Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 31

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Arizona Diamondbacks (11-17-2) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (14-12-4)

Sunday, April 1, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Chad Billingsley vs. RHP Daniel Hudson

Spring Game 31/Home Game 15

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, M Ellis 2B, @jamesloney_7 1B, Hairston CF, Gwynn RF, Fields 3B, Cruz LF, @AJEllis17 C, Billingsley RHP
Diamondbacks: Hudson 1, Hill 4, Upton 9, Kubel 7, Young 8, Goldschmidt 3, Roberts 5, Budde 2, Bloomquist 6

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(via Twitter @TheRealMattKemp)

• D-BACKS-TO-BACK: The Dodgers and Diamondbacks meet for the second consecutive day as Los Angeles plays its Cactus League finale today at Camelback Ranch. The National League West rivals will meet 18 times during the regular season, starting with a two-game series on May 14 and 15 at Dodger Stadium. Last year, the NL-West champion Diamondbacks won the season series with the Dodgers, 10-8.

  The Dodgers would like to thank all the fans in the Valley of the Sun for a great fourth season in the Cactus League and extend the team’s gratitude to all the Camelback Ranch staff for their hospitality this spring as the club plays its final home game of 2012 in Glendale. Through 14 home games, the Dodgers have averaged 8,000 fans at CR-G, including the two largest crowds in Cactus League history.

• HURLERS: RHP Chad Billingsley will make his sixth spring start today in his final tuneup before his regular season debut on Friday at San Diego. Each of Billingsley’s Cactus League starts have been at Camelback Ranch this spring with the 27-year-old allowing three runs in 5.2 innings in his previous outing on Monday against the White Sox. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Matt Guerrier will make his fourth appearance of the spring after allowing a run in his inning of relief on Friday against the Brewers. Prior to that, Guerrier’s last appearance came on March 11 with the 33-year-old missing time due to a back injury.

  ● Four of the Dodgers’ top minor league arms will suit up for today’s game with RHP Allen Webster, RHP Shawn Tolleson, RHP Logan Bawcom and LHP Eric Eadington. Tolleson, the Dodgers’ 2011 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, last pitched with the big league club on Friday against the Brewers and has limited opposing hitters to a .143 batting average (1-for-7) in three appearances with the Dodgers this spring. Bawcom, who led all Dodger minor leaguers with 27 combined saves with Rancho Cucamonga and Great Lakes last season, has appeared in three big league games this spring, including an inning of relief on Friday against the Cubs. Webster enters 2012 ranked as the club’s No. 2 by Baseball America and allowed two runs (one earned) in 1.0 inning on March 23 against the White Sox in Tucson. Eadington, a 24-year-old out of Harvard, posted a 0.83 ERA (2 ER/21.2 IP) last season in 18 relief appearances with the AZL Dodgers and Ogden.

('@AJEllis17 got his. Get your own Dodger Stadium Replica pres. by State Farm on 4/14! via Twitter @Dodgers)

• AND THE MULVEY GOES TO…: Congratulations to Nathan Eovaldi on winning the Dodgers’ 2012 Jim and Dearie Mulvey Award as the top rookie at Spring Training. Eovaldi was selected as the winner in balloting by the club’s coaches and will receive a plaque in recognition of his accomplishment. The 22-year-old went 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA (3 ER/15.2 IP) in five games (four starts) in Cactus League play, while limiting opposing hitters to a .233 batting average. Eovaldi will make his final start of the exhibition season against the Angels on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. A full list of past Mulvey Award winners, including last year’s winners Jerry Sands and Rubby De La Rosa, can be found on page 368 of the 2012 Dodgers Guide.

• RACE TO THE FINISH: Clayton Kershaw made his final spring start, allowing three runs on six hits in 3.2 innings, and the Dodgers scored six late runs to down the D-backs, 9-3, yesterday at Salt River Fields. Dee Gordon went 2-for-3 with a run scored, an RBI and his 11^th steal of the exhibition season and Matt Angle slugged his first home run of the spring with a two-run shot in the eighth. The Dodger bullpen combined for 5.1 scoreless innings in relief of Kershaw, including 1.2 innings by Scott Rice and 1.1 innings from Ronald Belisario (2-0), who picked up the win.

  With yesterday’s win, the Dodgers clinched their first winning Cactus League campaign since joining the league in 2009. Additionally, at 14-12 with four exhibition games left, the club is seeking its first winning Spring Training since going 17-16-1 in 2007.

(Pic Via Twitter Jon SooHoo @Dodgers)

• ROSTER UPDATE: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers optioned OF Trent Oeltjen to minor league camp. Thirty-six players remain in Major League camp, including RHP Blake Hawksworth and RHP Rubby De La Rosa, who will start the season on the disabled list.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon and Andre Ethier have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring as Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.397, T-4^th), steals (11, 2^nd), runs (16, 1^st) and on-base percentage (.470, 3^rd), while Ethier leads the league with 43 total bases, is tied for the league lead with 16 RBI, nine doubles and three triples and leads the Dodgers in slugging percentage (.896).

• LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Dodgers will pack up and leave Arizona for Southern California following today’s game against the Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Freeway Series against the Angels gets underway tomorrow night in Anaheim (7:05 p.m.) with games on Tuesday night (7:10 p.m.) and Wednesday afternoon (12:10 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium. Fans can get their first in-person look at the 2012 Dodgers by visiting Dodgers.com or calling 866-DODGERS.

Magic Sure Loves Cake

Check out Magic and his Dodger cakes.

Here, Magic shows off a gift from ESPN on Twitter.

(Pic Via Twitter @MagicJohnson)

AEG, Staples Center & the Lakers went all out with this cake.

(Pic Via WhoSay)

This got me wondering, so I search the 'nets for some Dodger cake and came up with this nice collage.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 30

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-12-4) at Arizona Diamondbacks (11-16-2)

Saturday, March 31, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Talking Stick

LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Ian Kennedy

Spring Game 30/Road Game 16

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, Hairston 2B, @TheRealMattKemp CF, Ethier RF, Rivera LF, @jamesloney_7 1B, Uribe 3B, @AJEllis17 C, Kershaw P
Diamondbacks: Roberts 3B Bloomquist SS Upton RF Kubel LF Young CF Montero C Goldschmidt 1B Harbin 2BKennedy P

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(pic via twitter @SteveLyons12)

• WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?: The Dodgers and Diamondbacks meet for the first time this spring in the penultimate Cactus League contest for Los Angeles. Tomorrow, the two squads will tangle again at Camelback Ranch – Glendale in the Dodgers’ Cactus League finale. The National League West rivals will meet 18 times during the regular season, starting with a two-game series on May 14 and 15 at Dodger Stadium. Last year, the NL-West champion Diamondbacks won the season series with the Dodgers, 10-8.

• HURLERS: LHP Clayton Kershaw will make his fifth and final Cactus League start this afternoon. The 2011 Cy Young Award winner is 2-2 with a 1.47 ERA (3 ER/18.1 IP) and a .203 opponents’ average against this spring. The southpaw’s next start will be Thursday, April 5 in San Diego’s PETCO Park, otherwise known as Opening Day, 2012. The start will be Kershaw’s second consecutive Opening Day assignment. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Ronald Belisario will make his seventh appearance this spring. The native of Venezuela has allowed five runs in 7.0 innings this March, including a scoreless frame on Thursday against the White Sox.
  

  ● RHP Josh Lindblom will make his team-leading 10th appearance of the Cactus League season today. Thus far, Lindblom has a 4.50 ERA (5 ER/10.0 IP) this month and has struck out seven batters without a walk. The right-hander out of Purdue went 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) in 27 appearances for the Dodgers last year.

  ● LHP Scott Rice gave up a run on Thursday vs. the White Sox and now has a 4.70 ERA (4 ER/7.2 IP) to go along with eight strikeouts and just two walks. The 30-year-old non-roster invitee is looking to make the Major Leagues for the first time in his 14-year professional career.

(Oh ya!! @Dodgers !!!! 1000s still in line to audition!!!, via twitter @MannyStreetz)

• RACE TO THE FINISH: With just two games left, the Dodgers are looking to clinch their first winning Cactus League campaign since joining the league in 2009. Additionally, at 13-12 with five exhibition games left, the club is seeking its first winning Spring Training since going 17-16-1 in 2007. Yesterday, the Dodgers lost their fourth consecutive game, falling 9-4 to Milwaukee. Minutes later, the streak was snapped as the other split-squad put the finishing touches on a 6-3 victory over the Cubs in Mesa. Andre Ethier, James Loney, Luis Cruz and Matt Angle all had multi-hit games yesterday and LHP Chris Capuano looked spectacular on the hill, allowing just two hits and one run over 6.0 innings against the Brewers.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon went 1-for-3 with a triple yesterday, while Andre Ethier belted his third homer of the spring and drove in four runs. The duo have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring as Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.382, 5^th), steals (10, 2^nd), runs (15, 1^st) and on-base percentage (.460, 4^th). Ethier leads the league with 42 total bases, is tied for the league lead with 16 RBI, nine doubles and three triples and leads the Dodgers in average (.400) and slugging percentage (.933).

• 

(Los Angeles Dodgers Matt Kemp with Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun Friday, March 30, 2012 at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix, Arizona © Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2012)

• WHO’S READY!: The 2012 regular season kicks off for the Dodgers in just five days in San Diego and the Dodger Stadium 50^th anniversary season begins in 10 days. The Dodgers’ home opener against the Pirates has sold out, but a limited number of seats for the big day are available through the purchase of Full Season, 25-game Pick ‘Em and 15-game Mini Plan packages.

• SING FOR THE FENCES: Today in Los Angeles, the Dodgers are holding the first Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions at Dodger Stadium. The goal is to select performers to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. Singing hopefuls were lining up outside the stadium before 5:00 a.m. and hundreds of potential idols have turned out to let the judges hear their pipes. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3.

(Auditions to sing before a @Dodgers game have begun, via twitter @Dodgers)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: LLLUUUUUUCCCC!!!

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.

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I wanted to first note that auditions are being held this Saturday for aspiring singers at Dodger Stadium for National Anthem duties.
Here are the details:

WHAT: The Dodgers will hold Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions this Saturday and performers will be chosen to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3. Entry and parking for the Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions will be free.

• Stadium gates open at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., with auditions occurring until 6 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis
• All performers are encouraged to bring a DVD with their rendition of the National Anthem and a resume
• Please note that based upon attendance, not all performers will have the chance to audition before 5 p.m. in which case, singers will be considered based upon their DVD submission. We'll draw three people from those submissions to perform at Dodger Stadium during the season
• Performers will be asked to sing a cappella and will begin at "rockets' red glare"
• The auditions are free to all ages. Performers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a legal guardian
• Each performer is allowed to bring one friend or family member with them inside of the stadium gates

** Performers are encouraged to bring in-ears or headphones to help with the acoustic delay**

Go here for more details. And GOOD LUCK!

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If you can't carry a tune then why not get an autograph of former Laker Robert Horry at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry on Saturday. See the flyer below, and a link here.

Horry will be signing from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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Can you ever beat free autographs from a Southern Californian legend and Hall of Famer. Former Kings left winger and current Kings President of Business Operations, Luc Robitaille, will be in La Mirada for a free autograph session. See the flyer below and a link can be found here.

Details:

Sunday, April 1st; 10 am - 12 pm
Living Spaces
14501 Artesia Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
(714) 228-1164
Only one autograph per person.
Autographs available as time permits.
Line will be limited to 300 guests.
Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

Mears Auction: A Couple of Vintage Dodgers Photos

Here are a couple of great photos from Mears monthly auction featuring some old-time Dodgers.

This is a first generation press photo from the archives of The Sporting News. Below is Don Drysdale, from 1964, doing some running during Spring Training.

(Auction Link)

Here is another Sporting News press photo featuring a couple of current and a future Dodger first baseman.

Los Angeles Dodgers first basemen Frank Howard and Gil Hodges share repetitions with young prospect Gil Hodges Junior at the Dodgers spring training camp in 1960.

I don't think Junior could have better tutors than these two guys.

(Auction Link)

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 29

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Milwaukee Brewers (11-14-2) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-11-4)

Friday, March 30, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

LHP Chris Capuano vs. Francisco Rodriguez

Spring Game 29/Home Game 14

Split squad games today.

Todays Starting Lineup for the game at Camelback Ranch:

Dodgers: Hairston LF, Sellers SS, Kemp CF, Ethier RF, Rivera 1B, Fields 3B, A.J. Ellis C, Joe Becker 2B, Capuano P.
Brewers: Weeks 4, Gomez 8, Braun 7, Conrad 5, Lucroy 2, Gamel 3, Izturis 6, Aoki 9, Rodriguez 1.

Todays Starting Lineup for the other game in Mesa:

Dodgers: Gordon SS, M. Ellis 2B, Loney 1B, Uribe 3B, Gwynn LF, Angle CF, Cruz RF, Treanor C, Nieve P.
Cubs: DeJesus RF, Barney 2B, Castro SS, LaHair 1B, Soriano LF, Stewart 3B, Byrd CF, Soto C, Dempster P

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(Eddie Vedder and Johnny Ramone visit Dodger Dugout, pic via twitter @PearlJamOnline)

• SPLITSVILLE: The Dodgers will play two games this afternoon with split-squads battling the Brewers at Camelback Ranch and the Cubs on the road in Mesa. Los Angeles and Milwaukee split their previous two meetings this spring with the Dodgers winning 7-6 on March 20 in Glendale and losing 7-1 on Sunday in Maryvale. The Dodgers lost the season series 2-4 to Milwaukee last season and the clubs will get their matchups underway early in the 2012 campaign with meetings from April 17-19 at Miller Park and May 29-31 at Dodger Stadium.

• HURLERS: LHP Chris Capuano will make his fifth Cactus League start this afternoon after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings in his last outing on Saturday against the Indians. The 33-year-old spent seven seasons in the Milwaukee organization from 2004-10, going 44-48 with a 4.34 ERA in 139 games (120 starts) with the Brew Crew. Capuano is 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA this spring and has limited opposing hitters to a .231 batting average (12-for-52) with 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Jamey Wright will tie Josh Lindblom for the team lead with his ninth appearance of the spring today after allowing one run in 1.0 inning on Tuesday against the Padres in a spot start. That same day, the 37-year-old had his contract selected by the Dodgers and was added to the club’s 40-man roster, essentially making the club as a non-roster invitee.

  ● RHP Todd Coffey has seen his ERA balloon to 8.53 after allowing a two-run homer in his 1.0 inning of work on Wednesday against the Giants and has allowed runs in three of his last four appearances. Coffey pitched three seasons in Milwaukee from 2008-10 before spending last season in Washington and went 7-8 with a 3.52 ERA in 156 games with the Brewers.

  ● RHP Matt Guerrier will make his third appearance of the spring after a back injury kept him off the mound since his last appearance on March 11 against the Cubs.

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• ROSTER UPDATE: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers released non-roster invitees OF Cory Sullivan (.289 batting average in 22 games) and C Josh Bard (.111 average in 14 games) from their minor league contracts. There are currently 37 players remaining in Major League camp, including Rubby De La Rosa and Blake Hawksworth, who are on the 60-day disabled list.

• THREE DOWN: The Dodgers lost their third consecutive game yesterday, falling 3-1 to the White Sox. Juan Uribe posted his second multi-hit game of the spring, going 2-for-3, and A.J. Ellis drove in Los Angeles’ only run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Aaron Harang continued to impress in his fifth Cactus League start, allowing just one run and striking out six in 6.0 solid innings.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon (six games) and Andre Ethier (eight games) both had their hitting streaks snapped yesterday, but have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring. Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.385, 5^th), steals (10, 2^nd), runs (13, T-3^rd) and on-base percentage (.458, 6^th). Ethier is tied for the league lead with eight doubles and three triples, is tied for fifth with 36 totals bases and leads the Dodgers in average (.390) and slugging percentage (.878).

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• SING FOR THE FENCES: The Dodgers will hold Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. at Dodger Stadium to select performers to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3. Interested performers can find more information and download the participant waiver at Dodgers.com/Anthem.

• LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Dodgers will pack up and leave Arizona for Southern California following Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Freeway Series against the Angels gets underway on Monday night in Anaheim (7:05 p.m.) with games on Tuesday night (7:10 p.m.) and Wednesday afternoon (12:10 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium. Fans can get their first in-person look at the 2012 Dodgers by visiting Dodgers.com or calling 866-DODGERS.