Tony and Doug Inside MLB

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March 21, 2007

Angels: Follow me

There is a new address for the Angels blog and it's about time. It finally does not have to share a spot with Dodgers news. It can be found at www.insidesocal.com/angels. The first entry is up as the starting rotation was made official today.

Keep checking back all season for all the updated Angels news. Or should we say, updated as fast as we can get to it.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:47 PM | Comments (3)

Dodgers: New blog address

Just got word from base camp that the web address for this blog has changed to www.insidesocal.com/dodgers. If you want to read Doug Padilla's Angels blog, go to www.insidesocal.com/angels. Don't get the wrong idea. This doesn't mean Doug and I couldn't play nice and had to be separated, or that we each developed such large egos that we DEMANDED our own individual addresses. It's just a simple technological advancement, and nothing more. .. We're about to do our daily pregame with Grady, but I'm guessing this is going to be a slow news day, especially after yesterday. I'll update after the meeting.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:20 PM | Comments (2)

Dodgers: Deja vu

Fernando Valenzuela has arrived in camp after yet another winter of pitching for Mexicali in the Mexican Winter League, where he went 6-3, according to the daily notes released by the Dodgers' PR staff. All this hoopla surrounding Daisuke Matsuzaka, who is pitching against Pittsburgh on the television here in the media room, has been eerily reminiscent of Fernandomania back in 1981, with one major difference: Fernandomania didn't take hold until after the lefty with the strange windup had actually won a few games, and it just took off from there. Matsuzaka might have a solid track record in Japan, but he hasn't won anything here yet. The Dodgers faced him here in Vero before rain washed out that game last Friday in the third inning. When asked what it was like to face Matsuzaka, one Dodgers player shrugged his shoulder exaggeratedly and said, "He looks like a pitcher to me." Translation: "I don't understand what the big deal is."

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:40 AM | Comments (226)

March 20, 2007

Dodgers: Another reason to go

It's one thing to have a decidedly pro-Boston crowd at a Dodgers home spring training game against the Red Sox. But tonight, in what officially went down as the largest crowd of the spring at Holman Stadium (the Boston game was rained out in the third inning), the vast majority of the 6,835 on hand were rooting for St. Louis, and the most prevalent color in the stands was red. Times change, and so do demographics. Sadly, the Dodgers now appear out of place in the spring-training facility they have called home for almost 60 years. The Arizona desert never looked so inviting.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:32 PM | Comments (4)

Dodgers: Cardinals 13, Dodgers 0

The boys grounded into five double plays and committed three errors in the final two innings. Mark Hendrickson continued to pitch himself out of contention for the fifth spot in the rotation, giving up four runs on five hits over five innings, although he didn't walk a batter. Jonathan Broxton struggled for the second day in a row, this time retiring just two of six batters, but he also was hurt by a dropped ball by Wilson Valdez, and the only run Broxton allowed went in the books as unearned. Dodgers, who fell to 13-9, have been outscored 27-1 in their past three games.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:07 PM | Comments (2)

Dodgers: Everything is great

Grady's contract option has been picked up and extended, Jason Repko is ready to return to action, Jason Schmidt's alleged lack of velocity is overblown. Game starts in 20 minutes, and Albert Pujols actually made the trip. Other than the chilly weather, everything in Dodgertown is bliss -- at least for the moment. More after the game.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 3:39 PM | Comments (2)

Dodgers: Little's optioned exercised

The Dodgers have exercised the option for 2008 on manager Grady Little's contract. The formal announcement is expected at 4:15 p.m. Little originally signed a two-year deal in December 2005 that included a club option for 2008. But after Little guided the club to last year's playoffs, it became little more than a formality that his option would be picked up, and that formality was taken care of earlier today. More on this later.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:25 PM | Comments (2)

Dodgers: Night game tonight

Getting ready to go watch Jason Schmidt throw a simulated game on the back fields. Will update the blog immediately thereafter. Jason Repko already played in a minor-league intrasquad, batting but not playing defense after doing just the opposite yesterday. Says he tested his strained right groin by deliberately hitting every bag hard as he ran the bases, and there were no problems. I'm guessing he'll be back in a Grapefruit League game in a couple of days.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:52 AM | Comments (2)

March 19, 2007

Dodgers: Meanwhile, back at the ranch ...

... Jason Repko continued to prove me wrong (you will recall I predicted just two or three days ago that he would start the season on the DL) by playing defense only (center field) in a minor-league intrasquad game in Vero. According to Grady Little, who got a report on Repko during the Dodgers' 9-1 loss to the Nats, Repko had to run hard after two balls and it didn't irritate his strained right groin at all. Repko will hit only (no defense) in a similar game today, after which he'll be re-evaluated. The guess here is he probably will play either Wed. against the Mets or Thurs. against Baltimore. ... Time to pay the piper. Although the Dodgers' next three games are at home, as most of their games have been this spring, that schedule is about to catch up with them -- and with the road-weary beat writers who cover them. Starting Friday, five of the final six games before we all head home will be on the road, with all but one of those at least an hour away. There WILL be one final game at Dodgertown on the 29th, but that's a split squad with the rest of the team (and yours truly) already gone back to Los Angeles to begin the Freeway Series that night.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 3:04 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Nationals 9, Dodgers 1

Sorry no in-game blogging today, another press box that wasn't suitable for getting the computer out. Dodgers now have scored one run in their past 18 innings. Randy Wolf went 4 2/3 decent innings, allowing three runs in four hits. Rudy Seanez retired four of six batters, allowing a single and a walk, and remains unscored upon for the spring, even though he did allow an inherited runner to score. Larry Bigbie went 2 for 4, raising his spring average to .359 and making it increasingly difficult to envision an opening-day roster without him. Nomar Garciaparra and Luis Gonzalez had two hits apiece, and Gonzalez is now hitting .381. But Jonathan Broxton, who hadn't pitched in an actual Grapefruit League game in nine days, imploded in the eighth. He faced five batters, walking three and retiring none, and all five of them scored. Dodgers fell to 13-8.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:32 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Weaver pitches in simulated game

It's the off day, which never really means it's a day off, especially during the spring. At least I got to sleep in before I made my way to the Angels' complex to watch Jered Weaver pitch in a simulated game. He did some long toss in the outfield, had an extend warmup session where he threw some breaking balls and then threw 45 pitches (fastballs and changeups only) against live batters. He looked sharp uptil the end when minor-leaguer Mike Collins hit a home run on the second to last pitch. Afterward, Weaver said he is pain free from the biceps tendinitis that bothered him when camp started. He is on track for another simulated game later in the week. It still looks doubtful he will start during the first week of the season, though. He certainly should be ready by April 10 or 11.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 12:05 PM | Comments (3)

Dodgers: Cuts this morning

Gone are pitchers D.J. Houlton and Eric Stults and outfielder Delwyn Young (optioned), and non-roster invitees pitchers Jonathan Meloan and Matt White, infielder Tony Abreu and otufielder Choo Freeman (reassigned). Heading down to meet with Grady now, so more later.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:43 AM | Comments (2)

March 18, 2007

Angels: Old what's his name

Perhaps one day Cubs manager Lou Piniella will learn John Lackey's name, but for now, Lackey will have to settle for being "That Guy." After Lackey gave up just two hits over six innings agianst the Cubs, Piniella was impressed.

“That guy who pitches for the Angels had the best stuff I've seen in the Cactus League so far,” Piniella said.

The Angels beat the Cubs 4-0 in a split-squad game, but lost 6-5 across town to the Oakland A's when Chris Bootcheck allowed three runs in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Napoli and Robb Quinlan hit home runs against the A's. Howie Kendrick had three hits against the Cubs and now is batting .439 this spring.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 4:20 PM | Comments (3)

Angels: Learning curve continues

Gary Matthews Jr. and Garret Anderson closed in on a fly ball to left-center and it nearly dropped untouched. Matthews looked to be giving way to Anderson then hurried over to the ball at the last second to make the catch. Matthews said earlier this spring that he plans on being aggressive on most balls but it didn't look that way this time. Just goes to show you that it takes time to learn the habits of new teammates.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:27 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Indians 5, Dodgers 0

Wilson Valdez went 2 for 4 with two singles and is hitting .381 for the spring. But that doesn't change the fact he is on the 40-man roster and is out of minor-league options, so this guy's life could get very interesting in the next couple of weeks. No one really noticed when this guy came into the organization the final week of last year's camp in a minor-league trade with Kansas City. A lot of people will notice if he leaves the organization in the final week of this year's camp on a waiver claim. Dodgers' winning streak, which was six or seven depending on whether you include the split-squad game they won on March 10, ended quietly, and the team fell to 13-7 for the spring.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:16 PM | Comments (5)

Dodgers: Sleepwalking

The boys look a little disinterested this afternoon. Derek Lowe pitched 4 1/3 basically strong innings, but he was burned by a couple of errors behind him and gave up three unearned runs while throwing 74 pitches. Other than that, the Dodgers have four hits, three of which came in one inning, and they haven't scored. They couldn't hit C.C. Sabathia for five innings, and they haven't hit Roberto Hernandez or Fernando Cabrera, either. And Andy La Roche has committed yet another error, his seventh of the spring. Tribe 5, Dodgers 0, top 8

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:02 PM | Comments (2)

Angels: Like riding a bike

Bartolo Colon faced batters for the first time since last July and said the experience felt like the first time he pitched in a youth league game at age 12. (Seems kind of late for a future Cy Young winner to start playing baseball). Anyway, Colon said it didn't take long to get comfortable with it and catcher Jose Molina said the session was impressive. Nobody wanted to say how much effort Colon was putting it but it was obvious he was not giving it his all. Another BP session could lead to a simulated game by next weekend or early next week.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Pitching duel

Derek Lowe threw 21 pitches in the first inning, but only a total of 23 in retiring the Indians in order in the second and third, the last five by ground balls. C.C. Sabathia has held the Dodgers hitless through three, with Marlon Anderson reaching on an error in the second. Nothing much more to report, except that it's miserably cold here by Florida standards even though there isn't a cloud in the sky and it's a beautiful day. Tribe 1, Dodgers 0, top 4.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)

Angels: Colon to take mound

Bartolo Colon is expected to throw a live batting practice session within the hour. The right-hander, who had rotator cuff problems last year, is expected to pitch for about eight minutes or throw 30 pitches. More to come.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Repko almost ready

Apparently, I was WAY wrong on that prediction about Jason Repko starting the season on the DL. Grady Little said this morning that the outfielder's strained right groin just keeps getting better and that "he should be ready to get back into a game in three or four days." All of which re-raises the question of just what is going to happen to Wilson Valdez, who is batting .368, is on the 40-man roster and is out of options. ... I found a new appreciation for Dodgertown, that charming place in Vero Beach with which I have such a love/hate relationship and that I can't wait for the Dodgers to leave in 2009. And that new appreciation is ... it's not Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, where I sit banging out this blog. As difficult as this is to believe, the Cleveland Indians need Arizona (they're moving to Goodyear) even worse than the Dodgers do.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 9:25 AM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2007

Angels: Weaver throws b.p.

Jered Weaver faced live batters for the first time Saturday, using fastballs and changeups in a 30-pitch batting-practice session. The session was considered a success and he is on schedule to throw again in a few days.

Manager Mike Scioscia said he will decide within the week if Weaver will have done enough work to make his April 6 start. If he is pushed back to April 11 or 12, Weaver would likely start the season on the disabled list.

To start the season on the 15-day DL a player has to miss at least the first six days of the season. To fill out the 15 days, he would also not be able to pitch in a game during the nine days priot to the start of the season.

Weaver would be allowed to pitch in a minor-league game during the last week in camp if he is on the DL, just not in a game where fans pay admission.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 7:12 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Still no word

It's 7:30 p.m. here, and there still is no word on the condition of Tony Abreu, who jammed his left shoulder sliding headfirst into second base in the seventh inning some four hours ago. He was taken for an MRI, from which he and trainer Stan Conte returned at least 90 minutes ago, but these things have to go through the proper channels. Not like the kid is going to make the team anyway, but he IS one of their brightest prospects ... Proof that there ARE some fans who will fly from the West Coast to Florida to see the Dodgers in spring training: I overheard a couple talking to a security guard as I walked past late this afternoon, after most of the crowd had thinned out. They told him they had flown all the way out from California to spend three days here -- "actually, two and a half," the wife corrected the husband -- and that they had a GREAT time. For those who don't mind the long flight, this place is definitely worth seeing, and you only have one more spring to get here. It might be far away, and it might lack functionality, but this is still the most fan-friendly spring training facility there has ever been. I won't be sorry to leave it, but I will be sorry to see it go, if that makes any sense.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 4:33 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers 7, Astros 5

Dodgers scored three in the bottom of the eighth to break a 4-4 tie, with Wilson Betemit capping a 2-for-3 day with a tiebreaking, RBI double to score Kelly Stinnett from second. Brett Tomko gave up one run over three innings. He was scheduled to go five, but he threw 53 pitches to the first nine batters he faced. Joe Mays gave up three runs over three innings to all but eliminate himself from the fifth-starter race. Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre each went 2 for 3, with all four hits coming in the first two innings, when they combined to score three runs. Dodgers improved to 13-6.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:23 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: It's not easy being green ...

... but the Dodgers are going to try anyway. In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, they'll wear solid green jerseys, made of mesh, for today's game with Houston. The jerseys feature white lettering with blue trim and a blue shamrock on the left sleeve. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off for charity. ... By the way, this has nothing to do with anything, but kudos to whoever designed and built St. Mark's Anglican Church on 45th Street in Vero Beach. There are retro ballparks, but this is a retro church, and it is more authentically retro than Coors Field or Camden Yards could ever hope to be. You can tell by looking at it that it was built fairly recently, because it looks brand new. But they really got it right, capturing all the elements of a classic old gothic church, with arched windows, a bell tower and several spires with tiny crosses on top. And it sits on one of the most perfectly manicured lawns I have ever seen. It is especially beautiful In the light of dawn, which is the time I usually drive past it on my way in to Dodgertown. Just a little local flavor that caught my attention this spring.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:17 AM | Comments (0)

March 16, 2007

Angels: Giving a run away

Minor leaguer Adam Pavkovich didn't help his cause, costing the Angels a game-tying run in the eighth inning. Pavkovich came on to pinch run just before Chone Figgins hit a triple down the right-field line. Pavkovich scored easily, or so it was thought, to tie the game 3-3. The Brewers made an appeal at third and Pavkovich was called out for missing third base. Figgins was then thrown at home on a grounder and the Angels never scored.

When Pavkovich entered the game in the top of the ninth, the following press box p.a. announcement was made: "Pavkovich remains in the game at third base ... the base he missed."

Posted by Doug Padilla at 3:31 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: You are not the father

Just before the Brewers' Ozzie Chavez flew out to right field it was wondered aloud if the player was the love child of two of Venezuela's most famous sons, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and president Hugo Chavez. Alas, further research was done and Chavez is a native of the Dominican Republic.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 2:57 PM | Comments (2)

Angels: Saunders is a scratch

Joe Saunders was scratched from Friday's start because of a sore muscle on the inside of his left forearm. Manager Mike Scioscia said the discomfort is nothing serious and said Saunders would have started if it was the regular season. Dustin Moseley, who appears to have a bullpen spot locked up, got the start instead and just completed a scoreless first inning against the Brewers, although he allowed a hit.

Saunders is expected to throw a bullpen session Saturday and then start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday with a plan of throwing 75 pitches.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:11 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Bad blood Brewing?

Word has it that Brewers manager Ned Yost is not thrilled with the Angels these days. It seems that Yost was upset the Angels only sent one regular (Howie Kendrick) to Thursday's game at the Brewers' home park. Never mind that Ervin Santana started and Francisco Rodriguez and Darren Oliver came on in relief in Thursday's game. After that game, Yost was overheard telling his starters they wouldn't be going to Tempe today. So here is the Brewers lineup for today's game: Hernan Iribarren 2B, Ozzie Chavez SS, Ryan Braun 3B, Mike Rivera C, Gabe Gross DH, Brady Clark RF, Vinny Rottino 1B, Tony Gwynn Jr. CF and Drew Anderson LF.

Not sure the Angels really care about the Brewers watered-down lineup. (Is that redundant?) And hey Ned, thanks for sending over Tony Gwynn's kid. It'll be nice to see how he compares to his pops at this stage of his development.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Rained out

The biggest crowd in Holman Stadium history got to see Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch two innings Hong-Chih Kuo struggled through 2 1/3 while giving up three homers, the Red Sox take a 5-1 lead and Mother Nature render the whole thing moot with a torrential downpour mixed with high winds. Fans were offered rain checks, but no refunds. Small consolation to all those folks who drove all the way over from Fort Myers (three hours of mostly two-lane roads) to see their beloved Red Sox. They comprised the majority of the crowd. Dodgers' record holds at 12-6.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:57 AM | Comments (1)

Angels: Frankie protects trade secret

Here's some advice if you ever get a chance to meet Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez. Do not ask him to tell you how he holds his curveball and slider. Just take my word for it. Rodriguez was handed a ball by Robb Quinlan this morning. Quinlan wanted it signed by his teammate but a reporter standing nearby (OK, it was me) asked him to show the particular grips on his pitches. "No way," was Rodriguez's response. He explained that while his arm speed and arm angle on the two pitches are similar, his grip is obviously different and he didn't want anybody to know about it.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)

Angels: Weaver has eye on Long Beach St.

Jered Weaver, a Long Beach State alum, admits he hasn't been keeping close tabls on the 49er basketball team but is well aware they are about to play Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament. Weaver says he knows the team can score with the best of them and he also knows that most national prognosticators don't give Long Beach State much of a chance to move on.

"I want to see them at least win the first one," he said.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Back (field) story

Turns out it was a simulated game against minor-league hitters, not a full-on intrasquad. But Brad Penny and Takashi Saito started opposite each other. Penny is working on his release point, specifically to synchronize the release points on his fastball and splitter so that he isn't tipping his pitches, and Rick Honeycutt said he made considerable progress in a 72-pitch effort that was split into five innings. Saito only went two innings and threw 32 pitches. The main game starts in just over half an hour.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 9:26 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Kuo starts, Penny goes to minors ...

... but only for the day. Brad Penny will make his normal scheduled start in a minor-league game today so that Hong-Chih Kuo -- whom club officials still won't admit is going to be the fifth starter -- can get an extended outing in the Grapefruit League game with the BoSox. Meanwhile, Greg Miller is going to be a starter at Las Vegas this season. Grady stopped short of saying Miller will be in the big leagues sometime this year, but he did concede that "he isn't that far away."

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:49 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Miller optioned

Dodgers just reduced their spring roster by one, optioning lefty Greg Miller to minor-league camp. I'm going to make a not-so-bold prediction right now: You WILL see this kid pitching at Dodger Stadium sometime this summer. He had a 5.62 ERA for the spring, but that was due mostly to one bad outing last Saturday against the Fish that began with him hitting and walking two of the first three batters he faced. But even that day, he finished with a flourish, ending his outing with consecutive strikeouts of Joe Dillon and Alejandro De Aza.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:17 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Looks like rain

It's in the forecast, and it's in the dark clouds that began rolling in a few minutes ago. Normally, I root for rainouts in spring training, because they don't have to be made up. Thus, it's another day off the calendar, no different than if the game had been played, and it makes for an earlier end to the work day. But in this case, my dad and brother flew in from Arkansas last night, and two of my dad's college buddies drove over from Tampa specifically for this game (one is a HUGE Red Sox fan). So, in an all-too-rare moment of unselfishness, I must say, Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day (tomorrow would be nice). ... Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I have become convinced that Jason Repko will begin the season on the DL, even though his right groin gets better every day. Grady said last night that "it's going to be a while" before Jason returns. Well, camp breaks in less than two weeks. Jason still has to work his running program up to making "fast-twitch" movements, like sprinting from a dead stop to chase a fly ball. And -- this is the biggest thing -- Wilson Valdez continues to have an outstanding spring with the bat, and he is out of minor-league options. DL'ing Repko would buy the club time where Valdez is concerned and would allow Valdez to at least be on the club for the first couple of weeks of the season. Repko might need a minor-league rehab when he is ready to return, which would buy the club more time. But then, I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:07 AM | Comments (1)

March 15, 2007

Dodgers: Dodgers 6, Nationals 3

Jason Schmidt struggled, giving up three runs on four hits and three walks over four innings, but still got the win. Luis Gonzalez, Nomar Garciaparra and Wilson Valdez all homered. Rafael Furcal went 2 for 3 with a double in his second game back from injury. Chad Billingsley, Elmer Dessens and Joe Beimel combined to shut out the Nats over the final five innings, striking out seven in the process. And Olmedo Saenz -- yes, Olmedo Saenz -- made two dazzling plays after replacing Nomar at first. Dodgers improve to 12-6 by winning both ends of the split squad.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:48 PM | Comments (5)

Dodgers: Speed kills

Juan Pierre's 3-for-3 performance in the first game included a perfect example in the fifth inning of just why this guy is so dangerous. Bunting for a base hit, Pierre dropped one that wasn't especially well-placed, and pitcher Adam Wainwright came off the mound to get it. But in his haste to get the speedy Pierre, Wainwright failed to pick up the ball from the ground. By the time he went back to get it, it was too late. The moral of this story: Pierre's speed is such a potent weapon that it can sometimes hurt an opposing team even when he doesn't get a good bunt down or get a good swing on a ball, because the players in the field are so aware of it that they tend to rush plays. Another reason why this should be an exciting season at Chavez Ravine.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 3:24 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers 3, Cardinals 2

Ryan Ludwick hit a long fly to deep center off Jonathan Meloan that might or might not have sent the game to extra innings (the Cardinals had no one warming up and the Dodgers had another game to get back to Vero for). But it got caught up in the wind, and Choo Freeman hauled it in well short of the track, preserving the win. Meloan, who probably will begin the season at Double-A Jacksonville, has three saves this spring. Dodgers improve to 11-6 for the moment, but they host Washington in about three hours.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Hendrickson done

He went five shutout innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Greg Miller relieved to start the sixth and hit David Eckstein to begin the inning, but Andre Ethier cut down pinch runner Jolbert Cabrera at the plate on Scott Spiezio's single to end the inning. Juan Pierre went 3 for 3 with three singles, one of which he bunted for. He's now out of the game. James Loney has two hits and counting. Dodgers 2, Cardinals 0, bottom 7.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Oops, I jinxed it again

No sooner had I hit the POST key on my previous blog than Scott Rolen blooped a double up the rightfield line, ruining the no-no. Hendrickson continues to cruise, though, and he has gotten some help by a couple of great defensive plays by Matt Kemp, who made a diving catch in left field to rob Adam Kennedy, and Ivan DeJesus Jr. (do NOT forget that name), who barehanded the carom of a ball that ticked off Andy LaRoche's glove, planted and fired a strike to first, easily getting Yadier Molina. Hendrickson got the next two batters, stranding Rolen at second. Dodgers 2, Cardinals 0, end of 4.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Hendrickson's no-no

Sorry no blogs until now, it's been a crazy day. At the risk of jinxing it, Mark Hendrickson has a no-hitter through 3 1/3, although it is highly unlikely he'll be allowed to complete it. Dodgers 2, Cardinals 0, bottom 4

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

March 14, 2007

Angels: Hello out there

After some much-needed downtime it's time to once agian offer some tidbits from Angels camp, like this little item in the fourth inning on Wednesday

An inning after the Giants' Bengie Molina was unable to deliver on a hit-and run, brother Jose Molina turned the trick for the Angels by sending Howie Kendrick to third on a single up the middle. Then came the ultimate insult. Jose stole second base off Bengie and as the throw bounced away, Kendrick raced home with a steal of home. The odds seem good that one will be mentioned by Jose at dinner sometime soon.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 2:35 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Lunch with an icon

There is one unbending rule of etiquette in the Dodgertown dining room (other than that you can't wear shorts at dinner): If Tommy Lasorda invites you to sit at his table, you do NOT say no. Today at lunch, the lucky ones were, starting at Tommy's immediate right and going around the table: Kevin Baxter from the Times, team photographer Jon SooHoo, Charley Steiner, bench coach Dave Jauss, team historian Mark Langill, me and Jaime Jarrin (speaking of icons). The stories, no matter how many times you have heard them, don't really get old, and the way Tommy tells them is almost as entertaining as the substance of them. At one point, he was telling a story of grabbing a teammate around the neck during his playing days, when Tommy was known for having something of a fiery demeanor. To illustrate the point, he grabbed Baxter around the neck, using him as a prop. Although I'm a HUGE proponent of the move to Arizona in 2009, one thing I will always miss about Dodgertown is those occasional lunches with Tommy and all those stories. I figure between what is left of this spring and next year, I will spend about another nine weeks at Dodgertown. So I hope there are lots of these lunches still to come.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:33 AM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Off day

Light blogging today because it's the players' off-day. Randy Wolf pitched a simulated game (it was supposed to be a minor-league intrasquad, but there were two other minor-league games already scheduled, so it turned into a simulated game because of a lack of available bodies). He threw 73 pitches (13 more than scheduled), and everything felt fine, even though he dodged a line drive back through the box that could have been catastrophic. ... Chad Billingsley has been told he no longer is a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation and that he will begin the season as a multiple-innings middle reliever. Grady said Chad was fine with that because it essentially means he is on the big-league club. More detail on this in tomorrow's paper. ... Oh, and the Dodgers released Fernando Tatis today. Tatis, a non-roster invitee, had been reassigned to minor-league camp on Sunday, but didn't show up until this morning. Non-roster players are required the following day after they are reassigned.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:42 AM | Comments (1)

March 13, 2007

Dodgers: Dodgers 4, Tigers 3

Tony Abreu stepped to the plate with one out in the bottom of the ninth and the game in grave danger of going to extra innings. Just before Bobby Seay released the first pitch, Dodgers assistant public relations director Joe Jareck made reference to the fact he felt Abreu was going to go yard. Seay rocked and fired, and Abreu went yard, sending the ball over the berm in left and giving the Dodgers a 4-3 win over the Tigers. Good pitching all around. Derek Lowe had his best outing of the spring, going five and giving up a run on five hits. Rudy Seanez pitched another perfect inning and now has retired 15 of 16 batters this spring. D.J. Houlton pitched a perfect ninth to shave his ERA to 1.93 and reduce his opponents' batting average to .111. Russell Martin had two doubles, and Luis Gonzalez and Wilson Betemit had two hits apiece. Dodgers improve to 10-6, including 5-0 against American League clubs.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:27 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Furcal plays

He went 1 for 3 with a groundrule double over the centerfield wall and played four innings in the field, handling one ground ball. Said afterward that everything felt great. He'll play again in the nightcap of Thursday's day-night split squad. Dodgers led Detroit 3-1 at last check, but I can't see the game from the press room. Headed back out there now.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: General stuff

Jason Repko continues to improve every day, although there still is no timetable for his return. But he said this morning he isn't concerned about whether he will have time to get enough at-bats to be fully prepared for opening day. The guess here is he'll be back in a week or so. ... Neither Rafael Furcal nor Marlon Anderson will play in tomorrow's minor-league intrasquad game. Randy Wolf will start and throw 60 pitches in that game, but Grady said Wolf, Repko and anyone else needing training-room treatment will be the only players allowed in an otherwise-closed clubhouse on the Dodgers' only team-wide off day of the spring. ... Dodgers assistant PR director Joe Jareck said he is expecting ``upwards of 85-100'' Japanese media representatives for Friday's game with Boston, in which the celebrated Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice-K, the cool kids are calling him) will start for the Red Sox. The game is a sellout, but that happened long before it was known that Dice-K would be pitching. Red Sox tickets are so hard to come by down here (they ARE, after all, the most important team in all of sports, just ask them and their fans) that Sawks fans will travel all over the state to see their team play if they can't get tickets in Fort Myers. It will be a great atmosphere here, but the overwhelming shade of blue in the stands and on the outfield berm will be navy.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:01 AM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Open to suggestions

Good morning. The best part of this whole blogging thing is that it's interactive. One of the most challenging parts of my job is deciding each day what to write, and trying to guess at what you, the avid Dodgers fan, wants to know. So now that we have this conversation going, let me say that if there is anything you would like to see in your Daily News Dodgers coverage, either in the paper or on this blog, that you're not getting already, whether it's an idea for a feature, more emphasis on a particular subject, etc., feel free to let me know, either on the blog or by email at tony.jackson@dailynews.com. This coverage, after all, is for you. I can't promise I will fulfill every request, or even the majority of them. But I can promise I will read them all and consider them carefully. ... Another beautiful day in Vero, with the A.L. champion Detroit Tigers coming to town. Derek Lowe will start, but the big story today is the return of Rafael Furcal to the lineup after an absence of almost two weeks with right shoulder soreness. More updates as the day goes along.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 5:29 AM | Comments (6)

March 12, 2007

Dodgers: Dodgers 4, Orioles 2

Andy La Roche capped the Dodgers' scoring with an RBI double off the wall against Danys Baez (sound familiar?) in the eighth inning. La Roche finished 2 for 4 to raise his average to .250. James Loney went 0 for 1 to fall below .500 (.483) for the spring. Tim Hamulack and Matt White, aka the Billionaire, shut out the Orioles in the seventh and eighth, allowing a hit apiece. Jonathan Meloan gave up a harmless, one-out homer to Mike Cervenak in the ninth and got second save. Meloan, who probably will begin the season at Double-A Jacksonville, has a 2.25 ERA in four appearances. Dodgers improve to 9-6 for the spring.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Pitching and defense

The fifth-starter battle just keeps getting hotter. Joe Mays did Tomko one better, pitching three shutout innings in which he allowed only one hit, although a spectacular, lunging-to-his-right play by Tony Abreu at second base to rob Paul Bako prevented another hit. Mays retired nine of 10 batters. Of the nine outs Mays recorded, seven were ground balls. The other two were strikeouts. Abreu made another nice play on a slow roller, showing quick hands to throw out Nick Markakis by the slimmest of margins to end the sixth. Meanwhile, highly touted shortstop prospect Ivan DeJesus Jr., borrowed for the day from minor-league camp, just made a beautiful scoop and quick throw on a hard-hit grounder by Aubrey Huff. Dodgers 3, Orioles 1, bottom 7.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Mistaken identity, part deux

The Dodgers' public relations staff gets it right 99.999999999 percent of the time. But if you get your hands on a 2007 Dodgers media guide and happen to be perusing the minor-league player bios, you might run across the name of pitcher Steven Johnson, who is expected to play at low Single-A Great Lakes this year. The final line in his bio states that he is the son of former major-league player and manager Davey Johnson, who guided the Dodgers for two seasons in 1999-2000. Well, at this very moment, I happen to be sitting in the Fort Lauderdale press box next to DAVE Johnson, the former Orioles pitcher from the early 1990s, who is the ACTUAL father of Dodgers pitching prospect Steven Johnson. Incredibly nice guy, and he got a huge kick out of seeing that bit of misinformation on his son. ... Tomko bounced back from the leadoff walk to pitch three STRONG innings, allowing just one hit on a routine fly ball that Larry Bigbie lost in the sun in left field. Dodgers tied the game on Wilson Valdez's RBI single off Erik Bedard in the third. Dodgers 1, Orioles 1.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:50 AM | Comments (4)

Dodgers: Tomko gets away with one run

Orioles got a manufactured run after the walk and stolen base, but Tomko managed to retire the next three batters on grounder to first, run-scoring grounder to first and shallow fly to center. Orioles 1, Dodgers 0 after one.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Furcal plays tomorrow

Rafael Furcal will play shortstop in tomorrow's game against Detroit in Vero Beach, with no precautions for his right shoulder other than that he'll probably come out after two plate appearances as if it were the first week of Grapefruit League play. Marlon Anderson (right elbow) will return in the night/home half of Thursday's split squad. ... We are under way, with the Dodgers having gone in order in the top of the first against Erik Bedard and Brett Tomko having walked the first batter in the bottom of the first. Freddie Bynum subsequently stole second, and took third on Chris Gomez's grounder to first. Dodgers 0, Orioles 0.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Greetings from Fort Lauderdale Stadium

Press box resembles a storage shed, press box men's room resembles an out house, stadium itself is in bad need of a remodel (which it's supposed to get in the next couple of years). Other than that, though, it's a beautiful day for Grapefruit League baseball, partly cloudy but mostly sunny, and this place does have a great view of some of the condo and hotel towers along the Gold Coast off in the distance, maybe 10 miles away. Could be worse. Then again, could be better -- say, in the Cactus League.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:39 AM | Comments (0)

March 11, 2007

Dodgers: Dodgers 10, Nationals 9

The boys scored three in the bottom of the ninth, the game ending on Larry Bigbie's (there he is again) double down the rightfield line that became a single when Bigbie touched first and some prospect named Francisco Lizarraga jogged home from third. Tony Abreu continued to shine, going 2 for 2 with a home run, a sac fly and three RBI, to raise his spring average to .409. Jeff Kent homered and went 1 for 2, leaving him at .417. And James Loney went 1 for 2 with a walk, maintaining his .500 average, and he has a .588 on-base percentage. He is looking more and more like a lock to make this club. Eliza Dushku's boyfriend, aka Brad Penny, gave up four runs on nine hits over three innings and has a 12.86 ERA, but no one worries much about veteran starters in spring training. He'll be fine. Dodgers improved to 8-6.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:56 PM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: The guru speaks

Sandy Koufax, looking like the quintessential Florida septuagenarian in a white golf shirt, blue shorts and tennies, is holding court on a side mound right now with a group of pitchers that includes lefties Tim Hamulack, Randy Wolf, Greg Miller, Eric Stults, Mark Hendrickson and Hong-Chih Kuo and righties Chin-hui Tsao and Chad Billingsley. Understandably, they appear to be hanging on his every word, oblivious to Yhency Brazoban throwing a side session off an adjacent mound.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:55 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: First cut is the deepest

Not a big Sheryl Crow fan, but that line just sounded good. Anyway, Eric Hull, Zach Hammes and Mike Megrew wers optioned to minor-league camp this morning, Scott Elbert, A.J. Ellis, Chin-lung Hu, Ken Huckaby, Travis Smith, Fernando Tatis and Dario Veras were reassigned to minor-league camp, and Damian Jackson was released.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:54 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Repko appears fine

Sorry I forgot to update on that late yesterday afternoon (although the information is laid out in full in today's paper and on the web site), but Repko's strained right groin doesn't appear serious. He came back to Dodgertown for treatment yesterday and said afterward the injury wasn't as bad as he initially thought, but that he would know more today. That SOUNDS promising, but he isn't out of the woods yet (remember Jayson Werth, two springs ago?).

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:44 AM | Comments (0)

March 10, 2007

Dodgers: Springing forward

The Dodgers will start late tomorrow, with players not required to show up until 11:30 a.m. despite a 1:05 p.m. game against Washington. This is in apparent deference to the changeover to Daylight Savings Time, allowing players -- and by extension, the writers -- to make up for the lost hour by sleeping an hour later. Don't mind if I do. ... Had a long conversation with Rich Donnelly this morning about the fact that March Madness has become a HUGE part of spring-training tradition for all clubs. Donnelly, a big college hoops fans, says the tournament begins just as spring training is hitting its dog days, and allows players a respite from the monotony and takes them right through the end. Of course, opening day has this bad habit of interfering with the Final Four. ... Speaking of college hoops, I'm finding it hard to get excited about my alma mater, the University of Arkansas, making another Cinderella run through the SEC tournament. Even if the Razorbacks do manage to upset Florida in tomorrow's final and gain an automatic bid to the dance, what does it get them? An embarrassing first-round loss? Wake me up when they become relevant again.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 4:18 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers 5, Marlins 2

Going strictly by the box score, James Loney went 2 for 4 to keep his average at .500, and Jason Repko went 2 for 5 with two doubles before getting injured. Mark Hendrickson, a candidate for the fifth starter spot, gave up an unearned run on one hit over three innings. Dario Veras, Tim Hamulack and Travis Smith, none of whom is expected to be on the opening-day roster, shut out the Marlins over the final three innings. The split leaves the Dodgers 7-6 for the spring. Bus still hasn't arrived.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:52 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Marlins 8, Dodgers 5

Jason Schmidt and Greg Miller gave up four runs apiece, but Takashi Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Rudy Seanez and Chin-hui Tsao shut out the Marlins on two hits ove the final four innings. Juan Pierre went 2 for 3, including a rare, well-placed bunt double. Nomar Garciaparra went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and three RBI. And Luis Gonzalez went 2 for 2 with a double and two RBI. Jason Repko suffered a groin injury in the other game, also against the Marlins down in Jupiter. Will know more when the bus arrives.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:31 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: No cuts today

Grady still won't say when they're coming, but they're coming. "We'll start thinning out here in a day or two," he said. "But there won't be any time frame from here on out." He also said that with the exception of closer Takashi Saito, setup man Jonathan Broxton and situational lefty Joe Beimel, he expects every reliever to be able to give him multiple innings when needed. "You need a couple of guys in your pen who are capable of doing that, and capable of doing it two out of three days if needed."

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:05 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Talking points

Manager Grady Little walked into the clubhouse this morning and saw lefty Scott Elbert, the club's top pitching prospect, sitting in a chair in front of his locker. Little pulled up a chair, sat down and gave Elbert one of his classic Little talks, in which Grady puts that familiar smile on his face and magically comes up with the perfect words to make a kid feel 10 feet tall. Elbert made his second Grapefruit League appearance yesterday, and it was a disaster. He faced five Minnesota batters, and three of them went yard. He also gave up a single, threw a wild pitch and retired just one batter, albeit striking him out. Little chalked the effort up to nerves. Elbert was never going to make this team because he is still developing, and he probably will be among the first round of cuts, either tonight or early tomorrow. But this kid is the real deal, a potential front-of-the-rotation starter who should be in the big leagues by 2009 if not sooner. And no matter how far he goes in this game, the best guess here is that he will never forget that visit from Little this morning. Just another example of why for all the shrewd moves Ned Colletti has made since taking over as GM on Nov. 16, 2005, the best was hiring Little.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:16 AM | Comments (0)

March 9, 2007

Dodgers: Parking changes

The Dodgers are expected to announce sometime next week a new parking plan for Dodger Stadium this season. It's complicated to explain, but to make a long story short, those who purchase season parking passes will be allowed to choose their parking spots on the upper levels, while those who purchase daily parking will be directed into specific lots by lot attendants utiliizing what is supposed to be an efficient system that alleviates some of the traffic snafus the stadium lot is so famous for. More details to come when the announcement is made.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 4:04 PM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Dodgers 8, Twins 7

Andre Ethier and James Loney continued to sizzle with three hits apiece, raising their respective averages to .526 and .500. Chad Billingsley pitched 2 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just a hit and a walk. Matt White survived a shaky eighth inning with only an unearned run scoring despite issuing a walk and hitting a batter, and the non-roster left-hander with the billion-dollar rock quarry still hasn't given up a hit or an earned run in three spring appearances spanning 4 1/3 innings. Dodgers improved to 6-5 for the spring.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:31 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Today's lineup

Strange lineup today against Minnesota, probably because there is a split squad tomorrow. Choo Freeman is leading off, followed by Russell Martin and James Loney. Jeff Kent is batting fourth, the only regular player hitting in what we know will be his normal spot, followed by Olmedo Saenz (DH), Andre Ethier (RF). Wilson Betemit (3B and batting seventh, which COULD be his normal spot), Larry Bigbie (LF) and Tony Abreu (SS). Grady said the Dodgers will stop using the DH against National League opponents toward the end of next week.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:50 AM | Comments (3)

Dodgers: Anderson, Furcal out until at least next week

While purposely avoiding being specific, Dodgers manager Grady Little said this morning that neither Marlon Anderson (right elbow) nor Rafael Furcal (right shoulder) is likely to play in a Grapefruit League game before the team's scheduled off-day on Wednesday, but that he is hopeful both players can return immediately thereafter. Little also admitted for the first time that Anderson's injury is the result of the Anderson having pushed himself too quickly when he first arrived in camp. Anderson underwent surgery last October for the removal of bone chips.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:13 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Competition is good -- and bad

The battle for the fifth spot in the starting rotation is the most intriguing storyline of the spring, for sure. But a delicate subplot is what is going to happen once the issue is resolved -- not so much with the guy who gets the job, but with the dozen or so guys who don't. Brett Tomko said last night that club officials told him to prepare this winter as if he were going to start, and Tomko has said the only reason he agreed to go to the pen last summer was because he believed it would eventually work into his being the closer, something that clearly isn't going to happen now. Meanwhile, Mark Hendrickson made it clear over the winter that he has no interest in being a reliever. And Elmer Dessens, who isn't really a candidate anyway, is unhappy working out of the pen, too. All three players potentially could become trade bait, but none of them is a candidate to be sent to the minors. Therefore, barring a trade, there is a strong chance the Dodgers could begin the season with THREE ticked-off guys in their bullpen.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 5:04 AM | Comments (4)

March 8, 2007

Dodgers: More Dodgertown surrealism

The Dodgertown dining room was well populated with prominent players from the team's history a half hour before the game tonight. Many of them were in town for Clem Labine's funeral this afternoon. Kevin Modesti and I were sitting with Mark Langill, Pepe Yniguez and Billy DeLury, listening to Billy tell some great Dodgertown stories from his five-decades-plus with the organization, most of them as traveling secretary. So Billy starts telling us about some of the great characters who have worked at Dodgertown over the years, and he starts telling us about this guy whose entire job was, well, I'll let Billy tell it. "This guy would sit there all day long, every day, and peel oranges and squeeze them," Billy said. "All day long, every day, that's what he did. His name was Beans or Beansey, or something like that." And then, suddenly, from behind Langill, an eavesdropper chimed in. "Beansey," Sandy Koufax said, while perusing the nearby dessert table. And it suddenly struck me, as it occasionally does, just what a great job this is, how wonderfully strange and surreal this profession I have chosen can be at times, and how incredibly fortunate I am to go to work every day in the midst of so much amazing history and to be around so many fascinating, often larger-than-life people. While the primary purpose of this blog is to convey Dodgers news to you, the reader, I hope you won't mind my occasionally sharing stories like this with you, as well. Thanks for indulging.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:53 PM | Comments (5)

Dodgers: Marlins 2, Dodgers 1

Derek Lowe pitched three shutout innings, allowing only a single by Miguel Cabrera, in a matchup of the starting pitchers who pitched the most recent no-hitter in each league (Lowe pitched one for Boston in 2002, Florida's Anibal Sanchez pitched one last year). Veteran Rudy Seanez, who is trying to make the club as a non-roster invitee, struck out all three batters he faced in the eighth inning. But the Dodgers were limited to four hits. Andy La Roche was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning and left the game an inning later after his right wrist swelled up. But La Roche said after the game he was fine.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:32 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Night game tonight

Woohoo!!!! Finally caught up on some sleep, got up, ran some errands, had a nice, relaxing lunch and rolled into work around 2. Wouldn't want to do this every night, but it's nice once in a while. They're having a postgame fireworks display after tonight's game with the Marlins, and they are claiming it's the first postgame fireworks ever for a major-league spring training game at Holman Stadium. What I'm discovering is that Vero Beach isn't that bad when you're not sleep-deprived and cranky. They held Clem Labine's funeral here today. I didn't attend, but our columnist Kevin Modesti, who is in town for the week, did, so he might be posting about it. No Dodger news so far, but the day (night) is young, so keep checking. Peace.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:15 AM | Comments (4)

March 7, 2007

Dodgers: Dodgers 10, Marlins 0

Wilson Betemit finally ended his spring-long hitless streak at 12 at-bats with an RBI single in the seventh inning. Eric Stults, Elmer Dessens and Mike Megrew pitched two scoreless innings each. And Tony Abreu went 3 for 4 with a single, double, home run and three RBI. Dodgers improved to 4-3 for the spring and will play these same Marlins in a night game in Vero tomorrow night. That's it for today.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:15 PM | Comments (2)

Dodgers: Cardinals 11, Dodgers 1

Cardinals hit five home runs off Dodgers pitching, including two by the immortal Skip Schumaker. James Loney was on base four times, including three hits and a walk, and played an adventurous right field for a few innings on a sunny, windy day with a high sky. He moved to his more natural position of first base after Nomar Garciaparra left the game. Off to Jupiter (the city, not the planet) for the nightcap with the Marlins.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:47 PM | Comments (3)

Dodgers: Stuff

Takashi Saito will pitch the fifth inning today, his Grapefruit League debut. It will be interesting if he has to test his strained right calf by covering first base on a play. ... Grady switched gears on the first round of cuts, which he said last week probably wouldn't come until after the last split-squad date a week from tomorrow. He said this morning it might come later this week because it's becoming difficult to get enough playing time for the 58 players in camp. ... Oh, and the Dodgers watched Munich on their 2 1/2-hour bus ride back from Fort Myers last night.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:54 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Skeleton crew

Well, not really. All the main guys are here for today's game with St. Louis. But the clubhouse was unusually quiet and still this morning because half the team doesn't have to be here until this afternoon to travel to Jupiter for tonight's split-squad game with the Marlins. Holman Stadium will host a night game of its own tomorrow night against the Marlins, which means I can catch up on my sleep for the first time all spring and maybe have a nice, relaxing lunch somewhere -- for all its foibles, Vero Beach does have some nice lunch spots. Beyond that, nothing noteworthy going on so far today. We'll meet with Grady in the next few minutes, so stay tuned.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:26 AM | Comments (0)

March 6, 2007

Dodgers: Big sweat

Ran into Dennys Reyes today, the former Dodgers lefty whom I covered in Cincinnati. Actually, I didn't run into him. I went to the Twins clubhouse specifically to say hello, hoping he was back from a brief absence to be with his wife as she gave birth to the couple's third child last week. This is truly one of the great guys in the game, a guy who looks nothing like a professional athlete. He walks with a slight limp because he was born with one leg slightly longer than the other, and he always has a smile on his face. He won't even turn 30 until April 19, which is hard to believe because he has been in pro ball since 1994, and a year longer than that if you count 1993 with Mexico City. But he has made a nice career for himself as a situational lefty, proving there will always be jobs available for guys who can come out of the pen, get one or two left-handed batters out and then take a seat. I say good for him.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 2:51 PM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Dodgers 7, Twins 4

Wilson Valdez homered and doubled, keeping his spring average at .500 (8 for 16) after going 2 for 4. Andre Ethier also had two hits, and Valdez, Ethier and Ramon Martinez drove in two runs each. Greg Miller got the win despite allowing three hits over two innings. He gave up one run. Jason Schmidt and Mark Hendrickson also each gave up one run over two innings. And in the Tony-needs-to-get-a-life-instead-of-coming-up-with-all-these-meaningless-oddities department, the Dodgers, who have won exactly one interleague road game over the past two regular seasons, are 2-0 in interleague road games thus far in the Grapefruit League.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:16 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Hu was that man?

His name is Chin-lung Hu, and while the ballyhooed shortstop prospect isn't going to make the team now or anytime in the next year or so, he is an electrifying player who should be ready to take over by the time Rafael Furcal's contract runs out after next season. Hu already created one run for the Dodgers by stealing third on unsuspecting Twins pitcher Julio DePaula in the top of this seventh inning, allowing him to score on Choo Freeman's groundout. Hu then lunged far to his right and onto the outfield grass to stop a smash by Chris Heintz, although it was too late to get Heintz at first. Dodgers lead 6-4 after 7.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers explode in sixth, take lead

Andre Ethier momentarily raised his spring average to .400 with a two-run single to right, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. Kelly Stinnett followed with a double, and Ramon Martinez drove in Ethier and Stinnett with another single, makint it 5-2. All of this came off veteran Randy Choate, who is in camp with the Twins on a minor-league deal and trying to make the club. Choate walked Matt Kemp and hit James Loney to start the rally.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Jackson scratched

Veteran utility man Damian Jackson, who is trying to make the club as a non-roster invitee, was scratched from the lineup due to a stomach ailment. This is the second time this spring that Jackson has been out of action with a stomach illness. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Rafael Furcal appears close to returning from right shoulder soreness, even though he isn't expected to play in either of tomorrow's split-squad games.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:38 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Spring chill

It was 47 degrees when I left Vero Beach yesterday for the trip over here, and it never got out of the 60s all day on this side of the state. It LOOKS like it will be a little warmer today, with sunny, clear skies right now at a little before 10 a.m., but it has a long way to go. Meanwhile, Jason Schmidt will make his second start of the spring today. All the Dodgers starters are going just two innings their first TWO times out this spring, which is a little unusual. Normally, they go three their second time, but this year, their outings are being spaced four days apart the first two times instead of the customary five days apart. Grady Little says this plan was devised by pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. I'm not sure what the reasoning is, but I'm sure it's sound.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 6:45 AM | Comments (0)

March 5, 2007

Angels: A's 8, Angels 7

The Angels' good fortune had to end some time A's rallied from a 7-1 deficit for the victory. It was the Angels' first defeat of the spring, leaving them 4-1 heading into Tuesday's contest against the Giants at Scottsdale. The Angels' bullpen was horrible as Greg Jones and Matt Hensley combined to give up six runs over a span of three innings. While not signaling out anybody in particular, manager Mike Scioscia lamented the inability of some young pitchers to throw first-pitch strikes.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 3:31 PM | Comments (3)

Angels: Seeing red

Just talked to Angels owner Arte Moreno on the advertising blitz that has painted the town red. Unless you've been on house arrest you've probably seen the simple red billboards with the Angels logo. The logo is on 1,000 billboards, bus stops and other advertising outlets throughout Southern California. Moreno said the intention is to get the team color out there with the start of the season less than a month away.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 3:12 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Superfluous travel

There is a simple reason why Dodgers management insists on making these ridiculous trips to the Gulf Coast every spring: In order to get the Boston Red Sox to come to Vero Beach, giving the Dodgers their only home sellout of the spring, the Dodgers have to reciprocate by playing the Red Sox in Fort Myers. Because it is such a long trip, the Dodgers usually overnight here and play another Gulf Coast team the following day. This time, thankfully, it is the crosstown Minnesota Twins, so there isn't more travel involved in between. Couple of years ago, the Dodgers played a Friday game against the Devil Rays in St. Petersburg, but it ended up getting rained out, and several of the players who had bussed all the way across the state for that one got back on the bus and went back to Vero because they weren't scheduled to play the next day against the Red Sox. Still others got on the bus for the SECOND three-hour bus ride THAT DAY, the trip down I-75 from St. Pete to Fort Myers. All of which barrels down to one thing: another reason why the spring of 2009, when the Dodgers are expected to move into their new digs in Glendale, Ariz., can't get here fast enough.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 2:52 PM | Comments (3)

Dodgers: Dodgers 2, Red Sox 1

An eighth-inning play at the plate saved the game. Delwyn Young fielded Luis Jimenez's double off the rightfield wall and hit the cutoff man, second baseman Tony Abreu, who turned and threw to catcher Sandy Martinez to the first base side of the plate. Martinez recovered in time to tag a sliding Alex Prieto to end the inning. Travis Smith retired the Sox in order in the ninth for the save.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:50 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Could Colon be back in April?

Manager Mike Scioscia said today that Bartolo Colon has a chance to pitch for the Angels in late April if he keeps progressing in rehab for rotator cuff damage. Scioscia even admitted he is surprised at the progress Colon makes on a daily basis. Colon threw on flat ground from 180 feet Sunday.

While May and even June seems more realistic for Colon's return, it is now obvious that the right-hander is getting stronger. The real question that remains is what kind of pitcher will Colon be upon his return? Odds of him being a high-90mph guy aren't good. Scioscia admitted that Colon is actually teaching himself how to throw again so even if he comes back early the jury still is out on what kind of success he might have.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:44 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Murphy's law

Tommy Murphy just cracked an RBI double off the top of the right-field wall against A's pitcher Kaz Tadano and while it still is early in the spring, Murphy looks like the leader for the backup outfielder spot. Reggie Willits might be a better situational hitter, something Mike Scioscia likes, but Murphy has power potential and a rocket arm. On Saturday, Murphy crushed a home run against the Rockies at Tucson so he looks to be in a groove at this early stage of camp.

Murphy's hit gave the Angels a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning and so far they are on their way to their fifth victory in five tries this spring.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:33 PM | Comments (0)

March 4, 2007

Angels: Angels 5, Brewers 4

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

HIGHLIGHT REEL: Reggie Willits gave the Angels their second walk-off victory of the young spring with a ninth-inning RBI single up the middle to give the Angels a 5-4 victory. The Angels won their Cactus League opener on a game-ending fly ball from Hainley Statia. The team is now 4-0 this spring.

DUGOUT DIRT: Jeff Mathis continues to show solid defense, something that eluded him when he opened the season in the big leagues last season. Mathis easily threw out the Brewers' Laynce Nix on a stolen base attempt in the ninth inning.

QUOTE, UNQUOTE: “I think it was definitely beneficial for me to be playing up until January. All it can do is help.” Casey Kotchman, who had a home run among his two hits, on playing winter ball after missing most of last season with mononucleosis.

ON DECK: The Angels' Ervin Santana will face off against the Oakland Athletics' Brad Halsey, 12:05 p.m., 710-AM

Posted by Doug Padilla at 3:03 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Braves 4, Dodgers 1

Dodgers got two shutout innings by Joe Mays in relief of Derek Lowe. Mays, a non-roster invitee, is one of the candidates for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. He faced the minimum, giving up one hit that was erased that on a 1-6-3 double play that Mays himself made a nice play to start. Another hitter reached on an error but was caught stealing. The Dodgers committe three errors in this game and at last report had committed two in the other game up in Viera, giving them 12 (and counting) in their first five Grapefruit League games.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Saito ready

Dodgers closer Takashi Saito threw a simulated game and will make his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday now that he has been cleared to run. Saito's strained right calf still might slow him on certain defensive plays, but club officials are confident he is past the point of a major risk of aggravating the injury. Saito has been on the same throwing program with every other reliever all spring, although he wasn't cleared to run.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:51 AM | Comments (0)

Angels: Erstad talks health, Angels fans and A.J.

I visited Darin Erstad on Saturday, going to White Sox camp in Tucson before watching the Angels play the Rockies later in the day across town. I wrote an entire story about it but with a busy high-school sports day I'm not sure it saw the light of day in any newspaper. So here it is in all its glory. Just click below.

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

TUCSON, Ariz. – Darin Erstad is doing just fine in Chicago White Sox spring camp, playing well and feeling healthy for the first time in over two years.
He is even ... GULP ... getting along swimmingly with A.J. Pierzynski, who has a nearby locker.
When two reporters who cover the Angels showed up in White Sox camp Saturday morning, Pierzynski figured more attention was heading his way. Well sorry A.J., this year there is a different White Sox tie to the Angels.
Erstad, who had surgery on his right ankle this off-season, is getting a chance to earn a starting spot in either center or left field. On Saturday he played in his third consecutive spring game and reported no discomfort.
“I'm very happy with how I feel and just getting back into the flow of playing again,” Erstad said. “I missed a lot of time and I'm just trying to get used to being on the field.”
For the past two years Erstad tried to grit his teeth and play through various injuries. It had an obvious impact on his game.
“You have to find a way to make due with what you have and I did as best as I could and it wasn't good enough,” Erstad said. “I'll move on and go from there.”
Erstad has heard about the small stir caused by a comment he made earlier this spring. While trying to let it be known that he is fully committed to the White Sox, he said the Angels were just another team and expressed his desire is to kick the stuffing – so to speak – out of them.
“The Angels were a huge part of my career and I'll have great memories but when you step on the field it's time to win baseball games,” Erstad said, patiently taking the time for those who conveniently forgot about his competitive nature. “That's how I feel against every team. It's not just my personal vendetta against the Angels. It's how I feel playing against anybody.”
The White Sox and Angels will square off for the first time this spring April 17 in Tucson and again April 27 at Tempe. But the matchups Erstad is anticipating take place April 27-29 at Chicago and May 4-6 when the White Sox visit Angel Stadium.
“Oh I might have a general idea of when the games are,” Erstad said with a smile when asked if has marked the dates on his calendar.
Unlike Tim Salmon last year, Erstad was shut down at the end of the season, depriving him of one farewell appearance or at-bat to receive acknowledgment from the home fans.
“I don't need that for personal stuff,” he said. “Obviously I have a very close relationship with the fans and the respect is mutual. It's going to be tough being there but when you strap it on you can throw all that out the window.”
The Angels are still discussing how to properly celebrate a fan favorite who now is in the opposing dugout. A video tribute is likely, at the very least. The hard-nosed Erstad isn't sure what to expect when he comes back to Orange County.
“I'm not expecting anything and I don't know what will happen,” Erstad said. “Like I said, I have a lot of things to worry about before we get to that point.”
As for Pierzynski, Erstad was asked a tongue-in-cheek question about how he is getting along with his new teammate, who was sitting at his locker a few feet away. Pierzynski, of course, took the bait, chiming in from a distance about reporters causing trouble.
Erstad said there has been no reason to talk about the 2005 American League Championship, joking or otherwise. Pierzynski, of course, advanced to first base in Game 2 on a perceived dropped third strike, opening the door for a White Sox victory.
“Hey, you guys know me, once the year is over and down with you can close the book,” said Erstad, who only objected to Pierzynski's University of Florida T-shirt. “That chapter is over. Things change and you just roll with it, just like I've said year after year. My focus was what was going on in that Angels locker room and now my focus is what's going on here. Find a way to make the team win. I have one-track mind with these guys.”

doug.padilla@sgvn.com
(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2731

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Posted by Doug Padilla at 7:28 AM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Florida weather

It went from miserably hot and sticky just two days ago to windy and chilly yesterday to more of the same today. People are suddenly walking around here in fleece pullovers and heavy jackets. Dodgers have their first spit squad today, with half the team, including scheduled starter Brett Tomko, heading north to Viera (a planned community just north of Melbourne) to play the Nationals. The rest of the club, including Derek Lowe who will make his official Grapefruit debut, will face the Braves in Vero. Tomorrow marks the only overnight trip of the spring, a trek to Fort Myers to play Boston tomorrow and Minnesota Tuesday. Three hours each way, over a series of two-lane highways until you get to I-75, which is only for about the last 20 miles. You pass through a lot of one-stoplight towns, but unfortunately, even the one-stoplight towns now have multiple stoplights. I'll be at the home game today, so no in-game blogging.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:15 AM | Comments (0)

Angels: 2 notebooks to choose from

I submitted two notebooks Saturday, one with Vladimir Guerrero as the lead item and another with a late update on Gary Matthews Jr.'s situation. Here are the links to both:

GUERRERO FEELING AS GOOD AS EVER
click here

Click below for a different lead item on Gary Matthews Jr. hiring a new lawyer

TUSCON, Ariz. -- Gary Matthews Jr. has ramped up his defense against allegations that he was a customer of a internet pharmacy accused of selling human growth hormone. Matthews has hired lawyer Robert Shapiro, who made a statement in defense of his new client.
“Gary wishes to cooperate with Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Angels and any other investigative agency that may look into this matter,” Shapiro told the Associated Press on Saturday. “He is eager to tell his side of the story and looks forward to providing a statement once all investigations into the matter have been completed.
“However, it is my long-standing policy not to allow clients to comment while an investigation is ongoing. To do so would be inappropriate and I believe irresponsible.”
Angels owner Arte Moreno released a statement of his own Saturday on the unfolding Matthews situation.
“Both the Angels and I have strongly encouraged Gary to cooperate with any authority investigating this matter,” Moreno said. “Specifically, the Angels have asked (Matthews) to come forward and fully answer all questions surrounding the recent allegations against him. The organization continues to expect that this matter will come to a quick conclusion.”
Matthews, 32, has not commented on the matter since addressing the media briefly Wednesday.
“I just wanted to just express that I will come out and talk to you guys about it when the appropriate time comes,” Matthews said last week. “I want you guys to respect my position and I don’t want to become a distraction for my team and my teammates.”

Vladimir Guerrero said that with a doctor's advice, he declined to have arthroscopic knee surgery this off-season. The tactic worked as the two sore knees Guerrero played with in the second half last season feel better than ever.
Guerrero also said a thumb injury suffered in winter ball two years ago is much improved and he expects to make more accurate throws this season.
“With the help of (coach) Ron (Roenicke) and working in the outfield to get on top of the ball more, my throwing has improved a lot the past couple weeks,” Guerrero said through Angels broadcaster Jose Mota, who was serving as interpreter.

One day after saying he was told he might not break camp with the team, Jered Weaver backed off that statement. On Friday, Weaver was quoted as saying he might stay back for extended spring and miss possibly one or two starts to open the season.
On Saturday, he said he still is focused on making his April 6 start at home against the Oakland Athletics.
“Everything’s on schedule,” said Weaver, who has been dealing with a sore biceps since before camp began. “I should get off a mound in a week. (There's) no discomfort anymore.”
Manager Mike Scioscia said that Weaver has somewhere between a week and 10 days to throw from a mound. If he can't make that schedule, his opening start of the season will be delayed.

After missing the last three days in camp because of bronchitis, John Lackey made an appearance saying he was feeling much better. He is expected to have a bullpen session Monday and then pitch in his first Cactus League game Thursday with a 45-pitch limit. He was supposed to start Saturday.

The Angels turned an unorthodox triple play in the third inning Saturday on a Steve Finley line drive that Casey Kotchman caught at first base just above the dirt. With runners moving from first and second on the play, Kotchman flipped the ball to Dustin Moseley to catch the runner off first base. Moseley then threw to Erick Aybar to catch the runner off second base.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 7:13 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Geographically challenged

A well-known Los Angeles radio personality was interviewing Brad Penny after Penny left yesterday's game with the New York Mets. The final question was this: "I know you spent some time this winter traveling around Europe. What was your favorite place?" Penny's answer: "Cabo."

Posted by Tony Jackson at 5:43 AM | Comments (0)

March 3, 2007

Angels: Matthews hires lawyer

On the same day Gary Matthews Jr. hired attorney Robert Shapiro to handle his defense of accusations he allegedly purchased human growth hormone over the internet, Angels owner Arte Moreno released a statement of his own on the matter.

Click below to read the full text of Moreno's statement.

A STATEMENT FROM ARTE MORENO
The Angels and I have long been committed to eliminating the use of performance
enhancing substances from the game of baseball. We have fully supported the
adoption and implementation of Major League Baseball and the Major League
Baseball Player's Association's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
We have routinely educated our players about the dangers of performance
enhancing substances and strongly encouraged players to avoid their use.
Recently, our organization has supported the investigation initiated by
Commissioner Bud Selig and conducted by Senator George Mitchell into the use of
performance enhancing substances in baseball, has cooperated with that
investigation, and will continue to cooperate with that investigation.
This week, the Angels and I were disappointed to learn that the name of one of
our players, Gary Matthews Jr., has been allegedly associated with an
investigation into the sale of performance enhancing substances by an internet
pharmacy in Florida.
Both the Angels and I have strongly encouraged Gary to cooperate with any
authority investigating this matter. Specifically, the Angels have asked him to
come forward and fully answer all questions surrounding the recent allegations
against him. The organization continues to expect that this matter will come to
a quick conclusion.
These recent revelations continue to highlight that baseball and all other
sports must continue to directly address the issue of performance enhancing
substances. There is no place in baseball for such substances, and we have and
will continue to do what we can to eliminate them from the game.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 9:12 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers 5, Mets 2

Dodgers rallied for four in the ninth off Jon Adkins, the same guy who had mowed them down in the eighth. Proving that no Dodgers Grapefruit League rally is complete without a key at-bat by Larry Bigbie, the non-roster outfielder drove in the tying run with a fielder's-choice grounder, although 232-year-old first baseman John Franco's throw to the plate appeared to beat a sliding Fernando Tatis, who nevertheless was called safe by plate ump C.B. Bucknor. It was Bigbie's first hitless at-bat of the spring, leaving him 5 for 6. Wilson Valdez, who is hitting .571, drove in the final run. Andy La Roche had two hits and a key walk in the ninth, but also committed two errors -- giving the Dodgers four errors in three games by La Roche and Wilson Betemit, one of whom will be the opening-day third baseman. Dodgers improve to 2-1.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:31 PM | Comments (5)

Angels: Unusual triple play

The Angels just turned an odd triple play to get out of a mess in the third inning. With runners on first and second, Casey Kotchman caught a line drive. Dustin Moseley was over to cover first base and caught the runner off the bag for the second out. Moseley then threw to Erick Aybar to get the runner off the bag at second base. It wasn't the prettiest triple play of all time but three outs on one play can't be argued with.

And if all that didn't make any sense, the game will be shown tonight on Fox Sports Net West beginning at 7 p.m.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:02 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: In the flight path

One interesting thing about Tucson's Hi Corbett Field, where the Angels are currently playing the Colorado Rockies, is the close proximity to a nearby Air Force base. Fighter jets fly by most of the afternoon with one that just buzzed the crowd, earning one of the biggest cheers of the day so far.

"Garret's here," was the joke in the press box after the roar had died down.

Since Garret Anderson hasn't had to travel for a game in Tucson in about four years (a member of the Angels media department just called him to confirm that) maybe he found a quicker way to make the 100-mile journey south.

By the way, it's 1-0 Angels in the third inning on an RBI single by Reggie Willits.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers. The Mets are real-ly sockin' the ball

... or at least one of them is. Jose Reyes homered off Eric Stults with two outs in the sixth, finally breaking the scoreless tie. But Larry Bigbie (that man again), who entered in left field in the sixth, tied the game with a bases-loaded single off Aaron Heilman in the seventh, making Bigbie 5 for 5 with six RBI for the spring. Mets untied it off Dario Veras on David Newhan's sac fly. Mets 2, Dodgers 1, bottom 7.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: What windup?

Grady Little said before the game that lefty Hong-Chih Kuo is using a windup this spring after pitching only out of the stretch last season. I must confess I hadn't noticed. But Kuo, who entered this game in relief of Brad Penny to begin the third inning, isn't using a windup now. Not that he has had much chance to. Andy La Roche booted Paul Lo Duca's ground ball to start the inning, and there were runners on the rest of the frame. But Russell Martin saved Kuo from himself by picking Carlos Delgado off first with a snap throw, and Delwyn Young had to make a diving catch in left of a routine fly ball that got caught up in the swirling winds here to end the inning. Dodgers 0, Mets 0 after three.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Penny ante

Brad Penny threw one high and tight to Carlos Delgado in the first inning, grazing him slightly and eliciting oohs and aahs from Mets fans here in PSL. Penny walked two and hit one in the first inning, but got out of the jam with no runs scoring. Meanwhile, ballyhooed Mets pitching prospect Mike Pelfrey faced the minimum through the first two innings, allowing only a one-out single by Andy La Roche in the second. Penny will leave after the second inning, with Hong-Chih Kuo to follow.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)

March 2, 2007

Dodgers: Celebrating Jackie

The 2007 Dodgers media guide features a tastefully subtle tribute to the late Jackie Robinson in the year marking the 60th anniversary of his breaking of baseball's color barrier. On page 42, appropriately, is a standard player bio for Robinson that resembles the bios in the same book for each of the other Dodgers players, and it is done as if this were Robinson's rookie season of 1947. Kudos to the Dodgers' public relations staff for a creative idea that works.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 4:54 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: late updates

There was no internet access at the Cubs' ballpark in Mesa today so thus, no blogging. OK, there was internet, it just wasn't working with my computer. I'm sure there was a way to fix it but nobody who saw my frustrations knew how to help

Here are the day's behind-the-sceens highlights:

Mike Scioscia objected to the way a story was written. OK, it was my story. The way Scioscia read it, it looked like he felt Gary Matthews Jr.'s silence was making him look guilty. Scioscia said he was talking about looking guilty in the court of public opinion, not in his eyes. Just clearing the air for you here, Mike. (I asked if he wanted a correction of some type in print but he declined. We're doing it here anyway.) Goes to show how sensitive this subject has become and will be for the Angels.

Scioscia also talked today about the new baseball policy where he can't talk about a player's off-the-field injuries or illnesses unless the player signs a waiver for it. He can talk about baseball-related injuries without a signature. All in the name of personal privacy, I guess. The subject came up in regard to John Lackey's bronchitis that won't allow him to pitch on Saturday. Scioscia couldn't tell the media what was ailing his ace. Good thing there are other (private) ways to obtain information.

Going to the Cubs' ballpark in Mesa is always interesting. The first ticket scalper was spotted at least a mile from the ballpark near a freeway offramp.

The Cubs really need to get to know their American League counterparts, especially the Angels. Not only was Joe Saunders listed on a lineup as "Jose" Saunders, there was a banner behind the press box that read "California Angels." Talk about being behind the times.

That's it for now. We'll work on the internet issue in Tucson on Saturday when the Angels face the Rockies. Hector Carrasco will start for Lackey and he could make a case to be a starter the opening week of the season if Jered Weaver can't recover from his biceps tendinitis in time.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 4:44 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers 12, Nationals 7

After falling behind 7-3, the Dodgers came roaring back, largely on the strength of non-roster outfielder Larry Bigbie. Bigbie came in for Luis Gonzalez in the fifth inning and went 3 for 3 with two homers, a double and five RBI. Greg Miller, the fourth Dodgers pitcher, got the win with two scoreless innings. Jason Schmidt pitched two shaky-but-scoreless innings in his Dodgers debut, walking two batters and giving up two hits. Mark Hendrickson, one of the candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation, gave up seven runs (four earned) on five hits over 1 2/3 innings, although he was hurt by poor defense behind him.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 1:49 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Dodgers vs. Redskins ... er, Nationals

The Washington Nationals have 72 players in camp. Seventy-two. Thirty-eight of them are pitchers. And while they didn't bring nearly that many players to Vero Beach for today's Grapefruit League affair, you have to wonder why they have so many in camp. It creates an almost impossible situation for rookie manager Manny Acta, who is the guy who has to find enough innings and at-bats for all these guys. Sadly, it doesn't figure to make much difference for the Nats, who are playing their final season in rotting old RFK Stadium and probably aren't going to be very good on the field. They have some young talent and a chance to build something when they move into their new ballpark, but for now, it most likely is going to be a long, miserable summer in the capitol.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 9:41 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Rich in tradition, but not stuck in it

Some of the biggest names in Dodgers history are beginning to acknowledge that the pending demise of Dodgertown, while it isn't a good thing, isn't necessarily a bad thing, either. Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton, now a broadcaster for the Washington Nationals and a man who spent an estimated total of two years of his life in Vero Beach while in spring training with the Dodgers, is one of those who understands the move to Arizona, which is expected to take place in 2009. "I still get goose bumps every time I walk back into this place," Sutton said a couple of hours before today's game. "This is a big part of every Dodgers history book. But I have mixed emotions. The other side of it is that the Dodgers' fan base is on the West Coast. Now, the people out there will get a chance to see spring training and see the A-ball guys and the rookies."

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:29 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: AL rules, NL opponent

By mutual agreement, the Dodgers and Nationals will use the DH today, even though they're both NL clubs. This is probably a trend you will see more and more during spring-training games in the years to come, especially in the first couple of weeks of March when there are so many position players in camp needing at-bats and pitchers aren't staying in games long enough to get at-bats anyway. Mike Lieberthal gets the nod for the Dodgers today.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 8:00 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Tired of talking about it

Matt White, the non-roster journeyman left-hander who is here trying to make the club, clearly is getting tired of talking about the fact the property he bought from an aunt a few years ago turned out to have a billion dollars' worth of rock on it. The story was reported early in camp by mlb.com and took on a life of its own earlier this week when the Associated Press followed up on it. Apparently, there were so many interview requests, including some with national cable news shows, that White could barely keep up with it all. When two reporters approached him this morning wanting to talk more about it, White obliged them, but he did his best to make it clear, albeit subtly, that the subject is beginning to wear on him. He became much more insightful when the reporters started asking baseball-related questions.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 7:40 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: A case of (badly) mistaken identity

The press boxes in these smallish spring training parks are often situated in such a way that fans can walk right up in front of them and actually talk to the writers working inside (but fans are asked to kindly refrain from feeding them). Anyway, at one point during yesterday's Dodgers-Braves tilt up at WDW, a veteran writer from a Canadian paper was seated in the front row of the press box, happily slaving away on a story about one of his countrymen, Dodgers catcher Russell Martin, when a fan approached and asked the writer for his autograph. This writer, a middle-aged, obviously-Caucasian man with gray hair, a thick mustache and an unmistakable Canadian accent was understandably taken aback. "What do you want MY autograph for?" he asked, to which the fan responded, "Aren't you Fernando Valenzuela?"

Posted by Tony Jackson at 5:39 AM | Comments (0)

March 1, 2007

Angels: Rally for win in lid lifter

If you weren't listening to today's game on the radio - and we will assume you weren't - the Angels rallied for the victory in the Cactus League opener. With the Angels trailing 6-4 in the bottom of the ninth, Sean Rodriguez started it off with a double. Nick Gornealut singled and went to second on the throw home, putting runners on second and third. Rodriguez scored when Terry Evans' ground ball to shortstop was mishandled, putting the Angels down 6-5 with runners on the corners. Gorneault scored on a game-tying single by Mike Eylward. After a sacrifice bunt by Erick Aybar, Robb Quinlan was intentionally walked to load the bases. Hainley Statia, who played at Double-A last season, won the game with a sacrifice fly to right.

Posted by Doug Padilla at 3:27 PM | Comments (1)

Dodgers: Lukewarm corner

The most noticeable shortfall of Wilson Betemit's performance after the Dodgers acquired him from the Braves last July was that the switch-hitter was so awful from his natural right side, almost 100 points lower than when he batted left-handed. But another problem was that he was shaky defensively at third base, and club officlals privately fretted over his tendency to let his concentration lapse. Not sure if that's what happened today, but Betemit did commit errors in the third and fourth innings against the Braves, each of which led to unearned runs in the Dodgers' 7-2 loss. Couple that with the fact that top third-base prospect Andy La Roche (who went 0 for 2 after replacing Betemit in the fifth) is going to get plenty of playing time this spring and is believed to be close to being major-league ready if he isn't already there, and Betemit better focus on fixing his flaws. This could turn into an intriguing storyline as the spring progresses.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 2:38 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Matthews to play on

As more news continues to surface in Gary Matthews Jr.'s alleged involvement with an internet-based pharmacy accused of distributing human growth hormone illegally, the new Angels outfielder insists on playing in order to be ready for the regular season.

On Tuesday, when news of the Matthews link to a New York grand jury investigation first surfaced, Matthews insisted on playing in an intrasquad game and got a hit in two at-bats. He started in Thursday's Cactus League opener and went 0-for-2 against the Kansas City Royals. He fouled out to the catcher in the first inning and popped out to shallow center in the third. It does not seem as though Matthews will need time off.

"I don't see that as a course of action unless it became apparent he needed it to sort things out," manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday morning. "He wants to play."

Posted by Doug Padilla at 2:29 PM | Comments (0)

Angels: Santana sliding into shape

Ervin Santana withstood some control problems and did not allow a run in his two innings of work against the Kansas City Royals in the spring opener. He did walk two batters with two strikeouts. Santana said the walks were due to simple rust since he hasn't pitched in a game since October.

Santana, who has been working on tightening his slider, threw three against the Royals. Both of his strikeouts were on sliders while the other slider was for a strike.

The right-hander said after the outing that he is ahead of where he usualy is at this time of the spring and credits that to experience. His figures his slider will help him achieve his goals, which he is keeping to himself. He would only say that by reaching his goals he would have to improve on his numbers last season (16-8 with a 4.28 ERA).

Posted by Doug Padilla at 1:54 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: First loss

It's not official yet, but it's the bottom of the eighth and the Dodgers' trail the Braves 7-2. It has gone almost unnoticed, but Wilson Valdez has had a solid game since coming in to replace Rafael Furcal. Valdez likely is headed to Las Vegas as infield insurance, but he is a 40-man roster guy. He doubled in the fifth inning and has been extremely active in the field, including just now when he went into shallow center to chase a pop that he couldn't quite get but then alertly picked it up and fired to second for the force. ... By the way, individual game tickets for the regular season, including for the home opener on April 9, will go on sale at Dodger Stadium at 10 a.m. on Saturday. For more info, go to dodgers.com.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: Second Happiest Place on Earth

Dodgers and Braves are tied 2-2 after 3 1/2 innings, thanks largely to a ringing double off the rightfield wall by Matt Kemp that barely missed leaving the yard in the top of the fourth but still keyed a two-run rally here at Walt Disney World. Randy Wolf was shaky for two innings, and Chad Billingsley is still shaky now in his second inning. How it will work during the Grapefruit season is I will try to blog in-game for road games, but I won't be able to for home games because of the weird press box situation at Holman Stadium.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)

Dodgers: ... and they don't take American Express

Former Dodgers infielder Willy Aybar, now with Atlanta, has yet to arrive in camp because of visa problems in his native Dominican Republic. This is a common problem EARLY in spring training, but I can't recall ever hearing about it on March 1. Ken Howell, the pitching coach for the Dodgers' Triple-A Las Vegas affiliate, was looking for Aybar before today's Grapefruit League opener with the Braves and was incredulous to learn that Aybar still hadn't arrived. When a couple of players confirmed to Howell that Aybar was, indeed, having visa problems, Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young said, "He should have gotten a MasterCard." We think (hope) Young's double entendre was intentional.

Posted by Tony Jackson at 9:56 AM | Comments (0)