Dodgers Briefing: Magic Johnson on Kershaw, Scully on Dodger Stadium, more

4. Vin Scully provides update on Dodger Stadium

Earlier this week California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti cast doubt on baseball returning to Dodger Stadium this summer, at least in front of fans, but that hasn’t stopped the team from making progress on their $100 million renovation project.

Vin Scully, who could narrate grass growing and make it sound amazing, provided an update on the renovation via the Dodgers social media feed on Friday.

“When we get back to baseball, Dodger fans will be greeted with the most significant upgrade to the fan experience in the history of our storied venue,” Scully explained. “This renovation will create a new front door to Dodger Stadium, along with two acres of new interactive areas, vantage points, retail and concession options, and more.”

Dodger Stadium is technically still scheduled to host MLB’s All-Star Game in July, but obviously that seems unlikely to happen in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

5. Dave Stewart auctioning 1981 World Series ring

Former Dodger, Dave Stewart, is auctioning off his 1981 World Series ring on a sports memorabilia auction site. You can place a bid on the Dodgers world championship ring, but it’s going to cost you at least $6,050, which is the current high bid.

Stewart was drafted by the Dodgers in 1975. He made 32 appearance in relief during the ’81 season, pitching to a 2.49 ERA. After making the postseason roster, he was roughed up during the NLCS, but redeemed himself with two strong outings in the World Series.

The ring is listed as a large .75-carat diamond set inside a baseball diamond with Los Angeles Dodgers and World Champions text surrounding the border.

Of course, Stewart made a name for himself pitching for his hometown team, the Oakland Athletics. He won two more championships with the A’s, and earned the World Series MVP in 1993. His 1988 and 1989 rings are also up for auction.

DODGERS READS

Three must reads about the Dodgers.

• 5 greatest seasons by a starting pitcher
• Remembering the failed Jose Fernandez trade
• Dodgers have $16MM incentive to play baseball

MLB NEWS

1. Joe Buck turns down $1 million to announce porn

Yes, you read that right. As announcers from different sports leagues are finding creative ways to keep busy during the pandemic, Fox and MLB announcer Joe Buck was offered $1 million to commentate 25 live cam pornographic shows from the adult site ImLive.

In March, Buck announced on Twitter that he was looking for home videos to practice his announcing reps.

2. Zack Wheeler almost ended up with Yankees

Starting pitcher, Zack Wheeler, who signed with the Phillies this past offseason, and was rumored to have interest from the Dodgers, almost ended up changing from the Mets to the Yankees.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the two teams had a deal agreed upon last July that fell apart over concerns about the medicals of another player.

3. Yasiel Puig not worried about finding a team right now

Former Dodger, Yasiel Puig, remains a free agent, but he isn’t worried about that as roster transactions remain frozen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Everyone knows I don’t have a team right now,” Puig said on an interview with Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald and translated by The Score. “But that doesn’t worry me. We are in a time of pandemic, which is much worse than if Yasiel Puig does not have a team.”

Dodgers: 5 greatest seasons by a starting pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a rich history of starting pitchers, and we rank the five greatest individual seasons by an SP in team history.

That does it for today, thanks for reading!

Check back tomorrow for all of the latest Dodger news and analysis.