April 2012
Bullpen Oh Bullpen
The Dodgers currently are one of the top teams in the NL right now on top of the NL West Playing good baseball. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are hot and the Starting Pitching has been unbelievably good. So what’s the problem? Well As I mentioned during Spring Training the Bullpen is the one issue I’m still Worried about. Through this season it seems like we hold our breath when its someone outside of Kenley Jansen, Javi Guerra, and Josh Lindbloom comes out the Pen. Jamey Wright, Scott Elbert, MacDougal, Guerrier makes me sweat every time they get into the game and really that’s not good at all especially in one run games.
Yes I know the offense has to get insurance runs to prevent the worry but the Bullpen also has to play a part to help out instead of hurting. This was a story last year and is still some what of an issue. Can we trust the rest of the Bullpen? The Dodgers can’t rely on Guerra Jansen and Lindbloom every single game. Someone HAS to step up and take some pressure off the team. I’m know we won’t get a constant 1..2..3 Inning but all I ask is to stop giving up the game. With a Defense behind them doing what they can to Keep the Dodgers in the game or ahead should be less difficult.
Like I stated earlier Dodgers should also get some insurance runs to help out the pen and take less pressure off but the Pen should also do what they can to take less pressure off the Batters as well instead of adding to it. Its a long season so there’s time to improve and stay on top so not panic button is needed but there has to be improvement not regression.
2012 All-Star Game Voting: Lets Get to it!!
Its About that Time to fill out your Ballots!! We’re about 3 Months away from the Midsummer Classic and this year it’s being hosted in Kansas City Missouri (Royals). Yesterday the Ballots were released for the fans to Vote for the Starters in the All-Star game and many on the Ballot are well worthy while others you wonder why they’re on there. For the Dodgers the Ballot consisted of James Loney, Matt kemp, Andre Ethier, Juan Rivera, Juan Uribe, AJ Ellis, Dee Gordon, and Mark Ellis. Yeah Pretty much the Starting Line up for the Dodgers. There are others who are on the Ballot who have been there before and others who are putting up really good numbers. Now In my honest opinion its kind of early to vote right now seeing the season started a few weeks ago but It never hurts to Vote right now.
I took the liberty of voting early because Voting just once doesn’t hurt. So far my NL Picks are basiclly What I think will be the picks come the Announcements. Many people may agree many may disagree but It’s a good discusion.
1B- Joey Votto (Reds)
2B- Aaron Hill (D-Backs)
SS- Starlin Castro (Cubs)
3B- David Freese (Cardnials)
c- AJ Ellis (Dodgers)
OF- Matt Kemp (Dodgers) Andre Ethier (Dodgers) and Micheal Cuddyer (Rockies)
This isn’t final as there may be some guys who show me that they deserve to be a Starter in the All-Star game. For my AL People no need to worry I kept a close eye and so far the AL Infield is almost a Detroit Tiger dominated one with Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrerra, and Alex Avila. If Derrick Jetter continues his play then watch for him to be a starter as well. It’s Still early so theirs enough time to vote. Remember fans you can only vote up to 25 times but take time to see who’s really worthy to go.
Delvoping the Chavez Ravine/Dodger Stadium Area
For almost a year now there has been talk about the Chavez Ravine/Dodger Stadium area from the Next 50 Plans to putting Condos and Parking garages there to Building a Brand New Stadium we’ve heard it all. The LA Times put an article out on what could happen with Chavez Ravine and the Ideas that were brought forward. I’ve seen a lot of Ideas and I think some of these ideas are briliant and some of them are something you should throw away. One of them that I want thrown away and others will agree is the Complete Revanping or Relocating Dodger Stadium. AEG already said that the Ideas for a new Baseball Stadium could be in works if the Football Stadium plans fall through and this is where I stop all of that. LA Times said that many people would want a new Stadium and that couldn’t be any further from the Truth. The A lot of Dodger fans know why Dodger Stadium is a special place and I hope the new owners see that as well. You can make renovations to upgrade Dodger Stadium but a Downtown Stadium is the worse Idea you can have. Chavez Ravine is the perfect place for Dodger Stadium. Dodger Stadium is not falling apart and can still get renovations but nothing like the Ones Orel had in mind.
Now what can you do with the Chavez Ravine area? Clearly you need it for parking but if you really wanna redevelop it then theres Ideas for Parking Garages and Condos but I really don’t know How I feel about that. Looking around I saw an Idea to develop a Train or Subway connection and while I really love this Idea The Challenges of getting a Subway or Train to connect to Dodger Stadium will be a Huge Challenge seeing the Stadium is on a hill. Many Stadiums like Oakland, San Fransico, Anaheim (Some what) and New York (Yankees and Mets) Have that benifit they don’t have a Stadium on the Hill like Dodger Stadium. A Transit plan is in place with the Buses that pick you up from Union Station so that makes up for a Train/Subway conection. Another was a LA Live type of area and I’m kind’ve mixed about this. Having it open on Gamedays and non gamedays would be pretty cool because you can have resturants and Shops around it but my Issue is we already have LA Live/City walk close by each other. So having one that close I have no clue but Not a bad idea. Now If anything A Dodger Museum is an absolute must and I have no clue why this hasn’t been done. Dodgers have a lot of history as well as Dodger Stadium and for no where to really see it in a museum is really surprising. This should be the first thing added to Dodger Stadium. Now I’m not talking about a Small put together something museum but a Museum for one of the Historic Teams in Baseball! If you’re worried about this taking away from the Stadium tour then you shouldn’t as this only adds to the experiance.
Outside of that maybe first thing is first and thats renovating Dodger Stadium (No Major reconstruction). Adding the Field level enterance like the Next 50 Plan and others from that plan. What they want to do with the Chavez Ravene Area is up to them but lets hope it’s for the Good of the Dodgers and it’s fans. One way or another it’ll be interesting to see what the new Owners Do.
Dodgers Start off Hot
Dodgers starting off the season on Fire going 9-1 making it their best Start since 1988…That was the year they won the World Series. After All that the Dodgers have went through this is a start that the Dodgers and it’s fans could use. Now not to rain on parades but the last time the Dodgers had a great start was 2005 where the Dodgers jumped out of the gate at 12-2 but ended the season at 71-91 which was one of the Franchises worst records but what makes this so different is that the Dodgers have the players to do damage. I’ve heard it all from people regarding this start and while Many are excited about the 9-1 start others are skeptical stating that they’ve only played two teams that the Dodgers Should handle. I for one am Excited at the 9-1 Start but see room for improvement but what can you say?
I understand that we’re 10 games into a 162 Game season and anything can happen but rallying the wins for this Ball club won’t hurt. I will throw out one argument is the whole “Look at who the Dodgers played” or They’re suppose to be them comments. Its hard to go 9/10 In Baseball against Any Team in Baseball and the way the Dodgers Did it makes this start impressive. The Dodgers will be tested this week against on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers and get the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals (Yes I said the Nationals) at Dodgers Stadium before hitting a tough month of May. The 9-1 Start is a good build in momentum leading up to the tough games.
Why are the Dodgers on this good start. Well 10 Games in the Dodgers are playing really good Baseball. offensively the Dodgers are getting great production from Matt Kemp who has been continuing to play out of his mind and Andre Ethier is redeeming himself from a not so good 2011 Season and Juan Rivera is still that solid player to back them up but it’s not only those three stepping up to help. Mark Ellis, AJ Ellis, and YES Juan Uribe are also contributing with their bats. The Dodgers however need Dee Gordon to get on base to provide another Base Stealing threat for the Dodgers but Dee will have to have better plate discipline for that to happen. Pitching has also been pretty good. While Clayton Kershaw has yet to record a win others behind him has stepped up to help provide the wins. Chad Billingsley in two games has played like he did in his All-Star years proving to be a Solid number two. Ted Lilly in his first start back from injury and Chris Capuano has really stepped up as well. While some like the Bullpen right now Outside of Javy Guerra, Kenley Janson, and Josh Lindbloom ,who has done a great job so far, Im not yet sold on the Bullpen but so far has done a good job.
What does this start mean? Well for the Dodgers and Dodger fans it means a lot. After enduring what went down last season and the off-season with McCourt the Dodgers and the City of Los Angeles are riding a high off Momentum. Momentum that has started with Magic’s Group Purchase of the Dodgers and continuing with the Dodgers play and if the Dodgers keep this up then sky is the limit for the team. Now the Dodgers won’t sweep everyone or win every series but if the Dodgers can take 2 of 3 or 3 of 4 in most series games and the NL West then they’re in the Playoffs and add another NL West title. Los Angeles is buzzing thanks to the Boy in Blue. Something Special is happening in Los Angeles Baseball Fans.
Opening Week at Dodger Stadium
What a memoriable Week it’s been for the Dodgers and it’s fans. After going 3-1 in San Diego the Dodgers came back home to a much hyped crowd at Dodger Stadium to play the Pittsburgh Pirates. I was able to get myself to all three games in the series and I have to say it’s truely amazing to see the Dodgers in person no matter what. Opening Day at Dodger Stadium was the Day everyone was looking forward to and in front of a packed Stadium. I couldn’t catch the festivites due to the traffic getting to Dodger Stadium but was able to see the Game where Clayton Kershaw took the mound and pitched really good game. The highlight of the game had to be Andre Ethier’s Home run to go on top and win the game ON HIS BIRTHDAY!! and the Festivites before (Even though I couldn’t catch them). The celebration of Dodgers Stadium 50th Anniversary was something very special to All Dodger fans. Those in the Stadium and those who couldn’t make it it was special. Not only was it the First game at Dodger Stadium but it was the a chance to reflect on the history of moments that has happened at Dodger Stadium and reflect on Past Dodgers and appriciate the Tradition and What being a Dodger fan is all about.
The Second night the threat of rain couldn’t stop some of those to make their way to the Stadium and see the Dodgers and even in the Cold the Boys in blue and Billingsley play couldn’t cool of the Dodgers and they rolled through Pittsburgh in this game. The Pirates looked very out matched and the Dodgers showed what they could do. Even though there was less of a crowd than Opening Day the Dodgers still played and fed off that energy. And How could I forget!! Clayton Kershaw recieved his Cy Young that night and what a epic night after having a Monster 2011 Year. The fans also got the
The Final Night once again faced a threat of rain which was a cause for another low attendance but still Didn’t Stop Dodgers from doing their thing. Los Angeles was able to hold off the Pirates and complete the sweep 3-2 Improving the Record to 6-1. Solid controbutions by the Dodgers have helped this team really step their game up and get off to a great start and even though the Pirates made it interesting late Dodgers Pitching was able to help them out in this game to hold them off completing the Sweep. With this sweep the Dodgers are off to their first 6-1 Start since 1981…..That was the year they won the World Series. Now weather it’ll have the same results is something we ALL hope for but now it’s early in the Season with the Padres coming to Los Angeles for another series with the Dodgers.
This week was something that Many Dodger fans including myself will never forget this week at all. The Dodgers are also on a roll but will they keep it up? Lets hope but after this week Dodger fans should be very excited for whats to come for the rest of the season! Keep it going Dodgers and Dodger fans keep up the support and come see your Boys in Blue
2 More Days Till Opening Day at Dodger Stadium: Pirates vs Dodgers Preview
2 More Days! We are two days away from the Dodgers Home opener as the Boys in Blue return to a Sold Out Dodger Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Being in Dodger Stadium is an amazing thing. Dodger Dogs on the grill, Garlic Fries, Fresh Green Grass and the backdrop of Downtown Los Angeles in the Parking lot is an epic scene to see and the only place to experience it all at once is at Dodger Stadium. After a long-awaited Off-Season Dodger fans will pack the Stadium and will be amped up to see Regular Season Baseball played in front of them.
Not only is it Opening Day in Los Angeles but it’s also the 50th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium as well. April 10th will be the exact day Dodger Stadium opened it’s doors 50 Years Ago. Dodgers have a lot of things planned for that day that a lot of us will never forget. Beach Boys performing, Celebration of the 1962 Dodgers, and the First Pitch to be thrown by Terry Seidler (Mother Kay O’Mally Threw the first pitch at Dodger Stadium 50 Years Ago). A host of things to celebrate Dodger Stadium. A Day where Dodger baseball will happen history will be revisited.
Clayton Kershaw will be on the mound for that day and Fully Healthy after only lasting 3 innings with the flu. In front of many Dodger fans Seeing the Cy Young Award Winning Pitcher in action is always a treat and with him being fully healthy expect a great show at the Mound. Another is the match up between two Centerfielders in Andrew McCutchen and Matt Kemp which should electrify the Dodger Stadium Crowd. The Return of Rod Barajas to Dodger Stadium will be interesting to see. Barajas was the Dodgers Catcher last season and signed with the Pirates in the Off-Season. The big question for the Dodgers in my opinion will be pitching in the Bullpen and Starting Pitching. After a near messup in San Diego on Saturday by Chris Capuano and the Bullpen we’ll have to see if they can bring it for the Series. Billingsley had a outstanding game Friday but will he keep it up showing he’s ready? I see this as another Exciting Series between the two but Dodgers should have this one.
Overall the Home Opener will be Historic. Dodger Stadium 50th Anniversary and Kershaw getting his Cy Young the following night should have Dodger Stadium rocking on an All time high. Should be a big series at Dodger Stadium for the Dodgers with so many happening that day.
Dodgers take the Series 2-1
Dodgers Veiwing Party
Yesterday the Dodgers opened the season in San Diego against the Padres and while many Dodger fans made their way to Petco Park Dodger Stadium opened their doors for those who couldn’t make it to Petco Park. For weeks Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers promoted a Viewing Party at the Stadium which included Discounts on foods and gear from the Dodgers Team Store. Tickets were also on sale for future games. Many Dodger fans made their way to the Ravine to see the Boys in Blue face the Padres on the Dodger vision. JT The Brick made an apperance to promote the upcoming Games and promotions coming up also pointing out where people could buy tickets and mini plans. The foods being half-off was a very cool thing that they could do seeing Foods are already at a price they shouldn’t be so this was something great.
Dodgers and Dodger Stadium did a great job making it some what feel like a Home game with the lights going off after a Home Run and playing I Love LA after the win. Being with Dodger fans are always priceless and on a day where Magic Johnson makes his apperance to catch his Team play, Kershaw pitch 3 scoreless innings with the Flu and Dodgers grab the win No one couldn’t ask for better. I could do without the constant promotion of what give a ways the Dodgers will have but They must sell tickets. All in all The Dodgers did a great job with the viewing party. Good success overall to tend to your loyal fanbase who couldn’t be in San Diego for the game. Dodgers Lets Do It again Soon!!
Its Finally Here!! Dodgers vs Padres
The Start is finally here!! Opening Day for Dodgers Baseball. After the last pitch of the 2011 Season All Dodger fans waited and a lot of things have happened between the final out of the World Series to now. Frank McCourt agrees to sale the team, Sitting through the Anaheim Angels make a big signing, Owner Auctions, Big players signings, Magic Johnson and Group buying the Dodgers, You name it it happened. Yesterday signaled the end of Spring training for the Dodgers and the begining of the real deal. It will be a wild season for the Dodgers but for many of us We’re ready for the challenges.
Today the Dodgers open with a 4 Game series against the San Deigo Padres and while the game is in San Deigo you can expect A LOT of Dodger blue in the stands for the weekend. Cy Young Award Winner Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Cy Young Award winning Dodger pitcher to Start Opening day since Sandy Koufax in 1964. Dodgers have beaten the Padres in the Season Series 13 times while SD only beat the Dodgers 5. This is the 11th time these two teams will meet on Opening day as they split Opening Day meetings 5-5 with the last meeting being a Padres victory in San Deigo. So much excitement for today’s game.
I expect this series to be highly in the Dodgers favor but it will all come down to Dodgers Pitching. In the Pre-Season games vs the Angels the Bullpen really got worked and while most were rookies it still becomes a worry of mine. If the Dodgers Bullpen can hold up then theres no reason why the Dodgers shouldn’t take this series. Overall I believe the Dodger bats will be good for this game today and the series.
Prediction: Dodgers take the Series 3-1
Let the Freeway Series Begin!!
And let the Series begin!!! Dodgers vs Angels kick off the Freeway series after coming back from Spring training games in Arizona….Ok so this is an exhibition series between the two but Finally some Baseball in Southern California. Last time the Dodgers and Angels met was in Spring Training as the two faced off two times. Once was a 9-1 Hand handling Dodgers Victory while the second time was a 1-1 Draw that was called due to weather. After a Off-Season filled of storylines between the two. Major Signings of Albert Puljos and CJ Wilson by the Angels and A new Owner in Magic Johnson and his group for the Dodgers. This is the first Series of the two teams to give a taste of what the MLB season will be like. The series start off in Anaheim tonight then the next two on Tuesday and Wed will be played in the friendly confinds of Dodgers Stadium.
Only 9 innings will be played in the 3 game series so If the score is 2-2 after 9 then it’ll be a tie. I know the ultimate sister kisser. There was a quote Angels outfielder said after the new purchase of the Dodgers by Magic’s group “It’s whats done on the field that will show who will show thats clearly better” The Dodgers got the Angels 9-1 then tied the next time. Even though this is an exhibiton you can expect it to be some energy between the two teams and fan bases. Final tune up before the Start of the Season will be very very exciting to see. Also expect to see some Minor Leaguers get in on some of the Action of the Freeway series. Dodgers vs Angels!! Let the Freeway Series Begin!!!!
Dodgers (Wright 0-1) @ Angels (Haren 2-0) 7:05 FSN West (Angels Broadcast) 570 AM Fox Sports Radio (Dodgers Broadcast)
Angels (Santana 1-0) @ Dodgers (Harang 1-1) 7:10 KCAL 9 (Dodgers Broadcast)
Angels (CJ Wilson 2-0) @ Dodgers (Eovaldi 1-1) FSN West
Dodgers Spring Training Recap
As Spring Training comes to a close and Opening Day approaches It’s time that we take a look into the Dodgers Spring Training. Filled with some good play, bad play, Bad weather, Hot weather, Ties, magical ownerships The Dodgers wrapping up Spring Training in Arizona before heading to Anaheim to play the Angels in the Freeway Series. The Dodgers went on to have a 14-13 Record in Spring Training with a few ties. Watching the games that we’re televised on TV I would have to say there were somethings that have impressed me and some that didn’t impress me but all in all Spring Training have given us a taste of whats to come. Lets go ahead and Recap Spring Training in Arizona.
Who Impressed-There were a few Players this Spring that really impressed me. One who stood out the most was Andre Ethier and Dee Gordon. Ethier who is coming off Knee Surgery and a not so good 2011 Season managed to Play this spring with many questions that appears to be answered for right now. Ethier played like the Ethier that we all know and is showing the potential for a monster season. Dee Gordon exploded into the Major League scene with his amazing speed but his issue has been hitting at the Major League Level. During Spring Training Leading off Dee has been able to hit into the Gaps and Successful bunting by taking advantage of his speed. Stealing Bases as well has been a huge success this spring as well. Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp have also showed how they can look to improve on their Monster Season from 2011. Any worry so far of them disapointing have not shown so far. Juan Rivera, Nathian Eovaldi, and Kenley Jansen have also pitched in with stellar showings as well which give Dodger fans something to look forward too.
Who Disapointed- While some impressed there have been a few that really disapointed me this Spring Training. Juan Uribe who had a disapointing 2011 Season had a lot to prove to people. During the Spring Uribe really have not shown that things will get better for the season. Uribe who is on the Opening Day Line up will have to produce this season. Another set of players that have disapointed me have been Chad Billingsley and Ted Lily. Billingsley who has been in the All-Star game a very good pitcher has found himself imploading in the middle of games giving up runs and beat up by batters. During the Spring it seemed like we were getting a repeat of the 2011 Season as Billingsley went through his mid game breakdowns that would hurt the team. Ted Lily also had issues with pitching last season giving up multipul home runs in games which really put the Dodgers in a bad position as well. In the Spring Ted Lily had also had the same isssue as well as getting bases stolen off of him. Lily is starting the Season on the DL due to Neck stiffness issues which sidelined him for the rest of Spring training.
One Year under Mattingley’s Belt- Last Season Don Mattingley did a pretty good job managing the team dispite off the field issues with the Franchise ownership. Keeping the teams focus on the field play good ball has been one heck of an effort by Mattingley. This season he will look to apply somethings that he learned from last season and apply it to become even better. The potential is really briht for Mattingley to become a very Good Manager. The players respect and play hard for him and the Fans love him.
Big heart Factor- I can’t count how many times this team has been down late in games and stormed back to either take the lead or tie the game. The Dodgers have showed that other teams that games aren’t over until the final out and have stormed back a few times thanks to late game heroics. This team can fight and weather they apply it to the Season. If so then they can really be something when down in games.
Storyline of Spring Training- One way or another The Dodgers Ownership situation would dominate the headlines and most of the time it wasn’t positive. This Time It was Magical. April 27th would be a day where the Los Angeles Dodgers would open another new chapter in Dodger Baseball. Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, Mark Wither and co Were approved by MLB and Former Owner Frank McCourt as they bought the Dodgers for 2.15 Billion. The new Ownership group was a sign and start of whats to be a Bright future for Dodger Baseball and the City of Los Angeles as they look to restore the luster back into one of Baseballs most historic franchises. This is something all Dodger fans can really low towards as this is the start of a brand new and Magical Era in Not only Dodgers baseball but MLB it’s self.
Matthew
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