Damn injuries!

Spring training has officially started. And with two games won out of seven, it is hardly something to be cheering about.  As the season begins to unravel, we are seeing where the Dodgers strengths and weaknesses lie.

On Wednesday March 5th, the Dodgers faced the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.  Not their best game to say the least.

 
Before the game started, there were already some issues. Left-hand pitcher, Hong-Chih Kuo, was not allowed to play after complaining of an irritation in the back of the elbow. The same elbow where bone chips were removed last summer.  

“I just felt a little sore,” Kuo said. “I’m just taking a couple of days off and I’ll be ready to go.”

 
Any injury to Kuo must be taken seriously. Kuo has been through four elbow operations, including two Tommy John reconstructions.

Manager Joe Torre said he wasn’t sure when Kuo would pitch again. But Kuo is optimistic saying, that he expects to throw a bullpen session today and possibly pitch in Saturday’s game against St. Louis. 

The injury could keep Kuo from making the trip to China next week and worse, possibly affect his chance at the fifth spot in the pitching rotation.

“It felt better after surgery, and this is just part of rehab I have to go through,” said Kuo. “I’ll be alright.”

 I hope so.

In related news, two days just before his 40^th birthday, Jeff Kent is showing signs of his antiquity.

During warm-ups before the game against the Mets, Kent strained his right hamstring.  Five sprints into his warm up, Torre said,  “he felt something grab.” 

Although we are still unclear of the extent of the injury, it seems medical staff and Torre are trying to down play it, saying that it isn’t more than minor pains and that Kent should be back in a week.

The soon to be 40-year-old second baseman said he didn’t think it was too bad.

Let’s keep in mind that last season, Kent led the Dodgers with 20 home runs. Not bad for his age. 

Come on Kent! Let's show these young players how's it done! 

So where do the Dodgers go from here?

Torre isn’t taking any chances. He knows what needs to be done to keep his squad healthy, and if sideling them until they get better is what he needs to do, he will.

On a side Dodger Blue note: The Dodgers will face the Boston Red Sox today at 10:05 a.m. (PT) on ESPN.  

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!