March 2016 – Page 2 – Dodger Thoughts

Vin Scully goes back to work

On March 25, 2016

In Broadcasting, Pregame, Spring Training

Photos by Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Chase Utley, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Austin Barnes, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Rob Segedin, 3B
Charlie Culberson, SS
Carlos Frias, P

By Jon Weisman

Vin Scully arrived at Camelback Ranch this afternoon, ahead of his first broadcast of his last season behind the mic for the Dodgers.

Scully will do tonight’s game against the Giants, then return to Southern California and do the two Freeway Series games against the Angels at Dodger Stadium (March 31-April 1), before settling in for Opening Day at San Diego on April 4.

In case you missed it: Grandal’s return delayed

By Jon Weisman

On March 24, 2016

In In case you missed it, Pregame, Spring Training

Yasmani Grandal homers March 18 against Arizona.

Dodgers at Indians, 7:05 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Scott Van Slyke, DH
A.J. Ellis C
Kiké Hernandez, SS
Elian Herrera, 2B
Trayce Thompson, LF
(Clayton Kershaw, P)
Update: Howie Kendrick was scratched shortly before first pitch with left calf tightness and is day to day.

By Jon Weisman

Yasmani Grandal will remain out of the Dodger lineup until at least Sunday, Dave Roberts told reporters today.

An MRI showed no muscle damage in Grandal’s sorearm, tweeted Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A., but the Dodgers are taking a precautionary approach with their starting catcher, who told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo that if it were up to him, he would play.

Of course, it became apparent toward the end of last season that Grandal is pretty much the Black Knight when it comes to pain tolerance. Today, Bill Plunkett of the Register noted that Grandal caught Kenta Maeda’s bullpen session, though he let another catcher throw the ball back to the mound.

Grandal has played in eight Cactus League games, with his most recent start coming Sunday.

Here are some other pregame notes:

Andre Ethier won’t be allowed to put any weight on his fractured right leg for six weeks, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
Corey Seager batted in a minor-league game today, going 0 for 4. He did not play defense in the game.
In his third inning of a minor-league game today, Cuban pitching prospect Yadier Alvarez was clocked by two scouts at 100 mph, said J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News.
National columnist Peter Gammons has an extended piece on the Dodgers at GammonsDaily.
Fangraphs writer Dave Cameron addresses concerns that the Dodgers aren’t taking Clayton Kershaw’s prime seriously enough.
On Saturday, the Kings will host Dodgers Pride Night at 7 p.m. at Staples Center. Fans are invited to purchase a ticket package that includes a ticket to the game and a commemorative Dodgers Pride Night long-sleeve shirt that will be redeemed at the game. Visit lakings.com/dodgers for more details.

Vin Scully remembers Joe Garagiola

By Jon Weisman

On March 23, 2016

In Broadcasting, Farewells

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By Jon Weisman

Joe Garagiola, the one-time big-league catcher and longtime big-league announcer who was Vin Scully’s partner on NBC the night Kirk Gibson hit his 1988 World Series home run, passed away today at age 90.

Garagiola played in the Majors from 1946-54 and worked as a broadcaster until he was 87. He was also a frequent presence on entertainment shows, such as “To Tell the Truth” and “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” but if you’re from my generation, you remember him fundamentally for his work on NBC Game of the Week baseball broadcasts. His voice was integral to Saturday afternoons for years.

Today, Scully shared some thoughts about his former colleague.

“I was very fortunate to know and work with Joe Garagiola,” Scully said. “Boy, did he surprise me as a broadcaster. Joe was always a funny and decent man, but he was a big surprise to me. When we got together in the booth, he was very serious. The part that surprised me was how well prepared he was for each and every telecast. Joe didn’t just rely on his experience as a player, but he did his homework and all of us benefited from his knowledge and research.

“I will miss his laughter and his love for the game, but most of all I will miss a deeply religious man, who had a great sense of humor. My prayers are with Audrey and his family.”

With Ethier sidelined, who gains a roster spot?

By Jon Weisman

On March 23, 2016

In Bench, Status report

Photos by Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Roster move: The Dodgers have reassigned non-roster reliever Matt West to minor-league camp. The Dodgers have 41 active players remaining in big-league camp.

By Jon Weisman

On this last Wednesday without baseball until the All-Star Break, let’s consider the domino effect of Andre Ethier’s fractured leg, which not only opens up a spot in the Dodger starting lineup but also the bench.

In case you missed it: Bolsinger won’t start opening week

By Jon Weisman

On March 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Postgame

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By Jon Weisman

Before tonight’s 3-1 loss to Kansas City, Andrew Friedman confirmed suspicions that Mike Bolsinger’s oblique injury would knock him off track for an opening-week start.

Carlos Frias, Zach Lee and Brandon Beachy are the leading possibilities for making that start on April 8, though Julio Urias conspiracy theorists will note that the teenage lefty threw three “impressive” innings in a minor-league game, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

What else can I tell you?

Pedro Baez struck out all four batters he faced, giving him 11 this spring against three walks. Half of Baez’s 22 outs have been whiffs.
Alex Verdugo didn’t enter the game until the bottom of the seventh – and doesn’t turn 20 until May 15 – but still made an impression. In the bottom of the eighth, he made a sliding stop of a double to the gap and threw to second baseman Charlie Culberson, who fired home to catcher Austin Barnes for an out. Verdugo followed that with a double in the top of the ninth.
Joc Pederson had a streak of 12 straight plate appearances with a hit or strikeout end when he grounded out to third in the fourth inning. Pederson, who also lost a six-game hitting streak tonight, was 5 for 12 with seven strikeouts in that little run.
Louis Coleman allowed his third hit of March but struck out his 10th batter while completing his seventh scoreless inning. He hasn’t walked anyone.
Chris Young held the Dodgers hitless for 4 1/3 innings, but was still charged with a run. Young walked his last batter, Rob Segedin, and reliever Scott Alexander gave up an RBI double to his first batter, speedy Rico Noel.
Four Dodgers played complete games tonight: Segedin at first, Noel in right, Kiké Hernandez at short and Trayce Thompson in left field.

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Alex Wood threw 62 pitches in a four-inning stint. Above, Rick Honeycutt talks about Wood.
Clayton Kershaw not only came out of a car accident unscathed, he posed for pictures with the pair who collided with him. Doug Padilla of ESPN.com has more.

Whatever you think of the Dodgers’ luck right now, there’s this: Clayton Kershaw came out of a car accident unscathed.

Andre Ethier to miss 10-14 weeks with fracture

By Jon Weisman

On March 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Dodgers at Royals, 6:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, DH
Chase Utley, 2B
Howie Kendrick, 3B
Joc Pederson, CF
Kiké Hernandez, SS
A.J. Ellis C
Trayce Thompson, LF
Rob Segedin, 1B
Rico Noel, RF
(Alex Wood, P)

By Jon Weisman

The second X-ray was radioactive and then some for Andre Ethier.

When Ethier fouled a ball off his right shin Friday, initial x-rays were negative. But after he showed no improvement over subsequent days, a follow-up CT scan revealed a right tibia fracture.

He won’t need surgery, but he is expected to need between 10 and 14 weeks to recover, which puts him out until at least approximately June, or approximately a third of the regular season.

Ethier, who turns 34 on April 10, played in 142 games last year and hasn’t played in fewer than 130 since 2006, his rookie year. He had an .842 OPS and 137 weighted Runs Created in 2015.

Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke are the most obvious choices to pick up Ethier’s innings in left field, with Trayce Thompson — who starts for the Dodgers in tonight’s Cactus League game against the Royals — the leading option from the farm system. The 25-year-old Thompson OPSed .896 with 144 wRC+ in 135 plate appearances when he debuted with the White Sox last summer.

Kiké Hernandez is the last Dodger to start in left field in a game that counted — Game 5 of the 2015 National League Division Series — and could also see time there once Corey Seager returns to action at shortstop.

A year ago, Crawford was coming off a hot finish to 2013, and Ethier was expected to be the fourth outfielder, only to step forward when Crawford struggled with injuries. This year, Crawford and others will have the opportunity to step up for a fallen starter.

Special chance at Opening Day tickets

By Jon Weisman

On March 22, 2016

In Tickets

Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Still looking for tickets to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium on April 12?

Register this week to be part of a random drawing for the opportunity to purchase those tickets.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday and continues through 5 p.m. Friday. The drawing for the opportunity to purchase Opening Day tickets will take place on or about March 28, and winners will be notified on or about March 30.

Note: Notification of selection as a drawing winner and receipt of e-mail does not guarantee tickets for the 2016 Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

For details, visit dodgers.com/ticketopportunity.

And remember, you can always guarantee Opening Day tickets by purchasing a Mini Plan. Visit dodgers.com/miniplans for more information.

In case you missed it: Maeda rolls after getting a bit rocked

By Jon Weisman

On March 21, 2016

In In case you missed it, Postgame, Spring Training, Transactions

Matthew Mesa/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

It’s hard not to like what Kenta Maeda has brought to the U.S. so far.

Same with Justin Turner, even if the journey isn’t quite so far.

No. 5 starter on light duty at season’s outset

By Jon Weisman

On March 21, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Spring Training

Left-handed pitcher Dave Roberts is not a candidate for the Dodger starting rotation.

Mariners at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Justin Turner, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Chase Utley, 3B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Charlie Culberson, SS
Elian Herrera, 2B
(Kenta Maeda, P)

By Jon Weisman

A bit of calm has arrived this morning after this weekend’s fifth-starter whiplash, in which the Dodgers’ three principal candidates for the final spot in the rotation seemed to fall by the temporary wayside.

Mike Bolsinger, who had emerged as the winner of the derby, has an oblique injury that isn’t serious, in the same way that rush hour at In ‘N Out isn’t serious — he’ll get where he needs to go, but he still has to bide his time.

From Doug Padilla of ESPN.com:

… He believes he can get back on track if he can get in one more start before exhibition games end April 2. The Dodgers leave Arizona on March 30 but play three games against the Los Angeles Angels in Southern California in advance of the April 4 season opener at San Diego.

“[Bolsinger] said there was significant improvement, but I think with the oblique we want to be cautious,” manager Dave Roberts said. “And I have used that word cautious numerous times this spring. But we do. It’s going to be asymptomatic in when he picks up a baseball again, so it could be a day, it could be two days. We’ll continue to be hopeful.”

Remember, Los Angeles doesn’t require a permanent solution at No. 5 right this minute. Rather, the Dodgers need a No. 5 starter only once before April 16 — on April 8 at San Francisco.

In the meantime, the Dodgers are reconsidering other options, including Brandon Beachy (recovering from a small bit of tendinitis), Zach Lee (whose option to the minors can be rescinded) and Carlos Frias (ever-straddling the line between starter and reliever).

Joe Blanton, on the other hand, will remain in long relief, according to Dave Roberts (via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.)

Gurnick added that Corey Seager ” felt fine one day after his first extensive workout,” but Andre Ethier was to have a bone scan to make sure nothing was missed in the X-ray Friday on his right shin.

Kazmir and Bolsinger under watchful eyes

By Jon Weisman

On March 20, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Spring Training

Padres at Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Justin Turner, 3B
Kiké Hernandez, SS
A.J. Ellis C
Joc Pederson, CF
Corey Brown, LF
Cody Bellinger, 1B
Mike Bolsinger, P

Dodgers at Brewers, 1:05 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Trayce Thompson, CF
Rob Segedin, 1B
Charlie Culberson, SS
Rico Noel, RF
Scott Kazmir, P

By Cary Osborne

Today marks Scott Kazmir’s first Cactus League outing since March 9, when he allowed six hits, two walks and five earned runs against the Angels.

Kazmir faces the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park.

He pitched in a B game against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 14. A lot was made of Kazmir’s fastball velocity in the B game, reportedly in the mid- to high-80s, so Spring Training game or not, people will be eager to watch this one.

The same could be said about the matchup against the Padres at Camelback Ranch where Mike Bolsinger continues his campaign for the fifth-starter spot.

The right-hander threw four shutout innings against the Brewers on March 14, allowing two hits and walk, striking out two.

Here’s how the three fifth-starter candidates have done so far:

Bolsinger: 9 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 SO, 2 ER
Zach Lee: 8 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 SO, 4 ER
Brandon Beachy: 7 IP, 8 H, 7 BB, 2 SO, 6 ER

However, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reported on Saturday that Beachy was dealing with a sore arm and will rest for a few days while being evaluated. Beachy told Gurnick today that it’s mild tendinitis and he doesn’t believe it’s too serious.

Scott Van Slyke was originally in today’s lineup at first base against the Padres, but was scratched due to a sore right hip flexor. Gurnick reported on Twitter that Van Slyke will rest one or two days.

Young Dodgers in the 21st century

By Jon Weisman

On March 19, 2016

In History, Pregame

Clayton Kershaw makes his MLB debut on May 25, 2008.

Dodgers at White Sox, 1:05 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, SS
Howie Kendrick, 3B
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Alex Guerrero, DH
A.J. Ellis, C
Austin Barnes, 2B
Trayce Thompson, CF
Elian Herrera, LF
Rico Noel, RF
(Clayton Kershaw, P)

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw is somehow 28 years old today, which is only slightly more believable than my youngest son turning 8 years old Sunday. My guess is that Kershaw isn’t renting a game truck this morning, though what do I know?

Anyway, just for fun, here are the youngest Dodgers to make their MLB debuts in the 2000s, with their ages at the time.

Edwin Jackson (September 9, 2003): 20 years, 0 days
Clayton Kershaw (May 25, 2008): 20 years, 67 days
*Adrian Beltre (April 3, 2000): 20 years, 362 days
Jonathan Broxton (July 29, 2005): 21 years, 43 days
Jose Peraza (August 10, 2015): 21 years, 102 days
Corey Seager (September 3, 2015): 21 years, 129 days
Paco Rodriguez (September 9, 2012): 21 years, 146 days
**Dioner Navarro (July 29, 2005): 21 years, 170 days
Nathan Eovaldi (August 6, 2011): 21 years, 174 days
Joel Guzman (June 1, 2006): 21 years, 189 days

*First game of the 2000s — actually debuted June 24, 1998, at 19 years, 78 days
**Made MLB debut September 7, 2004 with Yankees, at 20 years, 211 days

Julio Urias, who was optioned to the minor leagues Thursday, turns 20 on August 12 this year. If he gets his big-league callup before then, he will move ahead of Jackson.

Andre Ethier taken for X-rays — day to day with leg contusion

By Jon Weisman

On March 18, 2016

In Health/injuries

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By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers held their breath as left fielder and increasingly impressive leadoff hitter Andre Ethier went to get X-rays on his right leg.

Ethier, who hit the first pitch of today’s 11-8 loss to Arizona for a single up the middle, went down in the fourth inning after fouling a pitch off his shin. After being visited at home plate by manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Neal Rampe, Ethier stayed in the game long enough to witness a wild pitch and draw a walk — then left for pinch-runner Rico Noel.

Ethier limped noticeably as he went back to the dugout. Minutes later, Ethier was driven to the clubhouse by cart, and then taken for further examination.

Update: The Dodgers announced tonight that X-rays on Ethier’s leg were negative, and that he is day to day with a lower leg contusion.

Video: Valenzuela’s ceremonial first pitch to Gonzalez

By Jon Weisman

On March 18, 2016

In Uncategorized

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Adrian Gonzalez served as catcher for Fernando Valenzuela’s ceremonial first pitch Thursday before the World Baseball Classic qualifier game between Mexico and the Czech Republic.

Read More

Checking in on the Dodger bullpen

By Jon Weisman

On March 18, 2016

In Bullpen, Pregame, Spring Training

Louis Coleman warms prior to his Spring Training debut March 4 for the Dodgers at Surprise, Arizona.

Dodgers at Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.
Andre Ethier, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Justin Turner, 3B
Chase Utley, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Kiké Hernandez, SS
Trayce Thompson, CF
Brandon Beachy, P

By Jon Weisman

For all the speculation about who the fifth starting pitcher in the Dodger rotation will be, there hasn’t been a ton of talk about the back end of the bullpen.

Let’s do a quick refresher of the remaining candidates for the (presumably) seven relief spots:

Read More

Urias, De Leon among seven sent to minors

By Jon Weisman

On March 17, 2016

In Minor leagues, Transactions

Ross Stripling pitching on March 6.

By Jon Weisman

Pitching prospects Julio Urias, Jose De Leon and Ross Stripling are among seven players the Dodgers sent to minor-league camp this afternoon.

From the 40-man roster, the Dodgers optioned second baseman Micah Johnson and pitchers Yaisel Sierra, Ian Thomas and Stripling. Non-roster players who were reassigned include De Leon, Urias and catcher Jack Murphy.

Johnson has made no errors despite leading Dodger infielders in playing time so far with 66 defensive innings, and is a likely callup at some point during the regular season.

Urias and De Leon have made the most noise among the pitchers, combining for eight strikeouts in nine innings, though it was actually Stripling who has had the best month. The 26-year-old right-hander, nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery, pitched two shutout innings with four strikeouts in the Dodgers’ 5-1 loss to Kansas City today, and has six innings with a 0.00 ERA in Cactus League play.

Dave Roberts ruled out Ross Stripling breaking camp as 5th starter, but added "He's impressed us" #DodgersST

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 17, 2016

None of the aforementioned pitchers, however, was destined to start the season in the Majors — least of all Sierra, the recent Cuban signee who has yet to appear in a game.

Still alive in the competition for the fifth spot in the Dodger starting rotation (behind Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir, Kenta Maeda and Alex Wood) are Brandon Beachy, Mike Bolsinger and Zach Lee. The Dodgers have only two off days in April after the regular season starts.

Making his first appearance today since March 7, Wood pitched three innings, allowing a run on five baserunners with one strikeout.

“It felt good, it was good,” Wood said, according to MLB.com’s Barry M. Bloom. “I had one goal and that was to be efficient, which was a little different from the last time out. I was happy I was able to do that.”

Another Dodger pitching highlight today came from Kenley Jansen, who struck out the side in his inning.

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Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Month: March 2016 (Page 2 of 5)

Vin Scully goes back to work

In case you missed it: Grandal’s return delayed

Vin Scully remembers Joe Garagiola

With Ethier sidelined, who gains a roster spot?

In case you missed it: Bolsinger won’t start opening week

Andre Ethier to miss 10-14 weeks with fracture

Special chance at Opening Day tickets

In case you missed it: Maeda rolls after getting a bit rocked

No. 5 starter on light duty at season’s outset

Kazmir and Bolsinger under watchful eyes

Young Dodgers in the 21st century

Andre Ethier taken for X-rays — day to day with leg contusion

Video: Valenzuela’s ceremonial first pitch to Gonzalez

Checking in on the Dodger bullpen

Urias, De Leon among seven sent to minors

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