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:

Thank You Dodgertown

The Dodgers are set to say "Thank You" for 60 wonderful years.

“As is the case whenever a family contemplates moving out of the neighborhood, the idea is met with mixed emotions, bittersweet feelings, parties, and promises to keep in touch,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “When the family is as large as the Dodgers and their tenure in this town is as long as six decades, these sentiments are magnified. But regardless of where we practice in the future, our 60th anniversary affords us an opportunity to come together to reminisce, exchange warm greetings, and make sure we keep our relationships intact.”

The Dodgers are planning some pregame events to honor those who have contributed to both the Dodgers and Vero Beach. Below is a list of honorees. Also, employees of Dodgertown will be honored during the seventh inning stretch.

Unfortunately, I will not be heading out to Vero Beach this coming March for the Dodgers last stay at Dodgertown. I've had three wonderful trips out there the past 5 years and have enjoyed every minute. On the other hand, I will be heading to Arizona later in the month to catch some southwestern desert sun.

• Feb. 28 vs. Atlanta- Maury Wills.
• March 2 vs.Mets- Steve Garvey. He will also be having a book signing at Holman Stadium (Dodgertown) for his upcoming book, "My Bat Boy Days: Lessons I Learned From the Boys of Summer." Also, March 2 will also be highlighted by the annual “Meet the Dodgers Day” presented by Comcast, when fans can get autographs and take pictures with their favorite Dodger players from 12:00-12:30 p.m.
• March 3 vs. Orioles- John Shelby.
• March 4 vs. Nationals- Manny Mota. Fireworks after the game.
• March 7 vs. Cardinals- Rick Monday.
• March 9 vs. Red Sox- Vin Scully & Jaime Jarrin. This will also be the first televised game of the year! On KCAL 9 at 10:05 AM.
  
• March 11 vs. Marlins- Dick Crago the public address announcer at Dodgertown.
• March 12 vs. Nationals- Bump Holman, son of Bud Holman who convinced the Dodgers to train in Vero Beach & members of the Mulvey Family who were part owners of the team from 1938-75.
• March 14 vs. Cardinals- Dr. Frank Jobe
• March 16 vs. Marlins- Longtime executive Billy DeLury and Craig Callan Vice President for Spring Training.
• March 17 vs. Astros- Tommy Lasorda. Also, this is St. Patrick's Day and the Dodgers will be coming out in green uniforms and hats.
  

Go here to the Dodger website for more information about Spring Training events.

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.