Dodger Thoughts

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

Category: Spring Training (Page 4 of 13)

Let the playing of baseball games begin

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On March 3, 2016

In Pregame, Spring Training

White Sox at Dodgers, 12:05 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Andre Ethier, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Corey Seager, SS
Kiké Hernandez, DH
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Trayce Thompson, CF
(Clayton Kershaw, P)

By Jon Weisman

It’s that time. Clayton Kershaw will throw the Dodgers’ first pitch of the 2016 Cactus League season today at Camelback Ranch against their complex-mates, the Chicago White Sox.

Howie Kendrick, Andre Ethier, Yasiel Puig, Yasmani Grandal and Corey Seager are in the lineup for Los Angeles against Chicago lefty John Danks. Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson are among those scheduled to start in the Dodgers’ road opener against the Rangers on Friday, against Texas righty Chi Chi Gonzalez.

“I think that you want to get guys playing together, (but) you’re trying to stagger it a little bit,” Dave Roberts said.

The starting position players are expected to get two or three at-bats each, playing three to five innings.

Joe Blanton, Carlos Frias, Yimi Garcia, Adam Liberatore and Matt West are also on the list to pitch today in relief behind Kershaw. Minor-leaguers Logan Bawcom, Rob Rogers and Jeremy Kehrt are also suiting up.

According to the Dodger press notes, the team is 2-6 in Cactus League openers since the first in 2009.

In case you missed it: Injured pitchers look to regroup

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On March 2, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Spring Training

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCdXwharEF1/?taken-by=dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Was it the Dodger Insider jinx for Brett Anderson?

Anderson was scheduled for tests on his lower back today, after tweaking it at the end of live batting practice Tuesday (the day he was profiled here), according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

At least temporarily, Anderson becomes one of two 28-year-old lefties on the Dodger sidelines. Hyun-Jin Ryu is taking some extra time between bullpen sessions, reports Gurnick.

“There’s definitely no pain,” Ryu said. “A little typical soreness. I’m very happy and satisfied with the timetable.”

Meanwhile, the Dodgers said that right-hander Josh Ravin is expected to return in eight to 12 weeks following Tuesday’s surgery on his broken left radius.

What else can I tell you?

Andre Ethier slides into third safely during today's situational game.

Andre Ethier slides into third safely during today’s situational game.

  • In a prelude to Thursday’s Cactus League opener, the Dodgers played a situational game in which they fielded two teams and played out all kinds of different batting and fielding scenarios. If you’re curious, I streamed some video of the first inning on Periscope.
  • Clayton Kershaw is expected to go two innings in Thursday’s Spring Training debut, unless he has a particularly long first inning, Dave Roberts said.
  • Dodger hitting coach Turner Ward spoke to Gurnick about Joc Pederson — and to Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt about Ward.
  • The balancing act that is Julio Urias’ innings load as he develops into a Major Leaguer is examined by Dylan Hernandez of the Times.
  • Earlier this week, Hernandez spoke to Kershaw, among others, about the state of Yasiel Puig.
  • The Dodgers lead the Major Leagues in players projected to be worth at least one win above replacement this year, according to Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs.

At 41, Jamey Wright revels in his last chance

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On March 2, 2016

In Profiles, Spring Training

Los Angeles Dodgers Jamey Wright is introduced to the team

By Jon Weisman

Jamey Wright has a wife, a 12-year-old daughter and two boys — 7 and 9. Wright turned 41 in December, and he’s thrown more than 2,000 innings in the Major Leagues.

With family and Father Time beckoning, the time for Wright to hang up the cleats for good seems pretty obvious.

But it was that wife, and that daughter, and those two boys who told Wright he should try to extend his ballplaying dreams one year longer.

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Josh Ravin breaks left forearm in car accident

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On March 1, 2016

In Health/injuries, Spring Training

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Right-handed pitcher Josh Ravin is having surgery today on his left radius (forearm) after being injured in a car accident Monday night. The victim of that accident can click for more info.

He may experience chronic pain and would benefit from consulting a CHRONIC PAIN doctor to help manage his recovery and ensure a full and healthy return to the mound. The Sweet Lawyers – personal injury lawyers can also be of help in such cases. Search online for the best auto accident lawyers near me if you get involved in a road accident caused by a reckless driver. A car crash lawyer in Grayslake can help present your accident claim and prepare all the necessary documents your insurance company needs.

The good news is that Ravin, who pitched 9 1/3 innings for the Dodgers last year while spending most of 2015 with Oklahoma City, is otherwise unharmed.

In other news this morning:

  • Yaisel Sierra is cleared to work out and was scheduled to throw today and go through drills with the pitchers. Dave Roberts said the Dodgers plan to treat him as a reliever this spring. “That’s the nice thing in a sense,” Roberts said. “We’re not too worried about stretching him out.”
  • You could also get reports on accidents with the help of Accident Reports MD.
  • Justin Turner is eager to go full bore, but is “trusting the process, trusting the coaching staff,” Roberts said. It is better to find out here through a lawyer and know what to do next.
  • Adrian Gonzalez is on a regular workout schedule, and his neck is not an issue at this moment. “Today we talked, and he feels good,” Roberts said. “That’s just something early on in spring, if there’s something that comes up we want to identify it and take that day (off) early.” When it comes to injury cases, the Vukelja & dePaula lawyers help get legal aid.

In case you missed it: Pulling Puig’s teeth

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On February 25, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Spring Training

Dave Roberts speaks to the team today during first full-squad meeting of the year.

Dave Roberts speaks to the team today during first full-squad meeting of the year.

By Jon Weisman

On the day TMZ rumored that Yasiel Puig was getting the world’s greatest helicopter, the Dodger outfielder’s chopper concerns were much more down to earth. Like so many of us have, Puig went through the rite of passage of having his wisdom teeth removed after going to the emergency dental care center on Tuesday.

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Puig’s jaw remained swollen today. It’s hoped he’ll return to baseball activity Friday.

Meanwhile, sink your pearly whites into these morsels…

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In case you missed it: Putting the sock back in Joc

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On February 24, 2016

In In case you missed it, Spring Training


By Jon Weisman

The full Dodger squad, minus newly signed Yaisel Sierra, fell into place on what appeared to be a beautiful day a Camelback Ranch. Here’s the latest news and notes …

  • There’s few Spring Training pieces more timely than a systematic look at what went wrong for Joc Pederson in the second half of 2015. Bill Plunkett of the Register talked to Pederson and several people within the Dodger organization for his story.
  • Chase Utley’s hard edge as a competitor doesn’t leave much room for friendships with rivals, but when he’s on your side, there are few better, according to this profile by Andy McCullough of the Times. “I went from being scared to death of him,” A.J. Ellis said, “to loving being his teammate.”

Greg Maddux helping me play sports. Via @jon.soohoo

A post shared by Brett Anderson (@brettanderson46) on

  • New special assistant to president of baseball operations Greg Maddux is spending all of Spring Training at Camelback, writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Before taking that position, Maddux received an inquiry from his former Braves colleague, Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten, about whether he might want to be part of the Dodger managerial search last fall.
  • Eric Gagne is also at Camelback as a guest instrutor, notes Gurnick.
  • The Dodgers said it earlier this winter, after the trade with the Reds and White Sox that did not bring Todd Frazier to Los Angeles, but today it was reiterated by Dave Roberts that the team plans for Justin Turner to remain at third base and Corey Seager at shortstop in 2016, rather than moving around the diamond. Kiké Hernandez is currently the backup shortstop.
  • Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. has a humorous recap of Brandon McCarthy’s throwing session today.
  • MLB is hosting an its annual Honorary Bat Girl Contest, “which will recognize one fan from each MLB club who has been affected by breast cancer and has demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease.” Dodger pitcher Scott Kazmir will be one of the guest judges. Entries are being taken through April 14. Click for more details.
  • How does the Dodger video production team set up shop at Camelback? Very quickly, and with lots of hashtags …

In case you missed it: Would Julio Urias pitch in WBC?

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On February 23, 2016

In In case you missed it, Spring Training

Jose De Leon with Julio Urias on Saturday.

Jose De Leon with Julio Urias on Saturday.

By Jon Weisman

In his story on Julio Urias today for MLB.com, Jesse Sanchez presents a couple of bold March options for the teenage left-hander. I’m not sure how viable either are, but let Sanchez set it up for you …

There could come a time this spring when Dodgers pitching prospect Julio Urias will have to make a big decision: suit up for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic qualifying round next month in Mexicali, Mexico, or stay in Arizona and pitch for a spot with Los Angeles.

The 19-year-old pitcher already knows what he’ll do if the situation arises.

“My first choice would be to be here with the Dodgers and see if there is an opportunity for me here,” Urias said in Spanish. “I prefer to be with the Dodgers. But at the same time, I would enjoy being with the Mexican team.” …

Not even Clayton Kershaw made his pitching debut with the Dodgers in the month of April, so when you talk about Urias trying to “pitch for a spot with Los Angeles,” one assumes that’s a long-term goal. As for the WBC, Urias doesn’t have any specific reason to believe he would go.

“I’ve heard I appeared on a list, but nobody has said anything to me,” Urias said. “Adrian [Gonzalez] is here and his brother is the manager, so I don’t know what my status is there. I would love to do it, but it’s also up to Mexico to choose me.”

Perhaps the main takeaway from Sanchez’s story might be that Urias, who has rated as mature for his age even since the Dodgers signed him in 2012, continues to progress.

“In talking to people that were here in years prior, he’s got a different look in his eye,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s got that confidence where he’s no longer this young kid with a blessed arm. Right now, he feels that at the Major League level, there is a real opportunity to make an impact, and that’s a good thing.”

Elsewhere in the world of the Dodgers and baseball … 

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In case you missed it: Ryu — and Wood — on recovery path

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On February 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Spring Training

Ryu s

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

It’s a long season as you know, and the Dodgers can benefit tremendously from the return of Hyun-Jin Ryu, even if he’s not on the active roster Opening Day.

So it’s all good that Ryu had a strong bullpen session today, as Ken Gurnick of MLB.com writes …

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In case you missed it: Maeda in America

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On February 21, 2016

In In case you missed it, International, Spring Training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers workout

By Jon Weisman

Kenta Maeda was the focal point at Camelback Ranch today. Ken Gurnick of MLB.com illustrates …

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In case you missed it: Kool Kenley

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On February 20, 2016

In In case you missed it, Spring Training

Los Angeles Dodgers first workout for pitchers and catchers

For more images from today, visit the Dodgers Photog Blog.

By Jon Weisman

Let’s recap the first Saturday of Spring Training …

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In case you missed it: Pitchers and catchers and avocados, oh my

By

On February 19, 2016

In In case you missed it, Spring Training

Los Angeles Dodgers reporting day for pitchers and catchers

For more photos from today, visit the Dodgers Photog Blog.

By Jon Weisman

Hey! It’s that day!

With today’s “pitchers and catchers reporting” day arriving, it’s time to bring back our regular roundup of relevant news on the Dodgers and baseball. Here’s what’s percolating on the Camelback campus …

  • Hyun-Jin Ryu, pictured above with Kenta Maeda, had a 35-pitch bullpen session Thursday. He is expected to pitch in the Cactus League but is not being rushed to be ready for the opening of the regular season, wrote Andy McCullough of the Times in his roundup.
  • Maeda, who met with a gaggle of reporters this morning, has thrown two bullpen sessions already and all is normal, according to Bill Plunkett of the Register.
  • Yasmani Grandal is under no limitations now that his left shoulder has healed from surgery, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
  • Andre Ethier’s jersey is being retired by Arizona State tonight. Ethier and his wife Maggie were both already inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • Frankie Montas’ stress fracture in rib “was less severe than thoracic outlet syndrome,” notes Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA. Montas broached it with Dodger trainers last month after it persisted, Rizzo said.
  • On a brighter side, Rizzo added that Justin Turner has “hit every checkpoint” in his recovery from microfracture surgery.
  • Trayce Thompson watched his brother Klay at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, then went to Arizona on Monday, according to Doug Padilla of ESPN. (Update: Padilla has more on Grandal here.)
  • Fellow White Sox emigré Micah Johnson needed a few stitches after cutting his hand while slicing an avocado, and will need a few days to heal, reported Plunkett. For his part, Johnson tweeted that he had “the last laugh.”
  • Andrew Friedman has taken to calling Dave Roberts “Doc,” according to Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. For you trivia buffs, the new Doc Roberts was born almost exactly 75 years after “Fiddlin'” Doc Roberts.
  • The Uribear, Juan Uribe, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Indians.
  • Tony Phillips, who seemed perpetually underrated to me, has passed away all too soon at age 56, as chronicled by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
  • And one more item from Thursday: Brandon McCarthy took Clayton Kershaw to task for misunderstanding the fundamentals of offseason training. But it’s possible there’s been a misunderstanding …

Dodger mix picks Hicks

By

On February 10, 2016

In Spring Training, Transactions

(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

By Jon Weisman

Ex-San Francisco infielder Brandon Hicks has become the 21st player to receive a non-roster invitation to the Dodgers’ big-league Spring Training camp.

After missing the first half of the 2015 season with an injury, Hicks had a .308 on-base percentage and slugged .326 for Triple-A Sacramento last year. Robert Avery of the Pasadena (Texas) Citizen recapped the Houston native’s year, which included this highlight.

… On July 23, playing second base against El Paso, Hicks was involved in a play that River Cat officials say was the greatest play of the entire season.

First baseman Adam Duvall attempted to backhand a hard-hit grounder that careened off his glove and sailed into the air. That’s when Hicks entered the picture. He grabbed the ball bare-handed and on the run, spun and fired to first base where pitcher Brett Bochy was waiting, getting the runner by a split second. …

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Dodgers boost non-roster invites to 20 with De Jong, Dirks and Rhame

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On February 1, 2016

In Spring Training, Transactions

[milbvideo id=”178473983″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
By Jon Weisman

Right-handed pitchers Chase De Jong, Caleb Dirks and Jacob Rhame have joined the 17 previously announced players given non-roster invitations to Major League Spring Training.

De Jong was acquired with infielder Tim Locastro from Toronto on July 2 in exchange for three international signing slots. Now 22, De Jong had a 3.96 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 50 innings for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga after the trade, making 10 starts in 11 appearances. In his final two games with Single-A Lansing before the trade, De Jong pitched 16 innings, allowing one run and striking out 20.

Dirks was acquired from Atlanta the same day, in a separate deal of an international signing slot. Also 22, Dirks played for four minor-league teams last year, finishing with Double-A Tulsa, and struck out 64 in 50 innings with a 0.90 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.

Rhame, on the other hand, was drafted by the Dodgers in 2013. He spent most of the year with Tulsa, for whom he had a 3.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 50 innings, with a 1.06 WHIP.

Dodgers extend 16 non-roster invites to MLB camp for Spring Training

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On January 25, 2016

In Minor leagues, Spring Training, Transactions

Julio Urias signs autographs at Spring Training in 2015. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Julio Urias signs autographs at Spring Training in 2015. (Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

2016 non-roster invitations
Pitchers (6): Chris Anderson, Lisalverto Bonilla, Brooks Brown, Jose De Leon, Julio Urias, Matt West
Catchers (3): Kyle Farmer, Jack Murphy, Shawn Zarraga
Infielders (2): Charlie Culberson, Rob Segedin
Infielder-outfielders (2): Cody Bellinger, Elian Herrera
Outfielders (3): Corey Brown, Alex Hassan, Rico Noel

By Jon Weisman

Minor-league pitching prospects Julio Urias, Jose DeLeon and Chris Anderson are among the 16 players not currently on the 40-man roster who have been invited to Major League camp for Spring Training.

The 19-year-old Urias is the No. 1 left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com, while DeLeon, 23, is the No. 5 righty. The 23-year-old Anderson, the Dodgers’ first-round draft choice in the 2013 draft, had a 4.05 ERA and 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings for Double-A Tulsa in 2015.

The hottest non-roster invite on the hitting side is Cody Bellinger, who is ranked sixth among first-base prospects in the minors.

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Pitchers and catchers report February 19

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On December 14, 2015

In Spring Training

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Those four sweet words — “pitchers and catchers report” — now have a date assigned to them for 2016.

The official report date for Dodger pitchers and catchers to Camelback Ranch is February 19, followed by the first official workout the following day.

Position players are due to report February 24, though many begin trickling in earlier. The first full-squad workout is February 25.

The Dodgers’ first Spring Training game will be with their Camelback Ranch neighbors, the Chicago White Sox, on March 3.  Opening Day for the 2016 regular season is April 4 at San Diego, with the home opener April 12.

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1991-2013
Dodgers at home: 1,028-812 (.558695)
When Jon attended: 338-267 (.558677)*
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* includes road games attended

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