Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 10/ Home Game 6

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

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Cleveland Indians (6-4) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-4-2)
Sunday, March 3, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch – Glendale
RHP Josh Beckett (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (0-0, 11.25)

TV: Dodgers.com Webcast | Radio: AM 570 Fox Sports LA

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

CLEVELAND ROCKS: The Dodgers and Indians square off for the first of two times this spring before meeting again on Wednesday in Goodyear. The clubs haven’t played in the regular season since a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in 2008 and the Dodgers hold a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 29 days away from Opening Day vs. the Giants!

• With no game tomorrow, most Dodgers will have the day off with only RHP Aaron Harang expected at Camelback Ranch for his scheduled simulated game at 10:00 a.m.

DOWNER: The Dodgers dropped their third in a row yesterday, falling 9-5 to the Mariners in Peoria. Andre Ethier went 2-for-2 with an RBI triple, raising his spring batting average to an even .500, and Jeremy Moore roped his fourth double of the exhibition season to start the Dodgers’ ninth-inning rally. Ethier’s two triples are tied for the Major League lead, while Moore tops the NL in doubles.

• The Dodgers continue to lead the National League with both a .309 team batting average and a .401 on-base percentage through their first nine Cactus League games.

HILLTOPPERS: Dodger right-hander Josh Beckett will make his second start of the spring after striking out three and allowing just one hit and one walk in 2.0 scoreless innings on Tuesday against the Giants in the Dodgers’ eventual 8-8 tie. The 32-year-old helped Boston reach the 2007 World Series by dominating the Indians in the 2007 ALCS, going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 14.0 innings in the series to garner MVP honors. Beckett, however, has struggled against the Tribe in the regular season during the course of his career, posting a 4-6 record with a 5.65 ERA (40 ER/63.2 IP) in 11 starts against Cleveland. Most recently, on May 10, 2012, Beckett was touched for seven runs in just 2.1 innings in an 8-3 Red Sox loss at Fenway Park. 

• RHP Javy Guerra, who was recently selected to join Team Mexico’s World Baseball Classic squad, will make his second appearance of the spring after tossing a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Cubs. Guerra has enjoyed the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium during his career with a 1.84 ERA (9 ER/44.0 IP) in 45 home appearances in his career, while posting a 3.02 ERA (16 ER/47.2 IP) in 47 road games.
• After giving up two runs in 0.2 innings in his first appearance of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox, RHP Peter Moylan bounced back to toss a scoreless frame on Thursday against the Angels. Moylan has struck out four in 1.2 innings this spring.
• RHP Josh Wall has retired all seven of the batters he’s faced this spring with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings. Wall last pitched on Thursday against the Angels and struck out two in a scoreless frame.
• RHP Mark Lowe allowed an unearned run on three hits in his last appearance on Wednesday against the Cubs. The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to allow an earned run in 2.0 innings in two Cactus League appearances.
• RHP Steve Ames, the winner of this morning’s Dodger Idol competition, surrendered two runs on three hits in his last outing on Thursday against the Angels. Ames fired a scoreless frame in his first outing of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox.

(pic link:Wallach,Green and Karros: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

BIG DOINGS: All-time Los Angeles home run king Eric Karros will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to today’s game and, along with Shawn Green, has been serving as a guest instructor at Camelback Ranch since Friday. Karros, who also serves as a television analyst on FOX and for KCAL-9 on their pregame show, played in 14 big league seasons (12 with Los Angeles), won the 1992 NL Rookie of the Year Award and took home the 1995 NL Silver Slugger Award at first base.   

• Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive Friday, March 8 and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.

GOING GLOBAL: Shortstop Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic) and right-handed reliever Ronald Belisario (Venezuela) have departed Camelback Ranch to join their respective World Baseball Classic teams. Adrian Gonzalez (Mexico), Luis Cruz (Mexico), Javy Guerra (Mexico) and Nick Punto (Italy) are slated to play in today’s game and will depart camp tomorrow to join their national teams.

• A split-squad of Dodgers will face off against Gonzalez, Cruz, Guerra and Team Mexico on Wednesday at 1:05 pm at Camelback Ranch – Glendale.

I SEE YOU: The Dodgers announced yesterday that they will broadcast eight additional Spring Training games via Dodgers.com, starting with today’s contest against the Indians. After today, fans will also be able to watch games on March 6 (Mexico), March 8 (Reds), March 9 (Mariners), March 14 (Cubs), March 15 (Royals), March 19 (Athletics) and March 22 (Reds) on the internet webcast. Rick Monday and Charley Steiner’s call on AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles will be simulcast on today’s webcast.

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Stan Kasten Talks Dodgers at MIT Sloan Sports Conference

Here are this Sunday's Dodger Videos.

Stan Kasten explains his vision for the Dodgers to win now but still set up for the future with ESPN at the MIT Sloan Sports Conference this weekend.

Video Link:

MLB Tonight takes you to 30 Clubs in 30 Days. Here is an inside look at the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training.  They speak with Andre Ethier and Hanley Ramirez.

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Here is some extended content from the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training. They talk to Ned Colletti and Luis Cruz.

Video Link:

In case you missed it, here's Hyun-Jin Ryu making his first Spring appearance below.

Video Link:

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk 3/3/2013

8 Spring Training games from Camelback Ranch can be seen live online.  There will be two broadcasters for each webcast.  Via their press release:

Dodger fans can catch all the action provided by ProAngle Media and Camelback Vision via the Dodgers’ website (www.Dodgers.com).   The first telecast is (today) against the Cleveland Indians at 12:05 p.m. (PT).

The seven additional telecasts are:  

• Wednesday, March 6 vs. Mexico National team, 12:05 p.m.; 
• Friday, March 8 vs. Cincinnati Reds (ss), 6:05 p.m.; 
• Saturday, March 9 vs. Seattle Mariners, 12:05 p.m.; 
• Thursday, March 14 vs. Chicago Cubs, 1:05 p.m.; 
• Friday, March 15 vs. Kansas City Royals (ss), 7:05 p.m.; 
• Tuesday, March 19 vs. Oakland Athletics, 1:05 p.m.; and 
• Friday, March 22 vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:05 p.m.

• The Dodgers are also adding Korean language television, and possibly radio broadcast of Dodger games throughout the season. via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Recently converted Pedro Baez looked sharp in his first outing against live hitting, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• Dodgers put an embarrassment of riches on the mound, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
• Alex Cora at Sons of Steve Garvey relays a great story of a fans quest to get a Baseball bat he received from Don Mattingly 25 years ago signed at Camelback Ranch.
• Check out Jon SooHoo's pics from yesterday, here.

(pic link: Kemp with the Karros' Kids: Jon SooHoo/2012 Dodgers 2013)

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2012 Panini National Treasures Baseball - Dodgers' Treasure Materials & Triple Crown Relics

Following up on the Dodgers' Base cards from Panini's 2012 National Treasures Baseball cards that I featured the other day, check out the Dodgers' Treasure Materials & Triple Crown Relics in the set.  As like before, I've taken some liberties with who are the Dodger players.  Although the Adrian Gonzalez is marked as Boston, I've decided to include him as a Dodger.  The same goes for Carl Crawford, Don Mattingly, Steve Garvey (really, no one remembers him as a Padre) and Tommy John.  As always cllick any pic to embiggen.

Treasure Materials Cards

#17 Matt Kemp /99

Treasure Materials Signatures

#3 Adrian Gonzalez /25

#13 Carl Crawford /6

#24 Don Mattingly /9                             #24 Don Mattingly /25

#30 Tim Federowicz /8                     #30 Tim Federowicz /99

#56 Orel Hershiser /2                      #56 Orel Hershiser /25

#64 Steve Garvey /25

#61 Ron Cey /25                             #61 Ron Cey /49

#66 Tommy John /25                         #66 Tommy John /49

#81 Matt Kemp/25

Triple Crown Winners

#22 Clayton Kershaw /25                     #22 Clayton Kershaw /99

Triple Crown Winners Autographs

#7 Clayton Kershaw /18

#7 Clayton Kershaw /25

Signature Jumbo Die Cuts

#3 Adrian Gonzalez /10

#3 Adrian Gonzalez /49

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 3/2/2013

Above is a preview photo of an uncut sheet of 2013 Topps Heritage cards.  This set officially goes live this coming Wednesday.  Do you see AJ Ellis' card in the photo above?

• Mark Saxon at ESPN writes a fun piece on 'Nick Punto, the Pride of Florence.'

Actually, Punto knows only a few words and phrases, which he picked up from his paternal grandmother, born in the Tuscan capital of Florence. His grandfather was born in Sicily. That heritage is Punto’s link to Team Italy, which he’ll be part of for the second time in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Punto wishes he knew more about his Italian roots.

“It’s kind of sad. I should know more and I will,” he said. “I’ve just got to let the kids get a little older before we go over there and see some family.” 

• Clayton Richer at Baseball Hot Corner wonders if the Dodgers just should have traded Andre Ethier.
• Chris Cotillo at CLNS Radio.com writes of Stan Kasten's presentation at MIT earlier today.

On if trades are possible because of the pitching surplus: 

“Maybe, but it depends on health. There’s a month to go before spring training is done, and if everyone’s healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a trade made. Like I said, there’s still a month to go, so it’s hard to predict.”

• Mike Axisa at CBS Sports catches Fox's screw up on the stats graphic for Hyun-Jin Ryu during their Dodger game telecast.Then, Ryu responds on twitter.

(twitter link)

• Via Fox News, a they interview Daniel Jacobs the disabled Iraq War veteran who recently went to the Dodgers open tryout.

Video Link:

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 9/ Road Game 4

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.

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-3-2) at Seattle Mariners (7-1)
Saturday, March 2, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Peoria Stadium, Peoria
LHP Chris Capuano vs. RHP Hisashi Iwakuma

(twitter link)

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(pic link: Mattingly, Ron Howard and Friends: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

HELLO NEIGHBOR: The Dodgers will make the quick trip to Peoria this afternoon to take on the Mariners in the first of three matchups vs. Seattle this spring. Los Angeles will also travel to Peoria Stadium to play Seattle in its final Cactus League game on March 27 and the Mariners come to Camelback Ranch on Friday, March 9. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 30 days away from Opening Day vs. the Giants!

WHOOPS: The Dodgers dropped both contests yesterday, losing 16-8 to the Angels in Tempe and 7-5 to the Padres in Glendale. Luis Cruz (3-for-3), Hanley Ramirez (2-for-3) and Wilkin Castillo (2-for-3) all had multi-hit games while Paco Rodriguez, Kevin Gregg and Eric Eadington all tossed scoreless baseball.

(pic link: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

• There will be just one minor leaguer making the trip to Peoria and his name is Ryan Acosta. Acosta, a right-handed pitcher, will wear No. 82.

C.C. ON THE OTHER COAST: Dodger lefty Chris Capuano will make his first spring start and second appearance of the spring today in Peoria. Capuano gave up four runs in 2.0 innings last Monday, yielding two home runs. The Massachusetts native had a career-best 3.72 ERA for Los Angeles in 2012. 

• RHP Chad Billingsley, who gave up two runs in 2.0 innings on Feb. 25 vs. the Cubs is set to make his second appearance, this time in relief. In 2007, Billingsley started the season in the bullpen and thrived, going 4-0 with a 3.09 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 35.0 innings (23 games). 
• RHP Ronald Belisario is making his third appearance this afternoon and will depart for the World Baseball Classic tomorrow. Belisario will join the Venezuelan team in Puerto Rico for their first game on March 7 vs. Hanley Ramirez and the Dominican Republic. 
• Dodger closer Brandon League will make his second appearance of the spring. League gave up a solo homer in his lone inning of work on Feb. 26 vs. San Francisco. 
• LHP J.P. Howell will also make his second appearance this afternoon.

HOT HITTERS: The Dodgers are hitting a National League-best .308 as a team, paced by the red-hot Brian Barden, who is 7-for-11 (.636) thus far. Barden gets the start at first base today and has also played right field, left field and third base. Batting cleanup in the lineup is Luis Cruz, who is hitting .417 (5-for-12) with two doubles, two homers and a team-leading five RBI. Cruz is tied for eighth in the Cactus League with 13 total bases and has played 20.0 innings at third base. Dee Gordon leads the club in innings played thus far, logging 29.0, all at shortstop.

• The Dodgers also lead all National League teams with a .402 on-base percentage.

BIG DOINGS: Dodger greats Eric Karros and Shawn Green are in uniform at Camelback Ranch and Hall of Fame skipper Tommy Lasorda addressed the team this morning. Tomorrow, the Dodgers will hold their annual “Dodger Idol” competition in which players in their first big league camp perform some musical ditties to the delight of their teammates.   

(pic link: twitter @camelbackranch)

• Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive Friday, March 8 and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.

NIGHT MOVES: The Mariners starting third baseman today is Kyle Seager, older brother of the Dodgers’ 2012 first-round selection (18th overall), Corey Seager. Last year, Corey hit .309 with eight homers, 33 RBI, eight steals and a .383 on-base percentage in just 46 games for Rookie-advanced Ogden. The 18-year-old North Carolina native is working out today on the minor league side.    

AND THAT’S THE WAY IT IS: Dodger broadcaster Charley Steiner may have missed the last two games with a frog in his throat, but he should be back to full strength in time to be a guest lecturer at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State on Monday. Following that, Steiner will head out to work the World Baseball Classic for MLB International and head back to Glendale in the middle of March.

BE THERE!: The Dodgers ticket sales department will host another Open House tomorrow morning in which fans interested in purchasing a Mini Plan or season tickets can stop by Dodger Stadium from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Complete details on this event can be found by visiting www.dodgers.com/openhouse. Dodger season tickets start at just $6 per game.

• While there, fans can check out the construction of the Dodgers’ new scoreboards. Thursday, ANC announced details of the displays, which are designed in the historic hexagonal shape of the stadium’s original scoreboard and will feature a total active viewing area of approximately 2488 square feet. The scoreboards will feature the highest pixel densities in Major League Baseball.

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