Julio Urias – Page 7 – Dodger Thoughts

For more images from today, visit LA Photog Blog.

By Jon Weisman

Share a Spring Training smile with Yasiel Puig and Davey Lopes, then head on down to tonight’s links …

The circumstances surrounding Kenley Jansen’s foot surgery are detailed by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
The effort of David Aardsma (pictured at right with Orel Hershiser) to reinvent his mechanics is the subject of a lengthy feature by Gurnick.
The newest newest Dodger, Dustin McGowan, is discussed in this Eric Stephen piece at True Blue L.A.
Stephen also offers some perspective on Andre Ethier, who reported to camp today.
Mark Saxon delved into the topic of Dodger players and social media at ESPN Los Angeles, including an interview with our old friend Josh Tucker. Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson and David Huff also had interesting things to say to Saxon.
J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News explores the Dodgers’ process of determining Julio Urias’ workload in 2015.
It’s not out of the question that MLB could revert to a 154-game season, according to new MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, though don’t look for it anytime soon.
What is your opinion of Dave Kingman’s performance? As Will Leitch writes at Sports on Earth, it might deserve to change, given the current era of strikeouts.
Farhan Zaidi won the Dodger front-office Oscar pool by picking 20 out of 24 winners.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles…42 days until #OpeningDayLA.

A post shared by Los Angeles Dodgers (@dodgers) on Feb 23, 2015 at 11:09am PST

In case you missed it: Juan Uribe in the house

By Jon Weisman

On February 21, 2015

In Health/injuries, In case you missed it

For more images from today, visit LA Photog Blog.

By Jon Weisman

Well, now that Uribear is here, the party can really start …

Zack Greinke had a planned lubricating injection in his right elbow. Greinke, who has already thrown five bullpen sessions, had the procedure done as a precaution, as Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.
Today’s health log also includes new reliever Joel Peralta, who had right shoulder discomfort in a bullpen session two weeks ago, Gurnick notes, but was checked out by a doctor plans to resume playing catch Sunday.
In addition, Don Mattingly said today that non-roster submariner Ben Rowen, recovering from thoracic surgery, is on a reduced workload.
Brandon Beachy and Farhan Zaidi spoke to reporters today about the latter signing the former. Eric Stephen of True Blue L.A. has quotes, including this:

“We’re going to be conservative with it because it’s his second one and we have an investment in him not just for 2015 but 2016 as well,” Zaidi said. “We’re hoping he’ll be ready to go midseason, All-Star break, in that range, but that’s just a guess. His timeline will be determined by how well he progresses.”
Mattingly told reporters today that he doesn’t expect to see Julio Urias pitch for the Major League club in 2015.
The Dodgers have the No. 1 lineup in baseball, according to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, and the No. 3 pitching staff.
Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson both review analytics but exploit them in different ways, writes J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News.
It’s Spring Training, but McCarthy is in midseason Twitter form.

the first day at a new job is always scary but thankfully I had a shower with my co-workers to look forward to and that took the edge off

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) February 21, 2015

Julio Urias: El Prodigio

By Jon Weisman

On February 21, 2015

In Publications

Here’s a sneak preview from the March edition of Dodger Insider magazine — Cary Osborne’s feature on Julio Urias and the influence of Urias’ father. Click the image above to enlarge.

The new issue of Dodger Insider will be on sale at Camelback Ranch and Dodger Stadium beginning March 4. Subscription orders will be in the mail that week. You can subscribe to Dodger Insider at dodgers.com/magazine. Subscription orders received from February 16-March 12, 2015 will begin with the April issue.

— Jon Weisman

In case you missed it: Welcome to Spring Training edition

By Jon Weisman

On February 19, 2015

In In case you missed it

#BaseballBegins NOW! Pitchers and catchers report TODAY. pic.twitter.com/fcmysXbhZD

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 19, 2015

By Jon Weisman

So I looked outside because they said pitchers and catchers were reporting to Spring Training today, but no one was on the field at Dodger Stadium. And then someone said, “Maybe they’re in Arizona, at Camelback Ranch.” And I said, “You know, you’re probably right. That makes sense.”

Well, maybe that’s not exactly how it went. But I do wish they were here, or I was there. The good news is, I’ll be there in less than a week. So I told them not to wait for me to start their workouts.

Now, what’s happening on this fine morning …

Among the other position players who have reported ahead of their February 26 deadline are Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Scott Schebler.
Senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes gave a 12-minute interview to David Vassegh of AM 570 KLAC. Here’s what he had to say about the Dodger bullpen in the wake of Kenley Jansen’s foot surgery:

“I think it’s something we’ll talk about with Don Mattingly and Rick Honeycutt,” Byrnes said. “Sometimes, the players will dictate what roles they need to be in, and I’ve certainly been around a few teams and seasons where we probably didn’t know until the end of March who was going to be our closer. Once someone locks it down, they can sometimes get on a roll. I think we’ll keep talking about it — we might just be patient and see how guys are doing, we might look external — but I think we’re gonna be open-minded in terms of how and when we try to solidify the back end.”
Why is Julio Urias so awesome? Wilson Karaman answers the question at Minor League Ball.
In November, we reported how close the Dodgers came to being known as the Kings. At Radom Thoughts, Todd Radom writes about how close they came to being nicknamed the Canaries.
Former Dodger infielder Lenny Harris has been named assistant hitting coach for the Marlins, writes Joe Frisaro of MLB.com (via Hardball Talk).

And more from social media …

In case you missed it: Two days until pitchers and catchers

By Jon Weisman

On February 17, 2015

In Farewells, History, In case you missed it, Pitching, Television

http://instagram.com/p/zED0aXrEJw/?modal=true

By Jon Weisman

Pitchers and catchers, we’ll be saying hello to you at Camelback Ranch inside of 48 hours. Hope you packed as well as we did.

In the meantime …

In case you missed it: Yasiel Puig sets the agenda at City Hall

By Jon Weisman

On January 30, 2015

In History, In case you missed it

A little inside baseball at City Hall: @YasielPuig reaches up for the throw from councilman Tom LaBonge. pic.twitter.com/bA7n3UaA8P

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) January 30, 2015

By Jon Weisman

Yasiel Puig was filled with insouciant musings during today’s conclusion of the Dodgers’ Pitching in the Community caravan, and Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com captured it in an entertaining piece. Here’s an excerpt:

… Puig looked strong, but had no idea how much he weighs with 27 days left until the first full-squad workout.

Perhaps somewhere between 255 and 260.

“Whatever weight I come in, it doesn’t matter,” Puig said, citing teammate Juan Uribe as an example by calling him a “gordito,” exaggerating his weight and saying, “He saves us every game at third base.”

Puig also glowed about Astros 5-foot-6 second baseman Jose Altuve, his teammate for an exhibition tournament throughout Japan in November and someone he credited with inspiring him to intensify his workout regimen this offseason.

“I don’t like working out,” Puig said. “It’s like you have to pay me to enter the gym.”

But Puig did, because he wants to steal more bases and he wants to limit the highs and lows of a six-month regular season. …

Jon SooHoo has more photos from the caravan at LA Photog Blog: first stop, second stop, third stop and fourth stop.

So what else is going on?

The 45th annual convention of the Society of American Baseball Research is June 24-28 in Chicago, and if you go, you can catch the Dodgers playing at Wrigley Field June 24-25.
Carl Erskine talked about Roy Campanella’s great work behind the plate with Rob Neyer at Fox Sports’ Just a Bit Outside.
This headline should get you started: “On World War II vet’s last day, Dodger Tommy Lasorda was his angel,” by Dennis McCarthy for the Daily News.
In MLB.com’s overall list of the top 100 prospects in baseball, Corey Seager was seventh, Julio Urias eighth and Joc Pederson 13th. Grant Holmes is 95th. Here’s more from Teddy Cahill of MLB.com.
Pederson has gone gluten-free, and not by choice, writes J.P. Hoornstra at the Daily News.
Keith Law’s take on the Dodger farm system can be found at ESPN Insider. After the same first four as MLB.com, the next six are Alex Verdugo, Zach Lee, Darnell Sweeney, Chris Anderson, Jose De Leon and Zach Bird.
David Schoenfield of ESPN.com’s Sweet Spot looked back at Baseball America’s top prospects of 2005. Raise a glass for Joel Guzman.
From official MLB historian John Thorn at Our Game: “Baseball, as with any other course of life, has had its share of death, degradation, and disappointment. For utter horror, however, the story of Marty Bergen, star catcher of the Boston Beaneaters, is unmatched in the annals of the sport.”
Some last caravan tidbits …

Always different to see the Dodgers away from the ballpark. #DodgersCaravan pic.twitter.com/segbL6KjZn

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) January 30, 2015

Howie Kendrick and friends getting in shape for 2015. #DodgersCaravan https://t.co/dGQHu0eHyE

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) January 30, 2015

In case you missed it: Justin Turner and prospects on parade

By Jon Weisman

On January 29, 2015

In Community, In case you missed it, Minor leagues

By Jon Weisman

As often as the top Dodger minor leaguers get recognized for their potential, I never get tired of it …

Corey Seager, Joc Pederson, Darnell Sweeney and Scott Schebler all finished in the top 10 of Carson Cistulli’s admittedly very rough attempt to determine Wins Above Replacement for 2014 minor leaguers at FanGraphs. Bonus: Austin Barnes was 16th.
Seager and Urias are in the top 10 of Keith Law’s new prospect rankings at ESPN, with Joc Pederson 28th and Grant Holmes 79th. An excerpt: “Kyle Seager has turned into one of the top 20 players in the majors, but even as good as he is, brother Corey has the potential to be much better.
Urias is the No. 1 left-handed pitcher in MLB’s prospect positional rankings, with Pederson the No. 2 outfielder and Seager No. 4 at shortstop.
Al Campanis’ many achievements with the Dodgers, before his “Nightline” demise, are reviewed by Mark Armour and Dan Leavitt, who are promoting their book, “In Pursuit of Pennants.” They rank Campanis No. 13 all-time among general managers.
Promotions update: Juan Uribe (July 11) and Yasiel Puig (July 19) Bobblehead dates are set. And here’s more:

Maybe April 15th we'll all wear #42 with this Jackie Robinson replica jersey, presented by Bank of America. pic.twitter.com/sqdhNmH7Mw

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 29, 2015

Wrap yourself in greatness. Get your fleece blanket, presented by Security Benefit, April 29th. pic.twitter.com/gZ3Be07iSW

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 29, 2015

J.P Hoornstra of the Daily News caught up with Justin Turner, who talked about his busy offseason workouts. “I think the key to anything is obviously being on the field and staying healthy,” Turner said. “That was my emphasis this offseason, was to focus on that. Get stronger, get leaner, do some running stuff and prevent any breakdowns.”
Here are photo highlights from Tuesday’s caravan stop at Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Wednesday’s activities, featuring Turner.
More on video below …

[mlbvideo id=”37180533″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Baseball America rates top 10 Dodger prospects

By Jon Weisman

On January 22, 2015

In Minor leagues

By Jon Weisman

In Baseball America’s new assessment of the Dodger farm system, the triumvirate of Corey Seager, Joc Pederson and Julio Urias rates up top, in that order, followed by top 2014 draft picks Grant Holmes and Alex Verdugo.

Jose De Leon has leaped to the No. 6 spot, outfielder Scott Schebler to No. 9 and catcher Julian Leon to No. 10, with pitchers Chris Anderson and Chris Reed returning from 2014’s list. (Here’s the 2013 list for reference as well.)

“Aside from the Cubs, the Dodgers’ top three prospects are as strong as any other organization’s in basebal,” writes BA’s Ben Badler. “After the vaunted trio, the Dodgers farm system is in a better place than it was a year ago because of the emergence of depth beyond them. Their top 2014 draft picks—first-round righthander Grant Holmes and outfielder Alex Verdugo—both had strong debuts and look like potential impact talents.”

In case you missed it: Dodgers playing baseball

By Jon Weisman

On January 13, 2015

In Dodger Stadium, In case you missed it

Let’s go righty-lefty at Winter Development Camp with Grant Holmes and Julio Urias. https://t.co/KQPcqV9Jge

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) January 13, 2015

By Jon Weisman

It was fun to see pitching prospects Julio Urias and Grant Holmes side by side this morning at the first full day of the Dodgers’ Winter Development Program. Here’s another video of them in tandem:

[wpvideo iGXbMC9c]

Elsewhere around the Internet …

Mind matters: Gabe Kapler on changes to Winter Development Program

By Jon Weisman

On January 12, 2015

In Uncategorized

Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

New Dodger director of player development Gabe Kapler said that the focus of this year’s Winter Development Program for select Dodger prospects will be more on the mind than the body.

Arruebarrena, Seager, Urias among 17 non-roster Spring Training invitees

By Jon Weisman

On January 9, 2015

In Minor leagues, Transactions

Steve Saenz/Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers announced that they have invited 17 non-roster players to Spring Training in 2015, including infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena, who has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Here’s the list:

Minor league highlights from 2014

By Jon Weisman

On December 8, 2014

In Minor leagues

In the October issue of Dodger Insider magazine, Cary Osborne took this snapshot of highlights from the Dodger farm system in 2014, and I thought it would be nice to share with our blog audience before this year passes into next. Click the image above to enlarge.

— Jon Weisman

The Kershaws are in a family way

By Jon Weisman

On September 27, 2014

In Pregame

For more photos from Friday, visit LA Photog Blog.

Rockies at Dodgers, 6:10 p.m.
Dee Gordon, 2B
Yasiel Puig, CF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Matt Kemp, RF
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Andre Ethier, LF
Justin Turner, 3B
A.J. Ellis, C
Dan Haren, P

By Jon Weisman

After a season of putting opposing hitters to bed, Clayton Kershaw is going to try it with one of his own.

The secret of Clayton and Ellen Kershaw has been passed along by Bill Shaikin of the Times — they’re going to have a baby girl in January.

The due date comes roughly two months before Kershaw’s 27th birthday and about a month before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.

In the much nearer future, Kershaw will be the Dodgers’ pitching coach Sunday while Juan Uribe takes on managing duties, as Don Mattingly continues the recent tradition of handing over the reins to players for the last regular-season game of the season.

Uribe was one of those who greeted Dodger minor-league pitcher of the year Julio Urias on Friday. Urias and co-minor-league players of the year Corey Seager and Joc Pederson were honored before Friday’s game.

I like every Dodger I see, from Urias to Uribe. #TheSimpsons pic.twitter.com/emei1Vrhgf

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 26, 2014

In case you missed it: Things are looking up for Corey Seager

By Jon Weisman

On July 13, 2014

In Minor leagues, Transactions

Corey Seager at today’s Futures Game. (Ben Platt/MLB.com)

By Jon Weisman

A big moment for Corey Seager — his appearance at this year’s MLB Futures Game today — grew bigger with the news that he has been promoted to Double-A Chatanooga.

Bill Shaikin of the Times has more in an interview with Seager, who lined out to right and was hit by a pitch in the game. Seager is sticking around Minnesota to watch his brother Kyle, the Seattle infielder, play in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game.

Seager had a .411 on-base percentage and .633 slugging percentage with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, after going .246/.320 in a late-season debut there last year. This year, he has 34 doubles and 18 homers in 80 games.

Meanwhile, Rancho teammate Julio Urias at 17 became the youngest player in Futures Game history. He pitched a perfect inning on 14 pitches, striking out one.

“The Dodgers’ lefty was 92 to 95 with an above-average curveball and great rhythm to his delivery,” wrote Keith Law of ESPN.com. “He rotates his hips well, both to hide the ball and to generate arm speed the safer way by using his lower half.”

Elsewhere …

Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America push Urias, Pederson and Seager into top 20

By Jon Weisman

On July 7, 2014

In Minor leagues

By Jon Weisman

Baseball Prospectus moved three top Dodger prospects up in its midseason rankings: Julio Urias (35th to 15th), Joc Pederson (50th to 17th) and Corey Seager (44th to 19th). That’s right: Baseball Prospectus now considers the Dodgers to have three top 20 prospects in the minors.

Update: Corroboration. Here’s the Baseball America midseason list, with Urias at 13 (up from 51 at the end of 2013), Seager at 16 (up from 37) and Pederson at 18 (up from 34).

Here are Baseball Prospectus’ comments:

Dodger Thoughts

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

Tag: Julio Urias (Page 7 of 8)

In case you missed it: Shiny happy people laughing

In case you missed it: Juan Uribe in the house

Julio Urias: El Prodigio

In case you missed it: Welcome to Spring Training edition

In case you missed it: Two days until pitchers and catchers

In case you missed it: Yasiel Puig sets the agenda at City Hall

In case you missed it: Justin Turner and prospects on parade

Baseball America rates top 10 Dodger prospects

In case you missed it: Dodgers playing baseball

Mind matters: Gabe Kapler on changes to Winter Development Program

Arruebarrena, Seager, Urias among 17 non-roster Spring Training invitees

Minor league highlights from 2014

The Kershaws are in a family way

In case you missed it: Things are looking up for Corey Seager

Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America push Urias, Pederson and Seager into top 20

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