It Has Officially Started

Making the slow trek from the left and right-field bullpens, Dodger legends such as Carl Erskine, Ron Cey, Don Newcombe and Sweet Lou Johnson made their way to their original positions. Chavez Ravine was filled with cheers as more than three dozen Dodger greats stepped onto the field for the pre-Opening Day ceremony. Here's a video.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, fans were ecstatic when Fernando Valenzuela, Tommy Lasorda and Sandy Koufax emerged.

Delivering simultaneous ceremonial pitches, Erskine, Koufax and Newcombe threw the ball to catchers, Javier Herrera, Lasorda and Torre.

With the smooth voice of Vin Scully the game began…“And now, it’s time for Dodgers baseball!”

The one-hundred-twenty-six-million-dollar-pitcher, Barry Zito faced starting pitcher, Brad Penny. The stage was set and the game began.

After the first scoreless inning pitched by Penny, the Dodgers were up to bat. Furcal hits a double. Kemp is up and with a single, it allows Furcal to score.

Up next, is the first 40-year-old player the Dodgers have had in the Opening Day lineup, Jeff Kent. The old-man proves that experience counts in the major leagues. Kent hits a homerun, allowing two more runs. The score is 3-to-0!

The Dodgers’ defense, pitching and hitting made it a great game. By the seventh inning the score was 5-to-0. Closer Takashi Saito was brought in, in the ninth inning to seal the game.

Brad Penny threw almost seven scoreless innings. 

Bravo!

In a recent article, Penny discloses how he struggled in his first game of the season. 

What is he talking about? He pitched great.

On Tuesday April 1st, the Dodgers did it again. With a 3-to-2 victory over the Giants in the ninth inning.

But not all was as calm and easy as it seemed. Third-base coach, Larry Bowa was ejected in the sixth inning after a heated confrontation with one of the umpires. The argument began when ump, Ed Montague told Bowa to keep within the coaching box boundaries. Watch the video.

Bowa has been suspended for three games and fined by the commissioner’s office on Wednesday.

After the game Tuesday, Bowa said:

“I did it all Spring, nobody said a word. I did it yesterday, nobody said a word. It’s impossible to coach third and stay in the box with a runner at second.”

Through it all, the Dodgers were able to gain the lead in the ninth inning when pinch hitter Delwyn Young came up to bat. With two outs and Furcal on second, Young’s infield hit was just enough to send Furcal home.

It was a beautiful way to end a crazy night.

Tonight the Dodgers hope to sweep the Giants.

Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum will face Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley.

April 2, 2008 Lineup

Rafael Furcal-Short Stop
Russell Martin-Catcher
Andre Ethier- Left Field
Jeff Kent- Second Base
Andruw Jones- Center Field
James Loney- First Base
Matt Kemp- Right Field
Blake DeWitt- Third Base
Chad Billingsley- Pitcher

The Dodgers are off Thursday. They head to San Diego on Friday for a three game series against the Padres.

On Monday, the Dodgers jet off to Arizona to face the 2007 National League West Division Champions, Diamondbacks. Opening Day at Chase Field has been sold out and less than 450 standing room only tickets are available.

GO DODGERS!

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!