Walk-Off-Walk Gives Dodgers the Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 1-0, their 16th win of the season. The game was scoreless going into the bottom of the ninth, but the Dodgers loaded the bases and Russell Martin drew a walk with two outs to force the winning run home. Clayton Kershaw threw a gem, shutting out the Friars in seven innings on four hits and two walks. Jake Peavy was just as dominant, giving LA only goose-eggs for eight innings and allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out eight. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect eighth for his second win of the season. Orlando Hudson scored the winning run as the Boys in Blue collected just three hits. Duaner Sanchez walked three to get the loss for the Padres, and Kevin Kouzmanoff was the only player to reach base twice for San Diego, doubling and walking. The Friars went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Kemp & Kuroda Shine in Dodgers' Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers began the 2009 season today by defeating the San Diego Padres 4-1, their first win of the season. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing just one run, four hits, and one walk. Matt Kemp had the first Dodger home run of the season, and made a diving catch that ended up preventing a big inning for the Padres. James Loney had three hits and two RBI's, and Rafael Furcal had two hits, a stolen base, and scored a run. Andre Ethier had two hits and an RBI. San Diego ace Jake Peavy was roughed up for his first loss against the Dodgers after 11 straight wins, giving up all four runs on seven hits while striking out eight. Brian Giles knocked in the only Padre run.

World Baseball Classic: The Dodgers' View

USA 6 - CANADA 5: Team USA defeated Team Canada in the first official WBC game for both teams. Russell Martin had a solo homer, a double, and scored three runs for the Canadians. While Jake Peavy lasted only three innings, Jonathan Broxton did not pitch for the US. Kevin Youkilis, Adam Dunn, and Brian McCann each hit home runs for America, and Joey Votto from the Cincinatti Reds hit a solo shot for Canada. Justin Morneau was the only player who had an RBI but not a home run.

NETHERLANDS 3 - DOM. REP. 2: Team Netherlands upset the Dominican Republic 3-2. Kenley Jansen had a walk and two strikeouts, but caught Willy Taveras stealing. The Dutch scored all three runs in the first inning, all being scored off of errors. The Dominican pitchers did not allow any earned runs but still lost, leaving 11 men on base. Pedro Martinez pitched three effective innings, and remains a possibility to sign with LA.

VENEZUELA 7 - ITALY 0: Team Venezuela defeated Team Italy, and will play against USA in the second game of pool-play. Valentino Pascucci had a hit, walk, and strikeout for the Italians, and Luis Maza did not play for Venezuela. Carlos Guillen and Melvin Mora both hit home runs, and Bobby Abreu had a double and 2 RBI's.

All Dodger players are in black

Colletti Has His Hands Full in Vegas

The MLB Winter Meetings in Las Vegas are approaching, meaning all 30 GMs and too many agents to count will be talking in the Bellagio Hotel, negotiating and settling on deals for various players. This is where Dodgers GM Ned Colletti will make many key decisions, having to fill 14 empty roster spots created by free agency. Derek Lowe and Brad Penny are both essentially lost, meaning there could be as many as 3 empty spots in the rotation, coupling with Greg Maddux's retirement. Talks continue with Manny Ramirez and 3B Casey Blake, both of which look optimistic considering no offers have been made to Manny, and the Twins and Indians are both reported to have dropped out of talks with Blake. The situation with Rafael Furcal is the most confusing, as both he and LA have shown little interest in one another, but shortstop holes are being filled up quickly, not to mention his rejection of Oakland's initial offer. The Dodgers have shown a varying degree of interest in free-agent pitchers CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Randy Johnson, and Trevor Hoffman, as well as trades with the Pirates concerning SS Jack Wilson. Colletti himself has made just two offers all postseason: the 2-year contract to Manny Ramirez, and the 3 offers of arbitration to Manny, Blake, and Lowe. The arbitration, however, was done solely to get draft picks from teams who would sign the three if they all reject the Dodgers' offers. Trade talks with the Padres concerning Jake Peavy have ceased apparently, not just with Los Angeles, but nearly every other team that has shown interest in him, other than the Cubs.

Dodgers Still in Hunt for Peavy

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still a possible trade destination for Jake Peavy, says ESPN. They are however a long shot behind the Cubs and Braves, as an interdivisional trade would require the Dodgers to give up much more compared to Chicago or Atlanta.