Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2015 - Dodger Links - AJ Ellis Signs Contract & the Winter Development Program

The Dodgers 2015 Winter Development Program has just begun at Dodger Stadium, and it includes 27 of our best and brightest young prospects.  Per Gabe Kapler:

The focus of our program is on developing stronger players and men through creating a family environment, developing a culture of trust and communication, and challenging them mentally. Though there is time for players to stay on their standard off-season routine, we are not presenting a physical showcase. Instead, we will feature 3 full days of guest speakers and thoughtful sessions on topics such as nutrition, sleep, and communication.

In Player Development, and throughout the Dodgers’ organization, we believe strongly in intellectual flexibility. We are asking all invitees to come prepared to question assumptions, ask the question why, and absorb new information. Additionally, communication is a fundamental requirement for our refreshed Dodger Way, and it should always be viewed as a two-way street. This program provides an opportunity for our players and staff to get to know each other and share ideas, philosophies, and beliefs.

The photo above was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos taken by him yesterday.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Chris Reed looks to beat the traffic to Dodger Stadium."

“For me, a lot of it is the consistency and pitching inside (that I need to figure out),” Reed said. “I know that’s been my weakness, and I worked on it last year. But I have to get better at it. Not just talk about it — I have to be better at it in games. Bullpens are one thing, but pitching inside during games for me has always been more of a challenge. I definitely want to carry that theme for this year.”

• M. Brown at Left Field Pavilion shared a fantastic portrait of Sandy Koufax he put together.  Check it out here.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "A.J. Ellis, Dodgers avoid salary arbitration with $4.25 million deal."

Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis avoided salary arbitration, signing a one-year contract for 2015 on Tuesday, worth $4.25 million, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and confirmed by Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

• M. Brown at Left Field Pavilion shares some fantastic 1953 Topps fantasy retro cards.  Check them out here.
• Via Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest, "What is a Mike Bolsinger?"

On the surface, Bolsinger wasn’t great for the Diamondbacks last year. In nine starts and one relief appearance, he posted a 5.50 ERA (145 ERA-). By RA9-WAR, he was worth -0.6 wins. However, his peripherals were significantly better. A .355 BABIP and 64.2% strand rate really boosted his ERA. Bolsinger’s 4.01 FIP (105 FIP-) was a run and a half lower than his ERA, and just 5% worse than league average. By FIP, Bolsinger was worth +0.4 wins, a full win better than his RA9 value.

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