Three Dodgers were in Mexicali, Mexico for the first game of the WBC qualifying tournament. One as a broadcaster, another to throw out the first pitch and the third to play the game. Seated from left to right in the photo above are Alex Cora, Fernando Valenzuela and Adrian Gonzalez, as tweeted by Alex Cora. Fortunately, all three would walk away happy from the days results. Team Mexico squeaked out a victory against an upstart Czech Republic team. Via Mark Newman at WorldBaseballClassic.com:
Mexico, a huge favorite in this four-nation qualifier and playing in a party atmosphere at home, scratched out two runs in the first inning and then withstood an eighth-inning homer by Matej Hejma before escaping with a 2-1 victory Thursday over a resilient Czech Republic team.Below are more links to check out:
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On Thursday, Adrian Gonzalez, the local hero and Dodgers first baseman, walked three times and scored one of the two runs in the first inning. That all happened after he caught the ceremonial first pitch from Fernando Valenzuela, part of a 45-minute pregame spectacle.
"I'm great," Gonzalez said before the game. "Being able to play here in Mexico in the great town of Mexicali, they have a great fan base and people are here from all over to watch us play. Our crowd is one of the best in every WBC. They bring noise and lift us up."
- More cuts in Dodgers spring camp were announced yesterday. Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Urias, De Leon among seven sent to minors."
- In news that is not entire surprising, Dave Roberts named Kershaw, Kazmie, Maeda and Wood as his starting four, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:
Mike Bolsinger, Brandon Beachy and Zach Lee are the three candidates for the fifth starter spot. Though Beachy isn't currently on the 40-man roster, all three have options should the Dodgers decide to use multiple pitchers in the role in April. But Roberts wouldn't rule out Urias just yet, based on talent alone.
- Audio: Listen to Tony Gwynn Jr with Darren Smith at the Mighty 1090AM radio show. He chats about the Dodgers pitching concerns, what it was like to grow up as a kid in the Padres clubhouse and his perspective on the Adam LaRoche controversy. (Link Here)
- Video: Yasiel Puig won't be suspended over nightclub incident. He talks about moving on and his latest outing in Spring Training. (Link Here)
- Former Dodger pitcher Brad Penny to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Reports.
- Via Barry Bloom at MLB.com, "Wood returns as Dodgers shape pitching staff."
- With Domingo Ayala's recent contract he decides to tour Jerry Hariston's home in order to make an offer.
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