Spring Training Pics: Thursday, March 22, 2007

Today was a bad day for the Dodgers. As many of you already know, Furcal is out, for the time being, with a moderate ankle sprain. The play looked much worse than that. I was chatting with a friend just as the event developed. I turned to see the pop fly and saw Repko charging hard with Furcal running back. The next thing I know, Furcal leaps, catches the ball and lands on the ground like a fish caught out of water. Repko had dived and appeared to upend Furcal. Raffy was on the ground in obvious pain. All I could say was, "Oh No!"

I had a sudden sense of fear that we may lose Raffy for a long period of time. He laid on the ground for several minutes holding his head. I thought he may have also banged his head or neck. Again, all I could do was say, "Oh No!" The entire training staff came out and helped Furcal onto a cart while carefully holding his leg. I was in such a state of shock I plain forgot to take any pictures.

At the end of the day, though, this appears to be a situation where you can't believe your lying eyes. Furcal is optimistic about his return and everything may be just fine- given some rest, of course. The only positive out of this is whole ordeal is that Raffy, even in his pain, still caught the ball for an out.

Repko must be cursed. He was chasing a deep fly to right centerfield when he fell in a heap. It looked like he dove for the ball, but reports indicate that he lost traction and fell. The dirt out there has gravel that caused Repko to slip as he came running at full speed. Jason got up and looked fine. He even wanted to play on. Fortunately, Ethier came over and started calling for the trainers. Again, I neglected to take any pictures. BTW, this was Repko's first start since his last injury.

Below are just a handful of pics from today. Russell Martin is walking up with his equipment bag.
Today was elementary school day. There were hundred of little tykes in bright colored t-shirts taking the day off from school. Below, Nomar is signing for the kids.
The kids were also loud. You could hear chants of "Let's Go Dodgers" throughout the game. It was a nice departure from the typical quiet crowd at Holman Stadium.

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