Tuesday was all about celebrating birthdays in Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium turned 50, and members of the 1962 team were on hand to celebrate.
Andre Ethier turned 30, and he got to celebrate with 56,000 of his closest friends.
Ethier gave everyone a reason to smile, as his solo homer in the eighth gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead that would hold up over the Pirates. It was a dramatic way to commemorate 50 years at one of the best ballparks in baseball, even after all this time.
Luckily for everyone who roots for the Dodgers (and those who wear the uniforms), Clayton Kershaw was at full strength for the start. His last start, if you recall, went only three innings in San Diego on Opening Day thanks to the flu. It's a wonder how he even pitched at all.
But today he showed no signs of sickness, as he cruised his way to seven innings of four hits, one run, no walks, and seven strikeouts. A typical ho-hum day for him. He just barely missed getting a win by an inning, but with an ERA of 0.90 after two starts, I'm pretty sure the wins will come.
The Dodgers got things going in the first. After setting down the Pirates in order, Dee Gordon led off with a single. On the very first pitch to Mark Ellis, he swiped second with ease. Small ball was played next, as Ellis got him to third on a groundout, and Matt Kemp collected another RBI with a groundout, making it 1-0.
The second inning saw scoring chances for both teams, but no runs. Casey McGehee hit a long fly ball leading off to Kemp in center, and thanks to a whole lot of sun, Kemp was unable to grab it for a triple. No worries, as two strikeouts and a flyout to left ended that threat. The Dodgers put two men on, and Kershaw was almost able to get a run in, but a slick play by Neil Walker ended the inning on a forceout at second.
I'd love to tell you that a whole of action happened in the middle chunk of this game, but I'd be lying if I did. The Pirates couldn't do much of anything, as they were scoreless through six. The home team put runners on here and there, but couldn't get the big hit.
The Pirates, to their credit, kept plugging away against the reigning Cy Young Award winner and tied the game in the seventh. Alex Pressley and Andrew McCutchen hit singles leading off. McGehee then hit another long fly ball that was gloved by Juan Rivera in left, yet both runners were able to tag on the late throw to third. Not getting the ball to second proved costly, as Matt Hague's grounder to short was able to score a run instead of being a double play.
The game remained knotted at one heading into the bottom of the eighth, as the Dodgers were desperate for that one big hit. Ethier morphed into Andre the Giant again, as his two-out shot to right gave the Dodgers the lead for good.
Javy Guerra surrendered a single to Pressely with one out, but the double play combination of Gordon and Ellis was able to get the speedy McCutchen to end the game. It's Guerra's third save in as many chances.
For a place that's seen many historic hits in its time, Ethier's game-winner was a nice little nod to that history. Plus it's another indication that he's back and completely healthy, as he's hitting .316 with two homers to start the year. The lethal duo of Kemp and Ethier in the 3-4 spots looks to be back.
Even though the Dodgers didn't have the lead again until the eighth, they effectively followed their blue print of getting seven innings out of the starter, then turning to another lethal duo on the pitching side, Kenley Jansen and Guerra. Jansen was just untouchable, as he pretty much threw it anywhere over the plate, and nobody could hit it.
The general consensus before the season was that Jansen will be the closer at some point this year. And to that, I say that I hope not. What I mean by that is that I hope Guerra continues to show that he has the ninth inning on lockdown. If he falters at all, then Jansen deserves a shot. But if ain't broke, don't fix it. And trust me, it ain't broke.
With the home opener out of the way, the Dodgers will be back in action Wednesday night. It'll be a good pitching matchup, as Chad Billingsley goes against Erik Bedard. Both men pitched with something to prove in their first starts, as Bills shut down the Padres on 11 strikeouts, and Bedard was a tough-luck loser to Roy Halladay on a 1-0 score.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Headley's slam helps Padres avoid sweep
Aaron Harang returned to his old stomping grounds of 2011 on Sunday in Petco Park. He enjoyed some success there, going 8-5 with a 3.05 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, holding opponents to a .240 AVG.
That guy, however, didn't show up.
The one that did allowed 13 baserunners in a little over four innings of work as the Dodgers fell behind 4-0 early. Chase Headley's grand slam off of Scott Elbert put it away for good, as the Dodgers suffered their first blemish of the season, 8-4. The first series is wrapped up at 3-1.
The tone for the afternoon was set early on, as the Dodgers went down in order to start the game, and Cameron "Tiki" Maybin was beaned leading off. An RBI single by Jesus Guzman and sac-fly RBI by Yonder Alonso made it 2-0 after one.
Harang didn't go one inning without allowing a runner, and gave up another run the following inning. This time it wasn't so much his fault, as Dee Gordon's two-out error gave the Padres new life. Following a walk to Alonso, Jeff Baker's RBI single made it 3-0.
Andy Parrino stretched it 4-0 with a solo homer in the fourth. After Parrino walked to load the bases in the fifth, Jamey Wright had to come in, and he did the unthinkable: throw a strike. Seriously, you would have never thought it was possible after watching Saturday's game. But this time he got Clayton Richard to ground into an inning-ending double play to at least keep the game manageable.
The Dodgers tried to make a run in the sixth, and it started thanks to another Padres' error. Mark Ellis reached on Will Venable's bobble leading off. With two outs, Matt Kemp hit his second big fly of the season to make it 4-2.
Any thoughts of a comeback were erased in the eighth, as Todd Coffey and Elbert combined to do a big pile of nothing. Coffey started by giving up singles to Jeremy Hermida and Maybin. Elbert was summoned, and immediately watched Venable bunt his way on to load the bases. Headley hadn't gotten a hit all year, but with one mighty swing, he put that aside as his grand slam made it 8-2.
Andre Ethier hit a two-run homer in the ninth, but it was obviously too little, too late at that point.
Harang looked every bit like the last starter that he is, as he was never able to settle in at any point. He lasted 4 1/3 innings for seven hits, four runs (three earned), five walks, and six strikeouts. Like Chris Capuano the night before, that's just way too many free passes to a weak-hitting team.
I'll give Wright credit for getting a big double play ball in the fifth, as he needed a good outing. Josh Lindblom put in another great appearance, tossing two scoreless frames. He's looking good.
Coffey and Elbert, however, do not. Their poor work in the eighth took away any hope at a big ending for the Dodgers. I'm not so sure much is expected from Coffey, as he's just average at best. But Elbert is the only lefty in the 'pen, so he needs to get it going. He appeared in two games and gave up hits both times. He did end last season with a 2.43 ERA in 47 appearances, so hopefully this is just a little bump in the road.
Even with the loss, the Dodgers will take three of four to open the season, no matter how bad the Padres may be. And if you peek at the schedule, they have plenty of more chances to win against bad opponents. The Pirates come to town for three starting Tuesday, followed by the Padres for three more. They then visit the Brewers for three, who are good, but then play the Astros on the road for three more.
Total it all up, and that's 9 winnable games in the next 12. Of course, the flip side is that if they don't win as many of those games, the opponents soon get harder too. But it's not a stretch to say they should be right at the top of the NL West by the time May rolls around.
Monday is an off day to travel back home. The home opener is Tuesday against the Pirates. The Dodgers will be celebrating 50 years at beautiful Dodger Stadium, which is just amazing. Clayton Kershaw will get the start, and our fingers are crossed that he will go as scheduled after a bout with the flu this past week.
That guy, however, didn't show up.
The one that did allowed 13 baserunners in a little over four innings of work as the Dodgers fell behind 4-0 early. Chase Headley's grand slam off of Scott Elbert put it away for good, as the Dodgers suffered their first blemish of the season, 8-4. The first series is wrapped up at 3-1.
The tone for the afternoon was set early on, as the Dodgers went down in order to start the game, and Cameron "Tiki" Maybin was beaned leading off. An RBI single by Jesus Guzman and sac-fly RBI by Yonder Alonso made it 2-0 after one.
Harang didn't go one inning without allowing a runner, and gave up another run the following inning. This time it wasn't so much his fault, as Dee Gordon's two-out error gave the Padres new life. Following a walk to Alonso, Jeff Baker's RBI single made it 3-0.
Andy Parrino stretched it 4-0 with a solo homer in the fourth. After Parrino walked to load the bases in the fifth, Jamey Wright had to come in, and he did the unthinkable: throw a strike. Seriously, you would have never thought it was possible after watching Saturday's game. But this time he got Clayton Richard to ground into an inning-ending double play to at least keep the game manageable.
The Dodgers tried to make a run in the sixth, and it started thanks to another Padres' error. Mark Ellis reached on Will Venable's bobble leading off. With two outs, Matt Kemp hit his second big fly of the season to make it 4-2.
Any thoughts of a comeback were erased in the eighth, as Todd Coffey and Elbert combined to do a big pile of nothing. Coffey started by giving up singles to Jeremy Hermida and Maybin. Elbert was summoned, and immediately watched Venable bunt his way on to load the bases. Headley hadn't gotten a hit all year, but with one mighty swing, he put that aside as his grand slam made it 8-2.
Andre Ethier hit a two-run homer in the ninth, but it was obviously too little, too late at that point.
Harang looked every bit like the last starter that he is, as he was never able to settle in at any point. He lasted 4 1/3 innings for seven hits, four runs (three earned), five walks, and six strikeouts. Like Chris Capuano the night before, that's just way too many free passes to a weak-hitting team.
I'll give Wright credit for getting a big double play ball in the fifth, as he needed a good outing. Josh Lindblom put in another great appearance, tossing two scoreless frames. He's looking good.
Coffey and Elbert, however, do not. Their poor work in the eighth took away any hope at a big ending for the Dodgers. I'm not so sure much is expected from Coffey, as he's just average at best. But Elbert is the only lefty in the 'pen, so he needs to get it going. He appeared in two games and gave up hits both times. He did end last season with a 2.43 ERA in 47 appearances, so hopefully this is just a little bump in the road.
Even with the loss, the Dodgers will take three of four to open the season, no matter how bad the Padres may be. And if you peek at the schedule, they have plenty of more chances to win against bad opponents. The Pirates come to town for three starting Tuesday, followed by the Padres for three more. They then visit the Brewers for three, who are good, but then play the Astros on the road for three more.
Total it all up, and that's 9 winnable games in the next 12. Of course, the flip side is that if they don't win as many of those games, the opponents soon get harder too. But it's not a stretch to say they should be right at the top of the NL West by the time May rolls around.
Monday is an off day to travel back home. The home opener is Tuesday against the Pirates. The Dodgers will be celebrating 50 years at beautiful Dodger Stadium, which is just amazing. Clayton Kershaw will get the start, and our fingers are crossed that he will go as scheduled after a bout with the flu this past week.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The New Flash Gordon saves the day
If Dee Gordon needed a coming out party, Saturday night was it.
The son of former big league star Tom "Flash" Gordon had three hits and three stolen bases, including the go-ahead RBI single in the 11th to lift the Dodgers over the Padres, 6-5. The win gives the Dodgers a major league-best 3-0 record.
Hey, it's good to be on top of the world, no matter how short it may last.
This game was certainly looking like a laugher early on, as the Dodgers built up a 5-0 lead against a hapless-looking Padres team. It started in the first when Gordon singled leading off, and then swiped second for his first of the season. A groundout by Mark Ellis sent him to third, and Matt Kemp's sac-fly RBI made it 1-0.
The lead was stretched to 4-0 in the third. It all began with two outs, and once again with Gordon reaching base, this time via walk, and then stealing second. Ellis drew a walk, which was a huge mistake by Dustin Moseley considering the mighty Kemp came up next. Kemp delivered with an RBI single.
Andre Ethier has also been red hot to start the season, and he laced a two-run double to grab a four-run lead.
A.J. Ellis has played every inning thus far, and he got in on the fun with his third career homer in the fourth. Through three games this year, he's hitting .333 in the #8 hole. After all the time he's been sent up and down, it's great to see.
The game had all the signs of being a blowout... until the Dodgers decided to Run DMC the Padres back into the game. In one of the crazier innings I can remember, the Padres got all five runs back in the fifth by sending 10 men to the plate... and collecting only two hits. That's right - five runs on two hits.
You might be wondering how that's possible, and if your answer was "walks," then you're right. Chris Capuano had only surrendered one hit and one walk at this point, but he completely fell apart. The bases became loaded with two outs on a single by Jason Bartlett, and walks by Kyle Blanks and Chris Denorfia.
What came next was some of the ugliest pitching you'll ever see. Three straight runs came in on walks by Chase Headley, Jesus Guzman, and Nick Hundley. The later two were courtesy of reliever Jamey Wright, who literally threw every pitch out of the strike zone. If he was trying to pitch his way out of town once Ted Lilly comes off the DL, he did a great job.
Scott Elbert came in, and the Padres immediately scored again on a wild pitch. After Yonder Alonso was beaned to load the bases again, Orlando Hudson singled in the tying run, but Hundley was caught in a rundown to mercifully end the painful inning.
I will say this - I didn't think the Dodgers had much of a chance to win at this point, mainly because the momentum had completely changed sides. But give them credit, they kept plugging away and eventually found a way to win.
In the 11th, Ellis singled leading off to begin the rally. Justin Sellers got his first at-bat of the season, and it was a productive one with a sacrifice bunt. Juan Rivera popped up for two down. It was all up to Gordon, and his liner into right proved to be the game winner.
It's a shame Capuano couldn't stay around long enough to get the win, but he really was his own worst enemy with the walks. In fact, 10 walks were issued by the Dodgers, and one more free pass from a beaning. I'm not sure why they were scared to pitch to these guys considering... well, considering they're the Padres.
Anyway, Capuano went 4 2/3 innings for two hits, four runs, five walks, and four strikeouts. Wright was terrible with eight straight balls, but the rest of the bullpen combined to shut it down the rest of the way: Elbert, Mike MacDougal, Matt Guerrier, Kenley Jansen, Todd Coffee (for the win), and Javy Guerra (for his second save).
The top and bottom of the order got the job done, as Gordon and Ellis teamed up for five hits, four walks, a homer, a double, two RBIs, and three stolen bases. That's refreshing to see since the Dodgers can't always rely on Kemp and Ethier to get all the big hits.
Right now the Dodgers have a golden chance to get a sweep and come home 4-0. Here's an interesting stat: the last time they won their opening four games was 1981. Does that year ring a bell for anyone? You got it, World Series champs. Old Padre Aaron Harang will look to get it done against Clayton Richard.
The son of former big league star Tom "Flash" Gordon had three hits and three stolen bases, including the go-ahead RBI single in the 11th to lift the Dodgers over the Padres, 6-5. The win gives the Dodgers a major league-best 3-0 record.
Hey, it's good to be on top of the world, no matter how short it may last.
This game was certainly looking like a laugher early on, as the Dodgers built up a 5-0 lead against a hapless-looking Padres team. It started in the first when Gordon singled leading off, and then swiped second for his first of the season. A groundout by Mark Ellis sent him to third, and Matt Kemp's sac-fly RBI made it 1-0.
The lead was stretched to 4-0 in the third. It all began with two outs, and once again with Gordon reaching base, this time via walk, and then stealing second. Ellis drew a walk, which was a huge mistake by Dustin Moseley considering the mighty Kemp came up next. Kemp delivered with an RBI single.
Andre Ethier has also been red hot to start the season, and he laced a two-run double to grab a four-run lead.
A.J. Ellis has played every inning thus far, and he got in on the fun with his third career homer in the fourth. Through three games this year, he's hitting .333 in the #8 hole. After all the time he's been sent up and down, it's great to see.
The game had all the signs of being a blowout... until the Dodgers decided to Run DMC the Padres back into the game. In one of the crazier innings I can remember, the Padres got all five runs back in the fifth by sending 10 men to the plate... and collecting only two hits. That's right - five runs on two hits.
You might be wondering how that's possible, and if your answer was "walks," then you're right. Chris Capuano had only surrendered one hit and one walk at this point, but he completely fell apart. The bases became loaded with two outs on a single by Jason Bartlett, and walks by Kyle Blanks and Chris Denorfia.
What came next was some of the ugliest pitching you'll ever see. Three straight runs came in on walks by Chase Headley, Jesus Guzman, and Nick Hundley. The later two were courtesy of reliever Jamey Wright, who literally threw every pitch out of the strike zone. If he was trying to pitch his way out of town once Ted Lilly comes off the DL, he did a great job.
Scott Elbert came in, and the Padres immediately scored again on a wild pitch. After Yonder Alonso was beaned to load the bases again, Orlando Hudson singled in the tying run, but Hundley was caught in a rundown to mercifully end the painful inning.
I will say this - I didn't think the Dodgers had much of a chance to win at this point, mainly because the momentum had completely changed sides. But give them credit, they kept plugging away and eventually found a way to win.
In the 11th, Ellis singled leading off to begin the rally. Justin Sellers got his first at-bat of the season, and it was a productive one with a sacrifice bunt. Juan Rivera popped up for two down. It was all up to Gordon, and his liner into right proved to be the game winner.
It's a shame Capuano couldn't stay around long enough to get the win, but he really was his own worst enemy with the walks. In fact, 10 walks were issued by the Dodgers, and one more free pass from a beaning. I'm not sure why they were scared to pitch to these guys considering... well, considering they're the Padres.
Anyway, Capuano went 4 2/3 innings for two hits, four runs, five walks, and four strikeouts. Wright was terrible with eight straight balls, but the rest of the bullpen combined to shut it down the rest of the way: Elbert, Mike MacDougal, Matt Guerrier, Kenley Jansen, Todd Coffee (for the win), and Javy Guerra (for his second save).
The top and bottom of the order got the job done, as Gordon and Ellis teamed up for five hits, four walks, a homer, a double, two RBIs, and three stolen bases. That's refreshing to see since the Dodgers can't always rely on Kemp and Ethier to get all the big hits.
Right now the Dodgers have a golden chance to get a sweep and come home 4-0. Here's an interesting stat: the last time they won their opening four games was 1981. Does that year ring a bell for anyone? You got it, World Series champs. Old Padre Aaron Harang will look to get it done against Clayton Richard.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Filthy Billingsley dominates the Padres
If Chad Billingsley was looking to make a statement to begin the 2012 season, I'd say he did just that. And then some.
Billingsley was untouchable for over eight innings on Friday, as the Dodgers used four RBIs from Andre Ethier to easily down the Padres, 6-0. The Dodgers have now won the first couple of games to start the season.
The tone was emphatically set in the first inning, as the offense went to work and Billingsley struck out the side. Mark Ellis hit a one-out single, and Matt Kemp came a couple feet away from hitting his second homer of the year. Juan Rivera kept the inning going with a single, which led to a long two-run double from Ethier to go up 2-0.
Two more runs were added in the fourth. Once again, it was Ellis who started it all, this time with a one-out double. Kemp then dribbled one to third, which was thrown away by Yonder Alonso, allowing Ellis to score. With Kemp now on third, River continued his hot start with an RBI single, and it as 4-0.
The final runs were scored in the fifth, all thanks to Ethier's great night. With two down, Kemp singled and stole second, and Rivera walked. Ethier creamed a two-run triple to extend the lead even further at 6-0.
As great as the offense was, it was Billingsley who was without a doubt the star of the night. He was given the chance to get a complete game, but was yanked after surrendering a one-out single to Cameron "Tiki" Maybin and 108 pitches. Overall, he lasted 8 1/3 innings for three hits, no runs, one walk, and 11 strikeouts. Jamey Wright got the final two outs in order.
This pretty much goes without saying, but Bills seriously needed a start like this. After dragging his way to a mediocre 2011 where he went 11-11 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, it looked like he might never become the pitcher he's capable of. It's still very early, but he couldn't have started any better than this.
Realistically, it's not like we can expect this kind of outing every time from Bills. But, if he can FINALLY put together any sort of consistency to match his great stuff, then he can form quite the 1-2 punch with Clayton Kershaw. His next start is scheduled against the Pirates on Wednesday, so he has a great chance to build on this start.
The other story of the night was Ethier, who went 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and four RBIs. The best part was that he did it against lefty Cory Luebke, as Ethier only hit .220 last year against lefties. A performance like this will get him on the field every game, no matter who the pitcher is.
The season has started about as well as anyone could have hoped, for a couple of reasons. One, their pitching has been fantastic, even with only getting three innings out of a sick Kerhaw Opening Day. Two, they're playing the Padres! Seriously, they look like a Triple-A team at best. They may have some young talent, but they're shooting blanks right now. Plus, they stink in the field, with five errors already. Yuck.
Chris Capuano will get his first start in Dodger blue on Saturday. He had a great Spring Training with a 2.75 ERA. With a win, the Dodgers would start 3-0 for the first time since 1999. Dustin Moseley will go for the Padres.
Billingsley was untouchable for over eight innings on Friday, as the Dodgers used four RBIs from Andre Ethier to easily down the Padres, 6-0. The Dodgers have now won the first couple of games to start the season.
The tone was emphatically set in the first inning, as the offense went to work and Billingsley struck out the side. Mark Ellis hit a one-out single, and Matt Kemp came a couple feet away from hitting his second homer of the year. Juan Rivera kept the inning going with a single, which led to a long two-run double from Ethier to go up 2-0.
Two more runs were added in the fourth. Once again, it was Ellis who started it all, this time with a one-out double. Kemp then dribbled one to third, which was thrown away by Yonder Alonso, allowing Ellis to score. With Kemp now on third, River continued his hot start with an RBI single, and it as 4-0.
The final runs were scored in the fifth, all thanks to Ethier's great night. With two down, Kemp singled and stole second, and Rivera walked. Ethier creamed a two-run triple to extend the lead even further at 6-0.
As great as the offense was, it was Billingsley who was without a doubt the star of the night. He was given the chance to get a complete game, but was yanked after surrendering a one-out single to Cameron "Tiki" Maybin and 108 pitches. Overall, he lasted 8 1/3 innings for three hits, no runs, one walk, and 11 strikeouts. Jamey Wright got the final two outs in order.
This pretty much goes without saying, but Bills seriously needed a start like this. After dragging his way to a mediocre 2011 where he went 11-11 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, it looked like he might never become the pitcher he's capable of. It's still very early, but he couldn't have started any better than this.
Realistically, it's not like we can expect this kind of outing every time from Bills. But, if he can FINALLY put together any sort of consistency to match his great stuff, then he can form quite the 1-2 punch with Clayton Kershaw. His next start is scheduled against the Pirates on Wednesday, so he has a great chance to build on this start.
The other story of the night was Ethier, who went 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and four RBIs. The best part was that he did it against lefty Cory Luebke, as Ethier only hit .220 last year against lefties. A performance like this will get him on the field every game, no matter who the pitcher is.
The season has started about as well as anyone could have hoped, for a couple of reasons. One, their pitching has been fantastic, even with only getting three innings out of a sick Kerhaw Opening Day. Two, they're playing the Padres! Seriously, they look like a Triple-A team at best. They may have some young talent, but they're shooting blanks right now. Plus, they stink in the field, with five errors already. Yuck.
Chris Capuano will get his first start in Dodger blue on Saturday. He had a great Spring Training with a 2.75 ERA. With a win, the Dodgers would start 3-0 for the first time since 1999. Dustin Moseley will go for the Padres.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Kemp picks up the flu-ridden Kershaw
Not even the flu can defeat Clayton Kershaw.
Despite being hit hard by illness, Kershaw insisted on making his second consecutive Opening Day start in San Diego. He only lasted three scoreless innings, but a two-run homer by Matt Kemp helped the Dodgers win the season's first game, 5-3.
It was obvious that Kershaw wasn't feeling up to par, as his whole body language suggested that he's seen better days. However, he plowed through the first eight hitters in the Padres' order to open up the game. Edinson Volquez did the same for his squad.
In what has to be a rarity, it was those same two pitchers who each got their team's first hit of the game. Kershaw singled down the left field line with two down in the third, but was stranded on Dee Gordon's strikeout. Volquez started a two-out rally by dropping a liner in front of Kemp. Cameron "Tiki" Maybin singled, and after a wild pitch to put runners in scoring position, Chris Denorfia walked to load the bases. The Padres came up empty after Chase Headley struck out.
The Dodgers got things going in the fourth to back up their courageous pitcher. Kemp started it with a one-out single. A wild pitch put him up to second, followed by a walk to Andre Ethier and a single by Juan Rivera to load the bases. Volquez then became his own worst enemy by issuing a walk to James Loney, making it 1-0.
Ethier found himself running into an out, as he was just tagged out at home on a wild pitch to Juan Uribe. Well, I'm not so sure he was out on the replay, but that's a tough call when seeing it live. Uribe did indeed draw a walk to load the bases again, and then it was A.J. Ellis's turn to collect an RBI on a walk, and it was 2-0. Adam Kennedy hit for Kershaw and flew out.
From there it was Don Mattingly's job to piece together pitchers the rest of the game, and that he did. It started with Josh Lindblom's great performance. He pitched the fourth and fifth with ease, getting all six in order.
Also in the fifth, the Dodgers struck for another run. Gordon led off and hit a long fly to center that Maybin could not glove. Gordon went all the way to third on the error, and soon scored on Kemp's grounder to short in which Jason Bartlett bobbled for another error, and it was now 3-0.
Next up were Mike MacDougal and Matt Guerrier, who went the sixth and seventh, respectively. MacDougal got himself in a little bit of trouble, as he walked Will Venable with one out, who then stole second. With two outs, Jesus Guzman stroked an RBI double to make it 3-1. Guerrier got a double play ball from Bartlett to finish off the seventh.
Looking to increase their lead, Kemp made sure that happened with one mighty swing in the eighth. It started on a leadoff double by Mark Ellis, hitting in the #2 hole. Kemp then muscled one out to right for his first shot of the season, giving the Dodgers a 5-1 advantage.
It's a good thing Kemp got some extra runs, as Kenley Jansen gave those two runs right back in the bottom of the frame. Jeremy Hermida pinch-hit and hit an infield single leading off. Maybin then took a full count pitch and absolutely crushed it out to left, slashing the lead to 5-3. Jansen was able to settle down, getting the next three hitters in order.
In the ninth, the Dodgers threatened to blow the game wide open by loading the bases on a single by Ellis, a walk by Jerry Hairston, and a beaning by Ellis. Kemp had the big chance, but grounded out.
No matter, as Javy Guerra coolly picked up right where he left off last season, setting the Padres down in order and with ease to finish it off.
I give Kershaw all the credit in the world for toughing it out and giving the Dodgers all he could. He only lasted three innings for two hits, no runs, one walk, and three strikeouts. Obviously, he didn't qualify for the win because starting pitchers have to go at least five innings to do so. But on the flip side, his ERA stayed at zero! He'll take it.
The bullpen was great for a couple of reasons. One, they were able to hold onto the lead they were given starting in the fourth. Two, there's no way they could have possibly imagined getting some action so early in the game. They probably thought they wouldn't get any at all! Can't blame them when Kershaw's on the mound.
In all, Lindblom, MacDougal, Guerrier, Jansen, and Guerra combined for six innings, three hits, three runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. Lindblom was especially impressive, as he was the last pitcher to make the roster, yet looked untouchable. Guerra reminded everyone how he got 21 saves last year. That was great timing on his part considering that Jansen struggled a bit.
About the only downsides were Gordon and Uribe's struggles at the plate. Gordon was 0-for-5 and looked a bit lost on breaking balls. Uribe looks just plain slow against fastballs. Not that I'm surprised about that, considering that he still looks like a giant bust. I hope I'll eventually be wrong, but it is what it is.
With the first win under their belts, the Dodgers will send Chad Billingsley to the mound on Friday. It seems like we say this a lot, but let's say it again - he has the stuff to be a front-end of the rotation guy, yet is so inconsistent, he becomes his own worst enemy. Let's see if he get off on the root foot.
Despite being hit hard by illness, Kershaw insisted on making his second consecutive Opening Day start in San Diego. He only lasted three scoreless innings, but a two-run homer by Matt Kemp helped the Dodgers win the season's first game, 5-3.
It was obvious that Kershaw wasn't feeling up to par, as his whole body language suggested that he's seen better days. However, he plowed through the first eight hitters in the Padres' order to open up the game. Edinson Volquez did the same for his squad.
In what has to be a rarity, it was those same two pitchers who each got their team's first hit of the game. Kershaw singled down the left field line with two down in the third, but was stranded on Dee Gordon's strikeout. Volquez started a two-out rally by dropping a liner in front of Kemp. Cameron "Tiki" Maybin singled, and after a wild pitch to put runners in scoring position, Chris Denorfia walked to load the bases. The Padres came up empty after Chase Headley struck out.
The Dodgers got things going in the fourth to back up their courageous pitcher. Kemp started it with a one-out single. A wild pitch put him up to second, followed by a walk to Andre Ethier and a single by Juan Rivera to load the bases. Volquez then became his own worst enemy by issuing a walk to James Loney, making it 1-0.
Ethier found himself running into an out, as he was just tagged out at home on a wild pitch to Juan Uribe. Well, I'm not so sure he was out on the replay, but that's a tough call when seeing it live. Uribe did indeed draw a walk to load the bases again, and then it was A.J. Ellis's turn to collect an RBI on a walk, and it was 2-0. Adam Kennedy hit for Kershaw and flew out.
From there it was Don Mattingly's job to piece together pitchers the rest of the game, and that he did. It started with Josh Lindblom's great performance. He pitched the fourth and fifth with ease, getting all six in order.
Also in the fifth, the Dodgers struck for another run. Gordon led off and hit a long fly to center that Maybin could not glove. Gordon went all the way to third on the error, and soon scored on Kemp's grounder to short in which Jason Bartlett bobbled for another error, and it was now 3-0.
Next up were Mike MacDougal and Matt Guerrier, who went the sixth and seventh, respectively. MacDougal got himself in a little bit of trouble, as he walked Will Venable with one out, who then stole second. With two outs, Jesus Guzman stroked an RBI double to make it 3-1. Guerrier got a double play ball from Bartlett to finish off the seventh.
Looking to increase their lead, Kemp made sure that happened with one mighty swing in the eighth. It started on a leadoff double by Mark Ellis, hitting in the #2 hole. Kemp then muscled one out to right for his first shot of the season, giving the Dodgers a 5-1 advantage.
It's a good thing Kemp got some extra runs, as Kenley Jansen gave those two runs right back in the bottom of the frame. Jeremy Hermida pinch-hit and hit an infield single leading off. Maybin then took a full count pitch and absolutely crushed it out to left, slashing the lead to 5-3. Jansen was able to settle down, getting the next three hitters in order.
In the ninth, the Dodgers threatened to blow the game wide open by loading the bases on a single by Ellis, a walk by Jerry Hairston, and a beaning by Ellis. Kemp had the big chance, but grounded out.
No matter, as Javy Guerra coolly picked up right where he left off last season, setting the Padres down in order and with ease to finish it off.
I give Kershaw all the credit in the world for toughing it out and giving the Dodgers all he could. He only lasted three innings for two hits, no runs, one walk, and three strikeouts. Obviously, he didn't qualify for the win because starting pitchers have to go at least five innings to do so. But on the flip side, his ERA stayed at zero! He'll take it.
The bullpen was great for a couple of reasons. One, they were able to hold onto the lead they were given starting in the fourth. Two, there's no way they could have possibly imagined getting some action so early in the game. They probably thought they wouldn't get any at all! Can't blame them when Kershaw's on the mound.
In all, Lindblom, MacDougal, Guerrier, Jansen, and Guerra combined for six innings, three hits, three runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. Lindblom was especially impressive, as he was the last pitcher to make the roster, yet looked untouchable. Guerra reminded everyone how he got 21 saves last year. That was great timing on his part considering that Jansen struggled a bit.
About the only downsides were Gordon and Uribe's struggles at the plate. Gordon was 0-for-5 and looked a bit lost on breaking balls. Uribe looks just plain slow against fastballs. Not that I'm surprised about that, considering that he still looks like a giant bust. I hope I'll eventually be wrong, but it is what it is.
With the first win under their belts, the Dodgers will send Chad Billingsley to the mound on Friday. It seems like we say this a lot, but let's say it again - he has the stuff to be a front-end of the rotation guy, yet is so inconsistent, he becomes his own worst enemy. Let's see if he get off on the root foot.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
2012 Opening Day roster set
The Dodgers have put the finishing touches on their 25-man roster, and here's how it shakes out:
Starting Pitchers (4)
Clayton Kershaw
Chad Billingsley
Chris Capuano
Aaron Harang
Relievers (8)
Javy Guerra
Kenley Jansen
Mike MacDougal
Matt Guerrier
Scott Elbert
Todd Coffey
Josh Lindblom
Jamey Wright
Catchers (2)
A.J. Ellis
Matt Treanor
Infielders (6)
James Loney
Mark Ellis
Dee Gordon
Juan Uribe
Justin Sellers
Adam Kennedy
Outfielders (4)
Matt Kemp
Andre Ethier
Juan Rivera
Tony Gwynn, Jr.
Anywhere But Pitcher or Catcher (1)
Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Hey, Hairston's a guy with many talents, so one spot just wouldn't do.
Keep in mind also that Ted Lilly is on the 15-day DL, and Ronald Belisario is on the Restricted List for 25 games. Obviously a move will have to be made for Lilly's return (possibly Lindblom). As for Belisario, there's still plenty of time to try and figure out what to do with him once he returns. What's working against the Dodgers is that he is out of options, so there's that risk of somebody claiming him if he's placed on waivers.
Starting Pitchers (4)
Clayton Kershaw
Chad Billingsley
Chris Capuano
Aaron Harang
Relievers (8)
Javy Guerra
Kenley Jansen
Mike MacDougal
Matt Guerrier
Scott Elbert
Todd Coffey
Josh Lindblom
Jamey Wright
Catchers (2)
A.J. Ellis
Matt Treanor
Infielders (6)
James Loney
Mark Ellis
Dee Gordon
Juan Uribe
Justin Sellers
Adam Kennedy
Outfielders (4)
Matt Kemp
Andre Ethier
Juan Rivera
Tony Gwynn, Jr.
Anywhere But Pitcher or Catcher (1)
Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Hey, Hairston's a guy with many talents, so one spot just wouldn't do.
Keep in mind also that Ted Lilly is on the 15-day DL, and Ronald Belisario is on the Restricted List for 25 games. Obviously a move will have to be made for Lilly's return (possibly Lindblom). As for Belisario, there's still plenty of time to try and figure out what to do with him once he returns. What's working against the Dodgers is that he is out of options, so there's that risk of somebody claiming him if he's placed on waivers.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A look back at the last 4 Opening Days
When the Dodgers take the field against the Padres on Thursday, I will officially start my fifth year of covering games on this blog. With that unbelievable milestone fast approaching (OK, it's not that big of a deal, but still pretty cool for me), let's take a look at the previous four Opening Days.
2008: Dodgers 5 - Giants 0
Joe Torre made his debut as Dodgers' skipper, a year after ditching the Yankees. It was also the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers' move from Brooklyn. Oh, and it was also the heroic debut of Andrew Jones. Sigh. Take that last part away, and it was quite the memorable day in LA.
Here is my original report from this game.
2009: Dodgers 4 - Padres 1
Manny Ramirez began his full-time stint with the Dodgers, a year after going on an absolute tear following his trade from the Red Sox. The Dodgers finally beat Jake Peavy, who won his previous 11 decisions against them, thanks in large part to a homer from Matt Kemp.
Original Report
2010: Pirates 11 - Dodgers 5
Ugh. Talk about a gigantic thud on Opening Day. The Pirates looked like World Series contenders, and the Dodgers... well, pretty much looked the Pirates of any other game. The Dodgers actually used a Kemp single in the first to go up 2-0, only to watch Vicente Padilla and George Sherrill get rocked. Not a whole lot changed that year as Torre's final season came to a disappointing, postseason-less close.
Original Report
2011: Dodgers 2 - Giants 1
The opening contest of the Kershaw-Lincecum feud went Kershaw's way, which soon turned into Kershaw 4 - Lincecum 0 in 2011. Kershaw pitched seven flawless innings and Kemp reached base all four times. Don Mattingly's debut was victorious.
Original Report
2008: Dodgers 5 - Giants 0
Joe Torre made his debut as Dodgers' skipper, a year after ditching the Yankees. It was also the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers' move from Brooklyn. Oh, and it was also the heroic debut of Andrew Jones. Sigh. Take that last part away, and it was quite the memorable day in LA.
Here is my original report from this game.
2009: Dodgers 4 - Padres 1
Manny Ramirez began his full-time stint with the Dodgers, a year after going on an absolute tear following his trade from the Red Sox. The Dodgers finally beat Jake Peavy, who won his previous 11 decisions against them, thanks in large part to a homer from Matt Kemp.
Original Report
2010: Pirates 11 - Dodgers 5
Ugh. Talk about a gigantic thud on Opening Day. The Pirates looked like World Series contenders, and the Dodgers... well, pretty much looked the Pirates of any other game. The Dodgers actually used a Kemp single in the first to go up 2-0, only to watch Vicente Padilla and George Sherrill get rocked. Not a whole lot changed that year as Torre's final season came to a disappointing, postseason-less close.
Original Report
2011: Dodgers 2 - Giants 1
The opening contest of the Kershaw-Lincecum feud went Kershaw's way, which soon turned into Kershaw 4 - Lincecum 0 in 2011. Kershaw pitched seven flawless innings and Kemp reached base all four times. Don Mattingly's debut was victorious.
Original Report
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Lilly lands on the DL
The Dodgers chose the precautionary route on Friday, placing Ted Lilly on the 15-day DL with a sore neck. It'll be retroactive, so he's eligible to come back on April 14 against the Padres.
In his place, Chris Capuano will take the ball in the #3 spot in the rotation, essentially just flipping spots with Lilly. Don Mattingly's decision to not take a chance too early with Lilly was made easier thanks to Capuano's strong spring. He has a 2.75 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and .197 BAA. Add in 22 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings, and he's looking like he can be a pleasant surprise this season.
Lilly will pitch with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on April 8 before being activated from the DL.
In his place, Chris Capuano will take the ball in the #3 spot in the rotation, essentially just flipping spots with Lilly. Don Mattingly's decision to not take a chance too early with Lilly was made easier thanks to Capuano's strong spring. He has a 2.75 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and .197 BAA. Add in 22 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings, and he's looking like he can be a pleasant surprise this season.
Lilly will pitch with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on April 8 before being activated from the DL.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
It's all about MAGIC
You know your day is off to a good start when you wake up to news of the Dodgers finally being sold.
You know the news is even better when you find out who the owner is.
After going through a lengthy bidding process since the Dodgers were put up for sale last year, it was a group led by the lengendary Magic Johnson that won it all. That's right - the guy whose post-NBA career may have arguably been better than his sensational career on the court has done it again. And it's the fans who come out the true winners.
Look, I haven't said a whole lot about the ownership bids mostly because it hasn't been all that entertaining. I prefer to focus on the action on the field, not off of it. I just didn't see what was so fun about saying "so and so may get the bid, so and so may not." I'd rather know about the players who are actually on the Dodgers.
But now we finally have some closure to a long, frustrating process that had been brewing for a few years. While Magic and his boys may have had to fork over $2 billion just to get the team, what's even more interesting was the $150 million needed to own half of the parking lots and other property in Chavez Ravine. The other half of that deal? You got it, Frank McCourt.
Not to worry, fans. McCourt will not have any say in baseball activities, or even in the parking lots themselves. He just has "economic interest" in them. Gee, how shocking. By the way, when's the last time you've heard so much about parking lots when it comes to watching baseball? Maybe on how expensive it is to park, but that's about it.
I'm a huge fan of the Lakers, so this is obviously just awesome for me. I'm sure millions of other people feel the same as well. If anything, the Dodgers can focus on the field now and get back to playing winning baseball. I think people lose sight of the fact that the Dodgers were in the NLCS as little as three years ago. While the World Series drought has been long (1988), it's not like they've been clueless for a long time.
With Opening Day about a week away, this is a very exciting time to be a Dodger fan. Let's sit back, relax, and watch it all unfold... hopefully with some magic!
You know the news is even better when you find out who the owner is.
After going through a lengthy bidding process since the Dodgers were put up for sale last year, it was a group led by the lengendary Magic Johnson that won it all. That's right - the guy whose post-NBA career may have arguably been better than his sensational career on the court has done it again. And it's the fans who come out the true winners.
Look, I haven't said a whole lot about the ownership bids mostly because it hasn't been all that entertaining. I prefer to focus on the action on the field, not off of it. I just didn't see what was so fun about saying "so and so may get the bid, so and so may not." I'd rather know about the players who are actually on the Dodgers.
But now we finally have some closure to a long, frustrating process that had been brewing for a few years. While Magic and his boys may have had to fork over $2 billion just to get the team, what's even more interesting was the $150 million needed to own half of the parking lots and other property in Chavez Ravine. The other half of that deal? You got it, Frank McCourt.
Not to worry, fans. McCourt will not have any say in baseball activities, or even in the parking lots themselves. He just has "economic interest" in them. Gee, how shocking. By the way, when's the last time you've heard so much about parking lots when it comes to watching baseball? Maybe on how expensive it is to park, but that's about it.
I'm a huge fan of the Lakers, so this is obviously just awesome for me. I'm sure millions of other people feel the same as well. If anything, the Dodgers can focus on the field now and get back to playing winning baseball. I think people lose sight of the fact that the Dodgers were in the NLCS as little as three years ago. While the World Series drought has been long (1988), it's not like they've been clueless for a long time.
With Opening Day about a week away, this is a very exciting time to be a Dodger fan. Let's sit back, relax, and watch it all unfold... hopefully with some magic!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sands to search for his swing in the minors
Jerry Sands may be the future for the Dodgers. But for now, he's the latest young stud to be suffering through a sophomore slump.
Sands has been optioned back to the minors on Tuesday. He's having a horrendous Spring Training at the plate, hitting only .158 with 2 RBIs in 38 at-bats. Throw in 12 strikeouts, and you get the picture that it hasn't been all peaches and cream for him so far.
It's a disappointment for everyone considering that he hit .342 last September after being called back up following a slow start earlier in the year. Just when you thought he had it all figured out, this happens. Don Mattingly envisioned him playing both in the outfield and possibly at first against lefties, giving some power that Andre Ethier and James Loney may have been lacking like last year.
Look, this isn't the worst thing in the world. Sands acknowledged that he needs to settle down and just focus on his mechanics to get going again. Getting away from the majors for a little while may do the trick. He could be a name to remember during the season, as he still has that label of being a potential power threat. Let's hope we see that come to fruition at some point this year.
Sands has been optioned back to the minors on Tuesday. He's having a horrendous Spring Training at the plate, hitting only .158 with 2 RBIs in 38 at-bats. Throw in 12 strikeouts, and you get the picture that it hasn't been all peaches and cream for him so far.
It's a disappointment for everyone considering that he hit .342 last September after being called back up following a slow start earlier in the year. Just when you thought he had it all figured out, this happens. Don Mattingly envisioned him playing both in the outfield and possibly at first against lefties, giving some power that Andre Ethier and James Loney may have been lacking like last year.
Look, this isn't the worst thing in the world. Sands acknowledged that he needs to settle down and just focus on his mechanics to get going again. Getting away from the majors for a little while may do the trick. He could be a name to remember during the season, as he still has that label of being a potential power threat. Let's hope we see that come to fruition at some point this year.
Wright earns his spot
When his back is against the wall, Jamey Wright is always prepared to come out swinging. Or, more specifically, pitching.
For the seventh straight season, Wright has earned his way onto a Major League team out of Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He'll earn $900,000 this year with a possible $500,000 more in incentives based on appearances.
On the flip side, John Grabow was given his outright release after being told he would not make the team. Wright's spot on the 40-man roster was cleared when Blake Hawksworth was placed on the 60-day DL. He's been hampered by a sore elbow and staph infection, and will need about six weeks to regain his strength once he's ready to throw. In other words, don't expect to see him for awhile.
As for Wright, it's pretty stunning that he's been able to make team after team despite never really having a solid contract to fall back on. He's pitched in the bigs since 1996 when he broke in with the Rockies. Since then, he's pitched for the Brewers, Cardinals, Royals, Rockies again, Giants, Rangers, Royals again, Indians, and Mariners for the last two seasons. Hopefully he's been able to rent and not buy.
On his career, he's appeared in 526 games with 246 starts. He's 85-121 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Those numbers aren't exactly pretty, but he has turned things around quite well as a reliever the last two seasons in Seattle, with a 3.41/1.24 in 2010, and 3.16/1.33 in 2011. That's more like it.
According to Don Mattingly, Wright will fill the role once played by Jeff Weaver, which is like a long reliever and spot starter. Who knows, maybe even some short innings as well. With the way the Dodgers went through injuries last year, Wright could find himself to be in a very valuable position.
For the seventh straight season, Wright has earned his way onto a Major League team out of Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He'll earn $900,000 this year with a possible $500,000 more in incentives based on appearances.
On the flip side, John Grabow was given his outright release after being told he would not make the team. Wright's spot on the 40-man roster was cleared when Blake Hawksworth was placed on the 60-day DL. He's been hampered by a sore elbow and staph infection, and will need about six weeks to regain his strength once he's ready to throw. In other words, don't expect to see him for awhile.
As for Wright, it's pretty stunning that he's been able to make team after team despite never really having a solid contract to fall back on. He's pitched in the bigs since 1996 when he broke in with the Rockies. Since then, he's pitched for the Brewers, Cardinals, Royals, Rockies again, Giants, Rangers, Royals again, Indians, and Mariners for the last two seasons. Hopefully he's been able to rent and not buy.
On his career, he's appeared in 526 games with 246 starts. He's 85-121 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. Those numbers aren't exactly pretty, but he has turned things around quite well as a reliever the last two seasons in Seattle, with a 3.41/1.24 in 2010, and 3.16/1.33 in 2011. That's more like it.
According to Don Mattingly, Wright will fill the role once played by Jeff Weaver, which is like a long reliever and spot starter. Who knows, maybe even some short innings as well. With the way the Dodgers went through injuries last year, Wright could find himself to be in a very valuable position.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Lilly banged up, could miss a start
Ted Lilly's stiff neck will cause him to miss his scheduled start on Tuesday, and puts him in jeopardy of not making his first regular season start as well.
Lilly has gone through some therapy and felt better today, but still couldn't even play catch before shutting it down. He also missed a bullpen session a couple days ago.
There's many scenarios that could come into play if Lilly can't go his first start in San Diego. One is to simply swap spots with Chris Capuano, who appeared to be the odd man out for the time being with an off day following four straight games. Another is to place him on the DL and let Nathan Eovaldi make a start or two, delaying his demotion to the minors. We shall see.
The Dodgers have been pretty fortunate this spring in that they haven't faced any major injury issues by any means. Even Lilly's doesn't appear serious, although neck injuries are nothing to mess around with. Hopefully good health will equal a good start to the season.
Lilly has gone through some therapy and felt better today, but still couldn't even play catch before shutting it down. He also missed a bullpen session a couple days ago.
There's many scenarios that could come into play if Lilly can't go his first start in San Diego. One is to simply swap spots with Chris Capuano, who appeared to be the odd man out for the time being with an off day following four straight games. Another is to place him on the DL and let Nathan Eovaldi make a start or two, delaying his demotion to the minors. We shall see.
The Dodgers have been pretty fortunate this spring in that they haven't faced any major injury issues by any means. Even Lilly's doesn't appear serious, although neck injuries are nothing to mess around with. Hopefully good health will equal a good start to the season.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Early spring rotation results
I know it's early, but the starting five of the Dodgers have all gotten a taste of Spring Training action thus far. Let's take a look at how they fared the first go-around.
Clayton Kershaw
3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K (vs. Rangers)
So far, so good for the reigning Cy Young Award winner, as he easily disposed of the Rangers. And it wasn't a B-level squad out there, it was the big dogs like Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltran, Michael Young, and Nelson Cruz. Nicely done.
Chad Billingsley
2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (vs. White Sox)
Bills kicked off Spring Training with a solid performance. His biggest focus is working on his mechanics, as he pointed out after the game that a smoother leg kick gave him better control. Let's hope it keeps up. He'll be the #2 starter behind Kershaw, so the Dodgers are counting on him for big things.
Ted Lilly
2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (vs. Giants)
Old Ted didn't start off so hot, as he gave up a couple of homers to the evil Giants. He had trouble locating his fastball, and apparently his curveball wasn't a whole lot better. Melky Cabrera led off the game with a homer, and Brett Pill hit a two-run shot after that. Not the start to the season you want, but at least he's healthy.
Aaron Harang
2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (vs. A's)
The damage was done in the first inning to Harang, as the A's got a two-out, two-run double from Josh Reddick. Harang was able to bounce back and retire the final four hitters. A right foot injury has limited him a bit this spring, so the fact that he was able to go out there as scheduled is a good sign.
Chris Capuano
2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (vs. A's)
Capuano got the win as he threw an impressive couple of innings. The A's aren't exactly a loaded lineup, or even a decent one, but it's good to see the new guy take care of them regardless. The Dodgers had lots of inconsistency at the bottom of the rotation last season, so solid innings from Caps can go a long way.
Clayton Kershaw
3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K (vs. Rangers)
So far, so good for the reigning Cy Young Award winner, as he easily disposed of the Rangers. And it wasn't a B-level squad out there, it was the big dogs like Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltran, Michael Young, and Nelson Cruz. Nicely done.
Chad Billingsley
2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (vs. White Sox)
Bills kicked off Spring Training with a solid performance. His biggest focus is working on his mechanics, as he pointed out after the game that a smoother leg kick gave him better control. Let's hope it keeps up. He'll be the #2 starter behind Kershaw, so the Dodgers are counting on him for big things.
Ted Lilly
2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (vs. Giants)
Old Ted didn't start off so hot, as he gave up a couple of homers to the evil Giants. He had trouble locating his fastball, and apparently his curveball wasn't a whole lot better. Melky Cabrera led off the game with a homer, and Brett Pill hit a two-run shot after that. Not the start to the season you want, but at least he's healthy.
Aaron Harang
2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (vs. A's)
The damage was done in the first inning to Harang, as the A's got a two-out, two-run double from Josh Reddick. Harang was able to bounce back and retire the final four hitters. A right foot injury has limited him a bit this spring, so the fact that he was able to go out there as scheduled is a good sign.
Chris Capuano
2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (vs. A's)
Capuano got the win as he threw an impressive couple of innings. The A's aren't exactly a loaded lineup, or even a decent one, but it's good to see the new guy take care of them regardless. The Dodgers had lots of inconsistency at the bottom of the rotation last season, so solid innings from Caps can go a long way.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Spring Training schedule on MLB Network
Spring Training is in full swing, as the Dodgers are now heading down the long road of 34 games before they start to count for real.
Thanks to the great MLB Network, here is the full list of games you can catch over the course of March and into the beginning of April:
Thursday, March 8 vs. A's (delay)
Sunday, March 11 vs. Cubs (delay)
Monday, March 12 @ Angels (delay)
Tuesday, March 13 vs. Rockies (delay)
Thursday, March 15 vs. Royals (delay)
Friday, March 16 vs. Rangers (live @ 1:05 PT)
Saturday, March 17 @ Rockies (delay)
Saturday, March 17 vs. Giants (live @ 7:05 PT)
Sunday, March 18 vs. Angels (delay)
Monday, March 19 @ Indians (live @ 1:05 PT)
Tuesday, March 20 vs. Brewers (live @ 1:05 PT)
Wednesday, March 21 vs. Padres (delay)
Saturday, March 24 vs. Indians (live @ 1:05 PT)
Monday, March 26 vs. White Sox (delay)
Thursday, March 29 vs. White Sox (delay)
Friday, March 30 vs. Brewers (delay)
Sunday, April 1 vs. Diamondbacks (delay)
Monday, April 2 @ Angels (live @ 7:05 PT)
Wednesday, April 4 vs. Angels (live @ 12:05 PT)
Games on TV are always subject to change, but assuming this all stays the same, that's 19 games remaining that you can catch, including 7 live ones. That's pretty awesome.
Thanks to the great MLB Network, here is the full list of games you can catch over the course of March and into the beginning of April:
Thursday, March 8 vs. A's (delay)
Sunday, March 11 vs. Cubs (delay)
Monday, March 12 @ Angels (delay)
Tuesday, March 13 vs. Rockies (delay)
Thursday, March 15 vs. Royals (delay)
Friday, March 16 vs. Rangers (live @ 1:05 PT)
Saturday, March 17 @ Rockies (delay)
Saturday, March 17 vs. Giants (live @ 7:05 PT)
Sunday, March 18 vs. Angels (delay)
Monday, March 19 @ Indians (live @ 1:05 PT)
Tuesday, March 20 vs. Brewers (live @ 1:05 PT)
Wednesday, March 21 vs. Padres (delay)
Saturday, March 24 vs. Indians (live @ 1:05 PT)
Monday, March 26 vs. White Sox (delay)
Thursday, March 29 vs. White Sox (delay)
Friday, March 30 vs. Brewers (delay)
Sunday, April 1 vs. Diamondbacks (delay)
Monday, April 2 @ Angels (live @ 7:05 PT)
Wednesday, April 4 vs. Angels (live @ 12:05 PT)
Games on TV are always subject to change, but assuming this all stays the same, that's 19 games remaining that you can catch, including 7 live ones. That's pretty awesome.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Kershaw to start both Opening Days
In a bit of a no-brainer, Don Mattingly said on Saturday that Clayton Kershaw will get the ball for both the season opener in San Diego and the home opener against the Pirates. With a four-game set against the Padres and an off-day before coming home, it all works out.
It's a pretty easy decision, as a home opener featuring Aaron Harang or Chris Capuano just doesn't sound as juicy as Kersahw. It's what the fans want to see, and from a baseball standpoint, getting Kershaw as many starts as possible on normal rest should equal more wins. I mean, duh!
Anyway, the first time we'll see the #5 spot in the rotation making a start looks to be on Saturday, April 14 at home against the Padres in the season's ninth game. It's typical for the early part of a season, as there seem to be a few more random off days than later on.
In taking a glance even further down the road, Kershaw could very well make another start on normal rest in Houston on Friday, April 20. That would again cause the #5 spot to be skipped. So, the next start for the end of the rotation would then be on Tuesday, April 24 at home against the Braves.
All in all, if Mattingly chooses to keep starting Kershaw on normal rest and skip the #5 start all of the month of April, here's how the starts will go:
Kershaw (6): 4/5 at Padres, 4/10 vs. Pirates, 4/15 vs. Padres, 4/20 at Astros, 4/25 vs. Braves, 4/30 at Rockies
Harang or Capuano (2): 4/14 vs. Padres, 4/24 vs. Braves
It's a pretty easy decision, as a home opener featuring Aaron Harang or Chris Capuano just doesn't sound as juicy as Kersahw. It's what the fans want to see, and from a baseball standpoint, getting Kershaw as many starts as possible on normal rest should equal more wins. I mean, duh!
Anyway, the first time we'll see the #5 spot in the rotation making a start looks to be on Saturday, April 14 at home against the Padres in the season's ninth game. It's typical for the early part of a season, as there seem to be a few more random off days than later on.
In taking a glance even further down the road, Kershaw could very well make another start on normal rest in Houston on Friday, April 20. That would again cause the #5 spot to be skipped. So, the next start for the end of the rotation would then be on Tuesday, April 24 at home against the Braves.
All in all, if Mattingly chooses to keep starting Kershaw on normal rest and skip the #5 start all of the month of April, here's how the starts will go:
Kershaw (6): 4/5 at Padres, 4/10 vs. Pirates, 4/15 vs. Padres, 4/20 at Astros, 4/25 vs. Braves, 4/30 at Rockies
Harang or Capuano (2): 4/14 vs. Padres, 4/24 vs. Braves
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