http://www.sportsnipe.com Los Angeles Dodgers, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1049023/gasol-was-well-received-at-chavez-ravine-laist-blog.html guardian.co.ukGasol Was Well Received at Chavez RavineLAist (blog)Unlike the Lakers or the Trojans (or even to an extent UCLA in basketball), the Dodgers haven't won a title in over 20 years. They don't expect to win the ...Pau Gasol's return should help Lakers soarLos Angeles Timesall 899 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048035/yankees-pitcher-chienming-wang-told-taiwanese-reporters-thursday-that-he-would-be.html Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang ... told Taiwanese reporters Thursday that ... he would not be opposed to going to the Dodgers. Diamond Leung also calls Wang "a non-tender candidate" in his blog entry, but I would imagine that the Yankees can afford to pay him a few million dollars - he made $5M in 2009 and is arbitration-eligible for the third time - as an insurance policy, to see if he can come back, rehab in the minor and be a back of the rotation starter. Still, it would be interesting to have him paired on the Dodger pitching staff with middle school classmate Hong-Chih Kuo. Tip to commenter underdog for posting the link to Diamond's blog in the Dodger Thoughts comments. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048034/today-we-have-added-luis-javy-guerra-to-40man-roster-our-now-stands-at.html Today we have added Luis [Javy] Guerra to the 40-man roster. Our 40-man now stands at 33 players. - Joe Jareck, Assistant Director, Public Relations of the Los Angeles Dodgers The color in kensai's face is returning to normal now. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047175/one-analysis-aroldis-chapman.html One analysis of Aroldis Chapman The Dodgers do not seem to be players in the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes, but he is still an interesting figure in this offseason player market. www.baseball-intellect.com has provided their analysis of Chapman, which includes several gifs demonstrating his pitching motion. I wouldn't be surprised if he needs some development at the AA/AAA level, but gets rushed by the team that signs him. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044033/ceo-owner-broke-up-now-what-cnnmoneycom.html The CEO and the owner broke up. Now what?CNNMoney.comNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The news that Los Angeles Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt are divorcing came with a bitter kick: Team chairman Frank's ... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043826/pau-gasols-return-should-help-lakers-soar-los-angeles-times.html Los Angeles TimesPau Gasol's return should help Lakers soarLos Angeles TimesAttention Arte Moreno: "A Map of Los Angeles," a six-movement classical work conceived by David O in the parking lot at Angel Stadium and partially written ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042558/dodgers-add-three-to-40man-roster-mlbcom.html Dodgers add three to 40-man rosterMLB.comLOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers added three prospects to their 40-man roster Thursday by purchasing the contracts of shortstop Ivan ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042079/cool-guy-times-eight.html has started doing a rundown of the top 200 Dodgers prospects using fanposts to post the countdown. 180 - 171 190 - 181 200 - 191 This is our Dodger top 30 in steroid mode. Coolguy_88888888 also did also did this last year, so take a look at his 200 from last year. This is quite a prodigious undertaking and I just want to thank him for taking the time to post his list this year on TBLA. It's members like this who help make our content richer then it would be if we only relied on the writers. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041248/playoff-schedule-to-change-next-year-bleacher-report.html MiamiHerald.comPlayoff schedule to change next yearBleacher ReportWe'd like to send you the most entertaining Los Angeles Dodgers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web. Any commercial use or distribution ...Selig: Baseball will tighten playoff scheduleThe Associated PressSelig: Dodgers are in good handsSportingNews.comBud Selig still isn't worried about the DodgersLos Angeles Timesall 437 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1041246/baseball-shifts-into-shopping-mode-yahoo-sports.html Free agents can negotiate with every team beginning Friday, and prices for the handful of top names could be high. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040621/dodgers-may-want-to-bring-martinez-home.html Randy Miller, writing in the Bucks County Courier Times, reports that the Phillies are unlikely to re-sign Pedro Martinez and the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs are looking at the future Hall of Famer to shore up their starting staff. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039074/scioscia-named-al-manager-year-bizjournalscom.html New York Daily NewsScioscia named AL manager of the yearBizjournals.comFormer Los Angeles Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, who is currently with the Colorado Rockies, won the National League manager of the year award.Scioscia, Tracy Selected as Baseball's Top ManagersBloombergColorado's Tracy, la's Scioscia managers of the yearReutersTracy 2nd in-season NL manager winnerColorado Rockies NewsphillyBurbs.com -St. Louis Post-Dispatch -Sacramento Beeall 976 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039073/dodgers-add-three-to-40man-roster.html Trayvon Robinson, batting here, was one of three players added to the 40-man roster by the Dodgers today. View full size photo » The Dodgers today added three players to their 40-man roster, protecting them from next month's Rule 5 draft.  Ivan DeJesus, Jr., Trayvon Robinson, and Kenley Jansen were added to the roster, bringing the Dodgers' total to 32 players on the 40-man roster, heading into the free agent signing period that begins Friday. Here's a look at each of the new roster additions: Ivan DeJesus, Jr., ss True Blue LA 2010 Prospect Rank:  4th 2010 Age:  23 Acquired:  2nd round (51st overall) 2005 draft, as compensation for Adrian Beltre DeJesus broke his leg sliding into home plate in spring training and missed most of the season, playing just four games in the Arizona Rookie League at the end of the year.  DeJesus is known for his plate discipline (11.5% walk rate in the minors) and defense at shortstop.  With Rafael Furcal under contract through at least 2011, DeJesus's best bet to make the Dodgers in the immediate future figures to be at second base.  His father, Ivan DeJesus, Sr., was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 1973, and played with the club from 1974 to 1976, before getting traded with Bill Buckner and Jeff Albert to the Cubs for Rick Monday and Rick Garman.  DeJesus, Sr. hit .183 in his Dodger career, the 17th lowest batting average by a non-pitcher in Dodger history (minimum 100 plate appearances). Trayvon Robinson, of True Blue LA 2010 Prospect Rank:  9th 2010 Age:  22 Acquired:  10th round (316th overall) 2005 draft In addition to being a world class mascot fighter, Robinson had a breakout season in 2009.  He hit .306/.375/.500 while manning center field for the 66ers in the offensively friendly Cal League, but also performed well after his promotion to Double A Chattanooga.  As a Lookout, Robinson hit .246/.358/.439 in 19 games.  Robinson is a local boy, from Crenshaw High.  There have been three players from Crenshaw High School make the major leagues:  Chris Brown, Darryl Strawberry, and Ellis Valentine.  Here's an interview with Robinson from July: Kenley Jansen, rhp True Blue LA 2010 Prospect Rank:  not in top 15 2010 Age:  22 Acquired:  signed as undrafted free agent in 2005 Jansen gained a bit of notoriety as a laser-armed catcher on the upset-minded Netherlands team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, throwing out runners from his knees.  Unfortunately for Jansen, he has never hit much in the minors (.221/.311/.337 in his minor league career).  However, he still has that arm, and the Dodgers converted him to a pitcher late in 2009.  He is still raw, obviously, but still managed to strike out 19 batters in 11.2 innings with the 66ers.  He is pitching in the Arizona Fall League currently with Peoria.  If he ever makes it to the majors, I'd put even money that he ends up with the highest batting average of any Dodger ever from Curacao. ********** The Rule 5 draft will be held on December 10, during the Winter Metings in Indianapolis. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038274/pitching-tops-dodgers-freeagent-list-mlbcom.html Pitching tops Dodgers' free-agent listMLB.comLOS ANGELES -- Rare is the year when the Dodgers lack quality starting pitching. But they might have to delve heavily into the ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037441/jason-schmidt-expected-to-retire-sportingnewscom.html Jason Schmidt expected to retireSportingNews.comFree agent righthander Jason Schmidt told the Los Angeles Dodgers' Web site that he recently filed for free agency just to keep his options open. ...Jason Schmidt retiring?Yahoo! SportsTime in LA 'disappointing' for SchmidtMLB.comall 5 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1037257/jason-schmidt-retiring-yahoo-sports.html Jason Schmidt retiring?Yahoo! SportsHe only had 10 starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, going 3-6 with a 6.02 ERA. It's an unfortunate way to finish off a career in which he has a ...Time in LA 'disappointing' for SchmidtMLB.comall 4 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036949/jason-schmidt-retiring-yahoo-sports.html Pitcher Jason Schmidt has filed for free agency but it appears that the 13-year vet is likely to retire,... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033979/scioscia-tracy-are-managers-year-washington-post.html FOXSports.comScioscia, Tracy are managers of yearWashington PostTony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals (two first place votes) and Joe Torre of the Los Angeles Dodgers (one) finished second and third, respectively, ...Scioscia, Tracy Selected as Baseball's Top ManagersBloombergColorado's Tracy, LA's Scioscia managers of the yearReutersTracy 2nd in-season NL manager winnerColorado Rockies NewsUnited Press International -Sacramento Bee -St. Louis Post-Dispatchall 789 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033978/jeff-bagwell-to-james-loney-as-pedro-martinez-chad-billingsley.html More photos » by Gus Ruelas - AP "Dude, we're so alike! Our career similarity score is 934, which is my seventh-best comparison and your tenth-best!" - Matt Kemp on discovering Similarity Scores (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas) Browse more photos » db {color:blue} Before there were such things as CHONE, Pecota, and Bill James' annual projection for players, there was a charming little thing called Similarity Scores, also created by Bill James.  If you look at baseball-reference.com, you will find a description of the formula used for similarity scores and a credit to James' book The Politics of Glory; however, I first read about them in The Bill James Baseball Abstract 1986, in which he introduced the concept, having worked on it over the past year.  This was also the book that introduced me to the term sabermetrics, among other things. I stumbled across The Bill James Baseball Abstract 1986 while looking in a book store for a book that contained all the major league statistics for the 1985 season (no baseball-reference.com in those days), which I needed to prepare for a Strat-O-Matic baseball draft.  (I went with a HR friendly ballpark and loaded up on power, defense be damned, and drafted Pedro Guerrero #1 at 3B/1B.)  The book was an eye-opener in many ways and made me aware that there were a lot of ways to look at baseball and baseball statistics than just the traditional versions.  I wonder if I would have even gravitated toward the baseball blogs that I enjoy so much today had I never crossed paths with James' Abstract. By the way, in the Dodgers chapter, James defends Lasorda's decision to pitch to Jack Clark. If you didn't read the formula in the link, the brief version is that 1000 is a perfect match between two players.  Points are then deducted from there based on differences in position, a bunch of counting statistics (e.g., hits) and a few ratios (e.g., batting average, ERA).  Obviously, the higher the number, the better the match. At baseball-reference.com, they calcluate the similarity scores on each player's page, giving the top-10 career similarities, plus the top-10 at each age of the player's career, near the bottom of the page.  For example, if you scroll toward the bottom of ex-Dodger Shawn Green's player page, you'll find that his number one match in career similarity score is ex-Dodger Reggie Smith at 945.  This is what similarity scores (using this formula) seem to work best for, evaluating player production over an entire career, which is good for things like Hall of Fame arguments.  You'll also see that at age 29, after his last great season (2002), the 29-year old he was most similar to was Dale Murphy with a similarity score of 942. Similarity scores don't make for a particularly great projection system, because, among other things, the stats used aren't the best for that purpose and the similarities don't account for trends (i.e., improving or not), but I'd bet that Bill James used similarity studies with different stats in play to fine tune his projection system.  However, that doesn't stop the age-based similarity score summaries at baseball-reference.com from being a lot of fun to peruse and to compare current players to players throughout baseball history and see how that current player might turn out.  This turns out to be a fine time to do such a thing because a) the season is over and the hot stove is still thawing out, and b) baseball-reference.com just updated them all to include the 2009 season data. After the jump are similarity score summaries for the selected returning Dodger players at their 2009-season age.  These show the top ten similar players at the same age - some of the names may surprise you: Russell Martin, Age 26 James Loney, Age 25 Rafael Furcal, Age 31 Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Thurman Munson 971 Jeff Bagwell 975 Craig Biggio 944 Felipe Lopez 966 Ted Kluszewski 974 Ray Durham 940 Mike Andrews 963 Alvin Davis 960 Jay Bell 921 Sammy White 962 Joe Hauser 948 Lou Whitaker 920 Ray Durham 960 Babe Young 943 Jason Kendall 920 Lonny Frey 960 Rafael Palmeiro 939 Delino DeShields 916 Gil McDougald 960 George Kelly 939 Chuck Knoblauch 915 Aaron Ward 954 Steve Garvey 939 Brian Roberts 914 Bobby Grich 953 Joe Adcock 936 Tony Fernandez 910 Barry Larkin 951 Adrian Gonzalez 935 Paul Molitor 909 Casey Blake, Age 35 Manny Ramirez, Age 37 Juan Pierre, Age 31 Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Aaron Boone 938 Ken Griffey, Jr. 857 Willie Wilson 943 Melvin Mora 930 Jimmie Foxx 849 Clyde Milan 916 Jim Hickman 911 Frank Robinson 840 Max Carey 910 Dave Hollins 910 Rafael Palmeiro 813 Duff Cooley 908 Charlie Maxwell 909 Barry Bonds 812 George Case 904 Jason Varitek 909 Gary Sheffield 811 George Burns 903 Jim Lemon 908 Jim Thome 811 Steve Brodie 896 Mel Hall 907 Jeff Bagwell 810 Ginger Beaumont 892 Hoot Evers 905 Chipper Jones 803 Harry Hooper 884 Jay Payton 903 Willie Mays 800 Mickey Rivers 873 Matt Kemp, Age 24 Andre Ethier, Age 27 Clayton Kershaw, Age 21 Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Nick Markakis 971 Richie Zisk 971 Britt Burns 972 Carlos Beltran 961 Bobby Higginson 970 Moe Drabowsky 971 Vernon Wells 960 Sam Chapman 966 John Henry Johnson 971 Enos Slaughter 955 Aubrey Huff 962 Jack Fisher 970 Ellis Burks 954 Jacque Jones 961 Carl Cashion 970 Bobby Bonds 945 Bill Nicholson 959 Ken Holtzman 969 Ellis Valentine 944 Jim Edmonds 957 Norm Baker 968 Rocco Baldelli 944 Jason Giambi 957 Jerry Walker 966 Bug Holliday 941 Larry Doby 953 Dontrelle Willis 966 Andre Dawson 938 Reggie Sanders 951 Mike Witt 965 Chad Billingsley, Age 24 Hiroki Kuroda, Age 34 Jonathan Broxton, Age 25 Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Ray Culp 977 Masato Yoshii 966 Doug Bird 961 Pedro Martinez 975 Sig Jakucki 959 Chad Cordero 958 Jake Peavy 973 Walt Dickson 957 Roger McDowell 958 Stan Williams 970 Kenshin Kawakami 950 Huston Street 956 Sid Fernandez 966 Frank Oberlin 949 Victor Cruz 956 Carlos Zambrano 965 Jimmy Zinn 948 Steve Bedrosian 953 Dennis Martinez 965 Lou Tost 946 Antonio Osuna 953 Scott Kazmir 963 Art Delaney 946 Luis DeLeon 953 Dave McNally 961 Bob Keegan 945 Scott Williamson 951 Ramon Martinez 959 Tom Filer 944 Tom Niedenfuer 950 Hong-Chih Kuo, Age 27 George Sherrill, Age 32 Ramon Troncoso, Age 26 Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Similar Player Similarity Score Hank Aguirre 982 Ricardo Rincon 967 Scott Sullivan 988 Rich Folkers 981 Pedro Feliciano 962 Jack Wisner 985 Gene Walter 978 Rich Rodriguez 960 Gary Wagner 984 Juan Agosto 977 Tony Castillo 956 Roy Thomas 984 Dick Kelley 976 Steve Frey 950 Jack Billingham 984 Greg Cadaret 975 Kerry Ligtenberg 949 Brandon Medders 982 Rafael Perez 975 Graeme Lloyd 949 Bobby Locke 982 Ken Frailing 975 Tom Hilgendorf 946 Hersh Freeman 981 Pedro Martinez 975 Mike James 943 George Frazier 981 Dave Leiper 974 Jim Hughes 942 Toby Borland 981   Did I acknowledge baseball-reference.com enough? Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033086/time-in-la-disappointing-for-schmidt-mlbcom.html Time in LA 'disappointing' for SchmidtMLB.comAnd he wished that in the time he spent in Los Angeles he had been physically able to help the Dodgers, who have had to scramble to fill in the innings he ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033084/tracy-scioscia-earn-manager-honors.html A former Dodger manager and a former Dodger manager-in-waiting earned Manager of the Year Awards, as voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Jim Tracy of Colorado collected the National League award and Mike Scioscia of the Anaheim Angels, who was in line for the Dodgers job, received his second such honor. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031126/dodger-divorce-sooooo-hollywood-tmzcom-blog.html Dodger Divorce -- Sooooo HollywoodTMZ.com (blog)Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank mccourt and estranged wife Jamie spent a lovely evening with their respective lawyers at Spago restaurant in Bev Hills ... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1030197/dodgers-history-manager-year-award.html Joe Torre relaxes as he realizes the Rockies will finally beat the Dodgers at something in 2009 View full size photo » The Baseball Writers Association of America will announce the managers of the year today at 11am, and former Dodger manager Jim Tracy is the heavy favorite to walk away with NL honors.  The manager of the year award has been awarded in each league since 1983.  Tommy Lasorda is the only Dodger skipper to take home the hardware, winning in both 1983 and 1988.  Here is a review of how the Dodgers have finished in the 26-year history of the award: Year Manager Record MOY Finish Award Pts 1st Place Votes Award Share* 2008 Joe Torre 84-78 4th 45 3 28.1% 2006 Grady Little 88-74 4th 30 1 18.8% 2004 Jim Tracy 93-69 3rd 52 4 32.5% 2002 Jim Tracy 92-70 4th 22 0 13.8% 2001 Jim Tracy 86-76 2nd 48 4 30.0% 1996 Bill Russell** 49-37 5th 6 0 4.3% 1994 Tommy Lasorda   58-56 t-5th 8 0 5.7% 1991 Tommy Lasorda  91-71 4th 5 0 4.2% 1990 Tommy Lasorda  86-76 3rd 32 1 26.7% 1988 Tommy Lasorda  94-67 1st 101 19 84.2% 1985 Tommy Lasorda  95-67 3rd 39 3 32.5% 1983 Tommy Lasorda  91-71 1st 10 10 41.7% *Award Share is the total points as a percentage of possible points.  In 1983, each ballot just named one manager.  From 1984 to present, each ballot (two per team in league) is three deep, with points awarded on a 5-3-1 basis. **Bill Russell took over for Tommy Lasorda on June 25, 1996 after Lasorda had a heart attack the previous day. Joe Torre is expected to get some second and/or third place votes, which would make this just the second time that the Dodgers have had a manager appear on two straight ballots (Lasorda in 1990-1991, and Tracy in 2001-2002 -- four years which produced zero playoff appearances). Tracy, who took over Rockies' managerial duties after Clint Hurdle's 18-28 start, guided Colorado to a 74-42 record and a berth in the playoffs by winning the wild card.  Only the Yankees, at 76-39, had a better record than the Rockies since Tracy assumed the position. Would this be Tracy's first manager of the year award?  Yes, yes it would.  He finished 2nd, 4th and 3rd in 2001, 2002, and 2004 respectively, while with the Dodgers. Thanks as always to the amazing Baseball-Reference.com for this information. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1029440/frankel-remembered-as-one-greatest-ever-thoroughbred-times.html Los Angeles TimesFrankel remembered as 'one of greatest ever'Thoroughbred TimesRacing Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel was laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, one day after he died ...Large crowd attends Frankel memorialDaily Racing Form (registration)Bobby Frankel, Hall of Fame racehorse trainer, dies at 68Los Angeles Timesall 9 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1028341/reports-dodgers-cubs-stalk-martinez-phillyburbscom.html Reports: Dodgers, Cubs stalk MartinezphillyBurbs.comThe Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs reportedly are possible landing spots for Martinez, who did prove in his short time with the Phillies that he has ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1028082/ernie-harwell-national-treasure.html More photos » by PAUL WARNER - ASSOCIATED PRESS Ernie Harwell called games for the Dodgers in 1948 and 1949. Browse more photos » I managed to catch Studio 42 with Bob Costas tonight, as Ernie Harwell was interviewed.  Harwell, the long time announcer for the Detroit Tigers, has incurable cancer, and doctors have given him mere months to live.  His interview with Costas is a must see, and was very compelling and engaging hour. Hearing anyone who has been around baseball for more than six decades is always a treat, but this interview with Harwell was especially rewarding.  The man once got Babe Ruth's autograph, played cards with Jackie Robinson, and interviewed fellow Georgian "Tyrus Raymond Cobb," as Harwell referred to him.  The 91-year old Harwell even recited from memory his "This is Baseball," from his Hall of Fame induction speech from over 28 years ago. In 1948, Harwell was broadcasting games for the minor league Atlanta Crackers.  Meanwhile, legendary Dodger announcer Red Barber was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer and the club needed another announcer to fill in.  Branch Rickey wanted to hire Harwell, but he was under contract with the Crackers, so in exchange for Harwell the Dodgers sent minor league catcher Cliff Dapper to the Crackers, making Harwell the first and only broadcaster ever to be traded for a player.  It should be noted that Dapper has the highest batting average (.471) among Dodgers with 12 or more career plate appearances.  Harwell announced games for the Dodgers through the 1949 season. Among the many highlights of the interview: Harwell recalled a story of an exhibition series between the Dodgers and the Atlanta Crackers, before which the Ku Klux Klan threatened to shoot Jackie Robinson if he took the field.  It was said that Gene Hermanski quipped that all the Dodger players wear number 42, so the gunmen wouldn't know whom to shoot. One of Harwell's famous called third strike calls: "He's out for excessive window shopping.  He looked at one too many." Harwell recalling the old time broadcasting tradition of recreations, which meant announcers weren't at the game, but would call the game based on telegraph reports, embellishing and sometimes making up facts to fill the time. There were an astonishing five radio calls of Bobby Thomson's home run, "The Shot Heard 'Round The World," but Harwell was the lone television announcer.  Sadly, there are no tapes of that 1951 NBC broadcast. Here is a clip from the interview, of Harwell remembering Jackie Robinson Here is a clip of Harwell reciting from memory his HOF speech As a Dodger fan, I have been spoiled by having Vin Scully announce games for my favorite team for my entire life.  I am understandably biased when I state that Scully is the greatest baseball announcer of all time.  However, Harwell belongs in the discussion as well.  Before the advent of the MLB Extra Innings package, I never had much opportunity to hear Harwell, but my introduction to him came as he called some playoff games for ESPN Radio roughly a decade ago.  His conversational style, enthusiasm, and friendly nature really stood out to me at the time, and I made it a point to listen to Harwell as often as possible through the years.  I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to Harwell broadcast games, and I'm glad I had the chance to watch this interview.  Harwell was a great announcer, and he will be missed. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026807/rick-honeycutt-joins-pros-to-teach-minicamps-at-engel-stadium-saturday-chattanoogan.html Rick Honeycutt Joins Pros To Teach Mini-Camps At Engel Stadium SaturdayThe ChattanooganFormer Major League Baseball pitcher, current Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach, and Chattanooga native Rick Honeycutt will join Steve Trout and Jay ... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026806/no-la-rookie-year-votes-in-2009.html The Dodgers did not receive a single vote in the 2009 Rookie of the Year balloting for the second season in a row. Los Angeles, while young, did not make use of many rookies during the season. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026182/sox-possible-al-destination-for-thome-peoria-journal-star.html Sox a possible AL destination for ThomePeoria Journal StarLos Angeles Dodgers' Jim Thome walks in the dugout before the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks play in Los Angeles on Wednesday. ... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1025415/los-angeles-kings-hockeys-new-quotitquot-team-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportThe Los Angeles Kings: Hockey's New "It" Team?Bleacher ReportIn a town that features Hollywood, the Lakers and the Dodgers, the last word you'd use to describe Los Angeles' hockey team is "king." Ironic, isn't it? ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1025052/torres-topskipper-fate-approaching.html Torre's top-skipper fate approaching Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1024414/test-driving-nissan-leaf-electric-car-in-los-angeles-daily-green.html Los Angeles TimesTest Driving the Nissan Leaf Electric Car in Los AngelesDaily GreenLOS ANGELES--Driving Nissan's new Leaf electric car around Dodgers' Stadium in Los Angeles last week was not as glamorous as it sounds. ...Nissan Introduces the Leaf EV in Los AngelesBNETTwittering Nissan's New Electric CarThe Big Moneyall 176 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1024413/dodgers-have-34-minor-league-free-agents.html Dodgers Have 34 Minor League Free Agents Baseball America has released the full list of 536 minor league free agents, including an MLB-leading 34 from the Dodgers. Included among the Dodgers' minor league free agents are once heralded and oft-injured pitcher Greg Miller, the Ragin' Cajun Danny Ardoin, and Korean veteran pitcher Hyang-Nam Choi, who struck out 12 batters per nine innings with Albuqerque in 2009. Choi will be 39 in 2010. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1022354/2010-chone-projections-are-out.html More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP Andre Ethier and Manny Ramirez join fellow outfielder Matt Kemp as the only Dodgers projected by CHONE to have an OPS of .800 or above in 2010. Browse more photos » Last month we looked at the projections from the 2010 Bill James Handbook.  Now, the second set of projections are in, from Sean Smith of the wonderful blog Anaheim Angels All The Way.  His full list of CHONE projections can be found here. I added these projections to the previous Bill James projections, and also took a look back to 2009 to see how accurate last year's set of predictions were. The 2009 and 2010 CHONE projections are highlighted below. I also threw in prOPS from The Hardball Times, short for "predicted OPS," which is "a formula for predicting what a player's OPS is likely to be in the future based on his batted balls, strikeouts, home runs and walks," to see if there was any luck based on batted balls. Infield Russell Martin Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .292 .390 .439 .829 2009 CHONE .286 .384 .434 .818 2009 actual .250 .352 .329 .680 2009 prOPS .284 .382 .396 .778 2010 Bill James .272 .372 .396 .768 2010 CHONE .273 .364 .407 .771 2010 status arbitration eliglble   James Loney Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .295 .351 .443 .794 2009 CHONE .294 .355 .446 .801 2009 actual .281 .357 .399 .756 2009 prOPS .298 .371 .438 .809 2010 Bill James .294 .360 .440 .800 2010 CHONE .292 .354 .444 .798 2010 status arbitration eliglble   Orlando Hudson Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .270 .342 .392 .734 2009 CHONE .276 .353 .407 .760 2009 actual .283 .357 .417 .774 2009 prOPS .277 .352 .391 .742 2010 Bill James  .280 .353 .409 .762 2010 CHONE .270 .342 .395 .737 2010 status Type A free agent   Ronnie Belliard Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .266 .331 .405 .736 2009 CHONE .272 .331 .419 .750 2009 actual .277 .325 .451 .776 2009 prOPS .281 .328 .466 .794 2010 Bill James .265 .322 .416 .738 2010 CHONE .256 .313 .404 .717 2010 status Type B free agent Belliard's stats include time w/Nats   Rafael Furcal Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .286 .354 .409 .763 2009 CHONE .284 .358 .412 .770 2009 actual .269 .335 .375 .711 2009 prOPS .278 .343 .388 .730 2010 Bill James .278 .346 .391 .737 2010 CHONE .273 .342 .388 .730 2010 status under contract   Casey Blake Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .259 .334 .429 .763 2009 CHONE .259 .336 .439 .775 2009 actual .280 .363 .468 .832 2009 prOPS .287 .372 .473 .845 2010 Bill James .257 .337 .426 .762 2010 CHONE .256 .331 .430 .761 2010 status under contract Outfield Manny Ramirez Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .304 .406 .556 .962 2009 CHONE .291 .408 .556 .964 2009 actual .290 .418 .531 .949 2009 prOPS .314 .439 .557 .995 2010 Bill James .296 .406 .537 .943 2010 CHONE .272 .368 .501 .869 2010 status under contract   Matt Kemp Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .311 .360 .496 .856 2009 CHONE .299 .353 .476 .829 2009 actual .297 .352 .490 .842 2009 prOPS .279 .335 .478 .813 2010 Bill James .311 .365 .508 .873 2010 CHONE .297 .351 .492 .843 2010 status arbitration eliglble   Andre Ethier Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .303 .374 .492 .866 2009 CHONE .292 .366 .468 .834 2009 actual .272 .361 .508 .869 2009 prOPS .292 .378 .520 .898 2010 Bill James .288 .368 .500 .868 2010 CHONE .281 .356 .488 .844 2010 status arbitration eliglble   Juan Pierre Year BA OBP SLG OPS 2009 Bill James .292 .348 .356 .704 2009 CHONE .283 .328 .357 .685 2009 actual .308 .365 .392 .792 2009 prOPS .306 .362 .376 .738 2010 Bill James .291 .342 .355 .697 2010 CHONE .287 .335 .369 .704 2010 status under contract   You can get the full list of Dodgers' CHONE projections here. Looking at the CHONE projections, I thought the mythical battle for fourth outfielder was interesting: 2010 CHONE Projections 4th Outfielder BA OBP SLG OPS Mitch Jones .228 .306 .435 .741 Hector Luna .261 .324 .408 .732 Xavier Paul .259 .323 .390 .713 Jamie Hoffmann    .255 .328 .379 .707 Juan Pierre .287 .335 .369 .704 Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1020278/torre-says-abusive-home-took-toll-on-him-lower-hudson-journal-news.html Torre says abusive home took toll on himLower Hudson Journal newsPEEKSKILL ? Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre paused in Peekskill Middle School's art corridor ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1018217/2009-draft-review-starts-tomorrow.html We will begin our check of the 2009 draftees tomorrow, beginning with the last five selections, from 26-31. That will include catcher Steve Cilladi, RHP Justin Dignelli, second baseman David Iden, RHP Kevin Childs and RHP Chris Handke. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1018216/martin-earns-third-spot-on-catching-list.html If a catcher to a team winning, they will do as Joe Torre did when he used twenty-six year old Russell Martin behind the plate for the Dodgers in 149 games in 2008, earning first place on the all-time Dodger games-caught charts. He caught 139 games in 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1017392/what-dodgers-need-this-winter-realgmcom.html What The Dodgers Need This WinterRealGM.comComing off two consecutive NLCS appearances, the Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2009 offseason as one of the more stable teams in the National League. ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1017391/torre-witness-to-frankels-soft-side-espn.html Torre witness to Frankel's soft sideESPN... the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who called Frankel "a very giving person" on Monday after learning of Frankel's death earlier in the day. ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1016397/torre-witness-to-frankels-soft-side-daily-racing-form-registration.html Torre witness to Frankel's soft sideDaily Racing Form (registration)... the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who called Frankel "a very giving person" on Monday after learning of Frankel's death earlier in the day. ... Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1015425/hall-fame-trainer-bobby-frankel-dies-at-68-associated-press.html BBC SportHall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel dies at 68The Associated PressDutrow said he introduced Frankel to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, with whom Frankel became close friends and partners in owning some horses. ...Bobby Frankel dies at 68ESPNall 199 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1015424/clippings-from-around-dodger-blogosphere.html Criminals of WARI’m not going to single anyone out, since we’re all guilty of abusing FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement metric. But I’ve been seeing cases pop up… Memories Of Kevin Malone: Bill Belichick And Dumb People The MSTI 16-Step 2010 plan " Mike Scioscia’s tragic illness Happy blast from the past | Dodger Thoughts | Los Angeles TimesI was able to get a glimpse of the MLB Network's rebroadcast of Ramon Martinez's 18-strikeout game, and two things struck me. 1) Martinez's stuff was electric. 2) So was his smile. Martinez got all 18 of his strikeouts before... Pedro Guerrero " Cardboard GodsJosh Wilker - Haven't linked to Josh for a while but here he is writing about one of my favorite Dodgers. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1014312/bobby-frankel-dies-at-68-espn.html Bobby Frankel dies at 68ESPNHe also loved baseball, and grew so close to Joe Torre that when Torre first took over as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he lived in Frankel's Pacific ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1009364/wolf-billingsley-led-in-innings-per-start-tot-holmes-registration.html Tot Holmes (registration)Wolf, Billingsley Led in Innings Per StartTot Holmes (registration)Bill Brickyard Kennedy set the Dodgers franchise record with 40 complete games out of 44 starts in 1893 and Sandy Koufax holds the Los Angeles Dodger mark ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1007038/nissan-ceo-says-their-electric-car-strategy-quotuniquequot-in-industry-reuters.html AFPNissan CEO Says Their Electric Car Strategy is "Unique" in IndustryReutersBy Gas 2.0 - Gas 2.0 By Nick Chambers In Los Angeles on Friday, at the United States unveiling of the Nissan LEAF electric car-set to hit showrooms in late ...Nissan Leaf EV launched in USAHuffington Post (blog)Plug-In America Meets the LEAFEV WorldNissan Kicks Off us Tour of Electric CarWall Street JournalMotorTrend Magazine -Examiner.com -Wired Newsall 129 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1003878/joe-torre-still-griping-about-george-steinbrenner-faster-times.html The Faster TimesJoe Torre Is Still Griping About George SteinbrennerThe Faster TimesLos Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre was in New York Friday night for his annual Safe at Home charity fundraiser. Although he told reporters he was ?happy? ...Cleaning the Desk for the Week-EndTot Holmes (registration)Torre extension talk is just that for nowMLB.comTorre happy for Girardi, YankeesNewsdayDeadspin (blog) -River Ave. Blues -Whittier Daily Newsall 55 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1002230/celebrity-divorce-case-rocks-dodgers-new-york-times.html A Celebrity Divorce Case Rocks the DodgersNew York TimesLOS ANGELES ? When the ceremonial first salvo had been tossed in McCourt v. McCourt, the principals in the divorce case, the Dodgers' owner ...and more » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/999955/nissan-kicks-off-us-tour-electric-car-wall-street-journal.html New York Times (blog)Nissan Kicks Off U.S. Tour of Electric CarWall Street JournalLOS ANGELES ? Nissan Motor Co. chief executive Carlos Ghosn kicked off a US tour of his company's electric car Friday, an attempt to convince ...Nissan Introduces the Leaf EV in Los AngelesBNETUPDATE 1-Nissan says Leaf will compete on price, make moneyReutersNissan's Electric Leaf Spreads the EV GospelWired NewsReuters Blogs (blog) -The Detroit News -abc7.comall 108 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/999336/manny-ramirez-to-remain-los-angeles-dodgers-in-2010-usa-online-gambling-news.html Globe and MailManny Ramirez To Remain With Los Angeles Dodgers In 2010USA Online Gambling NewsOn Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers informed the media and their fans that Manny Ramirez would return to the team for the 2010 season. ...Manny Ramirez Re-Signs with Los Angeles Dodgers for 2010 SeasonAssociated ContentManny Ramirez to Return to Los Angeles Dodgers, Exercises $20 Million Option ...TransWorldNews (press release)He's $20 Million Manny: Ramirez Remains With Dodgers For 2010 SeasonAHNVancouver Sun -IndyPosted (blog) -Examiner.comall 384 news articles » Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/999335/torre-happy-for-girardi-yankees.html Dodgers manager Joe Torre says he was pleased when successor Joe Girardi and the New York Yankees won the World Series this month. Torre managed the Yankees for 12 years, leading them to four titles before leaving after the 2007 season. Girardi replaced him and led New York to its 27th championship this year. Speaking before his foundation's annual gala on Friday night, Torre said it was "surreal" watching the Yankees face the Phillies in the World Series. Los Angeles Dodgers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates