Daily Distractions: Finally, the Dodgers’ new channel has a name.

SportsNet LA will be the Dodgers’ home channel from 2014 to 2039, under a landmark deal announced this morning.

We know that Time Warner Cable will carry the channel, but who else? That could take some time to figure out, and Dodger fans who subscribe to Verizon, AT&T U-Verse, Dish Network, DirecTV, Cox and Charter Cable better hope it gets figured out before the 2014 season begins. And if your provider does carry the channel, how much of the estimated $280 million average value on the deal gets passed directly onto your monthly bill?

The contract is still subject to the approval of Major League Baseball. Large-market teams typically share one-third of their television revenues with MLB and the Dodgers don’t want to share that much, according to various reports.

It’s been a slow baseball news day otherwise, so enjoy these eclectic tidbits from around the league:

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Say hello to ‘SportsNet LA’.

The Dodgers and Time Warner Cable officially announced the creation of a new channel, SportsNet LA, this morning.

In effect, the Dodgers will be televised on their own regional sports network beginning in the 2014 season. The next challenge will be to secure distribution among the local carriers. TWC has already agreed to be the charter distributor throughout Southern California and Hawaii.

Here’s the full text of the press release from TWC:

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Mark McGwire reflects on Musial, Hall of Fame vote.

Mark McGwireHere’s the long transcript of my chat with hitting coach Mark McGwire at the Dodgers’ FanFest on Saturday. I was interested in his reaction to two events in a 10-day span earlier this month – the Hall of Fame election on Jan. 9 and the death of Stan Musial on Jan. 19.

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Dodgers sign Dominican shortstop Carlos Aquino.

The Dodgers have agreed to terms with Dominican shortstop Carlos Aquino, according to DPLBaseball.com. According to the website,

Aquino was eligible in 2012 but lacked the strength and ability he is presently showing. He has smooth fielding actions with solid average arm strength and runs average (6.9 60 yard dash). Aquino is a switch hitting line drive gap hitter with more pop from the left side. The Dodgers and Aquino agree to a contract value of $75,000. The contract is pending MLB approval, he will more than likely start his professional career in the Dominican Summer League.

Here’s a YouTube clip of Aquino’s BP session: