On the eve of Spring Training for the Dodgers. I thought it would be fun to check in on some of the 2011 Dodger players that departed Chavez Ravine for (hopefully) greener pastures in 2012.  As you will see, some of our old friends are embarking on new chapters, some are being reunited with old friends, while others are struggling to secure roster spots and keep their major league careers going:

Tom Singer from MLB.com takes a look at the new Pirates’ battery of A.J. Burnett and Rod Barajas, and why Barajas is thrilled to be reunited with his 2008 Toronto teammate.

Patrick Saunders and Troy Renck from the Denver Post touch on Casey Blake’s challenge in holding down third base for the Rockies.

The Associated Press looks at Jonathan Broxton’s new beginning in Kansas City as the set-up man to closer Joakim Soria, and why the Royals were the former closer’s first choice.

Jamey Carroll talks with Tyler Mason from FS North about being the Twins new starting shortstop at 38 years old.

Matthew Leach from MLB.com examines Rafael Furcal’s battle to show his power and ability to consistantly get on base for the Cardinals at 35 years old.

Paul Hoynes from The Plain Dealer states that Jon Garland’s physical with the Cleveland Indians didn’t happen today as planned, which is significant as the pitcher’s minor league contract is contingent on him passing the examination.

Larry Larue at the News Tribune examines the complexities of new Mariner reliever Hong-Chih Kuo.

Bryan Hoch talks with Russell Martin and Hiroki Kuroda about Kuroda’s transition to the Yankees, and how it compares to Kuroda’s arrival in Los Angeles from Japan.

Alex Speier from WEEI Sports Radio reports on Vicente Padilla’s legal challenges as he attempts to get to Spring Training on time to compete for a roster spo with the Red Sox.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers 2011 

Ok, so this isn’t really about the Dodgers, but it’s a rare look inside the life of a former major league player.  Former Dodger Shawn Green has put his Irvine, CA home back on the market for $10.9 million, complete with vineyard.

Per Marilyn Kalfus of The Orange County Register:

The 5-bedroom, 7.75-bath Shady Canyon home of Ex-Dodgers player Shawn Green has a motorcourt entrance with reclaimed French pavers. The house, built in 2008, once was the highest price residence in Irvine. The listing for the property touts a vineyard that can produce two barrels of wine at harvest.

Be sure and check out the photos of the estate (phot credit: The Orange County Register and SoCal MLS). Maybe the dodgerfan.net faithful can band together and this can be our new editorial headquarters!

Called “Fernando Nation,” the series looks at the one and only Fernando Valenzuela.  Like many fans of the team, some of my favorite early Dodger memories revolve around Fernandomania and the excitement that the young Mexican phenom generated in my group of friends, deep in the heart of suburbia – to say nothing of Angelenos everywhere.  Fernando’s accomplishments literally transcended race; the overweight, shy, Spanish-speaking kid was someone everyone could root for.  And they did. 

Even today, when I think about what Dodger legend’s name I would put on the back of my jersey (if I had one), Valenzuela is a clear #2 (Scully is my #1).  There simply has not been a young player for the Dodgers that inspired and electrified the crowd from his first day in Dodger Blue quite like Fernando Valenzuela.

For those of you that were born after Fernandomania, here’s a quick summary of the legendary pitcher’s accomplishments (courtesy of the Dodgers PR team):

In his 10 appearances with the Dodgers in 1980, Valenzuela didn’t allow an earned run in 17 2/3 innings. He posted a 2-0 record with one save and the Dodgers finished the regular season tied for first place in the National League West.

Valenzuela was the emergency starter on Opening Day 1981 when he hurled a 2-0 shutout over Houston, one of five in his first eight starts that season. The phenomenon of “Fernandomania” ensued shortly thereafter. While leading the Dodgers to the World Championship that year, he became the first player in Major League history to be named Rookie of the Year and to win a Cy Young in the same season. Valenzuela also earned the All-Star Game start in Cleveland. He still holds the rookie record for consecutive scoreless innings (35.0), as he began his major league career with a 10-0 record and a 0.40 ERA (4ER/90.0 IP) including his late season call-up in 1980.

In 17 big league seasons, Valenzuela compiled a 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA with Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Diego, and St. Louis. He was named to the National League All-Star team for six consecutive seasons from 1981-1986 and in 1986 he won 20 games while also earning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

Here’s the official summary of the film:

“‘The Natural’ is supposed to be a blue-eyed boy who teethed on a 36-ounce Louisville Slugger. He should run like the wind and throw boysenberries through brick. He should come from California.” – Steve Wulf, Sports Illustrated, 1981.  So how was it that a pudgy 20-year-old, Mexican, left-handed pitcher from a remote village in the Sonoran desert, unable to speak a word of English, could sell out stadiums across America and become a rock star overnight?  In Fernando Nation, Mexican-born and Los Angeles-raised director Cruz Angeles traces the history of a community that was torn apart when Dodger Stadium was built in Chavez Ravine and then revitalized by one of the most captivating pitching phenoms baseball has ever seen.  Nicknamed “El Toro” by his fans, Fernando Valenzuela ignited a fire that spread from LA to New York—and beyond. He vaulted himself onto the prime time stage and proved with his signature look to the heavens and killer screwball that the American dream was not reserved for those born on U.S. soil.  In this layered look at the myth and the man, Cruz Angeles recalls the euphoria around Fernando’s arrival and probes a phenomenon that transcended baseball for many Mexican-Americans. Fernando Valenzuela himself opens up to share his perspective on this very special time. Three decades later, “Fernandomania” lives.

Now how does that not get you excited if you’re a baseball fan?  The Dodgers had the official premiere for the film at Dodger Stadium on Thursday evening, and the reviews are starting to come in: 

- Dodger Thoughts’ Jon Weisman offers a glimpse into his boyhood love for Fernandomania (more on the film is coming soon from Jon)

- Evan Drellich of MLB.com gives some context to Valenzuela’s accomplishments

- Roberto over at Vin Scully is My Homeboy gives the doc two thumbs up and has some photos from the premiere

When covering games at Dodger Stadium, I frequently see Fernando, now the Spanish radio analyst for the team, walking through the press box and on the field, greeting kids and community groups before games.  He’s no longer the shy ballplayer he was when he first arrived, but he continues to carry himself with the grace and class and grace that’s fitting of a Dodger legend.

I can’t wait to watch “Fernando Nation” on Tuesday night, if only to flash back to the magic he created in Chavez Ravine in 1980 and beyond.

“Fernando Nation” will air on ESPN Deportes on Sunday, October 24 at 6 p.m. PST and on ESPN on Tuesday, October 26 at 5 p.m. PST.

Photo Credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Former Dodgers center-fielder Willie Davis was found dead in his Glendale, CA home today.  He was 69.  According to reports from the LAPD in today’s Los Angeles Times, Davis appeared to have died of natural causes.

The Dodgers issued the following statement from Frank McCourt this afternoon:

“Willie Davis went from a local talent at Roosevelt High School to a World Champion center fielder for the Dodgers in just a few years and many of his records still stand today. He was beloved by generations of Dodger fans and remains one of the most talented players ever to wear the Dodger uniform. Having spent time with him over the past six years, I know how proud he was to have been a Dodger. He will surely be missed and our sincere thoughts are with his children during this difficult time.”

I think Steve Dilbeck’s blog post remembering the good, the bad and the expectations (placed on by fans and of himself) Willie Davis is really something, and worth a read by everyone who visits this blog.  A brief quote is below:

He was a remarkable athlete who did some remarkable things for the Dodgers. Yet somehow with Willie, it seemed less about what he accomplished and more about what he did not.……..

He couldn’t hit as well as Tommy Davis, steal like Maury Wills. Didn’t have the commanding presence of Sandy Koufax or Don Drysdale. He seemed more a role player on the great Dodgers teams of the ’60s, though his flashes of greatness only seemed to leave others yearning for more.

Willie was called up when he was only 20 and played 13 years with the Dodgers, 17 major-league seasons overall. And when he passed away Tuesday, he was still the Los Angeles Dodgers all-time leader in hits, extra-base hits, total bases, plate appearances and triples.

He had a deep voice, distinctive laugh. For a man others claimed was always in search of himself as a player, he gave off the appearance of easy-going happiness.

He won three Gold Gloves, stole 20 or more bases 13 times, still holds the L.A. Dodgers record for his 13-game hitting streak and was twice an All-Star.

And yet unfairly, he is almost remembered as much for the three errors he committed on consecutive plays in Game 2 of the 1966 World Series. For being Willie Davis, and not Willie Mays. For imagined sins of omission.

………….

If guilty only of not being a superstar, he was still a unique star and special player. He died at age 69, and the only thing he didn’t give us enough of, was years.

Rest in peace, Willie Davis.

Photo Credit: WalterOMalley.com

Former Dodger great Don Newcombe, always a class act, had this to say “As long as God allows me to be on this earth I’ll do whatever I can to promote some remembrance of this great American named Jackie Robinson…I’ll never forget what he did for me and my career and my life. And I don’t think he should ever be forgotten, and the Dodgers are always in the right frame of mind to do something to remember Jackie.”

I, for one, am glad that the Dodgers are honoring Jackie Robinson on the eve of black history month – particularly with kids that deserve to learn about his life and the barriers that he broke for many in this country.

I looked back, and here’s what we said about Jeff Kent in December of 2007:

One signing that hasn’t gotten nearly the amount of publicity it deserves due in recent days is the return of Jeff Kent. This guy is a gamer, a future HOFer and exactly the type of player that the Dodgers need. He’s the linchpin of the infield and a fantastic role model for kids playing any sport. I think the friction with the Dodgers’ “kids” at the end of last year was definitely an issue, but the fact of the matter is that the Dodgers need someone who won’t take any crap and is willing to come out and hustle every day. Sure, Kent likes to be by himself in the clubhouse and isn’t one to socialize with his teammates, but in past radio interviews I’ve heard with him on KLAC-AM with Times columnist T.J. Simers,he’s always said it’s not because he’s anti-social, but that in order for him to be successful he needs to keep his game face on every single moment that he’s at the park. He’s afraid that if he lets his intensity level down before a game that it might carry over on to the field. Knowing that only makes me respect the guy more. He knows what works for him and he’s sticking with it. After all, he’s the all time leader in home runs for a second baseman and led the Dodgers with 20 HRs at the age of 39.

One last thought on Jeff: I really think the combination of Kent and Joe Torre will go a long way in establishing some much needed clubhouse chemistry and keeping the younger guys in check. At the very least, you know Jeff was psyched to hear about the Andruw Jones signing!

Ok, so we were a little off on the Andruw Jones front, but I’m looking forward  to hearing what T.J. has to say about Kent’s retirement.  The two genuinely seemed to get along and while the radio show wasn’t that great, Simers was able to get the best interviews I ever heard from Jeff Kent.  Can’t wait to hear what Kent has to say tomorrow at the retirement ceremony.

Jeff, congratulations on a fantastic career with the Dodgers and others.  We’ll miss your bat and we’ll see you in Cooperstown!

My take is that this is a smart move by Ned for several reasons: one, this is a negotiation. We all know a five or six-year deal for Manny makes absolutely no sense for a NL team. Where’s he going to hit when his knees break down? At 33, Manny’s no spring chicken! Two, the team has been burned by long-term contracts in the past. Does Darren Dreifort’s infamous five-year, $55 million contract in 2000 ring any bells? Personally, I’d take Manny for three years at A-Rod money. He proved a lot to me during his short stint in LA, and the effect he had on the players both on and off the field was undeniable.

Plus, Ned has shown that he likes short-term contracts while in LA, and it probably kept him from getting fired this off-season. Could you imagine if the Andruw Jones and Jason Schmidt deals were for 4+ years??

I’m sure we’ll now see Scott Boras start talking about mythical offers from “unnamed clubs” in an effort to get Ned to bid against himself, but I think we’re long past the Boras shenanigans of old working in 2008 (God, at least I hope we are).

Your move, Manny…

- Remember Charlie Manuel as a Dodger?  He was a reserve outfielder with the club for parts of the ’74 and ’75 seasons

- Fan favorite OF Jayson Werth and reliever Rudy Seanez both played for Big Blue recently (2004-06 and 1994-95, 2007, respectively)

- Dodgers Chief Operating Officer Dennis Mannion worked for the Phillies from 1982-97

- Third base coach Larry Bowa not only was a HOF legend as a player, bur managed the club from 2001-04

Now our regular readers know that we love to see what the opposition thinks about the Dodgers, so following is a link to The Phillies Zone, a blog by The Philadelphia Daily News’  Todd Zolecki.  I’m recommending that we all keep an eye on it throughout the series, as Todd offers up a ton of great info and links.

Finally, we’re working on getting a Philly blogger to post on Dodgerfan.net periodically throughout the series with his or her thoughts.  While we all bleed Dodger Blue over here, we thought it would be interesting to get a view of the game from the opposing press box (we’ll let you know if we get a reciprocal offer).

Series analysis coming later tonight…

The Dodgers are planning to honor their star players from the 1970s Saturday at a luncheon open to the public at Dodger Stadium. It will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. and include a question-and-answer session and the opportunity to score autographs and mingle with former players.

The ever-popular Tommy Lasorda is scheduled to attend, along with former Dodgers Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Maury Wills, Rick Monday and others. The players will be honored before Saturday’s game and sign autographs before Sunday’s game (both of which are against the Angels). This is a serious lineup of former players that should be of interest to hard-core fans and a great way to help a Dodger charity at the same time.

Tickets are $75 for adults and $50 for children 14 and under and include parking and a reserve level ticket to Saturday’s game. Fans can upgrade to a loge box, field box or baseline box club ticket for an additional fee. Proceeds benefit the Dodgers Dream foundation

Tickets are available at the team’s Web site, www.dodgers.com and Dodger Stadium. Additional information is available by calling (323) 224-1507 or by e-mailing fanfeedback@ladodgers.com.