Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 29 | Home Game 15

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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Chicago White Sox (11-10-4) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-15-3)
Saturday, March 23, 2013 – 7:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch – Glendale
LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-2, 4.41) vs. RHP Jake Peavy (0-1, 9.00)
TV: KCAL | Radio: KTNQ

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

RANCH RIVALRY: The Dodgers meet their Camelback Ranch – Glendale neighbors, the Chicago White Sox, for the third and final time this spring after losing, 9-0, to the South Siders in their Cactus League opener on Feb. 23 and tying, 2-2, on Feb. 24. The two clubs have met during the regular season in four of the last five years and the White Sox hold a 12-6 advantage in the all-time series. Los Angeles, however, still holds the ultimate trump card over Chicago by virtue of its victory in the 1959 World Series, the Dodgers’ first championship on the West Coast.

• One of the members of that World Series team, Maury Wills, is still a presence at Dodger Spring Training at Camelback Ranch. Wills, 80, serves as a baserunning and bunting coach, holding court daily at “Maury’s Pit,” located near the Dodger batting cages.

DOWNER: Cincinnati rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth off Josh Wall to score a 6-5 win over Los Angeles yesterday, snapping the Dodgers’ three-game winning streak. Luis Cruz knocked in four of the Dodgers’ five runs with a pair of home runs off Reds’ starter Mike Leake, hitting a three-run homer in the first inning and a towering solo shot in the fourth inning. Clayton Kershaw struck out eight and allowed three runs (two earned) in 6.0 innings.

• Los Angeles had an injury scare in the fifth inning, when Yasiel Puig had the wind knocked out of him while attempting a diving catch in left-center field. Luckily, Puig was okay and is available to play in tonight’s game. Before being removed from the game, the 22-year-old went 1-for-2 with a double, hitting safely for the sixth consecutive game. Puig is batting .750 (12-for-16) during the run, which began on March 15, and is batting .520 overall. Puig has 26 hits for the spring, which tie Philadelphia’s Domonic Brown for the most among big leaguers.
• Also yesterday, Ted Lilly pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in a Triple-A game against Brewers minor leaguers. Lilly’s pitching line: 5.0 innings pitched, two hits, one walk, three strikeouts, 59 pitches.

LEADERBOARD: The Dodgers lead all National League clubs this spring with a .349 on-base percentage and rank fourth with a .283 team batting average. Los Angeles also leads all Major League clubs with 34 steals, led by Dee Gordon’s NL-best seven steals, and all NL teams with 90 walks, paced by Dee Gordon’s nine (T-3rd, NL).

• On the hill, Los Angeles leads all Major League clubs with 230 strikeouts in 242.1 innings this spring, led by Clayton Kershaw, who ranks second among National League pitchers with 28 Ks.

(pic credit: Federowicz: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

IN THE FIELD: Carl Crawford will play in the field for the first time this spring tonight against the White Sox, starting in left field and batting leadoff. Crawford has previously played in four games this spring as the designated hitter, going 3-for-13 (.231) with a steal, a run scored, and two RBI.

• Luis Cruz will make his second start of the spring at shortstop this evening. Cruz has appeared in 66 big league games (58 starts) at shortstop, committing five errors in 536.2 career innings, good for a .983 fielding percentage.

LEGENDARY: Dodger Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to tonight’s game against the White Sox after he and “Sweet” Lou Johnson addressed the team during their meeting this afternoon. Newcombe pitched for the Dodgers for eight seasons (1949-1951, 1954-1958), made four All-Star appearances (1949, 1950, 1951, 1955), was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1949, won the Cy Young Award in 1956 and was selected as the National League’s MVP in 1956.
 
ON THE MOUND: Hyun-Jin Ryu will make his sixth Cactus League appearance (fifth start) after allowing just one run on three hits in 5.2 innings on Sunday against the Brewers. Ryu struck out a spring-high six batters in that outing, while walking two.

• Earlier today, Chad Billingsley pitched in a minor league game on the backfields against the Indians. Billingsley threw 92 pitches in 4.2 innings, allowed two runs on four hits, walked four, struck out seven and threw one wild pitch.

HOME SICK:  The Dodgers will return to Southern California on Thursday for a split squad exhibition game at The Epicenter against the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at 6:05 p.m. and a contest against the Angels in Anaheim for the first game of the three-game exhibition Freeway Series set for 7:05 p.m. at Angel Stadium. The Freeway Series continues Friday with a 7:10 p.m. game at Dodger Stadium and wraps next Saturday with a 6:05 p.m. game in Anaheim.

• The split squad of Dodgers heading to Rancho Cucamonga, headlined by Adrian Gonzalez and Luis Cruz, will be managed by Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Tickets to the exhibition game can be purchased at www.rcquakes.com.

ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE: While many NCAA tournament brackets have been spoiled already due to a plethora of upsets, Dodger alma maters survived and advanced yesterday with Chris Capuano’s Duke Blue Devils knocking off Albany, Mark Ellis and Paco Rodriguez’s Florida Gators taking down Northwestern State, Aaron Harang’s San Diego State Aztecs beating Oklahoma and Tim Federowicz and Sue Falsone’s North Carolina Tar Heels moving on after a tussle with Villanova. All four schools will be back in action tomorrow with a Sweet 16 berth on the line.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/22/2013

Magic is in the house.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers Jon SooHoo/ 2013 LA Dodgers.

• Chris Olds at Beckett has a one-on-one interview with "42" lead actor Chadwick Boseman (he plays Jackie Robinson) that he recently shared.  It's a fun read:

Autograph Hunting
So, if there was one autograph of a baseball player Boseman would want, who would it be?

“For baseball players, I would love to get Josh Hamilton‘s autograph — that would be cool. I would love to meet him,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to meet some of the Dodgers, so Matt Kemp would be a real cool autograph. And Ken Griffey Jr. of course.”

Then he jumped right into another thought, almost as if he were kicking himself thinking back about his experiences while making the film.

“You know, what I can’t believe is I didn’t get Hank Aaron‘s autograph,” he said. “I met him a couple of times. I have to remember to get him — what am I thinking? The next time I see him, I’ll get him to sign my 42 hat.”

• Vincent Bonsignore at the Daily News writes that you shouldn't blame the WBC for Hanley's injury.

"This could have happened anywhere," a disappointed Ramirez said Thursday, his right hand encased in a huge black brace. "It could have happened here."

He's absolutely right, which is why it's silly to blame the WBC.

Even though that won't stop people from doing exactly that.

But that's misguided considering the injury occurred on a play so routine Ramirez might as well have been taking infield practice.

• Just to add more sorrow to the story.  Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs notes that Hanley Ramirez was the best hitter in the WBC.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com reports some good news.  "Zack Greinke, Chad Billingsley Report No Further Medical Problems."  He then tells us that pitcher, Stephen Fife, is turning some Dodger heads.
• Chris Carlin at the Upper Deck Blog tells us how Baseball cards can help kids with Down Syndrome.
• Upper Deck may have been shut out of a MLB card license, they did snag a license from the MLB Players Association.  Via their press release.
• I'm not sure what prompted this but the Sacramento River Cats (or is it RiverCats, or river cats, whatever) is implementing a $1 fine on anybody who dare misspells their name.  See the press release here.  Hey River Bats, I dare you to try and collect from me!  BTW, this team is the AAA affiliate for the A's.
• Check out the Smithsonian Magazine's 2012 photography contest finalist.  

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Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2013

Are the boys in Blue doing some coloring?  No... they're filling in their March Madness brackets- bracketology, if you will.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013.

• Zack Greinke feels great after pitching in his first game in weeks, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Jon Saraceno and Bob Nightengale at USA Today write about that fateful night, 20 years ago, when Steve Olin and former Dodger Tim Crews died in a boating accident.

This week, one of the Dodgers' new co-owners, Stan Kasten, called the family in an attempt to re-establish a relationship. Who knows, son Shawn, 25, might be asked to throw out the first pitch from the same mound his father once stood.

"I'm built exactly like my dad was — thick legs and long arms,'' he says. "We even have similar facial hair. I threw like him, too. It was genetic because I never studied the way he pitched.''

• Ted Lilly speaks with BJ Rains of MLB Trade Rumors about his long-term relationship with his agent.

It was after my first year of pro ball and I wasn’t in the middle of any negotiations, but after talking to him and getting to know him, I didn’t make any commitments but just felt more and more comfortable with his genuine personality. I felt like his motives were in the right place, and it still is the same today. It’s not about the money. A lot of guys I’m sure say that but knowing Larry for as long as I have, when I say it’s still the same, it’s still the same that it really isn’t about the money. He really enjoys helping young guys out.

• JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers has some words from Haley Ramirez about his injury.

“This is the main thing — L.A. Dodgers,” he said. “Even when I was playing in the WBC, representing my country. It was an honor for me. But at the same time I was thinking this team — what they were doing in the spring, to get to know each other, to stay together. To get this news today, it’s not easy. It’s going to be tough, but what can we do? I know they’re going to do the best they can and play hard every day until I get there.”

• Baseball back in Montreal?  Via Bill Beacon at The Star.com, a $400k feasibility study is underway.
• RIP.  The lady who was the real life inspiration to the movie "The Natural" died several months ago, via ESPN.  Her name is Ruth Ann Steinhagen and she shot Eddie Waittkus of the Cubs in a fit of stalking madness.
• More Marlins woes. Via Extra Mustard the Miami Marlins are determined to burn every bridge they can find.
• Be sure to bookmark this.  A new website called The National Pastime Museum will officially open its doors on Opening Day (March 31st).  They'll be more vintage Baseball artifacts than you can shake a stick at.

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Congrats Aaron Roberts - You're in the FanCave!

I wanted to extend a Blue Heaven congratulations to Aaron Roberts for being chosen to be one of the final 9 participants in the 2013 MLB FanCave. 

(twitter link)

I expect that you'll represent us as best you can.  In fact, you better give it your all! 

Check out a recent interview I had with Aaron, or is it Tom, Roberts last month, here.  In it, he makes a promise that I absolutely expect him to keep.

Here is an extra question for you.  Will you promise to wear the Dodger cape in cave, if you were to make it, as often as possible (meaning, all of the time)?

ABSOLUTELY! Not only am I a Baseball fanatic, I'm also a huge Comic Book Nerd. The Cape is an integral part of my video, campaign, and me. Wearing a cape is right up my alley!

Check out the other participants below.  Go to the MLB FanCave here.

(pic link)

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Hanley to have Surgery - Who Becomes Our Savior?

As I'm sure you all know by now, Hanley Ramirez ended the Dominican Republic's WBC victory tour with a cast on his right thumb.  We all thought that his jammed thumb was just sprained, in hopes that he can join the team for Opening Day this season.  Of course, the Baseball gods had something else in mind.  We find out from Ken Rosenthal on twitter that the Dodgers are looking at the worse-case scenario.

(twitter link: @Ken_Rosenthal)

So, he'll have surgery tomorrow, rehabilitation for several weeks, and have an expected return date in late-May (possibly early June if a rehab assignment becomes the first move). 

(pic credit: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

This sure does complicate things.  All the banter about Hanley not playing SS during the WBC has been all for naught.  Instead, he sits on the pine as the Dodgers try to shuffle their lineup to make up for the offensive loss this injury creates.  It's likely that Luis Cruz moves to SS, and one of Nick Punto, Jerry Hairston Jr. or Juan Uribe take over at 3rd.  Heck, if that doesn't work out then maybe Dee Gordon steps in at SS with one of the 4 above playing 3rd.  Fortunately, we have these players waiting in the wings, but they are unlikely to provide the kind of offensive punch we would have had with Hanley Ramirez.  He was having a torrid Spring and looked to have his old swing back.  Now, he'll have to start over again in hopes that he can regain that spark that made fans believe he was back.

On a side note, this accident may be the opportunity both Uribe and Dee Gordon were looking for.  Can they regain their footing and prove to us all that they are legitimate MLB everyday players?  After all, this may very well be their last chance in Dodger Blue.

For my money, I would bet that Juan Uribe proves his worth.  I'll take the plaudits he's received lately and cross my fingers that Mark McGwire has fixed him.

It's too bad Yasiel Puig isn't a 3rd baseman.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: The Kings and Clippers Rule the Roost

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events 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.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions Matt Greene and Jarret will be at the Wells Fargo in Hollywood on Friday March 22nd to meet with fans and sign autographs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  See more information here.

Verizon Wireless Store
24329 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite D
Torrance CA 90505

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Clippers Forward Grant Hill will be meeting with fans on Friday, March 22nd from 2:30pm to 3:30pm at the Car Pros Kia in Carson.

Car Pros Kia 310-221-9131
21243 S Avalon Blvd
Carson, CA 90745

Grant and members of the Spirit Dance Team will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans. Be sure to arrive early as autographs are on a first come first serve basis. Kia, the official vehicle of the Los Angeles Clippers.*Time subject to change

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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LA Clippers forward Caron Butler will meet with fans on Saturday, March 23rd from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM at Five Four in Culver City.  Information was tweeted by the store here.

Five Four (Westfield Culver City)
6000 Sepulveda Boulevard,
Culver City, CA 90230-6482
Phone: (310) 390 5073

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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