Dodgers spring training 2015: Contracts signed, and identifying The Story of camp.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Someone asked me today what (or who) is the “story of camp.” There might be a few contenders, and I’ll get to those in a minute.

Something every club is trying to square away this time of year is its contracts with players who have 0 to 3 years’ service time. I’m told the Dodgers have finalized those, though I’m not sure when the ink dried on the last of them.

Seventeen players on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster fall into this group:

Yasmani Grandal, Paco Rodriguez, Scott Van Slyke, Chris Hatcher, Chris Withrow, Pedro Baez, Austin Barnes, Mike Bolsinger, Daniel Coulombe, Carlos Frias, Yimi Garcia, Kike Hernandez, Zach Lee, Adam Liberatore, Joc Pederson, Chris Reed and Scott Schebler.

They’re all under contract now. This isn’t the story of camp, but it’s something we get to report this time every year.

So what is the story of camp? Here are the early contenders:
Continue reading “Dodgers spring training 2015: Contracts signed, and identifying The Story of camp.” »

Why the Dodgers will carry 12 pitchers, not 11, in the National League Division Series.

On the eve of the National League Division Series, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly had a choice. He could keep 14 position players and 11 pitchers on the roster, like he did a year ago, or acknowledge the reality of his unsettled middle-relief situation and his Game 3 starter.

Continue reading “Why the Dodgers will carry 12 pitchers, not 11, in the National League Division Series.” »

Dodgers activate Paco Rodriguez, are flush with left-handed relievers.

SAN FRANCISCO >> One day after Scott Elbert gave the Dodgers two left-handed relievers, Paco Rodriguez made it a threesome. He was activated Saturday from the disabled list, where he’d been mired since August 4 with a strained left teres major muscle.

Rodriguez has appeared in 13 games for the Dodgers this season, firing scoreless relief in 10 of those appearances. He’s 3-5 with two saves and a 2.52 ERA (20 ER/71.1 IP) in 100 career games.

Left-hander J.P. Howell has been the Dodgers’ southpaw workhorse, appearing in 64 games this season. Only eight lefties have appeared in more games in the National League this season. However, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has no plans on changing the Dodgers’ late-innings mix:

Video: Paco Rodriguez throws 25-pitch simulated game. Update.

SAN FRANCISCO >> Paco Rodriguez threw a 25-pitch simulated game Friday at AT&T Park, a necessary step before he can be added to the Dodgers’ active roster.

Rodriguez, sidelined since August 3 due to a strained left teres major muscle, faced nine batters:
Continue reading “Video: Paco Rodriguez throws 25-pitch simulated game. Update.” »

Paco Rodriguez thinks he can pitch tonight. When he really might join the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Paco Rodriguez

Paco Rodriguez has been on the disabled list since August 3 with a strained muscle near his left armpit. (John McCoy/Staff photographer)


Paco Rodriguez thinks he can pitch this weekend.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “If I feel good I’ll be the first one to tell you I can be activated.”

But then, why wait? How about tonight?

“I can do it,” Rodriguez said.
Continue reading “Paco Rodriguez thinks he can pitch tonight. When he really might join the Dodgers’ bullpen.” »