Belliard Gets First Spring Start at First Base
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 5:04 PM PDT
in Game Threads
169 comments
Dodgers (5-6-1) at Padres (5-9)
7:05pm, Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, AZ
Ronnie Belliard gets his first start of the spring at first base tonight, giving James Loney a day off. Belliard, who played a few innings at first base for the first time this spring yesterday, has played 57 career games at first base in his career, including 26 starts.
Happy 22nd birthday to Clayton Kershaw, who will make a cool $440,000 this season, per Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.
Today the minor league games started, including the Dodgers' Double A and Triple A teams playing the Reds at Camelback Ranch. Scott Elbert and Brent Leach, among others, pitched for the Triple A team, which included Garret Anderson, getting in some at bats to accelerate his readiness for the season. Dee Gordon smacked a home run to right field in the Double A game. Cole St. Clair, an imposing southpaw pitcher, stood out to me. Watching him pitch a few innings, one thing is evident: he breaks bats. Ethan Martin, who pitched at low Class A Great Lakes last year, is currently with the Double A team in camp, so read into that what you will. He was charting pitches today.
Here are the lineups tonight against the Padres:
| Dodgers | Padres | |||
| SS | Furcal | CF | Gwynn | |
| CF | Kemp | 2B | Eckstein | |
| RF | Ethier | 1B | Gonzalez | |
| LF | Manny | LF | Blanks | |
| 3B | Blake | 3B | Headley | |
| 1B | Belliard | RF | Venable | |
| 2B | Carroll | C | Torrealba | |
| C | Ellis | SS | Cabrera | |
| P | Kuroda | P | Young | |
James McDonald, Chris Withrow, Justin Miller, and Hong-Chih Kuo are scheduled to pitch after Kuroda for the Dodgers. The only other pitcher on the trip for the Dodgers is Hyang-Nam Choi.
Other players from minor league camp making the trip are infielder Elian Herrera and outfielders Preston Mattingly, Tommy Giles, and Timo Perez. The other players from major league camp in Peoria tonight are Nick Green, Doug Mientkiewicz, Angel Berroa, Chin-Lung Hu, Lucas May, Justin Knoedler, J.D. Closser, Reed Johnson, Jason Repko, and Xavier Paul.
Scheduled to pitch for San Diego tonight are Chris Young, Heath Bell, Greg Burke, Mike Adams, and Joe Thatcher.
The Padres lead all major league teams this spring with 26 stolen bases.
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How Did Elbert Look In His Game?
One of the more discouraging things about spring training so far, to me, has been Elbert’s making a bad impression on the powers that be, albeit in only two games.
I doubt he did
I think they realize it was a small sample size. As long as he goes to the minors and is good, all is well
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Mar 19, 2010 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I only saw two innings of his game (he may have pitched 4 or 5). He was a little wild in one inning (ended up with one walk that frame) then gave up an RBI single the next inning, yelling “fuck” very loudly (best part of theinorblrague games — being so close). Next guy up it seemed like Elbert was trying to throw it 140 mph. However he did induce a double play that AB.
His fastball had some life to it, although I’m sure I was influenced just by being so close.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 5:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
He has a future in MLB
but I think everyone agrees he needs to work on being less wild… given the situation of Stults and Haeger and now Monastarios, I doubt the plan was for him to be the 5th starter at this point.
They could
but I hope they dont. And I dont think they will. When looking at top pitching prospects in the past, the Dodgers let them grow in AA and then skip AAA. If they do well in majors after AA, they stay. If they dont, they are either sent to AAA or back to AA. If I remember, someone asked about it in an interview and the Dodgers felt that the talent level at AA is just as competitive as AAA…
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Mar 19, 2010 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
When looking at top pitching prospects in the past, the Dodgers let them grow in AA and then skip AAA.
Kershaw is the only recent example of this, mainly because he was 20 at the time and they didn’t want to expose him to Vegas (and not just the altitude, either).
Billingsley, Elbert, McDonald, Lindblom – all top prospects at one time – pitched in AAA. Of course, the talent level is a mixed bag, but I’ve noticed that Dodger management regards the experience of pitching to older hitters as a stepping stone to the majors.
Were those guys in Vegas? Historically when the Dodgers used to be in Albequerque they’d never send pitching prospects there due to altitude. Now that they’re back in NM I’m wondering if they follow the same approach.
by KellyStephen on Mar 19, 2010 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn't be surprised at all if Martin starts season at Chattanooga
and hearing he’s with the AA guys already makes that sound real. Anyway, cool report, thanks.!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Really? I'd be very surprised
They babied him in Low A. I would think the most they do is let him start in the Cal League but let him pitch without pulling him after a few innings. Being brought all the way up to AA seems like too much of a jump, and an unnecessary one at that.
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Well perhaps AA at some point this season
would be a safer prediction on my part. I really do see him in AA at some point this season though.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I agree
I think they Martin should get the Withrow treatment.
by Julio Nievas on Mar 19, 2010 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Meanwhile, Things that suddenly make me feel old:
“Glen Rice, Junior”, playing for Georgia Tech in the NCAAs.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
No crap…I heard the same thing on the way home tonight and was shocked. As I think about it, however, knowing Rice’s reputation he probably had the kid when he was 15.
by KellyStephen on Mar 19, 2010 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe it is on 790 and the Dodger Rsdio network.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 6:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Some notes
Javy Guerra optioned today.
Torre said he’d announce opening day started tomorrow.
Kershaw and Russ O starting split squad games Monday.
Tomorrow in Surprise, Ramon O inches closer to Orel, followed by Towers and Ayala. Notes also say Justin Miller but he’s supposed to pitch here tonight.
Good news: I got credentials for the road game tomorrow. First road press box tomorrow!
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 6:23 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Started = starter
also, tomorrow nights game is on Prime Ticket (Steiner/Monday simulcast) and Sherrill and Broxton will follow Padilla / Lindblom.
Kuroda is scheduled to go 4 ip or so, 75 pitches, tonight.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 6:26 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Tomorrow in Surprise, Ramon O inches closer to Orel
Ha. That’s funny.
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Probably best to check Twitter for updates. My phone has low battery power and it’s less taxing to tweet via text than comment.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 7:07 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
someone should
repost your tweets here. I’ll start:
Belliard’s first chance at 1B not exactly Keith hernandez but a nice 3-1 putout
:)
next tweet:
Kuroda wild in 1st. 11 balls, 11 strikes…2 hits, 1 walk, 2 runs. 1st pitch strike to 2 of 6
Damn those iPhones!
;-)
Need a solar panel on those things
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Strasburg gave up 2
Runs today. He pitched 4 innings and gave up 4 hits. Struck out 8.
by keithc13 on Mar 19, 2010 7:35 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
dodgerscribe Will Venable goes yard against Kuroda, off the TOP of the centerfield batter’s eye, which is about 35 feet high. Dodgers 3, Padres 3
How'd the Dodgers score their 3rd run?
AJ Ellis did something, it appears
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
No idea
I’m just following on twitter as I watch the Tudors on DVD.
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
truebluela Kuroda out after 4…72 pitches (44 strikes), 7 H, 1 bb, 3 k, 1 HR (bomb to CF by Venable)
Not looking like HK is your opening day starter. Smart money on CK.
Kershaw 1, Bills 2,
Kuroda 3 and Padilla 4 should be opening order of rotation, But who knows.
(And yeah I’m not paying much attention either, watching the UCSB OSU game instead, for as long as I can stand it)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
truebluela Kuo pitching bottom 5. Mientkiewicz 1b Hu SS Berroa 3B
Very pleased Kuo is back on the bump
truebluela Not sure how he feels but on the mound kuo was fine. Easy inning, 3 groundouts, same live arm
dodgerscribe Kuroda done, had shaky outing 4-7-3-3-1-3. Kuo perfect in the fifth, three groundball outs by top of Padres order, Gwynn, Eckstein, AGonz
dodgerscribe Game tied again. Leadoff triple by Chris Denorfia off J-Mac, RBI single by Tony Gwynn Jr.
/Bummed.
Couldn’t he happier that Elbert and McDonald wil be in ABQ and the flying Ortizes will be in LAD
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Ramon, who posted a near 6 ERA in Japan. Can’t miss!
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
You? Pimp a pitcher? No… I can’t see it. :)
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d put him on the team.
Not sure I get a vote though
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
truebluela Timo Perez pinch hitting for Choi and Withrow is the last pitcher here so he’s pitching 8th
But no pitch recognition
Doesn’t matter, we know what the hell a 95 mph pitch is.
by Julio Nievas on Mar 19, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I gotta say, this was unexpected.
Withrow season last year was good stuff, bad results. He’s seems to just be on his game this spring.
Bad ERA in the Cal league. Big deal. His K/9 for being 20 was GREAT.
by silverwidow on Mar 19, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think that's right
His FIP was much better than his ERA, no?
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
shoot, misread. I thought you said best ERA in Cal league
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
He still mowed em down last year. Who knows how shitty the defense was behind him….
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
truebluela In 2 games, Withrow has faced 7 guys, has 5 Ks, one weak groundout to 1B & hit Jim Tracy’s son
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I don't see how people can rate Gordon higher, frankly
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I think he’s better than Casey Kelly, who’s rated several tiers ahead of Withrow on most lists.
by silverwidow on Mar 19, 2010 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions
“I saw him when he was really good at Double-A — throwing BBs at the knees,” said catcher Lucas May. "When he stays down with that very heavy fastball and he finishes, very few people can do what he can do. He’s developing a curve and a change and has a good feel, but he lives off his fastball. When he’s down, he really doesn’t need any other pitch.
“His fastball is heavy — no real sink or cut to it — so when he’s up, he’s hittable. At the knees, he’s tough to hit. The electricity with the fastball is there like [Clayton] Kershaw. The competitive drive is there, too. Kershaw’s curve and change are more developed, but no reason Withrow can’t get there. The second start I caught him at Double-A, after five innings, I came off the field and went over to Dish [pitching coach Glenn Dishman] and said, ‘Watch out for this guy, he could take off.’”
Withrow was great
We moved down by the Dodger dugout to watch him pitch. Fastballs were awesome up close, and the curves were awesome too.
Kuroda was fine; a little less control than usual but only got hit when he fell behind.
Kuo looked like Kuo. Wicked stuff again. Looked fine on mound.
Haven’t seen postgame quotes but guarantee Torre sticks up for J-Mac, saying something like “we wanted to push him another inning because we brought so few pitchers…took one for the team,etc”
My money’s on Kershaw getting the OD nod tomorrow morning, and I would guess word will come around 9:30 or 9:45 (when Torre meets the media)
X Paul unleashed an awesome throw from CF in the 7th on the fly to the plate to hold a runner at 3rd.
More to come later, with pics.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 10:27 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks Eric
Can’t wait for the write-up
by Julio Nievas on Mar 19, 2010 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions
So, will we get some calls for Withrow being the 5th starter from people?
Or do we apply the JOBA rules now and make him a reliever. :)
When he dominates the minor leagues like I expect, he’ll be up in June/July.
by silverwidow on Mar 19, 2010 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Still think he won’t see the majors until 2011
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 10:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Keep banging that drum. :)
Doesn’t work over here.
by silverwidow on Mar 19, 2010 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
He'll be a late season call up
His performance in ST will force the issue (along with another solid year in the minors)
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions
2 innings force nothing
Lindblom made a bigger impression last spring, was better suited for relief and still never sniffed the majors.
40-man spot won’t be used on CW until he gets called up in 2011.
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 10:42 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
James McDonald circa 2008 disagrees. Propelled by an excellent season the year before in the Cal League, a strong spring and solid year in 2008 in the minors.
Besides, Withrow >>> Lindblom
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions
James McDonald was already on the 40-man roster (added November 2007)
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Our bullpen was dominant last year, not leaving any room for Lindblom.
Withrow’s situation mirrors Kershaw in 2008, when he had a bum like Loaiza in the 5th spot.
by silverwidow on Mar 19, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Awesome
Rec’d in spirit (on phone)
by Eric Stephen on Mar 19, 2010 10:33 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
A Miller would work as well
I just have been intrigued by Eovaldi.
We have so many good young arms, would love to see the kids all stick with us and not end up elsewhere in search of a sort term gain
by MammothDodger on Mar 19, 2010 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd be very surprised if Eovaldi starts a game in MLB
he’s got reliever written all over him….
by Michael White on Mar 19, 2010 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
which would work too
especially if CoolGuy’s report of scouts saying he could hit 100 if he comes out of the pen come true
by MammothDodger on Mar 19, 2010 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions
taking the Joaquin Pheonix rode
Not good.
by Julio Nievas on Mar 19, 2010 10:40 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Has Anyone Seen This?
From Dodgers.com
PEORIA, Ariz. — During Hong-Chih Kuo’s recovery last year from a bout of wildness that would make you duck for cover, he was sent to Class A Inland Empire for a rehab assignment and came upon Chris Withrow.
A Taiwanese and a Texan, a lefty and a righty.
What they did have in common, though, was this horrid, career-threatening case of the yips — a sudden and inexplicable loss of the skills to throw a catchable pitch, baseball’s equivalent of the golfer who locks up trying to putt. Kuo was going through it then, Withrow had overcome it a year earlier.
“I told him I had been there,” said Withrow. “I knew exactly what he was going through. He told me what was going on in his head, and I told him I went through the exact same thing. I told him, ‘Kuo, I was you. I came back, and you can do it, too.’ He told me this might be his last year. ‘No it’s not,’ I told him. He pitched that night, and he was lights out. I told him, ’There’s nothing wrong with you.’”
I thought he was actually hurt. has anyone actually heard anything like this before.
Question is about Kuo
Not Withrow.
I’ve never heard it was a mental thing. I guess I could have missed something though.
Yes
I read several stories about Kuo’s “yips”.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Mar 20, 2010 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions
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NL West Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Diego
|
76 | 56 | .575 | 0 | Lost 7 |
|
San Francisco
|
74 | 60 | .552 | 3 | Won 2 |
|
Colorado
|
69 | 63 | .522 | 7 | Lost 2 |
|
Los Angeles
|
68 | 66 | .507 | 9 | Lost 2 |
|
Arizona
|
55 | 79 | .410 | 22 | Won 3 |
(updated 9.2.2010 at 3:17 AM PDT)
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
