Torre Speaks

The quotable Torre is captured by Baseball Prospectus.

"I guess it must be my nose, because people know who I am when I walk down the street."

"[Kemp] has been trumpeted as the heir apparent and a guy with a big upside, and it's all true, but there are certain subtleties and nuances. Andruw was young at one time. He can give a young player the benefit of his experience."

"Nomar's experience will certainly play into this thing. There are going to be tough decisions here, and when you have a lot of young players, they can't all play."
--Torre, on playing his young guys.

Here are some quotes about Torre.

"We had a quick chat on the field, and the main thing is he wanted me to know what to expect. I've got to listen to a guy with his experience. He pretty much said he wants me to have a day off a week."
--Dodgers catcher Russell Martin

"His demeanor is a kind of soothing, calm, classy approach. I think that works well with a club."
--Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti

Story Link: BP:

Collection: Vintage Dodger Postcards

One of the great and unheralded of all vintage collectibles has been postcards. They are not as sought after as baseball cards, but they can be harder to find in decent condition. They typically feature great photos of our favorite players, and, on top of that, can be very affordable. The group of 16 postcards I just recently scanned was purchased several months ago on eBay for under $10.00. I thought it was a great deal. See the rest of the postcards in my photoalbum here.Postcard Photoalbum here.

This Just Makes Me Shake My Head

By all accounts Matt Kemp has come out of the gate this Spring playing very well. Unfortunately, he might have to share outfield duties this year with the other Dodger youngster Andre Ethier.

What is yet to be determined is how often Kemp will get that chance to scare pitchers. Torre has hinted at being open to a regular outfield alignment of Kemp in right and Ethier in left, which would force veteran Juan Pierre and his $8 million salary to the bench. But the more likely scenario is that Pierre will play because the Dodgers need his speed in the lineup.

Meanwhile, club officials like the idea of Ethier and Kemp jockeying for playing time on the theory that each one will push the other into becoming a better player.

No, No No! Both Kemp and Ethier deserve the opportunity to play regularly this year. I would love to see what 600 at-bats each might produce.

Story Link: Tony Jackson:

Blog Kiosk

If it doesn't get linked was it posted?

• Mark at LA Dodger Talk finds some great comments from a Dodger fan at Vero Beach.

  During batting practice Andruw Jones and Matt Kemp put on a show… Wow, I said the other day the Jones did not have much pop. Forget that he hit the ball hard and long.. If these guys Jones and Kemp hit behind each other it would be like Boston Ortiz and Manny… Juan Pierre and Garciaparra did very well also…
  A fan asked Andre Ethier if he had a spot in the lineup and he said –It would not be hard to change to another team if not welcome here…

Andre seems to be a bit unhappy.

• Wax Heaven finds a great vintage video clip of Babe Ruth vs. Walter Johnson.

YouTube Link: schea:

• Don't miss Tony Jackson's story about first-time Spring Training camp invitee John Lindsey.
• Diamond Leung tells us that Joe Beimel fan is going to Vero! Congrats! You'll enjoy every second.
  
• Next years World Baseball Classic will have Los Angeles as its host for the semi's and final according to Roberto.
• MSTI provides a helpful guide for those that are Vero bound. UPDATE: My lone recommendation is Bobby's Restaurant at 3450 Ocean Drive. All Dodger fans heading to Vero Beach should go here! The place is filled with Dodger photos. You know the movie "Defending Your Life." If you were Albert Brooks (as a deceased Dodger fan) in that film and having dinner in the afterlife you would be going to Bobby's.

Early Spring Training Pics

Slowly but surely photos from the Dodgers last stay at Vero Beach are showing up. Thanks frankat1stbase3 for sharing. I'm gonna miss that place. Clayton Kershaw

Bill Mueller signing for fans.

Keep the pics coming. If you get out there this Spring please share your photos by putting them online and letting me know. I'll provide a link. After all, you can never get enough of Dodger Baseball.

Photo Link: frankat1stbase3:

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: