Kuzul

It’s almost impossible to explain the true essence of the authentic Los Angeles Dodgers fan. The average baseball follower around the league has a stereotypical opinion about a genuine Dodger supporter, but that average follower doesn’t understand at all. True Dodger fans get hooked; there’s a clean-cut, majestic wholesomeness about them. They Think Blue, Bleed Blue, and they’ll talk until they’re Blue in the face.

All that being said, that same Dodger enthusiast is impatient. Successful performance is a must. Good results are required; and they are required now.

The truth is, that at this moment, the Los Angeles Dodgers are an average baseball team. Injuries have plagued the squad for the entire first half of the season, and every time it seems like the Blue Crew is developing that much needed chemistry, another player falls victim to the disabled list.

Yet they still remain in contention. Every season, the baseball sages preach that if a team is within five games of the divisional leader at the All-Star break, that team can make a legitimate run at the title.

However, one glaring statistic that stings the morale of the Dodger fanatic is the fact that since 1990, only five National League teams have not appeared in a World Series; and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among those teams.

Many think by adding a high quality starter to the Dodger pitching staff, Los Angeles will not only return to the NCLS, but also have a realistic chance of claiming their first World Series title since 1988.

Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti has indeed confirmed that he has been in contact with numerous teams willing to deal pitchers, though it is unknown exactly what type of pitcher Colletti is targeting.

The following slides illustrate ten of the many possible players Los Angeles may target before the July 31 trade deadline.

Begin Slideshow

Dodger Stadium, the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, is renowned for its rich heritage, the world class playing surface, the picturesque skyline, and is home to the most popular concession food in baseball, the Dodger Dog.

It was built in the mid-1950s by team president Walter O’Malley, and is one of the few remaining stadiums in the Major Leagues without a corporate sponsored name.

Such icons as Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Don Sutton, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Tommy Lasorda, Walter Alston, Roy Campanella, and Jim Gilliam live eternally with their uniform numbers mounted below the pavilion roofs behind the outfield fence.

Besides the renowned legacy and top caliber play on the diamond, the club offers many other forms of entertainment and recreation for the Dodger faithful.

The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding ritual of baseball in which a guest of honor throws a ball to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game; and what’s a better way to start a ballgame than having a widely known, gorgeous hottie chuck in the first ball?

The following frames show—in order—the 10 hottest women ever to grace the mound at Dodger Stadium and begin the game by throwing out the first pitch.

It’s also worth mentioning that in the endless hours of research it took in putting together this slideshow, it is not known if Alyssa Milano, one of the biggest die-hard Dodger junkies around, has ever thrown out a first pitch in Los Angeles.

Begin Slideshow

Now, it seems as if the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation is on the verge of total collapse.

Carlos Monasterios, the rookie right-hander who was battling to find himself a spot as the team’s fifth starter, has joined fellow starters Chad Billingsley and Charlie Haeger on the disabled list, the Dodgers announced on Friday afternoon.

Monasterios (3-2, 3.88 ERA) was sent to the DL with what was described as “a pre-existing blood blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand and a split nail on the index finger that occurred Friday night.”

Although one would assume that the team is getting “extra creative” with their phantom injuries and unorthodox roster shuffling, the Dodgers are now left with four starters: Hiroki Kuroda, Clayton Kershaw, John Ely, and Vicente Padilla.

Los Angeles could try to tough it out with a four-man rotation or start a middle-reliever to pick up the slack, but all signs are pointing to Claudio Vargas making a start for the Dodgers as soon as Wednesday against the Angels.

Vargas was signed by the Dodgers last week after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers and clearing waivers earlier this month.

Vargas, who is no stranger to a Dodger uniform, had a 7.32 ERA in 17 relief appearances before being cut by the Brewers. However, he had a productive start with Dodgers’ triple-A affiliate Albuquerque on Thursday, when he threw three solid innings and only allowed one run, a solo homer, while striking out four and walking none.

In 2009 before being traded, he went 0-0 with a 1.64 ERA in eight relief appearances and 11 innings of work for the Dodgers.

Allowing Vargas to start on Wednesday would give John Ely an extra day of rest. Ely (3-4, 4.15 ERA) has struggled recently, seeing his earned run average increase more than one full run in his last two starts alone.

With all of the recent shuffling in the starting rotation, Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti is beginning to look around the league in an effort to obtain an additional starter.

“The conversations have picked up a little,” Colletti said. “It doesn’t seem that anything is really hot. There are six or seven weeks to go [until the trade deadline]. Teams holding on to pitchers, their value won’t go down unless they get hurt.”

As the July 31 deadline creeps ever so near, Dodger fans everywhere have made no secret of their top choices for an acquisition. The Dodger faithful have two players in mind, and two players only: Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee.

It still remains unclear whether Colletti will target the big market pitcher or focus on a starter with type-B status. He’s open-minded and hasn’t ruled out anyone, but Ned has stated that he hasn’t yet approached ownership to ask for more money.

Regardless, the Dodgers face a difficult challenge in producing quality starts until a deal, if any, is made.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

In what was thought to be a difficult signing season for Los Angeles Dodgers’ draftees, the team made deals with second round pick Ralston Cash and third round selection Leon Landry on Wednesday.

The details of the contracts are unknown, as many of the deals are sometimes kept under tight wraps until the signing deadline passes on August 16.

According to the Gainsville Times, a newspaper in Georgia, Cash will complete his deal by the end of the week, and upon signing will immediately be dispatched to begin pitching in the Arizona rookie league.

Cash previously committed to start classes at the University of Georgia in the fall, but has decided to forego college for now, and instead begin a career in professional baseball.

Cash himself hinted that his deal could be upwards of $500,000 for the life of the contract, but the exact specifics won’t be known until he signs on paper at week’s end.

Cash, the 78th overall selection in the draft, is a right-handed pitcher from Lakeview Academy, a high school in Marietta, Georgia, which is a suburb of Atlanta.

He is known for his tremendous athleticism, but his pitching repertoire is graded average at best. However, with his excellent frame and his athletic talent, scouts rate his projectability as high as just about everyone taken in the first three rounds.

The LSU student newspaper, The Daily Reveille, has reported that Leon Landry, the Dodgers’ third selection and 109th overall pick in the draft, has also agreed to a deal with Los Angeles.

No details regarding the specifics of Landry’s contract are known at this time.

Landry is a center fielder, who recently completed his junior year at LSU.

He is very athletic, and can provide power at the plate. His speed doesn’t rank as high as the top base stealers in the game, but his quickness is deceptive and is certainly one of his strengths.

Because of his experience in college, it is possible that Landry may bypass the Arizona League, and head straight to the Ogden Raptors, which is just a step below single A in the Dodgers’ farm system.

Zach Lee, who was the 28th overall selection and the first pick of the Dodgers draft, still remains unsigned. At this point, all signs are indicating that he will be attending LSU, where he will play both football and baseball.

However, assistant general manager of the Dodgers Logan White has conveyed that money is not an issue in the front office, and Los Angeles will make every possible effort to sign Lee.

Leon Landry and Ralston Cash are now the fifth and sixth players respectively from the draft who have signed with the Dodgers this summer.

Other players drafted by Los Angeles who have signed include Jake Lemmerman, a shortstop from Duke who was selected in the fifth round; Jesse Bosnick, a third baseman from St. Bonaventure selected in the 13th round; Alex McRee, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Georgia selected in the 14th round; and Mike Drowne, who is a center fielder from Sacred Hart University selected in the 28th round.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Just when it seemed as if things were getting brighter for the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff, the team was dealt another blow on Tuesday afternoon, when they announced that Chad Billingsley would be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a groin injury.

According to team reports, Billingsley suffered the injury sometime during his start in Friday’s 10-1 loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The results of an MRI revealed nothing, but Billingsley still showed signs of strain in a throwing session on Tuesday. Dodgers manager Joe Torre quickly determined that the disabled list would be a wise precaution.

“It’s [a groin injury], the one you can predict the least, because you can warm up, you can have a simulated game, but until you get on the mound and push off in a regular game, you’re never sure,” Torre said. “So we’re going to take the safe route.”

Depending on the exact nature of the injury, groin problems can be very serious; the best medicine, in most cases, is just plain rest.

After Friday’s defeat to the Angels, Billingsley’s season record was 6-4 with a 4.34 earned run average. His next scheduled start was set for the series finale on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds.

John Ely (3-3, 3.38 ERA) will be moved up in the rotation to start in Billingsley’s place, while Carlos Monasterios will start on Friday to fill the void in the rotation.

Monasterios (3-1, 2.98 ERA) assumed he was headed to the bullpen with the return of starter Vicente Padilla, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday at Boston.

Padilla’s start will mark only his fifth of the season and his first since going on the DL with a wrist injury in late April.

Critics around the majors are already saying that this is an “injury of convenience” for the Dodgers, because otherwise, Los Angeles would have been forced to reassign someone on the roster to make room for Padilla.

Many thought the player likely for re-assignment was Justin Miller, who has no options left on his contract. Miller was 0-0 with a 3.48 ERA in seven appearances and 10.1 innings pitched for the Dodgers this season.

It was doubtful that Miller would have cleared waivers. Several teams already showed interest in Miller as middle relievers are at a premium this time of the year for many squads throughout MLB.

Middle relief is plentiful for the Dodgers right now, both on the big league roster and throughout the farm system.

However, questions are still circulating in Dodgerland about acquiring another starter, but any trade talks being made in the front office are unknown at this time.

Dodgers owner and chairman Frank McCourt is still insisting that money is not a factor in the daily operation of the baseball club.

Whether or not Los Angeles will make any moves in terms of obtaining a starting pitcher before the trade deadline on July 31 remains to be seen.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Whether it was the lack of mystical energy from a magical wizard or just plain being outplayed on the diamond, the Dodgers had a difficult weekend on the home front, as the Los Angeles Angels completed their first ever sweep of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

James Loney sparked the Dodger bats with two doubles and three RBI late in the series finale on Sunday, but it wan’t enough as the Angels held on for a 6-5 victory and swept the series.

The Angels, who have been torrid in the AL West as of late, registered their 10th win in their last 12 games.

In the series opener on Friday, Chad Billingsley took the brunt of the damage dealt by the Angels, having given up seven earned runs, nine hits, and three walks in only five and two-thirds innings of work.

Billingsley (6-4) was the pitcher of record in the 10-1 thrashing.

Angels pitcher Joel Pinero was brilliant in game one, pitching a complete game and only allowing one earned run while giving up five hits and striking out seven.

Pinero (5-6) also helped his own cause at the plate, as he became the first Angels pitcher to score three runs in a game since 1962.

Saturday’s pitching matchup featured Scott Kazmir of the Angels against the Dodgers’ promising rookie John Ely.

Ely struggled early for the Dodgers, and the Boys in Blue were silent with the sticks for the second consecutive evening.

Russell Martin provided the only hint of offense for the Dodgers, doubling to deep right center field in the fifth inning, driving in Jamey Carroll and Rafael Furcal, the only two Dodger runs of the game.

Juan Rivera hit a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to lead the Angels offensive attack. The drive into the left field stands was the 10th of the year for Rivera.

Kazmir picked up his sixth win of the season in the second game of the series, throwing a strong five innings and allowing only two earned runs, as the Angels held on for the win, 4-2. Kazmir is now 6-5.

Ely registered his third loss in his ninth game started for the Dodgers this season.

“I’ve got to do a better job than I did,” Ely (3-3) said after the game. “Four runs in five innings isn’t cutting it. We’re capable of beating that team, and I think everybody knows that.”

The series finale on Sunday saw pitcher Carlos Monasterios of the Dodgers square off against Jered Weaver of the Angels.

Monasterios labored early, and after allowing four earned runs and seven hits, was pulled in the top of the third inning in favor of Jeff Weaver, to create a brother vs. brother on the mound.

Torii Hunter and Mike Napoli sparked the Angels bats, both hitting solo home runs, which were their tenth each on the season.

Hideki Matsui also powered the Angels offensively, having gone 3-4 at the dish, with two singles, a double, one run, and two RBI.

Loney’s late game efforts were for naught, as Angels reliever Brian Fuentes forced Rafael Furcal to ground into a game-ending double play; and Fuentes saved his tenth game of the year.

Monasterios (3-1) registered the loss and Jered Weaver (6-3) gained the win as the Angels held on for the victory, 6-5.

Left fielder Manny Ramirez and shortstop Rafael Furcal were about the only other signs of offensive production for the Dodgers. Ramirez hit a single, two doubles and scored two runs; while Furcal chipped in with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning.

Dodger slugger Andre Ethier was quiet the entire series, having gone a total of 0-10 at the plate, while managing two bases on balls.

The Angels added to their total head-to-head record vs. the Dodgers, now leading 42-31 games.

The Dodgers begin a nine game road trip on Tuesday agaist the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, where Hiroki Kuroda (5-4) of the Dodgers will face Aaron Harang (5-5) of the Reds.

The first game is scheduled to begin at 7:10 EST.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Just imagine for a brief moment that the Los Angeles Dodgers were in last place in the National League West division.

Now consider several of the derogatory episodes that have occurred already in 2010: a shrunken payroll, a General Manager openly criticizing player performance, the ongoing saga of a nasty divorce, an unsignable first-round draft choice, an alleged barroom squabble, a string of injuries that would be difficult for almost any Major League squad to overcome, and now a faith healer/visualist/physicist called Vladimir Shpunt, who earned well over six figures to send positive energy over great distances to help the team win.

If indeed Los Angeles was in the basement of the NL West, reporters, columnists and bloggers alike would be having a field day.

But the truth is that not only are the Dodgers in first place in their division, but they currently boast the best record in the entire National League. And as a result, these headlines make feeble appearances in the newspapers and eventually become forgotten. 

Most of the credit needs to be given to the players and the fans, the two largest driving forces of the Los Angeles Dodgers, psychic energy aside.

Despite the national economic woes, already the Dodgers’ fan attendance ranks a respectable third place in the entire Major Leagues, second to only the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. And this ranking is likely to increase as the season progresses, if patterns of past seasons hold true to form.

Ticket holders and fans across the country who “think” and “bleed” Dodger Blue are the true voice of the Dodgers, and although they may get a bit impatient and a bit choppy with the tongue at times they continue to set the standard for fan bases throughout the Majors.

Even owner and chairman Frank McCourt, and least at one point, had the sensibility to recognize the fans for what they contribute to the success of the Dodgers.

“This is a huge step for the franchise. I think we have the franchise back to a place where the fans know and can expect us to compete every year. I’m so grateful to the fans for their support. You could feel the energy tonight. They willed the team (the 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers) to victory in that seventh inning. To be leading baseball in attendance in this economy, it says a lot about our fans. This is for them.” -Frank McCourt upon the Dodgers clinching the NL West divisional title on Oct. 4, 2009

And let’s not forget about the players, who day in and day out take the field and put forth their best efforts.

Although several Dodger players are among the league leaders in numerous statistical categories, it’s really not fair to single any player out for their productivity because it is evident that the team’s success is predicated on unity and has amazingly positive chemistry.

Even players who fill the roll of pinch-hitters, cover players or substitutes have unexpectedly surprised everyone with their considerable contributions already this season.

Negativity has a horrible effect on any professional sports team, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to dig oneself out of a deep hole. But as any player on any successful team will testify, even the tiniest bit of genuine positivity goes a long way in the dugout; and the Dodgers are riding that wave of positivity right now.

And it’s very obvious that as teammates, at least on the field, they support each other to the highest degree.

Moving forward into the season, it’s apparent that the divorce will get uglier, more injuries are likely to occur, at least half of the draft choices won’t be signed, and the much desired ace starting pitcher won’t be scored before the trade deadline.

But two things remain certain: the players will show up everyday to give their best efforts, and the stadium gates will be open to welcome the stream of Dodger fans willing their team to victory.

The Dodgers don’t need you Mr. Shpunt, both the fans and players have that physical energy, mystic synergism thingy covered already.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Within moments of the Los Angeles Dodgers selecting their first choice at the No. 28 slot in the 2010 MLB first-year player draft, speculation in regards to the team’s financial situation once again emerged.

In the offseason, Frank McCourt, owner and chairman of the Dodgers, stated that everything would be “business as usual” for the 2010 campaign, and that his pending divorce with wife Jamie would have no bearing whatsoever on the operation of the baseball team.

However, at the first sign of any uneasiness or deceleration of progress, whether it be stadium issues, player production, coaching performances, or any qualm in general, Dodgers critics are quick to point the finger at the divorce.

Nevertheless, Assistant GM Logan White had indicated to the press more than once before the draft that he did have enough money at his disposal to sign the picks he made over the first few days.

“I think sometimes people tend to misunderstand or misinterpret that just because we’re not spending the same amount of money as certain other clubs, the reality of it is that we’re picking 28th,” White said. “If somebody goes out and signs Stephen Strasburg for $15 million, well, right there, they’re $15 million ahead of us already.”

Signing bonuses for draft picks normally tend to drop off dramatically after the top 10 to 15 picks.

But to some experts, the first two selections in this year’s draft have already revealed Los Angeles’ true financial posture, and some even think the No. 1 pick was a feeble attempt to construct some type of facade.

The Dodgers have one of the most productive farm systems in all of baseball, and the success of the team primarily thrives on homegrown talent. And as important as young player development is to Los Angeles, the draft is where it all begins.

The following frames show the first three overall picks for the Dodgers in 2010, illustrate their strengths and weaknesses, and attempt to clarify each player’s signability status.

Begin Slideshow

Before the series began on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, no Dodger fan would have ever imagined the outcome.

Ticket holders at Dodger Stadium certainly got their money’s worth: three walk-offs in three days, and a series sweep.

Game one took a walk-off balk to bring a victory to Los Angeles, while game two saw a flair for the dramatic with a Matt Kemp walk-off home run in the bottom of the tenth inning.

And Wednesday afternoon proved to be no different as Garret Anderson blooped a single to shallow center field in the bottom of the 14th inning to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the Arizona Diamondbacks, 1-0.

Wednesday’s triumph clinched another series sweep for the Dodgers, their second against the Diamondbacks already this season.

Los Angeles has now won 18 of their last 23 games, while Arizona has seen defeat in 10 straight.

Anderson had the opportunity to win the game for the Dodgers in the bottom of the tenth inning when he came up to the plate with a runner on second base and two outs; however, he struck out swinging, which resulted in streams of booing from the impatient Dodger crowd.

“I don’t mind hearing boos when I’m out there not doing the things I’m capable of. I’ve had that before, and it was well-deserved,” Anderson said after his walk-off hit.

“I mean, I wasn’t getting some things done. But I just try to contribute as much as I can. Fortunately I was able to do something today when it counted.”

After Matt Kemp led off the bottom of the 14th inning with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch, Diamondback center fielder Chris Young was unable to track down the bloop by Anderson.

Dodgers starter Carlos Monasterios was again effective on the mound, throwing five scoreless innings and striking out three while surrendering only two hits.

Rookie Travis Schlichting closed the game for the Dodgers and earned his first major league victory, throwing four scoreless innings of relief despite allowing four hits and a walk.

Cesar Valdez took the loss for Arizona.

Former Dodgers pitcher Edwin Jackson was exceptional for Arizona, completing nine full innings of work. Jackson only gave up three hits and three walks while striking out nine batters, but it wasn’t enough for the struggling Diamondbacks.

Ramon Troncoso, Justin Miller, Jonathan Broxton and Ronald Belisario also combined for five scoreless innings of middle relief in setting up Schlichting for the win.

“Anybody who doesn’t think pitching is the name of the game, take a look at the numbers of this series,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said.

Although the pitching was indeed excellent, the Dodgers’ bats seemingly went dry until when it absolutely counted.

Many people expected to see a power surge from Los Angeles when slugger Andre Ethier returned to the lineup to begin the series, but there aren’t any style points awarded in Major League Baseball, and everyone in Dodgertown is elated with the series sweep.

Los Angeles is hot on the trail of the division leading San Diego Padres, who are closing a series with the New York Mets Wednesday evening at Petco Park.

Moving forward, the Dodgers have no time to relax as the sizzling Atlanta Braves come into town to open up a four game series beginning Thursday night. Hiroki Kuroda will take the hill in the opener for Los Angeles and will be opposed by Kris Medlen of Atlanta. Game one is scheduled to start at 7:10 PST. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

This time the Dodgers had to do it the hard way.

Just one night after Casey Blake scored the game-winning run on the infamous “walk-off balk,” Matt Kemp crushed a fastball from Juan Gutierrez into the left field bleachers for the game-winner, as Los Angeles defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 1-0, Tuesday evening in 10 innings.

Although registering another no-decision, John Ely was again masterful for the Dodgers, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing only two hits, two walks, and striking out five.

Ely has been nothing but stellar for Los Angeles since being recalled from class AAA Albuquerque, having allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his last six starts.

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Dan Haren was also brilliant on the mound, shutting out Los Angeles through eight innings and striking out seven despite giving up seven hits.

Rafael Furcal led off the bottom half of the Dodger tenth and lined out to Arizona shortstop Steven Drew prior to Matt Kemp’s at-bat.

In what looked like another stage being set for Dodger slugger Andre Ethier to steal the show, Kemp worked the count to 2-2 against Gutierrez before rocketing his 11th homer deep into the night sky.

Jeff Weaver pitched a scoreless 10th for his third victory on the season, helping the Dodgers win for the 17th time in 22 games, and sending the Diamondbacks to their ninth straight loss.

Both dugouts emptied in the seventh inning when Dodger catcher Russell Martin slid into Drew at second base, however no punches were thrown. In the next at-bat, Los Angeles pinch hitter Garret Anderson promptly hit into a double play to end the inning and ease any tension. 

Los Angeles moved to within one game of the division leading San Diego Padres, who fell to the New York Mets, 5-2, Tuesday night.

The Dodgers will look to complete their second sweep of Arizona this season on Wednesday afternoon, as Los Angeles sends Carlos Monasterios to the hill to oppose former Dodger Edwin Jackson of the Diamondbacks.

Wednesday’s game is scheduled for a 12:10 PST start at Dodger Stadium.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com