Editor's Note: How the West Has Won

The NL West was supposed to be the worst division in the Major Leagues. That theory has quickly died, though no one seems up to giving a big, hearty "Mea Culpa" to the mistaken belief. Don't get me wrong. This division had very little going for it at the beginning of the season. The Dodgers won the West with just 84 wins. The Padres looked like they were a glorified Triple-A team. The Giants had the worst lineup of the bunch. The only shining beacon of the division would be the Dodgers, and even then Sports Illustrated's Baseball Preview edition predicted the Boys in Blue would garner only 88 wins, four more than last season's net-total. Unfortunately for the pundits, their theories were soundly squashed. The Dodgers are baseball's best team, and the Giants and Rockies are leading the pack for the NL Wild Card. Only two teams in the National League boast a winning record against ballclubs west of the Rocky Mountains. Both Los Angeles and San Francisco have the privilege of calling their pitching staffs the best in the Majors, not just the NL. Yet no one has taken a step forward to apologize. The East-Coast leaning general consensus is that the Western Division is still subpar, and the Dodgers have fattened up on h'ors-doeuvres, not the real meat of the league. Call me biased, but the NL West deserves the credit that it has earned.

Dodgers Salvage Game in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-6 in 13 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers seemed to be in complete control entering the bottom of the ninth, as Chad Billingsley was cruising to what looked like a complete-game and his 10th win of the season. However, a homer and a double later, he was pulled and Jonathan Broxton was put in with a still comfortable four-run lead. Things took a turn for the worst in Broxton's worst outing of the season though, as he gave up a walk, single, walk, walk, and single to tie the game at six runs apiece. In the 13th inning, James Loney broke the game open with a solo-homer, and Jeff Weaver spun three innings of no-hit ball to get his fourth win. Casey Blake hit a three-run home run, and Andre Ethier had a solo-shot. Billingsley doubled and hit his first career homer. Juan Pierre had four hits, and Rafael Furcal scored twice. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley both had solo-homers for the Padres, and Everth Cabrera had the game-tying, two-run single.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list, again because a troubling back. Jeff Weaver, James McDonald, and Claudio Vargas are all capable of filling his spot in the rotation. Blake DeWitt was called up to replace him on the roster.

Bullpen Collapses in Dodgers' Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-4, evening the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers had the early advantage after Manny Ramirez homered in the first inning, and later scored a run in the seventh to break a 1-1 tie. However, Ronald Belisario fell apart, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk while only retiring one batter. Ramon Troncoso was the victim of poor defense in the eighth, as the Padres scored three unearned runs after the Dodgers infield committed two errors. Casey Blake had two hits and a run scored, Matt Kemp had an RBI, and both James Loney and Rafael Furcal scored a run. David Eckstein had two hits and drove in two runs for the Friars, and Everth Cabrera collected two hits, two runs scored and three RBI's.

Manny's Return Sparks Offensive Outburst

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3, their first game with Manny Ramirez since he was suspended for violating MLB's drug policy. While Manny went 0-for-3 with a walk, the rest of the lineup seemed to be invigorated by his return, scoring five runs in the first inning. Rafael Furcal collected four hits, including a double, and scored a run, and Russell Martin singled twice and drove in two runs. Andre Ethier scored twice, and Matt Kemp had a two-run double. James Loney had a run scored and RBI. Hiroki Kuroda was shaky but solid enough to get his third win of the year, and Jonathan Broxton's perfect ninth gave him his 20th save. Scott Hairston had a solo-homer for San Diego, and Adrian Gonzalaz doubled to drive in two runs.

Dodgers' Bats Fall Silent

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 3-1, splitting the 2-game series. San Diego struck early, tagging Clayton Kershaw for two runs in the first inning. Kershaw gave up one more run in the third before he was lifted. The bullpen then shutdown the Padres for the rest of the game, but the Dodger bats could not do their part. LA hit a combined 1-for-1o with runners in scoring position, and scratched out only four hits. Andre Ethier had the lone RBI, and Juan Pierre scored the only run. Casey Blake hit a leadoff-double but failed to score. Kevin Correia pitched six innings of one-run ball for the Padres. Both Tony Gwynn, Jr. and David Eckstein had a hit and scored a run, and both Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley singled, doubled, and drove in a run.

Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-4, their 40th win of the season. The Dodgers are the first team to reach the 40-win mark. LA received most of its offense from the home run, as Andre Ethier, Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp each went deep; Ethier going yard twice. Kemp totaled three base-hits and 2 RBI's, and Rafael Furcal had a hit, run scored, and run-batted-in. Casey Blake scored a run, and Russell Martin had two hits. Chad Billingsley had a shaky five-and-two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts, but still got his eighth win of the season. Jonathan Broxton gave up a run in the ninth, but held on to get his 14th save. Tony Gwynn, Jr. made his Padre-debut, getting three hits and scoring a run. David Eckstein also had three hits and a run scored, and also drove in a run. Kevin Kouzmanoff had a two-run single.

Dodgers Receive Mark of 10

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3, sweeping the series 4-0 and extending their home winning-streak to a franchise-record 10 games. Chad Billingsley got his fifth win of the season, pitching seven innings of two-run ball while striking out eight. Juan Pierre had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, and Orlando Hudson doubled twice and knocked in three runs. Andre Ethier had a double, run and RBI, and Juan Castro had two hits and scored a run. Billingsley helped his own cause by singling in a run and later scoring. Brian Giles and Jody Gerut both went deep for the Padres, and Edgar Gonzalez doubled and drove in a run.

Manny Ramirez sat out with tightness in his hamstring, the same hamstring that caused problems for him in Spring Training. Manny will most likely be back in the lineup for tomorrow's game against Arizona.

James McDonald and Jeff Weaver switched roles, with McDonald going into the bullpen and Weaver starting on Tuesday. McDonald has struggled in the starting role, giving up 14 walks in less than 15 innings and compiling an 8.16 ERA. Weaver was called up from Triple-A, and he pitched four scoreless innings of relief after McDonald left in the second inning in Thursday's game.

Dodgers Are Walk-Off Happy

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 in 10 innings, their ninth straight home victory. The two teams entered extra innings tied 1-1, but the Dodgers loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth, and Andre Ethier sent a fastball to the right-field wall, sending Rafael Furcal home as the winning run. Randy Wolf pitched a gem, allowing only one run on two hits, but walked four and left in the middle of the sixth. The bullpen helped out, shuting out the Friars in 4-and-two-thirds innings, allowing only two baserunners. Russell Martin had three hits, and Wolf doubled and scored LA's first run. Furcal sent Wolf home on his first base-hit of the game. The Padres finished with only three hits, and Edgar Gonzalez provided the only offense with a solo-homer.

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.

Weaver Returns to Push Dodgers To Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 8-5, their 15th win of the season. James McDonald was pulled in the second inning after giving up two hits, four walks, and three runs in the inning. However, Jeff Weaver made his first appearance for the Dodgers since 2005, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and one walk. Orlando Hudson and Manny Ramirez had back-to-back homers, and Matt Kemp had a double, RBI, and two runs scored. Andre Ethier had two hits and knock in one, and Casey Blake had two hits, an RBI, and a run. Jonathan Broxton had his seventh save of the season. Adrian Gonzalez provided the Padres with a single, double, RBI, and two runs scored.

Bullpen Collapses in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 4-3, splitting the series 2-2. The Dodgers entered the bottom of the eighth with a 3-1 lead, but Will Ohman and Corey Wade were shelled. Orlando Hudson had two hits, including a ninth inning triple that ultimately did nothing. Matt Kemp had two hits and knocked in two, and Andre Ethier reached base in all five of his plate appearances, as well as scoring and knocking in a run. Clayton Kershaw pitched five shaky innings but only gave up one run, and was in line for the win. Adrian Gonzalez had a home run, and David Eckstein doubled and scored a run for the Padres.

Manny Hits Stride as Dodgers Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 5-2, their second win of the season. Manny Ramirez had three RBI's, including a tie-breaking two-run double in the seventh inning. James Loney had two hits and knocked in a run, Casey Blake hit his first home run of the season, and Rafael Furcal had a single, double, and scored two runs. Chad Billingsley had a solid outing despite walking three batters in the fifth inning, resulting in the Padres' only two runs. Billingsley pitched six innings, giving up two hits, four walks, and striking out four to get the win. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth to get his second save of the season. San Diego had only three hits, and David Eckstein had an RBI.

Dodgers' Bats Go Silent in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 4-2, their first loss of the season. Randy Wolf struggled in his first start, surrendering four runs in less than six innings on six hits and three walks. Manny Ramirez doubled and scored a run, and Russell Martin doubled, scored, and knocked in a run. Matt Kemp had two hits. Ronald Belisario made his first appearance with the Dodgers, pitching a perfect inning of relief. Kevin Kouzmanoff had a triple and scored two runs for the Padres, and Chase Headley had a two-run double.

Dodgers News: Schmidt Toils, Ohman Tries Out, and Billingsley Nears Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-3, their 17th loss of the spring. Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run and singled twice, providing most of the Dodger offense. Manny Ramirez had a double and a walk, and Russell Martin singled and scored a run. Jason Schmidt pitched a solid first inning, then the wheels fell off as he gave up three runs without getting past the fourth. Hong-Chih Kuo became a victim of the wind, giving up a run in one inning. Corey Wade had a perfect inning, and Josh Lindblom increased his bid for the opening-day roster, pitching two hitless innings. Ramon Troncoso pitched a perfect ninth.

The Dodgers gave LHP Will Ohman a try-out today. Ohman pitched in a simulated minor-league game. The Dodgers are searching for a left-handed pitcher to put in the bullpen, and Ohman is searching for a job. Erik Threets and Brian Mazone, both with the team, are the current candidates to fill the void left by Joe Beimal.

Chad Billingsley is ready to make his scheduled regular-season start as he rehabs a strained right-groin. Billingsley pitched in a simulated game and experienced no problems. Billingsley will pitch Friday in an exhibition against Milwaukee at Dodger Stadium.

Mark Loretta continues to recover from his own right-groin strain. Loretta is optimistic that he can enter a game by Wednesday or Thursday, possibly in a minor-league game.

Claudio Vargas is recovering his sore right-elbow. The soreness is caused by inflammation as he has learned, and there is no ligament damage. Vargas can begin throwing by next week.

Dodgers News: No-Hit Innings, DeWitt Stays at Short, and USA Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 5-4, evening their Spring Training record to 3-3. Mitch Jones had his third home run of the spring, and Blake DeWitt went deep as well. Mark Loretta had an RBI. Chad Billingsley pitched 2 no-hit innings, and Shawn Estes had two scoreless innings as well.

After Ivan De Jesus, Jr.'s injury, Blake DeWitt will see more time at shortstop. DeWitt played his second game at short today, and is capable of playing both second-base and third.

Team USA played an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, and Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk. Team USA won 6-5.

In other World Baseball Classic news, Kenley Jansen, Valentino Pascucci, Luis Maza, and Russell Martin all played in exhibitions. Martin had a double and scored a run in Team Canada's 6-4 win against Toronto. Pascucci had a two-run home run in Team Italy's 9-6 loss to Washington. Maza had a pinch-hit opportunity, but could not get on base in Venezuela's 7-5 loss to Detroit. Jansen went hitless in two at-bats and committed an error in the Netherlands 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Dodgers' List is Dwindling

The Los Angeles Dodgers' list of potential pitchers to sign from free-agency has shrunk, as Jon Garland signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. As it stands, the Dodgers are focusing on Randy Wolf, whose stints with the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros last season led to a 14-14 record. He was especially impressive with Houston, going 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA. Braden Looper serves as a backup if another team, like the New York Mets, snatches up Wolf before the Dodgers can. Looper went 12-14 with St. Louis last season.

Editor's Note: LA Must Be More Than Pricey Poker Chip

As the San Diego Chargers struggles to discover its identity after going 8-8, snatching a playoff berth from the hands of Denver, and defeating the Colts in the wild-card round, LA's position in this debacle is becoming less and less clear. The Bolts have made a deal with the Wasserman Media Group to market Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and all the other Chargers to Los Angeles and Orange County. CBS chose to broadcast every Chargers game it carried in LA, instead of using the "Game of the Week" airing program. Now, as Ed Roski has passed the first hurdle to build new stadium in the City of Industry as the city's council voted to back the stadium's construction. All signs point to an eventual move for the Chargers. But is that where this is going? LA could merely be a bargaining chip, and the timing couldn't be better. The Bolts are having serious problems with the city of San Diego, with the status of Qualcomm Stadium under heavy scrutiny. The Chargers want the city to fix the problems with a new stadium, but if it can't, they can conveniently move down the 5 freeway to build a home in LA. If Los Angeles wants to be more than just a vague threat, this new stadium needs to be built. That way, there will be no more questions, doubts, or what if's. Any bluffs will lose considerable strength, as with no waiting for a stadium, teams can come whenever they feel like it. Teams will either move, or they won't. But at least the people of LA will know for sure where to go if any team does come.

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.