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Youkoso! Kuroda signs with Dodgers

Yukoso (welcome) Hiroki Kuroda! Yes, according to Tony Jackson at the LA Daily News, it's official pending a physical. A huge signing for the Dodgers, especially considering the lack of quality pitchers currently available on the free agent market or via trade. Nice job, Ned!

Dodger Fallout from The Mitchell Report

It will be interesting to see how the fallout from the Mitchell Report will affect things over at Chavez Ravine. While I see the Dodgers are touting the fact that no current players were named in the report, it was a pretty damming look back at some of the most popular Dodger players of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bill Plaschke has a particularly interesting take on the situation in today's LA Times. As Plaschke notes, it certainly showcases the tough situation Dodger management was in back then and may warrant revising history when it comes to some of the "dubious" personnel moves by Dan Evans and Paul DePodesta involving Paul Lo Duca, Kevin Brown and Eric "Game Over" Gagne. Interesting stuff.

And as a PR guy, I'm particularly interested to see how the Dodgers spin this to avoid having the situation cast a pall over their 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2008.

Thank God for Jeff Kent!

So if the Hiroki Kuroda rumors are true, Ned Colletti deserves a pat on the back for a job well done. Andruw Jones plus Kuroda is a big, big improvement over last year’s signings of Juan Pierre and Jason Schmidt. Kuroda and his career 3.69 ERA should settle in nicely behind Penny and D. Lowe in the rotation. Billingsley and Schmidt can bring up the rear and that equals a nice starting five. Fortunately, Mark Hendrickson was cut loose.

One signing that hasn’t gotten nearly the amount of publicity it deserves due in recent days is the return of Jeff Kent. This guy is a gamer, a future HOFer and exactly the type of player that the Dodgers need. He’s the linchpin of the infield and a fantastic role model for kids playing any sport. I think the friction with the Dodgers’ “kids” at the end of last year was definitely an issue, but the fact of the matter is that the Dodgers need someone who won’t take any crap and is willing to come out and hustle every day. Sure, Kent likes to be by himself in the clubhouse and isn’t one to socialize with his teammates, but in past radio interviews I’ve heard with him on KLAC-AM with Times columnist T.J. Simers, he’s always said it’s not because he’s anti-social, but that in order for him to be successful he needs to keep his game face on every single moment that he’s at the park. He’s afraid that if he lets his intensity level down before a game that it might carry over on to the field. Knowing that only makes me respect the guy more. He knows what works for him and he’s sticking with it. After all, he’s the all time leader in home runs for a second baseman and led the Dodgers with 20 HRs at the age of 39.

One last thought on Jeff: I really think the combination of Kent and Joe Torre will go a long way in establishing some much needed clubhouse chemistry and keeping the younger guys in check. At the very least, you know Jeff was psyched to hear about the Andruw Jones signing!

The Mitchell Report

Tomorrow the Mitchell Report comes out. Apparently there will be some big names on it, including several MVPs and All-Stars. One name rumored that could be included is Roger Clemens. Regardless of whether The Rocket is or is not included, what is clear is that this will be another black eye for baseball and for all of us who love the integrity of the game. I seriously doubt we will see any current Dodgers on the list, but there is one notable former LA closer whose decline and physical breakdown was as rapid as his ascent to stardom, leading to media speculation as to the cause.

Dodger Stadium Photography

So I've been fortunate enough to have made it to about 16 MLB stadiums over the years, and there's really nothing like the peaceful tranquility that comes from spending a lazy afternoon or evening at Dodger Stadium. Over the course of the coming year I will share some of my takes on the Grand Old Lady of Southern California, but, in the meantime, be sure and check out some of the photography of the guy who shot the photo at the top of my blog...not bad work for a Padres fan!

Welcome Dodger Fans!

As my Dodger spirit warms to the heat being emanated from the Hot Stove League this December, I've found myself thinking ahead to Spring Training, and our hopes for a World Series berth for our beloved LA Dodgers.

Depite my scepticism about Ned Colletti's ability to pull off a truly smart trade, there's no denying that it's going to be an exciting year for the boys in blue. The signing of Andruw Jones is certainly a positive, and I'm excited to see how the Club celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the team's arrival in Los Angeles.

In any case, more to come on all of this in the coming weeks and months ahead, but I first wanted to welcome you all to my blog, LA Dodger Blue! This will be an open forum on everything related to the Dodgers, and all viewpoints and opinions are welcome (and encouraged).

Here's to an exciting season of Dodger baseball!