Dodgers Reinstate Crawford, Option Guerrero, And Other News

Now that the Dodgers are home, and the Sydney series is over, we can look towards the stateside opener on Sunday night at San Diego, when the regular season will resume. The Dodgers are still off today and Wednesday. Let’s go through a few newsworthy notes on this off-day.

Today, the #Dodgers reinstated Carl Crawford from the paternity list and optioned Alex Guerrero to @AbqTopes.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 25, 2014

This afternoon the Dodgers announced the reinstatement of left fielder Carl Crawford from the paternity list. In a corresponding move, they optioned infielder Alexander Guerrero to Albuquerque. You all know how I feel about this already. I’ve written several posts about why this is a bad idea. But whatever. We’ll all find out soon enough. I still feel the same way, even though Dee Gordon had three hits in the second game of the Sydney Series. Guerrero didn’t start either game, and only had one at-bat in the entire series. He struck out. I have a feeling the Dodgers are striking out with this decision. Guerrero is so far beyond the minor league level, it’s a waste of his time, and it’s a waste of the Dodger’s time to keep him there. He can’t learn the different major league ball parks and pitchers in Albuquerque. Impressive, a 28 million dollar prospect gets sent down to Albuquerque. Just dandy.

Don Mattingly said there’s a possibility that @TheRealMattKemp could be activated on April 4th (#Dodgers home opener).

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 25, 2014

Apparently the Dodgers are now saying that there is a possibility that center fielder Matt Kemp could be ready to play by April 4, which is the home opener against the Giants. My opinion on this is, I guess I’ll believe it when I see it. I know Kemp has been playing in minor league games while the club was in Sydney. If Kemp is really healthy and ready to play this time, then that’s obviously a huge huge boost to the club. Here’s to hoping that Bison can somehow get his groove back.

Apparently Zack Greinke will pitch on Thursday and Hyun-jin Ryu will see a doctor for his toenail problem. Remember he injured it while running the bases in Sydney.

Check out Brian Wilson and Paco Rodriguez warming in the bullpen from the new vantage point of the newly built Dodger Stadium bullpen overlooks. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about these. Kasten had said on blogger night that they were coming at some point this year. You know me, I’m a Dodger Stadium purist. I believe it should be preserved for all time in the exact state that it is in. I guess I can live with this. It does seem pretty cool actually. Listen to those mitts pop!

Here’s something special that every Dodger fan should get. The Dodgers 2014 Yearbook is now available for purchase. This year’s edition is called The Dodgers 2014 Yearbook: Special Vin Scully Edition. The special 65 anniversary edition is dedicated to Vin. There is a 21 page section that discusses the legendary broadcaster’s life, and career in his own words.  The yearbook also has other stuff in it. Like a look back at the 2013 season, Dodger Stadium improvements, and more. You can purchase the Yearbook at Dodger Stadium during the Freeway Series against the Angels, or you can order online here.

Our very own site namesake Tommy Lasorda will be participating in the ribbon cutting, and dedication ceremony for the new Tommy Lasorda Trattoria behind the right field pavilions, and the new Thinkblue BBQ on Wednesday. The Thinkblue BBQ will be located in left field.

The #Dodgers will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the @TommyLasorda Trattoriaon Wednesday: http://t.co/rHzvkuxI9Y pic.twitter.com/ftt3KA27YH

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 24, 2014

Tommy Lasorda

Maybe Tommy can name a dish after us? The Lasorda’s Lair Lasagna? I like how it sounds!