Results tagged ‘ Los Angeles ’
Dodgers Ownership: One Year Later
On March 27th It would have been exactly one year when Guggenheim Baseball Management bought the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt. A group led by Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter did something that many Dodger fans wanted to happen and that’s take the Dodgers from Frank McCourt. One year later the Dodgers are n much better shape than it was under the old owner. Instead of waiting till the 27th to talk about this I figured I go ahead and make this post to look at what the Dodger ownership has done in one year. As many remember the Dodger Franchise was under such uncertainty. Frank and Jamie McCourt going through a nasty divorce that really hurt the franchise, Dodgers going bankrupt due to the owner taking the money for his personal whatever it was, Half empty stadium due to fans boycotting McCourt, Everything was just a complete mess. A historic franchise hitting rock bottom due to one man and failed duties has an owner. Come the off-season after the 2011 Season the hot topic wasn’t only Free Agency but the bidding for the Dodgers. While the Dodgers couldn’t make any noise in the Off-Season with signings many believed that once they got a new owner Los Angeles was going to be the “Yankees” of the west (Hate that). The fate of a Franchise rest in the hands of the MLB as they had the final say on who will take control of the Dodgers and the Stadium.
Come the night of March 27th everything changed. News had broken that Magic Johnson and his group had won bidding for the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium. Many fans rejoiced as not only someone bought the Dodgers but a man familiar with the city and passion Los Angeles has with this team. Magic, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter all talked about how they were committed to restoring Dodger pride. Many were saying that it would take a while before the Dodgers get to where they should due to the damage left by McCourt but it’s all worth it. This group was bound to make the Los Angeles Dodgers a First Class Franchise that would win for years to come.
In a span of one year Dodgers ownership have really brought this franchise a long ways back than expected. The Dodgers have the players to contend once they acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Zack Greinke, and Josh Beckett stating that money wouldn’t be an issue for players to win right now. They’re also getting back to the International market with signings of Hyun Jin Ryu (Korea) and Yasiel Puig (Cuba) as well as restocking the Minor League system for the future. Off the field Dodger Stadium is undergoing much-needed renovations to make the 51 Year Old stadium state of the art. They’re also doing more get in touch with the fans which was a major key that the Dodgers missed under the old ownership. Players are greeting fans at the gates as they enter the Stadium, Fan Fest’s being held for fans to further get in touch with this franchise, as well as Dodger legends roaming all over the place in the Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough the Dodgers struck a deal with Time Warner to get their own Channel. You can say that the Dodgers came a long way from where they were in 2010 and 2011. This franchise is really going up and the future can’t be any brighter for this team right now. I for one am happy that Ownership is keeping their word to bring this Franchise back and the icing on the cake would be a World Series Title come October.
2nd Half Preview: Can the Dodgers finish with a NL West Title and more?
It’s back to work for the Boys in Blue now that the All-Star Break is over it’s time to resume where the Dodgers left off. The 1st half of the season started great with the Dodgers having the best record in MLB and a good lead in the NL West only to take a turn for the worse when the Injuries began to stock pile, offense disappeared, and a slump happened. The Dodgers went into the break finding themselves a half game over the Giants and the Diamondbacks not too far off also the Dodgers find themselves 7 games over .500. Makes you say yikes the Slump did a lot of damage. However there’s help with Matt Kemp Andre Ethier and Mark Ellis Back in the line up the offense will have less pressure off. While there’s some solutions theres also plenty of questions to be answered that plague the Dodgers.
One question that many will ask is the Trade Deadline and what the Dodgers will do. The Dodgers need to address starting pitching help, LHP help, and add another bat to the corner position to help the Dodgers. We’ve heard so much about the Dodgers intrest with the Cubs on getting Matt Garza or Ryan Dempster which is a sign but with teams like the Brewers and Phillies being possible sellers it could be something if Cole Hammels or Zack Grenkee is available. Dodgers will likely have to give up prospects but to get players like that the Dodgers have to be cautious on the asking prices of these teams. Likely the Cubs and Brewers will not have high asking prices. As far as a bat the Dodgers have been real aggressive on trying to land a bat and missed twice. Missed out on Kevin Youkillis to the White Sox and Carlos Lee Vetoed a trade to LA only to land in Miami. The Dodgers could be aggressive again for a bat again but weather they strike gold or not is a question. It’s obvious this team wants to win THIS YEAR. A bat to the 1st and 3rd Base position looks to be a area as Juan Uribe and James Loney have been under performing at this point to make a solid contribution to help but the emergence of Eillian Herrara has been huge to the LF 3rd base position.
Another issue is the health and performance of the Dodgers again. The Injuries played a huge part in the wheels falling off in that slump that cost them that huge lead. What scares me personally is will key players stay healthy? Injuries happen but on slaught of injuries will be very bad to The Dodgers in the dog days. The performance of certain Dodgers will also be in mind like starting pitchers Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. Will they be able to get it together to make a big run into September October? Billingsley’s meltdowns has been really bad in games and Kershaw hasn’t played like his usual Cy Young self. If they can pull through the the Dodgers will be dangerous. Another is the team itself. Will they bring it together to once again be the team that had the MLB talking? It all starts with the team but there’s no doubt Management and Mattingley will have this team ready to do battle.
All in All the Dodgers are in first place and will resume the season to keep that lead. But it won’t be easy. They start off with San Diego at home then go into a series at Dodger stadium with the Phillies. The same team that they swept in Philadelphia. After that a road trip in New York with the Mets then travel to ST Louis to play the Cardinals then conclude the road trip in San Fran against the hated giants in what could be a pivotal series in the NL West so the Dodgers have their work cut out. The 2nd Half is under way and the Boys in Blue have work to do.
Freeway Series: Dodgers vs Angels
This Time Its For Real!! The Dodgers and Angels kick off the Freeway series Tomorrow and this years Freeway Series will be pretty interesting when you look at all what built up. You start off with the Angelsmaking the big signing grabing Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson which sent shockwaves through the Baseball world. Instantly the attention and hype was surrounded Anaheim. Many media felt the Angels would not only be favorites for a World Series but Take over the L.A. Market as Builboards popped up ALL over Los Angeles (They are in Anaheim we shall remind you) While the Angels got Prase the Dodgers were dealing with a Bind of finding a new owner with an uncertain future and many questions going into the season but came Late March Magic Happened. Magic Johnson Stan Kasten, Mark Walter and their group made the perchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers whichs sent LA into a big frenzy. Many Dodger fans were really excitied and it transfered into the field as the Dodgers started off Hot quickly becoming MLB’s best team with a 39-22 Record. The Angels honeymoon quickly ended as the struggled out the gate even Albert Pujols struggled.
Going into this Series the Dodgers are in first place coming off two series wins over the Phillies and Marniers while the Angels are coming off sweeping the Rockies in Colorado and 3 Games over .500. Dodgers will be without Matt Kemp but the rest of the Dodgers have been picking up the slack after going through an offensive struggle. Both teams are hot so it will be interesting to see. The Freeway Series starts off in Los Angeles for the 11th, 12th, and 13th then after shifts to Anaheim for the weekend of the 22nd 23rd and 24th of June. Last year the Angels won the bragging rights 4-2 Last year and the Dodgers looking to grab the first series win since 2006. This year Freeway Series will be a real special one when you look at what took place.
While this will never reach the level of Dodgers/Giants and Yankees and Dodgers AL/NL rivalry this is still that Rivalry where you want Braging rights for the whole season. With the Freeway Series 6 game Home and Home series in question thanks to the new realignment things are bound to get interesting based on both teams position in their respected Divisions but steaks are high. Dodgers looking to keep the Lead in the NL West and show why they are the MLB’s best team while the Angels are looking to trim the Rangers lead in the AL West. The Freeway Series kicks off. Lets Get It Started!!
Dodgers swept by Brewers: Is it time to worry?
This series seems like a long nightmare for the Dodgers and it’s fans. With the Brewers coming to LA for a four game series it seems like the Brewers have been the Dodgers kryptonite. Losing close games due to the Offense disappearing and now with the Dodgers losing Matt Kemp to injury again things seems to be bad for the Dodgers. After getting swept by the Brewers losing 4 Straight and headed on a Long road trip to Colorado, Phillidelphia, and Seattle is it time to be worried? In my opinion No but I am concerned. Now there’s no reason to panic because There’s plenty of games to be played in this season but I am concerned because the offense has seemed to disappear this whole series and now with Kemp gone that really makes the offense anemic. The Dodgers are already without Juan Rivera Mark Ellis and Uribe and losing Kemp really hurts the offense as far as scoring runs as it was shown in the series vs the Brewers. Mattingley tried different line ups to get it going but seems like it hasn’t worked. Hopefully the Dodgers turn it around on the road trip and get it together.
Another thing is the fact that the Dodgers get to go on a good week long road trip facing Colorado which is a Home Run area, Phillidelphia where they seem to struggle. Dodgers just have to take at least 2 of 3 just to survive. Can the Dodgers do it? Yes they can but the offense has to pick up. Pitching and defense will only go so far. One game can turn things around but it starts with one game. Yes it will be tough but before the Freeway Series the Dodgers have to take care of business on the road.
Yes the Dodgers are in a slump and got swept by the brewers by 3 runs or less but it’s not time to panic. The Dodgers and the front office will do what it takes to keep the NL West lead. They won’t let it go without a fight but they must do something before it disappears in a hurry. The Dodgers are in a good position but coming off that sweep questions start to appear again and the Dodgers have to answer them in order to succeed.
All-Star Game in Los Angeles: When is it going to Happen?
This have been something that I’ve been wondering about for a long time. When is the Mid Summer Classic going to make it’s return to Los Angeles? The MLB All-Star Game has been to Southern California 6 Times. Three of them coming from Anaheim, two from San Deigo, and one from Los Angeles. Anahiem has hosted 3 Times in 67, 89, and 10 while Dodger Stadium only hosted in 80. How is that possible? Why is it that Dodger Stadium who is hosting it’s 50th Anniversary and is a Historic Stadium only got to Host the All-Star Game Once? I read on a LA Times Article back in 2010 which Bill Plaskie said Anaheim was a better Stadium due to it being a Modern Stadium. Ok I get that Anaheim is more Modern and what not and I get the Challenges that Dodger Stadium has but come on now MLB Dodger Stadium only hosting Once? Thats Unacceptable.
Dodger Stadium is in need of rennovations and that is something We all get. Not only that but you have the Traffic getting to Dodger Stadium and the MLB Fan Experiance is down the 110 (Downtown LA) but lets also think about this If the World Series was to be at Dodger Stadium then traffic would be crazy. Opening Day Traffic is always a pain so if their Concern is Traffic then Go news its always like that. I doubt it is but don’t hurt to bring it up. If anything the Stadium has to be rennovated which can be done but it’s been a long time since Dodger Stadium hosted an All-Star Game and it seems like LA hasn’t even gotten a shot to do it again. As of late the All-Star Game has been in Modern Stadiums such as AT&T Park and Chase Field for example. Old Yankee Stadium hosted before it was demolished but only hosted twice. The Mets are the only Team that has a longer drought than the Dodgers when it comes to hosting the All-Star game but could change soon.
With new owners and talks of making some rennovations which should help Dodger Stadium get the All-Star game so we could be a lot closer than we think but who knows. Dodgers can get the game without having a new Stadium it’s just a matter of when. Thats Something I can’t answer but I do know that the MLB All-Star Game will benifit the City of Los Angeles very well.
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.
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
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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