It's really a national league now…
It was a tough first day for the Dodgers, as they lost in Orlando and from what I hear, there were not many highlights to speak of. But, I was actually back in Vero Beach today because we became truly "national" league team today – at least one of us did.
As I mentioned just a week ago on this post, Ken Gurnick unearthed a story about Matt White that all die hard Dodger fans now know very well. It immediately dawned on me that this story was something different than most and so our department set out to try and let people know just how interesting this journeyman left-hander was. As stories began to run on KCAL and FSN Prime Ticket, we reached out to a few different "non-traditional" media outlets like CNBC and the Today Show, which both had immediate interest in the story. (CNBC will air a piece tomorrow at 8:40 and 11:30 ET).
But it wasn’t until I mentioned it to John Nadel from the Associated Press that this thing really began to take off. His version ran yesterday and today this thing really became not only a national story, but a global one. In addition to coordinating features on ABC World News Tonight and CNBC, we’ve been fielding requests from news outlets that never cover baseball or the Dodgers because of this unique story. CNN, CBS News with Katie Couric, Inside Edition…you name it, I think we’ve spoken with them today about a possible story on Matt.
All the while, he really just wants to focus on making the team, which is extremely admirable. I should make this clear – he’s definitely not a billionaire, nor does he act like one. Around here, he seems like just another guy trying to reach the big leagues while living on a minor leaguer’s salary. His good fortune has certainly given him some fame that he never asked for or expected and it’s definitely given the PR Department some extra work these days, albeit as a positive news story. With requests pouring in, we’re hoping to help him cut this off with one more "media conference" that will keep everyone happy, but that’s not an easy task.
So, while the enormity of this is a little overwhelming for everyone involved, I thought it was interesting enough to write about because it shows a little bit about what our department does on a daily basis.
Tomorrow’s the first home game at Holman Stadium. I know some of you had some issues with Gameday Audio and I’m sorry to say that it is not available for free during Spring Training. But, $14.95 for 190-plus games is pretty reasonable, I’d say.
Inside the Dodgers 
quick question, you guys know if I could get single games from MLB.TV?
please dont lose to the nationals tommorow. guys.
How many people here know Sarah Morris of “Sarah’s Take”? I mean, how many really know her and know of her love for the Dodgers and the game of baseball in general? I don’t know her, but feel that I do because I’ve followed her columns for many years. She’s passionate about her opinions and doesn’t apologize for any of them. She’s the real deal when it comes to being “all in” for a team. And yes, she’s a “homer” in every sense of the word, but still manages to keep in touch with other players and teams from around the league.
We may not always agree with her views, but she’s certainly entitled to them, just as we all are entitled to our own opinions. If we cannot listen or read the opinions of others (Hi Gary! Sorry about stuffing your opinion of Charley Steiner! lol!) with an open mind, then why are we really here? To dissuade others into falling in line with our own beliefs? I think not. No, we listen and read the opinions of others so that we may become better educated on the principles our own beliefs are predicated on… and in doing so we just might integrate some of them into our own views, thus kneading them into a clearer understanding of what we originally had.
The way I see it, one has two choices with the “Sarah’s Take” column. You can choose to read it or choose not to read it. It’s that simple. Those of you who choose to read it should know a thing or two about Sarah Morris. Those of you who choose not to read it should also know a thing or two about Sarah Morris: She’s one of the most courageous persons on the face of this planet.
So for those of you who bash Sarah Morris for being too harsh on the Dodgers, just know that she wants every bit as much for this team to win a world series as any player on the team does, and perhaps even more so. I love her passion for the Dodgers and her dedication to providing us with a differing opinion outside of the mainstream. Sarah is a true champion in my book.
It really is thought provoking to read Sarah’s column… especially when you know the history of the journalist. She’d rather that you think of her as any other professional writer, but it only makes me more impressed knowing her story and understanding what trials she faces each and every day. It borders on heroic.
http://www.dodgerplace.net/
http://www.dodgerplace.net/biography.htm
http://www.dodgerplace.net/my_struggles.htm
In Spring Training, it isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.
There are plenty of fine targets for criticism out there. I see little reason to take overall swipes at Sarah (from last topic). Sure, debate a point if you want, but I think it’s cool that Sarah’s Take is posted here.
What kssparkuhl said.
(I thought Sarah’s story would be well-known at a blog like this.)
Thanks for posting that, kssparkuhl…I agree with you on the admiration directed towards Sarah, though I won’t fault anyone for disagreeing with her…but don’t bash the gal. Like, kss said, Sarah is a Dodger fan, just as passionate as any of us here. I don’t agree with Sarah all the time (heck I don’t agree with most Dodger fans in general), but I read her articles…heck if it’s Dodger related I will read it.
I don’t think there is an issue of reading her opinions with an open mind, since “open mindedness” does not entail “agreement.”
It’s funny that the idea of Sarah being too hard on the Dodgers came up since I tend to think she’s not hard enough on them…
For the record, count me in with the pro Sarah Morris crowd.
I refuse to pay to listen to games online that should be broadcast on the radio….I don’t care how much it costs, .95 cents, $4.95, or $14.95…… Its the freakin LOS ANGELES DODGERS Mr. McCourt! The 2nd largest market in the MLB, and probably one of the worst as far as baseball coverage. Get a radio station that actually caters to the fans. Traffic on the ones is great if I need to get somewhere, but I’m a Dodgers fan and I want Dodger talk and Dodger news, etc….and I hate to say this, but yes, even if that means I have to listen to Steiner open his pie hole…..that’s another issue all together though.
As far as all the Sarah chatter goes, I just wanna know one thing…. Is she hot at least?
Is she hot? Is she hot??? GBAN, do you even have a heart in that soul-less carcass of yours, or are you really just stuck in a 17 year old’s body? Maybe you ought to ask your friend Beavis if she’s hot. And while you’re at it, maybe click the links below my post before you commit your fingers to cyber-space.
As for me, I don’t know what she looks like… yet she’s one hot lady to me.
RIP, Clem Labine
RIP Clem 😦 Hate to see another of the Boys of Summer pass away.
“As for me, I don’t know what she looks like… yet she’s one hot lady to me.”
Fellow Dodger fan = points from me as well.
Alex, you there?
We really need to get a better radio station KFWB treats us as 2nd class citizens
I am here, though I have a class at 11 and have to leave in 20, but i am going to do as much as I can.
Looks like MLB.com/scoreboard is atleast updating the box scores now.
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 1: Jason Schmidt Pitching: They began with a moment of silence for the late Clem Lebine. Also the DH will be used today.
Felipe Lopez grounds to Nomar who flips it to Schmidt
D’Angelo Jimenez walks
Ryan Zimmerman popped up to Wilson Valdez at short
Austin Kearns strikes out
0 Runs 0 Hits 1 LOB End of 1/2 No Score
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 1: Shawn Hill Pitching: Furcal is given the day off just for precautionary measures because of a shoulder issue, nothing serious at all:
Wilson Valdez reaches first on an error by Jimenez, Valdez steals second
Juan Pierre line drive base hit to center, Valdez scores 1-0 Dodgers, Pierre advances to 2nd on Wild Pitch.
Nomar Garciaparra grounds out to second, Pierre advances to 3rd
Jeff Kent grounds out to short, Pierre scores 2-0 Dodgers
Luis Gonzalez grounds out to first
2 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB End of 1 2-0 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 2: Jason Schmidt Pitching:
Ryan Church doubles to center
Alex Escobar singles in front of a diving Pierre, Ethier grabs it and throws Escobar out trying to advance to second, Church goes to third
Brian Schneider walks
Larry Broadway forces Schneider at second
0 Runs 2 Hits 2 LOB End of 1 1/2 2-0 Dodgers
Gotta run to class. If someone can take over that would be great, if not it’s cool, regardless have a great day everyone and I’ll be back later!
GO BLUE!
It would be great if the mlb.tv account I signed up for yesterday actually worked. None of the games are being offered in audio and video right now, and I can never get someone on the phone. Really happy about that purchase.
Hendrickson has given up 5 runs in the third
yeah true old fogey but if got to choose id rather see them win then lose, but thank you for caring.
yeah Josh, really sorry to throw this on you as I know you’re not directly in control of how The Dodgers are transmitted on radio but while I agree that that price is a bargain, it really isn’t for us who get the 160+ games on local tv for the price of our regular cable bill. With ticket prices going up you’d think at least Dodger mgmt would work out a way to have games available to us. Heck how about having the games go on the On Demand channel. Won’t be live sure, but would still be great to come home after work and be able to check out a spring training game.
Although, something good just made up for it. Got a promotional e-mail for discount tickets on opening night. Go Blue!
Well then, it appears that Hendrickson is really starting off on the right foot in earning his $2.925 Million deal. Dude couldn’t make it two innings without having to be relieved. I sure like that new attitude of his.
Pitching stats through 3 innings:
LA Dodgers—IP—H–R–ER–BB–SO–HR—ERA
Schmidt———2.0–2–0—0—2—1—0—0.00
Hendrickson—1.2–5–7—5—1—1—1–27.00
White————-0.1–0–0—0—0—0—0—0.00
hendrickson is a bum, get him out of here. the guy is not fooling anybody with that bs sports psychiatrist garbage.
that was such a stupid move getting that guy over here.
I wish to publicly apologize to Sarah Morris for my negative comments about her work, and I wish to thank Kevin (kssparkuhl) for pointing out the many things that I did not know about her.
As I mentioned, I never questioned her loyalty as a Dodger fan. Unfortunately (and as I frequently do), I put my opinion ahead of others and, in this case, my passion, as well. I neglected to realize that Sarah’s opinion and passion mean just as much to her as mine do to me.
I will now view Sarah’s columns (and all of the posts by you guys) with a bit more of an open mind, all the while realizing that we all bleed the same Dodger Blue.
Again, I apologize to you Sarah, and thanks again Kevin.
GO DODGERS!
Just checked the score board, it looks like Hendy got smacked around some today, Just spring training so no worries here.
ps is there any truth that the game on sunday will be televised locally?
first televised ST game is march 17th in KCAL at 10am.
It’s all tide up 7-7 & it looks like G.Miller is in to pitch.
Tie game, and Bigbie doubled. Repko just drilled one off the wall to score Larry! 8-7 Dodgers
nice…i really think Bigbie is gonna be a nice pickup this year. He has some pop he could be the left handed version of olemdo the killer tomato
Ron… I never doubted for even one second that you’d do the right thing. You’ve always been a stand-up guy around here… thanks!
I’ll have a full complete play by play up soon…
Keep the lead Blue Crew!
Hendrickson up to his old tricks…7 runs in a couple of innings of spring ball. I really hope we don’t have to suffer through see him “pitch.”
Very stand up of you, 53.
I’m definitely waiting on that play by play, alex… 😀
Saw that Bigbie hit two homers…whoa!!!
I know it’s spring training, but let’s be real…is there anyone here that wouldn’t want to dump Hendrickson?
I thought Carlos Perez was out of the organization…didn’t think he changed his name to hendrickson
i know its spring training and all but Hendricksons performance today was pathetic…when is he gonna be DFA?
Dear Ned Colletti,
You wasted $3 million by failing to non-tender Mark Hendrickson. Please trade him for a box of crayons while you can.
Sincerely,
Dear PatriotActs,
While I fully understand your displeasure in Mark Hendrickson and his pitching ability, I think the team might be better off in using his talents as our batboy for the season. A box of crayons is out of the question… but perhaps if a team is willing to part with a case of pine-tar, we might think about it.
Sincerely,
Ned Colletti
we should trade Hendrickson to the Royals for some Kansas City BBQ.
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 1: Jason Schmidt Pitching: They began with a moment of silence for the late Clem Lebine. Also the DH will be used today.
Felipe Lopez grounds to Nomar who flips it to Schmidt
D’Angelo Jimenez walks
Ryan Zimmerman popped up to Wilson Valdez at short
Austin Kearns strikes out
0 Runs 0 Hits 1 LOB End of 1/2 No Score
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 1: Shawn Hill Pitching: Furcal is given the day off just for precautionary measures because of a shoulder issue, nothing serious at all:
Wilson Valdez reaches first on an error by Jimenez, Valdez steals second
Juan Pierre line drive base hit to center, Valdez scores 1-0 Dodgers, Pierre advances to 2nd on Wild Pitch.
Nomar Garciaparra grounds out to second, Pierre advances to 3rd
Jeff Kent grounds out to short, Pierre scores 2-0 Dodgers
Luis Gonzalez grounds out to first
2 Runs 1 Hit 0 LOB End of 1 2-0 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 2: Jason Schmidt Pitching:
Ryan Church doubles to center
Alex Escobar singles in front of a diving Pierre, Ethier grabs it and throws Escobar out trying to advance to second, Church goes to third
Brian Schneider walks
Larry Broadway hits into a 1-4-6-3 Double Play
0 Runs 2 Hits 0 LOB End of 1 1/2 2-0 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 2: Hill pitching:
Betemit grounds to second
Lieberthal grounds to pitcher
Ethier singles to right
Huckaby bloops to the pitcher
0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 2 2-0 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 3: Mark Hendrickson pitching:
Nook Logan reaches first on an error by Valdez
Felipe Lopez walks, Logan to second
D’Angelo Jimenez singles, Logan scores, Lopez to second, 2-1 Dodgers
Ryan Zimmerman singles, Lopez scores, Jimenez to second, 2-2 Tie
Austin Kearns singles, bases loaded
Ryan Church grounds to Nomar who throws to Valdez at second who misses the throw (Valdez’s 2nd error) and the ball goes out to left field, Jimenez and Zimmerman score, 4-2 WSH, Kearns to third
Alex Escobar forces Church at second Kent to Valdez, Kearns scores, 5-2 WSH
Brian Schneider flies to center
Larry Broadway grounds to second
5 Runs 3 Hits 2 Errors 1 LOB End of 2 1/2 5-2 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 3: Chris Michalak pitching
Valdez singles
Pierre sacrifices to the pitcher, Valdez to second
Nomar reaches first on an error, Damien Jackson pitch runs for Nomar
Kent walks, bases loaded, James Loney pitch runs for Kent
Luis Gonzalez hits a sacrifice fly to center, Valdez scores, Jackson to third, 5-3 WSH
Betemit popped up to short
1 Run 1 Hit 2 LOB End of 3 5-3 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 4: Hendrickson pitching
Nook Logan flies to Ethier in right
Felipe Lopez strikes out
Jimenez reaches on an infield single to Jackson at second
Zimmerman homers to deep left field, Jimenez scores, 7-3 WSH
{Matt White relieves Hendrickson}
Kearns grounds to short
2 Runs 2 Hits 0 LOB End of 3 1/2 7-3 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 4: Michalak pitching
Lieberthal grounds to short
Ethier strikes out swinging
Huckaby grounds to second
0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 4 7-3 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 5: Matt White Pitching:
Ryan Church pops out to second
Alex Escobar flies out to Repko
Brian Schneider strikes out swinging
0 Runs 0 Hits 0 LOB End of 4 1/2 7-3 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 5: Chris Schroder Pitching:
Valdez singles, Valdez advances to second on a wild pitch
Choo Freeman strikes out looking
Damien Jackson flies out to right, Valdez advances to third
James Loney walks
Larry Bigbie hits a THREE Run HR, 7-6 WSH
Fernando Tatis flies to center
3 Runs 2 Hits 0 LOB End of 5 7-6 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 6: Greg Miller pitching:
Larry Broadway singles
Nook Logan forces Broadway at second Loney to Hu
Tony Womack hit by the pitch
Josh Wilson hits a little grounder to Tatis at third, throws to Loney for the out, Nook Logan rounds third and tries to score, Loney throws to Stinnett at the plate to get Logan, 5-3-2 Double Play Great Play Loney!
0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 5 1/2 7-6 WSH
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 6: Luis Martinez pitching:
Lieberthal pops out
Jason Repko walks
Kelly Stinnett singles
Chin Lung Hu pops to right
Choo Freeman hits an infield single, bases loaded
Damian Jackson singles to left, Repko scores, bases loaded, 7-7 Tie
James Loney grounds out to second
1 Run 3 Hits 3 LOB End of 6 7-7 Tie
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 7: Greg Miller Pitching
Kory Casto grounds to Tatis at third
Michael Restovich flies to Repko
Chris Snelling singles to right
Joe Thurston grounds to second
0 Runs 1 Hit 1 LOB End of 6 1/2 7-7 TIE
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 7: Jesus Colome Pitching:
Larry Bigbie hits a ground rule double
Tatis strikes out swinging
Andy LaRoche lined to third, out, robbed of a double
Jason Repko doubles off the wall, Bigbie scores, 8-7 Dodgers
Stinnett flies out
1 Run 2 Hits 1 LOB End of 7 8-7 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 8: Rudy Seanez Pitching:
Danny Ardoin flies out to Freeman in deep center
Jorge Toca pops to second
Wayne Lydon strikes out swinging
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Bottom 8: Emiliano Fruto pitching
Hu doubles off the wall
Freeman strikes out
Damian Jackson walks
Loney doubles down the line, Hu and Jackson score, 10-7 Dodgers
Larry Bigbie hits his 2nd Home Run of the game, Loney scores (5 RBI’s for Bigbie), 12-7 Dodgers
Tatis strikes out
Andy LaRoche lashes a base hit up the middle
Repko walks
{Felix Diaz relieves Fruto}
Stinnett singles, LaRoche is thrown out at the plate
4 Runs 4 Hits 2 LOB End of 8 12-7 Dodgers
Nationals at Dodgers: Spring Training Update: Top 9: Joe Beimel Pitching:
Jesus Flores singles
Josh Wilson singles, Flores to second
Kory Casto hits a 4-6-3 double play, Flores to third
Michael Restovich pops foul to Abreu
0 Runs 2 Hits 1 LOB
R H E
Nationals
7 11 2
Dodgers
12 15 2
WP; Greg Miller
LP: Jesus Colome
Well just goes to show you, you have to read all the way through before you start having writers cramp. I read 53’s posting of the other day and started writing my response. Then as soon as I was going to post it on the previous days blog I decided to post it on today’s blog instead so everyone would see it. Now that I’ve read today’s postings, and especially Kevin’s most eloquent response ( way to go Kevin !!! ), I can clearly see that a number of you beat me to the punch. With that said here is what I wrote earlier regarding Sarah.
Hey 53, just a little FYI, and not to disagree with you in any way mind you (lol), I happen to see your point. But Sarah used to live in So Calif, and relocated to Texas a few years ago. Although she’s severely handicapped I think a young lady with a love for baseball and better yet a love for the Dodgers is quite unusual in itself. To overcome the extreme difficulties she has faced in her life and yet to have the passion she has, I think her perspective is quite interesting. Not to say that I agree with her all the time, but because of her life story, I can’t help but to enjoy reading her point of view. Since reading a number of these postings by our fellow bloggers I went back to see if I could be more objective and it appears to me that she is trying so hard, maybe too hard, to be a true journalist that she poses the obstacles that our great Dodger team faces. I’ll continue to enjoy her column and some day I suspect we’ll see an HBO movie about her life.
53 you are a class guy and I for one think the world of your experience and the dedication your have as a Dodger fan. I now think even more of you for your willingness to change and your wisdom to accept responsibility. Thank you for being part of this little family of ours.
Now back to Kevin and my opinion of Steiner !!!!
Go Dodgers !!!
Guys, if my comments about Sarah’s Take upset you I apologise. I think the Lady is truly a remarkable person of quality and courage and I did not mean to take anything away from her accomplishments. All I was saying is that her style is not my “cup of tea” so to speak. Therefore I choose not to read her column. And reading her bio again, I think she’d be okay with that. As for doing what she’s doing, you can put me in the Pro- Sarah crowd also.