A Hochevar Sighting

Luke is on a roll. He pitched for the second time this year, yesterday, for the Fort Worth Cats. On 50 pitches Hochevar went 5 innings with 9 strike outs, on 4 hits, two run and 3 walks. Although he did not display the lightning 97+ mph speed from last week, Luke had more control as he

"mix(ed) in his slider and changeup while he used his curveball only sparingly."

His pitching coach Dan Smith added:

"Tonight I thought he was more composed," he said. "He had a game plan instead of just going out there and trying to throw 98. He pitched tonight, tried to locate his fastball and rely on movement. He showed a great breaking ball tonight. The poise that he had was great."

Hochevar also shows he understands what he needs to do.

"I executed my fastball a lot better,"

he said.

"My off-speed was also quite a bit better. Today I had quite a bit more command of it. I was in more control and had a better plan with these hitters. I knew how to pitch them, stuck with my plan and it worked out well."

I was just thinking about the Inside Dodgers comment from Roy Smith about Like Hochevar. His admission that negotiations did not end well, their continued belief that they made a fair offer and a comment about the recent signing of Jared Weaver (by the Angels) signals that the Dodgers want to re-start discussions. Not only that, I think the Dodgers made an new opening bid at the same number as the previous offer put on the table. So, considering his recent performance, I think the Dodger may be willing to come up if Luke willing to come down.

Boras... are you listening? Lets get the two together- Dodgers and Luke Hochevar.

Strong Starting Pitching

Another great outing by a starting pitcher. Jae Seo goes 6 innings while giving up 3 hits and only one run. Odalis was shaky in his one inning after a nearly 2 week layoff. Beimel continues to impress.

Overall, the offense looks good with contributions from old and new guys. Starting pitching has been solid, but relief could use some relief. Its definitely something to work on. I'm confident its something that can improve as the season rolls on.

Co-Dodger Buys of the Week (part 1)

The first nice Dodger win of the week was a lot of 6 - 1934 Diamond matchbook covers of Brooklyn Dodger players. These are getting harder to come by nowadays. As you can imagine they are prone to damage due to use. Arriving was Van Mungo, Walter Beck, John Fredrick, Ralph Boyle, Joe Stripp and Tony Cuccinello. Check out the other cards in my album.

Co-Dodger Buys of the Week (part 2)

Arriving this week from a healthy eBay shopping weekend is a Friars Roast Dinner Press Ribbon for former Dodger Manager Leo Durocher. This "Roast" was held on January 18, 1974. Guest roasters at the event was Maury Wills, Bobby Riggs, Dizzy Dean, Chuck Connors, Alex Karras, Jack Carter and Foster Brooks. What an event!

New Dodger Pics Up

I just posted some new pics in my photo album; including snapshots of my display at home. Above is one of 3 wall displays proudly exhibiting my Dodger wares. Here are my pins, mini pennants and oddball items.

Chasing Luke Hochevar

Inside the Dodgers gives us hints that Luke Hochevar could still be wearing Dodger Blue in the future. Why else would Roy Smith, Vice President of Scouting and Player Development, announce that

"we have monitored Luke all along and have had scouts at the games he has pitched for Fort Worth."

Then to add a little bit of intrigue the signing of the other Boras client is retold.

"As happened with Jered Weaver, who signed at the last minute with the Angels last year before the deadline to reenter the draft, anything is possible."

Luke pitched last week and had 95mph to 97mph heat. He was a bit wild, but that should be expected. I don't think he has pitched a game in awhile. Hochevar pitched 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, 4 walks and 4 strike outs. And these players aren't rookie league kids. As one scout in attendance said,

"He threw fastballs right by guys at the knees. These are 27-year-old guys who have been around. They are more apt to put the balls in play than someone at Vanderbilt."

Luke in Blue. That has a nice ring to it.