainder of the game the Dodgers would scatter just 5 more hits and would score no more runs. They could only get a man to thirdbase twice the last 7 times up to bat.

With Chad Billingsley on the mound the whole stadium was hoping that he could hold on. Would the abusive Summer heat drain all of his energy? Can the Dodgers pull this out? His curve ball wasn't sharp so the Indians batters starting sitting on the fastball. Chad gave up 8 hits. He lasted only 5 innings, but would give up only 3 runs. Can the one run lead hold up?

The relief corps had to bear down. Averting a sweep was a must and we all knew they would be the key. They battled and clawed through the suppressive heat to pitch 4 scoreless innings. Kou, Beimel, Broxton and Saito closed the doors. Only one hit was given up between the 4 of them. They showed us what this team can accomplish. If only the team can show a little bit of consistency. Nevertheless, this was a well earned victory. Dodgers 4, Indians 3.

Watch highlights below.

Nice to Get a Victory

Last nights win was a perfect antidote to the lackluster showing our team displayed this weekend against our regional rivals, the Anaheim Angels. I still have not been able to put into words how disappointed I was in those games. It's like being kicked around by a younger sibling after years of being the master of the house. Now the kid is all grown up.

Anyway, beating the Reds has put me at ease. Sure, our starter -our #1 pitcher Brad Penny- did not instill much confidence. He consistently got into trouble by giving up 5 runs on 9 hits while walking 4 batters. Fortunately, Bronson Arroyo was just as bad. He gave 5 runs in 5 innings of work while giving up 9 hits and walking 3. By the time the ninth inning came around the Dodgers and Reds were tied at 5.

At the top of the ninth inning Saito quickly disposed of the Reds- 1, 2, 3. The Reds could not do the same against the Dodgers. In fact, an evening filled with errors and mistakes finally unraveled and doomed the Reds in the ninth inning.

Russell Martin hit a ground ball to the shortstop who threw wildly to first base. The ball sailed into the dugout and Martin ended up at second base. Kent grounded out to the right side of the infield allowing Martin to advance to third base with just one out.

Then, Dusty Baker did something crazy. With Loney and Kemp up next he chose to walk both intentionally to get at Dewitt with the bases loaded. I guess he figured that, given his choices, he was better off facing Dewitt and Hu rather than Loney and Kemp.

Dusty's mistake was our gain. Dewitt had been 5 for 5 in bases loaded situations this season and he did not disappoint. He slapped a single to the left side and Russell Martin walked across the plate easily. Our young hero has certainly been a huge bright spot this season.

What A Way To End A Losing Streak

Last Night the Dodgers scratched and clawed to garner a well earned and much needed win against the Milwaukee Brewers. This victory ended their most recent losing streak that saw them lose five straight.

Things were looking bleak early on as Derek Lowe gave up three quick runs in the 2nd inning as a result of two consecutive hits by Parra and Kendall. He finished the evening having given up four earned runs while striking out six.

The Dodger offense started off slow. Blake Dewitt homered in the 5th inning. A fielding error by Fielder gave the Dodgers another two runs to bring the Blue Crew to within one run. By the 9th inning the Brewers still held the lead by a score of 4 to 3.

This is the time when old Dodger star "Game Over" Gagne would come in and clean house for his new team. Fortunately, his poor season so far has relegated him to bench as the Brewers did not want him pitching for a third day in a row. Instead, former Dodger Guillermo Mota came in to try to close the door.

Dewitt came up first in the 9th inning and grounded out. Delwyn Young batted in place of Hu and fought to gain a walk. This was probably the key to the inning. His at-bat appeared to rattle Mota as he took the count full and fouled off numerous pitches. Ethier was next as he batted for the pitcher Broxton. He singled sharply down the right field line. Then, much maligned outfielder Juan Pierre, who had already recorded an RBI in the 7th inning, banged a deep drive to the the left-centerfield alley to score both Young and Ethier. The Dodgers now lead for the first time in the game, 5 to 4. Juan Pierre, no doubt the MVP for the evening, had three hits and 3 RBI's. He is now batting a healthy .293 for the season.

Saito was able to get the job done as he earned his 6th save of the year. Smiles were everywhere to be seen. Saito was smiling. Torre was smiling. Juan Pierre was smiling.

Nooooooo!

Pic Link: Josh Poems:

What was that! I was so sure of victory.

Our team had scratched and clawed themselves into a position to win. Then, Bam! It was over like a flash.

Dodgers lose on a three run homerun by leadoff hitter Nate McLouth in the ninth inning, 6 to 4.

I hate games like this one.

Reflections on the First Homestand

What a great week it has been so far. It started early with the Dodgers hosting the Red Sox in an unforgettable game at the LA Coliseum. The parking lot was filled with tailgater's. BBQ's were set up and drinks were plentiful- almost too plentiful. Beer was poured easily from can to cup. To top it off, Kareem Abdul Jabbar threw a commemorative skyhook over the plate. Good Times. Even though the Dodgers lost the game nothing could stain this historic event.

Opening Day continued the magic. Players from the Dodgers past showed up in large numbers to ring in the new season. Our ace, Brad Penny was in top form as he pitched 6+ scoreless innings. Jeff Kent roared back from Spring leg problems to hit a homerun. Saito looked sharp even though he looked terrible in March. The Giants are horrendous as a team. So far the season is turning out just right.

The second game was just as exciting. Larry Bowa displayed a rare fierceness not seen within the confines of Chavez Ravine in many years. For his troubles he was given a 3 game suspension. In his stead, Mariano Duncan became the thirdbase coach and probably had a large hand in the double steal that Dewitt and Hu pulled off in the 7th inning. It eventually led to the Dodgers tying the game. Derek Lowe was shaky in his start, but was still able to scatter 9 hits while giving up only 2 runs. The Dodgers relief staff is looking solid. Who is this Troncoso kid? Then, our new Pee Wee, Delwyn Young, recorded his first hit of the year with a walk-off game-winning infield single to score Furcal in the bottom of the 9th inning. It's good to be undefeated.

The rubber game was a bit of a let down. It was a day of rain, starting pitching confusion and our first loss of the year. Billingsley and Lincecum were scheduled to start, but didn't get into the game until the 4th inning. Both coaches opted to start a relief pitcher with the belief that the rains would be coming shortly after the start of the game. Why ruin the pace of your starters routine when they can come in after a long rain delay. Unfortunately, the rains came later than expected and the coaches were forced to hinder their routine anyway. (Who says Torre is perfect?) Offense was hard to come by as the Dodgers lost a squeaker 2 to 1. Of special note, that Giant pitcher, Lincecum, is impressive.

So what did we learn after just three games.

• Even Torre can make some mistakes.
• Larry Bowa is exactly who he has been billed as.
  
• There's a new Pee Wee in the clubhouse.

Really not that much, eh? I guess it's too early to tell. All I do know, though, is that I can't wait for my first Dodger dog of the season.

Spring in Arizona

Today was a historic moment. The Dodgers played their first cactus league game in Arizona and ended up routing the White Sox 8 to 2. Good Times.

Furcal hit a monstrous homer to left in the third inning while Penny pitched an effective 6 innings. The Dodgers put the game away in the seventh inning when they scored 5 runs on the back of Kemp's three run homerun. Unfortunately, Saito and Broxton looked a bit shaky in their one inning stints, but, for know, I'm not worried. The sun was shinning and the realization that the Dodgers will be just a 5 hour drive away next Spring made me smile a bit. Sure, I'm gonna miss the charm of Dodgertown, but imagine the upside. The Dodgers are closer to home. My hope is that Dodgertown of the West maintains the charm and closeness experienced in Vero Beach.

Check out my photoalbum featring photos from this Spring.

Above is the first pitch of the game, and the first Dodger pitch in Arizona.

Brad Penny pitching in the first inning.

Saito in his windup.

An added bonus to this short Spring trip is that I had a chance to see my first Kings game outside of Southern California tonight. The Phoenix Coyotes have owned the Kings all year, having gone unbeaten in this seasons previous 6 games. As luck would have it, the Kings scrapped a 6 to 5 win in overtime. How about that. Three LA teams win on the same day- the Dodgers, Kings and Lakers.
I'd like to send a special shout out to my Alma Mater. Congratulations to the CSU Fullerton Titans on winning the Big West and on their opportunity to play in the big show against Wisconsin. Unfortunately, their Cinderella bid ended before it could really start, but, as we Dodger fans know, championship teams aren't built overnight. It must be nurtured and built from the ground up and it seems the Titans are working on doing that. Maybe someday soon Fullerton will be known for more than their Baseball program.

Check out some more pics from the hockey game in my photoalbum.

Weekly Blog Kiosk

More links to wet your whistle.

• In case you haven't seen ESPN's Dodgertown tribute by Eric Neel click here. It's a must see!
• Saito experiences a calf strain, but he ask us not to worry.

  Just a note, everyone should not worry about me, and I appreciate reports.

• Tony Jackson praises Delwyn Young.

  What I can't figure out is how this guy has stayed under the radar for so many years while coming up through the minors. He can really play.

• It's time to give him his due. Maury Wills should be in the Hall of Fame and you can help.
  
• These guys have serious man-crush on Russell Martin. The R-Mart Authority.
  
• The Infamous Tatiana explains it so well. Ten Reasons Why I Love Baseball.
  
• Have you ever wanted to be a sports photographer? Well, Wax Heaven has a great interview with photographer Paul Gierhart. Also, check out his interview with photographer Jerry Hale last month.
• Great find Sunshine! The Phillies pull a Spring Training prank on Kyle Kendrick.

YouTube Link: DavidTyreeMVP:

• Do you remember this 80's commercial for Baseball stickers? Stalegum does.
  

YouTube Link: sentiendtrend:

• Stealing sports collectibles is becoming a disturbing trend. Sports Collectors Daily shares some recent stories.
• The 5 Wimpiest Sports Injuries of All Time.
• Topps and Donruss did some good deeds. Cincy Reds Cards recently shared his story about Katrina.

  My home of two weeks that I had wanted to buy for as long as I remember was washed away. Along with 25 years of collecting and a lifetime of momentos. All the Reds cards, photos, autos and stuff I had made a special room for (I was single) were gone. It was tough but you move on. About two weeks later the owner of Gulf Coast Sports Cards and Memorabilia in Biloxi, MS came to see me. Matt had written some companies after the storm about a few of us collectors and what we had lost. Matt came bearing gifts. From various card companies. Topps and Donruss had sent cases of baseball, football and basketball.

• I've added two new Dodger Blogs to the blogroll, Go Dodgers and Dodger Daydreams. Go check them out.
  

Saito Resumes Blogging

Takashi Saito has started blogging again, but I need a better translator.

Today's dinner,

Roasted ginger pork, roast, shrimp and tofu stir-fry of Chinese-style pickles on the, rice,

The lineup.

Chef Takashi pitcher Takashi & Good luck.

I cook for a change of pace, it's going to refresh good.

Eat while talking with friends piled into and ultimately enjoy the adulation, "Horse!"

HAPPY HAPPY And praised it for good, and I HAPPY, HAPPY all of the effect of killing two birds with one stone.

Yum... ginger pork.

Blog Link: Saito:

Russell Takes Saito Deep

Saito receives praise from Torre during his first workout and faced Russell Martin for the first time.

This isn't only deception," Torre said. "He has command. He has a number of pitches he can go to. He can locate the breaking ball away. As a hitter, I can tell you, ideally, you'd like to go up and look for one pitch. When a pitcher gets in trouble, he'll go to his bread and butter. I think he's got some options here.
...
Saito buckled Martin's knees with a curveball, causing Torre to chuckle later when recalling the pitch. Martin took Saito deep, but said he didn't make solid contact and that the ball was carried by the strong winds blowing through Holman Stadium.

Story Link: LA Times:

Yhea! Saito Remains In Blue

Was there any doubt! Josh with Inside The Dodgers lets us know it's official. He signed a one year deal today.

Story Link: Inside The Dodgers:
Pic Link: MSTI: