Big League Chatter

Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Clayton Kershaw is rumored to get the call from the Minors to pitch for the Dodgers on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.  Kershaw, twenty, is a 6′-3" 210 pound left-hander from Dallas, Texas.  He was drafted seventh overall in the 2006 Major League Draft and was selected by USA Today as the "High School Player of the Year".  Kershaw was pulled in his last Double-A game for the Jacksonville Suns on Thursday night after facing three batters, striking out two of them.  He was not hurt and there was no viable explanation given as to why he was pulled from the game.  Which leads us to believe a call up is in his immediate future.  So far this season Kershaw is 0-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 43.1 innings while striking out 47 for Double-A Jacksonville.  Clayton has a mid 90’s fast ball and mixes in a 70 plus m.p.h. curve.  He has also developed a good "circle change" that adds another weapon to his arsenal.  If Kershaw’s Minor League performance translates to the Majors he should develop into one of the elite left-handed starters in the "Bigs".

Here at Big League Chatter we salute those who seem to be neglected by the national media.  There are several players each season that come up big for their teams and never get the credit they deserve.  Some players have put up the numbers every year and some have just started their career.  Blake Dewitt is a rookie in the Major Leagues but he has been an unsung hero for the Dodgers. His play on the field has been inspiring to all who love baseball; therefore we salute Blake DeWitt of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blake DeWitt was born August 20th, 1985 in Sikeston, Missouri.  The 5′-11" 175 pound third baseman was drafted in the first round of the 2004 first year player’s draft.  He had committed to attend Georgia Tech until he was drafted by the Dodgers.  As a senior Blake played primarily shortstop for Sikeston High School although he was a record setting pitcher.  DeWitt holds the Missouri state record for consecutive games won by a pitcher at 27.  He was also named to Baseball America’s High School All-American first team.

Like many players trying to make their way to the big leagues, DeWitt was blocked by two talented players in former all-star Nomar Garciaparra and budding superstar Andy LaRoche.  Going into spring  training DeWitt wasn’t even invited to big league camp.  But after injuries to Garciaparra and LaRoche, Blake found himself as the opening day starter at third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He even got a hit in his first Major League plate appearance off former Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito.  So far DeWitt has made the most of his opportunity as the Dodgers third baseman by hitting .327 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI’s in 107 at bats.  Not only does Blake have the talent to remain the Dodgers starting third baseman but he has the desire.  Just look at his uniform at the end of a game and see if you can tell what color it is.  DeWitt hustles to first every time no matter where the ball is hit, unlike some of the players we see today.  His hometown of Sikeston is so proud of his accomplishments that they have named a street after him in his honor.  Those who love baseball are proud of him also and that’s why Big League Chatter salutes Blake DeWitt for his performance thus far in 2008.

The Los Angeles Dodgers finished a disappointing 82-80 in 2007.  This
off-season they made a big splash by landing CF Andruw Jones.  Despite
having a poor campaign in 2007, the Dodgers believe Jones will bring
Gold Glove defense to their outfield and provide a legitimate power
hitter in the middle of their lineup.  The
Dodgers also acquired
Japanese starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.  The addition of these two
players will help Los Angeles compete in a tough National League West
division.  But most importantly, the acquisition of new manager Joe
Torre will hopefully have the biggest impact on this team. The rest of their lineup is mixed with aging veterans and promising young talent.

Behind the plate is 25 year old Russell Martin.  He has a complete all
around offensive game. Last
season he hit .293 with 19 homeruns, 87
RBI, 21 stolen bases and scored 87 runs.  There aren’t many catchers
that even come close to Martin’s production.  At 1B, the Dodgers were
pleased with the arrival of James Loney, who will turn 24 in May, last
year.  Loney hit .331 in 96 games and even displayed a little bit of
power.  He projects as more of a line drive hitter with a good average
and excellent defense.  40 year old Jeff Kent will be playing 2B.
When
healthy, Kent puts up good offensive numbers.  At SS is Rafael Furcal
who is looking to have an injury free year.  3B will be manned by Nomar
Garciaparra.  With the injury to prospect Andy LaRoche, Garciaparra
will be forced to play everyday.  Manager Joe Torre, would like to find
someone to fill in for Nomar in order to keep him fresh and healthy.
Look for youngster Tony Abreu to fill that role.

The Dodger’s outfield is overcrowded.  Andruw Jones will be in CF.
This will force Juan Pierre to LF, but he could also be traded. Matt
Kemp and Andre Ethier should end up as the corner outfielders before
long.  Jason Repko and Delwyn Young are also hoping to win a spot on
the team’s bench as an additional outfielder.

The Dodger’s starting rotation will be led by Brad Penny.  Penny had an
impressive 16-4 record last season
while pitching 208 innings.  He will
be followed by Derek Lowe and Hiroki Kuroda.  Chad Billingsley, Esteban
Loaiza and the oft-injured Jason Schmidt
will compete to fill out the
rotation.  The bullpen will be strong with closer Takashi Saito and
setup
man Jonathan Broxton.  Lefty Joe Beimel and veteran righty Scott
Proctor also look to play an important role in 2008.

Overall, the Dodgers are improved from last season and believe they are
capable of winning the N.L. West.  They have a mixture of veterans and
younger players combined with a winning manager.  Look for them to be
in the playoff hunt come September.