Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Pitchers & Catchers Workout #3

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

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(twitter link @Dodgers)

THE REAL DEAL: Today was the third day of workouts for pitchers and catchers at Camelback Ranch – Glendale and the report date for the rest of the squad. Even though many position players have already reported, some new faces arrived today, including Mark Ellis, Jerry Hairston Jr., Tony Gwynn Jr., Nick Punto, Hanley Ramirez and Juan Uribe. Tomorrow will be the first full squad workout of 2013 and the Dodgers will be sporting their home white uniforms.

ONE STEP CLOSER: Dodger hurlers Clayton Kershaw, Josh Beckett, Chris Capuano, Chad Billingsley, Stephen Fife, Matt Magill, Matt Guerrier, Javy Guerra, Shawn Tolleson, Paco Rodriguez, Kelvin De La Cruz, Chris Withrow, Gregory Infante and Mark Lowe all tossed their second bullpens of the spring this morning as Glendale heated up to 70 degrees by 11 a.m.

• Last season, the Dodger pitching staff, under the tutelage of eighth-year pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, allowed just 122 home runs, which was the fewest in the Major Leagues. Since Honeycutt’s first year in 2006, Los Angeles pitchers have given up just 936 home runs, the fewest in baseball over that time. Under the heading, “strange but true”, you can file this nugget: The Dodger pitching staff has allowed exactly 67 home runs at Dodger Stadium in each of the last three seasons.  

RYU’S RESPITE: On the final day of pitchers and catchers workouts, Camelback Ranch was a bit more serene as the large contingent of Korean media packed their things and headed over to Goodyear for the arrival of Reds’ outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Yesterday, more than 30 writers, cameramen and photographers watched Dodger rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu throw his very first bullpen session in the Major Leagues. Dodger catcher A.J. Ellis came away impressed: "It was really good," said Ellis. "His fastball had command on both sides and the ball came out really well, with life to it. He has an easy, calm motion. He wasn't trying to impress the first time out, like some guys, and overthrow. He knew what he wanted to do and executed."

(twitter link @Dodgers)

WE ARE BLESSED: Dodger broadcast partner PRIME TICKET will televise an additional four games this spring at Camelback Ranch - Feb. 25 vs. CHC, Feb. 28 vs. LAA, March 7 vs. Texas and March 18 vs. Arizona. And the good news keeps coming as Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will call all four telecasts. It was previously announced that Scully would call the KCAL 9 games on March 17 vs. MIL and March 26 vs. COL, bringing his grand total to six Cactus League games.

• It has been quite some time since Scully was behind the microphone for at least six Spring Training contests in either Arizona or Florida and this will be the most Cactus League games he has ever called.     

A WHOLE LOT MORE BLUE: With the first full squad workout scheduled to commence tomorrow morning, that also means it’s time for the 2013 introductory meeting tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. Dodger skipper Don Mattingly will address the team and introduce various Dodger departments as he enters his third season at the helm of the club. In addition to Baseball Operations and Public Relations, who arrived on Monday, the marketing, video and community affairs departments all arrived this afternoon. In addition, Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten pulled into town this morning and will also address the players and staff tomorrow morning.

RISE OF THE PENGUIN: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Dodger legend Ron Cey, who turns 65 today.  Cey will join fellow Dodger alumni Manny Mota, Tim Leary, Fernando Valenzuela, Maury Wills and Steve Yeager for Camelback Ranch - Glendale’s inaugural Legends Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24. Former greats from both the Dodgers and White Sox franchises will be on hand to sign autographs and greet fans from 11:30 am-12:30 pm before being introduced in pregame ceremonies for the club’s first Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch – Glendale against the White Sox at 1:05 pm on Saturday, Feb. 23.  I previously posted about the Legends Weekend yesterday- check out that information here.

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