The Reading List on a Blue Tuesday

Were about 8 days from the start of spring training! Yes, yes pitchers and catchers report on February 22nd. As we wait for spring to begin, here are some Blue links from around the internet on this Blue Tuesday afternoon. I will update the Hub with some of these links.

Our good friend infielder Russ Mitchell is back in the news again. According to a Dylan Hernandez Tweet

If you remember Mitchell was one of the prime candidates to be designated for assignment to clear 40-man roster room for relief pitcher Todd Coffey. Then of course he was. After clearing waivers, Mitchell was out-righted back to Albuquerque. Now we learn that the Dodgers have invited Mitchell to major league spring training. It looks like we haven’t seen the last of our friend Russ Mitchell.

Spencer Fordin of MLB.com does his preview of the Dodgers top 20 prospects, and dissects the Dodgers farm system. His analysis is similar to everyone else’s about the Dodger’s farm system. Lots of good pitching depth, and almost no hitting, and very little depth for position players. Check out his piece here

Dodgers Top 20 Prospects

He lists his top five as Zach Lee, Nathan Eovaldi, Allen Webster, Joc Pederson, and pitcher Chris Reed round out the top five.

We move from one Spencer to another, this time its Lyle Spencer, doing a great piece on the life and times of Dodger catcher Roy Campanella. Spencer calls the hall of famer a trailblazer, and describes his journey as he helps breaks Baseball’s color barrier for catchers. This one is defiantly worth the read.

Roy Campanella Article

Our website’s namesake, former Dodgers manager, and Baseball legend Tommy Lasorda, was honored last weekend at the Dominican Republic Latino Baseball Hall of Fame. A statue was built in his honor, and was unveiled during the ceremony last weekend. Lasorda Who managed in the Dominican Republic, from 1973-1974, is also their goodwill ambassador. Lasorda won two championships down there, and a Caribbean world series as well.

The Latino Baseball Hall of Fame annually bestows the Tommy Lasorda Award to the most deserving player each year. The Award named after Lasorda, is given to a non-latino player that makes significant contributions to Latino Baseball. Past winners have included former Dodgers owner Peter O’malley, and the late George Steinbrenner. This year’s winner was Pat Gillick. Check out the full story at Tommy’s MLB blog here…. Tommy Lasordas Statue

Last week Roberto Baly of Vinscullyismyhomeboy.com visited the Dodgers caravan, as it made a stop at Mercado, La Paloma in Los Angeles. Roberto has many pictures, and videos, and has posted pics of some of his collectibles from the event. Check out the videos, and all the Cards he gets signed. He made out like a bandit. Nice job Roberto! Vinscullyismyhomeboy.com

Apparently Jon Weisman says he is in the best shape of his life. Check out his video as he goes through some of his off-season workout regimen, as he gets in shape for the upcoming season. Watching this video almost inspires me to start working out to the tune of eye of the tiger. I’m assuming he is still a little tired from moving from ESPN to his own blog. Go get em’ Jon! Dodgerthoughts

Some of the other Dodger bloggers participated in a softball tournament last weekend down in West Covina, California. All of the proceeds went to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Check out Matt Worland’s  nice little recap of the day’s events. The event was organized by the LFP blog. Left Field Pavillion Blog

Over at the LA Times Dodger blog, Steve Dilbeck Steve Dilbeck LA Times  talks about his surprise phone call from Vin Scully, and how he twisted his arm through via his blog to convince Vin Scully to broadcast two spring training games on March 17th, and March 18th in Camelback Ranch Glendale, Arizona. Apparently if it wasn’t for Steve’s article, Vinny wouldn’t be calling those two games in March. So on behalf of all Dodger fans, I thank you Steve. Seriously, Thank you Steve. His wife is going to bake Vin Scully some cookies.

Our good friend Joshua Kohl, also known as Dodgerbobble, shares some info on some of the other bobbleheads around the majors. The Dodgers aren’t the only team to be giving away bobbleheads in 2012. Former Dodger Robin Ventura gets a bobblehead. It s a great read for all the bobblehead collectors. Dodgerbobble.com

Finally over at MSTI, Mike Petriello professes his undying love for first baseman James Loney. Mike has finally learned to accept and embrace Loney’s mediocrity. Now that wasn’t hard was it Mike?

MSTI loves Loney

Only 8 more days until spring training begins. Only two more months until opening day, and on March 17th, we will hear those five magical words we wait all winter long to hear…..IT’S TIME FOR DODGER BASEBALL!