
| Creditors, Dodgers team up to foil Fox | |
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. Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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| Retherford’s Contract Purchased by Dodgers | |
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. • Discuss this story on the American Association message board… • Retherford’s Contract Purchased by Dodgers – Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks • Saints Can-Am Roadtrip Set, Manager Tsamis Visits Team He Guided to Two Titles – St. Paul Saints • Wingnuts Acquire Pitcher of the Year Lowey – Wichita Wingnuts • Happy Holidays from the Grand Prairie AirHogs – Grand Prairie AirHogs 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. Leave your comments on the news below. Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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| MLB Free Agency: Los Angeles Dodgers Sign John… | |
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. Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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| McCourt may sell Dodgers | |
Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt are nearing a deal to settle their feud over the fate of the bankrupt team. Sources said the warring parties are close to a potential settlement that would see McCourt agree to sell the sports franchise so long as he gets control over the sales process. In return, Major League Baseball would agree to help him get the maximum price for the Dodgers. A source said the parties could reach a settlement by the Nov. 15 baseball owners’ meeting, although the deal could still fall part.
AP Bud Selig McCourt, whom MLB has accused of “looting” $189 million from the team, needs to get top dollar for the Dodgers in order to pay off his debts, taxes and his divorce settlement with ex-wife Jamie. A source said McCourt could still make money on a sale even after he pays his other bills, including the $130 million he owes Jamie in exchange for her agreeing to relinquish control of the team. Suitors are now lining up for the chance to participate in an auction that could result in the highest price ever paid for an American sports team, roughly $1.2 billion, a source said. The $845 million paid for the Chicago Cubs now tops the list. “Frank might clear $50 million after paying his wife and debt” if the Dodgers sell for $1.2 billion, said a source with direct knowledge of his financials. One way to maximize value might be if MLB officials allowed a new owner to move the team out of Chavez Ravine — the picturesque parcel of land that could be developed into a real-estate empire — and build a new stadium in downtown Los Angeles, one source said. Earlier this month, the judge presiding over the Dodgers’ bankruptcy case appointed a mediator, retired US District Judge Joseph Farnan, to get McCourt and Selig to settle their differences over a reorganization plan for the team. A Delaware bankruptcy court set Nov. 29 as the next hearing date at which, if a settlement is not reached, McCourt will try to sell the team’s future TV rights to pay creditors, while Selig would try to force a sale. McCourt is dealing with unrelated tax issues and needs cash so he can put those issues behind him, a source said. Meanwhile, Selig has his own motivations for settling. He needs to convince US Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Gross that not only the Dodgers, but also its land, held in a separate McCourt subsidiary, should be sold. If he fails, McCourt could potentially hold on to the valuable real estate even though the team is in bankruptcy. MLB declined comment, as did a spokesman for McCourt. jkosman@nypost.com Comment Below!. Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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| NL Roundup: A look at Tuesday’s games | |
After Stephen Strasburg left the game, the Los Angeles Dodgers had quite a time. In his first major league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, Strasburg allowed two hits over five shutout innings Tuesday night, but the Dodgers rallied against the Washington Nationals in Los Angeles’ 7-3 win. The 2009 overall No. 1 draft pick again displayed the blurry fastball and the fooled-again changeup that wowed the baseball world last year during his rookie season. Those magical days of “Strasmas” came to an abrupt end when his elbow popped on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia, and his long road back began when he had the now-familiar, career-saving ligament replacement surgery last Sept. 3. “The game seemed it was in slow motion out there,” Strasburg said. “From what it felt like in the debut last year, I felt I’d kind of been through it before, so I was definitely a lot more relaxed out there, really focusing on just trying to execute pitches and get guys out.” The Dodgers managed just a leadoff double by Dee Gordon in the first and a single in the fourth by Juan Rivera off Strasburg. After Strasburg left with a 3-0 lead, Andre Ethier had four RBIs on a two-run single in the sixth that tied the score at 3 and a two-run double in the ninth. Rod Barajas gave Los Angeles a 5-3 lead in the eighth on a two-run double off Henry Rodriguez (3-3). Strasburg departed after throwing 56 pitches — 40 for strikes. “A sigh of relief when you get a guy who’s cruising in the game out because of a pitch count,” Ethier said. None of the Dodgers had faced the 23-year-old and most were suitably impressed. “He definitely lives up to the hype,” Ethier said. Elsewhere in the NL it was: Philadelphia 6 Atlanta 3; St. Louis 4 Milwaukee 2; Colorado 8 Arizona 3; Cincinnati 4 Chicago 2 (13 innings); Houston 4 Pittsburgh 1; New York 7 Florida 4 (12 innings); and San Francisco 6 San Diego 4. At Washington, Strasburg struck out four — Ethier fanned twice against him. Kelly Jansen (2-1), the Dodgers fourth pitcher, worked a scoreless seventh for the win. Los Angeles pitchers set a season high by striking out 17 Nationals — nine by starter Ted Lilly — who allowed three runs — two earned — in five innings. Lilly had the longest at-bat against Strasburg — six pitches — before grounding out to second against him in the sixth. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was impressed with Strasburg, but not his team’s approach. “I thought we were a little anxious — a little jacked up,” Mattingly said. “This kid’s got a good arm, but you see good arms all the time.” The Dodgers have won seven of nine. They’re three games under .500 — the closest they’ve been to the break even-point since May 14. “It took us a little bit long to do it,” Ethier said. Lilly was attempting to win his 10th game for the ninth consecutive season. He also left after five innings, and his teammates bailed him out. The 35-year-old has been pitching in the majors since 1999 — when Strasburg was 11. Even though he’s watched countless excellent pitchers work, he didn’t enjoy what he saw of Strasburg. “Not really — because we didn’t score any runs off him,” Lilly said. “I’d rather watch him when we’re banging a bunch of balls against the wall. That would be something I’d prefer.” With a sly smile, Lilly had a recommendation for Washington. “He’s someone that the Nationals should probably trade to us if they knew what was best for us. Maybe things will work for him over here,” Lilly said. Phillies 6 Braves 3 At Philadelphia, rookie Vance Worley pitched six effective innings and the Phillies extended their lead in the NL East to 9 1/2 games. — Cardinals 4 Brewers 2 At St. Louis, Kyle Lohse threw six scoreless innings on eight days’ rest and the Cardinals got home runs from Jon Jay and Matt Holliday in the third inning. — Rockies 8 Diamondbacks 3 At Denver, Troy Tulowitzki homered, Seth Smith tripled twice and the Rockies rallied for the win. — Reds 4 Cubs 2 (13 innings) At Chicago, Toronto native Joey Votto hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the 13th inning and the Cincinnati Reds bounced back after blowing a two-run lead in the ninth. — Astros 4 Pirates 1 At Pittsburgh, Brett Myers pitched into the eighth inning to earn his first win in 2 1/2 months, leading the Astros to the victory. — Mets 7 Marlins 4 (12 innings) At Miami, Nick Evans drove in three runs, including a go-ahead single in the 12th inning, to lead the Mets to the win. — Giants 6 Padres 4 At San Diego, Brett Pill hit a two-run homer in his first big league at-bat, Eric Surkamp earned his first major league win and the Giants escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to get the victory. What do you guys think about this. Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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| Los Angeles Dodgers clobber fading St. Louis… | |
Chris O’Meara/Associated Press Detroit second baseman Ryan Raburn forces Tampa Bay’s Reid Brignac at second base but can’t turn the double play in St. Petersburg, Fla., Tuesday. The Tigers still won, 2-1.
Dodgers 13, Cardinals 2 ST. LOUIS — Clayton Kershaw won his National League-leading 16th game and Rod Barajas homered twice in Los Angeles’ victory over fast-fading St. Louis Tuesday night. Kyle Lohse (11-8) was rocked for a season-worst eight runs in three innings, an impossible deficit against the 23-year-old Kershaw, who struck out eight in six scoreless innings. The Cardinals have lost six of eight and dropped a season-high 10 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers. Matt Kemp hit a three-run homer in the first and Barajas had a solo homer in the third and three-run shot in the fifth for his 11th multihomer game, also giving him four in five games. The Dodgers hit a season-high four homers while winning consecutive games in St. Louis for the first time since July 9-10, 2003, and will go for a three-game sweep on Wednesday behind Hiroki Kuroda. Kershaw (16-6) is 8-1 with a 1.21 ERA in his last nine starts and hiked his NL-leading strikeout total to 207. The Cardinals threatened twice, but Kershaw struck out Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman with two on to end the first and struck out the side in the fourth to negate a double, infield hit and walk. Kemp also doubled and scored in the second and needs one homer to become the second player in franchise history with 30 homers and 30 steals. Barajas is batting .381 (16-for-42) in August with five homers, three doubles and 16 RBIs in 13 games. Yadier Molina and Rafael grounded into double plays to give the Cardinals 139 on the year, by far the most in the majors. Second baseman Skip Schumaker pitched the ninth and surrendered a solo homer to Aaron Miles, who had been the last Cardinals position player to pitch, twice last season. Lohse had been 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA against NL West opponents before coming up empty, with half of the Dodgers’ eight hits for extra bases. The right-hander had won his previous three decisions. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa passed on a chance to cut into Kershaw’s cushion when he allowed reliever Mitchell Boggs to bat with two outs and the bases loaded in the fourth. Boggs struck out on three pitches. National League Diamondbacks 2, Nationals 0 at Washington: Sean Burroughs hit a two-run home run and Ian Kennedy pitched seven scoreless innings to lead Arizona to a 2-0 win over Washington. Brewers 11, Pirates 4 at Pittsburgh: Casey McGehee homered during Milwaukee’s seven-run second inning and the surging Brewers rebounded from a rare recent loss with an 11-4 win over Pittsburgh. Phillies 9, Mets 4 at Philadelphia: John Mayberry Jr. hit another homer and Shane Victorino also went deep to back Vance Worley and help Philadelphia beat New York. Reds 8, Marlins 6 at Miami: Yonder Alonso homered and drove in four runs, including a tiebreaking double in the ninth inning that sent Cincinnati to a victory over fading Florida. Braves 5, Cubs 4 at Chicago: Craig Kimbrel tied a major league rookie record with his 40th save, Jason Heyward hit his first career grand slam, and Atlanta hung on to win their sixth straight, beating Chicago. National League Indians 7-7, Mariners 5-12 at Cleveland: Shin-Soo Choo’s three-run homer in the ninth inning gave Cleveland yet another dramatic win, 7-5, in the first game of a doubleheader briefly shaken by an earthquake. In the second game, Anthony Vasquez won his major league debut with a ton of run support and fellow rookie Dustin Ackley had three RBIs as Seattle split a day-night doubleheader, taking the second game over the sinking Indians 12-7. Royals, 6, Blue Jays 4 at Toronto: Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler homered, Bruce Chen won four consecutive starts for the first time in his career as Kansas City beat Toronto. Athletics 6, Yankees 5 at New York: Brandon Allen hit two tape-measure homers, Eric Sogard connected for one that barely cleared the wall as Oakland hung on to beat New York. Tigers 2, Rays 1 at St. Petersburg, Fla.: Brad Penny pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Alex Avila had an RBI single and Detroit beat Tampa Bay. Orioles 8, Twins 1 at Minneapolis: Alfredo Simon allowed one run and three hits in a career-high eight innings, and Vladimir Guerrero and Mark Reynolds both had three hits as Baltimore beat Minnesota. Red Sox 11, Rangers 5 at Arlington, Texas: Adrian Gonzalez homered twice, Jacoby Ellsbury made an immediate impact in his return to the lineup and Boston finally won a game in Texas. Thanks for reading! . Posted in dodgers-news | Comments Off
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