Kershaw ripe for breakout, comparison
Sooner or later, Clayton Kershaw seems destined to be “The Guy” of the Dodgers’ starting rotation — and it’s looking more like sooner rather than later.
He was a 20-year-old rookie bit player in last year’s playoffs with two innings of relief, but he’ll be starting Game 2 of the National League Division Series against St. Louis on Thursday, the youngest Dodger given the ball in the postseason since Fernando Valenzuela. Randy Wolf earned the Game 1 nod based on consistency and experience, but it is Kershaw’s electric left arm that has the potential to dominate, even against a lineup as potent as the one the Cardinals possess.
Click here to read the full article – By Ken Gurnick of MLB.com
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Dodgers boast depth
When the Dodgers’ lead shrunk to two games over the Rockies, many fans panicked, because they don’t have confidence in their favorite baseball team’s ability to go to the playoffs and succeed. With the Dodgers now on top of the National League West by three games entering Monday’s action, I have confidence in my team, although its performance since the All-Star break concerns me.
Last week, the Dodgers suffered three blows that could derail their path to a playoff berth, but the foresight of general manager Ned Colletti has allowed the team the team able to beat the D-backs and the Giants. This new depth reaffirms my confidence in the Dodgers.
Last Friday, Casey Blake slightly strained his hamstring. During his career, Blake has had two long stints on the disabled list with hamstring injuries. Without the proper treatment and caution, Blake’s hamstring could have prevented him from playing for the rest of the season. Though he doesn’t catch the headlines, he plays a vital role in the Dodgers’ success. The Dodgers immediately took Blake out of the lineup. He sat out five games, receiving treatment. The Dodgers didn’t let him pinch-hit, because they were afraid that he would severely pull the hamstring and miss a significant amount of time. While Blake sat, Ronnie Belliard played. Though Belliard doesn’t have defensive skills equal to Blake’s, he gave the Dodgers satisfactory defense and contributed to the offense. Blake returned Friday and hit an important home run.
Click here to read the full article – By Sarah D. Morris of MLB.com
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Dodgers get INF Ronnie Belliard from Nationals for P Garcia and player to be named
The NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers added to their infield depth on Sunday, getting Ronnie Belliard from the Washington Nationals for a minor leaguer and a player to be named. The Dodgers sent Class A pitcher Luis Garcia to the Nationals.
The 34-year-old Belliard batted .246 with five homers and 22 RBIs for Washington. He’ll join the Dodgers in Los Angeles before their game Monday against Arizona, making him eligible for postseason play.
“He gives us some offense,” manager Joe Torre said. “He can play around the infield, probably all positions but shortstop. It gives me the ability to spell these guys. He gives us a little more depth with experience coming off the bench.”
Belliard started at second base for St. Louis during its 2006 World Series championship, batting .240 with four RBIs during the playoffs. The Dodgers will have to make a roster move to open a spot for him on Monday.
Click here to read the full article – By JOE KAY of myphil17.com
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Ethier's walk-off magic rescues Dodgers
The Atlanta Braves kept giving them opportunities, but it didn’t seem that the Dodgers had what it took to rally for a win Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.
His team trailing by two runs in the seventh inning, Manny Ramirez walked to the batter’s box with two on and two out while a heavy-metal riff fit for a closer played over the P.A. system. Surely, he’d come through in that situation. But Ramirez struck out on a 2-2 slider to end the inning.
The Dodgers couldn’t come through again with runners in scoring position in the eighth when Matt Kemp struck out to end that particular threat.
Click here to read the full article – By David Ely of MLB.com
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