WBC Semifinal: Japanese Ensure Return Trip

JAPAN 9 - USA 4: Team Japan defeated Team USA to defend their World Baseball Classic title tomorrow against Korea. Japan scored 5 runs in the fourth inning off Roy Oswalt, and to secure their win, scored 3 more runs in the eighth. Brian Roberts hit a leadoff home run off Daisuke Matsuzaka in the first inning, and Jimmy Rollins had four hits, including a triple, and scored a run. David Wright, Ryan Braun, and Mark DeRosa each had a double. Jonathan Broxton did not enter the game for Team USA. Akinori Iwamura had a triple for the Japanese, and Ichiro Suzuki had an RBI and a run scored. Japan and Korea have already played four times, twice in each pool, and have split their matchups, both winning twice.

Editor's Note: WBC Needs USA

As USA advances through the World Baseball Classic, more and more heads are turning. Just not enough to give the tournament a real following. While the ratings are sky-high in Korea and the Netherlands, they continue to be abysmal in the States. The lack of real stars on the team is a contributing factor. It's a dark and scary day when the face of America is Kevin Youkilis or Adam Dunn (both above). Players are focused on their teams, not their countries, and while superstars like Ichiro Suzuki play, guys like Ryan Howard sit it out. Injuries are also a factor. Team USA has more hurt men than any other team, and must rotate players around so there are no holes in the field (See Adam Dunn at first base). But for the WBC to survive in America, it needs America. Like with all other championships, nobody wants to watch cinderella-stories and giant-killers. Those teams are often little-know and play basic fundamentals, not flashy-strikeout-homer-strikeout-homer baseball. Just look at the ratings for the World Series with Tampa Bay and Philly, or the 2007 NBA Finals with San Antonio and Cleveland. The WBC needs a big team to stand up and be the face of the tournament, and the US needs to be that big team.

Dodgers' WBC: Korea Headed to Finals

KOREA 10 - VENEZUELA 2: Team Korea knocked off Venezuela to advance to the finals of the World Baseball Classic. Shin-Soo Choo hit a three-run home run, and Tae Kyun Kim had a two-run bomb. Hyun-Soo Kim had three hits. Carlos Guillen hit a solo-homer for Venezuela. Luis Maza did not enter the game. Korea will play the winner of today's Japan/USA game.

Luis Maza is a utility-infielder for the Dodgers

Dodgers' WBC: USA is Still Number 2

VENEZUELA 10 - USA 6: Team Venezuela defeated Team USA in their pool finale to determine seeding for the semi-finals. Miguel Cabrera had three hits and two RBI's, and Max Ramirez had a home run and three RBI's for Venezuela. Mark DeRosa had three hits, one a home run, and three RBI's, and Brian Roberts had a double and two runs scored. Luis Maza went hitless in one at-bat, and Jonathan Broxton did not pitch.

All Dodgers are in black

Dodgers' WBC: USA Comes From Behind, Andvances

USA 6 - PUERTO RICO 5: Team USA defeated Team Puerto Rico to advance to the semi-finals at Dodger Stadium. America was down by two runs going into the bottom of the ninth, but scored three runs, the winner being a two-run single by David Wright. Kevin Youkilis had a home run and walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to knock in the first run, and Shane Victorino had three hits, an RBI, and a run scored. Jonathan Broxton, the Dodgers' closer, gave up one run in the top of the ninth, but got the win. Alex Rios had a home run for Puerto Rico, and Carlos Delgado had two RBI's.

Dodgers' WBC: Venezuela Advances

VENEZUELA 2 - PUERTO RICO 0: Team Venezuela defeated Team Puerto Rico to advance to the semi-finals at Dodger Stadium. Ramon Hernandez had an instant-replay home run. Luis Maza did not enter the game for Venezuela. Puerto Rico will play the US today in an elimination game; the loser goes home and the winner moves on.

Dodgers' WBC: USA Avoids Elimination

USA 9 - NETHERLANDS 3: Team USA defeated the Dutch and avoided elimination. However, Holland was consequently sent packing. Kenley Jansen had his first hit of the WBC, and Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect inning of relief. Jimmy Rollins and Adam Dunn both went deep, and Rollins drove in four runs.

All Dodgers are in black.

Dodgers' WBC: US Feels No Mercy, Dutch Fall To Venezuela

PUERTO RICO 11 - USA 1 (7 innings): Team USA fell to Team Puerto Rico in seven innings, falling prey to the WBC's mercy rule which ended the game early. P.R. scored 6 runs in the first two innings, and 4 runs in the seventh. Jonathan Broxton did not pitch. Brian McCann had the only RBI for America, as Felipe Lopez knocked in three and Ivan Rodriguez had three hits for Puerto Rico.

VENEZUELA 3 - NETHERLANDS 1: The Dutch could not keep up with Venezuela, losing despite their strong pitching. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats for Holland, and Luis Maza did not play for Venezuela. Miguel Cabrera and Jose Lopez each had home runs.

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Dodgers News: Manny Scratched, Two Sent to Minors, and Pedro Gets Interest

Manny Ramirez was unable to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in today's exhibition against Team Korea. He complained of a tight hamstring, but believed he could still start. Manager Joe Torre did not let him though, and kept him on the bench. Manny could be ready by tomorrow.

The Dodgers defeated Team Korea of the WBC 4-2 in an exhibition. Chin-lung Hu hit a two-run single in the eighth to win the game for LA. Orlando Hudson had two hits, and Blake DeWitt and James Loney each had a double. Randy Wolf pitched 3-and-one-third scoreless innings with two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Shawn Estes only gave up a hit in two innings of work, and Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

The Dodgers sent pitchers Scott Strickland and Travis Chick down to the minors. The move cuts the number of pitchers in camp to 28.

Russell Martin returned to the Dodgers, scoring a run. Martin caught for Team Canada in the WBC and had a home run against Team USA. Canada was eliminated in two games.

The Dodgers are curious about signing Pedro Martinez, but that's all. Pedro pitched six scoreless innings for the eliminated Dominican Republic WBC team, but his glory years are behind him. Martinez came up in the Dodgers organization, but was traded when management believed he could not be an effective starter. He has won three Cy Young awards and has 3,117 career strikeouts with Montreal, Boston, and the New York Mets.

Dodgers' WBC: USA Falls and Dutch Can't Keep Rolling

VENEZUELA 5 - USA 3: Team Venezuela defeated Team USA in the Pool C finale to determine seeding for the next round. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth inning for America, striking out two, including Dodger teammate Luis Maza. It was Maza's only at-bat in the game, and he also committed an error. Ryan Braun had three hits, including a double, and an RBI, and Chris Iannetta had a home run. Gregor Blanco came up a single shy of a cycle for Venezuela.

PUERTO RICO 5 - NETHERLANDS 0: Team Puerto Rico defeated the Dutch to take the number one seed for the next round. Kenley Jansen did not enter the game for Holland. Not one player for P.R. had more than one RBI or one hit. Alex Rios had a triple, RBI, and run for Puerto Rico.

All Dodgers are in black

Dodgers' WBC: Venezuela Advances and Dutch Surprise Part II

VENEZUELA 10 - ITALY 1: Team Venezuela defeated Team Italy to advance to the second round. Venezuela will play Team USA in the Pool C finale to determine their seeding for the next round. Luis Maza struck out twice in two at-bats for Venezuela, and Valentino Pascucci did not enter the game for Italy. Bobby Abreu was one of four Venezuelans to hit a home run, and Miguel Cabrera had three hits, including a homer.

NETHERLANDS 2 - DOMIN. REPUB. 1: The Dutch stunned the Dominican Republic for the second time in the WBC, winning 2-1 in 11 innings. The D.R. took a 1-0 lead in the top of the tenth, but Holand came back to score two, the game-winner on an error by Willy Aybar. Kenley Jansen struck out once in three at-bats, and the Dutch advance to the second round, and will play Puerto Rico in their pool finale.

WBC Dodgers' View: Italian Upset and Dutch Collapse

ITALY 6 - CANADA 2: Team Italy defeated Team Canada, eliminating the Canadians from the WBC. Italy will go on to play Venezuela, and the winner between those two will move on to the next round. Valentino Pascucci struck out twice and walked once for the Italians, who scored a run in each of the first four innings to upset America's neighbors-to-the-north. Russell Martin struck out twice as well. Justin Morneau had four hits, and Jason Bay had Canada's only two RBI's.

PUERTO RICO 3 - NETHERLANDS 1: Team Puerto Rico defeated the Netherlands, and will advance to the next round. The Dutch will have to play a rematch against the Dominican Republic in order to move on. Kenley Jansen went hitless in three at-bats and had an error, but tagged out two Puerto Ricans at the plate on outfield assists. The Dutch had a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the eighth, but a bases-loaded double from Yadier Molina sent two home to win the game.

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WBC The Dodgers' View: USA Advances

USA 15 - VENEZUELA 6: Team USA defeated Team Venezuela and advanced to the second round of the World Baseball Classic. Kevin Youkilis, Adam Dunn, and Ryan Braun each hit home runs for America, and David Wright had three hits and scored 2 runs. Both Chris Iannetta and Mark DeRosa had four RBI's, and Dustin Pedroia had a hit, run, and knocked in two runs. Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless inning, giving up only one hit and striking out one. Luis Maza did not enter the game for Venezuela. Venezuela will play the winner of the Italy-Canada game, and the winner between those two will advance to the second round. USA will still play in the Pool C finale to determine its seeding in the second round.

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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

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 News: High Scores, Sore Wrist, and Return to Lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their 4th loss of Spring Training. Clayton Kershaw gave up 4 hits and two runs in just two innings of work, and James McDonald surrendered two runs as well. Andre Ethier was back in the lineup as a DH and had a home run, 2 RBI's and a run. Xavier Paul also knocked in two runs, and Chin-lung Hu had two hits. Delwyn Young had a double, an RBI, and a run.

Orlando Hudson could not play in today's game due to a sore left-wrist, the same wrist that underwent surgery several months ago. Chin-lung Hu took over for him at second-base. The soreness is not considered serious and Hudson can return to the lineup by tomorrow.

Andre Ethier played his second game at DH, getting his second hit and second run at the position. Ethier stayed on the bench for a few days after suffering from a sore heel. It is unclear when he will return to the outfield. Casey Blake is still recovering from a pulled muscle.

WBC teams played more exhibitions today. Russell Martin did not play in Team Canada's 9-2 loss to Philadelphia. Valentino Pascucci had a hit and an RBI in Team Italy's 5-1 win over Florida. Jonathan Broxton did not pitch for Team USA in its 6-5 loss to Toronto. Luis Maza went hitless in two at-bats in Team Venezuala's 4-4 tie with Houston. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats in Team Netherlands' 4-3 10-inning loss to Cincinnati.

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.

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).