Dodgers Briefing: Bellinger on Kobe, Chin-lung Hu, Red Sox cheating, more

4. David Price, one of the best teammates

Most baseball fans consider the addition of David Price in the Mookie Betts trade to be a matter of accounting. The Dodgers taking on 50 percent of the remaining $96 million owed on his contract as part of the cost associated with acquiring an MVP. However, if you talk to his teammates, some who are currently with the Dodgers, you will hear a different story. Price is considered “one of the best teammates” by those who know him from his time in previous destinations.

Former teammate and current director of player development for the Dodgers Will Rhymes had flattering words to say about Price.

“Pricey’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Rhymes said in article published by Dodgers Insider. “He was pretty young at the time, but … guys always looked to David for leadership and guidance. He just has a way about him that kind of draws people toward him. It’s apparent that he cares about people and about winning above himself. When people are authentic — which David is incredibly authentic — I think that draws veterans and rookies alike to him.”

The Dodgers hope Price can bring depth to the starting rotation and some of that charm to the locker room as he becomes an integral piece in their quest for a modern-day championship.

5. Vin Scully joins Dodger booth 70 years ago today

Today should be a national holiday. The immortal Vin Scully began his Dodger broadcasting career on this date in 1950 at Philadelphia’s Shibe Park as the Phillies hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Dodgers historian Mark Langill wrote a great article about Scully’s path to the broadcast booth at Dodgers Insider. One story that stood out to me was how Scully learned the ropes from Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Red Barber.

"“When Barber spotted Scully having a beer with his lunch in the press box before a game, it was time for another lesson. Barber warned about the perception of having a drink in front of sportswriters. What if Scully made a mistake on the air?”"

Hard to picture Scully cracking open a beer before announcing a game, but times were different in 1950, and surely, he took the advice Barber gave him as he became the voice of Dodger baseball, and quite frankly, the voice of baseball in general.

MLB NEWS

1. Japanese baseball league delays start of season again

Baseball fans looking for hope that baseball can return in America have been looking at other countries who are further ahead of the pandemic curve as a preview of whether professional sports can return after a period of improved health conditions.

Unfortunately, optimism from Japan is now delayed. Nippon Professional Baseball, which had hoped to start back up again in May, will now not start until the end of that month, at the earliest, according to the Associated Press.

2. Phillies commit to pay full-time workers through May

As Major League Baseball teams continue to face cash flow decisions while the coronavirus pandemic limits their ability to earn additional revenue, the Philadelphia Phillies have committed not to reduce salaries or benefits for full-time employees at least until the end of May, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

3. Former Major League manager Bobby Winkles dies

Bobby Winkles, who is best known for his work building Arizona State into a national powerhouse in college baseball, died on Friday, according to multiple reports. He was 90.

Winkles coached in the Major Leagues with the California Angels (1973-74) and Oakland Athletics (1977-78). He went 109-127 as a big league manager. In 13 years at Arizona State, Winkles won three national championships (1965, 1967, 1969) while building an unbelievable 524-173 record.

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

Where baseball fans learn about the Dodgers. Let’s get you caught up on the day of baseball news from Friday, April 17, 2020.

That does it for today, thanks for reading!

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