Blue Spring Report-Kershaw, a Couple of Newbies, and a Smelly Foot

Hello Lasorda’s Lairians!

It’s time for another Blue Spring Report! We are only three days away from the start of the exhibition season. The Dodgers begin their Cactus League schedule on Monday against the White Sox. With about 95% of the roster all but set, we’re looking at one of the quiet and boring springs in Dodgers history. However here are a few news and notes from Camelback Ranch this week….

1. Clayton Kershaw will pitch two innings  on Monday in an intra-squad game.

The Dodgers have been going back and forth about how to get Kershaw some work before his first scheduled start on March 9th. Originally Kershaw reported mild back tightness when he first reported to spring training. The Dodgers have been extra cautious with Kershaw. He had his first bullpen session pushed back a few days, and has since reported no stiffness and says he is fine. The Dodgers had decided they were just going to have Kershaw pitch a couple of simulated innings in another bullpen session, but have changed their minds once again. Kershaw will pitch Monday in the modified intra-squad game, and also threw to live hitters on Wednesday without issues. It is also possible that Chris Capuano could get some work in on Monday as well. Chad Billingsley is slated to start the first game on Monday.

2. Aaron Harang has some foot issues

Apparently Aaron Harang has some smelly feet. Or something like that. Harang one of the Dodgers two new starting pitchers, pitched to live hitters on Wednesday and reported no problems after complaining of a bruised foot caused by his new orthotics. Harang had a foot fracture last year with San Diego, and he missed about a month. Harang switched to a more comfortable orthotics, and I am pleased to report that both of Harang’s big smelly feet are feeling just fine. Sources have not confirmed what kind of orthotics Harang is now wearing, but can we assume it is Dr. Scholls?

3. Dodgers  sign two players from their open tryout camp.

Every season the Dodgers have an open tryout for any and all players at Camelback Ranch. Pretty much anyone is welcome to come and try out. Of all the players there, journeyman Doug Davis popped up out of nowhere, as did NFL safety Jarrad Page. Neither of them were signed. Instead the Dodgers signed right handed pitcher Blake Johnson and shortstop Brandon Mims. Johnson is a former Dodger drafted by the Dodgers in 2004, and he was traded to Kansas City in the Odalis Perez trade. Johnson has pitched as high as triple-a ball, but he has never reached the majors. Mims is 19-years old and a 10th round pick of Toronto back in 2010. Apparently he only played one game in rookie ball and was then released. Not much info is listed on Mims. Reports do say that he has good bat speed, decent pop, and is a switch-hitter.

One last thing before I sign off. Here is a pretty amazing video of Clayton Kershaw pitching to  Matt Kemp in practice provided by Jon Wesiman of Dodgerthoughts. dodgerthoughts.com The video shows Clayton Kershaw pitching to Matt Kemp in practice this week at Camelback Ranch. Watch and be amazed at our two stars battling each other in practice.

It won’t belong before we hear those five beautiful words we can’t wait to hear all winter long….It’s time for DodgerBaseball! Go Blue