LOS ANGELES DODGERS CLIPS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012
ESPN.com
Ryan Vogelsong bests Clayton Kershaw as Giants blank Dodgers again
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Vogelsong picked up where Barry Zito left off and the San Francisco Giants had the Los Angeles
Dodgers once again searching for answers and runs.
Vogelsong pitched seven innings to outduel San Francisco nemesis Clayton Kershaw for the second time this season and
Melky Cabrera homered to help the Giants move within a game of Los Angeles for first place in the NL West with a 2-0
victory Tuesday night.
Vogelsong (7-3) followed Zito's seven innings in Monday's 8-0 win in the series opener with his own gem, marking the
first time the Dodgers had been blanked in consecutive games in San Francisco since 1987 and for the second time ever.
"It's hard to do, especially against a good club," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Our pitching has been right on in this
series. Vogey was tough today, good stuff, good command."
Cabrera's leadoff homer in the fourth snapped Kershaw's streak of 35 2/3 consecutive innings in San Francisco without
allowing an earned run to the delight of the sellout crowd chanting "BEAT L-A! BEAT L-A!" all night. Pablo Sandoval
added an RBI single for the Giants, who haven't been this close to first place since after the first day of the season.
Kershaw (5-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in six innings but got no support from the Dodgers' struggling hitters who
sorely miss injured slugger Matt Kemp.
Los Angeles has dropped seven of eight on a nine-game California road trip that concludes Wednesday against the
Giants, getting outscored 35-13 in the process.
"You get shut out a couple days and there's frustration," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "That's natural. It's my
job to make sure we keep going."
Kershaw had won six straight decisions against the Giants, allowing earned runs in just two of those seven outings
before falling 2-1 at home on May 8 when Brett Pill hit a two-run homer and Vogelsong shut down the Dodgers for 7 1/3
innings.
San Francisco used a similar formula to get to the reigning NL Cy Young winner in this game with Cabrera providing the
power and Vogelsong once again delivering a stellar start.
"I feel like I have something to prove every game," Vogelsong said. "Just because I came out on the right side in two
games with him that doesn't change. But it's definitely a step in the right direction."
As stingy as Kershaw has been in his career in San Francisco, Vogelsong has been almost as tough. He allowed seven hits
and lowered his home ERA to 1.85 in his two seasons with the Giants, second to only to the Angels' Jered Weaver (1.55)
in that span.
Jeremy Affeldt pitched a perfect eighth and Santiago Casilla finished for his 21st save in 23 chances.
Kershaw had struck out four in setting down the Giants for the first three innings. That all started to change on the
second pitch of the fourth inning when Cabrera sent a drive that just cleared the wall in left-center for the first homer
Kershaw had allowed in seven appearances in San Francisco.
The Giants didn't stop there, getting three more hits in the inning with Sandoval adding an RBI single before Kershaw
escaped a bases-loaded jam by striking out Vogelsong and Gregor Blanco to end the inning.
"Tonight I blinked first and it cost us," Kershaw said. "I think we are frustrated but we have to take that anger and
aggression to the field and keep coming every day. It doesn't matter who we're playing if we're not winning games. We
just have to start playing better baseball."
Kershaw pitched out of trouble again in the fifth, surviving a line drive off his leg by Buster Posey, but it turned out not
to matter the way Vogelsong handled the Dodgers hitters.
"We figured this would be a low-scoring game," Bochy said. "We found a way to get a couple of runs against a pitcher
who has been hard on us. That's the only way we beat him a couple of times. Score a couple of runs and get a wellpitched game."
Game notes
Dave Dravecky and Mike LaCoss shut out the Dodgers on consecutive days in San Francisco in 1987, with LaCoss going 10
innings for his 1-0 win on Aug. 16. ... The Giants had consecutive shutouts against the Dodgers in Los Angeles in April
2002. ... Giants RHP Matt Cain gave his cap, spikes, a ball and other memorabilia from his perfect game on June 13 to the
Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony. He was also given a key to the city by Mayor Ed Lee, who declared that June 13 will
now be "Matt Cain Day" in San Francisco. ... RHP Tim Lincecum (2-8) looks to snap a 10-start winless streak when he
takes the mound for San Francisco in the series finale Wednesday against RHP Chad Billingsley (4-6).
Mickey Hatcher named asst. to GM
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have hired Mickey Hatcher as a special assistant to general manager Ned
Colletti.
Colletti announced the move Tuesday, saying Hatcher's experience and passion would benefit the team. Hatcher will
help with player development and assist the major league staff.
Hatcher was fired as hitting coach by the Los Angeles Angels last month after 13 seasons with the team.
Hatcher played 12 years in the majors. He helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1988, batting .368 with two
homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in the five-game win over Oakland. He later coached and managed in the Dodgers
minor league system and had a brief stint on the major league staff before joining former teammate Mike Scioscia with
the Angels.
Power of chemistry sure to be tested
By Andy Kamenetzky | ESPNLosAngeles.com
LOS ANGELES -- The notion of “chemistry” is a curious one in sports. When you win, everyone celebrates your chemistry.
When you lose, the culprit is often a lack thereof.
Chemistry also gets debated as a “chicken or egg” quandary. Does chemistry create wins, or do wins create chemistry?
Assuming, of course, chemistry is more than just a cliche’ to begin with.
Believers cite this variable as an essential ingredient for team success. Skeptics downplay it as a convenient, dumbed
down conclusion, then point to the three-peat Lakers, who feuded their way to back-to-back-to-back titles. They paint
chemistry enthusiasts as armchair psychologists who rely on body language and facial expressions for analysis, rather
than getting to the heart of the matter: The team just stinks.
Still, chemistry must play some role in sports, because too many athletes, coaches and people who’ve been in the actual
trenches are likely to invoke the phrase. Granted, they’re often just as unlikely to put a finger on exactly what
“chemistry” means and its tangible effect on winning. But generally speaking, I’ve encountered more people in sports
who subscribe to the notion of chemistry than dismiss it.
Don Mattingly is among those buying in.
“Honestly, you know what I believe in,” responded the Dodger manager on Sunday when I posed the question. “I believe
the power of a group of guys wanting to go for something, and all of them on that same page.”
Mattingly’s take actually coincides with my long-held theory on chemistry: It’s displayed most prominently not when a
team is rolling, but rather when the chips are down. A unified front comes naturally when you’re dusting the
competition. However, chemistry is truly forged -- and in turn, utilized -- during the low points, when wins are suddenly
hard to come by, and guys must lift each other to reverse the tide. That’s not to say winning is as simple as a “Lean on
me” sing-along. Talent obviously matters, and if you don’t have the horses, a team may struggle even while armed to
the teeth with positivity. Still, I do believe a genuine desire to get each other’s back can be the X-Factor for a team trying
to get over the hump.
In any event, the Dodgers suddenly find themselves in the position to test my theory. Despite injuries all season to
players like Matt Kemp, Mark Ellis, Ted Lilly, Chad Billingsley’s erratic nature, and dependence on the untested likes of
Nathan Eovaldi and Elian Herrara, they remain (currently) in control of the NL West, and have even held the best record
in baseball over stretches. Their success is a remarkable feat, perhaps even one credited in some part to good chemistry.
However, after Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Giants, they’ve also lost eight of their last 11 games, and during last week’s
series against Oakland, generated a grand total of two runs. It’s fair to wonder if their luck under trying circumstances
has been pushed to the limits, and whether a watered-down roster is capable of holding down the fort any longer
without Kemp in the lineup.
This is when chemistry truly matters, and when we get an idea of its power. For what it’s worth, these Dodgers believe
in their makeup and synergy.
“When you don’t like people around you, I don’t care what you say, it’s hard to come to work and be happy,” said Tony
Gwynn Jr. Saturday while appearing on 710 ESPN’s ESPNLA On Air. “That’s in general, on anybody’s job. When they’re
happy with what they’re doing, they’re happy with the people around them, they tend to perform better. And I think it’s
no different in our game of baseball. We’re around each other 162 days, hopefully more, and when you’re around
people that much, you need to kind of like them a little bit. You need to at least like being around them.
“We enjoy each other’s company. I think that’s why we’ve played so well and I think that’s why we’re gonna come out of
this rough stretch and be alright.”
Added Lilly on Sunday, “There’s usually gonna be some bumps in the road where things aren’t gonna go well. You’re
playing well, but you’re getting beat by a run or two. Those are the times when you find out what the chemsitry is really
like.”
James Loney knows a thing or two about the difference between good and bad chemistry, having been a part of recent
Dodger squads not exactly spilling over with solidarity. I covered the Dodgers when Loney was a young pup and Jeff Kent
was parked at a corner locker reading a motorcycle mag and avoiding human interaction like a germ-phobe avoids a
hand shake during flu season. Before Manny Ramirez’s arrival, these teams hardly channeled the Three Musketeers (“all
for one, one for all”), and the inability to forge a sum greater than their parts never surprised me. And the 2012 Dodgers
may not be able to sustain such a goal, either. But it won’t be for a lacking of trying.
“Yeah, I feel like we’re probably more of a team (as compared to a few years ago),” Loney said. “We’ve got a good unit.
We pull for each other.”
The power of that chemistry and how much it really counts is sure to be tested.
Dodgers.com
Dodgers blanked as Kershaw takes loss
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Dodgers signed Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, not to put him in the starting lineup although it
might be coming to that.
They haven't scored in 21 innings, meaning Tuesday night was another shutout loss to the Giants, this time 2-0, the first
time the Giants have thrown back-to-back blanks at the Dodgers in San Francisco since 1987 and the second time
they've beaten Clayton Kershaw this year.
The Dodgers' division lead, as much as 7 1/2 games last month and five games nine days ago, is down to one as they've
lost seven of eight games on this trip.
"What am I supposed to say to that?" was manager Don Mattingly's answer when asked what he thought of his offense.
"Shut out two in a row, I can't say I love the way we swung the bats today."
But he didn't say he was about to do anything drastic about it.
"We stay the course, that's what we do," he said. "We know where we're at and what's going on. We've caught teams
going one way and put hurt on them. They catch you at times like this and you look the same way. It's our job to make
sure we don't panic. You get shut out a couple days in a row, frustration I think is normal. Our job as a staff is to make
sure we don't panic and keep playing.
"I know my boys are trying. Just right now, collectively as a group, we're not getting anything going. I'm not
disappointed, knowing they're trying. It's not like they've given up. I'm not worried about that. It's just a funk."
The Giants beat Kershaw and also tried to kill him. He survived a fifth-inning drilling by a Buster Posey line drive off his
left hip, but not a two-run fourth inning that included a home run by Melky Cabrera, who was taught to hit by Mattingly
in their Yankees years.
Kershaw, like many Dodgers pitchers lately, performed well enough to win. He battled through six innings, with eight
hits and eight strikeouts. In four of the innings he stranded runners in scoring position.
After beating the Giants all five decisions last year, he's 0-2 against them this year, losing the other game 2-1. After going
21-5 last year, he's barely above .500 now at 5-4, despite a 2.74 ERA.
"I think we are frustrated. Losing's no fun," said Kershaw. "We have to take it out on the field. Stop and take the anger
and aggression out on the field."
For this game against Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong (7-3), Mattingly benched corner infielders James Loney and former
Giant Juan Uribe, but that wasn't the answer. Again no Dodgers advanced past second base. The offense has been
blanked three times in the last eight games and has one home run in the last 12 games.
"Obviously when you're not swinging the bats, it's tough to win games," said Kershaw. "At the same time, I've got to
keep the zeros coming. Tonight I blinked and it cost us."
Kershaw, who has had trouble keeping the ball in the park this year, was taken deep by Cabrera on a low slider leading
off the fourth inning. It was the 11th home run off Kershaw this year compared to 15 all last year.
"They got him early and it's almost like, the way we're swinging the bats, you give up one and you feel like you're in
trouble," said Mattingly. "He got a little quick there for a second. But he got ahold of himself and moved forward. That's
what you expect from him."
Posey followed with a single and was erased on a forceout by Angel Pagan, who stole second. Pablo Sandoval singled to
right fielder Andre Ethier, who tried to decoy the runner by raising his glove and also seemed to lose momentum toward
the ball, and his throw to the infield lacked pace.
Third-base coach Tim Flannery didn't wave Pagan home, but didn't stop him either, and Pagan kept coming to beat first
baseman Juan Rivera's wide relay for the second run.
Kershaw had Brandon Belt 0-2, but Belt hung in there to double Sandoval to third and Kershaw walked Joaquin Arias
intentionally to load the bases, then caught Vogelsong and Blanco with called third strikes to escape further damage.
The Dodgers' best chance was in the seventh. With one out, Jerry Hairston singled and Tony Gwynn followed with his
second infield hit of the game, this one gloved by shortstop Arias whose backhand flip was wide of second base. But A.J.
Ellis struck out and Loney, batting for Kershaw, flied out.
"It's hard to do, especially against a good club," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of the back-to-back shutouts. "Our
pitching has been right on this series. Vogey was tough today. That's hard to do, and that's a credit to this staff, this
bullpen."
Kemp falls in NL overall voting; status still in doubt
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
SAN FRANCISCO -- Disabled Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp is no longer the leading National League vote-getter, and
outfielder Andre Ethier remains a distant fifth place at his position, according to the latest All-Star vote totals released
by Major League Baseball on Tuesday.
Kemp, who is doubtful to play in the game because of his injury, was passed in the overall vote totals by Cincinnati first
baseman Joey Votto by more than 350,000 votes.
Meanwhile, Ethier is well behind San Francisco's Melky Cabrera for fourth place among outfielders and only about
68,000 votes ahead of sixth-placed Matt Holliday from St. Louis.
Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or via your mobile device -using the 2012 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot until Thursday, at 8:59 p.m. PT.
Fans can also once again participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select
three players in each league who they would most like to see participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby. The 2012
State Farm Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN
Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, July 9.
The 2012 American League and National League All-Star teams will be unveiled on Sunday, on the 2012 MLB All-Star
Game Selection Show, televised nationally on TBS. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final
player on each team via the 2012 All-Star Game Final Vote on MLB.com.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official
voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer
Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2012 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will
represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2012 All-Star Game will be played at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Tuesday, July 10. Come to MLB.com for
extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.
The 83rd All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and
worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN
Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and Sirius XM will also provide
comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com or royals.com/asg.
Kemp and Ethier are the only Dodgers position players in contention for a starting spot in the game, with less than a
week to go in the voting.
Guerra getting close to Minors rehab stint
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
SAN FRANCISCO -- Dodgers reliever Javy Guerra, who underwent right knee surgery June 5, could be headed out for a
Minor League rehab assignment as early as next week.
Guerra had another bullpen session Tuesday, followed by pitchers' fielding practice, and manager Don Mattingly said
Guerra will either have back-to-back bullpen sessions Thursday and Friday or even face hitters.
Guerra's injury was believed to have occurred when he was struck by a Brian McCann line drive in the jaw on April 25.
After contact, Guerra spun toward his right and his spikes might have stuck. He remained in the game, suffered a blown
save and two weeks later lost the closer job to Kenley Jansen.
In other health news, Matt Kemp and Mark Ellis continued recoveries from leg injuries. Neither has any soreness and
Ellis has begun making cuts around the bases, which has been his biggest issue lately.
They also could be a week away from Minor League rehab assignments.
Dodgers go with offense-first lineup
SAN FRANCISCO -- First baseman James Loney has a 6-for-12 history against Ryan Vogelsong, but Don Mattingly is
managing in the present, so he left Loney and his .245 seasonal average out of Tuesday night's Dodgers lineup.
Mattingly also sat third baseman Juan Uribe, starting Juan Rivera at first base, Bobby Abreu in left field and Elian Herrera
at third base.
"Really, I'm playing the guys I feel give us the best at-bats," said Mattingly. "Right now, it's tough. Juan is struggling, too.
Elian swung the bat good last night. I have a little less defense with this lineup, but we're having trouble scoring runs and
I've got to put the best offense out there. Right now, I've got to try to find ways to score.
"I've tried to tell James what's going on, just be honest. It's tough, but I've got to find production. Between James and
Juan at the corners, two power positions, we've got two homers and 33 [RBIs]. We're still in a good position, but we
won't be able to sustain it. I'm not trying to be [nasty] to anybody. It's not personal, but I've got to find production and
it's not happening. You've got to produce. This is the big leagues, not instructional league or coming through the
Minors."
Loney is eligible for free agency after this season, while Uribe is in the second year of a three-year contract. Nonetheless,
it's no secret the Dodgers are looking on the trade market for corner infielders who can hit.
On the current trip, Loney is 0-for-14 and Uribe is 1-for-18. However, Herrera is 2-for-24 on the trip (0-for-15 most
recently), A.J. Ellis is 2-for-16 and Abreu is 2-for-19.
Dodgers hire Hatcher as special assistant to GM
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Dodgers hired former Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher as a special assistant to general
manager Ned Colletti on Tuesday.
Hatcher, 57, will devote time to helping with player development as well as assisting the Major League staff.
"It's a great feeling being a Dodger again; it feels like I've come back home," said Hatcher. "This is where my roots were
and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about professionalism. I'm excited about the
opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created by the new ownership. I couldn't be
happier right now."
The Dodgers are in the throes of a serious hitting slump, in which the club has had no more than five hits in five of the
last seven games entering Tuesday. But manager Don Mattingly said Hatcher is not being brought in to assist hitting
coach Dave Hansen, who took over for Jeff Pentland after last year's All-Star break.
"I haven't thought of that," Mattingly said about bringing Hatcher in as a second hitting coach. "I didn't know he was
hired until today. In the plan for him, I didn't hear anything about him being a second guy."
Hatcher was dismissed by the Angels on May 15. As a 12-year Major League player, Hatcher spent two stints with the
Dodgers, including a heroic fill-in role on the 1988 championship team when he hit .368 (7-for-19) with two homers, five
RBIs and five runs scored in five games.
The Angels replaced Hatcher with Triple-A hitting coach Jim Eppard when the club ranked 27th in the Major Leagues in
runs per game. At the time, new acquisition Albert Pujols was hitting .212. He's since caught fire, as have the Angels.
"He'll certainly be an asset to that organization," said Angels manager Mike Scoiscia. "I think his knowledge, his
enthusiasm, is something that will be very strong for the Dodgers, and I'm sure he's excited about it."
Hatcher was in his 13th season as hitting coach for former teammate Scioscia. Following his playing career, Hatcher
coached and managed in the Dodgers organization for Albuquerque (1991-92), Great Falls (1995-97) and San Bernardino
(1998). He also spent time as the Texas Rangers' first-base coach (1993-94).
Dodgers move top prospect Lee to Double-A
SAN FRANCISCO -- Zach Lee, the two-sport star the Dodgers signed for a franchise-record $5.25 million two years ago,
was promoted Tuesday from Class A Rancho Cucamonga to Double-A Chattanooga.
Lee, ranked by MLB.com as the club's top prospect, was 2-3 with a 4.55 ERA in 12 starts. In 55 1/3 innings, he yielded 60
hits and 10 walks, while striking out 52.
Lee's promotion has a dual purpose. Not only will it tell the Dodgers how close Lee is to reaching the Major Leagues, it
will showcase him against better competition for clubs that will want him in a trade.
Despite the investment the Dodgers have made to sign Lee away from a quarterback job with LSU, the right-hander
could become the centerpiece of any deadline deal the Dodgers make this summer.
Mattingly brushes off questions about Kershaw
SAN FRANCISCO -- Clayton Kershaw made it clear last week that he's tired of answering questions about his sore left
foot.
Apparently, so is Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.
"We haven't had to cut it off yet, but we're working with some prosthetics in case we have to," he deadpanned when
asked before Tuesday night's game if Kershaw's plantar fasciitis was bothering him.
"Clayton's a lightning rod since he won the Cy Young," said Mattingly.
L.A. Times
Giants cut Dodgers' lead to one game
Clayton Kershaw is outpitched by Ryan Vogelsong in San Francisco's 2-0 victory. Don Mattingly is desperately looking for
hitting after second consecutive shutout.
By Dylan Hernandez
June 26, 2012, 11:07 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Four Horsemen are preparing to descend. The Dodgers' lead in the National League West is
down to one game.
Clayton Kershaw was on the mound Tuesday night, but that wasn't enough to prevent the Dodgers from losing for the
seventh time in eight games, as they fell, 2-0, to the second-place San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
Only a week ago, the Dodgers were ahead of the Giants by 41/2 games. As recently as May 27, their lead was 71/2
games.
The Dodgers were shut out in consecutive games against the Giants for the first time since 1987.
Manager Don Mattingly tried to maintain calm in the clubhouse, downplaying the significance of the series finale
Wednesday that could completely erase their lead.
"I'd rather be two games up when we leave here," Mattingly said. "But is there a significance to it? I don't know about
that. Tomorrow's game is not going to make or break our season."
Three times Tuesday night the Dodgers had men on first and second against Ryan Vogelsong, including once, in the
seventh inning, with one out. All three times, they failed to score.
Juan Rivera grounded out to end a threat in the first inning. Kershaw flied out to left field in the second. A.J. Ellis struck
out and pinch-hitter James Loney flied out to center field in the seventh.
"I know my boys were trying," Mattingly said.
Vogelsong earned his second win of the season against Kershaw, as he held the Dodgers to seven hits and a walk in
seven innings.
"Tonight, I blinked first and it cost us," Kershaw said.
Kershaw threw a fourth-inning slider to Melky Cabrera that ended up in the seats behind left-center field. The home run
was the 11th Kershaw has served up this season. He gave up 15 last season when he won the Cy Young Award.
Later in the fourth inning, Kershaw gave up a run-scoring double to Pablo Sandoval that increased the Giants' lead to 20.
The defeat marked what could be turning points for Loney and third baseman Juan Uribe, who found themselves on the
bench in the most important game of the season.
Already relegated to a platoon role, the left-handed-hitting Loney was benched even though the Dodgers were facing a
right-handed starting pitcher. And it so happened that Loney was six for 12 in his career against the right-hander in
question, Vogelsong.
Uribe had been one for three against Vogelsong, but he too sat.
"I have to try to find production, you know?" Mattingly said. "Personally, I like all our guys. But, I mean, between Juan
and James at the corners, two power positions, I have three homers and 33 RBIs. With all that, we're still kind of in
pretty good position. But we're not going to be able to sustain like this. We have to find production and it's just not
happening.
"You have to produce. This is the big leagues. This is not instructional league, this is not coming through the minors and
trying to prove yourself and the organization's going to be ultra patient because they feel like there's something at the
end of the rainbow. It's tough. You're trying to win games."
Loney's place at first was taken by Rivera, a .261 hitter. Uribe's was taken by Elian Herrera, who was batting .264.
"I'm playing the guys who I feel are going to give us the best at-bats," Mattingly said. "I know there's some history there
with James, but right now, it's just tough. Juan is struggling too. I think we're a little less defensively when we play this
lineup, but right now, we're having trouble scoring runs and I've got to try to put the best offense out there."
Dodgers' Matt Kemp is one cool dawg
Center fielder, sidelined because of an injury, shows his fun and serious sides in a conversation that ranges from his
desire to win a championship to wanting to be an inspiration to African American kids pursuing a baseball career.
By T.J. Simers
June 26, 2012, 9:31 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Kemp talks about crying, failure hitting him hard.
He talks about wanting to be normal, but what a thrill to see someone wearing his jersey. "That's tight," he says, and I
can't say I always understand what he's saying.
He talks about winning championships, and what that has to do with the Dodgers I do not know until he says they must
do so if he's ever going to achieve greatness like Kobe, Michael and now LeBron.
"Kevin Durant is going to win championships," he says. "When I saw Kevin Durant hug his mother, I felt it."
He talks about wanting to put an African American face to baseball as Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr. did for him.
And as he continues to talk, recalling now how he was just a kid when we first met six years ago, he sounds all grown up.
It's Tuesday morning, Kemp with some time before the veteran will take Dee Gordon out for some lunch and advice.
So what was it like when he was a kid, and the veterans were Manny Ramirez and Jeff Kent?
"I didn't learn anything from Kent," Kemp says, and, amen, what a waste to have all the knowledge and experience Kent
had, and scare everyone off.
"Manny was a great teacher," Kemp says. "He was approachable; he taught me so much about hitting. If I can pass
something on now to my dog then I'll do whatever I can."
Kemp talks about his dog a lot, or is it, dawg? But then don't we all until it becomes clear he's talking about a two-legged
Gordon, the next minute moving onto Torii Hunter, and who calls Hunter a dog, or dawg?
"My brother, my homeboy," Kemp says, and I think he's talking about Hunter. They attended a concert together last
week at the Honda Center, and when Hunter was brought on stage, he was booed.
A moment later Kemp takes the stage, booing Hunter as he does, and arriving to massive cheers.
"I told Torii there's only one team in L.A. that everybody loves, and that's the Dodgers."
The concert is in Anaheim "and right across the street from the stadium," as Kemp points out to Hunter, "and how cool
is that?"
I ask him who was in concert, and he says their names, but I've never heard of them. I can't even begin to guess how to
spell them, and Kemp loves it.
He calls it "keeping it real," and everything you get with Kemp now is real even though he was telling folks a day earlier
his name is now "James."
You never know with Kemp, and I'm not talking about the way he used to run the bases. He just wants to have fun, so
when he's mistaken for James Loney on Monday, he gives the fans what they want.
"I've experienced what it's like having no fun; I'm not going to let that happen again," Kemp says. "If I could do it over, I'd
want to come up to the big leagues like Mike Trout. He's exciting and I like watching him."
Funny to hear Kemp, the phenom once upon a time, already reflecting on the next kid loaded with promise.
"When I started, it was like God gave me a little taste of it and then pulled it back," he says. "And I fell hard. It took a lot
of work to come back, tears, and yeah, I cried."
The young player who cried is now the best player in the game. Better than Albert Pujols, as someone tells Kemp
recently until he says they have it all wrong.
"Pujols is better than me," Kemp says without hesitation. "Pujols has won championships. I don't have anything. It
doesn't mean anything if you're not winning."
Maybe so, but Kemp will be on HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" this week, and he's already on the cover of
ESPN the Magazine. He recently appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". Just think what kind of coverage he might be
getting if he were actually playing.
"I don't do stuff to be a star," he says, smiling and admitting he likes the attention.
"I do it because I feel it's important for kids, African American kids, to see an African American face that plays baseball.
I'm always telling people baseball needs to be more prominent in the African American community.
"What a better way to do so, going on these TV shows and appearing on the cover of this or that. Now kids can see how
baseball can change your life. Frank Thomas did that for me."
Kemp is good on TV, too, quick to laugh at himself and oozing with personality. He does dress funny, though. "Stylin'," as
he calls it, but who buys jeans with holes already in them?
"The girls love them," he says, while suggesting we will probably never shop at the same stores.
A regular guy, as the best player in baseball still calls himself, Kemp says he has no choice.
"My family keeps me grounded," he says. "It's cool for people to recognize you, but really the coolest thing is to see
someone in my jersey. That's one of the best feelings I've had. Somebody actually went and spent money to wear my
jersey."
As much as Kemp has to offer fans, these are tough days for the Dodgers and the leading All-Star vote getter among
National League outfielders. They are losing and he's not playing.
But at the risk of throwing him a compliment, and usually it is only jabs we exchange, he's every bit the disabled-list MVP
as he is a hitter.
While his hamstring mends, he hangs with his teammates and approaches each game as if he might deliver the winning
hit, or cheer.
It's the work of a team leader, Kemp excusing himself now to eat so he can also use the time to encourage Gordon.
Righteous, dude.
Dodgers' Juan Uribe hasn't found his stride
Struggles continue for the third baseman since he injured his wrist.
By Dylan Hernandez
June 26, 2012, 10:17 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO — Juan Uribe insists he has something left.
"My career still isn't over," he said.
The second year of his three-year, $21-million contract isn't as miserable as his first, but it's close. The 32-year-old third
baseman missed nearly a month because of a wrist problem that continues to hinder him. He was out of the lineup
Tuesday.
Uribe is batting .217 with a home run and 12 runs batted in. Whatever rhythm he had early in the season has
disappeared. He was batting .250 when he went on the disabled list May 14. In his first dozen games since being
activated, he hit .143.
"Before he got hurt, he was using the opposite field," coach Manny Mota said. "But he's lost his timing."
Mota and Uribe, both natives of the Dominican Republic, are working together daily to get him to wait on the ball.
"There's enough time left in the season to turn this around," Uribe said. "When you fall, you have to get up. All you can
do is work. I'm working hard."
But Uribe's left wrist remains an obstacle. Because of the discomfort, practice time has to be limited.
"It's the quality that matters, not the quantity," Mota said.
Mota's advice goes beyond mechanics. "Don't try to do too much," Mota said he tells him. "All the manager wants from
you are quality at-bats."
Uribe is always smiling and has maintained a carefree persona, but Mota sees through it.
"He's embarrassed and he has pride," Mota said. "Inside, he's suffering because he wants to help the team. So he tries
too hard. I tell him, 'Juan, relax.'"
Hatcher returns
Mickey Hatcher, who was fired as the Angels' hitting coach last month, has returned to the Dodgers as a special assistant
to General Manager Ned Colletti.
"These are my roots," Hatcher said. "This is where I received all of my education."
Hatcher played six of his 12 major league seasons with the Dodgers. He was a star of the 1988 World Series, batting .368
with two home runs, five runs batted in and five runs scored.
Hatcher, 57, figures to work primarily as an instructor in the farm system.
"I'd like to get on the field and get out there and be with some of the younger kids," Hatcher said.
Hatcher was dismissed May 15 by the Angels, for whom he had worked since 2000. He attended a couple of recent
games at Dodger Stadium, where he sat with former manager Tom Lasorda and minority owner Magic Johnson. He also
met Colletti, who later offered him a job.
Hatcher said he is glad the Dodgers are under new owners.
"It was tough," Hatcher said of watching the Dodgers under former owner Frank McCourt. "But it seems like it's changed
overnight. I've gone to games before, last year, the year before that, and there's something about the fans this year.
They're energized."
Short hops
Andre Ethier remains fifth among National League outfielders in All-Star balloting, which ends Thursday at 8:59 p.m.
Matt Kemp still ranks first. … Former closer Javy Guerra could be sent on a minor league rehabilitation assignment after
throwing scheduled bullpen sessions Thursday and Friday.
Giants shut out Dodgers again, 2-0, to cut lead to one game
The Dodgers fail to give Clayton Kershaw any help as the team's scoreless streak stretches to 21 innings.
By Steve Dilbeck
June 26, 2012, 10:09 p.m.
If the Dodgers keep rolling over like this, they’re going to take all the fun out of it for the Giants.
As it is, the Dodgers went weakly once again, this time falling to San Francisco, 2-0, Tuesday before another sellout
crowd at AT&T Park. The Dodgers’ lead over the Giants in the National League West now stands at a single game.
That’s back-to-back shutouts, and not even famed Giants-killer Clayton Kershaw is capable of winning when the Dodgers
can't score a single run. And the Dodgers haven’t scored a run in their last 21 innings.
The reeling Dodgers have now lost seven of their last eight games, their offense less than a bad rumor.
On Tuesday it was Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong’s turn to reap the rewards of facing the struggling Dodgers.
Vogelsong (7-3) held the Dodgers scoreless for his seven innings, limiting them to seven hits and one walk. The Dodgers
never really threatened him.
Kershaw (5-4) again pitched well, just not well enough. And normally, he pitches much better than just well against the
Giants.
Kershaw had won his last four decisions at AT&T Park and hadn’t allowed an earned run in his last 32 2/3 innings against
the Giants.
But that ended when he was hit hard in the fourth. Melky Cabrera opened the scoring with a solo home run, his seventh
of the season.
After consecutive line-drive base hits, Pablo Sandoval singled in the second run. Sandoval stopped at third after Brandon
Belt doubled, and Kershaw then intentionally walked Joaquin Arias to load the bases with one out.
Kershaw struck out Vogelsong for the second out and caught Gregor Blanco looking at a third-strike curveball that he
actually bailed out on, for the third out. Kershaw threw 29 pitches in the fourth.
He left for a pinch hitter after throwing six innings, allowing the two runs on eight hits. He also struck out eight.
The Dodgers have been shut out five times this season.
Mickey Hatcher, recently fired by Angels, rejoins Dodgers
By Dylan Hernandez
June 26, 2012, 2:02 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Mickey Hatcher, who was fired as the Angels hitting coach last month, has rejoined the Dodgers as a
special assistant to General Manager Ned Colletti.
A member of the Dodgers’ 1988 World Series championship team, Hatcher will be involved in player development and
assist the major league staff.
“It’s a great feeling being a Dodger again, it feels like I’ve come home,” Hatcher said in a statement released by the
team. “This is where my roots were and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about
professionalism. I’m excited about the opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created
by the new ownership. I couldn’t be happier right now.”
Hatcher, 57, was fired by the Angels on May 15. The Angels were 16-21 at the time.
Hatcher played for the Dodgers and Minnesota Twins over 12 seasons. He batted a combined .280.
In the 1988 World Series, Hatcher hit .368 with two home runs, five runs batted in and five runs scored.
Following his playing career, Hatcher coached and managed various teams in the Dodgers farm system. He served as a
first base coach and hitting instructor on the major league club in 1998.
Hatcher was the Angels’ hitting coach from 2000-2012.
There's something missing from the Dodgers these days -- offense
By Steve Dilbeck
June 26, 2012, 1:47 p.m.
It’s an epidemic. Apparently a disease more contagious than the measles, and for the Dodgers, plenty more deadly.
The Dodgers cannot hit. They cannot score. They currently cannot muster much that resembles an actual offensive
attack.
They are being shut down by the likes of Barry Zito, whose heyday was 10 years ago. In their last seven games, they’ve
averaged 1.9 runs per game. Not too coincidentally, they lost six of them.
There is no one on the team hitting well right now, and most are in a slump of some degree.
Career minor-leaguer Elian Herrera, who was such a marvelous surprise, has returned to Earth. No one had a right to
expect him to keeping hitting .300, but now he’s in a 2-for-24 skid.
James Loney is shrinking before our eyes and has had zero hits in his last 17 at-bats. Juan Uribe, adrift in his own world,
has one hit in his last 18 at-bats.
Even A.J. Ellishas calmed down with four hits in his last 26 at-bats. Andre Ethier, despite his nice weekend in Anaheim,
has one home run in his last 32 games. He hasn’t had an RBI since June 13. And why would anyone pitch to him in this
lineup?
So despite getting strong pitching most nights, the Dodgers are reeling like they haven’t all season, and at a time when
the Giants and Diamondbacks are making a move.
The Dodgers’ lead in the National League West is in danger of evaporating before the All-Star break. Heck, before the
end of the week. The Diamondbacks are now five games back, the Giants only two.
Players in the clubhouse now whisper about new ownership making a deal before that July 31 non-waiver trading
deadline, an admission – however accurate – that they don’t have enough in there to get it done.
Matt Kemp would be a pretty nice addition, but is not expected back until after the All-Star break. And in truth, it is
unreasonable to expect that he’ll return after so much time off and just pick up where he was in April. Mark Ellis could
be back sooner, and the Dodgers have certainly missed him, but offensively he is more a complementary player.
Maybe the Dodgers were never as good a hitting team as they appeared when they were 17 games over .500 – you
know, way back on June 17 – but neither can they be as poor a hitting team as they currently appear. Neither could the
Padres.
The Dodgers still have the best record in the NL, though it feels more tenuous by the hour. They can’t be sitting back
waiting for some new superstar to walk into the clubhouse door and play savior. They have to get it done with what they
have. Have to start small and build from there. Or the epidemic could be a killer.
L.A. Daily News
DODGERS NOTEBOOK: Loney, Uribe start on bench
By Gideon Rubin Special to the Daily News
Posted: 06/26/2012 10:22:28 PM PDT
Updated: 06/26/2012 11:37:11 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO - Hoping to add some punch to a tepid Dodgers offense, manager Don Mattingly benched his two
slumping corner infielders for Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants.
First baseman James Loney and third baseman Juan Uribe, who've combined for three homers and 33 RBIs, were spelled
in the starting lineup by Juan Rivera at first and Elian Herrera at third.
"I think we're a little less defensively when we play this lineup, but right now we're having trouble scoring runs and I've
got to try to put the best offense out there," Mattingly said.
"Right now, I've got to try to find a way to score runs."
The move comes at a crucial juncture in the season for the Dodgers, who had lost six of their last seven games going into
Tuesday. A prohibitive 7 1/2-game lead they had over the Giants as recently as May 27 has been whittled to two.
Loney and Uribe have both hit low points in what for both has been a bad year.
Loney is hitless in 15 at-bats over his past five games and is hitting .232 in June with just two extra base hits in 56 atbats.
Uribe is 0 for 11 over his past four games, 2 for 24 over his past eight games, and hitting .143 in June (5 for 35).
Loney has become such an offensive liability, Mattingly benched him despite a career .500 average (6 for 12) against
Ryan Vogelsong.
Mattingly suggested Loney could be used in a reduced role going forward, acknowledging he's had some tough
conversations with the Dodgers former first-round draft pick.
"It's not personal, we've got to find production and it's not happening," Mattingly said.
"I think guys understand that you've got to produce. This is the big leagues, this isn't instructional league, this isn't
coming through the minors and trying to prove yourself where the organization is going to be super patient with
everything that's going on because they feel there's something at the end of the rainbow.
"Right now, it's about trying to win games."
Back in blue
Mickey Hatcher was named the Dodgers' special assistant to general manager Ned Colletti. Hatcher, a big contributor on
the Dodgers 1988 World Series championship team, was also a Dodgers' hitting coach/first base coach in 1998.
The Angels fired Hatcher earlier this year after 13 years as their hitting coach.
Hatcher will have a role in player development, the Dodgers said.
"I like Mickey," Mattingly said. "To me he's always been a great baseball guy, he's always enthusiastic."
Decision 2012
Matt Kemp has been surpassed by Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto for the lead in this year's All-Star voting.
Kemp's status for the July 10 Midsummer Classic in Kansas City, Mo., is doubtful. Andre Ethier is fifth in the outfield
voting, trailing San Francisco's Melky Cabrera, who's in fourth, and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun (third).
SAN FRANCISCO 2, DODGERS 0: Despite 'gutsy' performance by Kershaw, Dodgers remain in 0-zone layer
By Gideon Rubin Special to the Daily News
Posted: 06/26/2012 11:28:39 PM PDT
Updated: 06/26/2012 11:34:55 PM PDT
MLB: Despite `gutsy' Kershaw outing, L.A. shut out for second game in row, as San Francisco cuts NL West lead to a
game.
SAN FRANCISCO - A trip from hell that began with the Dodgers sporting the best record in the majors and healthy lead in
the National League West has left them barely clinging to sole possession of first.
Staff ace Clayton Kershaw's apparent rebound from a foot injury wasn't enough to stop their worst slump of the season,
as a sputtering Dodgers offense had another rough line at the plate in a 2-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants in front of
42,664 Tuesday at AT&T Park.
The Dodgers, mired in their worst slump of the year, lost for the seventh time in eight games. Their 7 1/2-game lead
over the Giants as recently as May 27 has been chopped down to one.
And after starting their nine-game trip 4 1/2games up on San Francisco, they will be playing to maintain sole possession
of first place in today's series finale.
"Collectively as a group we're not getting anything going," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "We're just in a little
funk."
Kershaw, for his part, appears to come out of a funk.
The reigning Cy Young award winner, battling through a bout of plantar fasciitis, had his second straight solid outing,
allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks in six innings. In his previous outing, he allowed one run in eight innings of
three-hit ball.
That followed a stretch of four starts in which he had 5.26 ERA, which raised questions about his injury.
Kershaw wasn't flawless Tuesday, but he was tough when he had to be, holding the Giants to one hit in 10 at-bats with
runners in scoring position.
The Giants broke a scoreless tie in the fourth, when Melky Cabrera started a two-run inning with a leadoff homer.
"It probably wasn't as sharp as it should have been," Kershaw said. "Location-wise it wasn't terrible, but probably
instead of throwing a strike I probably should have thrown something with a little more snap on it."
Kershaw showed some toughness along with poise when the Giants threatened again the fifth. With runners at first and
third and no outs, Buster Posey hit a line drive off Kershaw's upper leg. He calmly fielded it and threw out Posey.
Kershaw said he wasn't hurt on the line drive that hit him.
"You never expect to get hit in the leg by a line drive but fortunately I got in the way of it," he said. "Probably would
have scored some runs if I didn't. I'd rather get an out."
Kershaw got Angel Pagan to hit into a fielder's choice, with lead runner Ryan Theriot getting thrown out at the plate, and
then induced Pablo Sandoval to fly out to left.
"Gutsy," Mattingly said of Kershaw's performance. "They get him early and it's almost like the way we're swinging the
bats recently, you give up one and you feel like you're in trouble."
But that wasn't enough to overcome a flat Dodgers offense that's figured prominently in their skid was again lifeless
despite a lineup shakeup.
A day after an 8-0 loss to the Giants in the series opener, Mattingly benched slumping corner infielders James Loney and
Juan Uribe, spelling them with Juan Rivera at first and Elian Herrera at third.
The Dodgers best scoring chance came in the seventh, when they had runners at first and second with one out, but
Vogelsong struck out A.J. Ellis and got pinch-hitter Loney to fly out to center.
Vogelsong (7-3) allowed seven hits and one walk in seven innings.
"Obviously if we're not scoring runs its going to be tough to win games but at the same time as a starting pitcher you've
got to keep them close," Kershaw said. "You've got to keep those zeroes coming. Tonight I blinked first and it cost us."
OC Register
No longer good enough for Angels, Hatcher joins Dodgers
June 26th, 2012, 3:09 pm · · posted by JEFF MILLER, OCREGISTER.COM
Mickey Hatcher, who was canned by the Angels this season apparently because Albert Pujols didn’t like him, has been
hired by the Dodgers, one of his former teams.
The club announced the move Tuesday in a news release that made a point to refer to Hatcher as a “well-respected
hitting coach.” Hatcher was hired to be a Special Assistant to the General Manager.
“Mickey’s been a World Series champion both as a player and coach,” GM Ned Colletti said. “His baseball experience,
legendary passion for the game and tremendous attitude will be a huge positive for our organization.”
In his position, Hatcher, 57, will devote time helping with player development as well as assisting the big league staff.
“It’s a great feeling being a Dodger again, it feels like I’ve come back home,” Hatcher said. “This is where my roots were
and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about professionalism. I’m excited about the
opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created by the new ownership. I couldn’t be
happier right now.”
Hatcher is best remembered for his role in the 1988 World Series in which he hit .368 (7-for-19) with two homers, five
RBI and five runs scored in five games.
Hatcher played 12 years, hitting a combined .280 with the Dodgers (1979-80, ’87-90) and Twins (1981-86) in 1,130
games as a first baseman, third baseman and outfielder.
He spent 13 seasons as the Angels’ hitting coach before being fired in May.
FOX Sports West
Dodgers hire Mickey Hatcher
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday that former big league infielder/outfielder and wellrespected hitting coach Mickey Hatcher has been named Special Assistant to the General Manager. Dodger General
Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.
“Mickey’s been a World Series champion both as a player and coach,” said Colletti. “His baseball experience, legendary
passion for the game and tremendous attitude will be a huge positive for our organization.”
In his new position, Hatcher, 57, will devote time helping with player development as well as assisting the Major League
staff.
“It’s a great feeling being a Dodger again, it feels like I’ve come back home,” said Hatcher. “This is where my roots were
and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about professionalism. I’m excited about the
opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created by the new ownership. I couldn’t be
happier right now.”
Hatcher is best remembered by Dodger fans for his starring role in the 1988 World Series. In that Fall Classic, Hatcher hit
.368 (7-for-19) with two homers, five RBI and five runs scored in five games, leading the Dodgers to the sixth World
Championship in franchise history. In all, the Ohio native played in the Majors for 12 years, hitting a combined .280 with
the Dodgers (1979-80, ’87-90) and Twins (1981-86) in 1,130 games as a first baseman, third baseman and outfielder.
Following his playing career, Hatcher coached and managed in the Dodger organization for Albuquerque (1991-92),
Great Falls (1995-97) and San Bernardino (1998). He also spent time as the Texas Rangers’ first base coach (1993-94).
After a brief stint on the Dodger coaching staff in 1998 (first base coach/hitting instructor), Hatcher began a run of 13
seasons as the Angels’ hitting coach (2000-2012), where he helped the club win a World Series (2002) and capture six
playoff berths. Under Hatcher, the Angels set several club offensive season records including batting average (.285 in
2009), hits (1,604, 2009), home runs (236, 2009), runs (883, 2009), RBI (841, 2009) and extra-base hits (517, 2002).
Following a standout career in both football and baseball at the University of Oklahoma, Hatcher was selected by the
Dodgers in the fifth round of the 1977 First-Year Draft. He and his wife, Patty, reside in Buena Park.
True Blue LA
Dodgers 6/26/12 Minor League Report - 6 Wins out of 7 Games Ain't Bad for a Tuesday
by Brandon Lennox on Jun 27, 2012 7:00 AM PDT in Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Report
Minor League Player of the Day – Darnell Sweeney - 3 for 3, 2 RBI's, 2 Runs, 2 SB's. The Dodgers may have gotten a steal
when the drafted Sweeney in the 13th round because some scouts thought he could have gone 10 rounds earlier if he'd
had a good Spring at Central Florida. The shortstop has hit in every game but one since joining the Raptors, and has
stolen 4 out of 5 bases.
AAA – The Isotopes had some fun in the sun on Tuesday as they muted the Sounds (Brewers) 7 to 3 in an afternoon
game. Albuquerque had just one extra base hit in this game, a double by Tim Federowicz, but it was the 10 singles that
really did the damage. Matt Angle went 2 for 5 with a pair of RBI's, and Brian Cavazos-Galvez also drove in 2 with a base
knock. Scott Van Slyke reached base 3 times with a single and 2 walks, while Alex Castellanos had 2 hits in 5 at bats. On
the mound, Stephen Fife picked up with win despite allowing 9 hits and 2 walks over 5 frames, mainly because only 3
runners came around to score. Cole St. Clair hurled a pair of scoreless innings, while Blake Johnson and Scott Rice
pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th, respectively.
AA – Allen Webster put together another solid game on Tuesday as he led the Lookouts to a 4 - 1 win over the Braves.
Webster allowed just 4 hits and 1 run over 7 innings while striking out 5, and over his last 10 outings (including 5 relief
appearances) Allen has a 1.50 ERA and a batting average against of just .168. Red Patterson pitched a scoreless 8th, then
Logan Bawcom rebounded from from a rough last outing with a hitless 9th for his 8th AA save. At the plate, Pedro Baez
drove in all 4 runs thanks to a big 3-run homer and a RBI ground out. Luis Nunez went 2 for 4 with a double, while J.T.
Wise also had a two-bagger.
HiA – The Quakes finally got their win over the Mavericks (Mariners), but their 5 - 2 victory came one day too late as this
game had no 1st half playoff implications. Rancho waited until the 7th before starting their scoring, and it began on an
RBI groundout after a C.J. Retherford triple (his 2nd hit of the night). In the 8th the Quakes batted around in rout to 4
more runs, highlighted by a pair of 2-run singles from Leon Landry and Chris O'Brien. Jon Michael Redding started this
game and allowed 7 hits over 6 innings, but only permitted 2 runs to score. Jordan Roberts recorded the win with two
perfect innings, and Eric Eadington picked up his 10th save with a scoreless 9th.
LoA – The Loons did a whole lot of nothing on Tuesday as Great Lakes lost to the Silver Hawks (Dbacks) 4 to 2. James
Baldwin's double was the only extra base hit of the night, and he also walked and stole his 27th base of the year, which
is good for 2nd best in the league. O'Koyea Dickson, who has struggled since earning MVP honors in the All Star Game,
went 0 for 3, while Angelo Songco, who has struggled all year, went 0 for 2. Raydel Sanchez made his first start of the
year and threw pretty well, allowing just 4 hits and 3 runs over 5 innings without issuing a walk. Matt Shelton struck out
4 over 2 frames but allowed a run, while Michael Thomas lowered his ERA to 1.46 with a scoreless inning.
Rookie Ogden – The Raptors improved to 7 and 2 on the young season as Ogden downed the Chukars (Royals) 6 to 3.
Leadoff man Darnell Sweeney had a perfect game at the plate and on the base paths as the shortstop went 3 for 3 with
two RBI's, two runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases. Ogden actually did not have an extra base hit in this contest, but
instead took advantage of 5 Chukar errors. Devin Shines' two singles made him the only other Raptor hitter with more
than one hit. Carlos De Aza had a solid game on the mound as he allowed just 2 earned runs in 5.2 innings of work. His
bullpen was excellent as as Craig Stem picked up the win with 1.1 scoreless innings, while 2012 8th round pick Scott
Griggs struck out the side in his professional debut. Sawil Gonzalez recorded his 2nd save of the year with a perfect 9th
that included 2 K's.
Rookie Arizona – The Arizona Dodgers improved to 5 and 0 with a 9 - 4 win over the Cubs. Starter Miguel Sulbaran had
another strong outing as he allowed just 2 runs over 5 frames and struck out 9. The 18 year old lefty also only walked 1.
Lindsay Caughel coughed up a few runs in relief, but Ronny Lugo and Samuel Taveras finished off the win with a
scoreless frame each. The light hitting Leo Rodriguez actually led the way at the plate with a single, a triple, and 3 RBI's,
while the rehabbing Noel Cuevas doubled twice. Paul Hoenecke continued his extremely hot start as he homered and is
still hitting .500 for the season.
DSL – The Dominican Dodgers won for the 7th time in 8 games on Tuesday, 10 to 6 over the Astros. Josmar Cordero
finally got tired of hitting singles as he went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's to lead the offensive surge. The red hot
Gerson Nunez, who is hitting .500 over his last 10 games, went 4 for 4 with 3 RBI's, while Yensys Capellan also drove in 3
despite recording just 1 single. On the mound Wander Beras struck out 8 over 5 innings and picked up the win, although
he did allow 5 runs (4 earned). Newcomer Luis De Paula threw a perfect inning in his professional debut, while Richard
De La Rosa recorded his 3rd save of the year.
Coming up – Zach Lee is expected to make his AA debut on Wednesday as he is the scheduled starter for the Lookouts.
John Ely will be looking for his 9th win for the Isotopes, while Brandon Martinez will try to improve upon his 3.89 ERA for
the Quakes. Joel Lima is being asked to start his first game of the season for the Loons, and Jake Hermsen is taking the
mound for the Raptors.
Minor League Transactions – Rookie Leagues: 12 round pick James Campbell has apparently signed as he has been
assigned to the Raptors. Faustino Oguisten also joined Ogden as he was promoted from Arizona. Two other 2012 picks
have joined the Arizona Dodgers, as Alan Garcia (22nd round) and Alfredo Unzue (32nd round) joined the club. Finally
Selme Angulo, the 27 year old Cuban catcher the Dodgers signed last week, has also been assigned to the Arizona
Dodgers.
Down To One: Dodgers Can't Score For Clayton Kershaw
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2012 10:09 PM PDT in Dodgers Game Recaps
Clayton Kershaw did something Tuesday night that he hadn't done since August 1, 2010: he allowed an earned run in
San Francisco. Two of them, in fact, as the Giants scored a pair of runs in the fourth inning to beat the listless Dodgers 20 in the second game of a three-game series at AT&T Park.
The Dodgers dropped their third straight game, dropped to 1-7 on their current road trip, and saw their lead in the
National League West shrink to just one game over the Giants. This feels like the steamroller scene in Austin Powers, as
the Dodgers have seen their demise coming straight at them yet can't seem to get out of their own way.
The Dodgers have had two disastrous trips to the Bay Area in the last eight days. They scored two runs and had eight hits
in three games in Oakland last week, and while they have improved to 12 hits in two games in San Francisco they have
yet to score this series.
The Dodgers haven't scored in their last 21 innings, dating back to Sunday.
Melky Cabrera led off the bottom of the fourth inning with his seventh home run of the year, which snapped a streak by
Kershaw of 35 2/3 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run in San Francisco. Two singles and a stolen base
gave the Giants a second run in the inning, and they threatened for more by loading the bases with one out.
But Kershaw was able to escape further damage by striking out pitcher Ryan Vogelsong.
Kershaw struck out eight in his six innings, but got hung with the loss thanks to those two runs. Vogelsong pitched seven
scoreless innings to pick up his seventh win of the season.
The Dodgers threatened with two runners on base in the seventh inning, but A.J. Ellis struck out and pinch hitter James
Loney flew out to center field to end the rally. Loney has no hits in his last 18 at-bats, dating back to June 16.
The last time the Dodgers were shutout in back-to-back games in San Francisco was 25 years ago, when the Giants beat
the Dodgers from August 15-16, 1987.
Up Next
The Dodgers can barely see through the blindfold, but send Chad Billingsley to the mound to face the firing squad in the
series finale on Wednesday afternoon. Tim Lincecum starts for the Giants, looking to make sure the scoreboard never
again shows him with an ERA that starts with a six.
Tonight's Particulars
Home Runs: Melky Cabrera (7)
WP - Ryan Vogelsong (7-3): 7 IP, 7 hits,
LP - Clayton Kershaw (5-4): 6 IP, 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts
Sv - Santiago Casilla (21): 1 IP, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Road Trip Rough Spots For Dodgers
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2012 3:43 PM PDT in Dodgers Pregame Notes
The Dodgers have a chance to end their road trip from hell on a relative high note with two more games left in San
Francisco against the Giants. With 13 runs and one win in six games, the offense has been a problem. During the current
road trip, Dodgers...
 ...third basemen (Juan Uribe 16 plate appearances, Elian Herrera four PA, Adam Kennedy three PA) are 1-
for-22 with a double, one RBI, a walk, and nine strikeouts.
 ...catchers (A.J. Ellis 17 PA, Matt Treanor seven PA) are 2-for-21 with no RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts.
 ...first basemen (James Loney 15 PA, Juan Rivera 11 PA) are 3-for-24 with a double, two walks, one RBI, and
two double plays.
 ...center fielders (Tony Gwynn Jr. 21 PA, Herrera three PA) are 4-for-22 with a double, two walks, and no
RBI.
Starting Lineups
Dodgers
Giants
SS Gordon (L)
RF Blanco (L)
3B Herrera (S)
2B Theriot
RF Ethier (L)
LF Cabrera (S)
1B Rivera
C
Posey
LF
Abreu (L)
CF Pagan (S)
2B Hairston
3B Sandoval (S)
CF Gwynn (L)
1B Belt (L)
C
Ellis
SS Arias
P
Kershaw (L)
P
Vogelsong
Game Time: 7:15 p.m.
TV: KCAL
MLB Gameday
Clayton Kershaw Looks For Another San Francisco Treat
by Eric Stephen on Jun 26, 2012 2:09 PM PDT in Dodgers Game Previews
After a brutal 1-6 start to their road trip, the Dodgers look to stop the bleeding on Tuesday night, and they turn to their
ace Clayton Kershaw, pitching against the Giants in a ballpark where he has had a ton of success.
In Kershaw's last four starts in San Francisco he has allowed one unearned run. He has a streak of not allowing an earned
run at AT&T Park in his last 32 2/3 innings, dating back to August 1, 2010.
Clayton Kershaw Career At AT&T Park
Date
Dec
IP
H
R
ER
BB
K
9/9/11
W
8.0
3
1
0
1
9
7/21/11
W
8.0
3
0
0
1
12
4/11/11
W
6.2
6
0
0
2
7
9/14/10
W
9.0
4
0
0
0
4
8/1/10
L
7.0
6
2
2
4
6
ND
1.0
2
0
0
1
0
Totals (4-1, 0.45 ERA) 39.2
24
3
2
9
38
9/28/08*
*Relief appearance; Source: Baseball-Reference.com
In his career Kershaw has started 40 different innings at AT&T Park, and the Giants have scored in two of them. But he
has had to pitch that well, as the Dodgers have scored just 10 runs in his five starts in San Francisco, including two or less
runs in four of those starts.
Sounds familiar.
Dodgers Hire Hatcher
Mickey Hatcher, who was fired by the Angels earlier this season after more than 12 years as their hitting coach, returns
to the organization that drafted him and for whom he played, won a World Series, and coached. The Dodgers on
Tuesday hired Hatcher as a special assistant to general manager Ned Colletti.
Hatcher will help with player development and assist the major league coaching staff.
"It’s a great feeling being a Dodger again, it feels like I’ve come back home," said Hatcher. "This is where my roots were
and where I was taught everything about the game and where I learned about professionalism. I’m excited about the
opportunity to meet everyone in the organization and about the energy created by the new ownership. I couldn’t be
happier right now."
Hatcher hit two home runs for the Dodgers while filling in for an injured Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series, and later
spent six seasons as a minor league coach and manager in the Dodgers' system.
"Mickey’s been a World Series champion both as a player and coach," said Colletti. "His baseball experience, legendary
passion for the game and tremendous attitude will be a huge positive for our organization."
Game Time: 7:15 p.m.
TV: KCAL
MLB Gameday
Is Zach Lee Moving On Up Quickly To AA?
by CraigMinami on Jun 26, 2012 11:00 AM PDT in Dodgers History & Records
Two years ago, Zach Lee was finishing high school and many thought he would be headed to LSU to play football. There
was that little thing about being the first round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers but media pundits wondered aloud if
this was just a stunt since Lee's price tag was supposed to be too high for the financially strapped team. But then on last
day he could sign, he did.
While that made for a dramatic moment, by signing in the middle of August, Lee would not be able to get in any
meaningful time in the minors that year, so his first professional season was in 2011 and he started in the Midwest
League and stayed there for the whole season. When 2012 began, he took the next step in Advanced A-Ball, playing in
the California League. As the All-Star break approached, he seemed to have settled in to the offensively-minded Cal
League and with 5 starters already in AA (not counting Nate Eovaldi who was promoted to LA in May), it didn't look like
Zach was leaving anytime soon.
But yesterday it was reported that Lee would be going East, kind of Southeast to Tennessee and pitch for the Lookouts
of Chattanooga. That is great news for Lee and it got me wondering, where he fits with the other Dodger minor league
pitchers of recent years, is Lee on a similar track or is it faster?
Below is a table showing some of the more well-known pitchers that Logan White and his team have drafted and signed
(one was signed as a free agent) and then developed in the Dodger system. This list doesn't include every pitcher drafted
by White who has gone on to pitch in the majors but it is a good reflection of the system since 2002.
Player
Draft Age Draft Year AA Age AA Year MLB Debut
Jonathan Broxton
17
2002
20
2005
2005
James McDonald
17
2002
22
2007
2008
Chad Billingsley
18
2003
19
2004
2006
Scott Elbert
18
2004
20
2006
2008
Clayton Kershaw
18
2006
19
2007
2008
Chris Withrow
18
2007
20
2009
Ethan Martin
18
2008
22
2011
A couple of notes about the list, outside of
McDonald, the pitchers drafted from 2002-2006
all pitched a number of games in Rookie League
ball the year that they signed. McDonald was a
draft and follow so he did not sign until 2003, he
did pitch Rookie Ball that year. Chris Withrow
pitched 9 innings in the Gulf Coast League in 2007,
got hurt prior to the 2008 season, ended up
pitching 4 innings that year. So with only 13
2011
professional innings pitched, to make the jump to
AA in 2009 was quite something though now after 3 more years there, his 326 IP there is much more than any other
pitcher on this list.
Josh Lindblom
Nate Eovaldi
Allen Webster
Matt Magill
Aaron Miller
Zach Lee
Chris Reed
Rubby De La Rosa
20
18
18
18
21
18
21
18
2008
2008
2008
2008
2009
2010
2011
2007
21
21
21
21
22
20
22
21
2008
2011
2011
2011
2010
2012
2012
2010
2011
2011
I did add Rubby De La Rosa on the list basically so no one would ask about his placement on the chart, but De La Rosa
didn't pitch full season minor league ball until 2010 when he went from the Midwest League to AA Chattanooga in one
year. There is no question that once he established himself he moved quickly but it still took 3 years after signing to
make it to AA.
Billingsley and Kershaw both pitched in AA at the end of their first full season in Minor League ball, technically so did
Withrow but his rise did take more than a year plus a few months after being drafted.
Zach Lee is the youngest Dodger minor-leaguer to make it to AA since Withrow but I see this move as an agressive more
similar to Billingsley and Kershaw. However, there are 5 starters already there in AA so it will be interesting to see what
happens, perhaps someone will move on or go to the bullpen.
I think Lee is not destined for a Big League call-up until September 2013 but once you get to AA, anything can happen.
AM 570 FOX Sports
Giants Blank Dodgers
San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - Ryan Vogelsong had another dominating home outing Tuesday and helped the
Giants further tighten the race against the sputtering Dodgers in the NL West.
The 34-year-old spun seven innings of shutout ball, while Melky Cabrera smacked a solo homer as part of a two-run
fourth inning, as San Francisco blanked Los Angeles for the second straight night, 2-0, in the middle test of a three-game
set.
It's the first time that the Giants have registered back-to-back home shutouts against the Dodgers since 1987.
Vogelsong (7-3) scattered seven hits and walked one for the Giants, who are just a game back of the Dodgers and have
won 12 of their past 17 home tilts against their fierce rivals.
"Pitching has been right on in this series," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Vogy (Vogelsong) is pretty amazing what
he has done and how consistent he's been...He knows what he's doing."
Since the start of the 2011 season, Vogelsong owns a sparkling 1.85 ERA at home. Only Jered Weaver (1.55) owns a
lower home ERA during that span.
A winner in each of his past four starts at AT&T Park, Clayton Kershaw (5-4) was charged with two runs on eight hits and
two walks in six innings for Los Angeles, which has dropped seven of its last eight contests.
"It's just a matter of us staying the course," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said of his team's struggles. "It's my job as a
manager that we don't panic."
The only runs in the game came in the fourth. Cabrera ripped a leadoff shot into the seats in left to give the Giants a 1-0
lead.
Buster Posey then singled and Angel Pagan grounded into a fielder's choice. Pagan swiped second and scored on Pablo
Sandoval's single to right. Brandon Belt followed with a double, but Kershaw was able to limit the damage from there.
After he intentionally walked Joaquin Arias to load the bases with one out, he struck out Vogelsong and Gregor Blanco to
end the threat.
Jeremy Affeldt tossed a 1-2-3 eighth and Santiago Casilla worked around a one- out walk in the ninth for his 21st save of
the season.
Game Notes: Kershaw had gone 6-0 with a 0.88 ERA in his last seven starts against San Francisco...The Giants were 1-for10 with runners in scoring position while Los Angeles was 0-for-5.
LAist
LAst Night's Action: Do the Dodgers Have a Little Blue Pill?
By Jimmy Bramlett in News on June 26, 2012 10:04 PM
San Francisco Giants LA Dodgers 2-0. "Beat LA! Beat LA!" It's a chant that the denizens of San Francisco bleet imploring
the Giants to beat the Dodgers at any cost. The chant makes no distinction as to whether the Dodgers are good or not.
It's not a "Dodgers Suck" chant. Just "Beat LA!"
These days, it doesn't take much to beat the Dodgers. Since going on the road last Monday, the Dodgers have been
batting .177 in seven games.So when Melky Cabrera led off the fourth inning with a home run against Clayton Kershaw,
the game was over. Just to emphasize the point, Kershaw gave up another run.
I'm not going into the thought processes of Giants fans. I'm not going to try and figure out why the SFPD felt the need to
go undercover as Dodger fans.
All I'll say is this is the same team and fanbase that rallied around a used thong underwear.
But that's neither here nor there.
The Dodgers are now batting .183 thanks to their seven hits in this game. But it led to a big fat goose egg, scoreless now
in 21 consecutive innings. And perhaps most ominously, the Dodgers hang on to a mere one-game lead in the division
over the Giants.
LA Angels defeat Baltimore Orioles 7-3. The Angels launched four homers against the Orioles pitching to make this game
a laugher. C.J. Wilson pitched seven innings giving up one run upping his record to 9-4.
Dodgers Nab Mickey Hatcher. More than a month after Albert Pujols fired Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, the
Dodgers scooped up the 57-year old ex-Dodger to be a "Special Assistant to the General Manager."
"It's a great feeling being a Dodger again," Hatcher said through a press release issued by the Dodgers. "It feels like I've
come back home."
Hatcher will help with player development and assisting the Major League staff.
Everyone remembers Hatcher's improbable output in the 1988 World Series hitting .368 with two homers in that fivegame series against the Oakland Athletics. Oh, and in his 13 seasons with the Angels he won another World Series win in
2002 or so.
Maybe he can inject some life in this dead offense.
TONIGHT'S ACTION
LA Dodgers at San Francisco Giants. 12:45 p.m. Prime Ticket, AM 570 KLAC.
LA Angels at Baltimore Orioles. 4:05 p.m. FSWest, AM 830 KLAA.
FOX Sports
Dodgers: Kemp a 'long shot' for ASG
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have all but ruled out injured slugger Matt Kemp for next month's All-Star Game in Kansas City
(July 10, 7:30 p.m. on FOX).
''It's a long shot at this point because he's not healthy,'' general manager Ned Colletti said Monday before the opener of
a three-game series at San Francisco.
The slugging center fielder is still recovering from a strained left hamstring that landed him on the disabled list for a
second time this season May 31. The 2011 NL MVP runner-up first missed time from May 14 to 29.
Manager Don Mattingly is supportive if Kemp wants to participate in the Home Run Derby, as Los Angeles' medical staff
has given him the go-ahead to do so.
Kemp said last week in Oakland he had discussed the Midsummer Classic with Mattingly and wants to make sure he is
fully healthy for the second half with NL West-leading Los Angeles.
''You wouldn't expect anything else out of anybody else,'' Colletti said of Kemp's team-first focus. ''We're talking about
All-Star games and things like that, it's tough for us to look into the future when we don't even have a rehab game
scheduled.''
Mattingly hopes Kemp might begin a rehab assignment before the break, but the thinking is the Dodgers will want Kemp
to return to playing big league games before clearing him to play in the All-Star Game, and there isn't much time left for
him to do both.
''I think he feels the same way,'' Mattingly said. ''He's not ready to play yet.''
Ideally, Kemp would play in five or six minor league games first. He leads the National League in votes, with his total at
3,322,009 in baseball's latest count. New NL numbers will be released Tuesday.
''As an organization we're kind of the bad guy in this,'' Mattingly said. ''That's the way it has to be.''
Kemp, who predicted in spring training he might just become the first player to ever hit 50 home runs and steal 50
bases, is batting .355 with 12 homers and 28 RBI in 36 games and has two stolen bases.
Mattingly left open the slim possibility of Kemp appearing in the All-Star game July 10 at Kauffman Stadium if he has
already returned to the Dodgers' lineup first.
''We talked about him playing for us before we get there, so if he's been able to do all that and play for us before the AllStar game ... we're talking about all this guessing when he's going to be ready,'' Mattingly said. ''It seems silly to me,
honestly. He's not ready to play yet, he's still going through the process of running bases and running curves. We're
talking about an All-Star Game, we're talking about practice.''
Second baseman Mark Ellis, recovering from left leg surgery, also is close to going on a rehab assignment and is
considered to be slightly ahead of Kemp, schedule-wise. He also is expected back in the lineup after the All-Star break.
Sporting News
Giants, D-backs close the NL West gap during Dodgers’ dip
Anthony Witrado, Sporting News
We knew better than to think this thing was over a month ago.
Given the NL West’s history over the past 10 or so years, no one believed the Los Angeles Dodgers would run away and
hide from the rest of the division, especially not after their best player, Matt Kemp, went back on the disabled list at the
end of May.
The division once again features one of the majors’ most intriguing races, with three teams separated by five games (and
with momentum favoring the hard-charging San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks).
DODGERS
On May 27, the Dodgers beat the Houston Astros to retain their 7 ½-game lead in the NL West. They had won 13 of their
past 17 games, had the majors’ best record and were the only team not to have lost three consecutive games. They also
were less than 48 hours from having Kemp back in their lineup after his first DL stint, having survived his absence with a
patchwork lineup.
That’s when things started to turn. The Milwaukee Brewers swept a four-game series at Dodger Stadium, and Kemp
reinjured his hamstring in his second game back from the DL. The Dodgers recovered, winning seven of their next nine
games, but they are 4-10 since then and their division lead has dissolved to one game. Meanwhile, Kemp still is at least
12 games away from returning.
The pitching hasn’t been great during this skid, but the offense has been historically bad. Los Angeles managed only
eight hits in three games in Oakland last week, the first time the franchise has had three or fewer hits in three
consecutive games since 1918. From June 19 through Tuesday, the team has gone 1-7, hit .183 (46-for-252) and scored
13 runs. The “designated hitters” went 2-for-23 with a homer in six interleague games during that stretch.
Monday’s matchup against Giants lefthander Barry Zito, who had lost his previous three outings, appeared to be just
what the doctor ordered. But Zito and two relievers shut out the Dodgers. On Tuesday, Ryan Vogelsong and two
relievers combined for another shutout.
After this set against San Francisco, Los Angeles will face the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Arizona
Diamondbacks, so things aren’t looking up.
GIANTS
While the Dodgers suffered their late-May/early-June skid, the Giants won nine of 11 to narrow their NL West deficit to
four games on June 7. But before smoking the Dodgers on Monday and outpitching them on Tuesday, San Francisco had
lost five of its previous eight games. Despite their inconsistent play, the Giants have narrowed the gap to a game.
Since the Barry Bonds era ended, San Francisco has relied heavily on pitching for its success, but the arms have
disappointed lately. Prior to the consecutive shutouts, the staff had a 7.17 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in its past five games (29th
in the majors in each category).
There is reason for hope, however. Zito pitched well Monday, and Tim Lincecum survived a first-inning meltdown in an
inspiring six-inning outing Friday in Oakland. The former ace had a 6.19 ERA entering that start and was on the verge of
being removed from the rotation.
Outside of those two, the Giants have one of the best starting trios in the league with Matt Cain (9-2, 2.27 ERA),
Vogelsong (7-3, 2.23) and Madison Bumgarner (9-4, 3.10). If Zito (6-5, 4.00) and Lincecum (2-8, 6.07) can improve even
slightly, the Giants can overtake the Dodgers—possibly by week’s end.
“Considering where we were (on May 27), it’s good to be in this situation,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Monday.
“There’s so much baseball left, but you’re where you want to be, and that’s right in the middle of things.”
DIAMONDBACKS
After surprisingly winning the division last season, Arizona was an afterthought on May 27 this season. The D-backs
trailed the Dodgers by 10 ½ games and Justin Upton, Chris Young and Stephen Drew were injured.
But the Diamondbacks are on a 14-7 surge and are one of the majors’ hottest-hitting teams. Since a June 1 loss in San
Diego, Arizona has improved its run differential from minus-23 to plus-17. From June 5 through Tuesday, the
Diamondbacks lead the majors with 106 runs scored and a .525 slugging percentage, and are second with a .296
average. Their 28 homers are tied for third.
“It’s like we just all woke up,” catcher Miguel Montero told The Arizona Republic.
A four-game winning streak, which ended Tuesday night in Atlanta, put Arizona within striking distance of the two teams
ahead of it in the NL West and helped to create what could be one of the best races in the second half.
Los Dodgers.com
Gigantes blanquean a los Dodgers
Por Josh Dubow / Associated Press
06/27/12 1:42 AM ET
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Vogelsong trabajó siete entradas, superando en un duelo a Clayton Kershaw por segunda vez en
esta campaña, y Melky Cabrera jonroneó, para llevar el martes a los Gigantes de San Francisco a una victoria de 2-0
sobre los Dodgers de Los Angeles.
Vogelsong (7-3) siguió los siete innings de blanqueada de Barry Zito en la victoria del lunes con su propia joya, marcando
además la primera vez que los Dodgers son blanqueados en partidos consecutivos en San Francisco desde 1987 y
segunda vez en la historia.
El jonrón de Cabrera para abrir el cuarto inning frenó en 35 2/3 innings su cadena sin tolerar carreras en San Francisco.
Pablo Sandoval añadió un sencillo productor para los Gigantes, que se acercaron a un juego de los líderes Dodgers en la
división oeste de la Nacional.
Kershaw (5-4) toleró solamente dos carreras y ocho hits en seis entradas.
Por los Gigantes, el Cabrera de 2-1, un jonrón. Los venezolanos Gregor Blanco de 4-1 y Sandoval de 4-1, una empujada.
El boricua Ángel Pagán de 4-0, una anotada.
Por los Dodgers, el dominicano Elián Herrera de 4-0. Los venezolanos Juan Rivera de 4-1 y Bobby Abréu de 3-0.
Hatcher se une a la gerencia de los Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
06/26/12 4:50 PM ET
LOS ANGELES - Los Dodgers anunciaron que el ex infielder/jardinero y respetado coach de bateo Mickey Hatcher ha sido
nombrado Asistente Especial del Gerente General Ned Colletti.
"Mickey ha sido campeón de la Serie Mundial tanto como jugador como coach", dijo Colletti en un comunicado. "Su
experiencia, legendaria pasión y tremenda actitud serán elementos positivos para nuestra organización."
Hatcher, de 57 años, dedicará su tiempo a desarrollar el talento de los jugadores de Los Angeles y a ayudar al cuerpo de
coaches del equipo grande.
"Es magnífico volver a ser un Dodger", dijo Hatcher. "Se siente como un regreso a casa."
Hatcher fue coach de bateo de los Angelinos de Los Angeles del 2000 al 2012, antes de ser despedido por el equipo de
Anaheim al principio de esta temporada.
Kemp estaría descartado para el All-Star
Associated Press
06/26/12 2:25 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO -- Los Dodgers casi descartan la participación de su guardabosque Matt Kemp en el Juego de Estrellas
en Kansas City.
"A estas alturas no hay muchas posibilidades, debido a que no está en salud", señaló el gerente general de Los Angeles,
Ned Colletti.
Kemp todavía no se ha recuperado de un desgarre en la corva izquierda que lo envió a la lista de incapacitados (el 31 de
mayo) por segunda vez en esta temporada. El jardinero también estuvo fuera de acción del 14 al 29 de mayo.
El dirigente Don Mattingly respaldará a Kemp si el toletero decide participar en el Festival de Jonrones, ya que el cuerpo
médico de los Dodgers le dio el visto bueno.
Kemp dijo la semana pasada en Oakland que había platicado con Mattingly acerca del Clásico de Media Temporada.
Quiere estar seguro de que esté completamente en salud para la segunda mitad de la temporada con los Dodgers,
actuales líderes de la División Oeste de la Liga Nacional.
"Creo que todos pensamos lo mismo", manifestó Mattingly. "Aún no está listo para jugar".
ESPN Deportes
Los Dodgers deben encontrar la química
Por Andy Kamenetzky, ESPNLosAngeles.com
LOS ÁNGELES -- La noción de "química" es curiosa en los deportes. Cuando ganas, todos celebran la química. Cuando
pierdes, no hay suficiente.
La química también entra en el debate del huevo y la gallina. ¿Es la química la que genera victorias o es al revés?
Asumiendo, por supuesto, que la química es más que apenas un cliché.
Los creyentes citan a esta variable como un ingrediente esencial en el éxito de equipo. Los escépticos lo ven como una
poco fundamentada conclusión, y rápidamente apuntan a los tricampeones Lakers, que ya todos sabemos no eran los
más unidos.
Sin embargo, la química tiene que tener un rol en los deportes, porque demasiados atletas utilizan esta palabra.
Don Mattingly es uno de los que compra este concepto.
"Honestamente, ya saben en lo que creo", respondió el mánager de Los Angeles Dodgers cuando le hice la pregunta.
"Creo en el poder de un grupo con un mismo objetivo y estando todos en la misma página".
En lo personal creo que la química se fortalece cuando un equipo está pasando un mal momento, aunque claro está que
ganar es más difícil que decir, "Apóyate en mí". El talento obviamente importa y mucho, pero en momentos de crisis la
química te puede ayudar a sobrevivir.
Los Dodgers se encuentran en posición para probar si mi teoría es correcta o no. A pesar de las lesiones a Matt Kemp,
Mark Ellis, Ted Lilly, de la naturaleza errática de Chad Billingsley y de la dependencia de jugadores no prbados como
Nathan Eovaldi y Elian Herrera, todavía siguen en control de la División Oeste de la Nacional, aunque esa ventaja se ha
reducido a un juego.
Su éxito ha sido un gran logro hasta el momento, pero han perdido ocho de los últimos 11 partidos, y totalizaron apenas
dos carreras en su serie ante Oakland. A esta altura, no es claro si podrán sobrevivir mucho tiempo más sin Matt Kemp,
quien regresaría después del Juego de las Estrelllas.
Aquí es donde la química realmente importa, o al menos eso es lo que Dodgers creen.
"Cuando no te cae bien la gente a tu alrededor, es difícil ir a trabajar contento", declaró Tony Gwynn. "Eso es normal en
cualquier trabajo. Cuando estás feliz, rindes mejor. Nosotros disfrutamos de nuestra compañía, y vamos a salir de este
difícil momento".
Agregó Lilly el domingo: "Siempre vas a pasar por momentos malos, y allí es dónde la química es el factor clave".
James Loney sabe diferenciar entre buena y mala química, puesto que estuvo aquí cuando llegó Manny Ramírez, y Jeff
Kent no interactuaba con nadie.
"Sí, creo que somos mucho más equipo que un par de años atrás", enfatizó Loney. "Tenemos un gran equipo, nos
apoyamos mutuamente".
El poder de esa química será evaluada de ahora en adelante.
The Wall Street Journal
Dodgers, Galaxy team up to draw L.A. fans
Storied baseball team, MLS champs cross-sell tickets
June 21, 2012|Sam Mamudi, MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — It’s a good time to be a sports fan in Los Angeles.
The Kings just won the Stanley Cup, the Galaxy are reigning Major League Soccer champions, the Clippers are relevant
for the first time in years and the Dodgers bounced back from bankruptcy and have the best record in baseball.
And this week, two of the city’s franchises are teaming up in a bid to bring on board the other club’s fans, offering
discounts and special offers to sweeten the deal.
It’s an approach rarely used in other cities, where franchises from different sports often consider themselves rivals for
sponsorships and ticket sales.
But not in L.A., where the Dodgers and Galaxy will host nights for each other at their stadia. It’s the first such team-up
between the clubs, though the Dodgers have in the past offered similar promotions with the Kings, which like the Galaxy
are owned by AEG Sports.
It’s the fourth year the Dodgers have teamed up in such a way with a local sports outfit, and the results have been
positive — 63% of those who bought tickets for similar promotions last year were new Dodger ticket buyers, according
to the club.
Overall attendance at Dodgers games dropped 18% as the team struggled and fans turned away from disliked owner
Frank McCourt. New ownership and a successful team this year have seen crowds up 10% to about 40,000 a game, sixth
in all of baseball. The Galaxy’s crowds average just over 22,000 a game, fourth in MLS but down about 5% from last year,
according to the MLS Attendance blog.
“I’m always asking myself, what can I do to get the Dodger brand into the mind of all Los Angeles sports fans?” said
David Siegel, senior director of ticket sales at the Dodgers. “Our target is the Los Angeles sports fan...[and] we think
there’s definitely an overlap there with fans of other L.A. franchises.”
In previous years, the Dodgers have teamed up for similar deals with the University of Southern California, University of
California, Los Angeles, the Clippers, Kings and MLS team Chivas USA.
“We want to introduce our team and our sport to fans of other teams,” said Siegel.
Saturday night will be Dodger Night at the Galaxy’s Home Depot Center, and there will be an L.A. Galaxy Night at Dodger
Stadium on July 30.
The cross-promotion will see discounted tickets to Saturday’s Galaxy game for Dodger fans, as well as a unique cobranded Dodgers and Galaxy scarf for the first 500 buyers. Galaxy night at Dodger Stadium will see special ticket — and
concessions — offers, a limited signed photograph of Galaxy and U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan and a pre-game
autograph session with Galaxy players.
“We’re using local sports brands to extend our marketing reach without having to spend a lot of money,” said Kelly
Cheeseman, senior vice president of ticket sales and services at AEG Sports.
Cheeseman said last year’s cross-promotion between the Dodgers and the Kings saw 900 Kings fans buy tickets for the
Dodger game and 500 Dodger fans buy tickets to a Kings game.
USA Today
Missing Dodgers fan may have fallen into S.F. Bay
By Scott Boeck
The search for a missing baseball fan who attended Monday's rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San
Francisco Giants was called off Tuesday, according to a San Francisco Fire Department spokeswoman.
A 27-year old hispanic man, wearing a blue Dodgers jacket, may have fallen off San Francisco's Piers 30-32 into the bay
nearby AT&T Park, police said.
A massive rescue attempt by San Francisco police, fire boats and a Coast Guard helicopter searched the water near the
pier until Tuesday afternoon.
A friend told police he was in the car texting when the man stepped out of the car and walked towards the pier. When
he looked up, the man was gone and he believed he fell into the water.
"He did not witness the fall," said Fire Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge. "It was dark and I don't know if he
could swim. If you are wearing clothes, you can get waterlogged pretty quickly.
"The tide was moving pretty quickly," she said. "He could have gotten dragged out a ways (into the Bay (or got caught on
something (under water)."
Talmadge said there was no sign of foul play.