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Dodgerfan Team Heading to Spring Training

March 26, 2009 By

So as the Dodgerfan team moves on from the WBC and prepares for three days of Spring Training baseball this weekend, we’re a little bummed to miss James McDonald’s start today against the Rockies in Tucson.  McDonald is definitely a future starter, and while I know Ned would like to start the big guy in the bullpen to ease him into a full big league season, you can’t help but salivate over what this guy can bring to the table.  Plus, with Stults and Vargas imploding yesterday, things are looking up for Big James.

Over the course of the next few days, Alex and I will bring you our first-person accounts of the Camelback Ranch experience and facilities, as we post live from games throughout the weekend.  And if you have questions for the Dodgers or questions about anything at all about the Spring Training experience, just let us know and we’ll find out the answers.  Can’t wait to catch some Dodgers baseball tomorrow!

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McDonald Headed to the Pen

January 27, 2009 By

James McDonald will be coming out of ther bullpen to start the year, mirroring the development plan for Chad Billingsley in 2007.  The move gives Joe Torre a big arm capable of working a lot of innings and definitely reduces the pressure on the Dodgers’ 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year.  It’s also interesting to note that McDonald’s fastball topped out in the 88-92 mph range as a starter, but rose to 96 mph as a reliever.

Thinking back to last season, I remember Ned expressing concern about Clayton Kershaw’s rush to the majors and the huge increase in sheer innings that starting pitchers that make the jump experience.  Ned’s always been cautious with his young arms, and I really can’t fault the guy.  The way the club handled both Bills and Kershaw was fantastic, and both had successful transitions to the majors (granted, 2009 will be Kershaw’s first full year with LA).

In other “news,” the Dodgers signed former Dodgers SS Juan Castro and RP Tanyon Sturtze to minor league deals.

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