Kershaw has thrown six of the last seven days, but Roberts and Honeycutt haven’t yet decided what Plan B is if, as seems likely, he’s unavailable for Opening Day.
Tweets of note:
Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw threw 12-15 pitches off the mound today which he wasn’t expecting and didn’t report any issues. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 7, 2019
The Dodgers today claimed LHP Donnie Hart off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have designated RHP Josh Fields for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 7, 2019
All three games this weekend will be televised on @SportsNetLA. Join @Joe_Davis, @OrelHershiser & yours truly. Hard to believe the season opens in 21 days. Let’s go! #DodgersST. Catch today’s game on @AM570LASports!
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 7, 2019
The Athletic’s Molly Knight offers hope for Dodgers fans.
Moreover, Molly says, they hired the enemy. They won’t have to face Joe Kelly in the World Series this year.
ICYMI, Tom Seaver has dementia, his family says. Marty Noble, an old sportswriter friend, has a eulogy of sorts. Murray Chass lent Noble the space to publish it.
I am not at all surprised by this.
More here.
Alex Verdugo, #1 prospect and utility outfielder. Given that he’s hit .314 and .329 at AAA the last two seasons while walking nearly as often as he has struck out and splitting time at each outfield spot, the Dodgers apparently think he’s got nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, so they plan to have him on the roster on Opening Day.
Next player from each team to crack a Top 100 list:
We seemed to be loaded with talent, even before taking Max into account. Basically, the top 60-odd players that would be two on average for each team and we have three times that.
Several notable rule changes will take effect this year, with more coming in 2020.
The trade deadline dates and the reduction in mound visits are the only ones that would seriously impact what the Dodgers have done over the past few years, as far as I can tell. The changes for 2020 would have a far greater effect (see the linked article) on their behavior, particularly no more LOOGYs and no more 10-day DL/IL.
Ugh. Tony C. to miss start of season.
I am watching the Dodgers-Reds from Coyhaique, and there are no broadcasters – only crowd noise.
I will cry on seeing Yasiel in a Red’s uniform.
From SI: Puig in Cincinnatti.
(Some of) the Dodgers have formed a band.
Kiké, his swing and his outlook on versatility.
Russell Martin, grizzled veteran. He ruminates on Kershaw, Urias, and playing the infield.
Is Kershaw’s downward slide reversible?
“Had the Dodgers opted for, say, Patrick Corbin instead, they would have had to spend a lot more money on a pitcher who hasn’t been as good as Kershaw even over the last two seasons.” This is a telling statement. All the best to Klayton!
Here a Dodger, there a Dodger, everywhere a Dodger. E-i-e-i-o…
https://dodgersyat.com/2019/03/09/mlb-2019-lineup-projections-old-friends-everywhere/
we are bleeding Blue!
Machado will play third for the Padres as they have Fernando Tatis Jr. slated to play shortstop.
In his first spring start, prospect Tony Gonsolin is very sharp – nine up and nine down, with three K’s. In fairness, he is facing the Gnats.
Starting to put my wish list for ballgames together. Three game set here in DC in late July. Have wanted to go to Cincy for a while to see some games and the Dodgers will be there in May. Torn, however, by the thought of seeing Puig in another uniform (Reds are in LA in April! That should be something). They play the AL East, so will visit Baltimore in September. I always try to catch at least one of the games in Charm City, may go for the trifecta if I can find willing partners.
Go to Ledo’s Pizza in Balmer before or after the game.
Guessing that the original place has all the charm, but looks like they have expanded to five locations in greater Balmer!
The only place I’ve ever eaten their pizza was at the one in College Park last September. it was very good.
Ah, then outside Charm City as well. Need to find one closer by me and try it.
3 weeks is a long time, when there are really no position player issues, but happy to have it given time needed for Klayton and Buelher. Nice to Julito rekindling some excitement again after his injury.
https://twitter.com/DodgerInsider/status/1104848529506222080
WB, very sorry to learn about the passing of your dog Malbec. Mark
From his metaphorical resting place, Malbec appreciates your concern. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2236bdc41d35f782fcea170eeb8a1b5e6ea2d2dc6de8a4ab84f87bc27a4e18e3.jpg
Zack, who remains the highest paid guy in baseball, is great. https://twitter.com/zcrizer/status/1103010385412739073?s=21
LAT’ed:
Kershaw was busy visiting the Dominican Republic before spring training began, lending his presence to fighting sex trafficking there.
Maybe he should visit Florida instead.
Kershaw had thrown six of the last seven days. Perhaps Roberts and Honeycutt want him to become the next Mike Marshall (the pitcher, not the outfielder), who appeared in a record 106 games in relief and won the Cy Young Award in 1974. LOL.