IT'S TIME!... WELL, ALMOST!

It's getting closer, and closer. Excitement is in the air, at lest I hope it's excitement. On Monday, the Dodgers open up what looks to be a playoff season against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers will start the season short handed, as star shortstop Rafael Furcal will start the season on the disabled list. Still, the Dodgers will try to fill his void with the likes of Ramon Martinez, and Wilson Valdez. Not too appealing. Nevertheless, Opening day is always electric, and nothing will change that. The thing that I have in the back of my mind is a let down. Derek Lowe needs to change his opening day bad luck. The past two seasons, Lowe has struggled mightily. He needs to set the tone of the season by going at the least seven innings. Once again, too exited to talk. So, I'll cut it short again.

By the way, the little league Padres are rolling. We have won seven in a row, to take over first place. Let's hope the string continues


BELIEVE IN BLUE!

ODD MAN OUT?...

Well, the Dodgers did it again. The Dodgers announced that James Loney will be sent down to triple-A. Why?... The only thing that James Loney has done the past two seasons is rake. There is no need to bring up his stats, we all know them. We all know this guy is ready for the big leagues. Yet, come this Monday, the Dodgers will be playing without his sweet left-handed swing. What are the Dodgers trying to tell him?.. What more do they want him to do?.. If they guy is ready, then he's ready. During the offseason, I was a big proponent of the Dodgers letting Nomar Garciaparra walk. I even brought up the subject of moving Nomar to third, thus allowing James to man first base. This all is very upsetting. I can only hope that James Loney takes it in stride. In fact, I hope that he goes, down and dominates the Pacific Coast League. I'll end it here, I'm to upset to go on my usual rants.

BELIEVE IN BLUE!

EXITEMENT RUNNING THIN...

As we sit here, waiting for the season to start there is only one thing to say, it's boring. I enjoy the start of spring, when I get an opportunity to watch Dodger prospects display their skills, but most of those guys have been reassigned now. At this point, I'm stuck watching guys like Elmer Dessens, Larry Biegbie, and Mark Hendrickson. Not very stimulating to the mind. I'm starting to lose it, I want the season to start today. I'll just have to keep occupied by watching my UCLA BRUINS go deep into the tournament. I predict that we'll make up for last years debacle against Florida, and win the tournament this year. But, enough about basketball, as for the Dodgers, nothing new to report. At least, nothing worth while... I'm not going to be posting drafts about Bret Tomko's latest painting, or the fact that Mark Hendrickson once played in the NBA. Once again, can't wait until the season starts.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!

BILLS OUT...

On Wednesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they will relegate top pitching prospect Chad Billinsgley to the bullpen. Why?... Chad showed his promise last season, and he promises to be good, extremely good. He did have control problems early, but what rookie pitcher doesn't?. He worked on his command, and down the stretch Billingsley was their best starting pitcher until a injury slowed him down. Billinsley then came into spring training to win the 5th spot in the rotation, and has done nothing at all to warrant being sent to the bullpen. Such a move can only cause problems to his psyche. It's moves such as these that make me wonder "what the hell are they thinking?". Then, as if moving Bills into the bullpen wasn't bad enough, Grady Little comes out and says that Mark Hendrickson, and Brett Tomko are the front runners for that spot. Again, what the hell are they thinking?. Tomko has showed us what he's capable of, and it's not much. Tomko is a .500 pitcher with a era in the 4's. As for Hendrickson, the only thing that he has going for himself is he's always the first to know when it rains. Yeah, I know. Garbage joke, but then again garbage player.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!

ROTATION PROBLEMS?...

The Dodgers rotation this spring has been the opposite of what it's supposed to be. The rotation is supposed to be the strongest in the league. However it's still only spring. Brad Penny is having the worst spring out of all the pitchers. Brad has been rocked his last three outings. He's been rocked hard. Everyone will be quick to point out the fact that Penny always starts spring in the same manner, lousy. But, it was purported that this was a different Brad Penny. A new slimmed down, splitter throwing Penny. Not the same old 5 innings, hot headed Penny. It's going to be interesting to see how Penny goes from here on. If he continues to struggle, I doubt there will be any takers for him on the trade market. Maybe Ned Colletti made a mistake in not trading him during the off season. Then again, he could turn it around, and have a career year. Penny is an enigma that will never be solved. He has all the talent in the world, but can't do anything with it. It might be time to cash in Penny's chips. As for the rest of the rotation, Lowe has been himself, and that's always a good thing. Jason Schmidt is showing us why he deserved his huge contract, and Randy Wolf is looking better and better every outing. As for the 5th starter, it still has not been decided. Chad Billingsley has been terrific this spring. As has Hong Chih Kuo. The only question with Kuo is his durability. Then there is Brett Tomko, and Mark Hendrickson. Enough said. Hopefully the rotation will be the strong point, and carry the team. The rotation has the talent to do it. All they have to do is follow through.


As for the little league team, we won. On Saturday, we beat the White Sox 15-4. It's great to see hard work pay off.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!

BLUE FEELING...

The eternal black hole at third base, seems to keep lingering. Well, it's only spring training. But, as of now, that's what it is. A black hole. The entire offseason, I kept pumping up Andy LaRoche. I was sure he was going to come into camp eager to prove something to the organization. So far all that he's proved is that he buckles under pressure. Don't get me wrong, Andy is still my favorite prospect, but at some point he has to show something. I know many would call my words a bit dramatic, and might even say I'm jumping the gun, I'm willing to admit it, but Andy's play has been sub par. I just want him to turn it around, and win the third base job. By no means am I turning on our future all star third baseman. As for Andy's competition at third, Wilson Betemit is doing even worse. To date Wilson has one measly hit. His defense has been erratic, and word out of Vero is Dodger brass is not happy with his attitude. At some point someone has to wake up, and win the job but right now neither deserves it. I have already started hearing that Nomar Garciaparra will snag the job. Thus allowing James Loney to play everyday at first. I wouldn't mind this becoming reality, but I doubt Nomar will be able to take the toll of playing everyday at third base. I hope the problem gets resolved soon, and Andy LaRoche comes out the victor.

By the way, the little league team that I am assisting in coaching is off to a rough start. We're 0-2. But, I have a feeling that our fortune will turn on Saturday against the White Sox.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!

THIS, N' THAT...

At this juncture in time, the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training play has been fair. A few surprises, and a few letdowns. Fortunately, no major injuries have occurred, but I am biting my lip so bad fortune doesn't strike. So far, Chin Lung Hu has been terrific. Not to mention his defense superbly fun to watch. Hu is starting to show the bat that many people thought he had left in A ball. It's interesting to predict Hu's future with this Dodger team, as Rafael Furcal figures to be in Los Angeles for some time. Amongst other players turning heads this spring is Larry Bigbie. Bigbie is looking to get back to the majors after a injury filled season in St. Louis. He figures to be a long shot to make the team, but don't be surprised if he is used as trade bait in order to bring in some bullpen help. As for some disappointments, Andy LaRoche, Wilson Betemit, and pretty much anyone they trott out to third has struggled. I had high hopes for Andy, and I really hope he turns it around quickly. Betemit, who I wouldn't mind riding the bench has been putrid with the bat. If he hopes to be a Dodger, he might as well start praying to Jobu himself.


As for myself, I am sad to report that my trip is coming to an end soon. I leave Dodger heaven on Thursday morning. It's sad to think that in a couple more years, this place will no longer a Dodgers fan paradise, but just a sign of the times...


BELIEVE IN BLUE!