2.13.2008

Ahhhh...Love is in the air

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and the Dodgers, one of my greatest loves will begin spring training soon. Pitchers and catchers will report to training on February 14th. This will be the last year the Dodgers will train in Vero Beach, Florida. Better known as Dodgertown. The Dodgers' spring training has taken place in Vero Beach since 1948 and after six decades, spring training 2009 will be held in Arizona. The facilities in Arizona are still under construction and will be shared with the Chicago White Sox.



The 2008 season marks the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers move to Los Angeles. The logo was designed by Los Angeles graphic designer Ross Yoshida with attention to every detail. From the 5 lights of beams that represent the five championships in Los Angeles, to the gold star that represents the star the Dodgers will receive on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this month.


This will definetly be an exciting year for the Dodgers. With a young, strong squad and the return of hopeful veterans, the Dodgers are sure to have a great season.

The signing of closer Takashi Saito was officially announced today. Saito who had 39 saves in 43 opportunites last season will receive $2 million for a one year contract, plus possible bonuses. Much deserved because he's worth every penny.

This is Saito's third year in the major leagues. He began his career in Japan and in his second season with the Dodgers he had an ERA of 1.40.

A key player for the Dodgers from the Dominican Republic is Rafael Furcal. The short stop who had an okay season (despite the injuries) last year with a .270 batting average and 47 RBIs, will return this year to help out the team. Furcal who plays for the Dominican Republic team the Aguilas (it means Eagles), was close to a Caribbean World Series early this month. Luckily, Furcal is still able to hit homeruns.


The Dodgers undoubtedly have had a few bad seasons, but with the return of their oldest player Jeff Kent, he will surely be a mentor and tremendous help to the younger players. The second baseman who will turn 40 years-old during spring training, had a .302 average last season. The outspoken baseball player has a true love for the game and I am are sure he'll put all of his effort and heart into the game to possibly end his career with a World Series. Even for his age, Mike Harmon of Fox Sports positions Kent as the 11th best major league second baseman. Not bad for an old man.


The Dodgers are facing another tough season but with the likes of Joe Torre (manager), Russell Martin (catcher), and Andruw Jones (center-fielder), the Dodgers are sure to have a better season than last year.

Go Dodgers!

6 comments:

B. Ward said...

The dodgers, huh? I remember when they played the oakland A's in the world series? Cause I can'. everytime I think of the dodgers I just think of Tom Sellick from that one movie.

lorena zuluaga said...

I don’t read much about sports so I don’t know much about the dodgers. I haven’t really read any material about baseball because it has never been a sport I enjoy. I know I may be hurting a lot of fans but the truth is that each person can identify with a different sport. I didn’t grow up around baseball so to me is not part of “my social norm,” perhaps Tennis was. I like that you have put a lot of visuals in your blog, as well as videos. Your passion for sports comes through your blog. Good for you.
Something I think you could integrate in your site, for those who are spanish speakers.

Spanish Report

lorena zuluaga said...

I don’t read much about sports so I don’t know much about the dodgers. I haven’t really read any material about baseball because it has never been a sport I enjoy. I know I may be hurting a lot of fans but the truth is that each person can identify with a different sport. I didn’t grow up around baseball so to me is not part of “my social norm,” perhaps Tennis was. I like that you have put a lot of visuals in your blog, as well as videos. Your passion for sports comes through your blog. Good for you.
Something I think you could integrate in your site, for those who are spanish speakers.

Spanish Report

Jesse C. said...

BOOOOOOO!!!! BEAT LA!!! He He He. This blog actually looks amazing. Well done, I really like how you incorporated so many pictures and links that are in fact useful to those interested in the squad. How do you think the NL West will shape up? Being a Giants fan I figure they are going to suck pretty hard, but I wouldn't be surprised if they caught a lot of people off guard and had an above average season. As for the dodgers I just can't see their aging lineup and weak pitching rotation holding up vs. the Padres D'backs and to a degree the Rockies. I do think the Dodgers will finish ahead of the Giants but I don't think it will be by quite as much as many people believe.

Jesse C. said...

I forgot to put my link! here check out my blog, maybe we can set up some friendly wager or competition!

Anonymous said...

Hello Claudia,
I hope that you are well. I think it's wonderful that you are keeping a blog about sports and challenging social and gender associations, because as we know, we live in a world with slow progress, when we think that only men can have interest in sports. Also there is a wonderful class in the Ethnic Studies department called ETHS 285the class is taught by one of my favorite professors in the department. In the class the students examine the connections between race, "politics" and high-profile professional sports in the United States and abroad. Multiple issues are explored using interdisciplinary approach, including critical race theory and socio-historical and socioeconomic constructs.

This to me is very interesting, maybe you can pass it on if not take the course?

Well have a nice weekend and take care!

Yours for Justice,
Josie