Around The Dodger Blogosphere

Is Matt Diaz the next Dodger Left Fielder? It could happen. According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Dodgers search for a left fielder has been narrowed to free agents Matt Diaz and Scott Podsednik and possibly one more name that remains a mystery.

In the same article, Jackson mentions the Dodgers pursuit of another catcher, possibly Russell Martin. He also talks about Vicente Padilla joining the Dodgers as a reliever and possibly as a candidate for the closer's role if Jonathan Broxton struggles.

Ruling in Dodgers' divorce case expected Tuesday. Frank and Jamie McCourt are expected to find out Tuesday whether a judge has thrown out an agreement that could determine the ownership of the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon is expected to rule Tuesday on the validity of a marital agreement that would provide Frank McCourt with sole ownership of the Dodgers, according to multiple sources familiar with the case.

No Hall for Garvey. The 1974 NL MVP was on the Hall of Fame veterans committee ballot. To be elected, a candidate must appear on at least 75% of the 16 ballots. Only one person on the special ballot got the votes, Pat Gillick, who built three World Series champions and has served baseball for nearly 50 years, who had the necessary 75 percent (12 votes) to make it in. The results of the Expansion Era Ballot (12 votes needed for election): Gillick (13 votes, 81.25 percent; Marvin Miller (11 votes, 68.75 percent; Dave Concepcion (8 votes, 50 percent). Those receiving less than eight, aside from Garvey: Ted Simmons, Vida Blue, Ron Guidry, Tommy John, Billy Martin, Al Oliver, Rusty Staub and George Steinbrenner.

Garvey's next chance at the Hall won't come until 2013.

The Minotaur gets married. Dodgers' Ace Clayton Kershaw got married this past Saturday. Roberto at Vin Scully Is My Homeboy has the details.

Feelin' Kinda Blue. There's a new Dodger blog that I'm really enjoying. It's called "Feelin' Kinda Blue".  Check it out.

Dodgers News And Notes

No arb for Pods, Pad or Rod. The Dodgers declined to offer arbitration to their three Type B free agents; Scott Podsednik, Vicente Padilla and Rod Barajas. Am I surprised? Not really. I guess the Dodgers were worried they'd accept? It's just sad.  Very, very sad. They didn't offer Randy Wolf or Orlando Hudson arbitration last year either.

For Hiroki Kuroda, it was Dodgers or bust. During a news conference today at Dodger Stadium, Kuroda said he never seriously considered signing with any other Major League club and was excited about the one-year, $12 million deal he signed last week to remain with the Dodgers for a fourth season. I'm happy he's back too.

The Dodgers sign right-handed reliever Oscar Villarreal. The Dodgers added to their non-roster list for 2011 Tuesday, signing right-hander reliever Oscar Villarreal. Villarreal has spent parts of six seasons in the National League but hasn’t pitched in the majors since part of 2008 with the Astros. He has a career record of 24-15 with a 3.86 ERA.

Frank and Jamie are officially divorced. Frank and Jamie McCourt are officially divorced, even though their divorce proceedings could last several more years. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon granted a request to change the McCourts' marital status from separated to divorced, according to court documents.
The status change has no impact on the proceedings. Any assets determined to be community property would be considered as shared assets through the date of the separation, July 7, 2009, rather than the date of the divorce.

Dodgers Notes: Gibbons Signs, Pods Declines

A couple of notes from the Dodgers today. After the Dodgers picked up their part of Scott Podsednik's $2 million option on Monday, he declined his part of the mutual option today and became a free agent. I guess Pods feels he can make more money elsewhere. He can still return to the Dodgers.

So, who will play in left field in 2011? One option will be Jay Gibbons who signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers today. Gibby will earn $650,000 with another $150,000 in plate-appearance incentives.

I was a little worried about the Dodgers picking up the Podsednik option. I don't think Pods is an everyday player, and I was scared Ned Colletti viewed him as one.

Gibbons isn't an everyday player either, but I don't mind the signing. He'll be fine as a left-handed option coming off the bench and as  a spot starter. His biggest flaw was playing the field. It was painful watching him play defense.

Bison Bobblehead Night

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Tonight was the final bobblehead night of 2010. The first 50,000 fans in attendance received Home-Run Saving Matt Kemp bobbleheads. Presented by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, this bobble was made by P Squared Promos.

From all the pictures I had seen of this bobblehead, I knew it was gonna be a good one. After finally getting my hands on it and taking a good look, it really lived up to my expectations. This is the coolest Dodger bobblehead yet.

The Dodgers won 6-0, which made the whole night that  much better. Clayton Kershaw pitched a gem, going seven innings, allowing only five hits while striking out six Rockies. Kersh earned his 11th win on the season. He got that win because the offense actually showed up tonight scoring SIX runs. Doubles from Scott Podsednik and James Loney gave the Dodgers a 4-0 lead in the fifth inning. Casey Blake singled in one more to put the Dodgers up 5-0. The crowd went crazy with the Dodgers offensive explosion. It was nice to see the bats come alive.


The Dodgers added a run in the eighth inning when Colorado reliever Randy Flores picked up a weak Ronnie Belliard tapper and overthrew it to first base. Jonathan Broxton made an appearance in the ninth inning to lock down the Dodger victory. Matt Kemp went 0 for 3 with a walk on his bobblehead night.  Kemp did come up  in the fourth inning with the bases loaded and two outs. He had an opportunity to do something special, but ended up flying out.
 
 Some pics from tonight:
 
 

 

All gone

Pods To L.A. For Pimentel And May

Ned Colletti made a move today, acquiring outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals for catching prospect Lucas May and low Class A pitcher Elisaul Pimentel. The Dodgers will pay the estimated $650,000 left in Podsednik's salary for the year. There is a club option next year at $2 million, with a $100,000 buyout.

Pods was batting .310 with five homeruns and 44 RBI for Kansas City. He also had 30 steals in 42 attempts for KC this year. He can play all three outfield positions.

Lucas May was hitting .296 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs at AAA Albuquerque. He will be assigned to Triple-A Omaha.

The 22-year-old Pimentel was 9-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 16 starts for the Class A Great Lakes Loons. He will report to Class A Burlington.

What do I think of this trade? Eh. The Dodgers did need a bat off the bench, so it's not that bad. I am concerned about the Dodgers depth at catcher. With May gone, the Dodgers don't have any top catching prospects in the high minors besides AJ Ellis. There had been some Russell Martin trade rumors swirling around, but they never really had legs. Obviously, the Dodgers are in no position to move Martin now. That Casey Blake for Carlos Santana trade looks even worse now.

Ned will concentrate on pitching until the trade deadline. From DodgertownUSA: