Dodger Thoughts

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

Category: Health/injuries (Page 22 of 33)

In case you missed it: Spring Training’s eternal mysteries

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On March 12, 2014

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

By Jon Weisman

All that’s great and ugly about Spring Training, chapter whatever …

Zach Lee, looking stirrup-sharp, enters today’s Dodger game against the Diamondbacks in the top of the third inning and retires the first seven batters he faces. Five of the next six reach base, and what looks like a showcase outing turns into apparent mediocrity. But boy, he sure looked good before the roof (or, given the stakes, the pup tent) caved in.

This wasn’t the only classic Spring Training story of the day, which saw the Dodgers lose to Arizona, 9-2.  (Ken Gurnick of MLB.com has the game recap.) We also saw and heard tale of multiple players trying to overcome injury.

Zack Greinke made it through two innings of his start today and threw 14 more pitches in the bullpen afterward, but acknowledged that he still has a corner or two left to turn in his recovery from a calf injury, according to Gurnick. A small excerpt:

“I’d thought I’d be fine that day (of the injury), like 100 percent in a day or two,” he said. “It just hasn’t gotten better, it’s a 10 percent pace from what I was expecting. You know it’s there. If I did more than I’m ready to do, I’d be right back where I started. But it’s getting better every day and that’s the key.”

Speaking of revelations: Josh Beckett revealed that he caught his right thumb in a clubhouse door 10 days ago and that it is sprained. Beckett, who threw mostly fastballs while giving up three home runs in his most recent Spring Training outing Sunday, might skip his next start. From Gurnick:

Beckett has had previous problems with the inside ligament of the thumb.

“I come back from thoracic outlet surgery and this happens,” he said in frustration.

Then there’s Matt Kemp. Weird, but in a good way? That seems to be how to interpret Kemp’s evaluation of his first action of any kind in center field this year, in today’s minor-league intrasquad game. Dylan Hernandez of the Times relays the quotes:

“I feel a little weird still being out there, but I’m having a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m excited to be back on the field, just playing. That’s the process. We’re taking our time.”

Kemp was in center field for two innings.

“I’m still trying to get my legs under me,” he said. “I just wanted to feel good. The legs feel a little heavy and tired at times, but that comes with getting back into shape. You can lift as many weights as you want, but nothing prepares for the game speed out there on the baseball field.

All part of another Spring Training day. Only four of them left before the big club leaves Arizona for Australia.

* * *

  • The Dodgers’ schedule of minor-league Spring Training games was conveniently posted by Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A.
  • I know I have no reason to be proud of this tweet — none — but I am.

March 12 pregame: Zack is back

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On March 12, 2014

In Health/injuries, Minor leagues, Pregame

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Kansas City Royals
By Jon Weisman

Zack Greinke makes his first exhibition game appearance since his four-pitch outing about two weeks ago. (Has it only been two weeks?)

Greinke is expected to pitch two innings.

Almost simultaneous to today’s game, Matt Kemp was playing in a minor-league intrasquad game at Camelback, including his first action in center field of the year.

Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Yasiel Puig, RF
Carl Crawford, LF
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, CF
Chone Figgins, 3B
AJ Ellis, C
Dee Gordon, 2B
Zack Greinke, P
  • Scheduled to follow Greinke today on the mound are Zach Lee, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Chris Perez and Chris Withrow.
  • Adrian Gonzalez told Dylan Hernandez of the Times that he’s looking to take more walks in 2014.

    “I’ve done a decent job of it so far this spring,” he said. “I’ve walked three or four times and a lot of at-bats have gone deep into counts. There have been at-bats where I got frustrated because I walk and I’ll say, ‘I want to hit now,’ but then I’m like, ‘Stay with it.’ “

  • Chris St. John of Beyond the Box Score compiled a consensus ranking of the Dodgers’ top 65 prospects.

March 9 pregame: Kershaw and Opening Day, together again

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On March 9, 2014

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Spring Training

Hanley locker

Giants vs. Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
Chone Figgins, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Yasiel Puig, RF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Mike Baxter, LF
Alex Guerrero, 2B
Miguel Rojas, SS
Clayton Kershaw, P

By Jon Weisman

It’s official: Clayton Kershaw has been named the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter in Australia on March 22, where he will be followed in the second game by Hyun-Jin Ryu.

“Kershaw will be the first Dodgers pitcher to make four consecutive Opening Day starts since Ramon Martinez from 1995-98,” writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. “Don Sutton has the Los Angeles record with seven (1972-78).”

Kershaw and Ryu are scheduled to face Patrick Corbin and Trevor Cahill.

In addition, though Matt Kemp isn’t expected to make the trip to Australia, Mattingly has said that the outfielder is close to making it into Spring Training action.

“We’re seeing him take fly balls, getting jumps,” said Mattingly (via Gurnick). “He’s swinging the bat good. It won’t be long before he’s in a game.”

A few other notes:

  • Kershaw today will be the first Dodger starter to bat for himself in a game this year.
  • Prized infield prospect Corey Seager is suiting with the big club for a Cactus League game for the first time today.
  • Among those scheduled to follow Kershaw on the mound today are Javy Guerra and Red Patterson, each of whom working on shutout streaks of at least four innings in Spring Training.
  • At this morning’s L.A. Marathon, which began at Dodger Stadium, J.P. Howell’s wife Heather ran to raise support and awareness to counter human trafficking. From the Dodger press notes: “Howell is affiliated with ‘Run for Hope’ at the marathon and is running for two shelters located in Southern California: one is a 72-hour rescue center, and the other a long-term rehabilitation and restoration program that provides for intense counseling, medical, and legal needs of victims, as well as GED and job search.”

March 5 pregame: Inside-the-park homerless runs

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On March 5, 2014

In Health/injuries, History, Pregame, Spring Training, Uncategorized

[mlbvideo id=”31433525″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Dodgers vs. Reds, 6:05 p.m.
Dee Gordon, CF
Carl Crawford, DH
Yasiel Puig, RF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Juan Uribe, 3B
Joc Pederson, LF
Alex Guerrero, 2B
Tim Federowicz, C
Miguel Rojas, SS
(Hyun-Jin Ryu, P)

By Jon Weisman

I keep risking a jinx, but 60 innings into the exhibition season, the Dodgers haven’t allowed a home run. They’re the only team that hasn’t been taken yard in 2014.

The shot that Joc Pederson flagged down in the video above wouldn’t have been a home run, but it’s about as far as anyone has hit one against Los Angeles so far. Let’s see what happens in the Dodgers’ first night game.

  • Scheduled to follow Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound today are Jose Dominguez, Javy Guerra, Matt Magill, Paco Rodriguez and Carlos Frias.
  • Ross Stripling had to have arthroscopic surgery today before he can have his Tommy John surgery on a future date. Ken Gurnick has details at MLB.com.
  • Zack Greinke threw off a mound today for the first time since injuring his calf February 27, Gurnick reports.
  • And to complete a Gurnick hat trick, a nice feature providing some welcome background on Dodger pitching prospect Red Patterson. Check it out.
  • Spring Training stats: All-glove, no-hit Miguel Rojas is batting .444 and fielding .895.
  • Former Dodger Trent Oeltjen will play for Team Australia in the March 20 exhibition against the Dodgers in Sydney, notes Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A.
  • Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale are pictured during their 1966 holdout with David Janssen on the set of the movie “Warning Shot” in a post by Scott Harrison at Framework.
  • Peter Gammons has a long piece on the 2014 Dodgers at Gammons Daily.
  • Eric Gagne is managing the Team France baseball team that began a five-game Cactus League tour with an exhibition game today against Dodger minor leaguers.
  • Today in 1961 primary source material on the Dodgers at Ernest Reyes’ Blue Heaven: Gil Hodges.

In case you missed it: Diving Dee

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On March 4, 2014

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

[mlbvideo id=”31433797″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
By Jon Weisman

I don’t have any special insight into where Dee Gordon stands in the competition for playing time at second base (as well as backing up center field), though I don’t feel he’s done much to hurt himself. At a minimum, I can say I’ve really enjoyed watching him this spring.

Gordon went 0 for 1 today but had a couple of nice diving stops, including the inning-ending play shown above.

Meanwhile, Justin Turner has quietly been going about his business of attempting to cement a spot on the roster. Turner started at short today and had this grab.

[mlbvideo id=”31432045″ width=”400″ height=”224″ /]

The Dodgers suffered their first home loss of Spring Training 2014, falling 4-1 to Seattle, with Los Angeles’ only run coming on a home run by minor-leaguer Trayvon Robinson. Ken Gurnick of MLB.com has the recap.

In other news …

  • Fears about pitching prospect Ross Stripling were confirmed: He will be having Tommy John surgery Wednesday, reports Gurnick. Stripling injured himself throwing batting practice February 21, but still pitched in a game February 26.
  • A couple of notes on Australia via Ernest Reyes of Blue Heaven: A history of baseball in Australia from John Thorn and a report on the conversion of the Sydney Cricket Grounds to baseball from MLB field and facilities coordinator Murray Cook.
  • Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports likes the Dodgers chances in the National League West — a lot.
  • Former Dodger Bill Buckner is retiring from baseball. He has been a Single-A hitting coach in the Cubs’ organization.
  • Some upcoming SportsNet LA programming:
    • Wednesday, 10 p.m.: “Talkin’ Blue: State of the Dodgers”
    • Saturday, 10 p.m.: “Connected With…Adrian Gonzalez”
    • March 14, 8 p.m.: “Connected With…Ned Colletti”
    • March 21, 8:30 p.m.: “Talkin’ Blue: Dodger Pitchers”
    • March 26, 8 p.m.: “Connected With…Stan Kasten”
    • March 31, 8:30 p.m.:“Talkin’ Blue: 2014 Season Preview”
    • April 1, 8 p.m.: “Connected With…Brian Wilson”
  • Today in Jon SooHoo includes son and father combo Scott and Andy Van Slyke.

SEATTLE MARINERS AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS

In case you missed it: Josh Beckett on the rise

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On March 2, 2014

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it

San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Though the Dodgers ended up in a 3-3 tie at Camelback Ranch with the Padres, there was a clear winner today: Josh Beckett.

Read More

March 2 pregame: Who plays center in Kemp’s absence?

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On March 2, 2014

In Defense, Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Milwaukee Brewers

Padres vs. Dodgers, 12:05 p.m.
Yasiel Puig, CF
Andre Ethier, RF
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Juan Uribe, 3B
Joc Pederson, LF
Tim Federowicz, C
Alex Guerrero, 2B
Justin Turner, DH
(Josh Beckett, P)

By Jon Weisman

One of the intriguing questions for the Dodgers this spring, with Matt Kemp likely to start the season on the disabled list, is which of the remaining outfielders will play center field. Today, Yasiel Puig is the middleman, with Andre Ethier lining up in right. Come March 22, we’ll see.

Joc Pederson (pictured above), who would be a center-field candidate should the Dodgers have the unfortunate event of multiple outfield injuries, is in left field today.

Puig is also batting leadoff for the first time in 2014 Cactus League play. After Josh Beckett makes his spring debut on the mound, Paul Maholm, Stephen Fife, Sam Demel and Daniel Moskos are scheduled to follow.

In other pregame news:

  • Justin Sellers, who was designated for assignment February 22 after Erisbel Arruebarruena was signed, has been traded to Cleveland for cash considerations.
  • Nothing definitive has been announced on Zack Greinke, but the Dodgers’ cautious approach to his right calf issue is decreasing his chances of going to Australia, as Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. writes.
  • Ross Stripling is meeting with doctors this afternoon to go over the results of his MRI, the Dodgers said.
  • Chad Billingsley had what is being termed “normal” soreness after throwing breaking balls for the first time in nearly 11 months, reports Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Billingsley plans to include cutters in his next bullpen session Tuesday.
  • Pedro Baez, Nick Buss, Jose Dominguez, Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Onelki Garcia, Yimi Garcia, Javy Guerra, Matt Magill, Jarrett Martin, Paco Rodriguez, Seth Rosin, Dee Gordon, Scott Van Skyke and Chris Withrow have signed their 2014 contracts, the Dodgers announced.
  • A GIF-filled review of Alex Guerrero’s initial efforts on defense is provided by Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest.
  • Former Dodger reliever Guillermo Mota has reportedly retired, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star (via MLB Trade Rumors). In two separate stints with the Dodgers, Mota had a 2.79 ERA with a 1.126 WHIP and 7.3 K/9 in 294 innings.

March 1 pregame: Modest good news for Matt Kemp

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On March 1, 2014

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers vs. Brewers, 12:05 p.m.

Carl Crawford, DH
Chone Figgins, CF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Juan Uribe, 3B
A.J. Ellis, C
Brendan Harris, SS
Mike Baxter, LF
Dee Gordon, 2B
(Dan Haren, P)

By Jon Weisman

Matt Kemp will be able to take a step forward in his attempt to return to action, though there’s still a ways to go. Ken Gurnick has details at MLB.com:

… Kemp will increase his baseball activity after favorable results from an MRI of his healing left ankle, but there still is no timetable for his return to game action.

Kemp will step up agility work on the field, manager Don Mattingly said, and progressively ease into jogging.

“The main thing is, he’s got to speak up,” Mattingly said. “We expect some soreness, but it can’t be the wrong soreness. He’s at Step 5 of a seven-step progression.” …

Gurnick also has the latest on Zack Greinke here.

Rain is threatening play today, but if the game gets underway, Carl Crawford will return to the lineup (as designated hitter), while Chone Figgins will start at his third position in four games. Dan Haren is hoping to make his first Cactus League start of 2014.

February 28 pregame: Ross Stripling sidelined, will have MRI

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On February 28, 2014

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers

Two fans at Camelback Ranch on Thursday.

White Sox vs. Dodgers, 12:05 p.m.

Chone Figgins, LF
Andre Ethier, CF
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Scott Van Slyke, RF
A.J. Ellis, C
Justin Turner, 3B
Drew Butera, DH
Alex Guerrero, 2B
(Hyun-Jin Ryu, P)

By Jon Weisman

Today’s health-and-well-being blotter from Ken Gurnick at MLB.com includes updates on Matt Kemp, Zack Greinke, Carl Crawford, Brandon League, Chad Billingsley, Scott Elbert and a new name, Ross Stripling.

Stripling will undergo a contrast MRI on his right elbow, which came up sore nearly a week ago. And as Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. notes, Stripling made the rookie mistake of not telling someone right away, and pitched two innings Wednesday after the soreness materialized.

“We didn’t hear a thing about it. He didn’t tell a trainer, and didn’t tell a coach. It’s one thing we talk about with young guys, it happens every spring,” Mattingly said. “You ask them to let somebody know, but they don’t want to tell anybody because they want to compete.

As for the others, Gurnick said that Greinke might play catch as soon as today, that Kemp had his MRI (that might or might not clear him to begin running) on Thursday but results haven’t been announced and that Crawford is expected to play Saturday.

Gurnick also added via Twitter that League (lat strain) is throwing a simulated inning against Kemp and that Billingsley said he will begin throwing breaking balls on Saturday. In addition, Gurnick reported that Scott Elbert threw off a mound today for the first time since his January appendectomy.

J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News has more on Billingsley.

In case you missed it: Zack Greinke update

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On February 27, 2014

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

By Jon Weisman

The first big conference at the mound of 2014, pictured above.

  • Ken Gurnick of MLB.com follows up on the condition of Zack Greinke, following his early exit today:

    … “I just felt something in my calf,” said Greinke. “Just try to take care of it this early in spring. Hopefully it’s not a big deal. I think it’s minor. We’ll see in a couple of days. Right now, I don’t feel too bad.”Greinke said it felt like a cramp and that when he’s had them in the past, he would walk it off and the muscle would loosen. This time he took a few steps, but the discomfort remained. He said he might have been able to pitch through it if this had been the regular season, but nobody would let him continue at this point unless he was 100 percent.

    Greinke was scheduled to pitch two innings, with an additional 15 pitches in the bullpen afterward. The Dodgers mapped out a schedule for starters Clayton Kershaw, Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dan Haren to make four Cactus League starts each and would pick two of them to start against Arizona in the Opening Series in Australia.

    Greinke, who recently started a stir when he said there was “absolutely zero excitement” about going to Australia, is now likely eliminated as an option, although he disagreed.

    “I definitely don’t think this takes me out of the mix,” he said. “Hopefully it doesn’t.” …

  • You can stream the first episode of SportsNet LA’s “Backstage: Dodgers” at ineedmydodgers.com.
  • The Dodgers have the best lineup in the National League, second only to Boston in MLB, according to Marc Normandin of Sports on Earth.

    The Dodgers could easily have baseball’s best lineup in 2014. The problem is that they just as easily could miss out on this list altogether due to potential injuries or ineffectiveness from a huge portion of their lineup. That risk has them in the two spot, but it’s no insult: this lineup is absolutely stacked, and if things come together for them, they are going to crush many, many baseballs.

  • If you buy only one Volcanic Jalapeno Beef Jerky this year, make sure it’s the Game On Volcanic Jalapeno Beef Jerky endorsed by A.J. Ellis. Roberto Baly gives us a taste at Vin Scully Is My Homeboy.
  • Mark Saxon tells the story behind the story of October’s Scott Van Slyke-Joe Kelly staredown at ESPN Los Angeles.
  • The Ron Fairly 1961 Union Oil Dodger Family Booklet, at Blue Heaven. I mean, someone really went to a lot of trouble with these.

Zack Greinke leaves game after four pitches

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On February 27, 2014

In Health/injuries

[mlbvideo id=”31392975″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
By Jon Weisman

Zack Greinke was two pitches into his second batter of the game today at Camelback Ranch when Stan Conte and Don Mattingly had to come to the mound to check on him. After throwing two practice pitches, Greinke walked off the mound.

Vin Scully said Greinke seemed to be indicating something with his right leg or knee. After retiring leadoff batter Tony Campana on a fly ball, Greinke seemed to favor the leg on his first pitch to Cliff Pennington. He threw one more pitch before the visits to the mound happened.

Chris Withrow replaced Greinke. More details as they come …

Update: It’s a right calf issue.

Potential of fast return for Billingsley affected roster move

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On February 22, 2014

In Health/injuries, Transactions

Los Angeles Dodgers workout at Camelback Ranch-Glendale
By Jon Weisman

When the Dodgers signed Erisbel Arruebarrena, they could have put Chad Billingsley on the 60-day disabled list and still had him ready to be active in mid-May.

That they chose instead to designate Justin Sellers for assignment was widely interpreted as a positive sign about how close Billingsley is to returning to action.

From Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A.:

… “We’re not prepared yet to put a timetable exceeding 60 days for Chad,” said general manager Ned Colletti.

Billingsley threw another bullpen session on Saturday, and said his arm still feels as good as it did coming in to camp. He is still limited to throwing no faster than 85 mph, but those restrictions will likely be relaxed soon and Billingsley will be allowed to throw curve balls as early as next week. …

… He plans to begin a minor league rehab assignment once the season opens in early April. Even if he needs five minor league starts, that earmarks a major league return for Billingsley in early May, which explains why he wasn’t placed on the 60-day DL. …

When he does return, Billingsley would theoretically enter a starting pitcher mix that includes veterans Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dan Haren, Josh Beckett and Paul Maholm, as well as the members of an emerging prospect class. (Maholm, by the way, threw a bullpen session without discomfort today, writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com).

In the meantime, now entering DFA limbo is Sellers, last year’s surprise Opening Day shortstop. Over the next 10 days, he could be traded, claimed on waivers or clear waivers and eventually return to the Dodger organization.

In case you missed it: 30 Dodger players traveling to Australia

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On February 21, 2014

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

Los Angeles Dodgers workout

By Jon Weisman

Take heed: With this year’s trip to Australia, the Dodgers’ process for determining the regular season active roster is even more unusual than you might imagine, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

First, there’s this rather stunning comparison.

“The Dodgers will have only 19 days of Spring Training games to make nearly all of their decisions,” Gurnick writes. “Last spring, they played 36 games before Opening Day.”

But further confusing matters is that the Dodgers’ don’t actually have to settle where everyone beyond the 25-man roster has to go before Sydney.

… Even though the 25-man roster officially doesn’t need to be submitted until March 21 at 1 p.m. PT, the Dodgers and D-backs will break camp on March 16 and take a maximum of 30 players to Australia from which to draw their 25-man Opening Day rosters.

Players on the disabled list can be back-dated to March 19, but those decisions might be made before the flight west, if not announced.

From the 30 players who can make the flight across the Pacific Ocean, three will be designated as “exempt” before Opening Day and would otherwise be active, be they starting pitchers left behind, players out of options (like Javy Guerra or Drew Butera) or Rule 5 selections (like Seth Rosin). Corresponding moves would need to be made to make room for their activation.

The other two players on the trip will be “extras” that can be players on the 40-man roster with options, or Minor Leaguers.

From these five additional players, clubs must be covered by position for an injury, whether it occurs as a result of the exhibition game against Team Australia, or the regular-season opener, because it will be impossible to call up a player and transport him to Australia in time for the next game. So, the five spots are likely to include at least one catcher, one middle infielder, one outfielder and one reliever. …

Read more about it here. Elsewhere around the Dodgers …

  • Andre Ethier echoed Matt Kemp’s sentiments about no potential starting outfielder seeking out a spot on the bench. Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles adds context.

    … Ethier moved from right to center when Kemp got hurt last year, but before that he was entrenched in right field the previous four seasons. He said he’s willing to give the utility role a go if it helps the team.

    “I’ve done a lot personally and done a lot with this team and I think we’re still just missing one thing, [a World Series], so if it’s something that leads to that, let’s figure out a way to get it done,” Ethier said. …

  • Saxon quotes Don Mattingly on Yasiel Puig weighing in at about 25 pounds more than last year: “We don’t feel it’s going to be a problem, but we’re paying attention to it, put it that way,” Mattingly said.
  • There’s no urgency for Paul Maholm to be ready to pitch regular-season games before April, and given that he’s behind the other starters, as Gurnick notes, he could use the extra time.
  • Miguel Rojas’ wife flew out of strife-heavy Venezuela this morning, reports J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News.
  • Today’s guest star in Ernest Reyes’ series on the 1961 Union Oil Dodger Family Booklet series at Blue Heaven: Willie Davis.

Sandy Koufax hit by line drive at Camelback batting practice

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On February 21, 2014

In Health/injuries

Los Angeles Dodgers workout

By Jon Weisman

The prognosis looks good for Sandy Koufax, who was hit in the left side of the forehead by an Andre Ethier drive during batting practice today at Camelback Ranch, but it sure had to come as a huge shock.

“Koufax had a cut but didn’t leave his feet,” reported Ken Gurnick at MLB.com. “He told pitching coach Rick Honeycutt he was OK, but a little dizzy. Koufax was taken by cart to the Minor League clubhouse to be examined, before returning to the Major League clubhouse 15 minutes later.

Update: More from Gurnick:

Read More

In case you missed it: Happy photo day

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On February 20, 2014

In Health/injuries, History, In case you missed it, Minor leagues

Los Angeles Dodgers workout

By Jon Weisman

Who are those guys again?

  • Paul Maholm has been slowed for precautionary reasons by some elbow tenderness. He threw on flat ground today.

    … “I’m just being smart and understand what’s needed to prepare for the season,” Maholm told Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. “I only really missed one bullpen session today and I expect to throw a bullpen Saturday, and it won’t set me back.” …

  • Yasiel Puig was held out of action today after fouling a ball off his right leg yesterday. According to the Dodger press notes, Puig will not undergo any further testing at this time and is expected to be a full participant in tomorrow’s workout.

    … “There was a little swelling and we don’t see the need to have him limp around out there,” Don Mattingly told Gurnick. “We feel he’ll be back tomorrow.” …

  • Gurnick added that Zach Lee returned to the mound for a short bullpen session for the first time in 10 days after suffering a mild lat strain.
  • “Tim Federowicz was limited in workouts Tuesday after feeling tightness in his side during blocking drills,” writes Bill Plunkett of the Register in a notebook item. “He was back to full participation Wednesday.”
  • The Dodgers will play intrasquad games Sunday (with pitchers Matt Magill, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Chris Perez, Brian Wilson, Kenley Jansen and J.P. Howell) and Monday (Stephen Fife, Dan Haren, Chris Reed, Paco Rodriguez and Jamey Wright) on the back fields of Camelback Ranch.
  • Miguel Rojas spoke to Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles about his anxiety over political violence in his home of Venezuela. “Rojas’ wife lives 35 minutes from Caracas, the nation’s capital and the center of unrest,” Saxon writes. “Rojas said she scarcely leaves the house these days.” J.P. Hoornstra has more at the Daily News.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers workoutBrandon League talked about his 2013 season with Dylan Hernandez of the Times.

    … “It was not just one thing,” he said. “It was not just mechanical. It wasn’t just preparation. It was one thing one time, something else another time.” …

  • “Meanwhile, reliever Jose Dominguez tried out a new slider grip suggested by legendary lefty Sandy Koufax and reported improved downward break on the pitch,” reports Gurnick for MLB.com.
  • Non-roster catcher Miguel Olivo, looking for a career rebirth, is the subject of this Saxon piece for ESPN Los Angeles. The 35-year-old has 145 career home runs. Random note: Only two catchers have hit that many for the Dodgers, Roy Campanella and Mike Piazza. In fact, since making his MLB debut in 2002, Olivo has nearly outhomered everyone who has played catcher for the Dodgers in that time:
    • Russell Martin 53
    • A.J. Ellis 25
    • Paul Lo Duca 25
    • Rod Barajas 21
    • Dioner Navarro 10
    • Jason Phillips 7
    • Tim Federowicz 4
    • Ramon Hernandez 2
    • Chad Kreuter 2
    • Matt Treanor 2
    • Danny Ardoin 1
    • Brad Ausmus 1
    • Gary Bennett 1
    • Mike Rose 1
    • Total 155
  • Baseball America has released its top 100 prospects list. The Dodgers’ usual suspects are there: Joc Pederson (34), Corey Seager (37), Julio Urias (51 and the youngest player in the 100) and Zach Lee (95). Dustin Nosler sums up the spectrum of propsect lists at Dodgers Digest.
  • The Dodgers rank second behind St. Louis in Jonah Keri’s “Offseason Stock Report” for Grantland.
  • David Schoenfield of ESPN.com explains why he thinks the Dodgers are the biggest lock of any team to win their division.
  • Eastern Park, where the Brooklyn baseball team played from 1891-97, is the subject of this piece by Ernest Reyes at Blue Heaven.

    … Eastern Park is said to be the birthplace of the famous Dodger name.  It is believed that this is the stadium where the nickname “Trolley Dodgers” came about.  The trolley and rail lines, that were located directly to the east of the stadium, were a constant hazard to fans attending games.  Frankly, this last item was a surprise to me as I began my research on this stadium.  I had always thought that Ebbets Field was were it originated, but that appears to not be the case. …

  • Former Dodger pitcher Chris Capuano has reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with the Boston Red Sox. With more is Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston.

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What happens when three old friends in crisis fall into an unexpected love triangle? In The Catch, Maya, Henry and Daniel embark upon an emotional journey that forces them to confront unresolved pain, present-day traumas and powerful desires, leading them to question the very meaning of love and fulfillment. The Catch tells a tale of ordinary people seeking the extraordinary – or, if that’s asking too much, some damn peace of mind.

Click here to order The Catch in paperback.

Click here to order The Catch on Kindle.

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5) discussing politics
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Attendance

1991-2013
Dodgers at home: 1,028-812 (.558695)
When Jon attended: 338-267 (.558677)*
When Jon didn’t: 695-554 (.556)
* includes road games attended

2013
Dodgers at home: 51-35 (.593)
When Jon attended: 5-2 (.714)
When Jon didn’t: 46-33 (.582)

Note: I got so busy working for the Dodgers that in 2014, I stopped keeping track, much to my regret. 

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