No Dodgers merchandise available anywhere in the stadium
That's a sign that is posted all over Phoenix Muni. And really, why would they stock the place with Dodgers gear for a whopping two games, the last of which is this afternoon against the Halos. I'm assuming this game counts as the home half of this year's Freeway Series, which will include a single game at Angel Stadium next Thursday night. ... Just talked to Kent. He asked Ken Gurnick -- who covers the Dodgers for mlb.com and is a horse racing enthusiast who has actually owned race horses -- what they do to a horse that has a hamstring injury. I thought he was asking rhetorically, like he already knew the answer, but he wasn't. ``They shoot them,'' Gurnick said, and Kent just started laughing incredulously. Anyway, he says he is still shooting for being in the opening day lineup. As for any concern that he doesn't have enough time to get enough game action, he pointed out that he only played in one or two games in the spring of 2002, then played on opening day. Asked what the result of that was, he says, ``the 2002 World Series.'' Asked what the more immediate result was, as in how he had played coming out of the gate, he said, correctly, ``it doesn't matter ... but I think I did hit a home run in one of my first at-bats.'' ... Couldn't resist calling Josh Rawitch, an Indiana grad, last night to gloat about Arkansas' victory. Normally, I pay NO attention to the Razorbacks whatsoever. I'm only interested if they beat some school that some friend of mine went to, so I can gloat. It's kind of a no-lose situation for me. If IU had won and Josh had called ME to gloat, it wouldn't have made much of an impact because I DON'T CARE. Besides, the Woo Pig Sooie Nation is going to get crushed by the Tar Heels tomorrow anyway.

Tony Jackson has covered the Dodgers for the Daily News since 2004 and has covered Major League Baseball on a regular basis since 1995. He previously covered the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds. He is a native of Springdale, Ark., and a graduate of the University of Arkansas.

Comments
Speaking of NCAA tourney, you are hearing from a proud Siena Saints grad up here in Upstate NY. How bout the 21 point drubbin the Saints put on Vandy last night! Next up Villanova, Saints are 1 win away from their first ever Sweet 16 trip!!!
Glad to hear it sounds like at least Kemp will be back for the opener. Have you heard anything more from Ned about a possible pickup of Mark Loretta?
Posted by: NYDodgerFan | March 22, 2008 11:15 AM
That's a good story by Kent except he's mistaken. He missed Opening Day in 2002 and the first 4 games. He went 0 for 3 with a walk in the fifth game (his first) and hit his first HR of the season in the sixth game (his second) for the Giants.
Posted by: Alex41592 | March 22, 2008 11:27 AM
Tony,
Have the Dodgers at all thought about having Repko take ground balls at third? He began his career with the Dodgers as a shortstop, so he does have some familiarity with the infield.
Maybe the Dodgers are more concerned with keeping him healthy, and don't want to risk such a move at this time. I just thought it might be something to be considered.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | March 22, 2008 11:54 AM
Astros are not interested in dealing with Loretta, is what I have been told
Posted by: tony jackson | March 22, 2008 11:55 AM