As you may know, the Great Lakes Loons, a Dodgers Single-A minor league affiliate, won the 2016 MidWest League Championship. Yesterday afternoon the guys got together for a special championship ring ceremony at Camelback Ranch. Above is group picture of the team, via the Loons on twitter. Go here to see even more pics. At right is a closer-up look at the ring.Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers Baseball: In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions. There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America. This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here. In 1975 the Dodgers signed former Giants pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract. He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th.
- Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!
- I was disappointed to learn that the Kings did NOT wear Dodger-themed jersey's during their pregame skate for Dodger Pride Night yesterday. Boo! However, both Dennis Powell and Manny Mota were in attendance to drop the opening puck, as evidenced by the photo below that was shared by the Kings on twitter:
- Kenley Jansen is about to join all the fun. Per Ken Gurnick at twitter:
Kenley Jansen said he will pitch in the WBC for The Netherlands.— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 15, 2017
- Adrian Gonzalez, as well as his other Team Mexico Dodger teammates, is back at Camelback Ranch, and his experience at the WBC wasn't so grand. Per Andy McCullough on twitter:
Adrian Gonzalez has returned to camp. He says he will never play in the WBC again: "It's good to be the hell out of that tournament."— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 15, 2017
- Video: Alanna Rizzo speaks with Rich Hill after allowing one run, striking out three and giving up three walks in 3.2 innings pitched against the Reds on Tuesday. (Video Link)
- Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA; "Rich Hill continues wild ride through spring."
"He really didn't have command of any of his pitches,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Results withstanding, Rich didn't have a good feel today.”So far this spring, Hill has 10 walks in 8⅔ innings to go with his seven strikeouts, and a 7.27 ERA."I don't think I've ever really had a great spring training. Though at the same time, you do want to see some good results,” Hill said. “Today there were some good pitches thrown, and I can take that into this week and get ready for the next outing.”
- Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA; "Chris Taylor, Kiké Hernandez, Charlie Culberson all in mix for Dodgers utility role."
- David Pinto at Baseball Musings continues his 2017 series on team offense with an analysis of the Dodgers. (Link Here)
- Per Keith Law at ESPN; "Dodgers prospect Mitch White could be the 2016 draft's top pitcher."
The Dodgers took right-handed starter Mitch White in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft out of Santa Clara University, where he was a redshirt sophomore and had just completed his first season as a starting pitcher. White went with the 65th overall pick in that draft, but if teams redrafted today, he might go in the top five overall.
- Per Joel Sherman at the NY Post; "Yasiel Puig is out of Dodgers second chances."
So when the Dodgers describe Puig as more mature or in a better place, understand they are still grading on a curve. What they are not doing any longer, they insist, is being held hostage by his potential talent or popularity. The Dodgers plan to begin the season with Puig as their regular right fielder, but even as arguably his biggest supporter, manager Dave Roberts said, “My message to him was clear: If he is not performing or he loses his focus, he is going to create opportunities for others, but that is the way it is for everyone.”
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