From Deadspin's post, The Angels Are Getting Desperate. This is the network with which you signed the 20-year mega-deal? Yikes.
After back to back forfeiture losses for the Dodgers, I am beginning to notice some annoying patterns. Don Mattingly has decided to experiment with the lineup card, and it’s already cost us two … [visit site to read more] If I Wrote the Dodger ...
Dodgers Minor League Report – 5/16/12 So, it’s up to you to start the conversation. What say you?
Source: Yahoo! Sports
With the offense and its expensive centerpiece "grossly underperforming," Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto decided a change was needed.Source: Yahoo! Sports
ATLANTA (AP) Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and possibly saved two runs with a diving catch and the Miami Marlins beat the Braves 8-4 on Wednesday night, adding another win to their impressive May record.Source: Yahoo! Sports
After spending a few seasons as teammates, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Aaron Harang and San Diego Padres' Edinson Volquez have settled in nicely to their new surroundings.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Third baseman Juan Uribe is one of three Los Angeles Dodgers starters currently sidelined due to injury, and his left wrist ailment is one that potentially could keep on the disabled list longer than the minimum 15 days.
Source: Lasorda's Lair by Scott Andes
Dodgers 2 5 1 Padres 4 6 1 visit site to read more]Dodgers Use Forfeit Lineup and Lose to San Diego, to No One’s Surprise - Lasorda's Lair - Lasorda's Lair - A Los Angeles Dodgers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Source: MLB.com by Tom Green
Aaron Harang and Edinson Volquez, both coming off excellent outings, will face each other in the finale of their brief, two-game series Thursday evening at Petco Park as the Padres look to win their third straight game and the Dodgers look to avoid a third straight defeat.Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman
Some Dodger losses just ain’t that interesting. Not even when Elian Herrera doubles.
The team seems due for something like a five-game losing streak – I’m not saying that’ll happen, but it just seems logical in some way. If it does, Clayton Kershaw will be the one to stop it Saturday.
Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman
Dodgers at Padres, 3:35 p.m.Dee Gordon started 29 of the Dodgers’ first 33 games, but today he is a reserve for the second time in the team’s past four.
After beginning May with a promising .898 OPS in his first seven games, Gordon is 2 for 23 with no walks, no steals and eight strikeouts dating back to May 9.
Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman
Over at Variety’s On the Air blog, I’ve been offering sneak peeks at the 2012-13 TV shows being announced this week by the broadcast networks. NBC, Fox and ABC have already been covered, with a set of CBS clips coming later today and the CW Thursday.
It’s too early to make any informed judgments about the shows, but this will give you a taste.
Oh, this would probably be a good time to introduce a different blog I’m shepherding at Variety: The Vote. Its focus is the Oscars, Emmys and other entertainment industry awards. It’s part of a shift in my duties at Variety that has given me more emphasis in this area. Because I was already heavily focused in TV, the main change will be that I’ll be more involved in our Oscar and other film awards coverage than before.
Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman
Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.Source: Dodger Thoughts by Jon Weisman
It’s happened: Matt Kemp is on the disabled list. Moments after his 399-game consecutive playing streak ended with the final out of the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory over Arizona tonight, Kemp was officially sidelined for two more weeks. Jerry Sands will replace him on the active roster, giving the Dodgers an outfield of Andre Ethier, Tony Gwynn Jr., Bobby Abreu, Scott Van Slyke and Sands.
Three Opening Day starters (Kemp, Juan Rivera and Juan Uribe) and top reserve Jerry Hairston Jr. are on the Dodger disabled list now. Obviously, the big one is Kemp. The Dodgers are a major-league best 24-11 right now, with a bigger lead over the second-place Giants than the National League Central and East leaders have over the last-place teams in their divisions, but I think most Dodger fans would be thrilled if Los Angeles can play even .500 ball for the next 14 games, or however long Kemp is out.
If they can do that, or better, it will probably be through large doses of defense, pitching and Andre Ethier.
* * *
In December 2010, shortly after Gwynn signed with the Dodgers, I suggested that they might be better off moving Kemp to a corner outfield slot and starting Gwynn in center field to maximize his principal defining skill – his defense. That didn’t happen, but with Kemp hobbled, we’ve really seen what Gwynn can offer. A day after making a flung-out catch in center, Gwynn made a tremendous throw – against his body – to nail A.J. Pollock at home in the third inning.
The Dodgers are putting on defensive shows almost on a game-by-game basis. Just in the final three innings tonight, there were four outstanding plays. James Loney backhanded a sharp grounder by Pollock in the seventh. Mark Ellis ranged to the shortstop side of second base to flag a Willie Bloomquist grounder in the eighth.
And in the ninth, on consecutive batters, Loney leaned over the railing to backhand a pop fly by Paul Goldschmidt (who almost popped out for the cycle tonight), and then Justin Sellers tumbled into the stands after making a full-bore catch of a foul by Miguel Montero. (Watch the great reactions by Gwynn and Ethier to Sellers’ catch on the replay.) Kenley Jansen then drew a third pop fly from Ryan Roberts to close out the game.
It so happens that Loney has been on a bit of a hitting upswing, with a 1.092 OPS in his past six games, but even when he isn’t hitting, his defense is so strong that I find it easier to rationalize his place in the lineup.
* * *
Ridiculous statement of the night: Clayton Kershaw was not at his sharpest as he threw seven innings of shutout ball. I should be struck by lightning for saying anything of the sort, but it’s really an example of how good Kershaw could be that I notice, for example, when he’s 78 pitches in to the game and he’s thrown only 44 strikes.
Putting aside his retaliatory brushback pitch against Diamondbacks starter Ian Kennedy, Kershaw didn’t seem to have complete command for much of the game, but aside from the Gwynn play, he didn’t allow a runner to reach third base until two out in the seventh. Kershaw then struck out Cody Ransom, the man who sent Kershaw to his shocking final loss of 2011, and left with a 3-0 lead, having allowed four singles and three walks in 108 pitches while striking out six.
His ERA is 2.22. Man, just wait until Kershaw gets his act together …
* * *
So, is this Andre Ethier’s team now? With Kemp out, Ethier is the lone remaining established threat in the Dodger lineup.
One year ago today, against Arizona, Ethier reached base for the 37th consecutive game. His streak ended the following day. Could it be that on this anniversary, he is poised for an even more significant achievement – keeping the Dodgers above water while Kemp is out?
Tonight, Ethier was up to the challenge. He came just short of a three-run home run in the third inning, then gave the Dodgers some breathing room, doubling their one-run lead, with a no-doubter solo blast that nearly one-hopped its way out of the bleachers in the sixth.
In the shadow of Kemp, Ethier has quietly put together a .368 on-base percentage, .592 slugging percentage and .960 OPS in 2012. Long gone are the days when it was believed Ethier needed Manny Ramirez behind him to succeed.
* * *
The game was sparsely attended, but it was a lovely night at the ballpark.
Source: True Blue LA
Chris Capuano pitched pretty well on Wednesday, a game that as manager Don Mattingly likes to say gives the Dodgers a chance to win. Capuano pitched into the seventh inning but suffered his first loss of the season, thanks in large part to Chase Headley, who homered and doubled to drive in the Padres' first three runs in their 4-2 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday at Petco Park.Source: Lasorda's Lair by Scott Andes
Dodgers 2 5 1 Padres 4 6 1 visit site to read more]Dodgers Use Forfeit Lineup and Lose to San Diego, to No One’s Suprise - Lasorda's Lair - Lasorda's Lair - A Los Angeles Dodgers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Source: Bleacher Report
Every now and then it is fun to imagine what your team would look like if you could land "X" player somehow.
The Dodgers are a fortunate team. They have one of those "X" players in Matt Kemp. Other teams, regardless of league or division, would jump at the chance to acquire Kemp somehow and someway.
Looking ahead to the 2013 season, the likely AL MVP Josh Hamilton will potentially become a free agent. While the Texas Rangers are saying all of the right things, they have yet to extend him beyond this season.
In his notes section, The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo raises a very interesting point regarding the future of Josh Hamilton. Says Cafardo:
The Rangers probably wouldn't dare lose Josh Hamilton in free agency. If he should seek to go elsewhere, however, the Dodgers—with their new-found dollars—could be the team for him. A Hamilton- Matt Kemp combo? That would allow the Dodgers to let Andre Ethier head into the market.
Think about that for a second.
Josh Hamilton, who could win the AL triple crown this season, playing in the same outfield as Matt Kemp, who could very well win the NL triple crown this year.
Yes, the team would likely have to let Andre Ethier walk, but who would care in that scenario?
No disrespect whatsoever for Ethier, but if your team could even think about bringing in Hamilton, there aren't too many players you wouldn't give up to make it happen.
Sure, its all fun and somewhat irrelevant speculation right now, but just think how big of a monster this Dodgers team could become with that lineup.
Read more Los Angeles Dodgers news on BleacherReport.com
Source: True Blue LA
Chase Headley got the better of Chris Capuano on Wednesday, and the Dodgers fell 4-2 to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. It was the second straight loss for the Dodgers, who have scored six runs in three games without Matt Kemp.Source: Sons of Steve Garvey by Steve Sax
The Dodgers scored two runs in the top of the first, catalyzed by a Tony Gwynn single and an Elian Herrera double (Herrera scored on a Andre Ethier sacrifice fly. "So with a lineup that doesn't LOOK like it's going to score," said Vin Scully, "darned if they don't get a run with the first two hitters!"
But Scully was right, that was all the scoring we would do. Clayton Richard shut us down for his second win on the season, improving to 2-5, and Chris Capuano--who had a decent 6.1 IP with 3 ER (all off the bat of Chase Headley) and 6 Ks--took the loss. The Dodgers are so lifeless offensively, that they sent up .236 BA James Loney at the end as the tying run, with Bobby Abreu in scoring position. Loney popped to third to end the game. And there we go. How soon are Jerry Hairston and Matt Kemp back, again?
At least the Lakers are sure to win tonight. We cna use this as the Game 2 GT.
Source: LA Times
The starter suffers his first loss of the season as the injury-riddled Dodgers' lineup struggles against San Diego's Clayton Richard.Source: Yahoo! Sports
SAN DIEGO (AP) Chase Headley homered, doubled and drove in three runs, and the last-place San Diego Padres rallied to beat the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 Wednesday night, helping left-hander Clayton Richard snap his personal five-game losing streak.Source: MLB.com by Ken Gurnick
Left-hander Chris Capuano allowed three earned runs and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings on Wednesday, but suffered his first loss of the season, 4-2, to Clayton Richard and the Padres.Source: True Blue LA
Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe, who was placed on the disabled list on Monday with a left wrist injury, could be out for longer than 15 days. Uribe had an MRI on his left wrist on Tuesday that confirmed a sprained left wrist. He is scheduled to see a hand specialist this weekend when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Arizona: RHP Daniel Hudson (shoulder) pitched against Oakland in an extended spring training game, his first game since going on the disabled list after an April 18 start. If Hudson recovers well, he is expected to make a rehab start for Class AAA Reno on Monday with an eye toward rejoining the D-backs the last week of May. ... CF Chris Young (shoulder) finished his three-game rehab assignment at high-A Visalia (Calif.) with a .308 average, three doubles and seven RBI. He has been out since April 17.Source: LA Times
The All-Star center fielder could play in a minor league game before coming off the disabled list.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Major League Baseball's 84th All-Star Game will be hosted in 2013 by the New York Mets at their three-year-old ballpark, $600 million Citi Field, commissioner Bud Selig announced on Wednesday.Source: LA Times
SAN DIEGO -- Matt Kemp is expected to be ready to play again when he is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on May 29, according to trainer Sue Falsone.Source: MLB.com
Elian Herrera, promoted this week from Triple-A Albuquerque as a speedy infielder, was signed by the Dodgers in 2003 as a slow catcher and made his first big league start on Wednesday at second base.Source: MLB.com
Dodgers reliever Matt Guerrier, on the disabled list since April 19, is finally making progress from right elbow tendinitis and is hoping for a return in the next two weeks.Source: MLB.com
The Dodgers held a course in remedial hitting for struggling shortstop Dee Gordon before Wednesday's game.Source: MLB.com
There are more players from the Dodgers' Opening Day lineup recovering from Tuesday injections (Matt Kemp and Juan Uribe) than are in Wednesday's starting lineup (only Andre Ethier).Source: Bleacher Report
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the owners of the best record in baseball and hope that their MVP candidate can return quickly to help them maintain that record.
Matt Kemp, who is currently on the 15-day DL, was given a platelet-rich injection on Tuesday according to the LA Times Dodgers beat writer Dylan Hernandez.
The platelet rich injection is intended to speed up recovery. It is described by the Orthohealing Center as a "cocktail of many proteins that collectively stimulate repair and regeneration"
Hernandez also shed light on manager Don Mattingly's plan for Kemp when he is ready to return to the lineup.
Mattingly hasn't talked to Kemp about a rehab assignment, but thinks he would benefit from playing in at least one minor league game.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) May 16, 2012
One game will allow the Dodgers to see Kemp playing in a real game situation and allow them to evaluate his progress. If all goes well, one game will be more than enough.
Hernandez also reported that Kemp will take another step in his progress on Thursday when he is likely to hit off a tee.
All signs point to Kemp being ready to come off the DL very close to when he is eligible.
Read more Los Angeles Dodgers news on BleacherReport.com
Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Ben Nicholson-Smith
MLB executives are looking ahead to the summer trade deadline and, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, there’s an expectation that certain teams will be particularly aggressive in trade talks this July. Here are the details...
Source: LA Times
While breathlessly awaiting news of Johnny Depp’s next movie in caked white makeup, a look at the Dodgers around the Web:Source: Bleacher Report
C.C. Sabathia is currently the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history, mid-way through a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees. That is approximately $23 million per year for the big, burly lefty. And in today's market, he deserves every penny of it.
But the question today isn't about guys who already signed a fat deal. It's about the best young lefty in all of baseball: Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Last season, Kershaw pulled off a rare feat, winning the pitching version of the Triple Crown (leading the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA). With his 21-5 record, 2.28 ERA and 248 Ks, he was a no-brainer to win the Cy Young.
Kershaw is currently on a somewhat-cheap contract with the Dodgers, signed through 2013 at just $9.5 million per year. That is only because he's still so young (24) that he's stuck in his arbitration years.
Now, the Dodgers already locked up star outfielder Matt Kemp long-term, and Kershaw must be next on the list. They don't want to lose him to another team when he's eligible for free agency, and now with new owners in place, they should be throwing some of their new-found riches Kershaw's way.
But is the young lefty worth the richest pitcher contract in MLB history? Could Kershaw find his name inked to the first $200 million contract for a pitcher?
Yes and yes. And here's why.
Source: Sons of Steve Garvey by Orel
Chris Capuano (5-0, 2.06) vs. Clayton Richard (1-5, 5.32).
Weird start time! The Dodgers are now 1-1 sans Kemp and look to unexpected co-ace Capuano to right the ship. Let's hope Cap gets over the 5-0 hump because, as Steve Lyons has pointed out, he started out 5-0 for the Brewers in 2007...and finished 5-12. Richard has already faced the Dodgers twice this year, pitching effectively the first time, not so much the second. His struggles have continued since then, so if the Dodger bats want to recover from getting Miley-faced last night, today's the day to score some afternoon delight.
Source: Lasorda's Lair by Scott Andes
Dodger Lineup vs. San Diego
visit site to read more]Cappy Looks to Keep Rolling in San Diego - Lasorda's Lair - Lasorda's Lair - A Los Angeles Dodgers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More
Source: True Blue LA
The Dodgers look to rebound from Tuesday's defeat with a trip down to Petco Park to face the San Diego Padres for a brief two-game series. This is already the third series between these two clubs this season, and their second meeting in San Diego. The Dodgers took three of four in the season's opening weekend and have beaten the Padres in six of their seven meetings this season.Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks just split a two-game set, which means the boys in blue still hold a big 8 1/2-game lead over the defending NL West champions. Considering that margin, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson probably didn't have much in the way of the comeback department in his conversation with Orel Hershiser and Tommy Lasorda on Tuesday night. As an aside, seeing this picture just reminded me that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Dodgers' title team. Time really isn't messing around any more, is it? So have at it, amateur Internet copy editors of the world. How should this caption read? Follow the jump for winners from the last C-a-C featuring Elvis Andrus and a suspicious sneaker:Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen lost another game when Rafael Dolis surrendered the go-ahead run to the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning of a 7-6 loss on May 15, 2012. With a 15-21 record, the Cubs trail the Cardinals by six games in the National League Central. The ironic part about this is that they'd probably be within a couple games of the division lead with some better relievers.Source: Bleacher Report
The Los Angeles Dodgers honored Orel Hershiser last night by giving fans in attendance a bobblehead that was amazingly accurate to Hershiser's actual appearance.
"The Bulldog", as Orel is known, wanted to give Dodger fans a treat by having fellow 1988 World Series hero and current Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson catch his first pitch.
Gibson respectfully declined the offer and had this to say about it:
"I'm a Diamondback," Gibson said. "I'm the manager of the team. I respect Orel tremendously. He knows that. It's not disrespect towards him. If I was out of baseball I would have done it, but I'm in baseball and I've got different colors on tonight and tomorrow."
One would have to respect Gibson's decision; he is somebody who takes team loyalty very seriously and didn't want his players to see him do something symbolic for the opposing team.
Gibson is still loved by Los Angeles, and many believe his number should have been retired by the team many years ago. Although the retirement of his jersey would open the floodgates for many other well deserving Dodgers.
Historically the Dodgers only retire the numbers of players who are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While it would have been very nostalgic to see "Gibby" catch a pitch from Hershiser, his declination wasn't surprising.
Gibson will most likely not be in the best of moods on July 31. That's when his Diamondbacks return to Dodger stadium.
Fans will be receiving Kirk Gibson bobbleheads.
Follow Joe Chacon on Twitter.
Read more Los Angeles Dodgers news on BleacherReport.com
Source: Bleacher Report
Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier have been keeping the Dodgers offense afloat with their consistent production at the plate, but what about the rest of the lineup?
The Blue Crew may be off to an impressive 24-12 start, but in order for them to keep up their current pace, other key players like James Loney, Juan Rivera and Dee Gordon will have to step up and hold their end of the rope.
The Dodgers not only need a few bats to warm up, but they also need some arms to heat up as well; closer Javy Guerra has had a tumultuous start to the season.
Will these underachieving Dodgers be able to turn things around, or will they merely remain stagnant for the duration of the season?
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The 2012 MLB regular season is well underway with a full month of baseball already in the books. It is still a long road to October baseball but paths are already starting to take shape and many surprises have already occurred along the way. The beginning of the year brings promise but at this point in the season anything can still happen.Source: True Blue LA
Dodgers 5/16/12 Minor League Report - Martin Moves to 5 - 0, Gould Drops to 0 - 4Source: LA Times
This is an old story, just dusted off every season and presented anew.Source: True Blue LA
Dodgers 5/16/12 Minor League Report - Martin Moves to 5 - 0, Gould Drops to 0 - 4Source: Yahoo! Sports
A seven-game homestand continues for the Washington Nationals with the arrival of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and little has gone right so far. The week began with the National League's worst team in town, the San Diego Padres, but the Nats split two games in ugly fashion.Source: LADodgerTalk.com by Mark Timmons
Lest you forget, Mickey Hatcher was Kirk Gibson’s replacement for the 1988 Dodgers in the World Series. He hit a home run in the first game of the 988 World Series and proceeded to sprint full-speed around the bases. He has been the hitting coach for the Angels under his (former) buddy, Mike Scioscia for [...]Source: Yahoo! Sports
When Matt Kemp landed on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, not only did Los Angeles Dodgers moan at their loss, fantasy baseball GM's were equally upset by the news. The only people that may not have hated the news were other players in the National League who could win the MVP award later this year. With Kemp set to miss some considerable time due to the injury, what players could pass Kemp in the hunt for the award?Source: Sons of Steve Garvey by Orel
As Mrs. Orel and I raced along the I-10 to make it to Dodger Stadium in time to catch pre-game festivities on Orel Hershiser Bobblehead Night, I read Josh Suchon's excellent piece on his connection with Hershiser (hat tip: @dodgerfan_net). We parked and hustled toward the Reserve Level, passing more than a few people leaving the grounds clutching their Orel bobbleheads. One guy was even toting a whole case of them, no doubt rushing to fulfill his eBay pre-orders. A+++ WOULD BUY AGAIN
A couple things struck us as we watched Hershiser become the center of attention. He was inclusive, insisting Tommy Lasorda accompany him to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch. He was gracious, greeting first-pitch catcher Clayton Kershaw with warmth and making sure Kershaw was in the center of the trio for post-pitch pictures. He was humble, carrying the microphone stand off the field after announcing "It's time for Dodger Baseball!" And he was classy, making his way over to the visitors' dugout to shake Justin Upton's hand before leaving the field.
(Extra kudos to Nancy Bea Hefley for reviving her rendition of "Master of the House" to accompany Orel's return to the spotlight. The sentiment couldn't have been more perfect.)
So yeah, I picked a fine pitcher and a pretty good guy to borrow a name from. The game was a wash, but I met SoSG Nomo for a beer and a stroll along the Reserve concourse as we conducted an unsuccessful reconnaissance mission to locate Dusty. It was oddly peaceful for two Dodger geeks to walk and talk away from the game, discerning what was happening on the field only by the sounds of the crowd.
To the pics!
photos by SoSG Orel
Why Sign Up?
Real-time news and score updates. No refresh needed!
Learn more
Reopen Closed Window
Email
Twitter
Facebook
