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Los Angeles Dodgers Hire Doug Mientkiewicz As…

guhi1156 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:36:52 +0000

Read More: Matt Herges (P – KAN), Doug Mientkiewicz (1B – FLA), Keyter Collado (C – LOS), Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers last week announced their minor league coaching staffs for 2012, and for the most part they look very similar to those of 2011. The biggest coaching news is the hire of Doug Mientkiewicz, who will make his coaching debut as the hitting coach of the rookie league Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League. Mientkiewicz played for the Dodgers in 2009.

Matt Herges, who pitched for the Dodgers as well as every other team in the National League West, will be coaching for his second year in 2012. He was promoted from pitching coach of the Arizona Rookie League Dodgers in 2011 to pitching coach of the Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes next year.

The Dodgers’ staffs at Triple A and Double A remained the same as 2011. Here are the 2012 coaching assignments for the Dodgers:

Field Coordinator: Bruce Hines
Senior Advisor, Player Development: P.J. Carey, Gene Clines, Charlie Hough
Senior Advisor, Latin America: Ramon Martinez
Hitting Coordinator: Eric Owens
Pitching Coordinator: Rafael Chaves
Outfield/Baserunning Coordinator: Damon Mashore
Infield Coordinator: Jody Reed
Catching Coordinator: Travis Barbary
Coordination of Arizona Instruction: Matt Martin
Campo Las Palmas Coordinator: Henry Cruz
Field Coordinator, Campo Las Palmas: Antonio Bautista

Triple-A Albuquerque:
Manager: Lorenzo Bundy
Hitting Coach: John Valentin
Pitching Coach: Glenn Dishman

Double-A Chattanooga:
Manager: Carlos Subero
Hitting Coach: Franklin Stubbs
Pitching Coach: Chuck Crim

Single-A Rancho Cucamonga:
Manager: Juan Bustabad
Hitting Coach: Michael Boughton
Pitching Coach: Matt Herges

Single-A Great Lakes:
Manager: John Shoemaker
Hitting Coach: Razor Shines
Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios

Rookie-advanced Ogden:
Manager: Damon Berryhill
Hitting Coach: Doug Mientkiewicz
Pitching Coach: Bill Simas

Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers:
Manager/Coordinator of Arizona Instruction: Matt Martin
Hitting Coach: Leo Garcia
Pitching Coach: Kremlin Martinez

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers:
Manager: Pedro Mega
Hitting Coach: Keyter Collado
Pitching Coach: Alejandro Peña
Catching Coach: Jose D. Hernandez
Assistant Coach: Rafael Ozuna

Camelback Ranch – Glendale:
Pitching/Rehab Coach: Jim Slaton
Coach: Johnny Washington
Coach: Esteban Lopez

For more Dodgers offseason news and analysis, be sure to read True Blue LA.

Gotta run!.

Los Angeles Dodgers bring back John Shoemaker as…

wdtruma — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:51:17 +0000

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If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top.

Creditors, Dodgers team up to foil Fox

Seepsygeonyl — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:41:15 +0000

McClatchy news services

• Published December 22, 2011
Modified December 21, 2011

Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge in Dover, Del., to allow implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the Dodgers to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee that a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

The committee noted that the Dodgers face several unreconciled claims, including a lawsuit filed on behalf of a San Francisco Giants fan who is represented on the creditors committee and was critically injured in an assault outside Dodger Stadium on opening day.

Fox is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

AUTHOR HONORED

Author W.P. Kinsella has won the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jack Graney Award for his 1982 novel “Shoeless Joe.”

It was one of a dozen baseball-themed books written by the 76-year-old Edmonton, Alberta, native. “Shoeless Joe” was later adapted into the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,” starring Kevin Costner.

The Jack Graney Award is given for significant contribution to baseball in Canada through a life’s work or a singular outstanding achievement.

Kinsella, who will be honored next year at the Hall in St. Mary’s, Ontario, said in a statement he was proud to know that people are still reading his books.

JOHNSON, CUBS CLOSE

A person familiar with the situation said the Chicago Cubs and outfielder Reed Johnson are closing in on a one-year contract.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed reports by several media outlets that Johnson will be signed pending a physical.

Johnson batted .309 in 111 games for the Cubs last season. He was with them in 2008 and 2009 after playing his first five seasons in Toronto and spent 2010 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson can play all three spots in the outfield and figures to fill a reserve role.

SHORT HOPS

The Rangers acquired catcher Luis Martinez from the Padres for minor league pitcher Ryan Kelly and added him to their 40-man roster. … The Brewers signed 11-year veteran infielder Cesar Izturis and left-hander Juan Perez to minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training. … The Royals signed left-handed reliever Jose Mijares to a 1-year contract. … The Indians agreed to a minor league deal with versatile free-agent infielder Andy LaRoche and invited him to spring training.

That’s all the news for today.

Dodgers’ Payout To Bryan Stow Could Be ‘Massive’

Tatsglils — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:42:42 +0000

POSTED: 11:56 am PST December 21, 2011
UPDATED: 12:30 pm PST December 21, 2011

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ financial liability to a beaten San Francisco Giants fan from Santa Cruz will likely be “massive,” creditor attorneys said Wednesday.Before Bryan Stow, 42, went to his first-ever game at Dodger Stadium on March 31, he worked as an American Medical Response paramedic in Santa Clara and was an active loving father for his two children.Today, one-third of Stow’s brain is damaged beyond repair, he struggles to speak, and sometimes cannot recognize his parents’ faces.Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt plans on selling the Dodgers for $1 billion, and debts and tax liabilities may equal that amount. The Dodgers and their parent company, which are more than $600 million in debt, are claiming they are not liable for the attack on Stow or his medical expenses.Stow’s medical bills have racked up so high that they are approaching $50 million.A California judge will rule on whether the Dodgers are financially responsible for Stow, and Stow’s family has filed a massive lawsuit against the baseball team.For nine months, top brain trauma surgeons at San Francisco General Hospital and in Los Angeles gave Stow around-the-clock medical care as he barely clung to life. He still has not been able to return home to Santa Cruz, and is living in a rehabilitation center.The lifelong Giants fan does not remember anything that happened the day two Dodger fans jumped him in Dodger Stadium’s parking lot and kicked his head even after he was unconscious from his head hitting the pavement.The McCourt-Stow-Dodgers dispute is further complicated by McCourt’s divorce to his now ex-wife Jamie, who is getting $131 million from a divorce settlement.

Copyright 2011 by KSBW.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Not much else going on in the MLB planet today.

Dodgers creditors oppose Fox effort to halt sale…

FannyFinch29 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:57:59 +0000

DOVER, Del. — Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge not to halt implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the Dodgers to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee that a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

Fox is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

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Halt to Dodgers media sale opposed

Broombaball — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:16:37 +0000

Updated Dec 21, 2011 1:04 PM ET

DOVER, Del. (AP)

Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge not to halt implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the Dodgers to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

Looking for the latest on the Dodgers? Get the schedule, scores, standings and more right here.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee that a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

FOX is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Creditors back L.A. Dodgers in media rights battle

Prearalum — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:04:10 +0000

DOVER, Del. (AP) Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge not to halt implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the Dodgers to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee that a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

Fox is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

What are your opinions.

Dodgers creditors join in opposing Fox Sports…

sexcam608 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:59:49 +0000

DOVER, Del. – Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge not to halt implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the baseball franchise to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

The committee noted the Dodgers face several unreconciled claims, including a lawsuit filed on behalf of a San Francisco Giants fan who is represented on the creditors committee and was critically injured in an assault outside Dodger Stadium on opening day.

Fox is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

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LAD creditors oppose Fox effort to halt sale order

bactrim-side-effects — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:27:01 +0000

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Creditors of the Los Angeles Dodgers are joining the team in urging a federal district judge not to halt implementation of a bankruptcy court order authorizing the Dodgers to begin a process for selling television rights to future games.

In a filing Wednesday, the committee said there’s no guarantee that a sale of the team without the TV rights will result in Dodgers creditors being paid in full.

Fox is challenging the proposed media rights sale, saying it violates the company’s rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers.

Gotta run!.

Los Angeles Dodgers invite nine former Great Lakes…

KapdaypeMop — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:47:19 +0000

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers invited 15 players, including nine former Great Lakes Loons, to their fifth annual developmental minicamp at Dodger Stadium in January.

Former Loons include pitcher Steven Ames, pitcher Rubby De La Rosa, pitcher Shawn Tolleson, pitcher Josh Wall, pitcher Allen Webster, catcher Griff Erickson, outfielder Alfredo Silverio, outfielder Scott Van Slyke and catcher Matt Wallach.

Other Dodger minor leaguers invited include itchers Michael Antonini, Stephen Fife and Chris Withrow, plus position players Alex Castellanos, Tim Federowicz and Tyler Henson.

Two of the former Loons netted organizational honors, with Tolleson named the Dodgers minor league Pitcher of the Year and Van Slyke earning minor league Player of the Year honors.

De La Rosa, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was at last year’s mini-camp, as was Erickson and Wallach.

The minicamps is to help the top prospects in the farm system get a little extra help as they near a possible promotion to the major leagues. It also gives Dodgers officials a chance to get a closer look at the prospects, while also giving the coaches a chance at some early instruction prior to spring training.

Comment Below!.

Oklahoma State’s Weeden, Stanford’s Pratt go…

InduriLooni — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:39:47 +0000

“He’d bring out a football every once in a while and throw me routes,” Pratt said. “We’d always talk about, ‘If baseball doesn’t work out, we’ll go back and play football.’ Everybody else is like, ‘Yeah right, that’ll never happen.’ And the two of us were kind of like in the back of our minds thinking, ‘Yeah? We’re going to do this if baseball doesn’t work out.’”

They might be the only the ones not surprised by this rare Fiesta Bowl reunion.

Weeden, Oklahoma State’s 28-year-old starting quarterback nicknamed “Grandpa” by students, dropped baseball in 2007 for the gridiron. Pratt, a freshman walk-on wide receiver at Stanford some call “The Professor,” is just beginning his college career at age 26 after eight years in the minors.

As their teams get ready to meet in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2, both are playing out that football fantasy on opposite ends of odd college careers — something they could only imagine six years ago on baseball diamonds thousands of miles away.

“It’s kind of ironic when you look back at how things kind of evolve from those days,” Weeden said.

The two formed a teammate bond while chasing the dream of pitching on Dodger Stadium’s mound.

They lived in the same apartment complex, played beach volleyball with other teammates during down time, spent countless hours together on bus rides, eating meals at truck stops and staying in motels.

Both spent time in a variety of cities and leagues. Columbus offered shorter travel than most; the longest bus trip was about seven hours that season.

The Catfish also had several future major leaguers, including Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp in 2004. However, it was not one of the most desirable places to play.

“It was hotter than crap. We didn’t get many fans,” Weeden said.

While they played multiple sports in high school, each turned to baseball first.

Weeden spent five years in the minor leagues after being a second-round pick — and first player taken — by the New York Yankees in the 2002 draft. He always had an idea of what he’d do if baseball didn’t work out, and that’s exactly what led to him to being an unexpected Cowboys sensation.

Pratt played for eight years in the minors before seeking out Stanford. He received a $175,000 signing bonus with the Dodgers and is now taking advantage of a $120,000 college scholarship program with his baseball days done.

“Scouts were telling me I had a chance to do some things if things worked out baseball wise, and so I really wanted to give that a shot and leave no stone unturned,” Pratt said. “So that’s why I was always focusing on baseball. It was always kind of my first love. I knew I could always go back to school.”

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Retherford’s Contract Purchased by Dodgers

Beibia — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:50:58 +0000

December 20, 2011 – American Association (AA) Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
FARGO, N.D. – Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3B C.J. Retherford had his contract purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the American Association club announced Tuesday.

Retherford, 26, batted .339 with 24 doubles, four home runs, 37 RBI and 34 runs scored in 56 games for Fargo-Moorhead last season. He joined the RedHawks in late June after being released by the Detroit Tigers organization.

Retherford began his professional career in 2007 with the Chicago White Sox organization after signing as a non-drafted free agent out of Arizona State University. Retherford quickly advanced through the White Sox minor league chain, reaching Triple-A with the Charlotte (N.C.) Knights of the International League in 2010.

Retherford is the second player from the 2011 squad to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization, and 55th in franchise history. RHP Alex Caldera was purchased by the Florida Marlins in August.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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MLB Free Agency: Los Angeles Dodgers Sign John…

pharmacykingmak — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:57:35 +0000

Read More: John Grabow (P – LOS), Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers

According to reports, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed left-handed reliever John Grabow to a minor league deal. The transaction was first tweeted by John Scanlan on Saturday and was verified by MLB Trade Rumors.

The 33-year-old Grabow struggled after he was acquired by the Chicago Cubs from the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2009. Grabow posted a 5.52 ERA in 88 innings while knee and shoulder injuries caused him to miss games. It was a disappointing tenure especially after Grabow signed a two-year, $7.5 million extension four months into his time with the Cubs.

In 506 games over a nine-year career, Grabow is 24-19 with a 4.31 ERA in 476.1 innings pitched. He started his MLB career in 2003 with the Pirates after being selected in the 3rd round of the 1997 amateur draft.

For more on the Dodgers and their minor league deals, and more, be sure to read True Blue LA.

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Changes in Dodgers’ Front Office: Fan’s View

Sheellameax — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:44:00 +0000

I think things are starting to look up for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger fans too. Off the field, the sale of the team, with the approval of owner Frank McCourt and MLB is moving forward. A recent court ruling in the Dodgers’ favor regarding the sale of broadcast rights means things do look good for a sale by this spring. The bidding process is expected to open January 13 and go until April 1, with a sale by April 30.

Los Angels Dodgers.
Released for public domain

After some big signings of players like Matt Kemp and Mark Ellis, Dodgers’ GM Ned Colletti is making some moves behind the scenes. I think the team struggled this year and I was disappointed to see Colletti just moving people around instead of bringing in new blood. I’m ready for a new owner to come in and I hope he fires Colletti and brings back Kim Ng.

I still think the team has not recovered from the departure of former assistant GM Kim Ng, who is now working with Joe Torre in the MLB commissioner’s office. She should have been named GM instead of Colletti and I would have left the mess that was the Dodgers too. She’s now the senior vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner’s office and her name is always mentioned as the best candidate to become the first female general manager in professional baseball. This possibility is endorsed by the great Joe Torre himself, who said “I think she’s ready,” in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

As far as front office changes, Vance Lovelace, who may have the greatest name in Dodgers’ front office history, is now the director of professional personnel. He was a special assistant to the GM and director of player scouting. Lovelace was a Dodger pitcher, coming to the team from the Chicago Cubs in the 1983 Ron Cey trade.

Rick Ragazzo is now the director of pro scouting, so I hope he’s out there scouting for the next big deal the team can make to further booster its 2012 roster. He was formerly a special assistant to the GM. He’s been with the Dodgers for four years, after 17 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, where he worked with Colletti. The team will retain special assistants Bill Mueller, Aaron Sele, Mark Sweeney, Juan Castro and Jose Vizcaino, who are all also former players.

Freddy Sherman grew up in Philadelphia, which didn’t make being a Los Angeles Dodgers fan easy. He has lived in Los Angeles for twenty years, now able to follow the Dodgers openly and attends games frequently. You can follow him on Twitter -@thefredsherman.

More from this contributor:

Barry Bonds Sentence is a Joke: Fan’s Opinion

Dodgers’ Matt Kemp Wins Top Player GIBBY: Fan’s View

Dodgers Vs. Fox Update: Fan’s View

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

There is the quick update of the day.

Dodgers honor Angels’ Scioscia with bobblehead

Diety-Z62 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:45:32 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Scioscia can be forgiven for getting a big head over this: The Los Angeles Dodgers are honoring the manager of the rival Angels with his own bobblehead night.

The Dodgers said Thursday that fans will get the Scioscia bobbleheads when he brings the Angels to Chavez Ravine for an interleague game on June 12.

Scioscia, a two-time All-Star catcher, spent his entire playing career with the Dodgers from 1980-92 and helped them win World Series titles in 1981 and 1988.

Other bobblehead promotions this year include Maury Wills with Don Drysdale (April 28), Orel Hershiser (May 15), the infield quartet of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey (May 29), Hall of Fame managers Tommy Lasorda and Walter Alston (July 14) and Fernando Valenzuela (Aug. 21).

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