Dodgers News: Bench Mob, Ardoin is Cut, and Goodbye Arizona

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their last game in Arizona. Bench favorite Doug Mientkiewicz hit a two-run bomb, and Juan Castro had a double and homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a double, and Jason Repko knocked in two and scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda had his last tune-up before the season begins, allowing just one run in three innings. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a perfect inning, and Eric Milton gave up eight runs in less than three innings, including two homers.

The Dodgers designated Danny Ardoin for assignment. Ardoin spent most of last season as Russell Martin's backup after Gary Bennet hit the DL. He has ten days to either accept his assignment in Triple-A or become a minor-league free agent.

This was the Dodgers' last game in Arizona. They will play three exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, one against the Angels and two against Milwaukee, then go to San Francisco to play a game against the Giants.

The Dodgers sent Eric Milton to Triple-A, and notified Tanyon Sturtze that he is on the bubble. Milton came into Spring Training as a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, but a 10.07 ER knocked him out of the race. Sturtze is still a possibility of joining the bullpen, but if he doesn't he will be sent to the minors as well.

Dodgers News: Hitting Gallery, Injury Bug, and Manny's in Left

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwuakee Brewers 12-8, their 14th loss of the spring. Andre Ethier had 3 hits and three RBI's, and Orlando Hudson had two hits and a run scored. Russell Martin had a two-run double, and Manny Ramirez had a hit and scored a run. Eric Stults struggled, giving up four runs on three hits and three walks in less than three innings. Claudio Vargas also struggled, surrendering four runs in just one inning of work. Not one of the Dodgers' pitchers had a scoreless outing, giving up a total of five home runs.

More Dodgers have entered the infirmary. Jason Repko left last night's game after feeling a twinge in his left hamstring. A.J. Ellis left the complex after suffering from flu-like symptoms. Delwyn Young's right shoulder flared up, but an MRI showed no damage. Young had his elbow surgically repaired during the offseason.

Manny Ramirez returned to left field for the first time since aggravating his left hamstring.

Dodgers News: Hungry Like a Wolf, Estes is Upset, and Manny Might Be Ready

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 11-4, their 12th win of the spring. Randy Wolf pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out six. Wolf also had a two-run double and scored a run. Jason Repko had a three-run home run, and Matt Kemp hit a solo blast. Rafael Furcal had a double and two RBI's, and Juan Pierre scored two runs and stole two bases. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, but Hong-Chih Kuo and Corey Wade struggled; Kuo giving up one run in one inning and Wade surrendering two doubles and a home run.

Shawn Estes is very frustrated with his release. He believes that he still is capable of pitching in the majors, and was somewhat annoyed that Ned Colletti was not present at the meeting that decided his fate. Estes has also shown reluctance at the idea of pitching in Albuquerque for the Dodgers' Triple-A minor-league affiliate, in part because of a crowed rotation and also because of the altitude.

The Dodgers sent five players to minor-league camp after the game. Nick DeBarr, Stephen Randolph, Hector Luna, Valentino Pascucci, and Mitch Jones all were reassigned. Charlie Haegar was reassigned earlier in the day as well.

Manny Ramirez is close to returning to the lineup. He could return as early as tomorrow against the Angels in the DH position. Ramirez has sat out all week with a tight hamstring, taking batting practice but limiting fielding exercises. He is now participating in all practices. There has been no word as to what will become of Manny over the next week as the Dodgers play against NL teams without the DH rules.

Dodgers News: Walk-off Win, Manny Comes to Camelback, and Pierre Wants a Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-4, their first win at Camelback Ranch. Jason Repko hit a game-winning RBI single in the ninth, just after Xavier Paul had a game-tying RBI. Paul hit a home run earlier in the game, and Doug Mientkiewicz hit a 2-run homer. Hiroki Kuroda pitched three scoreless innings, only giving up one hit, and Ramon Troncoso had a perfect inning. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas hit setbacks, combining to give up all of the White Sox runs of the day.

Orlando Hudson returned to the lineup after experiencing soreness in his left wrist. Andre Ethier played in right field after spending the last two days in the DH position.

Manny Ramirez arrived in Glendale, Arizona to join the Dodgers' Spring Training. He held a press conference in which he estimates it will take a week for him to play in Spring Training games. Manny stated he was happy to be with LA, that he was unhappy in Boston, and will fully commit to the team, despite not receiving the 4-year, $100 million contract he wanted at the beginning of free-agency.

Juan Pierre has requested a trade from the Dodgers after the signing of Manny Ramirez. Pierre's speed makes him a good fourth-outfielder and pinch-hitter. However, Pierre wishes to play full-time, and would like to go to another team where he can play everyday.

More WBC Exhibitions: Jonathan Broxton got the save in Team USA's 9-6 win over Philadelphia. He pitched a perfect 9th inning with one strikeout. Russell Martin had a hit and a run in Team Canada's 6-0 win over the New York Yankees. Valentino Pascucci had a hit and three strikeouts in Team Italy's loss to the New York Mets. Luis Maza walked in his only plate appearance in Team Venezuela's 8-4 loss to Atlanta. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats in Team Netherlands' 4-2 loss to Minnesota.

Dodgers Agree with Repko, Martin, Broxton

The Los Angeles Dodgers have come to terms on 1-year contracts with outfielder Jason Repko, catcher Russel Martin, and closer Jonathan Broxton, avoiding arbitration with all three. Repko served primarily as a reserve outfielder, only being called up for a few days after Juan Pierre was injured in late June/early July before being added to the 40-man roster in September. Broxton was the set-up man before Takashi Saito went down with an injury. He became the de-facto closer, making 14 saves in 17 chances. Martin has gone to the All-Star game the last two years, and hit .280 last season. Martin's new contract is now worth $3.9 million, Broxton's is $1.8 million plus incentives, and Repko's is $500,000 plus incentives. Andre Ethier is the only player left that has not reached an agreement. If he and the Dodgers cannot come to an agreement over a new contract, then the two will plead their cases for their desired contract before an arbitrator who will select one.