The Dodger Family Hurts

Apr 302013
 

After a stellar outing on Sunday, Clayton Kershaw immediately left his shut out game and was placed on the bereavement list by the Dodgers. It was not immediately known why, but reports stated he would be ready for his Friday start against the Giants in San Francisco. Today we learned that Clayton Kershaw’s father passed away.

It was later reported that Ned Colletti, the General Manager of the Dodgers, has suffered the loss of his mother.

In both cases, the immediate cause of death is unknown.

On behalf of the Dodger Rumors team, we wanted to wish our condolences for the the losses to their families.

 04/30/2013  Posted by at 11:03 pm Dodgers News 6 Responses »

Chad Billingsley out for 2013 season, slated to have Tommy John surgery

Apr 232013
 

It’s official, Chad Billingsley will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will be performing the surgery at Kerlan-Jobe in Los Angeles. Honestly, I’m pissed. How does this situation even happen? The coaches and even Billingsley himself took no responsibility. I’m sure you remember when Billingsley was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow last year. He opted to try to rehab the injury with plasma injections rather than having surgery, which will now cost him the entire 2013 season. Billingsley will probably have to miss the first couple months of 2014 as well.

Here comes the I told you so…back on February 1st I wrote “Today, Ken Gurnick provided an update on Billingsley, who is reportedly feeling “absolutely great.” Everything has progressed as planned with no setbacks. Updating yesterday’s post, it’s quite possible that Billingsley makes an appearance during Spring Training. My expectations will not be very high for Billingsley in 2013. I don’t see how you can fully recover from a partially torn elbow ligament without having Tommy John surgery. I fully expect Billingsley to start out well but miss some time, perhaps even having to shut it down and have surgery at some point.”

Billingsley, I am sure, is feeling like an idiot right now, and he should, because he is.

Billingsley opened this season on the disabled list, but it was for a bruised right index finger he sustained while bunting in Spring Training. He will finish the 2013 season with 1-0 record with a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings over two starts.

Billingsley is scheduled to earn $12MM next year, then there is a $14 million club option for 2015 or a $3 million buyout. Top all that off with the fact Billingsley now has zero trade value, and will until he proves he is healthy. The Dodgers would be wise to move on and now count on him moving forward.

Stephen Fife started Sunday in place of Billingsley against the Orioles and allowed three runs in the first inning, however, he bounced back and made it through 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk. He will likely get the next couple of starts until Chris Capuano comes off of the DL with his strained calf issue. Of course, Zack Greinke remains out indefinitely with his broken collarbone, and won’t see him until the middle of June at the earliest.

I wouldn’t mind seeing what Zach Lee or Chris Reed can do at this point.

 04/23/2013  Posted by at 7:33 pm Dodgers Injury Reports, Dodgers News 5 Responses »

Dodgers aim to bounce back against Padres

Apr 162013
 

After a disappointing loss last night on Jackie Robinson night, the Dodgers will look to get things back on track in game two of the three game series with the San Diego Padres. This will be the Dodgers’ first look at what life will be like for the next couple months without Zack Greinke in their rotation.

That starting pitching depth is looking pretty good now, right? After being one of the most heavily shopped players of the off-season, Chris Capuano started the 2013 season in the bullpen. The 2012 12-game winner now gets a crack to re-establish himself as a starter. Win-win for the Dodgers really. Capuano will fill in nicely I’m sure, plus he will hopefully boost his value just in time to get traded when Greinke comes back.

Capuano has had two phenomenal appearances in relief in 2013. Interestingly enough, both came against the Padres. He put up a total of 2-2/3 innings of work, while only giving up two hits and no runs, including four punch-outs. Let’s hope we see more of the same as the Dodgers try to avoid the seasons first three-game losing streak.

Tonight should be a fun night at the ballpark as the Dodgers will celebrate Taiwanese culture, and host Taiwan Night. Many festivities will be held on the field before first pitch, including a ceremony for the Taiwanese lantern in lot G of the parking lot.

Dodgers Starting Lineup

Carl Crawford, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Matt Kemp, CF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
A.J. Ellis, C
Juan Uribe, 3B
Justin Sellers, SS
Chris Capuano, P

Padres Staring Lineup

Chris Denorfia, RF
Everth Cabrera, SS
Yonder Alsonso, 1B
Jesus Guzman, LF
Jedd Gyorko, 3B
Nick Hundley, C
Cameron Maybin, CF
Alexi Amarista, 2B
Jason Marquis, P

Still looking for Dodgers tickets? It’s not too late to grab your tickets for tonight’s game. Also don’t forget tomorrow night is the Hello Kitty Fleece Blanket giveaway, as the Dodgers finish up with the San Diego Padres. Then the Dodgers head to Baltimore for their first inter-league series of the season. Go blue!

 04/16/2013  Posted by at 5:08 pm Dodgers News No Responses »

The clock continues to tick for Ted Lilly

Apr 162013
 

Yesterday Ken Gurnick reported that the Dodgers were at an impasse with southpaw Ted Lilly after the 14-year veteran refused a minor league assignment Saturday. The Dodgers now must activate him, designate him for assignment, release him, or trade him.

Gurnick passed on these comments from manager Don Mattingly;

“We laid out a plan and Teddy doesn’t want to be part of the plan. It’s out of my hands. We didn’t feel he was ready to pitch at the Major League level. For me, it’s a baseball decision. It’s nothing personal in any way, shape or form. We’re giving him our baseball thoughts, what we think is best for him and the team.”

It’s worth noting that Mattingly did say using Lilly in relief is a possibility, though it appears that Dodgers and Ted Lilly don’t seem to be thrilled with the scenario. I couldn’t agree more. Sort of a slap in the face to Lilly, no? I can’t really see how Lilly helps the Dodgers much in the bullpen. Seriously, what a mess.

Late yesterday afternoon Lilly agreed to make another minor league rehab start according to Gurnick. So as originally scheduled Lilly will start today for Triple-A Albuquerque. The question now is, will Ted Lilly make another rehab start after today? Or will the Dodgers activate him? This all but looks to be the Dodgers trying to buy some more time before making a decision. Perhaps a sell low trade is in the works. It’s going to be tough for the Dodgers to get a lot of value with Lilly right now, especially at age 37, and a $12MM salary. McCourt still haunts the Ned Colletti and the Dodgers, sigh. Tough break for Colletti, as he certainly has his work cut out for him with Lilly.

 04/16/2013  Posted by at 3:52 pm Dodgers News, Dodgers Rumors No Responses »

Greinke Breaks Collar Bone In Win Over Padres

Apr 112013
 

That is no typo. Greinke out with no timetable.

Pitching in just his second game as a Dodger, Co-Ace Zach Greinke suffered a collar bone fracture during a scuffle with Hit By Pitch King, Carlos Quentin. Quentin, who has lead the majors for two seasons was plunked during a 3-2 count in the 5th and charged the mound. In a surprise to catcher A.J. Ellis, who was steps behind Quentin, did his best to scramble and eventually tackle Quentin.

The replay shows Greinke turn his left side towards the charge, not to take damage to his pitching arm. As benches cleared, the jawing and scuffle continued, eventually leading to the tossing of both Matt Kemp and Jerry Hairston Jr.. The blow comes off the heals of an injury free pitching staff, where Chad Billingsley returned to earn his first win of the season.gqdodgers

After the game, Don Mattingly was furious to put it nicely. “He [Quentin] shouldn’t be allowed to play another game until Greinke can… If he does.. well then that is just stupid.” The normally calm and precise skipper lashed out at all questions regarding the “why” this all happened. A brave reporter asked him “you seem upset by all this, how upset are you?”

“I’m happy.”

Yikes.

Obviously there will be some suspensions here, but a fair point for Don to make. In a 2-1 game, full count, why would Greinke throw at Quentin? Why would Quentin think it was intentional? Has he considered backing up from the plate a little bit?

Quentin who has 30 pounds on Greinke, attacks, gets suspended maybe for 2-3 games and is back in commission. Greinke gets the brunt of it and could potentially out 4-6 weeks. Doesn’t seem fair. Don isn’t pleased. Management can’t be thrilled with their pricey investment getting injured. Chris Capuano’s stock is rising.

 04/11/2013  Posted by at 11:34 pm Dodgers Injury Reports, Dodgers News 1 Response »
Page 1 of 4912345...102030...Last »