LOS ANGELES DODGERS CLIPS
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012
ESPN.COM
Behind the Dodgers' success
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com
When Los Angeles Dodgers starter Chris Capuano stares in for the sign from catcher A.J. Ellis and they
decide whether to go with the fastball, changeup or curve, an additional, subconscious thought flashes
across the 60 feet, 6 inches that separate them:
In light of all the obstacles they've endured, they're fortunate to even be in the major leagues right now.
Both are well-spoken, engaging and thoughtful college graduates. Capuano, valedictorian of his high
school class in Massachusetts, has an economics degree from Duke University, where he was a Phi Beta
Kappa. Ellis, who has a bachelor's in communications with a minor in creative writing from Austin Peay
State University, joins George Sherrill and Shawn Kelley of Seattle and Matt Reynolds of Colorado as one
of four former Governors players in the big leagues.
Get beyond their curriculum vitae to the unspoken parts of their résumés, and you'll find that Capuano
is an erstwhile medical train wreck and Ellis is a career minor league backup who spent four years at
Triple-A before landing his big break. Both players are longer on perseverance than raw tools. But where
would the Dodgers be without them?
Matt Kemp's march to a National League MVP award has been stalled by a hamstring injury; Ted Lilly is
out with a shoulder injury; and the Dodgers rank 14th in the NL with 41 homers. On the way to a major
league-best 36-21 record, they've gotten welcome contributions from Aaron Harang, Josh Lindblom,
Jerry Hairston Jr., Elian Herrera and Los Angeles Angels refugee Bobby Abreu, among others.
But no one has surpassed expectations for manager Don Mattingly more than the team's surgically
repaired lefty and terminally underappreciated catcher.
Although Capuano has hit a speed bump in his past two starts, with back-to-back mediocre outings
against the Rockies and Phillies, he's 8-2 with a 2.82 ERA and a .203 batting average against this season.
He reeled off eight straight quality starts at one point and threw 24 2/3 straight scoreless innings in April
and May while relying on a fastball that averages a tick under 88 mph. That's faster than the No. 1
thrown by Bruce Chen, Mark Buehrle and Barry Zito, but still ranks among the pokiest heaters in the
majors.
"Everybody knows what a smart guy Chris is,'' Ellis says. "He really studies and spends time in the video
room breaking things down. But when he gets on the mound, he does a great job of pitching with a clear
head. He doesn't overthink things. That can be a problem with more cerebral guys. He just gets the sign
and goes.''
Ellis, a walking machine, ranks fourth in the majors with a .425 on-base percentage and has reached
base safely in 43 of 45 games. He has thrown out 42.5 percent of opposing base stealers (17-of-40) and
combined with backup catcher Matt Treanor to get the most out of a Dodgers staff that ranks second in
the majors with a 3.26 ERA combined.
"I felt comfortable with him very quickly in the spring,'' Capuano says of Ellis. "He went out of his way to
ask questions and catch my bullpens and learn what I like to throw and what my strengths are. He does
more scouting of hitters than any catcher I've played with. I can just relax and execute pitches, knowing
he has a good idea of our game plan.''
Cheap sign
Ellis, 31, is a native of Cape Girardeau, Mo., the birthplace of Rush Limbaugh. In 1912, his greatgrandmother was scheduled to emigrate from Eastern Europe to America for an arranged marriage but
arrived too late to catch the passenger liner across the Atlantic. That turned out to be a good thing,
since the vessel in question was the Titanic. She later caught another ship and made it to Indiana for the
wedding.
After setting a school record with 263 hits at Austin Peay, Ellis received a $2,500 bonus from the
Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 draft. "Grocery money,'' he calls it. He figured it might be neat to
spend two or three years in the minors and have professional baseball on his résumé before moving on
to a career as a teacher and coach.
But Ellis gradually found a niche as a reliable backup catcher. During his 2004 season in Vero Beach, Fla.,
top prospect Russell Martin started four of every five games behind the plate and Ellis caught hotshot
pitcher Chad Billingsley every fifth day. He laughs when recalling a conversation he once had with
former Vero Beach manager Scott Little.
"He asked me, 'Why do you think you're catching Chad?''' Ellis says. "I said, 'Because you want me to
mentor him and shepherd him.' And he said, 'No, you're catching Chad because when he's pitching, we
don't need much offense and I don't need Russell to play.'''
Ellis thought his career was on the move when he hit .346 in the Arizona Fall League in 2006. But the
next season in Double-A ball, he glanced up at the scoreboard in Knoxville, Tenn., and saw a big fat .160
batting average staring back at him. When his manager, John Shoemaker, summoned him to his office,
Ellis thought he was about to be demoted or released. Instead, Shoemaker told Ellis he was pressing and
ordered him to refrain from all baseball-related activities for two days to clear his head. Ellis had
permission to shag fly balls and watch games from the dugout and nothing more.
He emerged from his hiatus with a fresh, new mindset. "I was back in the lineup the third day, and it
wasn't a job or a grind anymore,'' Ellis says. "I was excited to play. That moment made me realize that
baseball is supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be a game. And when you try to take control of things
you have no control over, you're done.''
In parts of nine minor league seasons, Ellis racked up more walks (336) than strikeouts (283) and logged
an impressive .406 on-base percentage. But he had to fight for every scrap. When the Dodgers sent him
to the minors last year because he still had options and wouldn't have to clear waivers, his frustration
boiled over and he expressed his displeasure to the manager.
"He felt like he was ready,'' Mattingly says. "He was pissed, to be honest. He said, 'You're sending the
wrong guy out.'
"I like the fact that he stood up for himself. A.J. has always been the kind of guy who'll take it and do the
right thing and say the right thing, but it was like he said, 'I've had enough. I can play here.' He's hard to
sell short, because he goes to great lengths to be good.''
Ellis learned a lot about catching from former teammate Brad Ausmus during the 2009 and 2010
seasons and improved his offense through countless hours in the batting cage with former Dodgers
coach Jeff Pentland. Three years ago, Mattingly recalls, Ellis could barely hit the ball over the fence in
batting practice. This year he has six homers and a .487 slugging percentage.
Medical marvel
In contrast to Ellis, Capuano was an accomplished big leaguer by age 25. He went 18-12 for the
Milwaukee Brewers in 2005 and made the All-Star team the following year before going on a Chad Foxcaliber medical odyssey. Capuano endured two Tommy John surgeries, a surgery on his right (nonthrowing) shoulder and a torn labrum in his hip.
Two springs ago, Capuano suffered a setback and stayed behind in Arizona when the Brewers broke
camp. Rather than lament his fate, he stepped back, took stock of his life and gave himself an attitude
adjustment. When he accepted the possibility that his arm might never fully recover, it was almost
liberating.
"It was like a weight off my shoulders,'' Capuano says. "Since then I've had a much different perspective
on my baseball life, and a healthier one. I realized, 'Hey, this could end tomorrow, and I'm OK with that. I
have a great family, I love my wife and I'll have other opportunities. I'll be OK without baseball.' It makes
me appreciate every day that I have here.''
Capuano regained much of his arm strength in 2010 with the help of former Milwaukee pitching coach
Rick Peterson's long-toss regimen, and he parlayed his 11-12 record and 186 innings with the Mets last
season into a two-year, $10 million, free-agent contract with the Dodgers. His changeup has always
been a weapon, and he has benefited from the addition of a cut fastball to his repertoire and a new
curveball grip that he picked up from minor league coach Glenn Dishman in spring training.
Regardless of his velocity, Capuano has never lacked for resourcefulness.. "He's a tough guy to scout,''
Mattingly says, "because he gives you so many different looks.''
Capuano gave up three home runs to the Phillies on the way to his eighth victory of the season
Wednesday. But at this stage of his career, he's not about to get flustered by a so-so night at the park.
Two elbow reconstructions have a way of changing a man's thinking.
"I don't look back and think, 'Boy, if I didn't have the injuries, I could have been this or that,''' Capuano
says. "I'm almost thankful I had them. As a player and a person, I feel like I'm in such a better place now.
I'm more confident, and I don't sweat the stuff I used to. I didn't think baseball could be this much fun.
It's been amazing.''
Capuano maintains a firm grip on that sentiment with every 86 mph fastball he throws. And if he ever
forgets how lucky he is to be pitching for a contender, the presence of Ellis throwing down signs jogs
him back to reality. They're just two baseball survivors, drawing strength from each other as a longlasting battery.
Don Mattingly showing he's a leader
By Tim Kurkjian | ESPN The Magazine
Ruben Sierra took a long time to circle the bases after hitting his first home run as a New York Yankee in
1995. Then-Yankees manager Buck Showalter was not pleased, and prepared to talk to Sierra as soon as
he reached the dugout. Yankees first baseman/captain Don Mattingly looked at Showalter and said, "I've
got this.'' So Mattingly walked with Sierra up the tunnel that leads to the clubhouse, and privately -- so
not to embarrass him in front of teammates -- told Sierra that his deliberate tour of the bases was not
the way the Yankees play.
That's how Mattingly played the game, few played it better, and no one played it more correctly, more
professionally and more passionately than Mattingly. Now he's becoming as good as a manager as he
was a player, using the same principles, fundamentals and the same intensity and integrity. He needed
all of that last season to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers to 82 victories during a season dominated by
ownership turmoil. And he has needed every bit of that this season as he has led the Dodgers to the
best record in the major leagues despite having to use the disabled list 16 times, including twice for star
center fielder Matt Kemp.
"He is unbelievable," Dodgers outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. said. "He is such a great communicator, and
communication is the most important part to managing. Even though he was a great player, he is one of
two managers I've had that haven't forgotten how hard the game is to play. When you are going
through a slump, he knows what you're going through. He is always on your side, but he is firm. He's not
a yeller, but he'll let you know what is on his mind, but he will do it in a way that makes sure he doesn't
disrespect you."
Dodgers utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. is with his ninth team. He has played for all kinds of managers, and
says of Mattingly, "He is so impressive. He was a great player, he played in a big market in New York, so
he can relate [to] the stars of this team, Matt Kemp and Andre [Ethier] and Clayton [Kershaw]. But he
can also relate to the 25th man on the team. He understands all the ups and downs that all players go
through. I was blown away by that."
Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon began the season as the leadoff hitter, but struggled so badly, Mattingly
sat him down for a few games, then dropped him to eighth in the batting order.
"He talked to me about it before he did it, I trust him with everything he does, I listen to every word he
says," Gordon said. "I know he was doing it with the team first in his mind."
Winning, and team, has always come first with Mattingly. He plays the part well of the naive, small-town
guy from Evansville, Ind., the hick from the Midwest trying to figure out the big city. But he is so much
more than that. He is really smart, and he has an edge to him. He is so observant, having kept his eyes
open for all those years while playing for Billy Martin, Lou Piniella and Showalter, and being the bench
coach for Joe Torre with the Yankees and Dodgers.
"The most important part of managing is this: When there is an issue, let's get to it right away, right
now," Mattingly said. "If I see something in your eyes, I know something is wrong, so let's sit down and
talk about it. There's usually a sense of relief when you're done."
In the winter of 2011, before spring training began, Mattingly called reliever Jonathan Broxton, who had
struggled mightily down the stretch in 2010, and told him, "You are my closer. Period.'' In spring training
2011, Mattingly's first spring training as a big league manager, he sat Kemp down and explained to what
was needed of him. Kemp had exceptional ability, of course, but he was coming off a subpar season.
Mattingly told Kemp, "If you're not interested in playing defense, then you're not interested in winning.
If you're not interested in getting a secondary lead, you're not interested in winning." Kemp got the
message, and went out and had one of the best seasons in the history of the Dodgers.
Mattingly said the biggest lesson he learned from Torre "is that it's a really, really long season. And you
have to manage your team that way. Like right now, I have to give [two veteran players] Jerry [Hairston
Jr.] and Bobby [Abreu] a day off now and then to keep them fresh so I'll have them for later in the
season. It's not easy to do that now with all the injuries, but you have to. But at some point you'll have
to play them when they need a rest."
Dodgers utility man Adam Kennedy is with his sixth team, and he said of Mattingly, "I sit on the bench a
lot, and I watch him during the games. He is very impressive. You can tell how the dugout is run, and
where it comes from. It's a good place to be because of him."
With all of the Dodgers' injuries, Mattingly has had to change his lineup daily. He smiled and said,
"Making out the lineup takes a little more time than it used to," but I take it as a challenge, not an
excuse. Mattingly has hit Kennedy fourth in the lineup this year, and he also hit Hairston cleanup for the
first time in his career. "Obviously it's not ideal when I'm hitting fourth -- not that I can't do it -- but he
has to mix and match every day with all the guys that we have out of the lineup," Hairston said. "I just
hope he puts me back in the three-hole: I went 5-for-5 there."
“The most important part of managing is this: When there is an issue, let's get to it right away, right
now. If I see something in your eyes, I know something is wrong, so let's sit down and talk about it.
There's usually a sense of relief when you're done. ” -- Don Mattingly
In order to better prepare to be a manager, Mattingly did something unusual: After being named
Dodgers manager after Torre resigned after the 2010 season, Mattingly went to manage in the Arizona
Fall League, an invaluable experience. "I was sitting on the bench, managing the game, and it occurred
to me that if I thought about each situation as if I was a player, it would help me as a manager," he said.
"When I would play first base, and it was in the late innings, and up came a guy that liked to pull the ball,
and the pitcher was throwing a cutter, I guarded the line a little more to prevent a double. Once I
started thinking that way as a manager, I was much more prepared to handle the strategy of the game."
No player has played the game more intelligently than Mattingly, and no one played it with more
conviction. On the final day of the 1987 season, on a cold, rainy Sunday at Yankee Stadium, Mattingly
took batting practice on the field, just him and one of the coaches, at 9 a.m. There was nothing to be
won that day, there was no batting title at stake, but Mattingly, hitting .327 at the time, was out there
anyway. When asked later why he was hitting alone that day, in the cold and rain, a day before heading
home, he said, "I had some terrible swings yesterday. I couldn't go home swinging the bat like that."
In 1995, when Mattingly was in the final year of his career, a career that was shortened by a back injury,
he went to Showalter and told him to get him out of the No. 4 spot in the order, he no longer deserved
to hit fourth, and he was hurting the team. So, Showalter moved him down in the order. Later that year,
Mattingly told Showalter that the Yankees needed to go get another first baseman because he wasn't
providing what the Yankees needed at that position. In that offseason, they made a trade with the
Seattle Mariners for Tino Martinez, who went on to win four world championship rings with the
Yankees, four more than Mattingly won.
Now he is trying to bring the Dodgers their first world championship since 1988. He is 51 now, and he
"loves being a manager." You walk into his office, and there is always a sense of calm, no matter what is
going on, no matter who is hurt that day.
"Donnie is so good at this," Dodgers bench coach Trey Hillman said. "I've told him, 'I am here to help you
with whatever you need. If you want me to deliver a difficult message for you, I will.' He looked at me
and said, 'No, I will deliver all the difficult messages. That's my job.'"
Tommy Lasorda out of hospital
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was released from a New York
hospital Thursday morning, three days after suffering a mild heart attack.
A Dodgers spokesman said Thursday in Philadelphia that no further update was available, adding only
that the 84-year-old Lasorda will spend a few more days in New York before returning to Los Angeles.
He was hospitalized at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, where a
stent was inserted to clear a blocked artery.
He was representing the Dodgers at the Major League Baseball draft.
He is in his sixth decade working for the Dodgers organization, starting out as a pitcher when the team
was still in Brooklyn.
He guided the Dodgers to 1,599 victories and won the World Series in 1981 and 1988, the team's past
two titles. Lasorda retired as manager in 1996 after suffering a heart attack.
Dodgers complete first four-game sweep in Philadelphia since 1946
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- This was one nifty day for Aaron Harang and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was simply
more of the same for the sliding Philadelphia Phillies.
Harang pitched six effective innings to earn his 100th career victory and the Dodgers won 8-3 Thursday
to complete their first four-game sweep at Philadelphia in 66 years.
Juan Rivera, Jerry Hairston Jr., Matt Treanor and James Loney had two hits apiece for the Dodgers, who
had not swept a four-game series at Philadelphia since Brooklyn accomplished the feat from May 24-26,
1946, according to STATS LLC.
Manager Don Mattingly was not aware of the significance of the sweep until told by reporters
afterward, and acknowledged it was "pretty cool."
"We really just got the momentum going here," he said.
Los Angeles, which improved its major league-best record to 37-21, scored three runs in the sixth to take
a 4-3 lead, then broke it open with four more runs in the ninth.
The last-place Phillies (28-31) have dropped a season-high six straight games. They are 12-19 at Citizens
Bank Park for the worst home mark in the NL.
Asked about his frustration level, manager Charlie Manuel said: "I never put it up to a level. I just feel
how hot my face gets." And it is, he said, "pretty damn hot."
He also said that while teams used to fear facing the Phillies in their cozy ballpark, that is no longer the
case.
"We don't scare (anybody)," he said.
The Phillies have been beset by injuries, notably to Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Roy Halladay. But
infielder Ty Wigginton said: "That's just an excuse, in my mind."
"I think we're a better team," outfielder Shane Victorino said. "We've all got to get a gut check, including
myself."
Harang (5-3) allowed three runs and eight hits while improving to 100-97 in 11 seasons.
"Early on I was getting swings and misses from my fastball," he said. "Later I just tried to work on
location. Fortunately I got some quick outs and kept my pitch count down."
Cole Hamels (8-3) also pitched six innings for the Phillies, yielding four runs, three earned, and six hits.
The left-hander struck out six and walked one while dropping to 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in six career starts
against Los Angeles.
Hamels carried a 3-1 lead into the sixth, but he couldn't hold off the Dodgers, who have won five of six
overall.
Elian Herrera started the rally with a leadoff walk and Rivera followed with a single. Loney drove in
Herrera with a one-out base hit, and Tony Gwynn Jr. and Treanor added two-out RBI singles. Treanor's
tiebreaking hit was a broken-bat flare to left.
Los Angeles added four runs in the ninth against Chad Qualls. Herrera hit a run-scoring grounder with
the bases loaded that second baseman Mike Fontenot booted for one of Philadelphia's three errors.
Andre Ethier stopped an 0-for-16 slide with a two-run double, and Hairston followed with an RBI single.
Philadelphia took a 3-0 lead in the third following throwing errors by Alex Castellanos in right and
Herrera at third. Hunter Pence hit an RBI grounder as Herrera threw wildly to the plate. Wigginton
delivered a sacrifice fly and Fontenot had a run-scoring bloop single.
Wigginton, starting at third base in place of injured Placido Polanco, misplayed consecutive grounders by
Herrera and Rivera starting the fourth, leading to Hairston's sacrifice fly.
Game notes
The Phillies recalled INF-OF Michael Martinez from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the roster spot vacated
when 2B Freddy Galvis was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower-back strain. ... The Phillies
open interleague play Friday night in Baltimore, with Joe Blanton (4-6) opposing Jake Arrieta (2-7). ...
The Dodgers send Nathan Eovaldi (0-2) to the mound Friday night in Seattle, against Kevin Millwood (35). ... The Phils announced that retired catcher Mike Lieberthal will be added to the team's Wall of Fame
during ceremonies before the Aug. 10 game against St. Louis. ... The announced attendance was 44,096,
the Phils' 235th consecutive regular-season sellout. ... Paula Abdul danced with the Phillie Phanatic on
the field after the fifth inning.
Bob Wolfe to Dodgers
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -- Bob Wolfe, who worked with new Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten
with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, has joined Los Angeles as executive vice president.
The Dodgers announced the move Thursday. Kasten brought Wolfe to the Nationals, where he served as
executive vice president from 2006 to 2011. He also worked with Kasten in various capacities with the
Braves and the NBA's Atlanta Hawks for more than 20 years, including serving as the Braves' senior vice
president of administration from 1992-2003.
Kasten said in a statement that Wolfe's experience and skill in making improvements will be welcome in
Los Angeles.
The team said in the statement that Wolfe's expertise in baseball and facility management includes
stadium development and operations, finance and administration and minor-league business
operations.
DODGERS.COM
Dodgers sweep to hand Harang 100th career win
By Jake Kaplan / MLB.com | 6/7/2012 6:33 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA --- The Dodgers arrived in the City of Brotherly Love having lost six of seven and were
facing the prospect that their early-season magic might be coming to an end.
Not the case.
As Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said after Thursday's 8-3 win over the Phillies: "Momentum's
scary."
The Dodgers set the tone early in their series against the five-time defending National League East
champions and held the momentum throughout, completing the franchise's first four-game sweep in
Philadelphia.
"It's huge," said starting pitcher Aaron Harang, who won his 100th career game on Thursday.
"People were thinking 'Oh, this is the turning point. This is where they're going to falter. They've lost
some games.' That's not what this team is about. [We] want to be out here, and they're going to play
until the final out is made each game. Just keep grinding it out."
The Dodgers improved to a Major League-best 37-21. They won three one-run games, then battled
through another game on Thursday that was close until the ninth inning. The Dodgers' fourth straight
win sends the Phillies (28-31) on a nine-game road trip with a season-high sixth consecutive loss.
Two hours before the game, Mattingly was asked what his club had to do to have success off Phillies
left-hander Cole Hamels, who was undefeated in nine previous starts against Los Angeles.
The keys, Mattingly said, included having the Dodgers' starting pitcher keep the game close, but he
cautioned that it would be tough if they fell behind by three or four runs. That is exactly what happened,
as the Dodgers trailed by three early in Thursday's matinee.
Los Angeles didn't fold, however, and after scoring in the fourth, it battled back to take a 4-3 lead with a
three-run sixth inning. After Elian Herrera walked to lead off the frame and Juan Rivera singled, James
Loney hit a one-out single to plate a run. Tony Gwynn Jr. and Matt Treanor followed with two-out
singles to push the Dodgers ahead by a score.
"You kind of see a win in one hand and see it evaporate," said Hamels, whose record fell to 8-3. "They
have a good team, and they've got players that are playing really well. But at the same time, they're
missing some of their big guys. You have to be able to jump all over a team when they're missing their
All-Stars, their MVPs, their guys."
Harang, now the 35th active pitcher to win at least 100 games, allowed three runs on three hits in the
third, but he was not helped by two errors. After that inning, though, he settled down. Those were the
only runs the veteran right-hander allowed in six innings, improving to 5-3 this season with a 3.95 ERA.
"We didn't play very good defense for him [in the third]," said Treanor, who went 2-for-4 with the RBI
single. "He came in pretty fired up and went back out there refocused and gave us some good innings. It
was a good outing by him."
After the Dodgers took the lead, Jamey Wright pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings, garnering
praise from his manager.
"Jamey was outstanding," Mattingly said. "Today, he was dirty. His ball was moving good. When he's
throwing strikes, he's tough."
Neither club scored in the seventh or eighth, but Los Angeles put the game out of reach in the ninth
inning, scoring four runs off reliever Chad Qualls.
The Dodgers' clubhouse was full of life following their latest win, and Treanor said it's a great feeling to
hop on the flight to Seattle riding a four-game sweep.
"The good feeling we have about the way we're playing's going to carry over, and that confidence,"
Mattingly said. "But you're not going to really have any momentum against the next club. It's gonna
start all over, so [starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi] has a chance to set the tone for the series tomorrow
night, and we'll see what happens."
Ethier snaps out of funk on 'calm-down' day
By Jake Kaplan / MLB.com | 06/07/12 5:28 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA -- Mired in an 0-for-12 skid, Andre Ethier was supposed to have sat on Thursday, in what
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly called a "calm-down day."
But Ethier, who entered the game in the eighth inning to play right field, ended up breaking open a close
game when he batted the next inning. The Dodgers beat the Phillies, 8-3, to finish their first four-game
sweep in Philadelphia. Ethier replaced Juan Rivera in the third spot of the order, and he came up fifth in
the ninth. The bases were loaded when he walked to the plate, and his single scored two runs. Ethier
took second after the ball was deflected by first baseman John Mayberry, then he took third as Elian
Herrera was thrown out at the plate. Ethier scored on Jerry Hairston's single one batter later.
The outfielder has played in all but one of the Dodgers' 58 games.
"Mentally, it's a grind, man, trying to get ready to play every day," Mattingly said before Thursday's
game. "As you get in that grind, then some days you just get worn down and you just need that mental
break."
Ethier's two RBIs gave him a National League-leading 48, but he was hitless with four strikeouts in the
first three games of the series.
Mattingly also said he's planning to give Ethier a chance to serve as the designated hitter in the Dodgers'
upcoming series in Seattle, which starts Friday, to save his legs a bit.
On fourth day of sweep, Jansen rests
PHILADELPHIA -- Closer Kenley Jansen was not available in the Dodgers' 8-3 win over the Phillies on
Thursday. Jansen pitched the ninth inning and earned the save in each of the first three games of the
series.
"Yeah, we won't use him today," manager Don Mattingly said prior to the game.
On the season, the 24-year-old right-hander finished the day 4-0 with a 2.20 ERA and nine saves.
If the Dodgers were to get into a save situation on Thursday, Mattingly said he would decide who would
pitch based on matchups.
Dodgers have edge over Phils in tight games
PHILADELPHIA --- The Dodgers and Phillies played their fifth straight one-run game on Wednesday, and
their third of the current four-game set. All three times, the Dodgers prevailed.
Los Angeles, which still owns Major League Baseball's best record at 37-21, is 16-9 in one-run games this
season. The Dodgers broke open a one-run game in an 8-3 win on Thursday with a four-run ninth inning.
Manager Don Mattingly attributed part of his club's success in close games to the Dodgers' steady
bullpen, which is made up of mostly first- or second-year Major Leaguers and a few veterans. Los
Angeles' bullpen has allowed just one run in eight innings in the current series against Philadelphia.
"I think it tells that our bullpen's pretty solid, where we've been able to -- when we get to that seventh
inning, and you've gotten past your starter and you're in a one-run game, you're basically relying on
your bullpen to hold it. And they've been pretty good," Mattingly said.
Worth noting
• The Dodgers swept a four-game series in Philadelphia for the first time in team history.
• Aaron Harang earned the win on Thursday, giving him 100 in his career. He is the 35th active pitcher to
reach that mark.
LA TIMES
Dodgers' 8-3 win completes sweep of Phillies
By Dylan Hernandez
June 7, 2012, 10:07 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA — Walking out of the showers with a towel wrapped around his waist, Matt Kemp
shouted over the music that blared in the clubhouse.
"That was sick!" Kemp barked. "You guys are fun to watch! That was sick! That was sick!"
His smile was as broad as his voice was loud.
Improbably and inexplicably, the Dodgers won again on Thursday, completing a four-game sweep of the
Philadelphia Phillies with an 8-3 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
It was the first four-game series sweep for the Dodgers in Philadelphia since their move to Los Angeles
from Brooklyn in 1958.
How they did it defied reason.
They were down, 3-0, after three innings with All-Star Cole Hamels on the mound for the Phillies.
The Dodgers' bullpen was depleted, as closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Josh Lindblom were
unavailable for the day — Jansen having appeared in the three previous games and Lindblom in three of
the previous four.
Kemp, who is on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, remained in a cheerleading role. Their other
All-Star outfielder, Andre Ethier, was given a day off. Catcher A.J. Ellis was also resting, recovering from a
bruised left shin.
The Dodgers' first four runs were driven in by Jerry Hairston Jr., James Loney, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Matt
Treanor.
"You mean not the marquee players?" Treanor, who started in place of Ellis, asked with a laugh.
The Dodgers capitalized on two errors by Phillies third baseman Ty Wigginton, which put runners on the
corners in the fourth inning. A sacrifice fly by Hairston got the Dodgers to within 3-1.
Hairston was batting cleanup for only the second time in his 15-year major league career. The first time
was on Friday in Colorado.
The Dodgers took the lead in the sixth inning. Elian Herrera drew a lead-off walk from Hamels. That was
followed by a single from Juan Rivera. Herrera scored on a single by Loney. Gwynn singled in Rivera, and
Treanor knocked in Loney.
Up 4-3, the Dodgers handed the ball to Jamey Wright, who hadn't pitched since appearing in mop-up
duty six days earlier.
"I didn't feel great," Wright said. "I think I threw one curveball for a strike."
But Wright's cutters and sinkers were moving. He pitched two scoreless innings.
Taking advantage of another defensive miscue by the Phillies — this one by second baseman Mike
Fontenot — the Dodgers scored four runs in the ninth inning to extend their advantage.
The Dodgers improved to 14-8 in the 22 games they have played over Kemp's two stints on the disabled
list. Their major league-leading record stood at 37-21 as they departed for Seattle, where they will play a
three-game series to conclude a 10-game trip.
The trip started with them losing a fifth consecutive game, but they have now won five of their last six.
"Five days ago, people were talking about us kind of falling apart," Manager Don Mattingly said. "This
game is so quick momentum-wise that you win a couple of games, the next thing you know, you're hot,
you get the feeling back. Every win that you get, you build confidence."
The players never thought their season was spiraling out of control.
"People were thinking, 'Oh, this is a turning point, this is where they're going to falter,'" starting pitcher
Aaron Harang said. "That's not what this team is about. These guys, they're going to play until the final
out is made each game. Even when we're behind, we never feel like we're out of it."
Harang earned the 100th victory of his career by holding the Phillies to three runs and eight hits over six
innings.
Meanwhile, the Phillies' misery continued. The Phillies have lost six consecutive games, their longest
losing streak of the season, and sit in last place in the National League East.
Dodgers' James Loney steps up in battle for starting role
By Dylan Hernandez
June 7, 2012, 7:56 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA — James Loney knows that his season, and possibly his career, is at a crossroads. Again.
"It's my seventh year and it seems like I always have to figure it out," Loney said.
With Juan Rivera back from the disabled list and capable of playing first base, Loney has been reduced to
part-time status.
Loney has started only four of the Dodgers' last eight games. He is batting .257 with two home runs and
18 runs batted in.
At this point in his disappointing 2011 season, he was hitting .241 with three home runs and 19 RBIs.
"It puts us in a little bit of a bind," Manager Don Mattingly said. "It's not necessarily power, it's just
production, as far as driving in some runs."
Loney thinks that enduring periods like these will benefit him.
"You go through something, you can get to somewhere really great," he said. "It molds your character, it
molds everything. I think it makes you better in the long run."
The last two days offered hope that better days could be ahead.
Loney started each of the Dodgers' last two games, including their 8-3 victory over the Philadelphia
Phillies on Thursday, and was a combined four for nine with two RBIs and two runs scored.
But two games won't make him an everyday player again.
"James is going to have to keep fighting for his time," Mattingly said.
Days off
All-Star outfielder Andre Ethier and catcher A.J. Ellis were both out of the lineup.
Ethier was hitless in the Dodgers' previous four games.
"I just wanted to give him a calm-down day," Mattingly said. "He's been grinding it out pretty good for
us, and I just don't want to kill him."
Ethier will get additional rest in Seattle, where Mattingly plans to use him as a designated hitter for one
game in the upcoming three-game series against the Mariners.
But Ethier ended his 0-for-17 skid before leaving Philadelphia; he drove in two runs with a pinch-hit
double in the ninth inning.
Ellis was held out because of a bruised left shin. He was hit by a pitch there on Monday.
Ellis is expected back in the lineup on Friday.
Ethier's future
Although General Manager Ned Colletti has said he would like to sign Ethier this season to a contract
extension, President Stan Kasten had, until Thursday, remained mum on the subject.
In an online chat with fans, Kasten wrote, "We're all big fans of Andre here. He's very important to us. I
expect him to be here for a very long time."
Ethier will be eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
Lasorda released
Tom Lasorda, who suffered a mild heart attack Monday, was released from New York-Presbyterian
Hospital. Lasorda will remain in New York for a couple of days before returning home to Los Angeles.
The Hall of Fame manager was in New York to represent the Dodgers at Major League Baseball's annual
amateur draft.
Front-office addition
Longtime baseball executive Bob Wolfe was named the Dodgers' executive vice president. Wolfe worked
alongside Kasten with the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals, and also with the NBA's Atlanta
Hawks.
Dodgers make some history with four-game sweep of Phillies, 8-3
By Steve Dilbeck
The Phillies had owned the Dodgers, practically sneered at them. Twice since 2008 they beat them in
five games in the National League Championship Series. Citizens Bank Park served bad memories of
Jonathan Broxton melting and Cole Hamels dominating.
Only this season, strange things continue to happen for the Dodgers. Strange like coming into
Philadelphia and sweeping the Phillies in a four-game series for the first time since 1946.
The final series victory came Thursday afternoon when the Dodgers not only beat the Phillies 8-3, but
beat Hamels.
The victory pushed the Dodgers’ baseball-best record to 37-21. Somehow, they are now 15-7 without
Matt Kemp, and 22-14 with him healthy.
The Dodgers lost five consecutive games last week. The magic seemed to have run its course. Injuries
and playing a bunch of unknowns appeared to be finally catching up to them.
Only now they’re back to winning, back to finding a different way to win almost every game.
The Phillies are very much going the other way. The loss was their sixth straight, and in a shock to no
one, they were showered with boos.
Aaron Harang (5-3) started and picked up the victory. The Dodgers’ rotating hero of the day arrow fell
on backup catcher Matt Treanor, who singled in the go-ahead run off Hamels in the Dodgers’ three-run
sixth.
The Dodgers got two key scoreless innings of relief from Jamey Wright, and after Shawn Tolleson walked
two in his major-league debut in the ninth, Ronald Belisario came to end the would-be rally.
The Dodgers looked determined to throw the game away in the third inning after Hamels led off with a
single. Jimmy Rollins followed with a basehit to right-fielder Alex Castellanos – subbing for slumping
Andre Ethier (0 for 17) – and when Hamels aggressively went for third, Castellanos threw wide for an
error that enabled Rollins to take second.
When Hunter Pence bounced to Elian Herrera at third, Hamels broke for home, but Herrera’s throw was
well wide of home for another error as the run scored and Rollins took third.
Ty Wigginton’s fly to center was deep enough to score Rollins with the second run. After a walk, Mike
Fontenot singled in Pence and the Phillies had a 3-0 lead.
The Dodgers got one back in the fourth on a pair of fielding errors by Wigginton and a sacrifice fly
by Jerry Hairston Jr. – batting cleanup – and then took the lead with three runs in the sixth.
Herrera walked and Juan Rivera singled to start the rally. James Loney lined his second hit off the lefthanded Hamels to score one run, and then with two outs Gwynn singled in the tying run and Matt
Treanor the go-ahead run.
Hamels and Harang each went six innings. Hamels (8-3) surrendered four runs (three earned) on six hits
and a walk, striking out six. Harang allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk, with three strikeouts.
The Dodgers avoided winning by one run for the fourth consecutive game when they scored four runs in
the ninth off reliever Chad Qualls on another Philadelphia error, a two-run double by Ethier and a
Hairston RBI single.
Tommy Lasorda released from hospital following heart attack
By Steve Dilbeck
Tommy Lasorda, who suffered a heart attack while in New York on Monday, was released from the
hospital today.
Lasorda, 84, is expected to spend a couple of days recuperating in New York before returning home to
Los Angeles.
The Dodgers characterized his heart attack as "mild,” although he had a clogged artery and a stent was
inserted.
Not sure how that qualifies as mild. Then again, are any heart attacks really mild?
Lasorda, who retired as the Dodgers manager after his first heart attack in 1996, was in New York as part
of the team's representation for Tuesday's player draft.
The Hall of Fame manager is in his 63rd season with the Dodgers and is listed as a special advisor to the
chairman.
Bryan Stow beating: Sister of suspect to resume testimony
Harriet Ryan
Testimony is set to resume Friday in the preliminary hearing of two men suspected of brutally beating
San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow in the Dodger Stadium parking lot.
Dorene Sanchez, the fiancee of one suspect, Marvin Norwood, and sister of the other, Louie Sanchez, is
expected to continue testifying. The 32-year-old Rialto woman was booked alongside the men as an
accessory after the fact for driving them from the ballpark, but she began cooperating with prosecutors,
who subsequently opted not to pursue charges against her.
In the courtroom Thursday, Sanchez revealed herself as crucial to the government's case despite having
a clear desire to help the men prosecutors are trying to convict. The final witness in a hearing to
determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, she offered a perspective no other
witness could -- the view from inside the alleged getaway car.
She recalled her brother with panic in his voice, screaming for her to "get ... out of here!" and said she
saw blood on the hand of Norwood.
"I said, 'Babe, what the hell?' And he said, 'Don't worry about it, babe,'" she recalled.
But in two hours of testimony, Sanchez appeared eager to aid the defense. She grinned at her brother
and repeatedly flashed smiles at Norwood, with whom she has a child. She told the judge that she did
not see the fight that left Stow with brain damage, and that the men never admitted involvement.
At a dinner that night, her brother told their parents he had gotten into an altercation with some men
who disrespected them, she said. Later, she testified, Norwood told her that they were "jumped" and
had to fight back to protect themselves.
When she and Norwood watched a television report about the severity of Stow's injuries a few days
after the beating, "we kind of looked at it in awe. Like wow, what happened? And we felt bad for the
guy," she said.
In her retelling of the events leading up to the game, Sanchez presented a more benign portrait of her
brother's and Norwood's conduct than other witnesses. She acknowledged that Louie Sanchez was loud,
rude and profane during the game, even encouraging his 10-year-old son to throw peanuts at Giants
supporters, but she denied that he and Norwood smoked pot in the parking lot afterward or assaulted a
group of teenagers who passed by in Giants regalia.
TRUE BLUE LA
Dodgers 6/7/12 Minor League Report - Streaking Quakes Sweep Ports
Brandon Lennox
Minor League Player of the Day – Zach Lee - 4 IP, 0 Runs, 4 Hits, 1 BB, 4 K's. Lee had a solid game for the
Quakes as he continues to build back up his arm strength. After throwing 3 shutout innings on June 1,
which was his first game action since May 12, Lee added another frame on Thursday and should be good
to go 5 or 6 innings in his next outing.
AAA – Thursday's game between the Isotopes and Redbirds (Cardinals) was competitive through 7
innings, but Memphis scored 7 runs over the final 2 frames to pull out a 12 - 6 victory over Albuquerque.
Michael Antonini only allowed 1 earned run over his 5 innings of work, but 3 other unearned runs
scored against him thanks to the homer he gave up after an Aaron Miles throwing error. Cole St. Clair
permitted 3 runs in an inning of "relief", then Ramon Troncoso got shelled for the final 4 runs of the
game which boosted his ERA to 9.00. Despite the loss the Topes smacked 3 homers; solo shots by Luis
Cruz, Tim Federowicz, and Josh Fields. Jerry Sands went 1 for 5 with a RBI triple, while Scott Van Slyke
was hitless in his return to AAA.
AA – The Lookouts and Biscuits (Rays) held each other scoreless for 7 innings, but Montgomery broke
through with a run in the 8th to secure a 1 - 0 victory over Chattanooga. Aaron Miller started the game
with 5 shutout frames while punching out 5, and he has not allowed more than 3 runs in an outing since
May 5th. Red Patterson followed with a scoreless inning, and then it was Geison Aguasviva who gave up
the lone run despite allowing just 1 base runner over 1.2 innings. The Lookouts tallied 7 hits in this
game, and Brahiam Maldonado's two doubles were the only ones that went for extra bases. Rafael
Ynoa, who returned to action after a few weeks on the DL, had the only other multi-hit game.
HiA – The Quakes completed the sweep of the Ports (A's) on Thursday with a 5 - 4 victory in Stockton.
With the win Rancho is now just 2 games out of first place even though they technically rank 4th in their
division. Zach Lee fired 4 scoreless innings to start this game and now has thrown 7 shutout frames since
returning to action. Reliever Steve Smith allowed the Ports to get back into the game as he allowed 4
runs in the 6th, but only 1 run was earned due to a Joc Pederson fielding error. Ryan Acosta and Eric
Eadington finished off the game by blanking the opposition for the final 3 innings. At the plate C.J.
Retheford crushed yet another homer to give him 7 in his last 8 games, and Austin Gallagher also took
one deep, his 10th of the year. Leon Landry also had a big game as he went 2 for 4 with a triple and a
stolen base.
LoA – Even though today is the 7th, the Loons are still 0-for-the month of June after losing to the Silver
Hawks (Dbacks) 6 to 5. This game was especially heartbreaking as Great Lakes held a slim one run lead
heading into the bottom of the 9th, but just 3 batters into the inning the game was over as South Bend
went single-double-double to end the contest in walk-off fashion against closer Yimi Garcia. Earlier in
the game Jarret Martin also struggled as he allowed 4 hits, 5 walks, and 4 runs in just 3.2 innings. Joel
Lima and Juan Noriega were solid in their relief roles before Garcia blew the save. At the plate Angelo
Songco had a pair of hits while Joe Winker went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Jesus Arredondo also
had a 2 hits including a 2-bagger and O'Koyea Dickson doubled as well.
DSL – The Dominican Dodgers got contributions from several players on Thursday in a 10 to 6 win over
the Rays. 20 year old Josmar Cordero, who was one of the better prospects on the Dodgers DSL team a
year ago, continued his torrid start with 3 more hits including a double and a RBI. Shortstop Jose Luis
Javier also had 3 hits including a double and a triple, while Gerson Nunez hit a big 3 run homer. 19 year
old starter Abdiel Velasquez allowed just 3 hits over 5 frames but also walked 3 and gave up 2 runs.
Fellow teenager Andrew Shellon pitched the final 3 innings of the game and deserving got the save after
permitting just 2 hits and allowing no runs.
Coming up – Ralston Cash will make his third appearance of the season on Friday for Great Lakes, while
former Loon Brandon Martinez will start for the Quakes. Fernando Nieve is the scheduled starter for
Albuquerque, and it looks like it's Matt Magill's turn to go for the Lookouts.
Minor League Transactions – AAA: Tyler Henson was placed on the DL, and of course Scott Van Slyke
was optioned back to the Isotopes. AA: Rafael Ynoa was activated from the DL while Angelo Ponte was
placed on the disabled list.
Elian Herrera Continues To Shine For Dodgers
Eric Stephen
The last two weeks have provided quite the contrast for the Dodgers. They reached a low point of their
season with a four-game sweep at home at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers, part of a five-game
losing streak. But the Dodgers immediately turned things around with a four-game sweep of the Phillies
in Philadelphia.
As unexpected as the four-game sweep of the Phillies was, even more unexpected was how the Dodgers
did it, or perhaps who did it for the Dodgers. Elian Herrera, the 27-year old utility man who has been
with the team for less than four weeks, delivered the game-winning hits in each of the first two games
of the series, and reached base in eight of his 19 plate appearances for a .421 on-base percentage.
The highlight of the series came Tuesday against the mighty Cliff Lee, when Herrera's eighth-inning
double turned a deficit into a lead and sent the Dodgers on their way:
Herrera has been the most pleasant of surprises for the Dodgers. He has played in 22 of 23 games since
getting promoted from Triple A, and has started 18 games, all batting first or second. Herrera has hit
.293/.391/.373 for the Dodgers, and has reached base via hit or walk in 16 of his 18 starts.
Is he likely to keep up his .386 batting average on balls in play? No, it would not be fair or wise to expect
that continue, but there are encouraging signs. Herrera has 12 walks in 88 plate appearances, a walk
rate of 13.6% of his plate appearances that ranks fourth on the Dodgers, behind only Bobby Abreu
(17.5%), A.J. Ellis (15.8%), and Matt Kemp (14.6%).
Herrera has started nine games at second base, six games at third base, and three games in center field,
only a few games behind the plate from becoming our modern day Derrel Thomas. There have only
been a pair of Antonio Alfonseca handfuls of Dodgers to start three games at all three of those positions
in the same year, with the last being Jolbert Cabrera in 2003.
In short, Herrera has done everything the Dodgers have asked, and then some.
But when Juan Uribe comes back from the disabled list on Monday, Herrera's playing time figures to
diminish. Uribe will start most games at third, and Jerry Hairston Jr. will start most games at second base
as manager Don Mattingly "wants to build continuity in the middle of the infield," per Dylan Hernandez
of the Los Angeles Times.play
Given Herrera's versatility, combined with the planned rest Mattingly will give Uribe, Hairston, and
center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr., there will be opportunities for Herrera to play, just not as often as before.
"I just try to play the same game I was doing in Triple A," Herrera said during the last homestand. "Just
have fun and try to do my job, the little things, and try to help my team to win."
Herrera has been doing his job, and doing in quite well. He deserves a chance to continue doing it. But
no matter what happens, the Herrera experience has been a hell of a ride to date.
Dodgers Complete First Four-Game Sweep In Philadelphia In 66 Years
by Eric Stephen on Jun 7, 2012 1:18 PM PDT
Once down 3-0 against Cole Hamels, it looked for a while like the Dodgers wouldn't get their sweep.
But a sixth-inning rally, more solid bullpen work, and a ninth-inning dam-buster gave the Dodgers an 83 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday and their first four-game sweep in Philadelphia since
May 24-26, 1946.
Down two runs in the top of the sixth inning, the Dodgers opened the inning with a walk and a single,
then later in the inning Hamels allowed RBI singles to James Loney, Tony Gwynn Jr., and Matt Treanor to
give the Dodgers the lead. Loney had two hits for the second straight day.
With closer Kenley Jansen unavailable after pitching three straight days, and with setup man Josh
Lindblom in the only use in case of emergency role after pitching the last two days, the Dodgers didn't
exactly have a full bullpen arsenal available. But Jamey Wright came through with two scoreless innings
in the seventh and eighth to preserve a one-run lead.
But after a four-run ninth inning, Shawn Tolleson was brought in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning
with an 8-3 lead. In his major league debut, Tolleson faced two batters and threw eight balls in 10
pitches. After the two walks, manager Don Mattingly had seen enough and removed Tolleson in favor of
Ronald Belisario, who induced a pair of groundouts to end the game.
The Dodger bullpen allowed one run on six hits in 11 innings during the series in Philadelphia, with three
walks and eight strikeouts.
Before Tolleson, the last Dodger to walk two without recording an out in his major league debut was
Chink Zachary on April 30, 1944.
The Phillies scored three runs in a sloppy bottom of the third inning for the Dodgers. The first run was
scored by Hamels, who the Dodgers had a chance to throw out at both third base and home at different
points in the inning, but throwing errors by right fielder Castellanos and third baseman Elian Herrera
thwarted those plans.
Those were the only runs allowed by Aaron Harang, who pitched six innings for his fifth win of the
season and 100th win of his career. Outside of the third inning, Harang allowed five hits and no walks,
with three strikeouts.
The Dodgers responded with an unearned run in the top of the fourth when they cashed in a pair of
errors by Ty Wigginton, pulling to within 3-1. That's where the score stayed until the Dodgers got to
Hamels in the sixth.
Andre Ethier, who didn't start today, snapped an 0-for-17 skid with a two-run double as a pinch hitter in
the ninth. The line drive was originally called an error on first baseman John Mayberry, but quickly
changed by the official scorer.
Ellis Hurting
Catcher A.J. Ellis sat for the second time in three games on Thursday, and apparently is still feeling the
effects of getting hit in the knee by a pitch on Monday night. On the KABC broadcast, Rick Monday
noted that Ellis "was really hobbled" before Thursday's game, still limping (per Mike Petriello of Mike
Scioscia's Tragic Illness). It should be noted that Ellis did play Wednesday night and the Dodgers are in
the midst of a stretch of 20 games in 20 days. An extra day off for Ellis, who has started 45 of 58 games
this season, especially in a day game after a night game, is especially welcome.
Up Next
The Dodgers take their road show to Safeco Field, where they will open a three-game weekend series
Friday night against the Seattle Mariners. Nathan Eovaldi gets the call in the opener, facing Kevin
Millwood for the Mariners.
Today's Particulars
Home Runs: none
WP - Aaron Harang (5-3): 6 IP, 8 hits, 3 hits, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts
LP - Cole Hamels (8-3): 6 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 6 strikeouts
AM 570 FOX SPORTS:
Dodgers Complete Sweep Of Phils
Staff
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Dodgers came from behind for the third straight day, completing
the four-game sweep against the Phillies with a 8-3 win.
Aaron Harang (5-3) battled through some early pressure to go six strong innings, allowing three runs on
eight hits. He struck out three and walked one.
James Loney went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored and came up with a big hit in the Dodgers' threerun come-from-behind sixth inning.
The Dodgers bullpen was stellar once again, holding Philadelphia scoreless in the final three frames.
For the second straight outing, despite being spotted a three-run lead, Cole Hamels (8-3) was unable to
hold the lead. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- in six innings, gave up six hits and struck out six.
"We get the lead and then we're giving it up," Hamels said. "That's kind of the frustrating part just for
the fact that you see a win on one hand and see it kind of evaporate."
Down 3-1 in the sixth inning, Elian Herrera worked a walk to leadoff the inning and Juan Rivera followed
with a base hit. After Jerry Hairston Jr. popped out, Loney knocked in Herrera with a single. Two batters
later, Rivera scored when Tony Gwynn Jr. lined a single just past a diving Jimmy Rollins to tie the game.
Matt Treanor gave the Dodgers the lead when he dropped a base hit just in front of a sliding Juan Pierre.
The Phillies took a 3-0 lead in third inning. Hamels led off with a single to right and went first-to-third on
a hit by Rollins. After a Pierre groundout, Pence hit a ground ball to third base that Herrera fired wide of
Treanor, trying to throw out Hamels at the plate. On the play, Rollins advanced to third, and he scored
when Ty Wigginton hit a liner deep enough to center field to score him.
Pence then scored on a Mike Fontenot bloop single to left.
After Ty Wigginton committed two errors to start the fourth inning, the Dodgers picked up their first run
when Hairston scored Herrera with a sacrifice fly.
The Dodgers took advantage of some sloppy Philadelphia defense to break the game open with a fourrun ninth.
The Dodgers started the inning with three straight singles to load the bases. Herrera then hit a ground
ball to Fontenot's right, but the drawn-in infielder was unable to come up with the ball and record an
out. Andre Ethier then sent a hard ground ball down the first-base line that went off the glove of John
Mayberry Jr. for another error, scoring two runs in the process. Even though Herrera was thrown out at
the plate, the Dodgers picked up their eighth run when Hairston followed with an RBI single to score
Ethier.
Jamey Wright and Ronald Belisario combined for three scoreless innings to hold the Dodgers' lead and
secure the victory.
"With the exception of that one inning where we ended up getting ahead by a bunch, the series was a
one-run game throughout," Treanor said. "That's the mentality we're going to have to take throughout
the season."
Game Notes: At 37-21, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball...Harang picked up his 100th career
victory...Los Angeles had gone 0-4-1 in its last five series against Philadelphia...The Los Angeles Dodgers
swept the Phillies for the first time in Philadelphia since the team moved to California...The last time the
Dodgers swept the Phillies in a four-game sweep was August 11-14, 2008...The Dodger bullpen allowed
only one run in 11 innings in the four-game series...Rollins went 7-for-16 in the series...Fontenot started
in place of Freddy Galvis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list last night with a lower back
strain...The Phillies have lost six-straight games...Philadelphia is now 12-19 at home and have only won
two of its last 12 home games...The last time the Phillies were swept in a four-game series was
September 20-22, 2011 against Washington...Before Thursday, Hamels had been 5-1 with a 2.28 earned
run average in six starts following a loss this season...Hamels had a 17-inning scoreless streak against the
Dodgers snapped in the fourth inning...The Phillies are now 0-23 when trailing after seven innings.
MLBPLAYERS.COM
Scott Van Slyke blazes his own trail
By Jeff Moeller / MLBPLAYERS.com
Rookie Scott Van Slyke is enjoying his first taste of the big leagues. The Dodgers left fielder made his
Major League debut on May 9 and hit his first home run on May 20 at home against the Cardinals. It was
an important one, as he came off the bench to hit a game-winning, three-run homer to help L.A. to a
series sweep of the defending World Series champion. The son of former three-time All-Star outfielder
Andy Van Slyke recently answered some questions from MLBPLAYERS.com:
MLBPLAYERS.com: How do you describe this experience so far?
Scott Van Slyke: It has been great. It has been a lot of fun. It has been a tremendous learning experience.
I am not playing every day and that has its challenges. I have had some spot-starts and some pinchhitting appearances, so I am trying to really learn what to look for at the plate. It continues to be a
process.
MLBPLAYERS.com: When was the last time you did not play every day?
Van Slyke: It has been awhile. It has been about five years, I believe. It is tough, especially at this level.
When you get up there and fall behind in the count, it is a battle. Sometimes you are just trying to foul
some pitches off.
MLBPLAYERS.com: What is the hardest thing to get used to?
Van Slyke: I am used to having some four at-bats per game. That helps you get a little more comfortable.
At the same time, I understand that it is a long season and being here has been great.
MLBPLAYERS.com: Have you had a different approach at the plate because of the sporadic playing time?
Van Slyke: I think what I am starting to learn is that you can't take too many fastballs up here because a
guy's secondary stuff is usually so good. Being down in the Minor Leagues I think I got away with a little
bit more. I would take a pitch, a fastball, to see what a guy had. Now when I am pinch-hitting late in the
game, it is different.
MLBPLAYERS.com: What is the big difference late in a game?
Van Slyke: You don't want to chase too early in the count and you don't want to take that first pitch
fastball. I think I have been doing that too much. I have looked at some pitches I probably could have hit
and then you are suddenly behind.
MLBPLAYERS.com: Is it safe to assume that your home run against the Cardinals has been your biggest
highlight this season thus far?
Van Slyke: Yes, for sure. Also, that first pinch-hit resulted in my first hit.
MLBPLAYERS.com: How do you describe the emotions you felt when you got the call that you were
coming up to the Dodgers?
Van Slyke: I was running on adrenaline there for a while. When I got to the ballpark, the national anthem
was underway. Everything happened so quickly I never had the chance to catch my breath. It was fun,
and I will always remember it.
MLBPLAYERS.com: Can you talk about some of people who have helped you so far?
Van Slyke: From a coaching standpoint, our hitting coach Dave Hansen, for sure. Confidence is not a
problem for me, but it has been about keeping me straight as I try and figure out what pitchers want to
do against me in certain situations. Matt Kemp has really helped me with my thought process, about
having that up-the-middle approach.
MLBPLAYERS.com: What about getting acclimated to a new city?
Van Slyke: Well, there is a lot of traffic for sure. That takes a lot of getting used to. It can be a headache.
But overall the weather is great, the people are friendly, there are a lot of great places to eat. It has
been real good so far.
MLBPLAYERS.com: When you do get a break, is there anything in particular you are looking forward to
doing in L.A.?
Van Slyke: I think my wife and I would like to go see a TV show taping or something. Maybe something
like the Conan O'Brien or the Ellen show. We'll see.
MLBPLAYERS.com: And how does your wife like it in Southern California?
Van Slyke: She loves it. She has been a real trooper the last few years. Lots of traveling to little cities in
the Minor Leagues. I could be gone on a 10-day bus trip, and she is back at our place by herself. It is
good to be here and I am around some friends who I came up with, especially guys like Clayton Kershaw
and Josh Lindblom. I think this is good for her, too.
CBS LA
Son Of Orel Hershiser Drafted By Dodgers In 34th Round Out Of USC
LOS ANGELES (CBS) - The Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up their final rounds Wednesday night of the
First-Year MLB Draft by selecting 41 players, including 25 picks from college players, 14 high schoolers
and two picks on Cuban pitchers.
18-year-old Corey Seager of North Caroline was the Dodgers’ first-round selection at No. 18, but the
most noticeable name they drafted is Jordan Hershiser, son of former Dodger and Cy-Young winner Orel
Hershiser.
RHP Hershiser, out of USC, was the Dodgers’ final pitcher selected at the 34.
The 5th-year senior has already had a tough journey leading up to his selection by having two surgeries
performed on his right arm. His first, Tommy John surgery after getting over-worked during his freshman
year and second, on his throwing shoulder that ended his 2011 season after only 2 starts with the
Trojans.
“It’s a long time coming being a fifth-year senior going through two arm surgeries,” Jordan said on the
teams website. “So it’s a good stamp on the rehab process and getting back to where I needed to be.”
Another son of former Dodger player and current Special Advisor, Baseball Operations Jose Vizcaino,
Jose Jr., was selected in the 36th round.
In addition to Hershiser, the Dodgers selected several other prospects with local ties, including La
Cañada High School graduate and Stanford University junior Eric Smith, Cameron Saylor from West
Covina South Hills High School, outfielder Kevin Maxey from Long Beach Poly High School, outfielder
Jacob Scavuzzo from Villa Park High School in Orange County and Azusa Pacific University right-hander
Alan Garcia.
SUFFOLK NEWS HERALD
L.A. Dodgers draft Suffolk senior
By Titus Mohler
Correspondent
Josh Henderson and his family had been fervently praying and, though the answer they wanted took
longer than expected, it came when the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Josh in the 16th round of the
2012 Major League Baseball draft this week.
“I was sitting at the computer,” Josh said, “looking at my mom’s laptop, and then I heard, ‘The Dodgers’
next pick,’ then they called out my ID number, said, ‘Henderson, Josh. Joshua Henderson from Suffolk,
Va.’ And I was like ‘Wow! I’ve been picked.’ My parents are downstairs. I went downstairs and I was like,
‘I got picked! By the Dodgers!’ And I was like, just, I mean, words can’t describe how it felt. It was
amazing!”
It was not until the announcer said “Suffolk, Va.,” that the moment really hit home for Josh.
“It was surreal,” he said. “It was a surreal moment. (I’m) just thankful, it was a blessing, just to have
been picked.”
Both of Josh’s coaches at First Baptist Christian, Orel Schleeper and Jeff Meyers, figured that it might be
the Dodgers. Schleeper said that the Dodgers had called many times asking about Josh’s character, and
Meyers said their scouts made at least six or seven appearances at school games.
For Josh, the moment that came a little after noon on June 6 was the thrilling culmination of a lot of
hard work and dreams.
“It’s just a blessing, man,” he said, “because it’s been a lifelong dream since I was a little kid to have a
chance to play professional baseball and work my way up to the major leagues.”
Josh and his family had been expecting him to go much earlier in the 40-round draft that took place June
4-6. During the summer, Josh had played with many of the players who were being drafted in the initial
rounds and exhibited similar abilities.
“It was a trying, a testing of our faith,” Josh’s father Steve Henderson said. “We believe the Lord’s hand
is on his life, we believe God has anointed him to play baseball, and we believe he’s one of the best
players in the country.”
“We’re very proud of him, very proud,” Josh’s mother Sonya Henderson said. “This is something actually
that he’s always dreamed of. So, you’re excited to see something come to pass that they always wanted
to do.”
“I’m a diehard Yankees fan — and whatever team my son plays for,” Steve said with a laugh. “So, that’s
the way that goes.”
The next step in the process will involve more evaluation.
“They need to get some more looks at me to decide how much money they are going to offer me,” Josh
said.
Since Josh was homeschooled and unable to play for Nansemond River High School, the public school he
would have attended, he played high school baseball for the First Baptist Christian School Crusaders and
the competition was at a lower level than would be ideal for a young man preparing to negotiate with a
major league franchise. So within the next week or so he will begin playing for the Peninsula Pilots in
Hampton, who play in the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer league.
And there is still a possibility that he could wind up attending Liberty University.
“It’s 50-50 right now,” Josh said. “We don’t know what we’re going to do. My parents and I are going to
put our heads together, pray, like we’ve been doing the whole time, and go from there.”
If the Dodgers’ offer is reasonable and Josh accepts it, he will be able to take advantage of the MLB’s
scholarship fund. Through this fund, the league pays for the player’s education while they’re playing and
for up to two years afterward.
For now, the challenge will be proving that his value as a baseball player is high.
“Ever since he was nine years old,” Steve said, “he’s had to go prove himself (and) he’ll just have to go
out and do that again with the Lord’s help.”
GAZETTESSPORTS.COM
Baseball: Eight Local Players Selected In MLB Draft
JJ Fiddler, With Reports from LBSU & LBCC
On the final day of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, six more Long Beach baseball players were
chosen to join pitchers Shane Watson and Chase DeJong in the professional ranks. All eight players will
likely ink deals in the coming weeks, going from amateurs to professionals in a matter of days.
HIGH SCHOOL
The third and last Moore League player to get selected after Watson and DeJong was Poly outfielder
Kevin Maxey, who went to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 17th round. The 6’4” 220lbs. left fielder was
drafted more on his body type and potential than pure high school numbers, even though he did wow
scouts on multiple occasions during batting practice. Maxey had signed a letter of intent with CSU Los
Angeles.
LA CANADA VALLEY SUN
LCHS grad Eric Smith realizes Major League dream with Dodgers
June 06, 2012|By Andrew Shortall
Eric Smith grew up a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his parents holding season tickets year after
year.
Now, Smith has the opportunity of one day becoming a Dodger after he was drafted by his hometown
squad in the 18th round at No. 566 overall Wednesday in the Major League Baseball First Year Player
Draft.
"This day has been something I have looked forward to my entire life and I am so grateful to be selected
by such a great franchise," Smith said. ""It's almost surreal that I am part of a franchise that I have
grown up watching."
There's little time for Smith, who graduated from La Cañada High in 2009, to sit back and ponder his
professional career, as he's too busy sporting Stanford University Cardinal red to switch to Dodger blue
just yet.
That's because Stanford and its junior catcher are in the thick of a race to the NCAA National
Championship.
The 12th-ranked Cardinals were on a plane to Florida to take on No. 3 Florida State in NCAA Super
Regional play, which begins Friday, when Smith heard he was drafted.
"He was just super excited," said Nancy Smith, Eric's mother.
St. Francis High's David Olmedo-Barrera was also drafted Wednesday in the 40th and final round at No.
1,219 by the Oakland Athletics.
"Honestly, I am really just so honored to be drafted," said Olmedo-Barrera, who just finished his senior
year with the Golden Knights. "I guess it's kind of like my dream to always play professional baseball and
to be drafted is a really huge honor. Being paid to play a game is very surreal. My family and I are really
excited."
Stanford advanced to the Super Regionals with an 8-7 win over Pepperdine Sunday for the NCAA
Stanford Regional tournament title.
Smith was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention and All-Stanford Regional Tournament player, as he went
three for nine in three games with three runs scored and a run batted in through three tournament
games. His best game of the tournament came Friday when he went two for four with two runs and a
RBI in a win over Fresno State, 9-1.
It's another highlight in a breakout year for Smith, thanks to a position change he made from the middle
infield to catcher during the offseason.
"Last year they were on a plane on their way back from the Super Regionals when [the Stanford
coaches] told him they were going to make him a catcher," Nancy said. "He just started catching in the
fall and won the starting position."
Smith has played in a career-high 52 games and started 48 so far this year after he appeared in 14
games as a sophomore. The junior has maintained a .330 batting average (60 for 182) after he batted
.286 and .250 as a freshman and sophomore, respectively.
Smith has also scored 34 runs, posted 32 RBI, 11 doubles, two home runs and a triple to go along with
.434 slugging, .379 on-base and .992 fielding percentages with three errors on 370 chances.
After this season is out of the way, Nancy hopes to one day use one of her season tickets to see her son
in a Dodgers uniform.
OREGONLIVE.COM
Portland Pilots baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers draft UP pitcher Owen Jones
Daniel Mediate
The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted University of Portland pitcher Owen Jones 596th overall in the 19th
round of the Major League Baseball draft today.
The right-hander, Jones, 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, was a senior this year at UP.
A 2007 graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, Wash., Jones appeared in 15 games
with 14 starts in 2011. He compiled a record of 5-6 in 90.0 innings pitched, striking out 64 while issuing
17 walks.
Jones is the third UP player to be drafted this year. The San Francisco Giants selected pitcher Chris
Johnson in the 17th round and the Boston Red Sox took pitcher Kyle Kraus in the 7th round.
DAILY PRESS
Menchville grad Jharel Cotton, Tabb product Adam McConnell are selected in MLB draft
By Norm Wood
By the time Jharel Cotton got the phone call Wednesday, it was already a day too late in his mind.
Of course, he wasn't about to hang up and tell the Los Angeles Dodgers to go away.
It's long been his dream to play professional baseball, and he's going to evaluate his options. He just
figured the call would've come sooner than the 20th round of the Major League Baseball first-year player
draft.
"It felt pretty good to get it off my shoulders," said Cotton, a 5-foot-11, 198-pound right-handed pitcher
who graduated from Menchville High and who now plays at East Carolina. "I got tired of waiting, so I was
really glad when I got that call.
"I was surprised (to get picked so late), but the draft is a funny thing. You never know what's going to
happen."
Cotton was selected with 626th overall pick. He played two seasons at Miami Dade College, a junior
college, before heading to ECU, where he compiled an 8-3 record with a 3.65 earned run average this
season as a junior. Last year, he was drafted in the 28th round by the New York Mets, and also turned
down a free agent contract at the end of the summer with the Dodgers.
In addition to Cotton, Tabb High graduate Adam McConnell, a 6-foot-0, 190-pound infielder at
Richmond, was another Peninsula product to get drafted Wednesday. He was taken in the 29th round by
the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 903rd overall pick.
While Cotton said he's going to take a week to determine whether he'll turn pro or go back to college,
McConnell's mind is made up. After finishing his redshirt junior season at Richmond, and having already
graduated, McConnell is headed for pro ball.
"I'm 22 and have school out of the way, and felt like it was time to get playing in a professional system
and develop as a player," said McConnell, who was drafted last year in the 30th round by the Dodgers,
and who hit .283 with two home runs, 24 RBI and a team-best 12 steals this season at Richmond.
Other players with ties to local high schools, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech or William & Mary
that got drafted Wednesday include outfielder Josh Henderson (First Baptist Christian School in Suffolk,
16th round, 506th overall, Los Angeles Dodgers), right-handed pitcher Shane Halley (Virginia, 20th round,
613th overall, Kansas City Royals), left-handed pitcher Joe Mantiply (Tech, 28th round, 878th overall,
Philadelphia Phillies), right-handed pitcher Ronnie Shaban (Tech, 33rd round, 1,020th overall, St. Louis
Cardinals) and right-handed pitcher Matt Davenport (William & Mary/Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, 34th
round, 1,054th overall, Detroit Tigers).
Several draftees that have played or are currently playing for the Peninsula Pilots include Cotton (2010
Pilots), Davenport ('10 Pilots), McConnell ('10 and '12 Pilots), Georgia Tech right-handed pitcher Buck
Farmer ('10 Pilots, 15th round, 485th overall, Milwaukee Brewers), Virginia Commonwealth right-handed
pitcher Kyle Haynes ('11 Pilots, 20th round, 616th overall, Pittsburgh Pirates), Georgia Tech left-handed
pitcher Jake Davies ('09 Pilots, 21st round, 661st overall, Boston Red Sox), Army first baseman Kevin
McKague ('10 Pilots, 23rd round, 719th overall, Atlanta Braves), Virginia Military Institute right-handed
pitcher Coby Cowgill ('10 Pilots, 23rd round, 726th overall, Texas Rangers) and Kent State shortstop Jimmy
Rider ('10 and '11 Pilots, 26th round, 796th overall, Pittsburgh Pirates).
Henderson and Cotton said they may play this summer for the Pilots. Henderson, who was homeschooled in Suffolk, said he has signed with Liberty, but will consider turning pro instead.
"I kind of knew it would be (Wednesday)," said Henderson regarding his draft prospects. "It was just a
matter of when. I was watching on the computer and I heard my name called out. And I was like, 'Mom,
Dad, I just got picked by the Dodgers!' All my life I've always dreamed of playing a professional sport."
OC VARSITY.COM
Baseball: Locals selected on final day of MLB Draft
Damian Calhoun
The third day of the MLB Draft concluded Wednesday with rounds 16-40.
The first county high school player selected on the third and final day was El Modena’s right-handed
pitcher David Hill. Hill, who is signed with Long Beach St., was taken by the Philadelphia Phillies in the
17th round, No. 548 overall.
Hill went 6-2 last year with a 1.04 ERA for the Vanguards.
In the 21st round, Villa Park outfielder Jacob Scavuzzo was selected by the Dodgers in the 21st round
(No. 656). Scavuzzo hit .382 for the Spartans with four triples and 10 RBIs.
In the 25th round, the New York Yankees selected Mater Dei’s Ty Moore (No. 787 overall). Moore, who
was the Register’s baseball player of the year as a junior and a candidate for the award this season, is
signed with UCLA.
Moore hit .406 with three home runs, 23 RBIs, scored 31 runs and stole 10 bases. On the mound he had
a 12-1 record with an 0.83 ERA.
A pair of pitchers went in the 29th round to teams in the American League East. At No. 882, San Juan
Hills pitcher Jake Pintar was selected by the Baltimore Orioles.
Pintar, a 6-7 right-hander, had a 3-4 record and a 2.83 ERA last year for the Stallions.
At No. 895, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Servite left-hander Cole Irvin, who is signed with Oregon.
Ocean View’s Timmy Robinson went in the 31st round to the Minnesota Twins, No. 940 overall.
Robinson hit .523 last year with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs. He is signed with USC.
Servite catcher Darrell Miller was taken in the 34th round, No. 1,058 overall to the Philadelphia Phillies.
In the 40th round, the Seattle Mariners selected Beckman pitcher James Kaprielian at No. 1,211.
Kaprielian, who is signed with UCLA, had a 12-2 record with an 0.84 ERA.
A couple of former county prep stars were also selected early on the third day.
Orange Coast College catcher Stefan Sabol (Aliso Niguel HS) went in the 17th round, No. 530 overall to
the New York Mets.
Also, Oregon catcher Aaron Jones (San Clemente HS) went in the 18th round, No. 558 to the Colorado
Rockies.
AZUSA PACIFIC ATHLETICS
Cougars Continue Draft Success
Chris Baker
AZUSA, Calif.-- Azusa Pacific continues to be one of the NAIA’s top breeding grounds for professional
baseball players, as evidenced by two more Cougars being selected in the 2012 Major League Baseball
First-Year Player Draft. Jordan Leyland, the Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year, was the
first Azusa Pacific player plucked, going to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth round (295th overall). He
was followed by all-GSAC closer Alan Garcia, who was picked by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 22nd
round (686th overall).
The two selections bumped the program’s all-time draft total to 34, including 11 since head coach Paul
Svagdis took over in 2002. The two picks also marked the first time that the Dodgers and the Blue Jays
chose an Azusa Pacific player in the draft.
“We’re certainly really happy for Jordan and Alan. They’re both great guys and were great to coach. We
feel like they’re going to do great things in professional baseball. We’re excited for them,” said Svagdis.
“The best part about seeing these guys have an opportunity to play at the next level is that most college
athletes have the dream to play professionally, and over the last six years we’ve had a lot of guys have
that dream realized.”
Leyland, who became the highest drafted Cougar since Kirk Nieuwenhuis was taken by the New York
Mets in the third round back in 2008, was a dominating power-hitter for one of the nation’s top
offenses. The first baseman belted a team-leading 22 home runs and recorded a conference-best 74
RBIs.
His .802 slugging percentage was the NAIA’s second best mark, while his .419 batting average was the
second highest in the GSAC. His 10-game RBI streak from February 25th to March 9th, in which he drove
in 29 runs, helped Azusa Pacific to an early GSAC edge after the Cougars went 5-1 against early
conference favorites Biola and Fresno Pacific.
“He really developed as a power guy and I think that was real exciting to watch happen for him.
Everyone probably thought he had it in him, but it was nice to see him exhibit it out on the field,” said
Svagdis.
Leyland also flashed a strong glove, finishing the year with just three errors in 570 chances. His 525
putouts ranked 4th in the NAIA, while the senior maintained a .995 fielding percentage.
“He played first base really well and carried himself at a high level defensively to go what he did at the
plate. He’s very athletic for a big guy and hopefully that’s something that appealed to the scouts,” said
Svagdis.
The former UC Irvine Anteater was drafted in the 44th round of the 2011 draft (1,350th overall) by the
Tampa Bay Rays, but opted to transfer to Azusa Pacific for his senior season; one that saw him jump up
over 1,000 spots in the draft.
Garcia was one of the NAIA’s top relievers, ranking third in the nation with an Azusa Pacific record 15
saves. The 6-4 closer finished the year with a 3.86 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 25.2 innings of work to earn
all-GSAC honors. He posted a 2.45 ERA in save opportunities and held batters to a .100 average with
runners on and two outs. Garcia didn’t give up a home run all year long and was dominant against right
handed hitters, holding them to a .165 batting average.
“For him they had an opportunity to confirm his velocity. It was good to see him pitch in critical
conditions and command the strike zone with that velocity. He really improved during the season, from
day one until the last game. His off-speed developed and that really helped him,” said Svagdis. “We have
a great history of pitchers moving on, and now with Garcia that’s seven pitchers drafted since 2003.”
This year’s draft class marked the fourth time since 2007 that two or more Cougars were selected by a
Major League organization. In 2010 Ryan Delgado and Peter Gehle were taken by the Chicago White Sox
and the Atlanta Braves respectively, while the trio of Andrew Shive, Jonny Bravo, and Nieuwenhuis was
taken in the 2008 draft. One year earlier Stephen Vogt was taken in the 12th round by the Tampa Bay
Rays, while Scott Hodson was nabbed by the Oakland Athletics in the sixth round.
“I think our program presents a unique opportunity for young student-athletes to come into an
environment where they know in the classroom they’re going to be surrounded and supported
academically because of the nature of our class size, yet they have an opportunity athletically to play at
the next level. And we’ve seen that over the years,” said Svagdis.
This year two Azusa Pacific alums have reached the big leagues, with Vogt earning a spot on the Rays'
opening day roster, while Nieuwenhuis continues to post a strong rookie campaign, batting .294 through
55 games.
Daytona Beach News Journal
6 Stetson players picked on final day of MLB draft
BY BRIAN LINDER, STAFF WRITER
It was a banner day for Dunn's Stetson baseball program, as six Hatters were among the nine players
from area colleges selected on the final day of the Major League Baseball first-year player draft.
Seniors Robbie Powell, Lindsey Caughel, Ben Carhart and Jake Boyd and juniors Sam Kimmel and Kurt
Schluter were picked Wednesday, joining senior reliever Tucker Donahue, who was picked in the fourth
round Tuesday by the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Stetson coach was happy about that, but there were a few things bothering him.
"With one exception, I'm extremely happy for our seniors," Dunn said. "But, Mark Jones not getting
drafted ... I'm concerned about it."
Jones, a Flagler Palm Coast High product, hit .306 with five home runs and 36 RBIs for Stetson this year
but struggled early in the season when most scouts, according to Dunn, were making their rounds at
Hatters games.
"This 40-round (draft) is going to take its toll on a lot of young men like Mark Jones," Dunn said. "Going
from 50 to 40 (rounds, a change made in the collective bargaining agreement signed last November), I
think, was a big factor in Mark not getting drafted. I felt he had the ability to be a low pick and get a
chance to play pro ball."
Dunn also was concerned the Hatters may lose out on signee Alfredo Escalera, who was selected in the
eighth round Tuesday by the Kansas City Royals.
"That is a loss because he is an awfully good player," Dunn said. "I'm more disappointed there because I
think the kid has a high ceiling, but I don't know that he is ready to go play pro ball at 18. We are hearing
reports that he has already signed and made the decision."
Rustin C. Todd of the Kansas City Star and AM 580 WIBW in Kansas City reported Wednesday that
Escalera has signed with the Royals.
Dunn also expects to lose Kimmel, who went in the 18th round to Baltimore.
"I think Kimmel will probably sign," Dunn said. "He and I had a talk the other day. He feels like he is
getting up there in age. He is 23 and that is fairly old for a junior. I would think he is going to sign, but I
hope he doesn't. I would love to have him back."
Dunn said Schluter, picked in the 39th round by Boston, is likely to return to Stetson. Dunn was unsure
of the plans of two signees who were taken Wednesday -- Carlos Garmendia (Milwaukee, 19th round)
and Kevin Fagan (San Francisco, 39th round).
"I will get on the phone with (Garmendia and Fagan on Wednesday)," he said. "But, I feel pretty
confident."
Caughel went to the Dodgers (23rd round), Powell (32nd round) and Boyd (38th round) to the Angels
and Carhart to the Cubs (35th round).
One player from Bethune-Cookman and two from Embry-Riddle were also picked on Day 3.
Stetson's Kimmel was the first area player off the board Wednesday, with Bethune-Cookman senior
right-hander Rayan Gonzalez next up, going to the Colorado Rockies in the 21st round.
"I looked down, saw a strange number and said, 'Oh, here we go!' " Gonzalez said.
Five rounds later, the Rockies called on Embry-Riddle junior right hander Adam Paulencu in the 26th
round with pick No. 798. Paulencu could opt to return to ERAU next season, but said he would like to
make the move to the professional level.
"I'm not really sure yet," Paulencu said when asked what it would take for him to sign. "I haven't talked
to them yet, but I'd like to get into an organization and start playing professionally as soon as possible."
Tampa Bay selected Paulencu's teammate, ERAU shortstop Ben Kline, in the 32nd round (992nd overall).
While no players with local ties were selected on the draft's first day, Tuesday and Wednesday featured
several names connected to the region's college teams.
Tuesday, University of Miami catcher Peter O'Brien, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, went in the
second round to the New York Yankees, and former Seabreeze player and current University of Florida
outfielder Daniel Pigott went in the ninth round to the Cincinnati Reds.
UWM PANTHERS.COM
Hoenecke Becomes Third UWM Player Selected in Draft
Staff
MILWAUKEE - Senior Paul Hoenecke of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team has been
selected in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball Draft today by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hoenecke, who capped his collegiate career with First-Team All-Horizon League Utility honors this past
spring, becomes the third Panther to be selected in the 2012 MLB Draft when he was taken with the
746th pick overall. It also marks the second time he has been drafted, as he was also selected by the
Detroit Tigers out of high school before coming to play at Milwaukee.
"It feels pretty good," Hoenecke said. "It was a lot of hard work that went into it and it's rewarding to
get this after four years of being involved with the Milwaukee baseball program. It feels really good and I
owe a lot of thanks to (UWM coaches) Scott (Doffek), Cory (Bigler) and Mike (Goetz) and everyone who
has helped me along the way - it wouldn't have happened without them."
On the field, he became just the eighth player to record over 200 hits in a UWM career and finished fifth
all-time with 242. In addition to that mark, he set the program record with 803 career at bats and ended
up second in games played with 211, second in doubles with 63, sixth in runs with 135, sixth in RBI with
133 and fifth in total bases with 349.
"Paul has been through a lot in his career here," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "He got drafted by
the Tigers out of high school and he believed in UWM and decided to come here. He spent four years
here and worked really hard. It wasn't always easy for him, but he was a great teammate and an
excellent student and now he is going to get that opportunity he's worked so hard for. I couldn't be
happier for anyone."
Hoenecke was a student-athlete who excelled both on the field and in the classroom. For his work in the
classroom, he earned a pair of Horizon Academic All-League honors and was selected as a member of
the Capital One Academic All-District Baseball Team as a junior.
"The four years never go how you expect them to," Hoenecke said. "There are bumps along the way and
that makes it even better at the end."
In 211 career games, he recorded a .301 average and was named First-Team All-Horizon League as a
sophomore and to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team as a freshman. He has also been named
league player of the week on three occasions over his career, showing off his versatility by appearing in
games at first base, second base, third base, designated hitter, and catcher.
"Having three of our players get drafted is exciting and a great shot for our program and the league,"
Doffek said. "But, we're just really happy for those guys individually. Now we have to get out on the
recruiting trail and find some more players that will have to fill some big shoes."
TEXASTECH.COM
Daniel Coulombe Drafted in 25th Round by Los Angeles Dodgers
Staff
LUBBOCK, Texas - For the first time in school history seven Texas Tech players have been selected in the
top-25 rounds of the Major League Baseball First-Year Players Draft while redshirt-junior left-handed
pitcher Daniel Coulombe (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is the most recent as he was drafted in the 25th round (776
overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It marks the second time Coulombe has been drafted by the Dodgers while also being selected by the
Dodgers in 2008 following his senior year in high school in the 17th round.
Coulombe was among the top relievers for the Red Raiders this season compiling a 1-0 record, 2.53 ERA
in 10 appearances with two starts. He tallied 21.1 innings pitched allowing 22 hits and six earned runs
with 26 strikeouts and just nine walks.
In a relief role, Coulombe posted a 1.64 ERA in eight appearances with 11 innings pitched with 13
strikeouts and five walks allowed.
Coulombe started the season as one of the Red Raiders starting pitchers and registered back-to-back
five-inning starts while striking out at least five batters in both contests. He struck out a season-high
eight batters in his second start of the season - his first career win - against Northern Illinois on Feb. 25.
During his two-year Texas Tech career, Coulombe went 1-2 with a 3.24 ERA in 14 appearances and six
starts with 41.2 innings pitched, 54 strikeouts and 16 walks allowed.
ORLANDO SENTINEL
Devon Travis, Justin Gonzalez form solid pair up FSU’s middle
Cole Harvey
You may have seen this story on the Orlando Sentinel’s Seminoles page last night about Florida State
second baseman Devon Travis and his double play-turning skills, which paid big dividends in the
Seminoles’ 5-2 Regional-clinching win over Samford on Sunday. If you haven’t seen it, do feel free to
check it out.
To piggyback on the double play theme, we wanted to add this following entry to the Chopping Block
about the Seminoles’ sometimes overlooked tandem up the middle. While Travis could play a key role
defensively for FSU in this weekend’s Super Regional against Stanford, his middle infield partner in
crime, Justin Gonzalez, could have a say, as well.
Earlier this week, both players were taken by teams in the major league baseball first-year player draft.
Travis, FSU’s quick-footed, rapid-throwing second baseman went first, taken in the 14th round by the
Detroit Tigers. Claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gonzalez, the Seminoles’ gritty, gutty shortstop,
went in the 27th round. Along with them, two other members of FSU’s infield — first baseman Jayce
Boyd and third baseman Sherman Johnson — were drafted in the sixth and 14th rounds, respectively.
“A lot of hard work these past three years,” Gonzalez said. “For all of us to realize our dream is pretty
special, man. It says a lot about the program where we’re at, and it’s exciting. I couldn’t be happier for
everybody taken in the draft.”
Gonzalez learned he was drafted Wednesday afternoon while dining at Tijuana Flats with his little
brother and Johnson and Travis.
“You just feel like a kid on Christmas,” Gonzalez said.
The joy and excitement was still evident in his voice later in the day when he spoke with reporters just
before the Seminoles’ second-to-last practice before this weekend’s Super Regional. Transitioning the
conversation away from the draft and to his actual game play, Gonzalez gave insight into something else
that provides daily happiness for him.
“When I’m turning double plays with Devon, that’s the most fun part of my day,” he said.
In total, the Seminoles have turned 56 double plays this season. Travis, in some form or fashion, has
been part of 33 of them. Gonzalez has had a hand in 27.
With respect to this weekend’s best-of-three Super Regional series at Dick Howser Stadium between No.
3 national seed FSU (46-15) and Stanford (41-16), offense and pitching likely will receive more attention
than defense. Four members of Stanford’s probable starting lineup are hitting better than .300 and
three are knocking on the door of double-digit home runs. Seven Cardinal players were drafted this
week, including three who might pitch this weekend. Each of those pitchers were claimed in the first
three rounds.
For the Seminoles, four members of the probable starting lineup are boasting better than .400 on-base
percentages. As a team, the Seminoles have scored more than 150 runs more than their opponents this
season. With respect to its pitching, FSU is anchored by a pair of freshmen who boast an 18-4 record
between them, and who have ERAs under 2.70.
So yes, offense and pitching should be the first things that jump off the page about this matchup.
But defense, particularly the style played by Travis and Gonzalez, can’t go overlooked.
“I don’t think there’s anything more important than being strong up the middle, and playing with a guy
like Justin, a guy I know inside and out, it definitely is going to help us out a ton,” Travis said.
Both juniors, Travis and Gonzalez have had a rapport that began before they even stepped foot on
campus together.
While still seniors in high school, both South Florida natives went to an FSU-Miami game played in Coral
Gables. They had both already signed with the Seminoles and were introduced for the first time by FSU
coaches who told them to get comfortable together. They were going to be playing a lot next to one
another.
With the MLB Draft process in play for both of them at the time, there may have been some initial
skepticism among them about it working out. But once it became clear they were indeed coming to FSU,
an on- and off-field relationship began to thrive.
“It was just little things like that helped out so much. Just like a little chat on Facebook,” Travis said of
their summertime discussions about becoming college roommates. “‘Oh, I’m going to get a refrigerator.’
‘OK, cool. I’m going to get a vacuum.’ Little things like that can help, especially when you don’t know
anybody. If you’re not familiar with the area. From Day 1, it’s something where we worked well
together.”
But nothing brought them closer than the ping-pong table.
“Ever since he got that ping pong table, our relationship just took off,” Travis said.
“I didn’t think I was very bad, I thought I was pretty good,” Gonzalez said about bringing the table to
school. “So I said, ‘Well, alright, man. You better get ready because I’m going to work you.’
“It turns out, when I got the table and moved in with him and Steven McGee, I ended up being the worst
one in the house. I didn’t end up winning a game for like the first two months that we were living there.
So everyday after study hall, freshman year, I’d start practicing, practicing, practicing. And eventually I
started smoking him.”
According to Travis, one day, they just stopped playing.
Gonzalez joked that the shifting balance of wins and losses had something to do with that.
As one would imagine with most shortstop-second basemen tandems, that competitive spirit spilled
onto the field.
“We’re both very competitive people,” Gonzalez said. “We push each other to get better each and every
day. When we take ground balls, it’s almost like, ‘Hey, how many did you miss today?’ ‘Oh, I didn’t miss
any. How many did you miss?’ ‘I missed one.’ Well, I go, ‘I beat you.’ It’s always that friendly competitive
nature just to get better. I want to see him succeed as much as I want to succeed.”
UH COUGARS.COM
Three Cougars Taken in MLB First-Year Player Draft
Staff
HOUSTON--Three University of Houston baseball players were recognized for their strong collegiate
careers as they were taken on the final day of the 2012 MLB First Year Player Draft. Right-handed
pitcher Mo Wiley was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 28th Round (862 overall), catcher John
Cannon was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 29th Round (896 overall) and right-handed
pitcher Jared Ray was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 34th Round (1053 overall).
Wiley, Cannon, and Ray concluded their four-year collegiate careers as Cougars this season, earning four
letters for Houston.
The three join a historically sound list of former Cougars who were taken in previous years' drafts. Wiley,
Cannon, and Ray became the 125th, 126th, 127th players drafted in the program's history, which includes
greats like Doug Drabek, Woody Williams, Michael Bourn, Brad Lincoln, Jesse Crain, Chris Snyder, Scott
Sheldon, and Garrett Mock, among many.
All three played their final two seasons under second-year head coach Todd Whitting. Since Whitting
took over the helm of the Cougars, Houston has seen four players drafted, including Caleb Ramsey in
2011. In his career, Whitting has coached more than 65 players that were drafted by Major League
organizations.
John Cannon
Cannon was taken in the 29th Round at No. 896 by the LA Dodgers.
Cannon's thoughts: "It's a great feeling to have been drafted. It's something I've been dreaming of since
I was about four years old. To have the opportunity to play for a great organization like the LA Dodgers is
an honor and I'm excited to start the next chapter of my life."
THE CANNON FILE:
A native of Hutto, Texas, Cannon was a four-year letterwinner and graduated Cum Laude with a degree
in Sports Administration and a minor in Nutrition this May.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Cannon played in 151 games with 132 starts as catcher. He produced his best season yet, hitting .302 for
Houston. In his career, he hit .269 with 119 hits, 61 runs, 55 RBI, 18 doubles, and 4 homeruns. He
notched a career-high four hits twice, last coming at Texas Tech this year, while driving in a career-best
four RBI at UAB.
OFF THE FIELD
Cannon was a three-time Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient, named to the All-Silver Glove Series vs.
Rice twice, and to the Houston College Classic All-Tournament Team in 2011.
SENIOR SEASON
Wrapped up a solid career with his best season yet...Started 51 games and appeared in 53 all as the
Cougar catcher...Notched a .302 batting average...Tallied 54 hits, 21 runs scored for third-best on the
team, and drove in 19 RBI...Had 12 multi-hit games...Led the team with 295 putouts and 65
assists...Picked off six base runners...Tallied a career-high four hits at Texas Tech (April 15)...Drove in a
career-best four RBI at UAB (April 28) on a double and single...Tallied three RBI on three hits in a win
over Tennessee at the Houston College Classic (March 2)...Rode a nine-game hit streak (April 7-21)...Had
three consecutive games with at least 2+ hits during the Texas Tech series...Was 2-for-2 with two
sacrifice bunts vs. Rice (May 6)...Led the team with nine sacrifice bunts...Hit .316 in C-USA play...Was 2for-6 with an RBI on a solo homerun in a win over Tulane (May 11)...Had four hits in series vs. Rice (May
4-6)...Named to the All-Silver
NOLA.COM
Tulane's Jeremy Schaffer picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 18th round
By Tammy Nunez
Also, Grace King’s Trent Giambrone, 18, was drafted in the 30th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers at
shortstop (926th overall pick). Giambrone led the metro area with a .565 batting average and made The
Times-Picayune All-Metro team and the Class 5A All-State squad at outfielder.
“I was getting calls from scouts; they predicted me to go today. … They just told me be prepared for
today and your name could get called,” Giambrone said.
Giambrone said he is headed to Jones Community College in Mississippi if he doesn’t agree to terms
with the Dodgers.
“I’m sure I’ll sit down with my family,” Giambrone said. “Everybody’s really excited right now, but we’re
just going to sit down and really talk it out and see how much they have to offer, and then will make a
decision after that.”
Giambrone also played center field for Grace King out of necessity, Coach Bobby Ledoux said.
“He’s an all-around utility player,” Ledoux said. “He is a five-tool player. He’s very talented. I’ve been
head coach at Grace King for 25 years, and he’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached.”
ARIZONASPORTS.COM
AZ players picked in MLB Draft
Staff
Arizona has long been a hotbed of talent that stocks the organizational rosters in Major League Baseball,
and that trend did not stop during the 2012 MLB First Year Player Draft.
Below is a list of players with Arizona ties who were picked by big league teams:
Universities
1st Round - #24 - Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State (Boston Red Sox)
3rd Round - #96 - Brady Rodgers, LHP, Arizona State (Houston Astros)
3rd Round - #108 - Joey DeMichele, 2B, Arizona State (Chicago White Sox)
3rd Round - #120 - Jake Barrett, RHP, Arizona State (Arizona Diamondbacks)
4th Round - #150 - Alejandro Mejia, SS, Arizona (St. Louis Cardinals)
5th Round - #159 - Andrew Aplin, CF, Arizona State (Houston Astros)
5th Round - #187 - Rob Refsnyder, 2B, Arizona (New York Yankees)
8th Round - #262 - Seth Mejias-Brean, 3B, Arizona (Cincinnati Reds)
9th Round - #282 - Brady Wager, RHP, Grand Canyon (Baltimore Orioles)
9th Round - #302 - Joey Rickard, CF, Arizona (Tampa Bay Rays)
12th Round - #393 - Keith Glenn, CF, Arizona Christian University (Arizona Diamondbacks)
16th Round - #501 - Abe Ruiz, 1B, Arizona State (Chicago White Sox)
22nd Round - #677 - Robert Ravago, RHP, Arizona State (Miami Marlins)
23rd Round - #721 - Brandon Magee, OF, Arizona State (Boston Red Sox)
24th Round - #733 - Beau Maggi, C, Arizona State (Kansas City Royals)
32nd Round - #976 - Max Rossiter, C, Arizona State (Pittsburgh Pirates)
34th Round - #1047 - Zachary Livingston, C, Arizona Christian (Los Angeles Angels)
Junior Colleges
3rd Round - #102 - Fernando Perez, SS, Central Arizona College (San Diego Padres)
6th Round - #194 - Trey Lang, RHP, Gateway Community College (Chicago Cubs)
12th Round - #393 - Julio Felix, RHP, Pima Community College (Detroit Tigers)
13th Round - #413 - Tyler Booth, OF, Central Arizona College (Cleveland Indians)
14th Round - #448 - Tyler Hollick, CF, Chandler Gilbert Community College (San Francisco Giants)
15th Round - #459 - Erick Gonzalez, RHP, Gateway Community College (Houston Astros)
19th Round - #595 - Jorge Flores, SS, Central Arizona College (Toronto Blue Jays)
30th Round - #934 - Preston Jamison, LHP, South Mountain CC (Detroit Tigers)
30th Round - #938 - Jordan Kipper, RHP, South Mountain CC (Philadelphia Phillies)
40th Round - #1213 - Taylor Kaczmarek, RHP, South Mountain CC (Kansas City Royals)
High Schools
Comp. Round A - #58 - Mitch Nay, 3B, Hamilton HS (Toronto Blue Jays)
2nd Round - #77 - Dylan Cozens, OF, Chaparral HS (Philadelphia Phillies)
6th Round - #206 - Joey Curletta, OF, Mountain Pointe HS (Los Angeles Dodgers)
17th Round - #541 - Willie Ethington, RHP, Mountain View HS (Boston Red Sox)
18th Round - #578 - Tony Blanford, RHP, Boulder Creek HS (Philadelphia Phillies)
31st Round - #956 - David Graybill, RHP, Brophy Prep (Los Angeles Dodgers)
39th Round - #1184 - Rustin Sveum, 3B, Desert Mountain HS (Chicago Cubs)
BASINRADIO.COM
Gillette's Austin Cowen Drafted by LA Dodgers
Ted Ripko
Former Gillette Roughrider and Western Illinois University standout Austin Cowen heard his named
called during day three of the MLB Amateur Player draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 35th round
with 1,076th pick.
Shortly after the announcement, Cowen tells Basin Radio Network the indescribable feeling has left his
speechless.
“I was just sitting in my house and kind of keeping my eye on things and just hoping for the best, and
then my dad called me upstairs and he heard it—he was listening to it live,” Cowen describes.
Over the last several days, Cowen says it was nerve racking watching each round pass without receiving
that call. “Luckily enough I got the call,” he says.
Yet at the same time, Cowen expressed his gratitude towards everyone who helped him throughout his
young career, including his coaches, his parents and family, and his friends.
“It’s just a very, very humbling experience,” he adds.
Cowen, who played shortstop for the Leathernecks, was drafted as a catcher by the Dodgers. While
Cowen admits there will be a learning curve associated with the position, he says he’s been preparing to
play behind the plate because that’s the position the scouts believed fit him the best. With that in mind,
Cowen is confident he’ll make the transition.
“I’m all in, and whatever I got to do to try to continue my career,” Cowen explains.
Cowen was a member of the Gillette American Legion baseball program's lone state championship team
in 2008. He is near the top of many career and single season records for the Riders including second alltime with 186 singles, fourth in career triples with 16, third all-time with 259 total hits, fourth all-time in
plate appearances, third in career sacrifices with 28 and his 76 singles in 2008 is good enough for second
most in a single season.
In Cowen's senior season with the Leathernecks of Western Illinois University he led the team 41 RBI
and he was 7 in the Summit League in batting with a .317 AVG.
So what advice would Cowen give to younger baseball players back in his hometown of Gillette who
dream of someday playing the big leagues? As it turns out, he would tell them the same thing he
recently told his younger cousin.
“Never be satisfied. Always be willing to put that hard work in.” Cowen concludes, “If you set your mind
to something that’s all you can ask for.”
FLAGLER.EDU
Bush, Armold and Sgromolo taken in MLB draft
Staff
Flagler College’s Garrett Bush, Jonathan Armold, and John Sgromolo were each selected in the 2012
Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Flagler has never had more than two
players selected in one draft in the history of the program.
Bush, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, went in the 24th Round, the 747th pick overall, to the
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Armold, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher went in the 30th
Round, the 935th overall pick, to the Milwaukee Brewers. John Sgromolo, a 6-foot, 200-pound first
baseman was selected in the 37th Round, the 1,136th pick, to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“These kids dream of playing professional baseball,” said Dave Barnett, head baseball coach. “This is a
great day for them and for Flagler. I am happy to have had the opportunity to coach Garrett, Jonathan,
and John.”
For Bush, this was not the first time a Major League team came calling. He was a 15th Round pick of the
Baltimore Orioles in 2009 coming out of Stanton College Prep in Jacksonville, and was a 19th Round
selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers last year after attending Seminole State College in Sanford. He
made nine appearances with two starts for the Saints this season. Bush pitched a total of 11.2 innings
and recorded nine strikeouts. He lost his Flagler debut on Feb. 5 after tossing two innings against the
defending national champion University of West Florida. Bush fanned a season-high three batters vs.
Florida Memorial (Mar. 28).
“Garrett has been on a lot of teams’ radars,” said Barnett. “I am happy he has the opportunity to extend
his career. Garrett has a tremendous arm.”
Armold has been a four-year starter on the hill for Flagler. He has won 16 games in his career with a 4.25
earned run average. Armold has recorded 255 career strikeouts in 313.2 innings of work. He has made
54 appearances and broke the school record with 51 starts. Armold went 5-5 this year with a 4.67 ERA.
He made 12 appearances, all starts, and tossed a staff-high 69.1 innings with 62 strikeouts. Armold
struck out a career-high 11 batters vs. the University of Montevallo (Mar. 10) and earned the win.
“Jonathan has worked hard to get himself into this position and deserves the opportunity to play
professionally,” said Barnett. “The Brewers will be pleased with their selection.”
Sgromolo was a four-starter for the Saints as well, the first two years as a designated hitter and the last
two as a first baseman. He batted .313 for his career and collected 208 hits, 41 doubles, 10 home runs,
drove in 95 runs and scored 105 runs. Sgromolo also boasts a .990 career fielding percentage. He is sixth
all-time at Flagler in hits, tied for fourth in singles with 156, sixth in doubles and third in fielding. A twotime second-team All-Peach Belt Conference selection, he batted .317 this season with 59 hits and a
team-leading 17 doubles. He also led the team with 31 runs batted in and a .996 fielding percentage,
which is the second highest single-season percentage at Flagler.
“John is a true baseball rat,” said Barnett. “He loves the game and has worked hard for the opportunity
to play for his favorite team – the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Flagler had the most players selected in the draft from the Peach Belt Conference. In fact, three of the
five players picked from the league wore Crimson and Gold. Stephen Carmon of USC Aiken was selected
in the 10th Round by the San Diego Padres and Zach Taylor of Armstrong Atlantic State University, the
PBC Player of the Year, was picked in the 12th Round by the Philadelphia Phillies.
The last time Flagler had multiple players selected in a draft was 1995 when Jim Woodrow was picked in
the 5th Round by the San Francisco Giants and Gary Santoro was selected in 29th Round by the thenFlorida Marlins.
WVMETRONEWS.COM
Nitro's Dunbar Drafted By Dodgers
Staff
Nitro standout Korey Dunbar became the only West Virginia high school player to be drafted in the 2012
MLB Draft.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Dunbar in the 39th round (1196 overall). He was ranked as the top
prospect in the state of West Virginia and led the Nitro Wildcats to the Class AAA state championship
game.
The standout catcher has also signed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina.
THE DAILY JOURNAL
Bay Area players selected in MLB Draft
By Terry Bernal
The 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft concluded yesterday, with 1,088 amateur
players being selected over the three-day event. USF right-hander Kyle Zimmer was the area player
drafted the highest, going in the first round (fifth overall) to the Royals. Here are most of the players of
local interest who were drafted by MLB this week:
College of San Mateo: Daniel Grazzini, right-hander, 35th round by Giants; Clint Terry, left-hander, 36th
round by Giants.
Menlo School: Freddy Avis, right-hander, 25th round by Washington.
Stanford: Mark Appel, right-hander, first round by Pittsburgh; Stephen Piscotty, third baseman,
supplemental first round by St. Louis; Brett Mooneyham, left-hander, third round by Washington; Kenny
Diekroeger, shortstop, fourth round to Kansas City; Jake Stewart, outfielder, ninth round to Detroit; Eric
Smith, catcher, 18th round to Dodgers; Tyler Gaffney, outfielder, 24th round to Pittsburgh.
Cal: Tony Renda, second baseman, second round by Washington; Chadd Krist, catcher, ninth round by
Cubs; Mitch Delfino, third baseman, 20th round by Giants; Justin Jones, left-hander, 26th round by
Minnesota; Matt Flemer, right-hander, 27th round by Colorado; Danny Oh, outfielder, 27th round by
Yankees; Joey Donofrio, right-hander, 31st round by St. Louis.
USF: Kyle Zimmer, right-hander, first round by Kansas City; Elliot Waterman, left-hander, 13th round by
Washington; Jordon Remer, left-hander, 21st round by Cincinnati.
Santa Clara: Lucas Herbst, outfielder, 26th round to Baltimore; Patrick Stover, outfielder, 40th round by
Dodgers.
San Jose State: Zach Jones, right-hander, fourth round by Minnesota; Michael Aldrete, right-hander,
39th round by St. Louis
St. Mary’s: Patrick Wisdom, third baseman, supplemental first round by St. Louis; Martin Agosta, righthander, second round by Giants; Kyle Barraclough, right-hander, seventh round by St. Louis; Toby
Demello, catcher, 29th round by Seattle; Gio Brusa, outfielder, 37th round by Atlanta.