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

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Hey Dodger fans! Bookmark Dodgers Way for all of your latest Dodgers news, rumors, and analysis. Let’s get you caught up on the day of baseball news from Friday, April 17, 2020.

DODGERS NEWS

The top stories about the Dodgers you need to know.

1. David Roberts confirms he sets the starting lineup

Dodger fans have often wondered if the analytically-minded front office led by Andrew Friedman has significant influence on the lineup decisions made by manager Dave Roberts.

Appearing as a guest on Off Air with Orel Hershiser and Joe Davis, Roberts rebuked the idea that he doesn’t set his own lineup card.

“As far as does the front office make the lineup? Absolutely not. But do I take recommendations? Absolutely.”

[Read more]

2. Will Smith pushes back wedding in case of World Series run

With the start date of the 2020 season still unknown, it’s becoming increasingly clear that if Major League Baseball does find a way to play this season, the schedule will likely need to extend into November.

Dodgers catcher, Will Smith, was set to get married in November, thinking it would be a safe time after the normal postseason schedule ends in October. But just in case he is still playing toward Thanksgiving, he decided it was best to push the date back.

“So we actually had to move it back about a month, into December,” Smith said on SportsNet La. “Umm, it was kind of mid-November and most likely they are going to push back the season a little bit. I felt like the World Series would be around that time of our wedding and I wasn’t going to miss the World Series for a wedding. So we went ahead and pushed it back.”

[Read more]

3. Magic Johnson wants a ring for Kershaw

Not many people know what it means to win championships in Los Angeles better than five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson. The former Lakers star, and current part owner of the Dodgers, expressed his wish for a certain Dodger pitcher to win a ring of his own.

“I just want one for Kershaw. I just want a World Series ring for him. Ya know, he’s delivered for the Lakers (sic) fans, but we just haven’t closed the deal for him in the World Series,” Johnson said on the Lunchtime with Roggin and Rodney show on Friday. “So that’s what I want. He deserves to have a championship ring … See, none of these guys understand like I do when you win in this town and the parade is unbelievable, right? So I just want to see Clayton ride on that float and experience what I experienced five times as a player and then another five times as an owner of the Lakers, so that’s ten parades I’ve been through, and it never got old, and it’s special. And when you win in this town, you will be loved forever.”

Kershaw has won pretty much everything else there is to win as a starting pitcher. The eight-time All-Star will enter his 13th season as a Dodger looking for that elusive championship ring.

Magic said he was happy about the Dodgers offseason additions. He talked about the importance of bringing in two “winning superstars” in Mookie Betts and David Price. Now they just need a chance to play and bring that championship mentality to the Dodgers clubhouse, wherever that might end up being for the 2020 season.

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.

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