Long balls push Dodgers past Marlins
03/16/2006
Marlins at the plate: Hanley Ramirez and Jeremy Hermida had RBI singles in the third inning. Matt Treanor singled to start the third and doubled in the fourth and seventh innings.
Dodgers at the plate: Cody Ross's pinch-hit homer, a solo shot in the third, was his fourth home run in 20 spring at-bats. Bill Mueller's solo home run was his second. Joel Guzman's solo home run was his second. Delwyn Young joined the power surge with his first home run. James Loney doubled in a run.
Marlins on the mound: Jason Vargas allowed two solo home runs in four-plus innings. Joe Borowski allowed two runs in two innings.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Aaron Sele allowed two runs in a four-hit third inning. Eric Gagne allowed a single and got a double-play grounder in one scoreless inning. Joe Beimel struck out the side in the fourth inning. Franquelis Osoria got the save with a perfect ninth inning.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 10-5-2; Dodgers 8-5-2.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Billingsley takes comparisons in stride
03/16/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Dave Stewart, the only pitcher in the last quarter century to win 20 games four consecutive seasons, has this to say about top Dodger pitching prospect Chad Billingsley:
"He's going to be far better than I ever was."
Whoa.
Here's the fine print: Stewart is Billingsley's agent.
Disclaimer aside, Stewart isn't alone in his praise for Billingsley, the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year two years running.
"He's going to be there real soon," said Ken Howell, meaning Billingsley's anticipated arrival in the Major Leagues. Howell has been Billingsley's pitching coach the last two seasons and will be with him at Triple-A Las Vegas this year, for as long as Billingsley is there.
"It's not just one or two of us in the organization that feels this way about him," said Rick Honeycutt, the who was the organization pitching coordinator until a recent promotion to Major League pitching coach. "A lot of eyes were watching that Double-A Jacksonville team last year. Other teams feel the same way about him. Over the second half, he was just lights out. He's the total package."
Billingsley, 21, was a first-round pick out of Defiance (Ohio) High School. In three Minor League seasons, he is 29-14 with a 3.01 ERA. He's a power pitcher with a thick trunk (244 pounds) on a 6-foot frame. He's built a little like Tom Seaver, although he said Nolan Ryan "was my role model."
"I started pitching when I was 7, and when I was 8 my dad had a stroke and became disabled, and he was my pitching coach," said Billingsley. "He worked for General Motors (and) didn't really know anything about baseball mechanics, but he researched and bought books and videos and zeroed in on Ryan because of his mechanics and molded me into something like that, even with the huge leg kick.
"Everything Ryan has said he did, that's what my dad had me do. I even picked up my grip looking at his grip on a baseball card. My dad got all the tools Ryan used, like a little baseball that helped with my control and various weights. My dad knows me best. My success is his success."
Howell said the biggest difference between Billingsley today and the one of two years ago is mechanical -- a lot of the rough edges have smoothed out, even though in his first spring appearances he's overthrown to the first few batters he's faced.
"He still tends to speed his body up, especially at the start of a game, and he is just starting to understand that he needs to slow the body down," said Howell. "In this first Major League camp, with the atmosphere, the excitement, he's gotten hyped up at the start and the next inning he's settled down."
Although the Dodgers farm system hasn't produced a superstar pitcher since Pedro Martinez and there is internal support to rush Billingsley to the Major Leagues sooner rather than later, new general manager Ned Colletti has resisted, instead signing free agent Brett Tomko and trading for Jae Seo to bide time for the kid's arrival.
Colletti didn't need to be an eyewitness to understand what happened to Edwin Jackson, the last Dodger "phenom" pitcher to veer off-course. The next phenom knows Jackson's saga all too well.
"When Edwin got sent down to Jacksonville last year, we were roommates for a while," said Billingsley. "What I think is that he tried to do too much and lost confidence in himself. A lot of this game is mental and it gets tough if your head isn't on straight. He told me he was getting a lot of information from a lot of people and I think he just lost confidence."
Now Billingsley is considered the next Jackson, at least in ability, and such expectations can set the bar awfully high. In his debut, Jackson beat Randy Johnson on his 20th birthday, and five months later came to his first Spring Training being compared to Doc Gooden. A spot in the rotation was his to lose, which he did. Billingsley hasn't made a pitch above Double-A, yet all eyes are on him.
"I don't get caught up in that," he said. "I've been compared to so many big names. I'm not trying to be like anybody else."
Stewart said Billingsley will succeed because he not only has immense talent, but the work ethic to harness and refine it.
"With his attitude to go after it, he has a real high ceiling," said Stewart.
But better than a four-time 20-game winner?
"He's going to be real good," said Stewart. "But I wouldn't put him in a big game against me."
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Dodgers, Mets battle it out to a tie
03/17/2006
Mets at the plate: Jeff Keppinger's bases-loaded triple capped a four-run sixth inning. Keppinger also doubled and scored a run. Victor Diaz homered. The Mets scored another run on a bases-loaded walk by Corey Ragsdale.
Dodgers at the plate: Jeff Kent followed J.D. Drew's single with his second home run. Olmedo Saenz's pinch-hit double was cashed in by Kenny Lofton's fielder's-choice grounder. Andre Ethier hit a two-run triple. James Loney doubled with two outs in the ninth and was singled home by Willy Aybar to tie the game.
Mets on the mound: Steve Trachsel was charged with three earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. Matt Perisho was charged with three runs in one inning, and Bartolome Fortunato allowed the tying run in the ninth.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Brett Tomko allowed two runs, one on Diaz's home run and another on a Chris Woodward groundout that cashed in Keppinger's double. D.J. Houlton was charged with four runs (three earned) in two innings. Brian Meadows walked in a run that was charged to Kelly Wunsch. Jonathan Broxton struck out two in one inning.
Grapefruit League records: New York Mets 10-6-1; Dodgers 8-5-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Pitching staff still taking shape
03/17/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Because the Dodgers have one day off four days into the season and another two weeks later, manager Grady Little said on Friday that he's leaning toward starting the season with an 11-man pitching staff. For the first week, fifth starter Jae Seo will be in the bullpen.
"If we're confident in how quickly they're able to rebound, that will have a lot of bearing on it," said Little.
Eric Gagne is rebounding better the day after pitching, but he still needs two days off between appearances. Little said that it is too early to evaluate Yhency Brazoban, because he missed two weeks with a sore shoulder. He will throw two innings on Saturday. If either is not 100 percent, the chance of carrying 12 pitchers increases.
Assuming that both Gagne and Brazoban open the season with the club, that leaves four more bullpen spots, and Danys Baez and Lance Carter (both acquired in the Edwin Jackson trade) figure to hold two of them.
For the final two spots, there are 11 remaining contenders: right-handers D.J. Houlton, Takashi Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Franquelis Osoria, Aaron Sele, Chad Billingsley and Brian Meadows; and left-handers Tim Hamulack, Hong-Chih Kuo, Kelly Wunsch and Joe Beimel. Saito, Sele, Meadows, Wunsch and Beimel are on Minor League contracts.
The most favorable comments by Little recently have praised Saito, Osoria, Broxton and Kuo. Broxton struck out two in one inning on Friday night and struck out a pair in an inning on Monday after a few shaky early outings. Broxton said that he's made a mechanical adjustment that gets the lower half of his body more involved in his delivery.
"He can be a bull out there," said Little. "You see a kid getting better as Spring Training goes along."
Houlton had a shaky outing on Friday night, one that was compounded when Jason Repko came up empty on a do-or-die catch attempt that went for a three-run triple.
Wunsch, who was charged with the go-ahead run on Friday night, has had a rough spring, As for Sele, he has been a starter almost exclusively through his career, and adjusting to long relief can be a challenge. He is not expected to embrace the idea of going to the Minor Leagues if the club asks.
Kent's power: Despite a late start to spring games because of wrist surgery, Jeff Kent is swinging the bat as if he's healed. He slugged his second home run on Friday night, raising his average to .312 and his slugging percentage to .625.
"You look in the dictionary under 'old pro' and you'll see his picture," said Little of Kent. "He knows how to play the game of baseball. He's been doing it good for a long time. He wouldn't get out there until he was fully ready. He's a pleasure to have around."
Navarro improved: Catcher Dioner Navarro, who strained a hamstring on Wednesday, said that he continues to improve. Russell Martin started against the Mets on Friday night and was expected to make Saturday's game in Lakeland.
Reporting, not reporting: Starting left fielder Jose Cruz Jr. returned to Dodgertown and was in the lineup for Friday night's game, but Little said that Ricky Ledee won't be back until Saturday. The outfielders had been participating for their native Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Tomko honored: Friday starter Brett Tomko returned on Wednesday to his alma mater, Florida Southern College, for a ceremony to retire his uniform No. 35. In 1995, Tomko won the Dick Howser Award as the Division II player of the year after going 15-2 with a 1.35 ERA and leading the school to the NCAA Division II national championship.
In the booth: Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully arrived in town on Friday. Also in town is former Dodgers outfielder Tom Goodwin, who will team with Rick Monday as an analyst for the weekend radio broadcasts.
Gadget dept.: Every year, new hitting aids hit the market, and hitting coach Eddie Murray has provided his pupils with Kinect Sports aluminum alloy training bats. The bat was designed with a reduced barrel circumference that coach Rich Donnelly said makes it look more "like a broomhandle" than a bat, but the smaller sweet spot requires better concentration for square contact.
The bat lacks the typical "ping" sound of aluminum and more closely mimics the sound and "moment of inertia" of a wood bat, according to the manufacturer.
Entrepreneur in uniform: Minor League reliever Aaron Klusman has launched AK Industries, an online clothing company that sells hats, T-shirts and hoodies to people who love all things extreme.
Klusman, who played for Rookie-level Ogden last season, came up with the idea for an action sports clothing line while in a business class at Arizona State University. At its peak, AK Industries sold $10,000 in merchandise in just four weeks. The company, which now has professional snowboarder Jef Groff as its spokesman, has reached the point where it is ready for retail.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Martin's single in ninth lifts Dodgers
03/18/2006
Dodgers at the plate: The Dodgers sprinkled 10 hits across Joker Marchant Stadium. Russell Martin's single to center off Wilfredo Ledezma with two outs in the ninth inning scored two runs to give the Dodgers the lead and the victory.
Tigers at the plate: In his first at-bat of Grapefruit League season, Craig Monroe led off the bottom of the third inning with a solo homer.
Dodgers on the mound: In his second start, right-hander Chad Billingsley worked three innings and gave up one run on two hits. Right-hander Lance Carter replaced Billingsley and worked a scoreless inning. Yhency Brazoban followed, and his wild pitch allowed the Tigers to take a 2-0 lead. Right-hander Franquelis Osoria pitched the ninth for the save.
Tigers on the mound: Right-hander Jason Grilli started and pitched four innings. Grilli, who pitched for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, gave up four hits and no runs. Ledezma gave up the decisive runs in the ninth for the blown save and the loss.
Grapefruit League records: Dodgers 9-5-3; Tigers 11-8-1.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Kuo keeps racking up K's
03/18/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- For more than 20 years, the Dodgers have searched for a left-handed reliever as fearless and forceful as Steve Howe, and they might have found the real deal in Hong-Chih Kuo, whose outing Saturday was the stuff that wins jobs in Spring Training.
In fact, Ken Howell and Steve Yeager, who were teammates of Howe and coached Kuo at Double-A Jacksonville last year, said the lefty's style is reminiscent of Howe.
"Where he resembles Howe is that he goes right after guys," said Howell. "He throws hard and throws strikes. He attacks the zone and surprises right-handed hitters who wait for him to nibble. He's fun to watch."
Kuo struck out the first four Detroit batters he faced on Saturday and went two innings for the first time this spring. He has allowed only one hit with eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. He said earlier preparation to compete for Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic has him in top shape, even though he allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings in that tournament.
"The kid has been outstanding the last couple of times," said manager Grady Little. "He was in complete command of the ballgame. He didn't back off any hitter -- his stuff was outstanding. What more can you say?"
You can say that Kuo is a medical marvel, a victim of two Tommy John surgeries that limited him to only 44 1/3 innings during his first five professional seasons after signing for a $1.25 million bonus. In a spectacular professional debut, he struck out seven of 10 batters and blew out his elbow. It's been a monumentally frustrating ride ever since.
In a September callup last year, Kuo struck out 10 in 5 1/3 innings. Although a gigantic home run hit by Barry Bonds made the SportsCenter highlights, Kuo was literally unhittable for right-handed batters (0-for-10), which makes him something special. Now's he's working on a slider -- another Howe money pitch.
Kuo said this is the first time he's felt comfortable pitching a second inning, and the next test is to pitch on consecutive days. If he clears that hurdle, the 24-year-old will be hard to keep off the Major League staff.
What about Carter? For all the fuss over Kuo, nobody in camp is having a better Spring Training than Lance Carter.
Ironically, Carter gives the Dodgers two relievers who have had two Tommy John operations. He missed the 1997 and 2001 seasons, but made it all the way to the All-Star team with the Devil Rays, and he would seem to have a job locked up this spring with the equivalent of a complete-game shutout -- nine scoreless innings.
"He's done nothing around here to turn a person off -- in the clubhouse or on the mound," said Little. "He's productive. You can't help but like everything he does. He doesn't wow you with his stuff. All he does is get people out."
And Osoria? With all of the veteran arms in camp, there didn't seem to be room for Franquelis Osoria a few weeks ago, but after another shutout inning Saturday, the sinkerballer again drew praise from Little.
"That's the second time for him with outstanding stuff," the skipper said. "We're not ignoring people who throw the ball like that and get good results."
Yhency Brazoban pitched two innings, the second better than the first. He's playing catch up after missing two weeks with a sore shoulder, and he has posted a 9.64 ERA thus far.
On offense: James Loney continued another torrid spring with three hits on Saturday to raise his average to .452, while Russell Martin (.348) delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning to lift the Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Tigers.
Navarro continues improvement: The club is now cautiously optimistic that catcher Dioner Navarro will be healthy enough to start the season behind the plate. Navarro suffered a strained hamstring Wednesday, but after an injection, he has responded better than originally anticipated.
Werth's improvement negligible: Jayson Werth, into his second year with a wrist injury, said he swung a fungo at "about 30 percent," but when he tried to roll his wrist, "it bites." He remains out indefinitely.
TV on Sunday: Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will be at the microphone for the first time this spring on Sunday. This is Scully's 57th season with the Dodgers.
Ladies Day: The 5th annual Ladies Spring Training Day at Dodgertown will be held Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. PT. Women from across the region can come out and receive special instruction from Dodgers players and staff. There will be throwing, batting, base running and fielding stations, along with guest lectures from Dodgers personnel.
In May 2005, the Dodgers, led by vice chairman and president Jamie McCourt, launched the Women's Initiative and Network (WIN) program to develop and expand their female audience. The program aims to provide women of all ages and backgrounds with unique opportunities to learn about baseball and experience the fun of attending a game at Dodger Stadium.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Sarah's Take: Give rookies a chance
03/19/2006
In Spring Training, the Dodgers are having the opportunity to take a good long look at the young Minor Leaguers. After a disappointing 91-loss season, the Dodgers should be evaluating everything.
Since general manager Ned Colletti and manager Grady Little are new to the Dodgers organization, they are not familiar with the Minor League system. They need to know the Minor Leaguers. I don't see the Dodgers signing many free agents every year. Although Colletti signed many big-name free agents this offseason, these veterans have short-term contracts. Therefore, the young Dodgers will have an opportunity to get to the Majors shortly. To me, every Minor Leaguer needs to make a good impression on Dodgers management.
Some Dodgers fans have criticized Colletti for getting so many former Giants and Red Sox. I don't mind where these veterans came from if they can play. Last year, the Dodgers had many new faces. I was upset because many of those veteran players couldn't play well ever. This year, the Dodgers have many superstars who are still in their prime. Although these veterans might not be in Los Angeles for a long time, they can make a lasting impression on the city. These veterans are supposed to fill in the gap until the Minor Leaguers are ready for the Major Leagues.
Some members of the media have been criticizing Little for not playing the veterans enough. I laugh and say, "Hogwash!" Jim Tracy never played his veterans much, especially not together. I never understood how the veterans developed communication. However, I can't argue with the results of Tracy's teams in April.
Obviously, Grady Little has a different philosophy than Tracy. Little has been playing the veterans in the same game. The veterans don't play every game. This is normal for every baseball team. Little has given the Minor Leaguers enough time to show what they are capable of doing. The Minor Leaguers have been impressive. Spring Training is the only time that Little can see what Minor Leaguers are doing firsthand. I have been enjoying listening to the exhibition games because they are the only time that I can get to know the Minor Leaguers. Sometimes during the season, Dodgers fans e-mail me asking about a certain Minor Leaguer. Usually I don't know, but if I can remember him from Spring Training, I feel less stupid. With two weeks until the regular season begins, I expect Little will play his veterans more than he has. Personally, I prefer how Little is running Spring Training to the way Tracy did.
Seeing players in person is valuable. Although some baseball fans think looking at a player's statistics tells them the whole story, I know better. I use statistics in my writings to illustrate how a player is doing, but I understand statistics don't tell everything. I find the defensive statistics are misleading. If a player doesn't make errors, the statistics show that he is a good defensive player. However, he might not have the range to make the necessary plays. Little can read scouting reports to learn how a Minor Leaguer is doing. But to me, scouting reports can be biased because the scout writes down his opinions about a player. I believe the time that Little is spending watching the Minor Leaguers is helping him to make an informed decision about who will be on the team.
While some members of the media are worried that the veterans will not be ready for the regular season, I am not. The veterans know what they need to do to get ready for April 3. The Dodgers have many positions that need decisions on who will play them. I am not satisfied with preseason predictions. Too many young players are having a good Spring Training, and they should be able to earn a position on the Opening Day roster.
The left-field job is wide open. Before Spring Training began, everyone believed Jose Cruz Jr. would be the left fielder. Cruz hasn't been in Vero Beach because he has been representing Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Last August and September, he was impressive while playing for the Dodgers. Cruz hasn't had the career that most people thought he would. Offensively, he has struggled. Although he has the most experience of any of the potential Dodgers outfielders, he shouldn't block a promising young outfielder.
Whereas most reporters are certain that the Dodgers will have a veteran outfield, I am not. I will be disappointed if Little doesn't look past previous performances and choose the outfielder with the best Spring Training to be his left fielder. My biggest complaint about Tracy was he didn't give the young players an opportunity to play for the Dodgers.
After a fantastic Spring Training in 2005, Jason Repko made the Dodgers and sat on the bench. Repko didn't have a good rookie year. He is a possible five-tool player with a lot of enthusiasm. He made an impact on every game that he had an opportunity to get in, but for most of the last season, he sat and rusted. This Spring Training, he is excelling again. He is slated to be the fourth outfielder on the Dodgers until Jayson Werth returns from a wrist injury. Why hasn't Repko been considered to be the starting left fielder? I felt the lack of opportunity to play regularly hurt Repko's offensive skills and confidence. I hate seeing a young talented player being wasted because the Dodgers are not comfortable giving a rookie a chance to play regularly.
Cody Ross is another young outfielder who is having a good Spring Training. He is an older Minor Leaguer who is out of options. Not many people think he will have a good Major League career, but nobody can predict how Ross will do in the Majors. This spring he has displayed unexpected power. The projected Dodger lineup doesn't have an abundance of power, so having Ross able to come off the bench and hit a home run would be a big plus for the Dodgers.
This spring, Grady Little has moved the most treasured Dodgers Minor League prospect, Joel Guzman, from shortstop to left field. Because many left fielders are weak defensively, I am not worried about Guzman's defense. The kid can hit, especially with power. I think the Dodgers aren't considering Guzman for the Major League roster. Guzman hasn't played at the Triple-A level yet. The Dodgers don't want to rush Guzman. I don't want to hold the kid back, either. For two straight Spring Trainings, he has received a long look in the Major League camp, and he has done well. Ever since Adrian Beltre, the Dodgers have not promoted any position player quickly through the Minor League system. However, not every player is like Beltre, who needed Triple-A. If Guzman continues to do well this spring, I think he should be considered for the Major League roster.
For the second straight Spring Training, the Dodgers have a battle for the starting catcher position. Before Spring Training began, most people thought Dioner Navarro would be the regular catcher for the Dodgers. Although he did satisfactorily last August and September with the Dodgers, I was not convinced he was the catcher of the future.
Navarro had trouble knowing what to do with his mask on a foul ball. In my opinion, this skill should be learned early in the Minor Leagues. Not knowing what to do with his mask made every foul ball an adventure, and I was always scared that he would trip on it and injure himself. Before he came to Los Angeles, I heard that Navarro had a terrific throwing arm, but I didn't see any evidence of it. He didn't seem to be able to catch a basestealer. Usually when he tried, he overthrew for an error. Although the media praised Navarro's patience at the plate, I was not impressed. I thought he needed to be more aggressive.
This spring, 22-year-old Navarro has struggled. He has done OK defensively but nothing spectacular. He has a .064 batting average. To me, this doesn't make a Major Leaguer. I would like to see Navarro start the season at Triple-A, especially after he injured his hamstring. In my opinion, Navarro's strength is his ability to work with pitchers. The Dodgers can't keep a catcher without better basic skills.
The Dodgers have a 23-year-old catcher, Russell Martin, who is making a statement to be on the Major League roster. Many people within the Dodgers organization believe Martin is the future catcher. For two consecutive Spring Trainings, he has impressed me, not an easy feat. Reportedly he is a hard worker. This winter, Martin worked with Eric Gagne, and this probably will help Martin to get more prepared for the Major Leagues.
Martin, a converted third baseman, has displayed better than average defense. When he throws to second base, he throws perfect strikes and usually catches the potential basestealer easily. He can block pitches in the dirt. He is agile behind the plate, and this helps him to prevent wild pitches and catch foul balls. Before Friday's game started, Martin was hitting .380 during Spring Training. Though Martin hasn't played above Double-A, he has shown that he is ready for the Major Leagues. Since Navarro has an injury, the Dodgers should give Martin a chance to play in the Major Leagues this April.
I have heard a rumor that the Dodgers wanted to bring all of the players at Double-A up at the same time. People remember the team of the 1970s, and they think the famous infield arrived at the same time. This is not true. It would be nice if a team could go through the Minor League system together, but it is not possible. I hope the Dodgers will abandon the idea, and they will promote the players when they are ready.
I don't think the Dodgers will lose 91 games again this year. They have many young players who can help the Dodgers now. I hope the Dodgers will consider the rookies for each position. I am excited about the 2006 season.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Penny looking for a break
03/19/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Brad Penny is trying everything to rediscover his "A" game breaking ball. He worked on it in a Friday side session, then Sunday had a tutorial with the all-time Dodgers pitching guru, Sandy Koufax.
Penny spent 20 minutes talking with Koufax, pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and bullpen coach Dan Warthen. It was Koufax's first visit to Dodgertown this spring.
"We talked mainly about gripping the curveball," said Penny. "He showed me the way he gripped it. But geez, have you ever seen his hand? He says to hold it like this, but that's easy for him to say with hands that big. But I'm going to try it and see what happens."
Penny, who pitches Monday night against the Nationals, already was excited about the progress he made with his breaking ball during the bullpen session Friday.
"That's the way I threw it in the World Series," said Penny, the winning pitcher in Florida's 2003 clinching victory over the Yankees. "Last year, that was the last thing I couldn't really do because of my arm. Snapping it at the end never felt quite right."
Penny suffered a damaged biceps nerve in August 2004 and started the 2005 season three weeks late, but still made 29 starts. Nonetheless, he said he was still apprehensive and lacked full extension on his breaking ball. The bullpen session was designed to extend the release point on that pitch.
Steady progress for Gagne: Eric Gagne threw his entire repertoire for the first time this spring in his one-inning Sunday outing, adding the slider for the first time. Gagne made 16 pitches and had a strikeout and a walk.
Gagne is not where he wants to be in his recovery from elbow surgery last June, but he's pleased that the progress has been steady with no setbacks.
"I wish I was 100 percent right now and that I could throw like I want, but it's getting better every time and that's all I can ask for," said Gagne. "I didn't get tight on the mound at all, it didn't bark. Nothing."
Gagne said he is bouncing back between outings better each time, but he is still taking two days off between appearances and is not expected to try pitching on consecutive days until the last week of March.
"It was good again today and we have to see how I am the next day," he said. "It's taking me less time to warm up, less time to get loose."
Of his four fastballs, he topped out at 93 mph.
Ace time: Derek Lowe, who allowed one run over six innings, will emerge as the staff ace if manager Grady Little is right.
"The man is getting geared up to have a great season," Little said. "He has total focus on what he's doing out there. He's got the ability. With focus, the results will come."
Lowe said he's not hung up on titles.
"My goal isn't to be the No. 1 guy, it's for my team on the day that I pitch to feel we're going to win that day," said Lowe. "That's a trust and a respect you have to earn from the team. I'm trying to do that in Spring Training so people feel good every time I go out there."
Lowe has allowed one run in 13 official spring innings for a 0.69 ERA.
Offense on track: Bill Mueller had a home run and two singles and scored three runs Sunday, and Ricky Ledee had a two-run homer and double in his first game back from the World Baseball Classic.
J.D. Drew did not start in the game against Washington and instead took extra at-bats in a Minor League game.
Little said he did not know when Jae Seo, who allowed only one run in 14 innings, and Hee-Seop Choi, who hit .217, would arrive back from the Classic after Saturday's elimination of Korea, or Odalis Perez of the Dominican Republic team.
Mixed emotions: Cuban reliever Danys Baez, who defected to play Major League Baseball, didn't watch Cuba's victory Saturday over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
"I'm happy for a few of my friends on the team, but I'm not part of it because they wouldn't let me play," said Baez. "I wish them good luck. They played great baseball to beat the Dominicans. But even though it's my country, they're not thinking about me, so how can I feel part of them?"
Baez, pleased with a mechanical adjustment he made last week, threw a perfect inning Sunday. If Gagne cannot bounce back for consecutive appearances in April, Baez will pick up a share of save opportunities.
Izturis defies the experts: Cesar Izturis continues his recovery from Tommy John elbow reconstruction faster than the club expected.
Saturday, for the first time, he threw from the regular shortstop position, only six months after having the operation. He believes he's only a couple of weeks away from beginning to play in Minor League games and now foresees a Major League return by May 1 or sooner.
Dr. Frank Jobe said he wants to have a new MRI taken of the repaired ligament on the inside of Izturis' elbow and the osteochondritis condition on the outside of the elbow before Izturis is cleared for game action.
Navarro healing quickly: Catcher Dioner Navarro, who strained a right hamstring muscle Wednesday, threw for the first time Sunday and said he continues to be healing faster than he expected.
Navarro said he might start light jogging soon, and still has not tried to hit or squat. Without a setback, chances are he will be healthy when the season starts in two weeks.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Lowe goes six strong in Dodgers' win
03/19/2006
Nationals at the plate: A single by Royce Clayton and an infield single by Ryan Zimmerman were cashed in by Daryle Ward's RBI groundout. The Nationals had one single over the last 4 2/3 innings.
Dodgers at the plate: Five runs scored in the first inning on a fielder's choice and error off the bat of Jose Cruz Jr., a Jeff Kent sacrifice fly, an RBI single by Bill Mueller and a two-run throwing error by Zimmerman. Mueller homered in the third inning and had three hits. Ricky Ledee, in his first game back from the World Baseball Classic, hit a two-run homer and a double.
Nationals on the mound: Billy Traber was charged with five runs in the first inning, three of them earned, and a sixth run in the third inning on Mueller's home run.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Derek Lowe allowed one run on four hits over six innings. Eric Gagne, Jonathan Broxton and Danys Baez pitched scoreless innings.
Grapefruit League records: Nationals 5-15-1; Dodgers 10-5-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Dodgers fete Campo Las Palmas
03/19/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- The Dodgers organization recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Campo Las Palmas, its baseball academy in the Dominican Republic. That so many dignitaries made the trip for the ceremony was an indication of how important that academy has been to the ballclub.
Attending were chairman and vice chairman Frank and Jamie McCourt, general manager Ned Colletti, chief operating officer Marty Greenspun, vice president of communications Camille Johnston, vice president of scouting and player development Roy Smith and vice president of Minor League facilities Craig Callan.
Among the current Dodgers who have gone through the academy are Joel Guzman, Franquelis Osoria, Willy Aybar and Tony Abreu.
Former standout academy graduates include Pedro Martinez, Raul Mondesi and Adrian Beltre.
On the move: Blake DeWitt, a first-round pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft as a shortstop, will play second base this season, most likely at Class A Vero Beach. DeWitt had been playing third base, but the thought of a talented middle infielder who is also pure left-handed hitter is appealing to management. DeWitt led Columbus last year in hits, doubles and total bases.
Names in the game: Lance Parrish was hired to manage the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors, after serving last year as bullpen coach for the Detroit Tigers. Parrish was also a member of Detroit's staff from 1999-2001. Parrish served as a coach for the Dodgers' Double-A team at San Antonio in 1997-98 and was the Missions' interim manager the second half of the 1998 season. Parrish was an eight-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger Award winner and three-time Gold Glove winner during a 19-year playing career. He ranks in the top 10 for catchers in games caught, home runs and RBIs.
They're No. 1: Scott Elbert has been in the organization only two seasons, but management is so confident of his future it felt comfortable trading away Chuck Tiffany, who had been considered the Dodgers' best left-handed starting pitching prospect until Elbert emerged.
Elbert was drafted 17th overall in 2004 out of Seneca (Mo.) High School, and his 2.66 ERA last year was the best among all Dodgers full-season Minor Leaguers. He also struck out 128 batters in 115 innings and is rated as the organization's sixth-best prospect by Baseball America.
Class of '05: Luke Hochevar, a supplemental first-round pick in last year's draft, remains unsigned with no indication the two sides intend to make an effort to break the impasse. Hochevar rejected a $2.97 million bonus offer after verbally accepting it. He will be a senior this year and would go back into the draft in June.
What they're saying: "He's a non-drafted short right-handed pitcher who's under the radar and has to prove himself at every level. He's had to grind it out, but every manager and pitching coach wants him on their club. He's got guts, and he knows how to pitch." -- Smith on pitcher Eric Hull, who has a 3.33 ERA over four professional seasons
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Martin making his mark
03/20/2006
VIERA, Fla. -- Dioner Navarro, with an .063 batting average and a strained hamstring, still projects to be the Opening Day catcher for the Dodgers.
But Russell Martin was told when camp opened that he would be given a chance to win the job, and he's doing everything possible to make it happen.
With a three-run homer and four RBIs Monday night, Martin raised his spring average to .400. While Martin is capitalizing on expanded playing time in Navarro's absence, Navarro is working like a madman to get back on the field.
Navarro added batting practice and light jogging to playing catch, and Monday he said he feels no pain in the hamstring muscle he strained last week. He said he's relatively confident he will be at full strength for the start of the season.
"But I haven't really tested it yet and I don't need to yet," he said. "I haven't squatted. But it's really coming along good because I'm working hard every day. That's the difference in a guy who has an injury for a month and a guy who has one for two weeks. It's hard work."
There's only room on the Major League club for one of them, with Sandy Alomar Jr. the veteran backup. Unless Navarro opens the season on the disabled list, Martin figures to be at Triple-A Las Vegas. He's just not playing like a Minor Leaguer.
"This is definitely a confidence booster for sure," Martin said. "The pitchers like throwing to me and that tells me I'm doing a decent job behind the plate. I feel like I can compete at this level."
Martin said starting pitcher Brad Penny's breaking ball showed improvement in his five-inning outing Monday, which was marred by a two-run first inning. Penny retired the last 10 batters he faced.
"He was overthrowing everything there and it took an inning or two for him to get his composure back, but he made the adjustment," said Martin.
Guzman still in the mix: If 21-year-old Joel Guzman hasn't yet done enough to win an everyday outfield job, he has Dodgers manager Grady Little toying with the thought of keeping him in the Major Leagues in a utility role.
Little originally said if Guzman doesn't play every day in the big leagues, he would play every day in the Minor Leagues. Little backed a bit off that position on Monday, even though it would be highly unusual for a top prospect jumping from Double-A.
"It's sticky. There are very few people who think he can't help our club, but is it the best thing for him?" said Little. "He's done a great job adjusting to the outfield, making all the plays, and I'm confident he can do other things defensively, like shortstop and first and third base. In left field, he looks like Dave Winfield."
Little said deciding whether to start the season with 11 or 12 pitchers will dictate which players -- and what kind of players -- are needed to fill out the remaining position spots. The most likely scenario would be 11 pitchers, at least initially with fifth starter Jae Seo in the bullpen.
Going with 12 pitchers might make Guzman's infield/outfield versatility even more tempting, because he essentially could serve the purpose of two position players. Because Oscar Robles is a left-handed hitter, the right-handed Guzman would probably make the team at the expense of right-handed-hitting utilityman Ramon Martinez. Guzman had a single and two RBIs Monday night.
A linked bench decision is what to do with Hee-Seop Choi, who returned from the World Baseball Classic and made the trip Monday. With Nomar Garciaparra starting at first base and Choi unable to play anywhere else, he would be the second left-handed hitter off the bench after Ricky Ledee, especially if Robles is not on the club. With Ledee and Robles on the club, Choi could be a numbers victim.
Little said he would need to watch Choi play to make an evaluation, although Choi is a known quantity - left-handed power, but lacking consistency. Little also praised the play of Willy Aybar, another utility infielder who had an impressive September call-up and is still competing for a job.
Seo and Odalis Perez will rejoin the club from their Classic duties Tuesday. Perez will pitch in a Minor League game, while Seo will drop into the rotation and start Thursday.
Cutdowns: The Dodgers reassigned five players out of Major League camp and none of them was a surprise, although one of them was pitcher Chad Billingsley, considered by many as the best prospect in the organization.
The others were left-handed reliever Joe Beimel, first baseman James Loney and outfielders Matt Kemp and Delwyn Young.
"I was kind of expecting it," said the 21-year-old Billingsley, who had a 3.86 ERA in 9 1/3 innings. "I felt I threw well and that's all I can do. I feel I gave them a good look and if something happens to somebody up there, they'll think of me."
Beimel was one of four left-handed relief contenders, leaving Kelly Wunsch, Hong-Chih Kuo and Tim Hamulack.
Kemp, who hit 27 home runs at Class A Vero Beach, is expected to play at Double-A Jacksonville this year. The other four are likely headed to Las Vegas.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Martin powers Dodgers past Nats
03/20/2006
Dodgers at the plate: Russell Martin, who had four RBIs, slugged a three-run homer in the sixth inning and the Dodgers followed that with a seven-run seventh inning that included Jason Repko's two-run double. Six Dodgers drove in runs.
Nationals at the plate: Washington scored twice in the first inning, on an RBI single by Nick Johnson and a fielder's choice grounder by Ryan Zimmerman. Daryle Ward slugged a pinch-homer in the eighth inning. Mike DiFelice hit a two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Brad Penny allowed two runs in the first inning, but retired the last 10 batters he faced. Tim Hamulack pitched a perfect sixth inning. D.J. Houlton allowed a solo home run to Ward in the eighth after pitching a perfect seventh inning. Takashi Saito allowed two runs in the ninth.
Nationals on the mound: Starter Tony Armas Jr. pitched three scoreless innings. Joey Eischen was charged with four runs in the sixth, including a three-run homer by Martin. Valerio de los Santos allowed six runs in the seventh.
Grapefruit League records: Washington 5-16-1; Dodgers 11-5-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Mailbag: Can injuries be compared?
03/20/2006
Isn't it curious that Jeff Kent is hitting with power after January wrist surgery, while Jayson Werth can't swing a bat after his in November?-- Joe R., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Comparing injuries is a slippery slope. No two injuries, or people, are the same. Werth's injury is into its second year. His discomfort now is believed to be as much from surgical scar tissue as anything. Kent's injury turned out to be worse than first believed. He has said he's still not 100 percent recovered from his January surgery and it bothers him throwing more than hitting at this point.
As Kent tells it, however, he's learned to compensate for injuries by adjusting away from what he can't do to what he can do. Essentially, over the years he's learned how to play through pain. When you have a Hall of Fame-caliber career, that's what you do. But Werth would be eligible for salary arbitration after this season and a significant pay increase, so you have to believe if he was physically able to be playing, he would be.
Who are the Dodgers most likely to trade?-- Jimmy S., Santa Paula, Calif.
Two logical candidates are Hee-Seop Choi and Cody Ross. Choi is young and relatively inexpensive, he has power (15 home runs last year), but he plays only first base and the Dodgers have a $6 million commitment there with Nomar Garciaparra and prospect James Loney getting closer. With Olmedo Saenz capable of backing up Garciaparra and Ricky Ledee providing left-handed power off the bench, Choi really has no role on this team. Ross is out of options, so he either makes the 25-man roster or he must clear waivers for the Dodgers to send him to the Minor Leagues. As an extra outfielder -- despite having an impressive spring -- he probably isn't the equal of Jason Repko as a center fielder, so his chances of making the Opening Day roster don't look great.
What's the background of Takashi Saito?-- Michael J., Honolulu, Hawaii
He's a 36-year-old right-hander who had pitched for Yokohama in the Japanese League from 1992 until signing a Minor League contract with the Dodgers this year. He's a four-time All-Star with an 87-80 record and 3.81 ERA in Japan, where he was a starter through the 1999 season, then a closer for two seasons, then went into a swingman role. Dodgers management has liked the way he aggressively pounds the strike zone, along with his versatility and experience. He quickly became popular in the clubhouse, most notably for performing a rousing Karaoke rendition of the Beatles' "Hey Jude" in perfect English as part of the traditional rookie hazing last week.
How is the Spring Training schedule devised?-- Brad M., Long Beach, Calif.
It is compiled by Major League Baseball, after receiving input from each club. For example, it is traditional that the Dodgers televise Sunday games from Holman Stadium, so they request to have home games every Sunday. Teams also request to have off-days and night games.
What is the status on the three pitching prospects the Dodgers received from Arizona in the Shawn Green trade?-- Hut A., Arleta, Calif.
William Juarez, a 24-year-old right-hander from Nicaragua, went 6-5 with a 4.59 ERA while splitting time between starting and relieving with Double-A Jacksonville. He pitched a scoreless inning Friday night against the Mets and might move up to Triple-A this year. Danny Muegge, a 25-year-old right-hander from the University of Texas, went 8-2 with a 3.38 ERA as both a starter and reliever for Class A Vero Beach. He's 24-9 with a 3.35 ERA in three Minor League seasons. Beltran Perez is no longer in the organization.
Can you tell me about Edwardo Perez?-- Rick A., Los Angeles
Assuming you're talking about the infielder and not the pitcher with the same name, he's a 21-year-old switch-hitter from Venezuela who won the Gulf Coast League batting title last year with a .352 average. He also led that league in RBIs and slugging percentage to go with a .405 on-base percentage. He played one season in Venezuela and two seasons in the Dominican Summer League prior to last season. He's 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds.
Where will Eric Hull play in 2006?-- George S., Carmel, Calif.
The Minor League assignments have not been finalized, but there is a good chance Hull will advance to Triple-A Las Vegas. Hull is an overachiever, a 5-foot-11 right-hander who went undrafted out of the University of Portland and has been shuttled between starter and reliever over four Minor League seasons. He went 7-7 with a 3.38 ERA at Jacksonville last year, made two starts at Las Vegas, then went 1-1 with a 3.51 ERA in the Arizona Fall League.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Dodgers confident in Seo's ability
03/21/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Dodgers complete their six-week training camp next week and won't see Jae Seo throw a competitive pitch in their uniform until Thursday, but they're reasonably confident he represents an upgrade in the fifth starter spot.
A year ago, six Dodgers made 39 starts not taken by their top four starters -- Derek Lowe, Jeff Weaver, Brad Penny and Odalis Perez. Those six -- Wilson Alvarez, Elmer Dessens, Scott Erickson, D.J. Houlton, Edwin Jackson and Derek Thompson -- went a combined 9-18 with a 5.51 ERA.
This year, the Dodgers plan on using Seo (pronounced So) in that role. To get Seo and left-handed reliever Tim Hamulack, they traded workhorse reliever Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll to the New York Mets, and they did it in part on the recommendation of new bullpen coach Dan Warthen.
Warthen spent the previous two seasons as the pitching coach for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate at Norfolk. Seo, a 28-year-old Korean, spent parts of those two seasons in Norfolk, as did Hamulack last year. The dots connect.
Warthen gave general manager Ned Colletti a scouting report on Seo that was something like this:
"I don't look for him to win 15 to 18 games," said Warthen. "But he can be a .500 pitcher -- or maybe above that with run support -- and [have] a 4.00 ERA and he'll keep you in the game throughout the year, averaging maybe six innings a start and he won't miss a start."
Although Warthen is assigned to the Dodgers' bullpen, in essence he's the assistant to pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and comes with substantial credentials, having served as Major League pitching coach for Detroit, San Diego and Seattle after a career that included four Major League seasons as a left-handed pitcher.
Warthen would not discuss why the Mets felt compelled to trade Seo, a control artist who rebounded from a May demotion to the Minor Leagues by going 4-0 with a 0.96 ERA when promoted in August before tailing off with a 4.06 ERA in September. He finished the season 8-2 with a 2.59 ERA.
Warthen believes Seo can build on last year because he's still regaining arm strength and touch after missing most of the 1999 season and all of 2000 with Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery.
"His arm got stronger than the year before and his velocity was consistent until September," Warthen said. "He developed a split-finger and a cut fastball, which added movement. He showed command of his pitches. He changes speeds and he hits his spots.
"I had heard he lost his velocity last year, but when I saw him before he left for the [World Baseball Classic] earlier in the spring, it looked like the fastball was back. His pitches were crisp. I think he's in for a very solid year for the Dodgers. A lot of guys with as much stuff don't have the heart this kid has. Just keep him in the range of 180 innings. Last year he had an ERA below 2.00 until September, when he got knocked around. He was up to 210 innings. Maybe he'd be alright up to 200 innings."
Seo had a bullpen session at Dodgertown on Tuesday. Although he hasn't pitched yet for the Dodgers, he has been competing this month, joining former high school and new Dodgers teammate Hee-Seop Choi to help Korea reach the semifinals of the Classic. In Saturday's semifinal game against eventual champion Japan, Seo tossed five scoreless innings, using 56 pitches.
Seo said the Classic experience was more exciting than he anticipated and he'd welcome the chance to do it again. He also agreed with Warthen that he was somewhat distracted last season by the birth of his first child, and he is determined to be more focused this year.
"He's a great teammate," said Warthen. "When he's not pitching, he's on the bench every pitch of every inning, on the first step when a guy hits a home run. He comes with a big smile. He speaks very good English if you ingratiate yourself to him. You turn him off and he plays the Korea trip very easily. He pulls no punches. When he does poorly, he's a stand-up guy with no excuses.
"And did I mention he's a good teammate? I want to mention that again."
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Decision on Martinez nears
03/21/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Dodgers management will likely put off decisions on some of the final cuts until the Freeway Series, but it won't have that luxury in the case of utility infielder Ramon Martinez, who is locked in a battle with Oscar Robles for one of the last spots on the 25-man roster.
By the terms of Martinez's contract, he must be guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day lineup by next Wednesday or he can request a five-day window to find a Major League job with another club, which the Dodgers expect he could do. Martinez signed a Minor League contract that would pay him a $700,000 Major League salary.
"It's not that easy finding a team," said Martinez. "Anything can happen. I'm hoping to make this team. I don't want to look for another."
Robles has no such leverage as a one-year player with a split contract and all three options remaining. The Dodgers can send him to the Minor Leagues for the next three years without risk of losing him to any club.
Both are having springs worthy of Major League status. Martinez, who had an RBI single in three at-bats Tuesday, is batting .344. Robles, robbed of one hit while going 0-for-3, is batting .258.
Closure: Although Eric Gagne has yet to pitch in spring games with less than two days' rest in between, manager Grady Little said on Tuesday he's confident Gagne will be ready to close on a daily basis by Opening Day.
"I asked myself, if we opened the season with Atlanta and had 3-2 games every day, will this man be ready to do that, pitch in the ninth inning?" said Little. "In my mind, I say yes, he will. I could see him doing that."
Gagne, returning from June elbow surgery, last pitched Sunday and is scheduled again for Wednesday. He then will make two appearances with only one day off between. Little said Gagne will then attempt to pitch in back-to-back games, which will be the real test to see if he is ready to handle the demands of closer at the start of the season. If not, Danys Baez, who saved 41 games for Tampa Bay last year, is a pretty good fallback position.
Whether Gagne ever pitches as many as four consecutive days or as much as three innings in one appearance, as he has in the past, doesn't sound very likely with Little his manager.
"Maybe that contributed to the problem last year, who knows?" he said. "We'll do whatever we can for him to be the best he can be."
Pitching roundup: Aaron Sele, a long shot to make the club as a starter, allowed six runs in two innings Tuesday against Florida, then threw in the bullpen to work on a mechanical flaw.
Offensively, six Dodgers drove in runs and Joel Guzman had a pinch-single.
In the relief derby, Franquelis Osoria (two innings, four strikeouts), Hong-Chih Kuo (three batters) and Kelly Wunsch (two batters) had impressive outings. Each has a legitimate chance to make the anticipated six-man bullpen, but it's unlikely all three will.
Drew on pilot program: While teammates are playing in the regularly scheduled exhibition games, outfielder J.D. Drew is conserving his body while fine-tuning his batting stroke in Minor League games at the suggestion of Little.
"I got six at-bats in an hour yesterday, so it's very efficient," said Drew. "I never had anybody ask me to do this, but it was Grady's idea. He said this way he could see more of the younger guys play and I won't have so much wear and tear on my body, but I'll still keep my swing where it needs to be with quality at-bats in game situations. I think it's a pretty good idea. He's staying a step ahead of things."
Little has said he will look for creative ways to improve the chances of keeping Drew healthy for the entire season.
In addition to Drew, Nomar Garciaparra batted in a Minor League game at Dodgertown, while Odalis Perez threw two scoreless innings in his first appearance since returning from the World Baseball Classic.
Although Dioner Navarro is recovering rapidly from a hamstring strain, Little said he won't be rushed back into games because of the nature of the injury.
"You have to be real careful with legs," said Little. "When they tell me he's ready, I give it three or four more days."
Alvarez visits: Pitcher Wilson Alvarez, who retired after last season, stopped by the clubhouse Monday. He will take this year off, then hopes to return to the game as a coach or instructor.
"My goal is to make it back to the big leagues as a pitching coach," said Alvarez, who won 102 games over 12 seasons. "[The Dodgers] know that's what I want to do. This year I want to be a normal parent and be home with my kids. Next year, I'm coming back somewhere."
Alvarez said former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy and the Pirates offered him an instructor job this year, but he declined.
Dodgers give a Hootie: Hootie and the Blowfish will perform a pregame concert on Opening Day. The band, which has sold more than 25 million albums, will perform for half an hour beginning at noon on April 3 at Dodger Stadium.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Sele struggles in Dodgers' loss
03/21/2006
Marlins at the plate: After Miguel Cabrera belted his first homer, making it 1-0, the Marlins used six straight hits with two outs in the second to tack on five more runs. Reggie Abercrombie homered, and after Chris Aguila singled, Jason Vargas came through with an RBI double. Hanley Ramirez singled, Jeremy Hermida delivered a two-run double and Cabrera added an RBI single. Dan Uggla deposited a solo home run in the third. Mike Jacobs had an RBI double, scoring Ramirez, who reached on his third triple of the spring.
Dodgers at the plate: In the second inning, the Dodgers strung together three straight hits for a run that tied the game at 1. Olmedo Saenz doubled, and Bill Mueller lined a run-scoring single. Ricky Ledee's infield double, on a pop fly that landed near the pitcher's mound, produced a run with two outs in the third. Jason Repko, who singled to open the inning, scored when the ball fell out of the reach of Jacobs. Ramon Martinez had a run-scoring single in the sixth. In a three-run eighth, Jimmy Rohan and Andre Ethier had RBI singles, and Cody Ross hit a sacrifice fly.
Marlins on the mound: Vargas tossed five innings, logging 78 pitches. The left-hander gave up two runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Dodgers on the mound: Aaron Sele lasted two innings, giving up six runs on seven hits with one strikeout. The right-hander surrendered two home runs and threw 46 pitches. In relief, Lance Carter gave up two runs on four hits in two innings.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 12-6-3; Dodgers 11-6-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
'The chicken runs at midnight'
03/22/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Rich Donnelly got the call 14 Spring Trainings ago. It was 17-year-old daughter Amy.
"Dad, I've got to tell you," she said. "I have a brain tumor. I'm sorry."
"Can you imagine?" Donnelly said. "She was apologizing."
Spring Trainings haven't been the same for Donnelly, entering his 25th season as a Major League coach but debuting in the third-base box for the Dodgers.
Yet, the dawning of another season also allows Donnelly to share the crowning achievement of his baseball career, the 1997 World Series win by the Florida Marlins, and the part he feels that Amy played.
The touching story became a television special aired on the Lifetime network and Donnelly had it replayed during a clubhouse meeting earlier this spring.
Watching the 59-year-old Donnelly coach third base, you'll notice he cups his hands around his mouth as he shouts instructions to runners at second base.
"We're driving in the car in Pittsburgh during the playoffs in 1992 and Amy leans forward from the back seat and asks, 'Dad, what are you telling them? That the chicken runs at midnight, or what?'" recalled Donnelly.
"I don't know where she came up with that. But we had an infielder back then, Jose Lind, and he didn't speak much English. But that line just sort of stuck with me and when I saw Jose, I told him, 'The chicken runs at midnight.'
"He says, 'OK, good.' And he starts repeating it in the dugout and, pretty soon, everybody's chanting it, even though nobody knows what it means. And from then on, those five words became a family motto."
The Pirates lost that series. Three months later, the Donnelly family lost Amy.
"You never think you're going to have to say goodbye to your little girl," said Donnelly. "But we put those words on her tombstone and every time I see it, I chuckle."
Five years later, Donnelly had followed Jim Leyland to the Florida Marlins, a Wild Card team locked in one of the tightest World Series ever. Game 7, two outs in the bottom of the 11th with the Marlins and Cleveland tied.
"We've got Craig Counsell on third base and Edgar Renteria up. Now Counsell, he has the funny batting stance with his elbow up high. My kids always called him 'Chicken Wing.' Well, Renteria singles up the middle and Counsell scores and it's madness. I'm jumping 12 feet in the air. We've won the World Series.
"My sons Tim and Mike, they were bat boys. And Tim comes running toward me and yells at me to look at the clock. It was 12 midnight.
" 'The chicken ran at midnight, Dad,' " he says to me.
"Oh my God," I said. "I was just stunned. Every emotion in my body went limp. Amy knew how much it would mean to me to win a World Series. She had to be there with me, no doubt in my mind. I wanted to call her and tell her the chicken ran at midnight."
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Lasorda happy to contribute to Dodgers
03/22/2006
scout01: What are your thoughts on the World Baseball Classic -- how do you think it went?
Tommy Lasorda: First off, let me thank you for being a part of this. For the question, I thought it went exceptionally well. I think we were part of history. It's never been done before and I think it's going to get even better as the years go by.
Todd_Lolley: What do you think about the new seat colors at Dodger Stadium?
Lasorda: I think they're great. The new park where they're putting in the tables and the renovation that they made on the stadium continues to get even better.
thomemyhomie: Who was your favorite player growing up?
Lasorda: My favorite player was Lou Gehrig of the Yankees.
eman29: How did it feel when Kirk Gibson hit the home run against the Oakland A's in the World Series?
Lasorda: Well it felt incredible to see that home run come at that particular time and what's so much greater is that they were never able to recover and we beat them in five games. It not only had an impact on the game, but it shattered their confidence and they weren't able to regroup after that. It played a very important role in our defeating the Oakland club in the 1988 World Series.
uclabruinsean: Who was your inspiration growing up?
Lasorda: My father was my inspiration and he made me believe in myself. He made me understand what it was going to take for me to make it in life. Those are the things I pass onto the young players now. I try to make them understand that.
Michael_Johnsen: Why do you think the U.S. team lost in the second round of the World Baseball Classic and what should they do in 2009 for the next Classic?
Lasorda: I think the reason that they didn't win is because they didn't seem like they were ready to play. They seemed like they weren't prepared and weren't hitting up to their capabilities. These guys worked out for three weeks and they should've been ready. All they've got to do in '09 is get together, get the best players we have and get them playing together for awhile and we can go on and beat those other teams.
uclabruinsean: Who would you say is the best pitcher and hitter in Major League Baseball right now?
Lasorda: The best pitcher, let's see, I would say it is Roger Clemens, who's definitely headed for the Hall of Fame. And the best hitter in baseball right now is Albert Pujols.
Base_Ball: To me it looks like we have good depth with our offense, the free agents and the experience gained by some of last year's rookies. What say you?
Lasorda: I love this year's team. I think we've got players that have experience in the playoffs. I think we can put a team on the field this season that can compete with anybody in the Major Leagues. If our players stay healthy, that once again, the fans in Los Angeles will taste the fruits of victory. We're going to win.
Todd_Lolley: What keeps you involved with the team after all of these years?
Lasorda: Well, I love what I'm doing. I think I can contribute to the ballclub. I think that Frank McCourt and Jamie McCourt have given me the position as special advisor to the chairman to utilize my expertise and my experience. And I'm the happiest guy in the whole world to do it.
Todd_Lolley: Do you miss being in the dugout every day with the team?
Lasorda: I miss it very, very much, but every good thing has to come to an end and my end had come. When I made the Hall of Fame, it was like reaching the top of the mountain. I am completely happy, satisfied with everything, but I really and truly do miss it. The competition, the ability to motivate players. That's what I miss.
Kyle_Wright: What, in your opinion, was the greatest pitching performance in Dodgers history?
Lasorda: Well, the greatest pitching performance, I would have to say, was watching Sandy Koufax pitch against the Yankees in the World Series when he shut them out. I got to see Don Drysdale pitch great World Series games. And I got to see Bobby Welch pitch against Reggie Jackson in the World Series. That was the greatest confrontation I have every seen in my whole life. He threw him 11 or 12 fastballs, the same speed, and by golly, he wound up striking him out. Reggie broke the bat on the ground, he was so disgusted, but that was the most exciting thing I've ever seen.
Base_Ball: I watched Chad Billingsley pitch against Baltimore in Spring Training. He looked very impressive and he appears to have a great work ethic. Do you have any thoughts about his chances of making the Dodgers this year as a spot starter or long reliever?
Lasorda: To me, I think he has a great future waiting for him. He's got great ability, he's got good control and he's going to be one great pitcher in the future. I think he's going to start in Triple-A this year, though.
drphan: How do you think Nomar Garciaparra will do this year and what will his impact be on the team?
Lasorda: If Nomar can play up to his capabilities from three years ago when he led the American League in hitting, I think he's going to be a tremendous addition to our ballclub. He's a great young man and he's got a lot of courage and I think he's going to do a great job for us.
thomemyhomie: What are your thoughts on the good speed at the top of the lineup now?
Lasorda: Well that's what we've lacked the last few years, since Davey Lopes did that. Now we've got Rafael Furcal who can steal bases and a good No. 2 hitter in Kenny Lofton. I think that Ned Colletti and the McCourts and Grady have an outstanding ballclub now.
Todd_Lolley: What don't you miss about being the skipper of the Dodgers?
Lasorda: What I don't miss? I don't miss the losses.
avcampeon: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
Lasorda: I expect the Dodgers to play like an experienced ballclub. Ned Colletti went out and got guys that really know how to play the game. We have a great pitching staff and deep bullpen. And I've said this many, many times, that pennants, playoffs and World Series are won and lost in the bullpen.
uclabruinsean: What has changed in the game since you played?
Lasorda: I think the big change is that I don't see teams taking infield practice anymore. That disturbs me. And I think the guaranteed contracts and the amounts of money players are making today, sometimes they don't think that they have to produce and work hard once they get those good contracts.
Ty_Meadows: In your eyes, how are the Minor League teams for the Dodgers looking?
Lasorda: Well from what I've seen, this is the first time in a long time that we've had the amount of outstanding prospects that we have. In the next couple of years, you're going to see guys coming up through our Minor League system.
Robert_Galindo: Tommy, how did you feel when Orel Hershiser struck the last guy in the 1988 World Series?
Lasorda: I thought that that was the end of a tremendous year. What we accomplished that year was just unbelievable. Nobody ever thought that we'd beat the Mets in the playoffs. Orel played a big part in that. Nobody thought we could beat the mighty A's and Hershiser starred in that. To me, it was a year of unbelievable success.
chadito: Of all of the players eligible, what player do think most deserves to be in the Hall of Fame who currently isn't?
Lasorda: Gil Hodges. Here's a guy, if you check his numbers, his numbers and Tony Perez's numbers are about equal and Tony played five more years in the Majors than Hodges. There isn't any doubt he should be in the Hall of Fame.
Base_Ball_3: How does it feel to have a heart institute named after you? It must feel pretty good. Any new developments?
Lasorda: I'm honored that they would put my name on that institute. When someone has something done like that for them, that's an unbelievable thing to happen to me.
Eric_Mendez: Aside from Dodger Stadium, what is your favorite ballpark to visit?
Lasorda: Chicago's Wrigley Field. I love that stadium.
brent_cook: What are your thoughts on Joel Guzman? When will he make the big club and at what position?
Lasorda: I think the next couple of years you're going to hear a lot about him. This guy's got tremendous talent and he's going to really impress the fans because when he hits one, he can hit it out of the Grand Canyon.
Eric_Mendez: What are your thoughts on Yankee Stadium being torn down in a few years? I'm sure you have many memories in that stadium.
Lasorda: Yankee Stadium, Wrigley and Fenway -- those are outstanding traditions. It will be hard to see them go.
chadito: Who was the best player you ever managed? Who was the best player you ever played against?
Lasorda: The best player I ever managed, talent-wise, was Reggie Smith. And the best I ever managed against would probably have to be Johnny Bench.
Base_Ball_3: Do you think All-Stars of the early days would be able to compete with the All-Stars of today?
Lasorda: Without a doubt, yes.
avcampeon: Do you feel that there is a difference between this year's team and last year's team?
Lasorda: I think the biggest difference is going to be the health factor. Last year we had so many injuries to guys like J.D. Drew and Eric Gagne and this year, we're just hoping that everyone stays healthy and plays to the best of their ability.
Eric_Mendez: Are you excited to see the changes to the stadium, with the original look?
Lasorda: Honestly, I'm just really excited to start the season and get back to Dodger Stadium, which I call Blue Heaven on Earth. I have said this many, many times, that we have the greatest fans in all of baseball. This game doesn't belong to the owners and it doesn't belong to the players. It belongs to the fans who have supported the Dodgers over the years and there isn't a doubt in mind that our fans are the greatest.
Michael_Johnsen: I can't wait until the Freeway Series in a couple of weeks. Think we'll be able to beat Mike Scioscia's team? He's put together a great bunch of guy's over there.
Lasorda: Let me tell you something about the Angels -- the only Angels that I know are in heaven and they're all ex-Dodgers.
Lasorda: Thank you very much for asking so many questions. I have to get to Port St. Lucie for tonight's game, but keep rooting for the Dodgers and we hope to see you at Dodger Stadium for the Freeway Series next weekend and then for Opening Day on April 3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Seo settles into rhythm
03/23/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- The Dodgers experienced a little of the downside of the World Baseball Classic on Thursday.
Jae Seo, who just returned from almost a month representing Korea, spent the first two innings of his Dodgers debut struggling to develop some rapport with rookie catcher Russell Martin, who is expected to make the Opening Day roster in place of the injured Dioner Navarro.
It was the first time Martin had caught Seo, something that would have happened earlier in a normal spring. Seo allowed three runs in those two innings before the pair settled into a pitch-calling and pitch-throwing rhythm over three scoreless innings.
"That's mostly from operating with a strange catcher," said manager Grady Little. "You see what it takes to get on the same page. I think we saw the beginning of that today. When a guy's got an assortment of pitches, they've got to learn each other."
Seo was acquired from the Mets to be the fifth starter. Because of an off-day the first week, he will open the season in the bullpen and be inserted into the rotation the second week in Pittsburgh.
"I definitely was concerned about not being here with a new team and new coaching staff, being gone for a month with no communication with the manager," Seo said through an interpreter. "The catchers don't know my style of pitching or what I like to throw. I need to learn how [Martin] calls a game. The second half today, I went with my style."
Seo's style is heavy on finesse. He changes speeds, varies location and pitches, rather than throws. But, Seo said he should have made a quicker adjustment away from the off-speed pitches he relied on against Mexico and Japan to more fastballs for Major League hitters.
"The second time through the lineup went a little smoother," said Martin. "He was locating his fastball on both sides, and I started to figure out the way he likes to throw. It took a couple of innings. Pitchers like him, they throw anything in any count. Where you set up is really important. The first time you catch any pitcher is always tough. It's just the process."
Navarro responds: The catcher was disappointed after hearing that he is expected to start the season on the disabled list because of a hamstring strain. April 12 would be his likely return date.
"That's their decision," Navarro said. "I know they want the best for me. I feel pretty good now. Stuff happens. It's nobody's fault; I just got hurt. I thought it would be longer to feel the way I feel now. I'm kind of disappointed I got hurt this late."
Relievers rebound: Eric Gagne, Yhency Brazoban and Hong-Chih Kuo all said they felt good the day after pitching against the Mets.
Gagne said he was hopeful he would be up to pitching Friday after one day of rest for the first time since elbow surgery. Brazoban, slowed by a sore shoulder earlier in the spring, said he felt very good for the day after. Kuo, whose history includes two Tommy John elbow reconstructions, had no problems after being the first Dodger to pitch in back-to-back games this spring and is making a strong bid for a staff job.
Ross returns: Cody Ross, who has broken eight bones playing baseball, thought he had No. 9 after getting hit by an Aaron Heilman fastball Wednesday night. So did the doctor.
"The first X-ray, the doctor said, 'It's broken,' and he showed me the X-ray," said Ross. "I told him that was an old injury, and they took another X-ray. It's fine now, just a little sore and swollen. I'll play tomorrow."
Ross pinch-ran in Thursday's game. Last spring, Ross' chances of making the team were compromised when he suffered a bad gash in a plate collision with Baltimore catcher Geronimo Gil. Ross also has broken bones in his hand, leg and toe and had a torn patella tendon.
Ross, a long shot for a roster spot, is out of options and cannot be sent to the Minor Leagues without clearing waivers.
Houlton impressive: D.J. Houlton, contending for a long relief role, followed a tutorial by Sandy Koufax two days earlier with two perfect innings Thursday against the Cardinals.
Roster moves: The Dodgers optioned outfielder Andre Ethier and reassigned reliever Takashi Saito, leaving 39 players in camp.
Ethier, the Texas League player of the year acquired from Oakland in the Milton Bradley trade, hit .276 and will be sent to Triple-A Las Vegas.
"You know what I don't like about Ethier? Nothing," said Little. "He's going to be a great player."
Saito, who had a successful career in Japan, had made a strong run at a long relief job until getting hit in his two most recent starts. He will pitch out of the bullpen at Las Vegas.
"We like his stuff and we're anxious to get him back to the Major League club," said Little. "We feel he could be very useful in the bullpen later on. We liked the person, his character. He's an awfully good teammate."
Saito's demotion seems to signal a better chance that Franquelis Osoria will make the club as a long reliever, although Houlton also could fill that role.
"Vamos Dodgers:" A Spanish-language news magazine show covering the Dodgers will debut this season on KBEH-63, featuring interviews with players and executives, feature stories, fan contests and educational segments, the club announced on Thursday.
"Vamos Dodgers" is scheduled to debut on April 9 at 10 p.m. PT, and it will air 15 times throughout the 2006 season. The show will be hosted by Francisco X. Rivera, the anchor of Latino Sports TV who also pens a column for losdodgers.com, the club's full-service Spanish-language Web site that was launched this month.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Izturis has timetable for return
03/23/2006
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Cesar Izturis now has a tentative timetable to return to game action.
What position he plays when that happens is anybody's guess, but Izturis said he'll worry about that later.
In the meantime, he said he will travel west with the club next week and have an MRI taken on his reconstructed right elbow around Opening Day. If doctors are satisfied his transplanted ligament is sound, he expects to begin a three-week Minor League rehabilitation assignment in late April and, barring any setbacks, be activated in mid-May.
He said his first few games would be at second base, then he would extend his throws and move to shortstop. Dr. Frank Jobe has recommended that Izturis play second base when he returns because a shorter throw would put less stress on his elbow. Izturis said he wants to remain at shortstop, where he won a Gold Glove Award two seasons ago.
"I'm definitely excited," said Izturis, who had Tommy John surgery in September and originally was expected back around the All-Star break.
"Yesterday I took ground balls from shortstop and made about five backhand plays and threw from the hole. No problem, no pain."
With the signing of Rafael Furcal to play shortstop, the Dodgers will have an infield surplus when Izturis returns. Furcal expects to remain at his position. There is speculation Izturis might be traded or asked to play a utility role.
"I don't know what's going to happen," he said. "It's in [management's] hands to make the decision. I just want to be ready to play my position. After they decide, we'll make the adjustments."
Gagne vs. Lo Duca: Forget the MRIs. Former Dodger Paul Lo Duca thinks Eric Gagne is recovered from elbow surgery.
"To me, he looked pretty good," said Lo Duca, Gagne's catcher as a Dodger and third strikeout victim in the seventh inning on Wednesday night.
"You can tell. I don't know how he feels inside, but from what I saw, he looked healthy. Maybe his velocity hasn't been up there, but we're getting to the point of Spring Training where you want to test to see if you can reach back and get it. He did. That pitch had good life."
Gagne, who threw a 94 mph fastball past Lo Duca, also allowed a broken-bat single and a four-pitch walk to former Dodger Jose Valentin in a 21-pitch inning. He said he started Lo Duca with a slider, "because he said I didn't have a good slider. He didn't swing at it -- scared."
Manager Grady Little said he was impressed with starter Brett Tomko, who allowed one unearned run in six innings (1.35 ERA on the spring); Yhency Brazoban, who pitched one scoreless inning; and Hong-Chih Kuo, who took the ninth-inning loss by allowing an unearned run but his elbow passed the back-to-back games test.
Ross escapes: Cody Ross suffered a contusion above the left wrist when hit by an Aaron Heilman pitch Wednesday night. Precautionary X-rays were negative. If the injury is serious enough to require disabling Ross, it would buy the Dodgers some time in deciding what to do with the outfielder, who is out of options and having an impressive spring.
Navarro's recovery: Although Dioner Navarro began squatting Wednesday and said his strained hamstring continues to improve, Little described Navarro's chances to be ready for Opening Day "a long shot" and said it would be more likely he opens the season on the disabled list.
If that happens, Navarro would play some games on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas before reporting to the Dodgers and Russell Martin would make the club out of Double-A. In that scenario, veteran Sandy Alomar Jr. most likely would get the start because of his experience, rather than asking Martin to make his Major League debut in the chaotic atmosphere of Opening Day.
Navarro sounded upbeat.
"They're happy, I'm happy," he said. "I'm on the right pace. I'm running about 60 to 70 percent. There's still plenty of time. I know they want the best for me and I'll do whatever they want me to do."
Werth swinging: Jayson Werth graduated from waving a fungo to air swings with a real bat.
"We're trying to break up scar tissue and getting aggressive with it," said Werth. "At this point, the [November] surgery is healed. Now it's just getting it mobilized and stronger, but mobilizing causes pain. I'm just working through it."
Repko's reaction: Jason Repko low-keyed the news that Little pretty much confirmed he had the club made as an extra outfielder.
"It doesn't change how I look at it. Regardless if I have the club made or not, it's not just making the team, it's staying in the big leagues," said Repko, who seized a job when Werth was injured last spring. "I want to be here the rest of my career."
Little has praised Repko's all-around tools.
"When you have new faces, you have to re-prove yourself," said Repko, referring to the new faces of Little and general manager Ned Colletti. "I knew that coming to Spring Training."
Biting pain: Olmedo Saenz had an impacted wisdom tooth extracted Wednesday morning, then tried to work out, but cut short his day because of pain.
"The last two days it was stupid pain, unbearable," he said. "I had it done this morning and tried to hit, but that didn't work."
Koufax Klinic: Brad Penny worked on his curveball in a bullpen session attended by Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, who also spoke at length with D.J. Houlton and Jonathan Broxton about curveball mechanics. Aaron Sele was an interested observer.
Added broadcasts: Thursday and Friday's Dodgers games will be broadcast on Dodgers.com, MLB.com and locally in Vero Beach on WTTB 1440 AM. Brian Petrotta, the voice of the Vero Beach Dodgers of the Florida State League, will call the action.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Dodgers fall to Cards in Seo's debut
03/23/2006
Cardinals at the plate: Chris Duncan's one-out walk in the first inning was cashed in by Jim Edmonds' groundout. Four singles in the second turned into two runs on a squeeze bunt by Jeff Suppan and an RBI single by David Eckstein. Three consecutives singles, capped by Gary Bennett's RBI single, scored the fourth St. Louis run.
Dodgers at the plate: Rafael Furcal led off the first inning with a double and scored on J.D. Drew's long sacrifice fly. Furcal singled home the Dodgers' second run in the third inning after Russell Martin walked and starting pitcher Jae Seo sacrificed.
Cardinals on the mound: Starter Jeff Suppan allowed two runs on four hits over six innings. Josh Hancock, Braden Looper and Brian Falkenborg each pitched scoreless innings.
Dodgers on the mound: Seo, making his Dodgers debut, allowed three runs in the first two innings, followed by three scoreless innings. Danys Baez pitched one shutout inning, and D.J. Houlton had two perfect innings.
Grapefruit League records: Cardinals 12-8; Dodgers 11-8-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Cruz goes yard as Marlins top Dodgers
03/24/2006
Marlins at the plate: Mike Jacobs drove in three runs with a home run and double. Reggie Abercrombie slugged a two-run homer in a five-run fifth inning and added two singles. Jeremy Hermida's single in the third inning set up a run that scored on a wild pitch. Chris Aguila doubled in a run in the fourth. Miguel Cabrera homered off Eric Gagne in the sixth inning and had a double.
Dodgers at the plate: Jose Cruz Jr. followed Bill Mueller's two-out walk with a two-run homer in the second inning. The Dodgers had only two hits the rest of the game.
Marlins on the mound: Starter Dontrelle Willis allowed Mueller's two-run homer and only one other single in six innings. Ricky Nolasco, Randy Messenger and Joe Borowski shut out the Dodgers over the final three innings.
Dodgers on the mound: Starter Derek Lowe was charged with seven runs (six earned) and did not retire a batter in the fifth inning. Yhency Brazoban allowed Abercrombie's home run. Gagne allowed Cabrera's home run. Brian Meadows pitched three scoreless innings.
Grapefruit League records: Marlins 14-6-3; Dodgers 11-9-3.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Farmhand involved in fatal crash
03/24/2006
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Dodgers farmhand Orlando Rodriguez was involved in an auto accident Thursday night in which the driver of another vehicle was killed.
Rodriguez, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, was driving southbound on rain-slick Interstate 95, heading to Miami for a flight to Arizona, where his wife was about to deliver their child.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol media release, the accident occurred at 6:50 p.m. ET about halfway between Vero Beach and West Palm Beach in Martin County.
Rodriguez's 2001 Ford pickup truck changed from the center lane to the left lane to pass a vehicle and lost control on the wet road, crossed the center grass median and slid into the northbound lanes, striking on the driver's side a 1994 Toyota driven by 51-year-old Bruce Hermesch of North Palm Beach. Hermesch's vehicle flipped and landed on its roof, with both cars coming to rest on the east shoulder of the road. Hermesch was killed.
Rodriguez was taken to Martin Memorial South Hospital with injuries that were initially described as serious, but was released a short time later and the club said he was not seriously injured. Rodriguez was not charged or cited, but the crash is under investigation.
Rodriguez was acquired in 2001 from the Chicago White Sox in the Antonio Osuna trade and came to Major League camp in 2003, but underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2004 season. Last year, his rehab took him to four Dodgers Minor League cities, including Triple-A Las Vegas.
Navarro's recovery: Dioner Navarro might start the season on time after all.
He's been insisting his strained hamstring is healing quickly. Manager Grady Little, initially skeptical, said Friday night Navarro might be ready for exhibition games by Monday and if he can play a week's worth of those without a setback, he'll be active on Opening Day. That would send Russell Martin to Triple-A.
"If he's ready to play, it'll be good," said Little. "He ran full speed today for a long, extended time and came out of it in good condition."
Whether it's Navarro or Martin, the Opening Day catcher could be Sandy Alomar Jr., who started Friday night when Little used what might be his Opening Day lineup. It had J.D. Drew batting third, Nomar Garciaparra fifth, Jose Cruz Jr. seventh (he hit a homer) and Alomar eighth.
Choi fallout: The departure of Hee-Seop Choi, claimed on waivers by the Boston Red Sox, does not resolve the Dodgers' roster situation, but it does improve the chances of utilityman Oscar Robles to make the club.
Robles was seemingly locked in a battle with veteran Ramon Martinez for a utility job. With Choi on the roster, there likely was room for only one of them. Without Choi, Robles becomes more important as a left-handed hitter off the bench to join Rickey Ledee. Martinez bats right-handed.
A remaining obstacle, however, is if the club decides it must carry 12 pitchers. Most officials would prefer to keep 11 pitchers and the extra position player, but Little said the ability of relievers to bounce back and pitch on consecutive days will be the determining factor.
The resiliency of pitchers Eric Gagne (elbow surgery), Yhency Brazoban (tender shoulder) and Hong-Chih Kuo remain question marks. Gagne and Brazoban, pitching on one day's rest Friday night for the first time, each allowed a home run. Kuo, after five years of elbow problems, already cleared a huge hurdle by becoming the first Dodger this spring to pitch on consecutive days.
Miguel Cabrera homered off Gagne to center field on a changeup that Gagne said was down, but right where Cabrera likes it.
"He just beat me, that's how good he is," said Gagne. "But this is more about bouncing back and feeling good on the mound and getting to back-to-back days. I felt it was coming out better, but my changeup was flatter. I didn't throw a bad pitch and I was aggressive in the counts."
Lowe roughed up: Derek Lowe had his worst spring start, whacked for seven runs (six earned) and unable to retire a batter in the fifth inning.
"Just poor pitching," he said. "Nothing went right. Ninety pitches in four innings sums it up right there."
Reuss hired: Former pitcher Jerry Reuss was hired as the radio color analyst on KFWB 980 for 37 games during the 2006 season, according to Dodgers chief marketing officer Tagg Romney.
Reuss, who pitched for the Dodgers from 1979-87 and twice won 18 games for Los Angeles, was an analyst for ESPN from 1991-93 and the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars in 1994 and 1995. A member of the 1981 world champion Dodgers, Reuss spent two seasons as a color analyst with the Angels in 1997-98. The 22-year big-league veteran has also served as a Minor League coach in the Cubs and Mets systems.
The former left-handed pitcher will serve as the analyst for road games outside of the National League West when Charley Steiner shifts over to television with Steve Lyons.
Sick bay: Reliever Kelly Wunsch and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt returned to practice after missing Thursday with the flu.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Ledee homers, but Dodgers fall
03/25/2006
Dodgers at the plate: Ricky Ledee smacked a solo homer in the fifth inning to put the Dodgers on the board. Olmedo Saenz tallied a pair of base hits. Otherwise, it was a fairly quiet day for Los Angeles' offense.
Cardinals at the plate: Juan Encarnacion had a pair of base hits, stole a base, scored twice and drove in a run. David Eckstein singled, doubled, scored twice and had an RBI, and Albert Pujols picked up two RBIs on a sac fly and a single. Jim Edmonds singled twice and drove in a run.
Dodgers on the mound: Brad Penny was rough in his start, allowing five runs on seven hits over four innings. Hong-Chih Kuo turned in an impressive relief effort, striking out three over two shutout innings. Franquelis Osoria, also making a strong bid for a roster spot, pitched a perfect seventh with three groundballs.
Cardinals on the mound: Sidney Ponson cruised through six innings, holding Los Angeles to a run on two hits. Adam Wainwright racked up three strikeouts in one relief inning, though he also permitted a pair of base hits.
Grapefruit League records: Dodgers 11-10-3; Cardinals 13-9-1.
Source: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/
Notes: Penny peeved at umpire
03/25/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- The St. Louis Cardinals treated Dodgers starter Brad Penny rudely Saturday, scoring five runs in his four innings, and Penny didn't think much of his treatment by home plate umpire Casey Moser, either.
Penny said Moser accused him of cheating by scuffing a baseball, throwing it toward the Dodgers dugout and out of the game instead of returning it to the umpire when asked. Penny also said Moser swore at him repeatedly when the two argued at the end of the fourth inning.
"Anytime you get in an argument with an umpire who won't call strikes, it makes it a lot of fun," said Penny, who felt he was being squeezed out of strikes. Moser, a Minor League umpire in a spring tryout, would not comment after the game.
Manager Grady Little, who said Penny should have returned the ball to Moser, was no more concerned about Penny's ineffective outing in the wind than he was the night before when Derek Lowe allowed seven runs.
"The results were bad, but you get to this time of Spring Training, it's a stage to go through," Little said of Penny, whose spring ERA rose to 5.66. "The pitchers are chomping at the bit to get started."
What's happening in the bullpen is more interesting. Hong-Chih Kuo (two scoreless innings) and Franquelis Osoria (one scoreless inning) continued strong bids to make the pitching staff. Kuo has not allowed an earned run in 10 innings, with 12 strikeouts and one walk. Osoria has allowed two runs in 10 innings, with 10 strikeouts and one walk.
Little said leaving either of them off the club "would be a tough thing to do."
Already in the bullpen are Eric Gagne, Danys Baez, Lance Carter and, presumably, Yhency Brazoban.
Kuo would probably make it ahead of Osoria, but both are very much alive, particularly if the club goes with 12 pitchers, or if it is determined that Brazoban's shoulder is not ready for Opening Day. The desire for a left-handed situational reliever (Kelly Wunsch or Tim Hamulack) and/or a proven long reliever could be satisfied by going with 12 pitchers.
Kuo, although left-handed, is so effective against right-handed hitters he is considered more than a situational pitcher, and he could resume starting at some point.
Ledee goes deep: Ricky Ledee, in only his sixth spring game, hit his second home run. Four of his six hits are for extra bases.
Rotation juggling: The Dodgers play the Atlanta Braves on Sunday at Dodgertown, and the club opens the regular season with Atlanta in a little more than a week, prompting a juggling of this weekend's pitching.
Odalis Perez originally was scheduled to start Sunday against his former team, but he also is starting the third game of the opening series against the Braves. Little did not want Braves hitters to have Perez fresh in their minds, so Perez instead will pitch Sunday in a Minor League game at Dodgertown.
Aaron Sele, who was scheduled to pitch Saturday against St. Louis, was scratched just before the bus left for Jupiter and was rescheduled to pitch Sunday against the Braves.
The following weekend at the Freeway Series, Perez will start Friday against the Angels at Dodger Stadium; Chad Billingsley, already reassigned out of the Major League clubhouse, will make the trip west and start Saturday in Anaheim, while Brett Tomko pitches Sunday in Anaheim.
Billingsley slides into Jae Seo's starting spot. Seo, the fifth starter, will be in the bullpen during the first week of the season, and he will come out of the 'pen during the Freeway Series.
The start will set up Billingsley for the Triple-A Las Vegas opener and provide him a chance to perform on the Major League stage, where the Dodgers expect him to be performing soon.
Under the radar: In a Minor League game Friday afternoon, Baez pitched one inning and Carter pitched two.
Baez said he made nine pitches, all strikes, retiring all three batters on two grounders and a strikeout.
"I've never done that before -- nine pitches, all strikes," he said. "I felt good and went back-to-back for the first time. I'm ready."
Long relievers: Brian Meadows kept alive his chance to be the long reliever with three scoreless innings Friday night.
"I was proud of it, I just hope it wasn't too late," said Meadows, the only contender for the role with significant experience as a long reliever.
Another candidate for long relief is D.J. Houlton, who has shown recent improvement that he credits to a better mental approach after a shaky start to camp when he was too concerned with his competition for a staff job.
"I was putting way too much pressure on myself to make the team," he said. "My friends helped me realize that only hurts you. I'm focusing on my outings and not the future."
He said he's using his legs more in driving toward home plate for better velocity, and he has worked on improving his curveball, including a major session with Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax.
"He really helped me understand the importance of making that pitch look to the hitter just like a fastball," Houlton said. "I admit, initially, I was more in awe of him, and I caught mysel