Los Angeles's Real Team ~ A 2007 Dodgers Dynasty

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]2007 LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Greetings everyone. After reading and following many of the different dynasties available on the site, I have decided to give one a shot. I have decided to use the 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers including the trade deadline deals (Proctor for Betemit). I really like these dynasties as it gives each individual person an opportunity to present their team(s) in a way they see fit. With that said, I will be keeping this as realistic as possible. If need be, only necessary trades/signings will be presented (no Hughes for a 30+ year old player on the brink of retirement just b/c the computer accepts it) nor have I adjusted any of the player ratings (kg's roster). I will be playing on MVP with my own sliders.

With all this being said and done, I hope you give this a chance and enjoy the read. If you'd like to post, either positive or negative comments, please feel free to do so. I believe criticism is a great tool to grow by. I understand that a lot of members are silent followers (as I am most of the time), so you will not see me asking for comments on my dynasty. Finally, I would like to extend to all the modders in the community a "thank you" as you continue to make a 2005 game playable and enjoyable in 2007 (also anxiously awaiting the 2007 Dodger stadium (rolie) and Dodger unis (thespungo)). Again, hope you enjoy and see ya at the World Series!!![/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]2007 Los Angeles Dodgers

"New Manager at the Helm"

Following the 2006 season, in which the Dodgers went 88-74 (including being swept in the NLDS by the New York Mets), manager Grady Little began to question is passion and desire to remain in the game of baseball. Little, 57, began coaching as a player-coach in 1971 and subsequently putting in 16 years of coaching in the minor leagues. But it was the 2006 season where he said he really felt the change. "Some days it was like I didn't even want to show up at the ballpark," Little said, "but it was my job and I stuck it out." When asked about his reasons for the change of heart, Little responded "it's just time to be with my family, especially as I'm getting older." Little informed Frank McCourt of the wavering decision he had to make and ultimately submitted his resignation on January 8, 2007. McCourt, along with the other Dodger brass, began the search for the next manager of the Dodgers. After numerous interviews of qualified candidates, it is clear that the Dodgers knew the right man for the job. On January 27, 2007, Frank McCourt announced the new Los Angeles Dodgers manager: Orel Hershiser.

Orel Hershiser was called up by the Dodgers on September 1, 1983, which kicked off the start to an 18 year career. Hershiser pitched for the Dodgers from 1983 through 1994, and again in his final season in 2000. Of his 18 year career, the most notable year was 1988 where he went 23-8 with a 2.26 ERA (including 15 complete games and 8 shutouts). In addition to winning the World Series in 1988, Hershiser was awarded a Gold Glove and the NL Cy Young award to compliment his NLCS and World Series MVP honors. After retiring from baseball, Hershiser spent time with the Texas Rangers as a pitching coach and executive in the front office. He also spent time working for ESPN as an analyst for Baseball Tonight. While Hershiser has never been a manager, he has been considered for the manager position of a variety of teams, including the Dodgers (before hiring Little) and the Athletics (who chose Geren instead).

At a brief press conference, McCourt introduced the newest addition to the Dodger family by saying "the Dodger organization is proud and excited to welcome back one of its greatest competitors, Mr. Orel Hershiser. We believe that the most qualified candidate to bring the Dodgers back to a championship caliber team is Orel and we have no doubt that his experience can provide the guidance necessary to bring the World Series back to Los Angeles."

Hershiser addressed the press, but did not answer any questions. He did state that he plans to bring his hard-nosed work ethic to the clubhouse every day and instill the championship mentality in all of his players' minds. When asked why he was refusing to answer any questions, Hershiser responded, "There is someone in particular that I plan to sit down with for an interview and it is only right the he be given the first opportunity "pick my brain" before the season starts. Thanks."[/align]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[align=center]Hershiser's First Interview of 2007

Vin: Orel, welcome back to the Dodgers. It is truly a pleasure to see you again and thank you for this interview.

Orel: Thanks Vin. It really is an honor to have been chosen to manage the Dodgers and there was no one else I would rather interview me than you.

Vin: Well, tell us what it is like to be back in a clubhouse and the pressures you are feeling as the manager.

Orel: It's a great feeling to be back in the clubhouse. Once you spend so much time with a group of people, they kind of become your family and that bond is definitely strong in the Dodger clubhouse. In terms of managing, I'll be honest, it-it is really a nerve-racking experience. This is my first manager position and it is with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's probably just me making more out of it than needs to be, but once we get that first game out of the way, I'm pretty sure the nerves will ease a bit.

Vin: Now that spring training is over, how do you feel about the guys you watched play and ultimately the guys who made the roster?

Orel: Well, it was definitely an exciting spring for us. The Dodgers organization is full of talent, both old and young. The first day of spring training, I told the guys that everyone had to earn a spot on the roster, no exceptions. I think everyone took that seriously and really hustled and played well all spring. We had a few guys come up injured and we either shut them down or limited their duties. But for the most part, everyone gave 110%. When we sat down to trim the roster, it was not an easy task. But we feel we chose the right guys to start the season and can put us in the best position to win ballgames.

Vin: What changes did you make in terms of positions and players in the spring that will be carried over to the regular season?

Orel: At the start, we approached Nomar about working both first and third, which he was completely open to. Throughout the course of spring training, I think it became clear that we needed James [Loney] in the lineup everyday and we would have to do that with Nomar at third. Overall, I think that was the only major change that was made. Also, in terms of his versatility, Matt [Kemp] spent time playing all three outfield positions. This kid is really amazing both offensively and defensively and should be a great leader in the years to come.

Vin: With your experience and success as a pitcher, how did you go about approaching the pitchers?

Orel: Both Rick [Honeycutt] and I took our time approaching each pitcher on the staff. With the guys who have been around, we worked on minor aspects of their delivery but really hammered home workout programs to keep their bodies and arms in shape. As for the younger guys, we provided them with similar workouts, but we worked tirelessly on the mechanics, whether it be for control, velocity, or arm health.

Vin: Well, with opening day a few days away, how do you feel about the 2007 season?

Orel: This season will, without a doubt, be fun. These guys have shown they want to win and they have the tools to win. We're not going to hesitate to make changes or give guys breaks in times of slumps; it is important, and everyone understands, that to be successful at this level, everyone must work collectively to achieve the common goal. I can see the NL West being a very competitive division and we'll need to bring our "A" game if we plan on playing in the post season.

Vin: Orel, this has been a pleasure and I want to wish you and your players the best of luck this season.

Orel: Thanks Vin, it's been nice catching up. Take care and we'll do this again real soon.[/align]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[align=center]2007 Los Angeles Dodgers Preview

Means to an End

The National League West has become a pitching division. The Dodgers (Schmidt, Wolf), Giants (Zito), Padres (Maddux), and Diamondbacks (Johnson, Davis) have all upgraded themselves to have very solid rotations. For the Dodgers to win the West they will need to have their rotation stand out above the rest. They will also need production out of the top of their lineup in order to manufacture runs against NL West pitching. They will also hope a couple of the teams struggle and fall out of contention early because it will make for a long (but exciting) summer if there are four teams contending for the division crown.

Key Addition

Randy Wolf is the other new comer to the Dodgers' rotation (Schmidt) and will most likely throw out of the three hole to split up the righties in the rotation. The left-hander, who had spent his entire eight-year career with Philadelphia before signing a one-year deal with a club option for 2008 with LA, missed over a year of action because of Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow. He returned late last season and finished 4-0 with a 5.56 ERA in 12 games. Wolf could be the lefty specialist needed to anchor this rotation contingent upon being able to stay off the DL.

Team Strength

The bullpen is looking strong, anchored by Japanese import Takashi Saito. Saito filled in nicely for injured closer Eric Gagne in 2006, saving 24 games and striking out 107 batters in 78 innings. Saito has been sidelined by a calf strain this spring, but a young gun who is ready to step into a crucial bullpen role is Jonathan Broxton. Like Saito, Broxton was overpowering in his MLB debut in 2006, striking out 97 batters in 76 innings. The bulk of situation-work will likely go to veteran lefty Joe Beimel, who held left-handed batters to a line of .234/.270/.351 last season. Mark Hendrickson has been used almost exclusively as a starter for his long career (mainly in Tampa Bay), but that looks like it will change in 2007, as the starting rotation is booked solid. Look for either Hendrickson or Kuo (starting the season in AAA) to see the long relief duties and the occasional spot start. Veteran right-hander Brett Tomko will likely get most of the mop-up duty. He’s basically an average National League pitcher at this point, but when Brett Tomko is the weakest arm on your entire pitching staff, you've got a pretty decent rotation.

Overall

The Dodgers have certainly lost some offense in the hot stove season, and made a questionable acquisition to fill a hole in CF, but their pitching staff should be even better this year. With an abundance of young, improving talent and a deep roster, Los Angeles appears primed to make a run at the division title. Make sure to keep your eyes on the younger players (Martin, Loney, Kemp, and Etheir).

Top Prospects

1. Andy LaRoche, 3b

2. Clayton Kershaw, lhp

3. Scott Elbert, lhp

4. James Loney, 1b/of

5. Etanislao Abreu, 2b

6. Ivan DeJesus Jr., ss

7. Jonathan Meloan, rhp

8. Blake DeWitt, 2b/3b

9. Josh Bell, 3b

10. Preston Mattingly, ss[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]2007 Los Angeles Dodgers Roster

Pitching Staff

Starters

Derek Lowe

2006: 16-8, 3.63 ERA, 123 SO

Brad Penny

2006: 14-9, 4.33 ERA, 148 SO

Randy Wolf

2006: 4-0, 5.56 ERA, 44 SO

Jason Schmidt

2006: 11-9, 3.59 ERA, 180 SO

Chad Billingsley

2006: 7-4, 3.80 ERA, 59 SO

Bullpen

Scott Proctor

2006: 6-4, 3.52 ERA, 89 SO

Mark Hendrickson

2006: 6-15, 4.25 ERA, 99 SO (2-7, 4.68 ERA, 48 SO)

Rudy Seanez

2006: 3-3, 5.25 ERA, 54 SO (SD, BOS)

Joe Beimel

2006: 2-1, 2.96 ERA, 30 SO

Jonathan Broxton

2006: 4-1, 2.59 ERA, 97 SO

Takashi Saito

2006: 6-2 (24 S), 2.07 ERA, 107 SO

Defensive Alignment

Starters

C - Russell Martin

2006: .282 AVG, 10 HR, 65 RBI, 10 SB, .792 OPS

1B - James Loney

2006: .284 AVG, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB, .901 OPS

2B - Jeff Kent

2006: .292 AVG, 14 HR, 68 RBI, 1 SB, .861 OPS

3B - Nomar Garciaparra

2006: .303 AVG, 20 HR, 93 RBI, 3 SB, .872 OPS

SS - Rafael Furcal

2006: .300 AVG, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 37 SB, .814 OPS

LF - Luis Gonzalez

2006: .271 AVG, 15 HR, 73 RBI, 0 SB, .795 OPS

CF - Juan Pierre

2006: .292 AVG, 3 HR, 40 RBI, 58 SB, .718 OPS

RF - Andre Ethier

2006: .308 AVG, 11 HR, 55 RBI, 5 SB, .842 OPS

Bench

C - Mike Lieberthal

2006: .273 AVG, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 0 SB, .784 OPS

IF - Olmedo Saenz

2006: .296 AVG, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB, .927 OPS

IF - Wilson Valdez

2006: (AAA) .297 AVG, 6 HR, 53 RBI, 26 SB, .747 OPS

IF - Ramon Martinez

2006: .278 AVG, 2 HR, 24 RBI, .702 OPS

OF - Jason Repko

2006: .254 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10 SB, .722 OPS

OF - Matt Kemp

2006: .253 AVG 7 HR, 23 RBI, 6 SB, .737 OPS[/align]

[MetsReyes777]

This looks like it's going to be a dynasty worth following. What kind of game recap do you plan on using?

Will follow, Good Luck in this Bronx_Bum.

[Maestro23]

Sounds good man. I'll be following.

[stEdfuNk]

sounds good, but isn't it supposed to be "Los Angeles' Real Team" ?

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]2007 OPENING DAY

DODGERS OUTLAST BREWERS IN MARATHON OPENING DAY

April 2, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Jeff Kent doubles down into the right field corner in the top of the first, scoring Russell Martin from first to take the early lead.

Johnny Estrada brings the Brewers within 1 in the bottom of the fifth with a solo homerun to right-center.

Nomar Garciaparra's first game at third base in 2007 was a bit rough, both at the plate and in the field. Here, Nomar commits his first error of the season.

Luis Gonzalez (1-for-6) put the Dodgers ahead for good in the top of the thirteenth when his single up the middle scored Juan Pierre from second.

OPENING DAY HISTORY

** Milwaukee's Home Opener History - During their Opening Day history, the Milwaukee Brewers scored the most runs (12) on April 26, 1995 versus the Chicago White Sox.

The most runs scored against them during an Opening Day game was 13 and it was played on April 9, 2004 versus the Houston Astros.

** Don Drysdale homered on Opening Day in 1959 and 1965, the only pitcher in history to homer on two Opening Days.

In 1969 in Cincinnati, Drysdale became the only pitcher ever to allow home runs to the first two hitters (Pete Rose and Bobby Tolan) on his first two pitches of Opening Day.

** Miscellaneous - On Opening Day in 1974, Hank Aaron hit homer No. 714, tying Babe Ruth for No. 1 on the career list.[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

This looks like it's going to be a dynasty worth following. What kind of game recap do you plan on using?

Will follow, Good Luck in this Bronx_Bum.

Something along this lines. I'm not gifted in photoshop at all to make templates and all that jazz (just playing with the pics for right now). I will be adding different things here and there throughout the season and there will be write-ups for the home games by Vin Scully. Thanks for following along!

Sounds good man. I'll be following.

Thanks Maestro, appreciate it very much!

sounds good, but isn't it supposed to be "Los Angeles' Real Team" ?

No.

[MetsReyes777]

Really nice presentation Bronx, how did you get your boxscores to look like that?

Really liking this, cool image effects too, what is that, brush stroke effect?

[DeuceBlades]

Hey Bronx, like it so far.....looks good, and I def like the opening day history......nice touch bro :wtg:

[Bronx_Bum]

Really nice presentation Bronx, how did you get your boxscores to look like that?

Really liking this, cool image effects too, what is that, brush stroke effect?

For the boxscores, it was just an option in the version of the boxscore extractor that I'm running. As for the imaging, I can't tell you what it is off the top of my head, but I'm just playing around with the options to see what does what and how it looks. Glad you like it, MR. Thanks!

Hey Bronx, like it so far.....looks good, and I def like the opening day history......nice touch bro :wtg:

Thanks for stopping by wallbanger, glad you like it. The historical aspect is just for knowledge purposes to provide a little extra when members check in and read up on the dynasty.

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]DODGERS SUFFER LOSS IN WIN

April 3, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

James Loney shows off his range at first base by snagging this line drive. The line drive perfectly placed Loney over first base to double up the Brewers to end the inning.

Brad Penny had to be helped off the field in the fourth inning today after being hit with a line drive off the bat of Bill Hall.

Nomar Garciaparra connects with an inside fastball from Matt Wise in the eighth inning to give the Dodgers their first homerun of the season.

Takashi Saito had to work for his second save of the season after allowing two hits and hitting Geoff Jenkens in the ninth.

TEAM UPDATE

After leaving today's game in the fourth inning, Brad Penny's x-rays came back showing a fracture of his left fibula. The Dodgers anticipate that Penny will miss approximately two months worth of time. It is expected the Dodgers will call up either

Tomko or Kuo from AAA Las Vegas. It is possible that Orel Hershiser could throw Mark Hendrickson into the rotation and see how that plays out for awhile without having to call anyone up, but is unlikely to do so to prevent early fatigue on his bullpen.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 3

1974 - The Dodgers trade P Bruce Ellingsen to the Indians for 17-year-old minor league IF Pedro Guerrero.

1986 - Pedro Guerrero, the Dodgers most productive hitter, ruptures a tendon in his left knee while sliding into 3B in an exhibition game. He will be sidelined for at least three months and not have his first hit until September.[/align]

[fred13]

It is possible that Grady Little could throw Mark Hendrickson into the rotation

Don't you mean Orel

Love this dynasty so far, your writing is excellent.

[Bronx_Bum]

Thanks for the catch, Fred. Glad you're enjoying the dynasty. More writings will come about when I hit the home games.

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]DODGERS START SEASON 3-0 BEHIND STRONG PITCHING

April 4, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Second baseman Rickie Weeks fields a slow rolling ground ball after being deflected by pitcher Jeff Suppan.

The Brewers tie the game at one when Johnny Estrada doubles home Bill Hall in the fifth inning.

Juan Pierre, who was 1-for-4 on the day, shoots a Suppan fastball into the right-center gap for his second triple of the season.

Jeff Kent's hard slide caused Rickie Weeks to throw the ball into the stands on this attempted double play. This error started a three-run sixth inning for the Dodgers.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 4

1924 - Dodger great Gil Hodges is born.

1964 - Walter O’Malley speaks to Hal Lebovitz about plans for Major League Baseball games to be put on subscription television. O’Malley discusses the virtues of subscription programs on TV. “This special unit is put into your

home, connected to the telephone lines and to your TV set,†said O’Malley. “This will give the viewers of various intellectual levels a choice of programs. He can watch the ball game. . . ."

Miscellaneous - 1999 - Opening Day starts in Mexico, making it the first time baseball's first pitch comes outside the U.S. or Canada as the Rockies defeat the National League's defending champs Padres.[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]GIANTS TAKE GAME 1; LOWRY INJURED

April 6, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

San Francisco Giants

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Ray Durham made a spectacular diving stop to rob Russell Martin of a single in the first inning. On the day, Durham ended up taking away two potential singles from Martin.

Nomar Garciaparra shows flashes of his younger days with this diving catch over down the third base line. When asked about the catch after the game, Nomar seemingly shrugged

it off as an everyday catch and noted "it all happens so fast on the corner; you just dive, close your eyes, and hope it ends up in your glove."

After giving up a single to Omar Vizquel and walking Ray Durham in the fourth inning, Jason Schmidt left a slider up in the zone and Bonds made him pay with a 3-run homerun.

Noah Lowry was dominant early, particularly with his off-speed pitches. Here, Rafael Furcal is surprised with an inside fastball, one of Lowry's five strikeouts on the day.

GIANTS UPDATE

In the seventh inning, Giants pitcher Noah Lowry was taken out of the game after he rolled in ankle covering first base on a grounder hit to Giants first baseman Rich Aurilia. The extent of the injury was not made immediately available.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 6

1971 - Willie Mays, a month shy of his 40th birthday, homers (his 629th) on the first pitch he sees in a 4–0 Opening Day Giants win over the Padres. Mays will go on to hit homers in each of the Giants first four games of the season, a ML record.

1989 - At Riverfront Stadium, Dodgers' hurler Orel Hershiser's scoreless-inning streak ends at 59. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Todd Benzinger's singles scores Barry Larkin, who had been picked off after getting a base hit to lead off the game,

but was safe on the 'Bulldog's' throwing error.[/align]

[MetsReyes777]

Lol Bonds

*

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]FRISCO VICTORIOUS IN WALKOFF FASHION

April 7, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

Please disregard the lineup here; for some reason, the extractor did not work properly (I did not put Bills in the 8 hole w/ Pierre in the 9 hole). Thanks.

San Francisco Giants

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Struggling catcher Russell Martin takes a pitch off the outside corner and drives it into right field for one of his two RBIs on the day.

Randy Winn powers the Giants back into the game in the third inning with this solo homerun, his first of the season.

Dodgers left fielder Andre Ethier beats a throw home from Giants left fielder Barry Bonds.

Bengie Molina came through at the perfect time to hit his first homerun of the season. On the second pitch he saw from Dodgers reliever Rudy Seanez, Molina got just enough to clear the wall down the left field line.

GIANTS UPDATE

After evaluating pitcher Noah Lowry's ankle, the Giants announced that he did in fact suffer a sprained ankle. It is likely that the Giants will put Lowry on the disable list and not rush his return.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 7

1958 - The Dodgers erect a 42-foot screen in LF at the Los Angeles Coliseum to cut down on HRs, since it is only 250 feet down the line.

1969 - Bill Singer of the Dodgers is credited with the first official save as Los Angeles defeats Cincinnati 3–2[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]LOWE BEATS ZITO AS DODGERS AVOID SWEEP

April 8, 2007

Los Angeles Dodgers

San Francisco Giants

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Giants CF Randy Winn makes a diving catch in the second inning to take away a single from Dodgers 1B James Loney.

Barry Bonds provides the only source of offense today with a solo homerun to start off the second inning. Bonds is hitting .409 with 4 homeruns and 8 RBIs on the season thus far.

Slow to cover first base, starting pitcher Barry Zito appears to tag Rafael Furcal at first base.

Manager Orel Hershiser meets with starting pitcher Derek Lowe and catcher Russell Martin in the seventh inning before bringing in relief pitcher Joe Beimel.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 8

1966 - At the Astrodome, the Astros and Dodgers play baseball's first game on synthetic grass.

1974 - Hammerin' Hank Aaron passes Babe Ruth as the all-time home run leader with his 715th off Dodger hurler Al Downing in Atlanta's home opener.

1986 - Rookie Will Clark thrills the crowd by hitting a home run in his first at bat, and off no less than Nolan Ryan. The Giants beat the Astros 8–3.

NL WEST STANDINGS

COL 5-1

LAD 4-2

S.D. 3-3

ARI 3-4

S.F. 2-4[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]DODGERS STRUGGLE, WIN HOME OPENER

April 9, 2007

Colorado Rockies

Los Angeles Dodgers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is thrown out at home when he attempted to score from second on a Garrett Atkins single in the fourth inning.

Starting pitcher Jeff Francis struck out twelve Dodgers through seven innings of work. Here, first base umpire Mike Everitt calls a third strike against Matt Kemp who was fooled by a Francis curveball.

Following the game, Francis was asked about his performance today. When asked about his twelve strikeouts, Francis responded, "Must have been a good day for a curveball, huh? While it's nice to record the strikeouts, I

would gladly give 'em all back for a win, especially against an NL West team."

Russell Martin tags up from third to score one of two runs in the eighth inning to put the Dodgers ahead for good.

Dodgers closer Takashi Saito closes out the ninth to record his fourth save in as many chances.

PROSPECT WATCH

Clayton Kershaw (1-0) -- 12 IP, 10 SO, 1.50 ERA

Scott Elbert (1-0) -- 6.2 IP, 4 SO 1.35 ERA

Jonathan Meloan (1-0) -- 6.0 IP, 6 SO, 3 BB, 3.00 ERA

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 9

1913 - With league approval, the Dodgers play their opener—and first regular-season game at Ebbets Field—a day ahead of the rest of the league. Cold weather keeps the crowd down to about 12,000, and the Phils' knuckleballer Tom Seaton beats Nap Rucker, 1–0.

1947 - Dodger skipper Leo Durocher is suspended for one year by commissioner Happy Chandler for an assortment of actions deemed detrimental to baseball.

1993 - Thanks to a four-run first inning sparked Eric Young's leadoff home run, the Rockies defeat the Expos 11-4 for their first win ever. The crowd of 80,227 at Colorado's Mile High Stadium establishes a new major league Opening Day attendance record. The crowd of 80,227 broke the record of 78,672 set on April 18, 1958, by the Los Angeles Dodgers[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]FUENTES HOLDS OFF LA IN 9TH TO EVEN SERIES

April 10, 2007

Colorado Rockies

Los Angeles Dodgers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Before today's game, manager Orel Hershiser said he wanted to see his guys run more on their opponents. Here, Juan Pierre steals second for the second time today.

Both pitchers had tough outings today, respectively. Here, Rodrigo Lopez delivers a pitch in the second inning.

Brad Hawpe, 2-for-4 on the day, takes a Broxton fastball deep to right field in the eighth inning. This was Hawpe's third homerun, and first grand slam, of the season.

The Dodgers put together a late, ninth inning rally with both Andre Ethier and pinch hitter Olmedo Saenz hitting homeruns off of Fuentes, but it wasn't enough to overcome Hawpe's grand slam.

PROSPECT WATCH

Andy LaRoche -- .270 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .773 OPS

Tony Abreu -- .358 AVG, 2 RBI, .939 OPS

Blake DeWitt -- .242 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .649 OPS

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 10

1947 - During the 6th inning of the Dodgers-Royals exhibition game at Ebbets Field, the Dodgers announce that they have purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson from Montreal and that "he will report immediately."

Rickey says after the game that he reached a definite decision just five minutes before he made the announcement.

1962 - Dodger Stadium, the first ML arena privately financed since Yankee Stadium in 1922-23, opens in Chavez Ravine. With 52,564 fans on hand, the Dodgers inaugurate the $22 million facility with a 6–3 loss to the Reds.

Wally Post hits the first homer in the new stadium, a 3-run shot over the CF fence in the 7th.

2003 - In a 7-6 victory over the Cardinals at Coors Field, the Rockies turned the first triple play in club history. With Scott Rolen on second base and Tino Martinez on first, Colorado's first baseman Todd Helton

catches Orlando Palmeiro's soft liner for the first out and throws to shortstop Jose Hernandez who steps on second for the second out and then tags Matinez to complete the triple play.[/align]

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]COLORADO LEAVES SOCAL WITH SERIES, DIVISION LEAD

April 11, 2007

Colorado Rockies

Los Angeles Dodgers

* Note * For some reason the extractor did not pull the information for the Dodgers. My apologies for this inconvenience.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Rockies starter Jason Hirsh catches Rafael Furcal leaning towards second base and picks him off in the first inning.

Jamey Carroll beats a throw home from right fielder Andre Ethier.

Jason Schmidt struggled with control early but managed to throw five innings and lower his ERA to 4.50. Here, Schmidt paints the outside corner for one of four strikeouts on the day.

Manager Orel Hershiser expressed his frustration when a line drive down the line by Jeff Kent seemed to land in fair territory but was ruled foul in the fourth inning.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 11

1912 - On Opening Day in Brooklyn‚ fans storm Washington Park hours before the 4:00 P.M. starting time‚ causing a near riot. An estimated 30‚000 people crowd into the outfield and along foul lines.

The Giants hit a record 13 ground-rule doubles and are leading 18-3 in the 6th when the game is called due to darkness.

1999 - The Dodgers-Rockies game in Los Angeles is postponed due to rain. It is the first rainout in LA since April 21‚ 1988-a string of 856 games-and just the 16th in club history.[/align]

[Timp]

This is very good!

[Bronx_Bum]

This is very good!

Thank you sir. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[Bronx_Bum]

[align=center]NOMAR BESTS HOFFMAN WITH GAME WINNING SINGLE

April 13, 2007

San Diego Padres

Los Angeles Dodgers

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Padres catcher Josh Bard puts San Diego ahead as he turns on an inside fastball from Chad Billinglsey for his first homerun of the season.

Juan Pierre, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a triple and an RBI, tied the game in the Sixth inning by laying down a bunt to score Rafael Furcal from third.

Nomar Garciaparra gets the best of Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the ninth with a single to right field to score Andre Ethier.

The Dodgers dugout celebrates as Ethier crosses home plate for the game winner. After the game, Garciaparra was asked about his game winning heroics.

"With runners in scoring position and no one out, I was just looking to advance the runners and try to stay out of a double play.

It just so happened that I caught a fastball on the outside corner and was able to drive it to right field and allow [Ethier] to score. It's always great to win these close ones."

AROUND THE LEAGUE

The Cleveland Indians are expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Friday night against the White Sox, first baseman Ryan Garko was attempting to go from first to

third on a single to right field when he suddenly dropped to the ground grabbing for his ankle. Garko was diagnosed with a ruptured achilles tendon and is likely to require surgery.

If surgery is required, it is likely that Garko will be out for the remainder of the year. In 2007, Garko is hitting .212 with 2 homeruns and 3 RBIs.

THIS DATE IN HISTORY: APRIL 13

1955 - The Dodgers open what will be their only World Championship season in Brooklyn by beating Pittsburgh 6-1.

1989 - San Diego sets a major-league record when its first three batters of the game -- Marvell Wynne, Tony Gwynn, and John Kruk --

all homer off the Giants Roger Mason. But the Giants come back to win 13–6. It will be matched in 2003.[/align]