What Have We Learned?

When the Dodgers went 1-2 in Colorado, all of the morons like Bill Plaschke and a host of bloggers wrote about “What we have learned about the Dodgers” and a lot of other drivel. We heard that they had pitching problems and that they were “overhyped.” The only thing they really learned was that they were morons, but we knew that a long time ago. Geeze… after 3 games, you really don’t know much. Really, after the last two games, we have not “learned” much. We already knew that the offense was superb and probably second to none in MLB. We knew that the pitchers were not stretched out and many of the hitters did not have their timing down.

There really was not much to “learn.” We just watched and observed. However, after five games, we have learned a little something:

1. We learned that Andrew Heaney has a different pitch, different routine, and a different delivery… and the results looked good… at least in his first start;
2. We learned that Clayton Kershaw is not finished and that he did not need to retire because of arm problems; and
3. We learned that you should not count Cody Bellinger out!

I talked about Andrew Heaney yesterday – there is no need to repeat it. We just have to learn if he can keep building upon his success, or if he will slip back into his old habits. His success is not a “given” but it is certainly a “possibility.” Actually, Dodger Fans should now have a lot of “hope” that he can be successful. I am very encouraged by what I have seen from Andrew Heaney.

Now, here’s the BIG ONE: After Clayton Kershaw was shut down last fall and received a PRP injection, I was concerned. Then when the Dodgers did not offer him the Qualifying Offer, I “knew” he was finished. The only reason they would not extend him the offer was that both the Dodgers and Clayton were not sure of his health. I “knew” he would not play for another organization other than the Dodgers… I don’t care what he says. It wasn’t in his DNA. I proclaimed ALL WINTER that he would retire… that he was done. Boy, was I wrong… and I have never been so happy to be that wrong (I was just about as wrong on Gavin Lux and I love that too)!

There is one moron, namely a “Tanner Kern” who penned a piece called “DAVE ROBERTS SHOULD RECEIVE A LIFETIME BAN FROM MLB” because he took out Clayton after 7 innings with a perfect game. The idiotic piece can be found HERE. Tanner Kern evidently suffers from extreme brain damage to write such a piece. He went on to write:

“Rob Manfred has given six people a lifetime ban during his time as the commissioner od baseball, and Roberts should be the seventh.“

Here’s what Clayton had to say about it:

“Blame it on the lockout, blame it on me not picking up a baseball until January,” said the 34-year-old left-hander, who threw a no-hitter in 2014 against the Rockies. “My slider was horrible the last two innings. It didn’t have the bite. It was time.”

Even Clayton agreed with it. The Dodgers aren’t out to see if they can pitch perfect games – they are out to win a Championship. Forget the battle – win the war! That is their mentality. Tanner Kern is an idiot! Good day, to you sir! Clayton Kershaw pitched an outstanding game yesterday. He topped out at 92 MPH and had over 15 fastballs over 90 MPH, but not one of these 90 MPH + fastballs came after the 5th inning and his slider did not have the “bite” it had earlier. Reason? He was running out of gas. Roberts did the only thing he could and that was to take him out of the game. You could see Clayton knew it was time too.

The fact that Clayton hit 92 MPH gives me hope that in a few weeks we will see 93 to 94 MPH at times. Couple that with his slider, his Hammer Curve, and his “newfound change” and he could actually be back in the running for the Cy Young (if the PRP holds up). This was also great news. I love being wrong! So does Tanner!

The last thing we learned is not to count out one Cody Bellinger. Yes, his Double and HR, were impressive, but he also had the patience and understanding to take a walk in his last AB after his earlier success. This was as if on cue as fans were begging that he be sent to OKC. That would be Felony Stupid. Cody brings so much to the lineup. By the way, his BA is up to .222. Dodger fans should hope he continues this. There will be more bad days, that’s for certain, but there will also be progress. He is working too hard! This will only be “over” when he no longer has to “think about his stance.” It will be over when he can just do to. That will take more time. Patience Grasshoppers!

Trevor Bauer News

The La Times writes today “The expectation is that Bauer will be suspended and won’t pitch for the Dodgers again.” I believe the LA Times is wrong, but they have a long history of that! Bauer’s leave was extended another week (not a month) and I believe an announcement will be forthcoming in that time period. A lot has been made of Bauer throwing a ball over the CF fence, which was a big mistake, however, he admitted wrong and owned it. Terry Francona said this:

“I think he has a high bar set for himself, sometimes, actually, probably not attainable,” Francona said. “Everybody’s different. Everybody kicks themselves in the rear end a different way. I’ve been with Trevor for six years now. Again, I don’t want this to be his legacy. This kid is a good pitcher. When things happen in public, well then you have to answer in public. There’s a lot of things that happen on our team that nobody ever knows about that gets every bit as heated.”

Bauer said this after his debacle:

I can respect his sincere apology. Again, Bauer has been accused of horrible things, but the DA found no evidence worthy of prosecution and the Judge in the Restraining Order case found the alleged victim to be “materially misleading.” A Materially False Statement means any false statement, regardless of its admissibility under the rules of evidence, which could have affected the course or outcome of an official proceeding. I think MLB will pay a high price if they attempt to suspend Trevor Bauer.

Dodger Notes & News

• Well, it was also good to see Mookie and Freddie also get two hits, but we knew that they were due.
• The Indy Indians, led by Former Dodger Chase DeJong and two relievers pitched a no-hitter against St. Paul in the Saints Ballpark. Congrats Chase! I believe he now qualifies as the Pirates Ace! 😉
• Zach McKinstry went 2-4 (again) and is hitting .438 (OPS is 1,299).
• Bickford pitched 2/3 of an inning in OKC last night.
• Marshall Kasowski is off to a great start in OKC (4.1 IP with a 0.77 WHIP). He’s 27 and the clock is ticking.
• Kevin Pillar is playing like his hair is on fire!
• Mike Busch had 2 HR and 6 RBI last night for Tulsa.
• Andy Pages saw his BA drop to .250.
• Carson Taylor is raking to the tune of a .417 BA
• Mike Grove pitches 3.2 innings and allowed 3 hits, 4 K’s, 0 BB, and 1 ER.
• Amaya and Mann are struggling with the bat… again.
• SS Luis Diaz hit a Grand Slam for RC last night. He is off to a great start.
• RH OF Damon Keith continues to rake – 10 hots in 19 ABs at RC.
• Striker Buehler goes for the Blue tonight against the Reds.

Dodgers Press Release

DODGERS TO OPEN 60^th YEAR AT DODGER STADIUM TOMORROW

Opening Day draws record breaking crowd ahead of seven-game homestand against Cincinnati and Atlanta

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers will kick off their 2022 home schedule with a star-studded seven-game homestand as they celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles welcomes the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series beginning with Opening Day on Thursday, April 14, presented by Bank of America, followed by the 75^th anniversary celebration of Jackie Robinson Day on Friday night, followed by a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

The Dodgers will welcome back its dedicated fanbase for Opening Day, a 7:10 p.m. matchup against the Cincinnati Reds and just the second night home opener in Dodger Stadium history. The National Anthem will be sung by Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter Lupita Infante as members from all six military branches will unfurl a large American Flag in center field during the Anthem. Additionally, there will be a flyover from two F-35 planes as the Joint Color Guard Armed Forces will present the nation’s colors. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by decorated Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster, Jaime Jarrín, who is celebrating his 64^th and final year as the Spanish-language voice of the Dodgers. Players representing each decade of Dodger Stadium’s existence will accompany the 2018 Dodgers’ Ring of Honor inductee, Jarrín, on the mound.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s (LADF) Opening Day in-stadium fundraiser, the 50/50 raffle, text to give initiative, and online auction will have its net proceed go towards providing 400 dorm beds for at-risk students attending SEED LA, the first and only public college prep boarding school in South LA. Fans can support the cause by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket, texting BEDS to 41623, or by bidding on autographed Dodgers memorabilia and experiences at Dodgers.com/Auctions. Fans can also stop by the LADF Homebase in centerfield to purchase $10 t-shirts and Mystery Bag Baseballs while supplies last.

Auto and Stadium gates open at 4:10 p.m. on Opening Day and the Dodgers encourage fans to arrive early, with the team working out on the field beginning at 4:00 p.m. and pregame ceremonies starting at 6:30 p.m. The free Dodger Stadium Express will start operating at 5:40 p.m. from Union Station. More information on parking and public transportation options to Dodger Stadium can be found online at www.dodgers.com under the Dodger Stadium tab at the top of the page.

Jackie Robinson Day will follow on Friday, April 15, as Major League Baseball is set to celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson on the 75^th anniversary of his breaking the color barrier. Members of the Robinson family, including Jackie’s wife, Rachel Robinson, and his son, David, are scheduled to be in attendance for the pregame ceremonies as well as the matchup against the Cincinnati Reds at 7:10 p.m., which will air on Apple TV+. All Major League players, managers, coaches, umpires, and on-field personnel will wear Robinson’s iconic 42 during the game and for the first time ever, all MLB uniforms will feature a Dodger Blue No. ‘42’ regardless of their team colors. The first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance will receive a unique No. 42 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers road grey jersey, presented by UCLA Health, adorned with a special 75^th anniversary patch. Fans are welcome to stay in their seats after the game, as the season’s first Friday Night Fireworks, presented by UCLA Health, is set to light up the sky.

The Dodgers will wrap up their four-game series against the Reds with a 7:10 p.m. start on Saturday and a 1:10 p.m. start on Sunday. A Maury Wills bobblehead, presented by Bank of America, will be given out to the first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance on Saturday and the figurine is the first in the Legends of Dodger Baseball bobblehead series. Fans are invited to visit the first Viva Los Dodgers celebration, presented by Budweiser, of the season on Sunday. Held in the Centerfield Plaza, DJ Malski will spin tunes and a Dodger player will make a guest appearance. The Atlanta Braves will then come to town for a three-game set starting on Monday with a Will Smith bobblehead given out ahead of the 7:10 p.m. start. The ever-first Taco Tuesday at Dodger Stadium will follow suit on Tuesday night, as the first 40,000 ticketed fans will receive a Dodgers hooded sweatshirt, presented by Bank of America, upon entry and will enjoy music from Mariachi Garibaldi Con Julian Torres throughout the game. The seven-game homestand will conclude with a 12:10 p.m. matinee on Wednesday as 2,000 local students will visit the 76 Gas Station parking lot to enjoy a spread of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focused activities ahead of the matchup against the Braves. 

Tickets are available for all seven games of the homestand and can be purchased at Dodgers.com/Tickets. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a host of activities and pregame ceremonies throughout the homestand. A full list of promotions and a schedule for games for the Opening Week presented by Bank of America is below:

Thursday, April 14, 7:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati

• Fans are encouraged to arrive early for pregame ceremonies, which start at 6:30 p.m.
• Anthem: Lupita Infante
• Pregame ceremonies will include:
  • Joint Color Guard Armed Forces to present the nation’s colors
  • Members of all branches of the military will unfurl a giant American flag in center field during the anthem.
  • Flyover from two F-35 planes
• Ceremonial first pitch: Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín
• It’s Time For Dodger Baseball: Jaime Jarrín and former Dodger players
• Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation 50/50 raffle: will benefit SEED LA
• Centerfield Plaza: Julian Torres con Mariachi Los Toros

Friday, April 15, 7:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati

• Promotion: No. 42 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers road jersey, presented by UCLA Health (first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance while supplies last at guest’s point of entry)
• Anthem: Charles Jones, American blues and soul singer
• Pregame ceremonies will celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson on the 75^th anniversary of his Major League debut and breaking the color barrier:
  • Ceremonial First Pitch and It’s Time For Dodger Baseball: members of the Robinson family
  • Jackie Robinson Day Ceremony: 42 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars and Alumni and 33 students from John Muir High School, Jackie’s alma mater, will take the field to honor Robinson
• Centerfield Plaza: Fans will be transported back in time with retro-style music spun by DJ Jedi
• Postgame: the first Friday Night Fireworks of the season presented by UCLA Health

Saturday, April 16, 7:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati

• Promotion: Maury Wills bobblehead, presented by Bank of America, the first installment of Legends of Dodger Baseball series (first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance while supplies last at guest’s point of entry)
• Pregame Ceremony: Maury Wills will be inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball
• Anthem: Nikki Feroni
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Jasmin Smith, Maury’s great-granddaughter
• It’s Time For Dodger Baseball: Members of the Wills family
• Centerfield Plaza: 60s music played by DJ Antiq

Sunday, April 17, 1:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati

• Pregame: Viva Los Dodgers, presented by Spectrum and Budweiser, returns to the Centerfield Plaza and music will be provided by DJ Malski and Julian Torres Con Mariachi Cenzontle. A Dodger player will also make a special appearance.  
• Postgame: Kids Run the Bases (kids 14 & under) presented by Nike

Monday, April 18, 7:10 p.m. vs. Atlanta Braves

• Promotion: Will Smith bobblehead presented by Budweiser (first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance while supplies last at guest’s point of entry)
• Ceremonial First Pitch: Mark Smith, Will’s father
• It’s Time For Dodger Baseball: Cara Smith, Will’s wife
• Centerfield Plaza: Music provided by DJ Escalade

Tuesday, April 19, 7:10 p.m. vs. Atlanta Braves

• Promotion: Hooded sweatshirt, presented by Bank of America (first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance while supplies last at guest’s point of entry)
• Theme night: the first Taco Tuesday of the season with music by Mariachi Garibaldi Con Julian Torres
• Centerfield Plaza: Special Taco Tuesday mix provided by DJ RAY

Wednesday, April 20, 12:10 p.m. vs. Atlanta Braves

• Special Event: STEM day will feature a host of activities at the 76 Gas Station in the center field parking lots for 2,000 local students to enjoy.

A Little Pitbull