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Hanley Ramirez Sees himself back into Dodger lineup

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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez fresh off of his rehab assignment is back with the team three weeks ahead of schedule, and for the depleted team not a moment too soon.

 
Ramirez who injured his thumb during a game in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) which required surgery on March 22nd and a scheduled two month recovery.
 
“I just want to be in there. I don’t want to wait any longer. I’m a gamer. I just want to be in there and I think I can play,” said Hanley.
 
Ramirez made his debut on Monday night pinch hitting in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies, but struck out to end the inning.
In his rehab assignment with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes he went 3-for-6 and playing 12 innings at shortstop in two games.
 
The Dodgers can use his timely hitting and 25 home runs a season right now as the Dodger hitting has been inconsistent and stagnant of late.
Ramirez will play with a flexible splint on his thumb that will able him to throw and hit while on the field.
 
“It’s not 100 percent, but I can defend myself on the field,” Ramirez said.
 
Tuesday night is Hanley Ramirez bobble head night at Dodger Stadium.
 

Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez out for 2 months

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The Los Angeles Dodgers received bad news that Hanley Ramirez will require thumb surgery, and will be sidelined approximately two months. Ramirez suffered the injury during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship representing the Dominican Republic in the third inning while chasing down as ground ball. 

 
An MRI taken on Thursday revealed that he had a torn ligament in his thumb, and the surgery will be performed on Friday in Los Angeles by Dr. Steve Shin.
 
Ramirez doesn’t regret playing for his home country in the WBC.  However this will definitely cause concern for future players who contribute their talents for other MLB clubs with their GM’s. 
 
“It could’ve happened anywhere. It could’ve happened here. It unfortunately happened in the WBC. It’s very disappointing,” said Ramirez.
 
Scheduled to take his place during the next two months at shortstop will more than likely be Luis Cruz or Dee Gordon. This is going to be a significant blow to the Dodgers depth at that position. Especially with the uncertainty of Carl Crawford and Zack Greinke, the baseball gods have not shown the Dodgers mercy when it’s come to health thus far.
 
Luis Cruz has played third base the entire spring and is prepared to take over the position in Ramirez’s absence. 
 
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly expressed that Ramirez spot at shortstop was a key to the Dodgers strong presence on the field. Mattingly also expressed that the WBC was indeed good for the game, yet his main focus is making sure his remaining players remain healthy, and assemble a team ready to compete Opening Day.
 
“At this point, everything is hypothetical. I don’t know if I’m comfortable with anything going on at shortstop right now,” said Mattingly.
 
One thing is for certain, the Dodgers will be fighting an up hill battle to begin the season, and will be a true test of strength for this new look Dodger team who has high expectations, not just by upper management, but also by Dodger fans and Major League Baseball. 

Dodgers’ Hanley Ramirez gets thumb MRI

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The Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez get an MRI on his thumb, due to injury suffered in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship game on Tuesday.

He suffered the thumb injury listed as a severe jammed thumb in the third inning, and wasn’t pulled until sixth inning, as he was replaced by Miguel Tejada on the Dominican Republic team. Ramirez is schedule to undergo an MRI on Wednesday in Arizona.
 
While playing third base for the Dominican Republic, Ramirez injured his thumb diving for ground ball in the third inning. The Dodgers can only hope the Ramirez injury will not cause him to miss any significant time during the season. 
 
 

Matt Kemp sets the tone for these new look L.A. Dodgers

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Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp who is recovering from off season shoulder surgery, and is said to look leaner and in better shape. Kemp is ready to be the leadership voice inside the Dodgers clubhouse. Despite his declarations and goals for the season to just simply remain healthy, his attitude is ready for the Dodgers to take their commanding place in the National League. 

Kemp’s attitude and presence is truly being felt inside the Spring Training clubhouse at Camelback Ranch from him singing loudly to his favorite music, to horsing around with with various pitchers. To slapping Hanley Ramirez along the back, his energy is infectious amongst all of his teammates. He is as positive as he is loud and connecting, there is no question that the chemistry is imperative to the success of this 2013 Dodgers team.

“We brought in a lot of guys, but this is Matt’s team, and everybody in here wants it to be Matt’s team. He’s such a big player, such a big personality, it should be his team,” said Mark Ellis Dodgers second baseman. 

Despite the other primetime players on this team like Andre Either, Adrian Gonzales, Hanley Ramirez, Zack Greinke, or Clayton Kershaw, Kemp simply has that magic touch.

Kemp has truly stepped into elite company with being a public leader of a major franchise, like Kobe Bryant with the Lakers, or Chris Paul with the Clippers, now Kemp has an opportunity to stand an deliver. And looks ready to not only lead verbally but most importantly by example.

Kemp is focused, as he discussed his recent weight loss and his readiness to lead this team to a championship. ”I’m playing center field, so I can’t be out there and be all heavy and try to run around and make plays like Mike Trout. I have to be light to do things like that.” Kemp gave props to the Angels superstar, who was last season’s AL Rookie of the Year. 

Kemp will not only have to stay healthy, but reach back to his amazing 2011 season, where he put up MVP type numbers in order to take this team higher heights this season. 

Dodgers struggle in Spring Training debut

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Saturday was the first day of Spring Training action for the Los Angeles Dodgers who have high expectations this season not just by the team but fans as well. 

At their Spring Training facility at Camelback Ranch, the Dodgers got blasted by their Spring Training neighbor Chicago White Sox 9-0. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw had a rough start as he allowed two runs and four hits in just two innings of action. 

But relax everyone, it’s just Spring Training this is exactly what this time is for to improve and fine tune most mistakes before April 1st which is Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. 

On Sunday the two teams battle each other at 12:30PM PST in Glendale, Arizona. 

L.A. Dodger legend Sandy Koufax returns

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After many improvements on and off the field, the Los Angeles Dodgers return a legend near the front office as they return the team to greatness. 

Hall of Famer and one of the greatest pitchers to have ever pitched on a mound, Sandy Koufax is now the special advisor to chairman Mark Walter. 
 
Koufax will also consult during the season as well as working the pitchers at Camelback Ranch in Arizona during Spring Training. 
 
After retirement, Koufax began a 11 year stint with the Dodgers as their Minor League pitching coach in 1979. Once NewsCorp purchased the team, which owned several publication that violated the privacy of Koufax, he walked away from the team. Once it was purchased by former owner Frank McCourt, Koufax resurfaced and was seen at various times around the Spring Training facility. 
 
The seven time All-Star from 1961-1966 will take on the responsibility of teaching and showing eight starting pitchers in Spring Training, how to improve their game.
 
“I’m looking forward to spending time with the team during Spring Training and to contributing in any way I can to help make the team a success for the fans of Los Angeles,” said Koufax. “Some of my most cherished memories came at Dodger Stadium.” 
 
Koufax was a three-time unanimous National League Cy Young Award winner with four no-hitters, an MVP Award, three 25-win seasons and five consecutive ERA titles. 
 
The pitching staff that includes Zack Greinke, Chad Billingsley, Ryu Hyun Jin, Chris Capuano, and Ted Lilly are will benefit from the presence of a legend like Koufax. The pitcher who benefits most from all of this is Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, whom Koufax sees a lot himself in this young pitcher whom he also considers a friend.
Koufax on numerous occasions has spoken highly of this young pitcher who captured the Cy Young Award in 2011, and also looks to do it again in 2013. 
 
A brilliant move by the new Dodger owners in bringing back Koufax who not just one of the greatest pitcher to have played the game but a huge fan favorite. 
“The Dodgers are thrilled to have Sandy back with the organization,” said Dodgers president Stan Kasten.
 
Koufax retired at 31 years old due to a torn ligament in his elbow that required Tommy John surgery that was not yet available. However in addition to his championship and individual accolades, the type of experience that Koufax brings to this club is priceless. The Dodgers have a true gem in Koufax on and off the field. It’s outstanding that the ownership recognizes what they have as they continue to improve this club. 
 
The Dodger organization is not only serious about winning now, but also making sure they give the fans something to cheer and support. With the addition of Koufax’s return, this team continues to progress and will for many years to come. 
 

Dodgers’ A.J. Ellis looks forward to healthy 2013 season

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The Los Angeles Dodgers $2 million catcher AJ Ellis, has recovered fully from off season knee surgery. Ellis who showcased his leadership in his first full season is already participating in off season baseball drills. He recovered from the October 5th proceder that required some clean up in his medial and lateral meniscus. 

 
“I’m doing all my regular baseball activities. It looks like a normal January for me,” said Ellis. 
 
While living is Wisconsin, Ellis rehabbed his knee with the training staff of the Milwaukee Brewers staff. The Dodgers worked out an arrangement for Ellis to work with the training staff whom was less than half an hour away from his home. 
 
Ellis enters Spring Training as the starting catcher going into Opening Day at Dodger Stadium this season. 
Ellis lead the team in on base percentage at .373, batted .270, and drove in 13 home runs.
 
As he looks at the season in a long term perspective, he continues to perform catching drills and blocking in the dirt. 
“My goal is to be able to stay strong from the beginning to the end of the season. I felt I did wear a little bit down late in the season, particularly mentally,” said Ellis. 

Dodgers hit home run with Fan Fest

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Despite the construction of renovating Dodger Stadium, fans came out in droves for the Dodgers annual Fan Fest that took place this past Saturday. 

 
Many fans lined up as early as 5 am to have an opportunity to grab not only season and individual tickets, but also to obtain an autograph from their favorite Dodger player. The baseball gods made sure the weather was good as the sun would invade the grounds of the stadium. 
 
There was a sense of optimism and great energy in the air as many fans anticipate this new Dodger season with many of the fans excited about the new ownership group as well as the off-season moves were made to improve the team. 
 
When I arrived at 8:30am I was greeted with a line to purchase Dodger memorabilia which moved pretty fast. While I waited I enjoyed some great conversation by Dodger fans and music from the DJ and host Joe Grande who entertained the crowd with funny commentary and ticket giveaways.
 
The line to wait for autographs was fairly long when I arrived but as the day progressed the line looked as thought it extended out to the 5 freeway entrance of Dodger Stadium. Many fans waited anywhere from 3 to 5 hours just to see their favorite Dodger player. 
 
When I arrived in the Fan Fest, many fest gathered in front of a stage to hear the legendary voice of the Dodgers Vin Scully listen to his many stories of Dodger baseball. His favorite story was about the time when he called Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, along with the 1963 World Series. 
 
Next fans were treated to an interview session that featured Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp who looked healthy and expressed that along with his eagerness to begin the season. Kemp took questions from the audience and also followed a fan on twitter. 
 
Dodger legend Tommy Lasorda came out to a huge ovation by the crowd, and told everyone the Dodgers are about winning and winning every game. Lasorda went back into his old clubhouse speeches as he continued to fire up the crowd. 
 
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti who was interview by Gary Miller spoke about the deal between the Dodgers and Time Warner, and said that he was confident that deal will be finalized by no later than next week. 
 
Not only did I snag an autograph from newly acquired pitcher Zack Greinke, I also along with many fans had the great opportunity to take photo with the World Series trophy. 
 
This was a fantastic event for the fans by the Dodgers, however I will say that next year they need to allow the fans who stood in line for autographs to allow them to receive autographs from at least two players players.  

 

Time Warner dominates L.A. with Dodgers new network

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After many months of speculation and back forth between FOX Sports and Time Warner, the new Los Angeles Dodgers deal has been finalized. The winner beyond the fans is Time Warner who will distribute a new network dedicated to Dodger baseball, SportsNet LA.

Starting in 2014, every game, story, and news related to the Dodgers will be shown on the new network. The deal is reported for 25 years at $7- $8 billion.
This season will conclude it’s deal with FOX Sports who will retain the Clippers, Ducks, Kings, USC and UCLA coverage after 2013. Time Warner who currently has the Los Angeles Lakers, 2 time back to back MLS Cup L.A. Galaxy, the L.A. Sparks, and will have the Dodgers.

The Dodgers more than likely will not have to go through the confusion the same way, the Laker fans had to experience missing games during negations were taking place between Time Warner and various outlets (DirecTV, Dish Network, Comcast). The SportsNet LA deal that Time Warner customers will pay is about $4 a month for the new channel, and the various carriers mentioned above should expect to pay about $5 a month.

At the same time the Guggenheim Group is all about being fan friendly, creating the best experience for Dodger fans at Dodger Stadium as well as away from the stadium.

“We concluded last year that the best way to give our fans what they want — more content and more Dodger baseball — was to launch our own network,” said Dodgers owner Mark Walter.

An exciting time as the Dodgers gear up to make a serious World Series title run this season, their mindset is to win right now.

 

Talking with L.A. Dodgers greats and from the past…

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