On Friday night, Torre will hand the managerial reins over to Brad Ausmus, perhaps in a nod to a future career. Ausmus also gets to choose his coaching staff from the players on the team, so that should be entertaining.  As Ken Gurnick’s article indicates, Ausmus has the demeanor and intelect to be a ptentially great manager.  I’m actually really looking forward to tonight’s game.

In addition, if you follow the Dodgers official Twitter feed, @DodgertownUSA, you can win autographed baseballs throughout the final homestand (also known as Fan Appreciation Weekend).  There will also be fireworks on the field following the game.

On Saturday night, the Dodgers will honor Rubby De La Rosa and Gerry Sands as their 2010 Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher and Player of the Year.  I’ll have more on these guys in a subsequent post.

Torre has also said that catcher Russell Martin will likely manage this game, and that he’s excited about the opportunity.  This is also a bit of a change for Torre, as he usually picks older veterans for the honor, but I think it says something about how fond Joe is of Russ.

Finally, on Sunday, it’s the last game for the retiring Joe Torre and Brad Ausmus, so it’s a great opportunity to say goodbye.  The club has a special pre-game celebration of Ausmus’ career planned, which spans an incredible 1,938 games, placing him seventh on the all-time list.

Sunday is also Fan Appreciation Day.  If you haven’t been before, it’s really a lot of fun.  Per the Dodgers’ press release, there will be more than 15,000 giveaways for fans:

Prizes include a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2011 Dodgers season tickets, a 40-inch Sharp TV, an MSI computer, Jet Blue flight vouchers, a 55-inch Vizio TV, tickets to the NASCAR Nationwide Series courtesy of Auto Club Speedway, 200 Universal Studios passes, a one-night stay at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino’s hotel that comes with two tickets to a Sublime concert and dinner for two at the Pines Restaurant and more. A full list of Fan Appreciation Day prizes is below.  

See you at Chavez Ravine!

Alex, Ron Cey, Chris

The Dodgers get it. I’m not sure that there is another organization in professional sports that gets it the way that VP of Communications Josh Rawtich and the Dodgers get it. 

What the Dodgers “get” is how to engage with bloggers and members of non-mainstream media outlets to expand their outreach into conversations that are happening across the internet. 

Josh and his staff reaffirmed this position when they hosted the third annual blogger night at Dodger Stadium on Monday, July 5th in a luxury suite behind home plate. As with past events, there was a steady stream of Dodger dignitaries that stopped by to engage with the bloggers in attendance, including Dodgers GM Ned Colletti.  Colletti stayed for an hour after commenting that his visit last year ‘felt rushed’ and that he was impressed by the level of questions and discussion at past blogger engagements. 

Ned Colletti

Colletti wasn’t the only front office visitor that the 14 blogs who were in attendance had a chance to meet: Assistant GM Kim Ng, Dodgers legends “Sweet Lou” Johnson and Ron Cey and Dodgers President Dennis Mannion all dropped in for a considerable piece of time to listen and respond. 

Dodgers President Dennis Mannion

The list of blogs represented was also impressive, including many of our favorites, such as Dodger Thoughts, True Blue LA, Sons of Steve Garvey, LA Dodger Talk, and Vin Scully is My Homeboy, just to name a few. These guys were engaged and made the most of their time with Colletti and the others, while also taking time to stay on top of the game that was going on (something Chris and I weren’t able to do nearly as effectively). 

Chris and Sweet Lou

Following are a few thoughts and nuggets of information that were of interest to us: 

Pitching and the Trade Deadline 

Both Colletti and Ng were clear that pitching is their top priority as the trade deadline nears. They didn’t seem to be particularly focused on starting pitching or relievers, but it was obvious that both character and consistency were at the top of their list of traits they were looking for. Ng and Colletti split duties here, and either one might be involved depending on who has an established relationship with the key individuals (player, front office, agent, etc.). 

Digital Media is Growing for the Dodgers 

Chris and I had a great exchange with Josh Lukin who is the Director of Digital Marketing for the Dodgers. Josh started ramping up the digital marketing efforts for the club a few years ago while working on more traditional marketing efforts, but now dedicates most of his time on social media. It’s clear that Lukin is very interested in pushing the envelope in the digital space and leveraging Twitter and Facebook in particular to drive promotional efforts, deliver news and generally get folks more engaged with the Dodgers online. We talked about his recent promotion where he rewarded members of the four new Dodger email clubs with the opportunity to purchase standalone game tickets to the Yankees series before also sending a Twitter broadcast with a similar offer to the team’s followers. Lukin said the ROI on Twitter, Facebook, and SEA engagements have been very strong and that we could expect the Dodgers to do more in this space. 

Continued Blogger Support For Home Games 

The Dodgers are continuing to support a select set of Dodger Blogs with shared credential access to home games – something that MLB and other teams have been very slow to follow-up with on their own. Public Relations Supervisor Amy Summers told me that blogs now cover roughly 30-40% of the home games at Dodger Stadium and that weekend coverage is at almost 100%. She indicated that the Dodgers organization was very pleased with how the program has worked thus far and we discussed the “storytelling” aspect of blogs as compared to traditional journalism. 

Blogger Camaraderie 

Most of us who have been blogging about the Dodgers have met one another a few times over the past three years. What’s most impressive is the sense of mutual respect that runs through the group. Each blog really is unique and has its own slant or type of storytelling, which differentiates it from the others and removes any sense of competition. When we all get together at outings such as this, we share stories, trade insights and generally enjoy one another’s company. It’s a refreshing change from how blogs from other teams or sports interact with one another and something that just seems to have developed amicably. 

Overall, it was a great night in Chavez Ravine. I even saw team photographer Jon SooHoo in the parking lot getting set for a fireworks shot while perched at the top of a ladder (his image is shown below). I’m looking forward to next year’s event and the continued dialogue with both the team and my fellow bloggers in the second half of the season. 

Fireworks at Dodger Stadium - Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers

So Alex and I had a chance to catch the Dodgers – Diamondbacks game last night at Chase Field in Phoenix (my first road game of the season), and let me tell you, that place is no Chavez Ravine. 

The ballpark is definitely beautiful with tons of exposed girders, great sight lines and tons of unique seating options.  It reminds me a lot of Safeco Field in Seattle.  This was my third game at Chase Field, but the first game where the roof was open – let me tell you, this makes all the difference.  When the roof is closed, the place seems a bit cavernous and it loses a lot of its charm.  When open, the early-evening breeze flows across the diamond and it’s a really pleasant experience.

But here’s the thing: the fans are pretty weak.  When you go to a Dodgers game at Chavez Ravine, you’re guaranteed about 35,000+ fans, with many of them truly passionate about the club.  In Phoenix last night, the 20,000 or so fans seemed a bit more apathetic about their team, which could be due to their miserable start to the season.  They also didn’t have the hard core knowledge that you get back in LA, but they did thoroughly enjoy booing Manny Ramirez whenever he came up to bat.  And I know the stereotype that Dodger fans arrive late and leave early from games, but the D-back fans have taken this to another level.  I wish I’d shot the exodus that happened during the seventh inning!

Fortunately for us, there were a ton of Dodger fans at the game, and they were more than eager to debate the season to date, and where both clubs needed to go with their struggling pitching staffs.  Most of the LA fans were transplants now living in the dessert, but a few made the trip to support the team (like me).  And all were sporting serious amounts of Dodger Blue.

Oh, and the other hot topic at the game?  The upcoming Lakers – Suns series in the Western Conference Finals.  It was hilarious to hear the Phoenix sports radio stations trying to rationalize how and why the Suns were going to beat the Lakers, despite their lack of big men needed to defeat Gasol, Bynum and Lamar.  Fun fact that I picked up from a Phoenix sports radio station: Steve Nash has played in more playoff games than any other player in NBA history without ever reaching the NBA Finals.  While the Suns are the sentimental pick in Arizona, I just don’t see how the Lakers can lose to Phoenix with home court advantage.  Now Orlando’s a different story, but that’s a topic for another time.

The Dodgers also managed to hit in the clutch today, going seven for 12 with runners in scoring position (RISP).  Bench players (Belliard, Carroll and Anderson) were four for four with RISP.  Great stuff, and a great spark for the Dodgers as they head down to Miami to take on the Florida Marlins tomorrow night.

As for the pitching, Chad Billingsley looked a little shaky despite recording seven strikeouts in five and 1/3 innings and needed some great defense to extricate himself out of a few jams.  The guy is so intense, it makes you wonder if he’s overthinking each situation.  It’s also worth noting that Bills hasn’t recorded an out in the seventh inning since July 5, 2009.  He probably could have gotten there today, but Torre did the right thing by pulling the pitcher for Weaver.  Better to keep his confidence high and get him out of there with a win, especially after what happened during the first two games of the series.

The bullpen of Weaver, Troncoso, Monasterios and Broxton locked it down, giving up just three hits and one earned run over three and 2/3 innings.  Great to see Ramon Troncoso back in action after the birth of his daughter, pitching a perfect seventh inning, using only 10 pitches, with six of them being strikes.

One last note: Andre Ethier rolled his ankle in last night’s game while getting back to first on a pick-off throw.  Dylan Hernandez noted that Ethier had x-rays later that night, which were negative.  His status is uncertain for Friday’s game against the Marlins, but I’d expect Torre to hold him out given how well GA played today.

Oh, and I loved this photo by Jon SooHoo of James Loney diving back to first base, so had to include it for everyone to see.  So cool. 

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2010

Why this is happening hasn’t been revealed, but one could guess that it’s due to those mini plans not selling as the Dodgers had hoped.  Regardless, it’s the gain of Dodgers fans in the LA area, so act fast before they disappear!

It’s always a bummer when the Dodgers get slapped around by the hapless Pirates on Opening Day,  but remember, it’s only one game, right?  A few things really jumped out at me as I watched the Dodgers get beaten down by the Pirates by a score of 11-5 today:

First off, if the Dodgers score five runs in the majority of their games they’re going to be fine.  And it should have been more: the Dodgers were two for 13 with runners in scoring position, and left six runners on base when hitting with two outs (and 10 total).  The Pirates scored seven runs with two outs compared to the Dodgers two runs.  Yech.  The Pirates hit in the clutch and the Dodgers simply did not.  This is something that definitely needs to improve, and will.  The Dodgers have a superb hitting lineup, and Mattingly needs to get the entire team dialed in.

Now let’s look at the pitching:

Padilla appeared to lack confidence and control, and consequently was lit up.  Russ Ortiz managed to hold it together in his debut (a nice surprise), as did the rookie, Carlos Montasterios, who is more than 12 years younger than Ortiz.  Sherrill, on the other hand, continues his spring struggles (I believe the three-run homer he gave up was clocked at 75 mph).  But before anyone calls for him to be banished from taking the mound for LA, remember that this is the same George Sherrill that had a 0.65 ERA for the Dodgers in 2009 and was a key player in the Dodgers making it to the post-season.  Plus, anyone who rocks the flat-brim cap in 2010 is ok by me.  He’s one that Dodger fans need to keep a close eye on.

Finally, when the bullpen gets back to full strength like it was last season, the Dodgers will be a vastly improved team.  Remember Hong-Chih Kuo is currently on the disabled list but expected back soon, Corey Wade is also on the disabled list for three months as he recovers from surgery, Ramon Troncoso is away for the birth of his daughter yesterday (he returns on Wednesday) and Ronald Belisario is still back at Camelback Ranch getting ready for the season.

Don’t worry Dodger fans, today’s game was a rough loss to a mediocre Pirates team, but the sky is not falling (yet).

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2010

By all accounts this is a puzzling choice, but it’s really not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.

Let’s look at the numbers: Padilla was 4-0 down the stretch last year and the club’s most consistent starter when they needed one.  He’s also been solid in Spring Training.  Does this qualify him to be the Opening Day starter when he’s also the team’s #4 starter when lining them up one through five?  That’s a tough one to argue if you take this stuff seriously (which I do not), but I think it’s safe to say that Padilla will pitch well when he gets the ball on April 5 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Jon Weisman argues that Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda would be more logical choices due to the magnitude of what they’ve contributed to the club and even for sentimental reasons.

That said, I think it’s clear that how Joe Torre selects his Opening Day starter is different than how most of us would.  Per Ken Gurnick:

 “We just had to pick somebody and he was the one,” Torre said. “Am I saying he’s better than the other guys? I’m not saying that. We decided to line them up that way. The fact [is] that we don’t have a No. 1, we have four guys who have pitched important games for us.”

Here are a few more quotes from Torre per Josh Rawitch:

Joe Torre’s reasoning: “We just decided to line them up that way.”

That means the second game will be Kershaw in Pittsburgh, then Billingsley and then Kuroda.

More from Joe: “We have 4 guys you could put their names in a hat. I had no problem with Clayton starting the Home Opener.”

Torre doesn’t seem to think the whole Opening Day starter thing is that big a deal, but I’m going to assume the real reason has something to do with the way the pitchers line up before the home opener at Dodger Stadium.

Personally, I think the whole “who starts Opening Day” thing is something that the fans (and maybe the players) care about more than management does.  I’m fine with Padilla having the honor – he’s been a solid pitcher for the Dodgers and he does have a great comeback story after being released by the Texas Rangers in the middle of last season. 

Now let’s get to Opening Day, already!

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2010

From the official press release:

Fans can purchase tickets online at dodgers.com, via telephone at 866-DODGERS, in person at Dodger Stadium in Lot P or at all Southern California Ticketmaster outlets.

Fans who wish to purchase tickets in person at Dodger Stadium can enter via the Sunset Gate as early as 8 a.m. and will receive numbered wristbands until a starting number is randomly selected at 8:45 a.m. There is no advantage to arriving before 8 a.m.

The person with the selected number will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets at 10:00 a.m. and the remainder of the group will be served in numerical sequence. Fans arriving after 8:45 a.m. will receive a different color wristband, and that group will be helped after the first. There is a limit of four Opening Day tickets available for purchase per person while supplies last.

All fans purchasing at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium on March 6 will receive two free tickets to the Dodgers’ exhibition home opener against the Cleveland Indians on April 1.  Dodger legends Ron Cey and “Sweet” Lou Johnson will be on hand from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. to take photographs and sign autographs for fans.

Farmer John Dodger Dogs will be available for just $2 and Dodger merchandise kiosks will be open. Individual tickets purchased at Dodger Stadium will not incur any service charges.

In addition to holding season ticket prices the same for the third consecutive season, more than 65 percent of the single-game tickets on Sunday through Thursday at Dodger Stadium in 2010 will remain the same price or be lower than 2009. There was no price increase on any ticket at Dodger Stadium following the 2008 season when the Dodgers reached their first National League Championship Series in 20 years.

As has become increasingly common throughout sports and entertainment, the Dodgers will introduce a variable pricing component in which tickets on Friday and Saturday will be between $2 and $3 more than those games played Sunday through Thursday.

The All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion will see a price decrease of $5 per ticket when purchased in advance, while rows X-Z on the field level between the bases will drop $20 per seat.

For the fourth consecutive season, parking prices at Dodger Stadium will remain the same at $15 and no increases in concessions prices are expected in 2010.

Tickets to the highly-anticipated matchup against the World Champion New York Yankees can only be purchased as part of a 14-, 21-, or 28-game mini plan and will not be sold on an individual game basis. Fans who purchase any mini plan at Dodger Stadium on March 6 will also receive a Dodger gift.

Season ticket options are still available and remain among the best values in Los Angeles and all of sports, with tickets starting as low as $4 per seat.

For a complete list of ticket options and pricing, visit dodgers.com/tickets.