Quiet Deadline for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers made no significant moves today as the non-waiver trade deadline came and went. While there were stories coming out that linked LA to San Diego's Heath Bell and Adrian Gonzalez, the only transaction completed was purely to make room on the roster for George Sherrill. LA traded Claudio Vargas to Milwaukee in exchange for minor-league catcher Vinny Rottino. Vargas was a candidate for the fifth-starter slot early in Spring Training, but had to start the season on the disabled list. He was activated in early July, and in eight appearances he put together an ERA of 1.64. Rottino will be sent to Double-A Chattanooga.

Dodgers Defeat Mets Handily

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 8-0, their first victory in the Mets' new Citi Field. The Dodgers struck early in the second with three runs, and led for the rest of the game. New York could only muster four hits and two walks over nine innings. Rafael Furcal scored twice, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs. Manny Ramirez collected three RBI's before being ejected after reacting negatively to a strike out. Matt Kemp totaled two hits, a run scored, a run-batted-in, and an outfield assist. Blake DeWitt had a pinch-hit homer, his first blast of the season. Juan Pierre tripled and scored a run after replacing Manny. Clayton Kershaw pitched six shutout innings, striking out seven and walking only two. Luis Castillo had only one of the Amazins' four hits.

Claudio Vargas made his Dodger debut after spending the entire season on the disabled list. Vargas had a perfect inning, but was struck by a line-drive.

Ronald Belisario returned to Los Angeles to have an MRI on his right elbow after he complained of stiffness. There is no word if he will be placed on the disabled list.

Dodgers Scratch Out Win over Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0, taking the series 2-1. Both teams had trouble scoring, collecting only three hits through the first seven innings. However, Brad Ausmus singled to start the eighth, Juan Castro bunted him to second, and with Russell Martin pinch-running, Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit single that scored Martin. Clayton Kershaw went five innings, allowing only one hit, and the bullpen held Colorado to nothing for the rest of the game. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save of the season. Brad Hawpe had two of the Rockies' three hits, including a double.

This was the last game the Dodgers played without Manny Ramirez. The embroiled slugger will return to the lineup Friday due to tomorrow's off-day.

The victory gave the Dodgers their 50th win, the first team in baseball to reach that mark.

The Dodgers made a few moves during the day. Eric Stults was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A so he could play regularly. Catcher A.J. Ellis was sent down to Triple-A as well, and Mitch Jones was designated for assignment. Jones now has 10 days to be traded, claimed by another team, or released. If he clears waivers, he will return to the minors. Claudio Vargas is expected to be activated from the 60-day DL, a move that could force the Dodgers to move Hong-Chih Kuo to that same list from the 15-day DL. Manny Ramirez will be activated from the Restricted List now that his suspension is over.

Roster Moves: Belisario Joins Team

The Los Angeles Dodgers made last minute changes to their 25-man roster before their win against San Diego, including the promotion of Ronald Belisario to the major-league club. Belisario was an afterthought when he joined the club in Spring Training, even missing time due to visa troubles in his native Venezuela. The Dodgers also purchased the contracts of minor-leaguers Will Ohman and Doug Mientkiewicz, bringing them up to the big-leagues. To make room for the promotions, LA put Claudio Vargas on the 60-day disabled list and Delwyn Young on the 15-day DL. Greg Miller was released in order to make room on the 40-man roster.

Dodgers News: No A for Effort for Kershaw, Progress with Ohman, and Weaver Gets More Innnings

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Oakland Athletics 9-5, their 18th loss of the spring. Clayton Kershaw got roughed up for seven runs, six earned, in four innings, and Ramon Troncoso gave up two runs on four hits in one inning. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, and Jonathan Broxton had a scoreless outing. Andre Ethier had a double, RBI, and run scored, and Manny Ramirez had a hit, walk, and run scored. Matt Kemp had a two-run double, and Rafael Furcal doubled as well.

Jeff Weaver pitched in a minor-league game instead his scheduled appearance against Oakland. Weaver is going to be used as a long-reliever and needs to stretch out the number of innings he pitches.

The Dodgers are expecting progress in negotiations with free-agent LHP Will Ohman, so much so that he could be ready to pitch by Opening Day. Ohman tried out for the Dodgers in a simulated game yesterday.

James McDonald is the favorite to become the club's fifth starter. McDonald has a spring ERA of 4.70, giving up 8 runs in 15 innings.

Jason Schmidt, Delwyn Young, and Claudio Vargas all will start the season on the Disabled List.

This was the last game the Dodgers will play at their new Spring Training complex, Camelback Ranch.

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: McDonald Shines, Billingsley's Held Back, and Vargas is Sore

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-6, their 13th win of the spring. James McDonald improved his claim to the fifth starter spot with three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out three. Eric Milton took a step back as he allowed 6 runs on seven hits in less than three innings. Xavier Paul had a three-run triple, and both James Loney and Blake DeWitt had two hits and two RBI's. Juan Castro had two hits, one run scored, and an RBI.

Chad Billingsley will be held back from his scheduled start on Sunday because of a strained groin. Billingsley expects to pitch in a bullpen session on Friday.

Claudio Vargas's elbow became sore after Wednesday's outing. Vargas is a candidate for the fifth starter spot.

Jonathan Broxton and Corey Wade both pitched in simulated games rather than their expected bullpen sessions.

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: Surprise Surprise, Lindblom Blossoms, and Manny Might Be Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Kansas City Royals 9-4, despite scoring three runs in the first inning. Claudio Vargas started his first game for LA, pitching three innings and only allowing one run on three hits and two walks. Eric Milton gave up 8 runs, including a six-run fifth inning, but just one of those runs was earned. James Loney, Delwyn Young, and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI in the first, and DeWitt had three hits.

Josh Lindblom had a good debut for the big-league club after being promoted. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.

Manny Ramirez may be close to returning to the lineup. Manny could DH in Monday's game against the Angels. He is currently healing a tight left-hamstring which he aggravated in Sunday's game.

Dodgers News: Tough Thrashing, Schmidt Can't Pitch, and Manny Can't Play

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh loss of the season. Manny Ramirez made his debut in left-field, but left the game after injuring his hamstring. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas both had rough outings, Milton giving up four runs in his first inning of work, and Vargas surrendering three runs in three innings. Valentino Pascucci had a two-run homer, and Hector Luna had a double, RBI, and three runs scored. Russell Martin and Casey Blake both had doubles, and Juan Castro had a hit and RBI.

Manny Ramirez was lifted in the fourth inning for a pinch-hitter after Ramirez tweaked his left hamstring. He received the injury after trying to run down a double in the top of the fourth. The hamstring tightened on Thursday, keeping him out of the lineup against Korea. Ramirez will not play in any game tomorrow, and might not play Tuesday with Wednesday an off-day.

Eric Stults, a long-shot candidate for the fifth-starter spot, pitched three shutout innings in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox yesterday.

Justin Orenduff cleared waivers and was sent to the minors. Orenduff was designated for assignment after LA signed Manny Ramirez.

Jason Schmidt complained of full-body fatigue and was given an extra day of rest. He was scheduled to pitch in today's game, but will instead start tomorrow against Oakland.

The Dodgers will play two split-squad games tomorrow, one against Oakland and the other against Seattle. While Schmidt going against the A's, Hiroki Kuroda will start against the Mariners.

Dodgers News: LA Makes Up for Schmidt, Kuo Gets a "B", and Korea Comes to Town

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 14-7. Juan Castro beefed up his utility-man resume with a solo homer, and Hector Luna had a 2-run home run. Xavier Paul had 3 runs, 3 hits, and 2 RBI's, and Blake DeWitt scored a run, got two hits, and knocked in two. Both James Loney and Matt Kemp had one hit, one run, and one RBI. Jason Schmidt gave up three runs in two innings in his first start with LA since 2007, but got the win after the Dodgers scored 10 runs in the first three innings. Eric Milton threw three scoreless innings after Claudio Vargas surrendered four runs.

Schmidt, in his first start since 2007, allowed three runs, two walks, and two hits, including a home run. He struck out two.

Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox, pitching a scoreless inning. Kuo could pitch in a real game as early as Thursday.

Andruw Jones launched a home run off Claudio Vargas, his first homer of the spring. Jones played with the Dodgers last season, signing the highest salary contract in franchise history. However, Jones was a flop, with 14 RBI's and 3 home runs. The Dodgers reworked his contract so they could release him, and Jones signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers. He hopes to make the club in April.

Team Korea defeated Team Japan in their pool finale to determine the two teams' seeding in the next round for the World Baseball Classic. Korea will play the Dodgers this Thursday in an exhibition.

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.

Editor's Note: Let's Get Down to Business

Now that the Manny Ramirez situation is over, and the slugging left-fielder is back in Hollywood, it's time for the Dodgers to start to seriously look at the team. No more waffling on the team's potential. It's time to study the Dodgers' players and their potential. And the best place to look is the pitching staff. While the staff has the most potential it's had in years, it also has the most risk. When a 25-year old Chad Billingsley is your ace, those are the kind of problems you can find. Billingsley can still most likely have another standout year, but if he becomes the ace of the rotation, the pressure can get tough. Hiroki Kuroda is a roller-coaster pitcher, who can take a perfect-game into the eighth inning one game and surrender 6 runs in his next. But with two playoff wins under his belt, Kuroda quickly becomes a key component. Clayton Kershaw is the wild-card in the rotation. A first-round pick who made his first big-league start at the tender age of 20, Kershaw embodies the 2009 staff: incredible potential to either astound or crash and burn. Randy Wolf can be a terrific influence, but only if he can stay off the DL. Then the fifth slot. After Chan Ho Park's success last season, the Dodgers look to past-their-prime pitchers to make a difference this season. Players like Jason Schmidt, Eric Milton, Claudio Vargas, and Shawn Estes all have had troubles in the last several years. If Schmidt can stay healthy, he becomes the favorite for the fifth spot. If not, it becomes Vargas's to lose. Other options still remain that the Dodgers really need to consider, including another past-his-prime pitcher: Pedro Martinez (above). With the Manny-drama over, pitching is once again a priority, one nobody can overlook.

Dodgers News: Home Opener, No News Still, and Pitchers Make Progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell in their first game at their new Spring Training home, Camelback Ranch, to the stadium's co-occupants, the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers held a 2-run lead going into the ninth inning before surrendering 3 runs to the Sox. Mark Loretta and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI, and Matt Kemp scored a run and hit a double. Hiroki Kuroda pitched two scoreless innings, only giving up a hit, and Claudio Vargas and Eric Milton both made their cases to be the fifth starter, both pitching two scoreless innings and allowing two baserunners.

Frank McCourt has said negotiations with Manny Ramirez have paused for now, but will likely resume in some time. Scott Boras and GM Ned Colletti have still spoken over the phone, but no real progress has been made. News came that McCourt pulled the Dodgers' offer of 2 years, $45 million deferred.

Eric Milton pitched for the first time since 2007 after suffering an elbow injury, and retired 6 of the 8 batters he faced, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Claudio Vargas also threw two scoreless innings, but allowed two hits. Guillermo Mota had a perfect inning. All three pitchers and Hiroki Kuroda are capable of making the club in April.

Ramon Troncoso left the game after pitching 2/3rds of an inning for reasons unknown.

Tomorrow will be an off-day, with the club playing a 7-inning "B" game against Milwaukee.

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.

Dodgers Sign Milton

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed former All-Star LHP Eric Milton to a minor-league contract. Milton missed the last season-and-a-half while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He will compete for the fifth starter role during spring training. Milton has a 87-84 career record, and went 15-7 in 2001 with Minnesota which made him an All-Star that season. However, he could not enjoy the same kind of success after signing with Cincinnati, going 16-27 with the Reds over 3 seasons. Milton has also pitched for Philadelphia, and in 1999 pitched a no-hitter against the Anaheim Angels. Milton joins Claudio Vargas, Shawn Estes, and Jeff Weaver as starters past their prime who hope to have a rebirth, much like Chan Ho Park did last season.

Manny's Agent Restarts Talks, LA Signs Vargas

Agent Scott Boras has decided to resume talks with the Dodgers and GM Ned Colletti, according to the Los Angeles Times, after three weeks of no contact. They will discuss a contract for Manny Ramirez, the slugger who carried the Dodgers through September and the Postseason. No market has materialized for Ramirez, with his lone offer coming from the Dodgers at the beginning of free-agency. Boras's decision comes a day after the Dodgers expressed interest in Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu if Manny is not signed, with Ramirez still Colletti's #1 choice. The Dodgers made a move for pitcher Claudio Vargas (above), signing him to a contract. Vargas has pitched two double-figure win seasons, while last season he bounced from Milwaukee to New York to free-agency, all before the season ended.