Dodgers News: Clutch Hits, No News Is Still News, and DeWitt Makes a Change

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 13-5, their second win of Spring Training. Matt Kemp had a 2-run home run, and Mitch Jones continued his hot hitting with a grand-slam in a 6-run eighth inning. Juan Castro had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, Valentino Pascucci snagged 3 hits as well, and Jamie Hoffmann had 3 RBI's. The Dodgers' pitching prospects teamed up, with Clayton Kershaw giving up 2 runs in 2 innings, and James McDonald throwing two scoreless innings to get the win. Scott Elbert had 2 perfect innings.

Blake DeWitt played at shortstop for the first time in his professional career. If he can successfully cover short, he improves his chances to make the team's roster as a utility-man. DeWitt currently can play second-base and third.

There have been no new talks between the Dodgers and Manny's agent Scott Boras, according to MLB.com. Boras told the website he spoke with Ned Colletti, but there is nothing new to report. The team still has not responded to Boras's counter-offer of a non-deferred $45 million for two years.

This was the last game for Russell Martin, Valentino Pascucci, and Luis Maza with the Dodgers. All three, as well as Jonathan Broxton and Kenley Jansen will all be leaving to join their respective World Baseball Classic teams.

Kings Stall in Motor City

The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Detroit Red Wings 2-1, and remain 4 points out of a playoff slot. Chris Osgood made 30 saves for Detroit, and Derek Meech and Tomas Kopecky each scored a goal. Alexander Frolov scored the Kings' lone goal on a power-play, and Jonathan Quick finished with 39 saves for LA.

Clippers Fall in State Capital

The Los Angeles Clippers were defeated by the Sacramento Kings 98-86, their 44th loss of the season. LA shot only .382 from the field and allowed the Kings to shoot 11-for-22 from three-point range. The Clippers were without Eric Gordon. Baron Davis and Steve Novak both scored 13 points to lead the Clips, and Zach Randolph had 11 points and 12 rebounds. Kevin Martin led Sacramento with 20 points, and Bobby Jackson had 18.

Sources: Manny Held Out for $55 Million

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News reports that, according to sources, talks with Manny Ramirez and agent Scott Boras broke apart because the two had a counter-offer of $55 million. The sources claim Boras had no objections to the Dodgers' salary-deferred offer. They also say the 2 year, $45 million contract is no longer on the table, the two sides are not discussing the form of payment on the contract, and negotiations have returned to square one. A $55 million contract would make Manny tied with Alex Rodriguez as the highest-paid men in baseball.

Lakers Too Exhausted to Win

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets 90-79, their 11th loss of the season. The team arrived at their Colorado hotel rooms at 4:00 in the morning, according to KCAL 9 reporter John Ireland. The Lakers shot a season-low .294, the second lowest scoring percentage the team has had since they moved from Minneapolis. LA had only 14 assists and were blocked by Denver 11 times. Kobe Bryant was one of the Lakers' many victims, shooting just 10-for-31, but still scored 29 points. Pau Gasol had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Lamar Odom was the only other Laker to score in double-figures, finishing with 12 points and 19 rebounds. Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith both led the Nuggets with 22 points, and Chris Andersen had 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots.

Editor's Note: This Changes Everything

We just found out that the major fork in the road for Manny Ramirez was the deferring of every contract offer. This revelation changes the entire opinion for what was going on between the two sides. The Dodgers have been toying with Ramirez, disrespecting him with salaries spread out over years. Many people, including myself, feel duped by what Frank McCourt and Ned Colletti did, especially for never saying the previous contracts were deferred. Greed seemed to be the only thing preventing an agreement between the two sides, but that ended up being false. The true offer would actually get the job done, according to Scott Boras. Boras has made an incredible concession. The Dodgers won. But they keep pushing their luck, forcing Manny to take $10 million this season and still call it a fair deal. If Colletti and McCourt have any sensibility, they must make the offer they were believed to have made and bring Manny back.

Dodgers News: Getting Rejected, Crushed, and Exposed in 24 Hours

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 18-2, their second Spring Training loss. Chad Billingsley gave up a run in two innings of work, and Shawn Estes surrendered 7 runs (5 earned). Matt Kemp had two hits, and Mitch Jones prevented the Dodgers from being shut out with a 2-run homer in the ninth inning. Erik Bedard threw two scoreless innings for Seattle.

The Dodgers' offer to Manny Ramirez was rejected due to the team's decision to defer most of the promised salary. A source revealed to the LA Times that the Dodgers deferred the money in every contract offer.

Tony Abreu suffered a groin injury during the game, and is expected to miss about 4 games. Andre Ethier and Casey Blake are improving from their minor injuries.

Jason Schmidt hit a setback in his return, albeit not a health-related one. Schmidt threw 10 strikes in 21 pitches in a "B" game against the White Sox. He struck out one, gave up a hit, and walked two in 2/3rds of an inning.

New Light Comes to Dodgers' Offer

The LA Times has reported that the Dodgers' offer to Manny Ramirez of $45 million over two years was to be deferred over the next five years. The contract would have paid Ramirez $10 million this season, with $15 million the next season, and the rest scattered over the following 3 years. Dodgers.com reports that Ramirez would have accepted the initially believed contract, but the deferred payment was a deal-breaker. Ned Colletti revealed every other offer previously made also involved deferred money. The two sides apparently agree on the money and years, but the payment details are holding back any official signing.

College Basketball Roundup - No. California Pt. 3

UCLA - The Bruins defeated Stanford 76-71, their 10th conference win of the season. UCLA made a big comeback after the Cardinal had a 14 point lead in the first-half. Josh Shipp had 23 points, and Alfred Aboya finished with 16. Anthony Goods led Stanford with 18 points, and Landry Fields had 16. The victory kept the Bruins in the race for the Pac-10 title.

USC - The Trojans fell to California 81-78 in overtime, their 8 conference loss of the season. The loss is USC's fifth in their last six games. The Bears gave up a 10 point lead, but used the OT to pull away. Daniel Hackett had 26 points and 4 assists for the Trojans, and Patrick Christopher scored a career-high 29 points for the Golden Bears.

Lakers Crush Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 132-106, their 48th win of the season. LA finished shooting .574 with a season-high 38 assists, and scored 31 points off turnovers. Every Laker played in the game for at least 5 minutes, including DJ Mbenga, Shannon Brown, and Adam Morrison. Lamar Odom scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead LA, with Kobe Bryant adding 22 points. Pau Gasol finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Mbenga had 8 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 blocked shots. The Suns were without Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash, and relied on 18 points from Leandro Barbosa and 12 points from Shaquille O'Neal.

Manny Rejects Offer

Manny Ramirez has rejected the Dodgers' latest offer of two years, $45 million (the second year being a player option in spirit) according to the team. Owner Frank McCourt appears to have given up on pleasing the slugging left-fielder, and will wait for agent Scott Boras to make the first move after he receives offers from other clubs. GM Ned Colletti has said the contract is still on the table and has no definite timetable.

Philly Shuts Out Kings

The Los Angeles Kings fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0, keeping LA 4 points out of a playoff spot. Martin Biron had his 25th career shutout, and Simon Gagne scored his 23rd goal of the season, an empty-netter with one second left in the game. Erik Ersberg made 18 saves for the Kings, and failed to get his first win since December 13.

Dodgers News: Power Bats, Injured Players, & New Acquisition

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the rival San Francisco Giants 16-7, their first official win in the Cactus League. Russell Martin homered and drove in 3 runs, and LA had a 5-run second inning and a 6-run ninth. Chin-Lung Hu had a 3-run homer, and Valentino Pascucci had a home run as well. Orlando Hudson played his first game with the club, getting a hit and a run. Randy Wolf pitched 2 perfect innings, and Jeff Weaver pitched a scoreless third. Jonathan Broxton gave up a run, and Guillermo Mota gave up 2 hits but held the Giants scoreless in 1 inning.

Andre Ethier and Casey Blake both suffered minor injuries. Ethier has a sore heel, and Blake pulled a groin muscle. Both are expected to return quickly.

The Dodgers signed veteran 1B Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor-league deal. Mientkiewicz is a Gold-Glove fielder and hit .277 last season in Pittsburgh.

Manny Ramirez is expected to respond to the Dodgers' offer by Friday.

No Joke: Clippers Beat Celtics

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the World Champion Boston Celtics 93-91, their 15th win of the season. Boston, who was without Kevin Garnett, was held to just 47% shooting, and turned the ball over 21 times. The Clips were in lock-step with the Celtics, only trailing them in rebounds by 2 and in assists by 1. Paul Pierce dislocated his right thumb twice in the second half, and Eric Gordon left the game in the third quarter with a bruised left shoulder. Zach Randolph led LA with 30 points and 12 rebounds, including the game-winning tip-in after Mardy Collins's layup could not go down. Baron Davis scored 17 points, and Marcus Camby had 14 with 11 rebounds. Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points, and Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen both finished with 17.

On Spring Training Opener, Dodgers Make New Offer To Manny

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a new offer to Manny Ramirez after they fell to the Cubs 5-3 in the team's Spring Training opener. The deal is reported at being 2 years, $45 million with an escape-clause for the second year if Manny wishes to test the free-agent market. Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News reports the second year is guaranteed if Ramirez is injured at any point during the 2009 season. In early February, Manny's agent Scott Boras said that he expected the slugger to be signed by the beginning of Spring Training games, but that never came to fruition. Boras has remained adamant regarding 4 years at $25 million each year, while the Dodgers have held firm at no more than 2 guaranteed years. The offer comes amid rumors from many sources that the two sides reached a deal, the most known being a report from AM 570 KLAC of Los Angeles and a Dodger sales rep's voice-mail message. Manny and Boras are expected to respond to the offer by tomorrow.

Editor's Note: With the Arrival of Spring, Dodgers Face Questions

Spring Training has begun with the Dodgers' loss to the Cubs, but just the sights and sounds of baseball are music to fans' ears. However, many questions arise with the beginning of baseball, most of which don't include Manny Ramirez.

• Who will be the ace of the staff? Billingsley (above) or Kuroda?
• Who will take the fifth slot in the rotation? Will it be the 1-win-in-2-seasons Jason Schmidt? Or will it be starter-turned-reliever Ramon Troncoso? How 'bout Eric Milton, Claudio Vargas, or Scott Elbert?
• Can Jonathan Broxton handle the pressure of closing, along with pitching in the WBC?
• Can Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson stay healthy to become the NL's best middle infield?
• Will Russell Martin actually get to rest this season now that a competent backup has been signed?
• Can Randy Wolf and Hong-Chih Kuo contribute without taking full advantage of their health benefits?
• Can Guillermo Mota be the veteran presence in the bullpen the Dodgers need, not just the only veteran?
• Will Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier reach their potential after years of being just "young phenoms"?
• Do Juan Pierre and Blake DeWitt have the stones to be satisfied with the backup positions that their current S.T. teammates would kill for?
• Can Joe Torre manage without thinking of material for his next book?
• Will the Dodgers actually do well in their interleague matchups since they're playing the AL West for both interleague and S.P. matchups?
• Can Matt Kemp and 3B coach Larry Bowa agree on what gestures mean "stop running" and "go"?

You can find all Spring Training news and highlights here during March, as well as key World Baseball Classic contests that involve your Los Angeles Dodgers.

Abreu Knocks in Two in Dodgers' Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 5-3 in their first Spring Training game in Arizona. Tony Abreu, who just last year missed the entire season with an injury, drove in 2 runs, and James Loney had two hits. Ramon Troncoso surrendered a grand slam to Micah Hoffpauier that sealed the Dodgers' fate. Matt Kemp had a hit and scored two runs, and Eric Milton pitched a scoreless inning-and-two-thirds. Claudio Vargas gave up one run in 2 innings.

Kings Close in on Playoff Spot

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1 in a shootout, keeping their playoff hopes alive. After both teams scored in the second period, the game went scoreless and reached the game-winning shootout. The Kings won the shootout 2-1. Jack Johnson scored LA's only regulation goal, as well as a SO goal, and Drew Doughty grabbed the game-winning goal on the Kings' fourth shootout attempt. Jonathan Quick stopped 23 of the Wild's shots from getting inside the net, as well as 3 of 4 SO attempts. Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom made 24 regulation and OT saves, but could only stop 2 of LA's shots in the shootout.

Lakers Avoid Thunderous Collapse

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-93, their 10th win in 11 games. Kobe Bryant passed Adrian Dantley to become the 19th all-time scorer in the NBA, just one game after passing Laker-great Elgin Baylor. The Lakers had to fight a serious comeback from OKC, with their lead being cut to just one point with 9 minutes left in the game. LA shot .526 from the field, including 7-for-15 from 3-point range. Bryant finished the game with 36 points, and Pau Gasol had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Derek Fisher scored 12 points, Luke Walton had 11, and Jordan Farmar came off the bench to score 10. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 32 points to go with 10 rebounds, and former-Bruin Russel Westbrook finished with 14 points. Kyle Weaver came off the bench to score 16.

Broxton Named to Team USA

Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton (above) was named to Team USA's 27-man roster, and will pitch for the team in the World Baseball Classic. Broxton became the Dodgers' de facto closer last season after Takashi Saito was injured. He has shown loads of potential, specifically in his fastball which is capable of reaching 100 MPH. Broxton will join names like Derek Jeter, Jake Peavy, David Wright, Jimmy Rollins, and 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia. Russell Martin will join Team Canada as one of three catchers. Martin is a two-time All Star in his 3-year career. He will compete along with Jason Bay and Justin Morneau. Joining Martin and Broxton as Dodgers in the WBC are Valentino Pascucci (Italy), Luis Maza (Venezuala), and Kenley Jansen (Netherlands).

Clippers Deal Their Own Blow

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-105, their 14th win of the season. The Clips shot .511 from the field, including 13-for-24 from 3-point range. LA scored 24 points off turnovers, but committed 19 turnovers of their own. Zach Randolph scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Eric Gordon also had 27 points. Baron Davis had a near-triple-double with 25 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. Stephen Jackson led the Warriors with 28 points.

Manny Returns (?)

AM 570 KLAC of Los Angeles is reporting the Los Angeles Dodgers and Manny Ramirez have settled on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The station says the contract will be signed later this week. No other sources have reported this deal.

UPDATE: Dodgers GM Ned Colletti denies rumors of any deal with Manny, saying "Nothing's changed in 48 hours."

Schmidt & Hudson Make Progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers started more serious practice Monday, playing their first intrasquad game. Jason Schmidt, who underwent two elbow operations over the last two seasons, pitched a scoreless inning and retired 3 of 4 batters. Schmidt hasn't pitched a Major League game since 2007. Other relievers threw as well, including closer Jonathan Broxton and left-handed hurlers looking to fill the hole left by Joe Beimal. Orlando Hudson also began practice on Sunday. The team still has concerns over his wrist. Last season in an awkward collision with Brian McCann, Hudson suffered a dislocated fracture in his left wrist and needed two different surgeries to repair the damage. Hudson participated in field activities and took batting cage practice.

Lewis's and Hackett's Problems Reach Front

After an altercation between Dwight Lewis (left) and Daniel Hackett (right), more of more of their other problematic situations have come to light. Originally, it solely was believed that after USC's loss to Washington on Saturday, Lewis and Hackett began to fight on the court. Some witnesses believe the two engaged in a shoving match, while others claim to have seen punches thrown. However, other disputes have occured as well. Witnesses believe they saw Lewis argue with Leonard Washington during games, and make vulgar gestures towards Washington. Donte Smith also got into an argument with Hackett. Last year, Hackett had an argument with O.J. Mayo, which ended with Mayo punching Hackett, breaking his jaw.

Clippers Get No Help in Loss

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers 116-87, their 43rd loss of the season. In the first quarter, Steve Blake tied an NBA record by acquiring 14 assists, the first time someone accomplished this since John Lucas set the record with San Antonio in 1984. The Clips scored only 16 points in that first quarter, and 19 points in the fourth. Portland finished the game with a .522 shooting percentage, while LA shot .367. Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 21 points, and DeAndre Jordan scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Blazers, and Brandon Roy scored 20. Blake finished with 17 assists.

Lakers Escape Minnesota Cold

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 11-108, their 46th win of the season. The Lakers won despite allowing Minnesota to shoot 50%, including 10-for-25 from 3-point range. The T-Wolves committed 20 turnovers, and failed to hold on to slim leads throughout the game. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points to pass Elgin Baylor and take the 20th spot on the all-time scoring list. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom each had 25 points, with Odom grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds. Ryan Gomes and Sebastian Telfair each scored 20 points for the Wolves, and Craig Smith finished with 19 points off the bench.

Irratated Trojans Fall Apart

The USC men's basketball team fell to Washington 60-51, and remain in sixth place in the Pac-10 standings. The loss was somewhat overshadowed by a clash between Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis. Witnesses saw Hackett and Lewis engage in a shoving match after Hackett became irritated with a group of fans. Lewis defended the fans and a fight began between the two Trojans. USC led 50-46 with 5:53 left, but only scored one point after that. The Huskies out-rebounded the Trojans 19-12 in the second half, and both teams finished the game with a .380 shooting percentage. Lewis and Hackett both scored 11 points to lead USC, and Taj Gibson had 10. Qunicey Pondexter had a game-high 22 points.