LA Dodgers Franchise WSB 2k3

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Dodgers Franchise WSB 2k3

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CPU Pitch 100
CUP Bat 47
CPU Bat (Ball) 90
CPU Bat (Strike) 50
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Stealing 50

With the season steadily approaching, the Dodgers got a plane today toward Arizona to begin the 2003 season. The Dodgers are hoping to improve upon their second half collapse last season. The first big story of the spring was that the Dodgers signed the much traveled and much criticized John Rocker to a 3 year deal work 1 BP. “I am really excited to be the new left-handed set-up man for the Dodgers this year,” Rocker said. “I think that I will be able to help the Dodgers have the best bullpen in baseball.” Although many are unsure of the move, it is understandable considering Pedro Borbon was roughed up in each of his 7 outings this spring. Said a dejected Borbon, “I understand this is a business, but I am still disappointed. The Dodgers did what they had to do to make the team better and that was to let me go.” The rest of the Dodgers pitching looks solid. The Dodgers were able to acquire Kerry Wood from Chicago for Hideo Nomo and Paul Quantrill.
In other news with the Dodgers, Joe Thurston has won the second base job outright, even though he only bats left-handed. Also, Alex Cora’s solid spring, both defensively and offensively, has made him the Dodgers opening day and everyday short-stop. He will also be in against left-handed pitching. The rest of the Dodgers look like this (both starting lineups and rotations included):

Lineup
1.Roberts CF
2.Thurston 2B
3.Green RF
4.Jordan LF
5.LoDuca C
6.McGriff 1B
7.Beltre 3B
8.Cora SS

Rotation
1.Perez L
2.Wood R
3.Brown R
4.Ishi L
5.Dreifort R

Bench
Chen 1B
Izturis SS
Ward LF/1B
Kincade OF/INF
Hundley C/1B
Cabrera OF/INF

Bullpen
Ashby LR
Mota MR
Carrara MR
Shuey SU
Rocker SU
Gagne C

stay tuned for more updates!!!

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Re: LA Dodgers Franchise WSB 2k3

First game in the books:

In what figures to be a race to the end in the National League West, the Dodgers and D-backs hooked up for Opening Day. Randy Johnson (1-0) gave 6.1 innings of work with 10k’s, 1 ER and 0 BB. Perez (0-1) gave up back to back doubles in the second inning to Williams and Baustia giving Arizona a 1-0 lead. Finley then came up to single in Baustia for the gaming winning hit. Perez left after the 4th with a sprained wrist, but will make his next start. The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the 6th when they forced Johnson out of the game, but were unable to add to Jordan’s two out single earlier in the inning. Manager O'Neil said, “I hope we can start to hit with runners in scoring position. But, hey, this is the first game of the year and we did bang out 9 hits.” The Dodgers did give one last shot in the 9th when McGriff lead off the inning with a double. Izturis came in to run for McGriff, but Beltre, not known for butting, failed to move Izturis to third. Cora then came up and popped to Spivey and Ward, hitting for Mota, grounded out to end the game.

Dodgers – 1 9 0
D-backs – 2 12 0

W:Johnson (1-0)
L:Perez (0-1)
S:Kim (1)

No HR

[sbmnky]

Re: LA Dodgers Franchise WSB 2k3

First game in the books:

In what figures to be a race to the end in the National League West, the Dodgers and D-backs hooked up for Opening Day. Randy Johnson (1-0) gave 6.1 innings of work with 10k’s, 1 ER and 0 BB. Perez (0-1) gave up back to back doubles in the second inning to Williams and Baustia giving Arizona a 1-0 lead. Finley then came up to single in Baustia for the gaming winning hit. Perez left after the 4th with a sprained wrist, but will make his next start. The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the 6th when they forced Johnson out of the game, but were unable to add to Jordan’s two out single earlier in the inning. Manager O'Neil said, “I hope we can start to hit with runners in scoring position. But, hey, this is the first game of the year and we did bang out 9 hits.” The Dodgers did give one last shot in the 9th when McGriff lead off the inning with a double. Izturis came in to run for McGriff, but Beltre, not known for butting, failed to move Izturis to third. Cora then came up and popped to Spivey and Ward, hitting for Mota, grounded out to end the game.

Dodgers – 1 9 0
D-backs – 2 12 0

W:Johnson (1-0)
L:Perez (0-1)
S:Kim (1)

No HR

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Extra Frames with the D-backs

Another great duel between the Dodgers and the D-backs took place tonight. Shilling (ND) was on the mound for the D-backs, who won for the 2nd time this year. Brown (ND) pitched quite a game as well, as both starters allowed 2ER and were not in the final decision. The game when into an extra frame when Luis Gonzalez hit the 1-0 fast ball off Mota (0-1) to dead center for the game winning home run. Mota said after the defeat, "It was a good pitch on the outside corner; he was able to extend his hands and drive the ball." The Dodgers have suffered their second loss of the season in as many games, but their pitching is looking as solid. Rocker made his first appearance in a Dodger uniform going 2 strong innings allowing 0 hits and striking out 1, while bringing the heater up to 98mph.

in 10 innings:
Dodgers – 2 9 0
D-backs – 3 14 0
W: Kim (1-0)
L: Mota (0-1)

HR: Counsell (1), Gonzalez (1)

[sbmnky]

Extra Frames with the D-backs

Another great duel between the Dodgers and the D-backs took place tonight. Shilling (ND) was on the mound for the D-backs, who won for the 2nd time this year. Brown (ND) pitched quite a game as well, as both starters allowed 2ER and were not in the final decision. The game when into an extra frame when Luis Gonzalez hit the 1-0 fast ball off Mota (0-1) to dead center for the game winning home run. Mota said after the defeat, "It was a good pitch on the outside corner; he was able to extend his hands and drive the ball." The Dodgers have suffered their second loss of the season in as many games, but their pitching is looking as solid. Rocker made his first appearance in a Dodger uniform going 2 strong innings allowing 0 hits and striking out 1, while bringing the heater up to 98mph.

in 10 innings:
Dodgers – 2 9 0
D-backs – 3 14 0
W: Kim (1-0)
L: Mota (0-1)

HR: Counsell (1), Gonzalez (1)

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Trade with Astros

General Manager, Dan Evans, made a trade with Huston today, Tuesday April 1st. The Dodgers aquired Kirk Saarloos and Morgan Ensberg for Adrian Beltre. Evans said he, “was sorry to see Beltre go. However, Beltre’s agent and I could not come to an agreement on salary for next year. He basically said he didn’t want to negotiate anymore with us; so we made a move on a young prospect from Southern California. Morgan looks to be waiting for a chance to play and we will provide that chance for him.” Ensberg is signed for the next 3 years a 1 BP. Beltre wanted a 2 year deal worth 13 BP. Saarloos was sent to the minors for some minor adjustments and should back in the majors shortly. Evans commented on Saarloos and where he will fit into the scheme, “with the season so fresh and new, we aren’t sure if we need him in the bullpen or not. If do decide to bring him back up, we will probably send down a utility guy from our bench and add one more pitcher.” Ensberg will be in the lineup April 2nd as the Dodgers conclude the 3 game series in Arizona.

It was also reported in the paper today that the Dodgers were interested in making a deal for Miguel Tejada, but the A's would not trade him suggesting they will try to resign him after the year. The Dodgers said they have not given up hope, and will wait until the remainder of the season to see how things shape up.

Let's hope it all works out!!! So long Beltre

[sbmnky]

Trade with Astros

General Manager, Dan Evans, made a trade with Huston today, Tuesday April 1st. The Dodgers aquired Kirk Saarloos and Morgan Ensberg for Adrian Beltre. Evans said he, “was sorry to see Beltre go. However, Beltre’s agent and I could not come to an agreement on salary for next year. He basically said he didn’t want to negotiate anymore with us; so we made a move on a young prospect from Southern California. Morgan looks to be waiting for a chance to play and we will provide that chance for him.” Ensberg is signed for the next 3 years a 1 BP. Beltre wanted a 2 year deal worth 13 BP. Saarloos was sent to the minors for some minor adjustments and should back in the majors shortly. Evans commented on Saarloos and where he will fit into the scheme, “with the season so fresh and new, we aren’t sure if we need him in the bullpen or not. If do decide to bring him back up, we will probably send down a utility guy from our bench and add one more pitcher.” Ensberg will be in the lineup April 2nd as the Dodgers conclude the 3 game series in Arizona.

It was also reported in the paper today that the Dodgers were interested in making a deal for Miguel Tejada, but the A's would not trade him suggesting they will try to resign him after the year. The Dodgers said they have not given up hope, and will wait until the remainder of the season to see how things shape up.

Let's hope it all works out!!! So long Beltre

[sbmnky]

Another great game with D-backs

In final game of the series, the Dodgers were able to only muster one run, but it proved to be enough as they defeated the D-backs for their first win of the year 1-0. Both the Dodger and D-backs got solid performance from their starters. Dessens (ND) went 8 inning allowing 4 hits and striking out 9. Wood (ND), in his first start as a Dodgers, went 7.2 inning, 0R, 6H, 0BB, but was pulled with 2 outs in the seventh when Counsell came up with a runner on third. The Dodgers brought in Rocker (1-0) to get Counsell to fly to Roberts in center. The only run came in the 9th when Green singled off Kim (1-1) to center and stole second. Jordan came up and ripped a ball right to Spivey at second to keep Green at second. LoDuca, with only 1 hit this year coming to the plate, single to right to score Green for the game winning run. Gagne came in and pitched a 1-2-3 9th for this first save of the year. O’Neil said after the game, “It looks like we both have pretty good pitching staffs this year. The biggest concern for me is our lack of offence. If we could just get key hits before the ninth and put the ball in our bullpen’s hands, we should be in contention at the end of the year.”

Dodgers – 1 6 0
D-backs – 0 6 0

W:Rocker (1-0)
L:Kim (1-1)
S:Gagne (1)

Other game notes – In his first game as the Dodgers 3rd baseman, Morgan Ensberg when 0-2 with a walk.

[sbmnky]

Another great game with D-backs

In final game of the series, the Dodgers were able to only muster one run, but it proved to be enough as they defeated the D-backs for their first win of the year 1-0. Both the Dodger and D-backs got solid performance from their starters. Dessens (ND) went 8 inning allowing 4 hits and striking out 9. Wood (ND), in his first start as a Dodgers, went 7.2 inning, 0R, 6H, 0BB, but was pulled with 2 outs in the seventh when Counsell came up with a runner on third. The Dodgers brought in Rocker (1-0) to get Counsell to fly to Roberts in center. The only run came in the 9th when Green singled off Kim (1-1) to center and stole second. Jordan came up and ripped a ball right to Spivey at second to keep Green at second. LoDuca, with only 1 hit this year coming to the plate, single to right to score Green for the game winning run. Gagne came in and pitched a 1-2-3 9th for this first save of the year. O’Neil said after the game, “It looks like we both have pretty good pitching staffs this year. The biggest concern for me is our lack of offence. If we could just get key hits before the ninth and put the ball in our bullpen’s hands, we should be in contention at the end of the year.”

Dodgers – 1 6 0
D-backs – 0 6 0

W:Rocker (1-0)
L:Kim (1-1)
S:Gagne (1)

Other game notes – In his first game as the Dodgers 3rd baseman, Morgan Ensberg when 0-2 with a walk.

[sbmnky]

Great Pitching, Awful Hitting

It seems to be the same old story for the Dodgers; great pitching, horrible hitting. The Dodgers came into San Diego with a 1-2 record scoring a total of 4 runs in 3 games. Not exactly championship caliber baseball. But nonetheless, the Dodgers were once again saved by great pitching. Ishii (1-0) took the mound against Peavy (0-1) and allowed 0 runs through 6 while Peavy also had a great game allowing only a 2 run homer to McGriff in the second while striking out 16! “You have to give it up to Peavy today,” said Manager O’Neil, “but there is no way we should EVER strike out 16 times. We need to get our bats in gear and stop swinging at everything. If things don’t improve, look to see some lineup changes. But we can’t look at all the negatives. Our pitching is awesome and we are keeping ourselves in the game, day in and day out.”


Dodgers – 2 5 0
Padres – 1 6 0

W:Ishii (1-0)
L:Peavy (0-1)
S:Gagne (2)

HR: McGriff (1), Burrows (2)

[sbmnky]

Great Pitching, Awful Hitting

It seems to be the same old story for the Dodgers; great pitching, horrible hitting. The Dodgers came into San Diego with a 1-2 record scoring a total of 4 runs in 3 games. Not exactly championship caliber baseball. But nonetheless, the Dodgers were once again saved by great pitching. Ishii (1-0) took the mound against Peavy (0-1) and allowed 0 runs through 6 while Peavy also had a great game allowing only a 2 run homer to McGriff in the second while striking out 16! “You have to give it up to Peavy today,” said Manager O’Neil, “but there is no way we should EVER strike out 16 times. We need to get our bats in gear and stop swinging at everything. If things don’t improve, look to see some lineup changes. But we can’t look at all the negatives. Our pitching is awesome and we are keeping ourselves in the game, day in and day out.”


Dodgers – 2 5 0
Padres – 1 6 0

W:Ishii (1-0)
L:Peavy (0-1)
S:Gagne (2)

HR: McGriff (1), Burrows (2)

[sbmnky]

No Hitting

The Dodgers lost a miserable game today to the San Diego Padres 4-1. The Dodgers got their only run in the 9th on a single by LoDuca. The Dodgers pitchers only gave up 6 hits throught the game, but 3 of those were home runs.


Dodgers - 1 5 0
Padres - 4 6 0

W:Jarvis (1-0)
Lreifort (0-1)
S:Hoffman (2)

HR - Burrows (3), Trammell (2), Buchanan (1)

[sbmnky]

No Hitting

The Dodgers lost a miserable game today to the San Diego Padres 4-1. The Dodgers got their only run in the 9th on a single by LoDuca. The Dodgers pitchers only gave up 6 hits throught the game, but 3 of those were home runs.


Dodgers - 1 5 0
Padres - 4 6 0

W:Jarvis (1-0)
Lreifort (0-1)
S:Hoffman (2)

HR - Burrows (3), Trammell (2), Buchanan (1)

[sbmnky]

11 Hits spark Dodger offense

The Dodgers, who look to be pressing a bit, finally got some offence today as the defeated the Padres 5-3. The Dodgers got a great performance from Perez (1-1), who picks up his first win of the year. However, he didn’t start off very well when Kotsay hit the first pitch of the game over the right-center field wall. “I was just trying to the get the first pitch over the plate for a strike. It almost looked like batting practice out there,” Perez said after the game. But the Dodgers were able to overcome the leadoff homerun and add a couple of their own. Thruston and LoDuca both went yard off Padre starter Lawrence (0-1). LoDuca also added an RBI double later in the game. Gagne came in ninth, not for a save, but to get some work in, and gave a two run shot to Nevin to make the game closer that it was. Gagne was not available for comment after the game. Shawn Green seems to be pressing the most, feeling he needs to carry this ball club. He struck out 3 times today for a season total of 10 in 25 at-bats. In typical Green fashion, he takes all the blame for his slump and knows the hits will start to come around again, “I am just trying too hard. What I need to do is relax, believe in my hands and hit the ball to the opposite field.”

Dodgers – 5 11 0
Padres – 3 6 0

W:Perez (1-1)
L:Lawrence(0-1)
HR: LoDuca (1), Thurston (1), Nevin (1), Kotsay (1)

[sbmnky]

11 Hits spark Dodger offense

The Dodgers, who look to be pressing a bit, finally got some offence today as the defeated the Padres 5-3. The Dodgers got a great performance from Perez (1-1), who picks up his first win of the year. However, he didn’t start off very well when Kotsay hit the first pitch of the game over the right-center field wall. “I was just trying to the get the first pitch over the plate for a strike. It almost looked like batting practice out there,” Perez said after the game. But the Dodgers were able to overcome the leadoff homerun and add a couple of their own. Thruston and LoDuca both went yard off Padre starter Lawrence (0-1). LoDuca also added an RBI double later in the game. Gagne came in ninth, not for a save, but to get some work in, and gave a two run shot to Nevin to make the game closer that it was. Gagne was not available for comment after the game. Shawn Green seems to be pressing the most, feeling he needs to carry this ball club. He struck out 3 times today for a season total of 10 in 25 at-bats. In typical Green fashion, he takes all the blame for his slump and knows the hits will start to come around again, “I am just trying too hard. What I need to do is relax, believe in my hands and hit the ball to the opposite field.”

Dodgers – 5 11 0
Padres – 3 6 0

W:Perez (1-1)
L:Lawrence(0-1)
HR: LoDuca (1), Thurston (1), Nevin (1), Kotsay (1)