Dodgers Lineup: vs. Giants

After an impressive Spring, Dodger fans look forward to Ryu’s MLB debut. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Hyun-jin Ryu hopes to continue the positive momentum which his colleague Clayton Kershaw begun on Opening Day Monday afternoon. The Korean left-hander looks to pick up his first Major League win on Tuesday night and help the Dodgers not only defeat their rivals but also secure the team’s first series win of the season. Clayton Kershaw opened the season on a historic high note by not only pitching a complete game shutout, but he also hit his first ever Major League homerun. It was an exhilarating moment I will never forget. Clayton Kershaw’s homerun was a no doubt abouter, and it was hit to the deepest part of center field. As he began running the bases, the stadium exploded and we did not stop cheering hoping that Kershaw would tip his hat. Kershaw said after the game that his thoughts were still on the final three outs of the game which he was determined to finish. What an amazing talent! His performance was astonishing, and I hope it is just a taste of things to come for these 2013 Dodgers.

I’ve also been highly anticipating Ryu’s debut. After watching him this Spring, I’m confident that he will be able to transition from Korean baseball to the Majors successfully. His first test will come on Tuesday night versus San Francisco, and there’s none better a test than to go out and pitch your first Major League game against the reigning World Champs.

The Dodgers signed Ryu to a six-year $36 million deal last December. The 26-year old was an experienced pitcher out of the Korea Baseball Organization for Hanwha. Ryu went 2-2 with a 3.29 ERA, 27 strikeouts, and 8 walks in 27 1/3 innings pitched this Spring.

Don Mattingly had this to say about Ryu’s impressive Spring:

“He’s pitched really well, as good as anybody in camp. He’s earned that [No. 2] spot.”

Madison Bumgarner, the young lefty, has become a solid part of the Giants’ rotation. Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers will face Madison Bumgarner who they have had trouble against in the past. Last season, the Dodgers only faced the lefty once on August 20th. Bumgarner struck out 10 Dodgers over 8 shutout innings at Dodger Stadium. Last season the 23-year old had a record of 16-11 with a 3.37 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 208 1/3 innings pitched. In his career against the Dodgers, Bumgarner is 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA. Of the Dodgers who have had more than 10 at-bats against the southpaw, Juan Uribe has hit him the best with a .273 batting average in 11 at-bats. No Dodger has hit a homerun against Bumgarner as of yet.

It may be another pitcher’s duel for game two. Can the Korean superstar gain fame in L.A.? Tomorrow the second game of the season will bring more Dodger baseball drama and excitement. Monday’s Opener was truly an unforgettable performance from Clayton Kershaw. Now we will watch Ryu as he makes his grand entrance into the role of his lifetime.

I’m new to Lasorda’s Lair and as you’ve gathered by now, I’ve chosen to start off my first article by taking a closer look at Dodger starting pitcher Ted Lilly.  Lilly is the forgotten man in the new look rotation.  He’s listed as the #8 starting pitcher on mlb.com.  He hit the DL last May 24 with a left shoulder injury, and despite the rehab assignments, bullpen sessions and talk of a return he ended up going under the knife.  Shoulder injuries can spell death for pitchers.  Then why Lilly you ask?

Lilly, like a lot of lefties, relies not on an overwhelming arsenal but rather pitching smarts and guts.  His surgery was officially described as a “cleanup procedure” and if he did happen to lose a tick or two from his fastball it will not affect him nearly as much most other pitchers. He fits the stereotype of the crafty left in every way.

So how does Ted Lilly do it? He throws his mid to high 80’s fastball about half the time and mixes in a slider, change-up and his signature 70 MPH curveball.   He has excellent control, racks up a decent amount of strikeouts, induces a lot of pop-ups and gets better results than he looks like he should.  Ted Lilly is an above average and undervalued starting pitcher.  He also gives up a lot of home runs, is on the wrong side of 35 and is coming off a “cleanup procedure”.  Ted Lilly is not a star and is not going to anchor the rotation of a team with playoff aspirations.  He’s unexciting and was a boring signing at 3 years, 33 million dollars.  As you remember though, under the old regime that represented one of the larger moves Colletti made.

The hot stove has churned Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano rumors all off-season long.  The most recent whispers have had Harang in talks with San Diego, however; Capuano has understandably drawn more interest and is the more likely candidate to be dealt.  Chad Billingsley opted for a plasma injection instead of Tommy John surgery, which makes him an unknown quantity at this point.  Reports are that he hit 94 in a sim game in November so there is promise, but even if he proves himself in spring he’ll still have to stay healthy during the season.

Lilly will get his starts.  Lilly doesn’t need to be flashy and he will provide solid results, give our boys the chance to win some ball games, and yes, he will serve up the occasional meatball that ends up deep in the left field pavilion.  Ted Lilly will be Ted Lilly, and I for one am glad to have him back.  What about you?

Coming soon… Sign Scott Hairston!