WHAT: The Dodgers are holding a batting practice hosted by legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela this Friday, August 27. The event is sold out.

Ticketed fans will take live batting practice “Under the Lights” at Dodger Stadium. Those in attendance will also get the chance to take photos with and get autographs from Valenzuela on limited edition “Under the Lights” Rawlings baseballs, will receive a batting practice jersey, tour the Dodger clubhouse, throw in the bullpen, play the field, run the bases and enjoy food and drinks.

WHEN:           Friday, August 27, 2010

6 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium

Media can park in Lot G behind center field

MISC: More information on DODGERLIFE events can be found by visiting www.dodgers.com/dodgerlife.

Media interested in attending should contact the Dodgers’ Public Relations department at (323) 224-1301.

The two-time defending National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League since moving to Los Angeles.  Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 185 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

California native will add to club’s catching depth

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today claimed catcher Rod Barajas from the New York Mets. General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

Barajas had played in 74 games for the Mets this year, including 67 starts behind the plate. The Ontario, CA native was batting .225 with 12 homers, 11 doubles and 34 RBI in 249 at-bats for New York.

The 34-year-old catcher has a .237 career average in 887 games with the Diamondbacks (1999-2003), Rangers (2004-06), Phillies (2007), Blue Jays (2008-09) and Mets (2010). He has belted 104 career homers, including a career-high 21 with Texas in 2005. Since coming up with Arizona in 1999, those 104 home runs are tied for 13^th among all catchers over that time. This season he has three multi-homer games in his 67 starts and his 12 homers rank fourth in the NL among catchers.

Barajas has also homered in each of the postseason series he appeared in, belting solo blasts in Game 5 of the 2001 World Series and Game 3 of the 2002 Division Series. On May 7, 2010, he hit the first walk-off homer in the history of Citi Field.

Since coming into the big leagues in 1999, Barajas has caught 885 games (762 starts), which ranks 15^th in the Major Leagues over that time. He owns a career fielding percentage at the catcher position of .992.

Barajas was originally signed by the Diamondbacks as a non-drafted free agent on Jan. 23, 1996 after attending Santa Fe Springs High School and Cerritos Junior college. He and his wife, Stacie, have six children.

HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER VIN SCULLY TO RETURN FOR 62^nd SEASON

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will return to the broadcast booth for an unprecedented 62^nd season in 2010, calling all Dodger home games and those road games against National League West Division opponents.

“I’m just honored and humbled to continue my association with the Dodgers, which has been a major part of my life,” said Scully.

Scully’s 61 years of service constitute the longest tenure of any broadcaster in sports history. While he handles all nine innings of the team’s television broadcasts on PRIME TICKET and KCAL 9, the first three innings of each of his games are also simulcast on KABC 790 AM.

“I’m as thrilled as our fans that Vin will be returning,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “He is not only the greatest broadcaster of all time, but also a wonderful friend.”

With accolades far too numerous to detail, Scully’s crowning achievement came nearly 30 years ago when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Scully began his baseball broadcasting career in 1950, and since then has gone on to call three perfect games, 19 no-hitters, 25 World Series and 12 All-Star Games.  He was also at the microphone for Kirk Gibson’s miraculous Game 1 homer in the 1988 World Series, Hank Aaron’s record-setting 715^th home run, Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 71st, 72nd and 73rd home runs and the scoreless-inning streaks’ of Dodger greats Don Drysdale and Orel Hershiser.

When Scully first began broadcasting, the Dodgers had yet to win a single World Series. Gasoline cost 27 cents a gallon, a postage stamp was just three cents and the minimum wage was only 75 cents per hour. Three years later, at the age of 25, he became the youngest person to ever broadcast a World Series game and in 1955, he had his most memorable moment behind the microphone, as he called the Dodgers’ first and only championship in Brooklyn.

The following season, Scully once again found himself in the enviable position of calling what he would later say was the greatest individual performance he had seen — Don Larsen’s perfect game in the World Series.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the July winners of the Dodger Pride Awards.  The Dodger Pride Awards were created in 2008 by General Manager Ned Colletti, and are given on a monthly basis to the players at each level of the club’s minor league system who play the game with a hustling, smart, aggressive style. The players and staff on each respective club vote for the awards.

The winners for July are as follows:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher – RHP SETH ETHERTON went 1-1 with a team-leading 3.38 ERA (9 ER/24.0 IP) in four July starts. The 33-year-old tied for seventh in the Pacific Coast League with a .225 opponents’ batting average (20-for-89) in the month and had a 7.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio (14 SO/2 BB). The former USC Trojan’s best start of the month came on July 29 against Iowa (Cubs), when he struck out seven and allowed just two hits over 7.0 scoreless innings in the Isotopes’ 4-2 loss.  Overall, Etherton is 4-4 with a 4.17 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) with the Isotopes.

Player – IF/OF JAY GIBBONS earned a big league call-up yesterday after batting .383 (36-for-94) with seven homers and 24 RBI in 26 July games. The 33-year-old was hitting at a .425 (31-for-73) clip in 23 games after the All-Star break and batting .528 (38-for-72) off left-handed pitching on the season. Overall, Gibbons ranked among the league leaders in batting average (.347, 3^rd), home runs (19, T-9^th) and RBI (83, 5^th) and made his Dodger debut with a pinch-hit RBI single in the sixth inning yesterday.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

Pitcher – RHP KENLEY JANSEN struck out 19 batters in 8.0 innings and limited opponents to a .148 average (4-for-27) with a 2.25 ERA (2 ER/8.0 IP) in seven July games with Chattanooga before his July 23 promotion to the Majors. The 22-year-old picked up two of his eight saves in July and overall was 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA (5 ER/27.0 IP) and a .151 opponents’ batting average with 50 strikeouts in 22 games with the Lookouts. The Curacao native has continued his success at the big league level, striking out nine in 6.0 scoreless innings with one save.

Player – INF/OF JERRY SANDS tied for the Southern League lead with seven home runs in 25 July games and has 11 homers since his promotion from Single-A Great Lakes on June 24. The 22-year-old is batting a combined .307 with 29 home runs and 74 RBI in 109 games this season and his home run total ranks fourth in all of Minor League Baseball. This is Sands’ third Dodger Pride Award this season after winning the April and May awards for Great Lakes.

Single-A Inland Empire 66ers

Pitcher – RHP JAVIER SOLANO allowed just one run over 17.0 innings (0.53 ERA) and limited opponents to a .103 batting average (6-for-58) with 20 strikeouts in seven July relief appearances. The 20-year-old appeared in a long relief role, tossing 1.2 or more innings in each of his July appearances. Overall, the Mexico native is 1-1 with a 3.22 ERA in 22 games this season.

Player – INF TRAVIS DENKER batted .314 with three homers and 18 RBI in 27 July games to earn a July 31^st promotion to Double-A Chattanooga. The 25-year-old batted .332 with seven home runs and 44 RBI in 74 games with the 66ers, including a .345 average (29-for-84) with runners in scoring position. The Fountain Valley, CA native was signed as a free agent on May 4 after originally being selected by the club in the 21^st round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft out of Brea Olinda High School.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Pitcher – RHP JOSH WALL tied for the Midwest League lead with four wins, going 4-0, with a team-best 2.63 ERA (12 ER/41.0) in six July starts. The 23-year-old limited opponents to a .211 average (31-for-147) in the month and continued his seven-game winning streak through the month of July before suffering a defeat on August 5, which was the first blemish on his record since June 3. Wall won Midwest League Pitcher of the Week honors by striking out six in a nine-inning complete-game shutout on July 7 against Lansing, which was his first shutout and second career complete game. Overall, the Louisiana native is 7-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 starts and ranks second in the league with 125 strikeouts.

Player – OF BRIAN CAVAZOS-GALVEZ batted .418 (41-for-98) with eight homers and 21 RBI during his Loons franchise-record 24-game hitting streak from July 2-26 and hit .413 (45-for-109) in 27 July games, which was the second-best mark in the Midwest League. The 23-year-old garnered Midwest League Player of the Week honors by hitting .484 (15-for-31) with four home runs and 11 RBI in eight games from July 5-11, which included five multi-hit efforts. Overall, the Albuquerque native ranks fifth in the league with a .311 average and has 34 stolen bases, 13 home runs and 61 RBI in 98 games.

Rookie-advanced Ogden Raptors

Pitcher – RHP SHAWN TOLLESON has allowed just one run over 19.1 innings (0.47 ERA) and successfully converted all 13 of his save opportunities in 18 games this season. The 29^th-round selection in the 2010 Draft is averaging 14.43 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (31 SO/19.1 IP) and limiting opponents to a .179 batting average (12-for-67), while not allowing a hit with a runner in scoring position (0-for-16) this season.  In July, Tolleson earned nine saves with a 0.75 ERA (1 ER/12.0 IP) in 12 games for the Raptors.

Player – OF LEON LANDRY ranked second in the Pioneer League with a .385 batting average (42-for-109) and slugged two homers with 19 RBI in 25 July games. The 20-year-old batted .500 (20-for-40) during a 10-game hitting streak from July 11-21, which included six multi-hit games and three three-hit efforts. Overall, the Dodgers’ third-round selection in the 2010 Draft ranks second in the league with a .382 batting average, leads the circuit with a .590 slugging percentage and is fourth with a .417 on-base percentage.

Rookie-level Arizona Dodgers

Pitcher – RHP ARISMENDY OZORIA went 4-1 and ranked second in the Arizona League with a 1.27 ERA (4 ER/28.1 IP) in six July starts. The 20-year-old did not allow a run in three of his six starts and limited opposing hitters to a .204 batting average (21-for-103) with 31 strikeouts in the month. The Dominican Republic native was promoted to Ogden on July 29 and is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA (3 ER/10.2 IP) in two starts with the Raptors.

Player – INF CHARLIE MIRABAL batted .357 (20-for-56) with nine RBI in 15 July games and ranks 12^th overall in the Arizona League with a .317 average in 26 games. The 23-year-old is hitting .400 (30-for-75) against right-handed pitchers and .294 (10-for-34) with runners in scoring position. The Venezuela native is in his fourth season with the Dodger organization after spending the previous three with the DSL Dodgers.

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers

Pitcher – LHP LEONEL BERAS went 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA (6 ER/26.1 IP) and limited opposing hitters to a .177 average (17-for-96) with 32 strikeouts in six July starts. The 19-year-old has a current seven-game winning streak and has not allowed an earned run in six of his 13 overall starts. The Dominican Republic native has yet to allow a hit to a left-handed batter (0-for-13, five strikeouts) and has allowed just one home run in 61.1 innings this season. Overall, Beras is 7-2 with a 2.20 ERA and a .189 opponents’ batting average in 13 starts.

Player – INF JORKY INFANTE batted .346 with two homers and 11 RBI in 23 July games. Overall, the switch hitter is batting .320 (8-for-25) against left-handed pitching and is at his best in the later innings, hitting .361 (13-for-34) from the eighth inning on. Overall, the 19-year-old is batting .278 with two homers and 13 RBI over 49 games in his second season with the Dodger organization.

The two-time defending National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League since moving to Los Angeles.  Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 185 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

For media information, visit www.dodgerspressbox.com.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the June winners of the Dodger Pride Awards.  The Dodger Pride Awards were created in 2008 by General Manager Ned Colletti, and are given on a monthly basis to the players at each level of the club’s minor league system who play the game with a hustling, smart, aggressive style. The players and staff on each respective club vote for the awards.

The winners for June are as follows:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher – LHP ALBERTO BASTARO went 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA (9 ER/26.0 IP) in four June starts for Albuquerque after his promotion from Double-A Chattanooga on June 10. The 26-year-old had three straight quality starts from June 19-29 and his ERA ranked seventh in the Pacific Coast League in June. Overall, the Venezuela native is 8-4 with a 4.84 ERA in a combined 17 games with Chattanooga and Albuquerque.

Player – C LUCAS MAY will play in the Triple-A All-Star game tonight and won the Dodger Pride Award for Albuquerque, batting .341 (29-for-85) with seven home runs and 23 RBI in 23 June games. Since his promotion to Triple-A on May 15, the 25-year-old ranks seventh in the league with a .339 batting average and tenth with a .576 slugging percentage in 46 games.  May batted .306 with six home runs and 32 RBI in 68 games for Double-A Chattanooga last year and is in his eighth season with the Dodgers after being selected in the eighth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

Pitcher – RHP CHRIS WITHROW went 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA (9 ER/28.0 IP) in five June starts.  The 21-year-old limited opponents to a .226 average (24-for-106) with 28 strikeouts in the month, including 10 punchouts in a seven-inning complete-game shutout on June 19 at West Tennessee. Overall, the Dodgers’ first-round (20^th overall) pick from the 2007 draft is 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA in 17 starts this season.

Player – OF TRAYVON ROBINSON batted .370 with seven doubles and 13 RBI in 26 June games. The 22-year-old Southern League All-Star batted .439 (18-for-41) during a 10-game hitting streak from June 14-24 and had 13 multi-hit games in the month. Overall, the Crenshaw native is batting .297 with seven home runs and 36 RBI in 86 games after being added to the 40-man roster this past offseason.

Single-A Inland Empire 66ers

Pitcher – LHP AARON MILLER went 2-1, led the California League with a .174 opponents’ batting average (15-for-86) and ranked sixth in the league with a 2.16 ERA (6 ER/25.0 IP) in four June games before his promotion to Double-A on June 23. In 14 games (13 starts) with Inland Empire, the 22-year-old went 2-4 and limited opposing hitters to a .201 average (53-for-264) with a 2.77 ERA (23 ER/74.2 IP). In his first full season as a pro, Miller has posted a 2.71 ERA (27 ER/89.2 IP) in a combined 17 games (16 starts) for Inland Empire and Chattanooga.

Player – OF RAMON JEAN batted .324 with nine extra-base hits and seven RBI in 20 June games. Overall, the 22-year-old is batting .414 (12-for-29) with runners in scoring position and .333 (18-for-54) with runners on base.  The Dominican Republic native is batting .306 with 13 RBI in 34 games and having his best year as a pro after signing with the Dodgers as a free agent in 2007.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Pitcher – RHP ELISAUL PIMENTEL led the Midwest League with a .160 opponents’ batting average (13-for-127) and a 0.39 ERA (1 ER/23.0 IP) in four June starts.  The 22-year-old tied for the league lead with four wins and did not allow a run in three of his four starts in the month. Overall, the Dominican Republic native is tied for the league lead with eight wins, ranks eighth with 88 strikeouts and is 10^th with a 2.91 ERA in 15 starts.

Player – OF ANGELO SONGCO ranked fourth in the Midwest League with a .355 (33-for-93) batting average and tied for second on the circuit with 11 doubles in 23 June games.  Overall, he is batting .303 with nine home runs and 45 RBI, including a .290 (29-for-100) mark with runners in scoring position and .327 (50-for-153) with runners on base. The 21-year-old Granada Hills native was selected in the fourth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Rookie-advanced Ogden Raptors

Pitcher – LHP GREG WILBORN tied for the Pioneer League lead with a 0.90 ERA (1 ER/10.0 IP) and limited opposing hitters to a .216 (8-for-37) average with 11 strikeouts in two June starts. In five starts overall, he ranks third in the league with a 2.36 ERA (7 ER/26.2 IP) and is second with 31 strikeouts and a 0.97 WHIP. The 23-year-old went 2-1 with a 7.45 ERA in 12 relief appearances for Ogden last year after being selected in the 18^th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Player – C MIKE PERICHT tied for the Pioneer League lead with four home runs and 14 RBI, while batting .378 (14-for-37) and leading the league with a .784 slugging percentage in 10 June games. The 22-year-old was named Pioneer League Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending June 27, when he batted .500 (13-for-26) with four homers and 13 RBI in seven games. The Illinois native has already equaled his home run total from 2009, when he batted .211 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 35 games for Rookie-level Arizona after he was selected in the 16^th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Rookie-level Arizona Dodgers

Pitcher – LHP RYAN CHRISTENSON has 13 strikeouts and not allowed a run in 9.2 innings through four games (three starts) for the AZL Dodgers. The 21-year-old was selected in the seventh round of the June draft out of Stone Mountain Community College in Arizona and has limited opposing hitters to a .229 batting average (8-for-35).

Player – OF NICK AKINS tied for the Arizona League lead with three homers, led the circuit with 12 RBI and a 1.080 slugging percentage and ranked ninth with a .440 batting average (11-for-25) in seven June games. Overall, the 22-year-old leads the league with six homers and 22 RBI and ranks fourth with a .391 average in 18 games, which includes nine multi-hit efforts. The Los Angeles native batted a combined .300 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI with Arizona and Rookie-advanced Ogden last season.

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers

Pitcher – RHP DANIEL TAMARES is 4-2 overall and has limited opposing hitters to a .170 batting average (23-for-135) with a 1.83 ERA (8 ER/38.1 IP) in seven games (six starts). The 20-year-old leads the club with 35 strikeouts and has allowed just five hits over 14.0 scoreless innings in his last two starts against the DSL Red Sox and DSL Astros. Tamares is in his fourth season with the organization after signing as a non-drafted free agent on September 26, 2006.

Player – INF ALEXIS AGUILAR batted .319 (22-for-69) with a home run and 13 RBI in 19 June games and is hitting .293 (22-for-75) overall in 21 games for the DSL Dodgers, earning his June 24 promotion to Rookie-level Arizona. The 19-year-old hit safely in his last nine games with the DSL Dodgers, batting .387 (12-for-31) with a home run and seven RBI. The Venezuela native is hitting .292 (7-for-24) with four RBI in six games with Arizona.

The two-time defending National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League since moving to Los Angeles.  Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 185 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

For media information, visit www.dodgerspressbox.com.

DODGERS PRESS RELEASE

RIP Boss

“George was a friend who I admired very much.  He was a giant in our game and he built an empire.  All he was was a winner.  He wanted to give the fans a winner, and that’s exactly what he did.” - Dodger Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda

“I will always remember George Steinbrenner as a passionate man, a tough boss, a true visionary, a great humanitarian and a dear friend.  I will be forever grateful that he trusted me with his Yankees for 12 years. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed in New York, Tampa and throughout the world of baseball. It’s only fitting that he went out as a world champ.” – Dodger Manager Joe Torre

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of George Steinbrenner’s passing.  His vision, passion and commitment to winning, recharged the New York Yankees and revolutionized the game.

I remember a man driven to succeed.   He was the owner, “The Boss” and number one fan of the Yankees.  Our relationship was built on mutual respect.  I will never forget and always be grateful for how he treated me and my family both during my playing days and after I retired.

I will miss him very much and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joan, and all the members of the Steinbrenner family.” – Dodger Hitting Coach Don Mattingly

“George Steinbrenner was the first owner to contact me to congratulate me when I purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers.  From that day forward we built a strong and meaningful friendship.  He was a larger than life owner who cared deeply about winning.  George helped shape the game of baseball during his incredible stewardship of the Yankees.  My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Joan and his four children, Hal, Hank, Jennifer and Jessica and the entire Steinbrenner family.” – Dodger Owner Frank McCourt

The Los Angeles Dodgers Announce May Winners of Dodger Pride Awards

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the May winners of the Dodger Pride Awards.  The Dodger Pride Awards were created in 2008 by General Manager Ned Colletti, and are given on a monthly basis to the players at each level of the club’s minor league system who play the game with a hustling, smart, aggressive style. The players and staff on each respective club vote for the awards.

The winners for May are as follows:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher – LHP JUAN PEREZ tossed scoreless relief in 10 of his 11 May appearances, posting a 1.29 ERA (2 ER/14.0 IP) and limiting opposing hitters to a .196 (10-for-51) batting average. Overall, the 31-year-old has limited left-handed hitters to a .179 average (7-for-39) and is 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in a team-leading 21 appearances.

Player – INF JOHN LINDSEY won his second straight Dodger Pride Award, leading the Pacific Coast League with a .415 batting average (44-for-106) and 20 extra-base hits, tying for second with seven homers and ranking sixth with 25 RBI in 27 May games. The Mississippi native won his second PCL Hitter of the Week award last week, when he batted .407 (11-for-27) with five homers and 13 RBI in seven games for the Isotopes. The 33-year-old continues to lead the league with a .402 overall batting average, is tied for seventh with 10 homers and ranks fourth with 42 RBI in 47 games.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

Pitcher – LHP ALBERTO BASTARDO went 3-1 with a 2.56 ERA (9 ER/31.2 IP) and an average of 10.23 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in five May starts.  The native Venezuelan allowed just one earned run over his final three May starts, going 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA (1 ER/20.0 IP) and 25 strikeouts. Overall, the 26-year-old is 5-3 with a 4.85 ERA and leads the team in wins (5), strikeouts (57) and innings pitched (59.1).

Player – INF COREY SMITH batted .326 (28-for-86) with seven doubles, five homers and 22 RBI in 28 May games.  The 28-year-old was named Southern League Hitter of the Week for the week of May 3-9, batting .412 (7-for-17) with two homers, eight RBI and three stolen bases. Overall, Smith is batting .277 with six homers and 32 RBI in 48 games, including .341 (14-for-41) with runners in scoring position.

Single-A Inland Empire 66ers

Pitcher – RHP NATHAN EOVALDI went 1-2 with a 2.97 ERA (12 ER/36.1 IP) in six starts, including a five-hit complete game shutout on May 31 at Lancaster (Astros). Overall, the 20-year-old has limited opposing hitters to a .196 average (9-for-46) with runners in scoring position and is 1-2 with a 2.91 ERA in eight starts.

Player – OF KYLE RUSSELL batted .350 (36-for-103) in 27 May games to win his second consecutive Dodger Pride Award, tying for the California League lead with 10 home runs and leading the circuit with 33 RBI and a .709 slugging percentage.  The 23-year-old earned his second California League Hitter of the Week Award for the week ending May 23 after batting .440 (11-for-25) with four homers and 15 RBI, which led all of the minor leagues during the seven-day stretch. Overall, the University of Texas alum is batting .349 and leading the league with 14 homers and 50 RBI in 51 games.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Pitcher – RHP WILL SAVAGE earned Midwest League Pitcher of the Week honors for the week ending May 23 after striking out six in a 7.0-inning complete game shutout on May 22 at Lansing (Blue Jays) and went 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA (9 ER/34.0 IP) in five May starts. Overall, the 25-year-old from West Hills is tied for third in the league with five wins (5-1) and ranks 11^th with a 2.26 ERA in 10 starts.

Player – INF/OF JERRY SANDS won his second consecutive Dodger Pride Award, batting .336 (36-for-101) with a league-leading seven home runs and 15 RBI in 30 May games. The 22-year-old was also named Midwest League Player of the Week for the third time this season, hitting .400 (10-for-25) with three home runs and five RBI from May 3-9.  Overall, Sands ranks third in the league with a .352 average, leads the circuit with 15 homers and a .689 slugging percentage, and is tied for the league lead with 38 RBI in 54 games.

Extended Spring Training

Pitcher – RHP ARISMENDY OZORIA won the Dodger Pride Award for pitchers at Extended Spring Training, allowing just one earned run in 8.0 innings (1.13 ERA) in three May games. The 19-year-old went 3-2 with 54 strikeouts and a 2.53 ERA in 15 games (eight starts) for the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers in 2009.

Player – INF CASIO GRIDER batted .288 (19-for-66) with seven RBI during Extended Spring Training to win the Dodger Pride Award. The 22-year-old hit .263 with two homers and seven RBI in 47 games for the Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers last year after being selected in the 14^th round of the June 2009 draft.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the April winners of the Dodger Pride Awards.  The Dodger Pride Awards were created in 2008 by General Manager Ned Colletti, and are given on a monthly basis to the players at each level of the club’s minor league system who play the game with a hustling, smart, aggressive style. The players and staff on each respective club vote for the awards.

The winners for April are as follows:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher – RHP JOHN ELY went 2-1 and limited opposing hitters to a .235 average (16-for-68) with a 3.00 ERA (6 ER/18.0 IP) in three starts for the Isotopes before having his contract purchased by the Dodgers on April 28. Ely was acquired along with RHP Jon Link from the White Sox for Juan Pierre on December 17, 2009 and celebrated his 24^th birthday on Thursday after picking up his first big league win last Tuesday at Arizona.

Player – INF JOHN LINDSEY stormed out of the gate in April, leading the Pacific Coast League with a .455 (30-for-66) batting average, 30 hits, 13 extra-base hits, 20 doubles, a .507 on-base percentage and a .742 slugging percentage in 17 games. The 33-year-old, who received an invite to Major League Spring Training, also tied for the league lead with 19 runs, ranked third with 49 total bases and sixth with 17 RBI.  Lindsey was recognized as the PCL’s Batter of the Week after opening the season with an eight-game hitting streak, batting .538 (12-for-39) with two homers and 13 RBI in 10 games. The Mississippi native was originally selected by the Rockies in the 13^th round of the 1995 draft and is in his second stint with the Dodger organization after playing for Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A Las Vegas in 2007 and 2008.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

Pitcher – RHP JESUS CASTILLO went 2-1 and ranked fourth in the Southern League with a 1.48 ERA (4 ER/24.1 IP) in four April starts. The 25-year-old also ranked fifth in the league with a .186 opponents’ average against (16-for-86). In seven overall starts, Castillo has limited right-handed hitters to a .176 average (15-for-85) and posted a 2.06 ERA (9 ER/39.1 IP). He was selected by the Dodgers in the 27^th round of the 2003 draft and posted a 7-9 record with a 4.31 ERA in 29 games (27 starts) for Chattanooga last season.

Player – INF DEE GORDON batted .345 (29-for-84) with four doubles, a home run and six RBI in 20 April games. The 22-year-old ranked among the April Southern League leaders in batting average (3^rd), hits (29, 5^th) and steals (six, 6^th). Gordon was named the Dodgers’ 2009 Minor League Player of the Year and Single-A Midwest League co-MVP with Kyle Russell after hitting .301 with 32 extra-base hits and 73 steals in 131 games for Single-A Great Lakes.

Single-A Inland Empire 66ers

Pitcher – RHP KENLEY JANSEN went 1-0 and limited opponents to a .212 average (11-for-52) with 22 strikeouts and a 1.23 ERA (2 ER/14.2 IP) in eight April games for the 66ers.  The 22-year-old was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga on Saturday after posting a 1.50 ERA (3 ER/18.0 IP) in 11 relief appearances with Inland Empire. Jansen was added to the 40-man roster this past offseason and is in his first full season as a pitcher after being converted from a catcher during the 2009 campaign.

Player – OF KYLE RUSSELL opened the season with a 14-game hitting streak and ranked among the California League leaders with a .337 (28-for-83) average (10^th), four home runs (T-3^rd) and 15 RBI (8^th) in 22 April games.  The 23-year-old was named league Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending April 25, batting .375 (9-for-24) with two home runs and six RBI in seven games. Russell entered the season ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 12 prospect by Baseball America after being recognized as co-MVP of the Single-A Midwest League MVP last year along with Dee Gordon.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Pitcher – RHP MATT MAGILL posted a 3.18 ERA (6 ER/17.0 IP) with one save in four games (two starts) in April. The 20-year-old limited opponents to a .217 average (13-for-60), while striking out 20 in 17.0 innings. In seven total games, the Simi Valley local has limited right-handed hitters to a .155 average (9-for-58) with 19 strikeouts and no home runs.

Player – INF/OF JERRY SANDS had a decorated first month of the season, winning the Midwest League’s Player of the Week honors for the first two weeks of the season (and has since added a third for the week of May 3-9).  The 22-year-old ranked among the league’s leaders in batting average (.382, 2^nd), home runs (8, T-1^st), on-base percentage (.442, 7^th), slugging percentage (.842, 1^st) and RBI (22, 2^nd) and hit safely in 17 of 21 April games. Currently, Sands leads the league in two of the three Triple Crown categories, leading the circuit with both a .387 batting average and 13 homers, and ranking second with 30 RBI in 35 games.

Extended Spring Training

Pitcher – RHP LUIS FERRERAS won the Dodger Pride Award for pitchers at Extended Spring Training. The 20-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA and did not allow a home run in 18.0 innings at Rookie-advanced Ogden in 2009. Ferreras was signed as a non-drafted free agent on March 30, 2007 out of the Dominican Republic.

Player – INF RAMON JEAN batted .273 (15-for-55) with three steals and seven RBI at Extended Spring Training. The 22-year-old is in his fourth season with the organization and batted .280 with 14 steals and 23 RBI in 44 games with the Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers in 2009. Jean was signed as a non-drafted free agent on March 12, 2007 out of the Dominican Republic.

– Jon Chapper/LA Dodgers PR Department

Don Newcombe, Tommy Lasorda, Frank Robinson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others will participate in pre-game ceremonies

The One and Only - Jackie Robinson

honoring Robinson

WHAT: In celebration of Jackie Robinson Night, Tommy Davis, “Sweet” Lou Johnson, Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and former Laker and supporter of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be introduced on the field, as will Jackie Robinson Team 42 Scholars.

Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe, who was also a former teammate of Robinson, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp and Newcombe and Abdul-Jabbar will address the crowd during pregame ceremonies. The National Anthem and God Bless America will be sung by R&B singer and songwriter Jeffrey Osbourne, who is best known for his hit song “On the Wings of Love.”

In addition, the entire Dodger team will wear number 42 in Jackie Robinson’s honor. The Dodgers will also wear number 42 during Friday’s game.

WHERE:         Dodger Stadium

1000 Elysian Park Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90090

WHEN:            Approximately 7:00 p.m.

MISC:             Earlier today, “Sweet” Lou Johnson represented the Dodgers in front of the city of Los Angeles city council and spoke on behalf of the organization as the city declared April 15, 2010 Jackie Robinson Day in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers’ first homestand of the season is highlighted by Opening Day presented by Automobile Club of Southern California tomorrow, Jackie Robinson Day on

Are They?

Thursday, April 15 and the first Viva Los Dodgers Sunday of the year on Sunday, April 18. The Dodgers will open up at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks from Tuesday-Thursday and then take on the San Francisco Giants for the weekend series from Friday-Sunday.

Giveaways this homestand include Opening Day Magnet Schedules Sponsored by Automobile Club of Southern California, Opening Night Magnet Schedules presented by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream on Wednesday, April 14 and an LA THIS IS MY TOWN Hat Giveaway presented by Farmer John on Sunday, April 18.

Fans can purchase tickets to any games this homestand at dodgers.com, losdodgers.com, or by calling 866-DODGERS.

This homestand also marks the launch of several new seven-game ticketing plans that give fans the opportunity to purchase tickets to the June 25-27 series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Starting Tuesday morning, fans will be able to purchase seven-game ticket packages, including three packages focused around the popular Bleacher Beach section, that incorporate a game against the Yankees. Packages can be purchased by calling 866-DODGERS or by logging on to dodgers.com/tickets.

Tuesday, April 13 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 1:10 p.m.

Opening Day is presented by Automobile Club of Southern California and fans will receive Opening Day Magnet Schedules Sponsored by Automobile Club of Southern California.

Pregame activities will include Grammy Award-winning country star LeAnn Rimes singing the National Anthem, Grammy Award-winning frontman and producer of the Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am throwing out a ceremonial first pitch and legendary journalist and Dodger season ticket holder Larry King announcing “It’s time for Dodger Baseball” at the start of the game. In addition, Dodger alumni Tommy Davis and Maury Wills will sign autographs for fans in autograph alley before the game, a giant flag will be unveiled on the field and United States Navy FA-18C Hornets will fly over the stadium at the start of the game. For more information on Opening Day activities, see the news release detailing all of the day’s events.

Opening Day marks the first Dodgers Dream Foundation silent auction of the year, which will be held on the Club level outside of the Vin Scully press box. Fans can also now register for the annual Dodgers Dream Foundation Charity Golf Invitational and State Farm Bowling Extravaganza at the auction table or by visiting www.dodgers.com/community. Fans can also bid on autographed, game-worn green jerseys from the Dodgers’ St. Patrick’s Day Spring Training game online at www.dodgers.com/DDFauction. All proceeds from these events will benefit the Dodgers Dream Foundation.

The April edition of Dodgers Magazine debuts on Opening Day and it features Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton on the cover. New to the magazine this year is content derived from video produced by the Dodgers Media Network with features like Inside Dodgertown, Dodgers Magazine, Dodgers Legends, Coaches Corner and more.

The 2010 Los Angeles Dodgers Yearbook will also be available for the first time on Opening Day. The yearbook’s cover showcases the downtown Los Angeles skyline and stays true to the Dodgers’ My Town theme. The yearbook includes a 12-page feature highlighting some of Dodger Team Photographer Jon SooHoo’s favorite shots. SooHoo is celebrating his 25^th anniversary with the organization.

The first playbill of the season also premieres Tuesday and features a cover shot of Dodger great Don Newcombe with Matt Kemp, who is wearing number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. Also inside are other features, ticket information, promotional information and valuable offers for Dodger fans.

Wednesday, April 14 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 7:10 p.m.

Wednesday is Opening Night at Dodger Stadium and fans will receive Magnet Schedules presented by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.

Thursday, April 15 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks – 7:10 p.m.

On Thursday, the Dodgers will celebrate Jackie Robinson Night and the entire team will wear number 42 in his honor.

Dodger alumni Tommy Davis and “Sweet” Lou Johnson, and Tommy Lasorda, a former teammate of Jackie Robinson, will be introduced on the field, as will Jackie Robinson Team 42 Scholars. Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe, who is also a former teammate of Robinson will throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp. Davis, Johnson, Lasorda and Newcombe will all address the crowd during pregame ceremonies as well. The National Anthem will be sung by R&B singer and songwriter Jeffrey Osbourne, who is best known for his hit song “On the Wings of Love.”

Representatives of each of the teams that advanced to the semifinals of the first annual Dennis Gilbert MLB UYA Easter Classic tournament will be introduced on the field prior to the game and Coach Walt Fijita of the tournament’s champion Venice High School will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Friday, April 16 vs. San Francisco Giants – 7:10 p.m.

The Dodgers and Giants will both wear number 42 in honor or Jackie Robinson.

The Dodgers Dream Foundation will hold a silent auction on the Club level outside of the Vin Scully press box during the game.

Slash of the band Guns N’ Roses will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Bleacher Beach, presented by Bud Light, returns for all Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games this season. Fans who sit in Bleacher Beach this weekend receive Bleacher Beach beach towels, as well as all-you-can-eat barbeque, watermelon and Dodger Dogs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dodgers.com/beach.

Saturday, April 17 vs. San Francisco Giants – 1:10 p.m.

Saturday’s game will be televised nationally on FOX.

Singer Elliot Yamin, who appeared on American Idol season 5 and is known for his hit single “Wait for You,” will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Fans who sit in Bleacher Beach, presented by Bud Light, on Saturday will receive Bleacher Beach beach towels, as well as all-you-can-eat barbeque, watermelon, and Dodger Dogs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dodgers.com/beach.

Sunday, April 18 vs. San Francisco Giants – 1:10 p.m.

Fans at Sunday’s game will receive LA THIS IS MY TOWN Hats presented by Farmer John.

Sunday is the first Viva Los Dodgers Sunday of the season, presented by State Farm, Time Warner Cable  and Bandamax. Starting two hours prior to the game fans can enjoy live music and a family-friendly celebration outside of center field in Lot G. The Dodgers are celebrating Hispanic culture in Los Angeles and the legacy of Latin-American Dodger players past and present with a variety of pregame events at Viva Los Dodgers Sunday this year.

Sunday is Autism Awareness Day and Dodger alumni Jim Gott and his wife Cathy will be helping to raise awareness and support those affected by Autism at the game on Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dodgers.com/autism.

The Dodgers Dream Foundation will hold a silent auction on the Club level outside of the Vin Scully press box during the game.

Fans who sit in Bleacher Beach, presented by Bud Light, on Sunday will receive Bleacher Beach beach towels, as well as all-you-can-eat barbeque, watermelon, and Dodger Dogs. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.dodgers.com/beach.

After the game, children age 14 and under can run on the field as part of Jr. Dodgers Kids Run the Bases. All kids who run the bases will receive a Claim Jumper restaurants coupon.

Jr. Dodgers broadcasters Eric Cuevas and David Gottlieb will call Sunday’s game on the Jr. Dodgers Broadcast. Cuevas is a 10^th-grade honor student at Loyola High School whose favorite player is Russell Martin. He would like to pursue a career in sportscasting and plays baseball, basketball, tennis and football. Gottlieb is a thirteen-year-old eighth-grader at Heschel Day School, where he is an honors student who works on the yearbook staff and plays on the baseball, soccer, football and basketball teams. Gottlieb is a catcher for the Studio City Rockies, where last season he helped them win the major league championship at Studio City Recreation Center. Fans can listen to the Jr. Dodgers broadcast at www.dodgers.com/jrdodgers.

Fans arriving early will enjoy pregame entertainment featuring LeAnn Rimes, Will.i.am and Larry King

Home, Sweet Home

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers start the season at home on Tuesday when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m. Pregame entertainment on Opening Day will include Grammy Award-winning country star LeAnn Rimes singing the National Anthem, Grammy Award-winning frontman and producer of the Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am throwing out a ceremonial first pitch and legendary journalist and Dodger season ticket holder Larry King announcing “It’s time for Dodger Baseball” at the start of the game. Tickets to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium are still available for fans that purchase a mini plan or season seats, which are available at dodgers.com/tickets or by calling 866-DODGERS.

Fans can enter the stadium parking lots as early as 10:10 a.m. on Tuesday and the stadium as early as 10:40 a.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, carpool and take the Dodger Stadium Express shuttle from Union Station to help alleviate parking congestion. The Dodger Stadium Express will pick up fans at the Patsaouras Bus Plaza adjacent to the east portal of Union Station every 10 minutes prior to the start of the game starting at approximately 11:00 a.m. and drop them off in the parking lot behind left/center field. Dodger tickets will be honored as fare.

Tuesday also marks the launch of several new seven-game ticketing plans that give fans the opportunity to purchase tickets to the June 25-27 series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Starting Tuesday morning, fans will be able to purchase seven-game ticket packages, including three packages focused around the popular Bleacher Beach section, that incorporate a game against the Yankees. Packages can be purchased by calling 866-DODGERS or by logging on to dodgers.com/tickets.

Fans will notice on Opening Day that several renovations took place at Dodger Stadium over the offseason, most notably the remodeling of the Stadium Club, which now features outdoor seating, and updates to the Dugout Club.

New portable concessions areas have been added on the Reserve level to help alleviate waiting times for concessions. For information about other new food options at Dodger Stadium this season, see the news release on dodgers.com. Fans can also visit the six new Guest Relations Centers located throughout the stadium for any gameday questions or comments. The new Guest Relations Centers are located at Reserve level section 39, Reserve level section 40, between sections 112 and 114 on the Loge level, on the Field level at each baseline box club and in the left field pavilion.

New merchandising options at Dodger Stadium this season include customizable jerseys, the launch of a new signature series T-shirt for men, women and kids that will be available all season, an Opening Day merchandise line that is available for women and kids for the first time, a new Opening Day pin and 17 new signature styles for New Era fitted hats that are stadium exclusives.

Fans arriving early to the stadium on Tuesday can enjoy pregame activities including Dodger alumni Tommy Davis and Maury Wills signing autographs in Autograph Alley beyond center field and the joint armed forces presenting a giant flag on the field. United States Navy FA-18C Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron 97 will fly over Dodger Stadium at the start of the game. The Hornets recently returned from an eight-month combat cruise in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and are based out of Lemoore Naval Air Station.

Steve Finley, the most recent Dodger center fielder to receive a Rawlings Gold Glove award, will present Matt Kemp with his award during pregame ceremonies. Eric Karros, who earned Silver Slugger honors in 1995, will present Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp with their Silver Slugger trophies on the field as well.

The two-time defending National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League since moving to Los Angeles.  Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 184 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

The Picante Dog will be reintroduced this season

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers and Levy Restaurants will unveil enhanced menus at Dodger Stadium at the home opener versus Arizona at 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. The Dodgers, Levy Restaurants, the official restaurant partner at Dodger Stadium, and Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Joseph Martin have partnered to add new menu items.

Highlights include:

• My Town Nights: The immensely popular My Town nights, which honor Dodger fans from all corners of the globe and the community, are back with new menus that celebrate the diversity of Dodgertown. Chef Martin delved into ethnic communities throughout Los Angeles to create menus that offer fans an authentic culinary experience. Select menus include:

• USC (April 29) – Pastrami sandwiches, Kettle style potato chips and Kosher style pickles
• UCLA (April 30) – Pastrami sandwiches, Kettle style potato chips and Kosher style pickles
• Taiwan (May 22) – Shacha sauce spiced pork, Jasmine steamed rice and Lychee
• Venezuela (May 23) – Pabellon Criollo, shredded beef and black beans served over white rice, and plantain chips
• Cuba (June 6) – Sandwich Cubano and plantain chips
• Japan (June 21) – Teriyaki chicken, steamed jasmine rice and edamame
• Korea (August 18) – Spicy Korean style BBQ chicken and Kim chee
• Mexico (September 19) – Carne asada tacos and elote a la parilla

• Victory Knot: A new item is the Victory Knot, an extreme take on the traditional soft pretzel. Enough to feed about four hungry fans, this giant pretzel is made with two pounds of dough, topped with sea salt and served with three dipping sauces – chipotle honey mustard, sweet cinnamon crème and beer cheese – in a full-size pizza box. The Victory Knot is available at California Pizza Kitchen stands

• Fan Favorites – Back by Popular Demand: Due to overwhelming fan demand, including a Facebook group dedicated to the subject, the spicy Picante Dog will be reintroduced to the menu throughout Dodger Stadium. California Pizza Kitchen has also returned as the pizza sponsor and Dippin’ Dots will be available at portable carts on the Field and Reserve levels. The fish tacos at the Camacho’s stands, made with beer-battered cod served with shredded cabbage, chili lime crema, pico de gallo and a fresh lime wedge, were first introduced last season and will also return in 2010

• Kaiser Permanente Healthy Plate Carts: Levy Restaurants continues to offer lighter, nutritious options for fans at the three Kaiser Permanente Healthy Plate Carts. The menus are expanding this year to include new items like the Curried Chicken Lettuce Wraps served with radish, cucumber, cottage cheese and cherry tomatoes; Spicy Shrimp Cocktail, a refreshing gazpacho-like dish; Fresh Fruit Salad using only fruits that are in season; Greek Salad made with basil, feta cheese, tomatoes and red onions with low-fat balsamic vinaigrette; assorted sushi including California rolls, spicy tuna rolls and cucumber rolls; and a turkey sandwich served on whole wheat with avocado. Gluten-free beer and snacks will also be available at the Kaiser Permanente Healthy Plate Carts

The Dodgers will also bring back other popular branded and all-inclusive sections. In addition to the My Town (www.dodgers.com/mytown) section that has more than 40 dates this season, Bleacher Beach (www.dodgers.com/beach) will now be open Friday through Sunday; Mannywood (www.dodgers.com/mannywood) will now feature five t-shirt options and the All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion (www.dodgers.com/ayce) features a price decrease of $5 when purchased in advance.

Individual tickets can be purchased online at dodgers.com, via telephone at 866-DODGERS, in person at Dodger Stadium in Lot P or at all Southern California Ticketmaster outlets. Season ticket options are available by calling 323-224-1365 or visiting www.dodgers.com/seasontickets. Mini-plans can be purchased by calling 323-224-1365 or visiting www.dodgers.com/miniplans. Group pricing is also available for branded and all-inclusive sections at www.dodgers.com/groups or by calling 323-224-1421.

Complete ticket information can be found at www.dodgers.com/tickets.

Levy Restaurants, founded in Chicago in 1978, is recognized as one of America’s fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant companies, and is the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining. Levy was recently named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports in the world by Fast Company magazine. The company’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants such as James Beard-winning Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago, Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café at Walt Disney World Resort, renowned sports and entertainment venues like Lambeau Field in Green Bay, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and American Airlines Arena in Miami, and events including the Super Bowl, World Series, Kentucky Derby, NHL and NBA All-Star Games and the Grammy Awards. For details, visit www.levyrestaurants.com

PITTSBURGH – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their Opening Day roster for the 2010 championship season.  The club also placed left-handed pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26.  General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

According to Major League Baseball rules, each of the 30 teams had to set their Opening Day roster today by 12:00 noon Pacific time.  The Dodgers will make an additional roster move prior to tomorrow’s Opening Day game at the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 25-man roster, as broken down by position:

Pitchers (12):

• Chad Billingsley
• Jonathan Broxton
• Charlie Haeger
• Clayton Kershaw (L)
• Hiroki Kuroda
• Carlos Monasterios
• Ramon Ortiz
• Vicente Padilla
• George Sherrill (L)
• Ramon Troncoso
• Cory Wade
• Jeff Weaver

Catchers (2):

• Brad Ausmus
• Russell Martin

Infielders (6):

• Ronnie Belliard
• Casey Blake
• Jamey Carroll
• Blake DeWitt
• Rafael Furcal
• James Loney

Outfielders (5):

• Garret Anderson
• Andre Ethier
• Reed Johnson
• Matt Kemp
• Manny Ramirez

Wade?  He’s not ready to play, so this just means what?  I won’t speculate, except to say that they must not like Russ Ortiz or Nick Green very much and want to re-sign Dougie-Boy!  Ha!

Torre, Ramirez and Loney headline team of Dodger players on international goodwill trip

PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the expected roster for the upcoming three-game series in Taiwan. Additional players may be added or changed prior to the March 10 departure.

The Dodgers will bring 33 players, including 17 with Major League experience, in their first team trip to Taiwan since the 1993 Friendship Series. Manager Joe Torre, left fielder Manny Ramirez and first baseman James Loney will be joined by Taiwan natives Hong-Chih Kuo and Chin-lung Hu, Japan native Robert Boothe and South Korea native Hyang-Nam Choi.

Six players on the roster also made the Dodgers’ historic trip to Beijing, China in 2008 for the first-ever games in that country. They are Kuo, Hu, John Lindsey, Lucas May, Xavier Paul and Eric Stults as well as Torre and coaches Lorenzo Bundy and John Shoemaker.

Lindsey registered the first hit, a single to left field, during the two-game series against the Padres in China.

A complete roster is below, subject to change.

Pitchers (15): RHP Mario Alvarez, LHP Alberto Bastardo, RHP Robert Boothe, RHP Jesus Castillo, RHP Hyang-Nam Choi, RHP John Ely, RHP Francisco Felix, RHP Charlie Haeger, RHP Kenley Jansen, LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, RHP Josh Lindblom, RHP Jon Link, LHP Juan Perez, LHP Eric Stults and RHP Josh Towers.

Catchers (4): J.D. Closser, Gabriel Gutierrez, Lucas May, Jesse Mier

Infielders (8): Ronnie Belliard, Angel Berroa, Jamey Carroll, Chin-lung Hu, John Lindsey, James Loney, Russ Mitchell and Ramon Nivar

Outfielders (6): Brian Barton, Xavier Paul, Manny Ramirez, Prentice Redman, Michael Restovich, Trayvon Robinson

Coaches: Manager Joe Torre, first base coach John Shoemaker, third base coach Lorenzo Bundy, pitching coach Jim Slaton, hitting coach/bench coach Tim Wallach and bullpen catcher Mike Borzello.

LOS ANGELES– The Los Angeles Dodgers today signed right-handed pitcher Vicente Padilla to a one-year contract.  General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

“Vicente did a tremendous job for us down the stretch and his continued success in the postseason proved that he can pitch when there’s a lot at stake,” said Colletti.

 The 32-year-old Padilla has won 14 or more games in four of the last eight seasons, joining Andy Pettitte as the only two pitchers to accomplish that feat among a free-agent pitching market that has included John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Joel Pineiro, Brett Myers, Jason Marquis and Jon Garland, among others.

 During those eight seasons, Padilla’s only campaigns as a starting pitcher, he has posted a 91-76 mark (.545) and averaged 6.0 innings per start. Last year, he went 12-6 with a 4.46 ERA in 26 games (25 starts) for the Dodgers and Rangers. After being signed by Los Angeles on August 19, Padilla went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA in eight games (seven starts) over the final two months of the season before his continued success in the postseason.

 In his first career playoff outing, he pitched 7.0 scoreless innings and allowed just four hits to St. Louis in Game 3 of the NLDS. In Game 2 of the NLCS against the Phillies, he lasted 7.1 innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits but did not earn a decision in the Dodgers’ lone victory of the series. He suffered the defeat in Game 5 to give him a 1-1 record and 3.63 ERA in his three postseason outings.

 The Nicaragua native is 98-85 with a 4.33 ERA in 305 career games (221 starts) with Arizona (1999-2000), Philadelphia (2000-05), Texas (2006-09) and Los Angeles (2009).

 During his career in the National League, Padilla has posted a 3.92 ERA in 202 career games (118 starts). He was named to the NL All-Star team while with Philadelphia in 2002, when he went 14-11 with a 3.28 ERA in 32 starts. 

 Padilla led the Rangers’ pitching staff with 14 wins in 2008, and 11 of those victories came on the road away from hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.  His 43 wins overall as a Ranger since the start of the 2006 season rank second on the club in that time, one behind Kevin Millwood’s 44.  

 Padilla was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998 – From Dodgers PR Department

I might add that Padilla’s ’09 injury ledger included forearm tightness, a strained shoulder, a bruised palm, swine flu, and a self-inflicted gunshot wound.