NEW MEXICO FAN

SABR DAY WITH RIO GRANDE SABR IN ALBUQUERQUE

2012-01-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Photo credit Evan: Isotopes Park n January 2012

Saturday January, 28 was SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) day across America. Rio Grande SABR held it's meeting yesterday at Isotopes Park. The meeting had three guest speakers, and a guided tour of Isotopes Park.

Photo credit Evan: Albuquerque Isotopes General Mananger John Traub

The first of the three guest speakers was Isotopes GM John Traub. John talked about his journey as a kid in Los Angeles then starting in baseball with the California Angels, that took him through working for the Dodgers during the 1988 World Series then up to Canada and finally brought him to Albuquerque.

One thing I have learned about John while talking to him is he is a baseball fan just like us. He has great knowledge of the game. He probably had alot more to say and I could have listened to him all day. We can't forget how generous he is with Rio Grande SABR by letting us hold our meetings at Isotopes Park. Thanks for everything John!

Evan and Max Walla of the Brewers organization

The next guest speaker I met walking from the parking lot, that would be Max Walla. My first impression of Max was he is a very respectful young man. I think he is very mature for his age (20). Max was the 73 pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009. Max who is an outfielder, grew up in Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque Academy High School. One thing Max talked about that I thought was very interesting was how the transition to wood bats. Max said "It's like hunting with shot gun and then using a rifle".

We are going to have to keep our eye on Max this season.

Photo Credit Evan: Left Red Sox Minor League player Blake Swihart right Brewers Minor League player Max Walla

The next guest speaker was the first round pick 26 overall for the Boston Red Sox Blake Swihart. Blake is a switch hitting catcher from Cleveland high school in Rio Rancho New Mexico. Blake talked about taking batting practice at Fenway Park,and his trip to the Dominican.

Evan and Red Sox Minor League Player Blake Swihart

I am going to post updates on all local players once a week once the season starts. I have a feeling we are going to see more local kids get drafted in the years to come.

Next we took a tour of Isotopes Park. I had never been up in the press box before and that was pretty cool.

It was a great SABR meeting and can't wait till the next one.

MAX WALLA

2012-01-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Rio Grande SABR is having a meeting and the guest speaker is Max Walla. Here is a little information on Walla.

Walla was drafted out of Albuquerque Academy in the second round in the 2009 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.

In 2009 Walla spent time with the Arizona Brewers in the Arizona League and he also spent time with the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League.

In 2010 he also split time between Arizona and Helena.

In three season in the Brewers organization Walla has a BA of .249 with 16 RBI and eight homers, four were hit in 2011 while with Helena.

The Rio Grande SABR meeting will be held at Isotopes Park at 11:00 AM.

THE BIDDING HAS STARTED

2012-01-24T09:34:00.003-07:00

Photo Credit Evan

The bidding has started and I think it's the beginning of the road to a new era of Dodger baseball. So what is the word on the bidding? I've check several site around the web and here is what I have come up with.

Lets start with ESPN Los Angeles. Tony Jackson posted this at January 24, 2012, 12:15 AM ET.

As the deadline passed, there were only two confirmed bids:

• Dennis Gilbert, the Beverly Hills insurance agent and founder of the Beverly Hills Sports Council who also serves as a special assistant to Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, confirmed that his group, which is largely financed by Imperial Capital chairman and chief executive officer Jason Reese, placed a bid.

• Joshua Macciello, CEO of ArmItal Sports Inc., issued a news release through his company stating that he also had made what Macciello characterized in that release as "a more than fair and considerable offer to both Frank and Major League Baseball."

Jackson also goes into all the in and outs of bidders and the process of everything. The one thing Jackson talked about was the parking lots at Dodger Stadium. According to his post they are still not included in the sale of the team. You can read the who post by clicking here.

The L.A. Times Bill Shaikin is really on top of this story. I suggest you follow him on Twitter for updates. Shaikin reported The Dodgers received "more than 10" opening bids for the team by Monday's deadline, according to a person familiar with the sale but not authorized to discuss it.

The article also goes on to say that Mark Cuban, Steven Cohen, and Peter O'Malley, all placed bids yesterday. He Also reports several groups and a joint bid by Leo Hindery and Marc Utay who made a run at buying the Cubs but fell short.

You can read the whole article by clicking here.

I usually don't read the Wall Street Journal but I imagine I will be reading it alot in the next couple of month because of their coverage on the Dodgers sale. Their headline says $1 Billion Play: L.A. Dodgers Draw First Bids. You can read their whole article by clicking here.

CBS Sports has an article on the bidding and how some groups were talking about merging. Two bidders said talks about possible group mergers were ongoing. They both spoke on condition of anonymity because Blackstone Group, which is managing the sale for owner Frank McCourt, made them sign nondisclosure agreements.

You can read the whole article by clicking here.

Dodger fans have alot to look forward to in the future. This sale and era of Dodger baseball is all going to be part of Dodger history.

NAME THIS AUTOGRAPH

2012-01-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened to me. I went to San Diego this past season to catch a Dodger game and while I was there I collected some autographs. I had a picture I and had some players sign it. I was writing down the players names who had signed my picture. I came across an autograph I couldn't figure out who it was. Can you? He was the only player who didn't put his number next to his autograph.

I finally figured out who's sig it was. I happened to text my wife the names of all the players who signed and the cross checked it through s pictures of his autograph on the internet.

Lets see how long it takes a reader of the blog to figure this autograph out.

WHERE WILL IVAN DE JESUS END UP IN 2012

2012-01-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Ivan De Jesus Jr at Isotopes Park

Not much going on here in Albuquerque. I just like just about every other Dodger fan is awaiting the big day coming up when we here about the bidders who are making a run at purchasing the Dodgers.

I got to thinking last week, the Dodgers signed infielders Mark Ellis, Josh Fields, Jerry Hairston and Adam Kennedy. So does that mean they have given up on Ivan De Jesus Jr?

De Jesus was not called up last September. He did have 32 at bats early last season with the Dodgers. He hit .188 from March 31st, thru June 5th last season.

De Jesus finished the season hitting .310 (120 hits for 387 at bats) in 100 games with the Isotopes in 2011.

De Jesus is playing winter ball in the Puerto Rico where he has hit .328 in 125 at bats.

So what does the 2012 season have in store for De Jesus?

ETHIER AND LONEY AVOID ARBITRATION KERSHAW REQUEST 10 MILLION

2012-01-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: James Loney Petco 2011

Andre Ethier and James Loney both are done deals. The L.A. Times and others reported Ethier for $10.95 million and Loney for 6.35 million.

Now if I was a GM I would have rather faced those two in an arbitration hearing rather than Kershaw. I almost feel embaressed for what the Dodgers have offered Kershaw.

Again the L.A. Times and others are reporting that Clayton Kershaw, officially requested a $10 million salary for 2012 and the Dodgers countered with Dodgers countered at $6.5 million. I think Kershaw requested a low amount considering what others have been paid.

What can anyone say bad about Kershaw, lets see he won 21 games, had an ERA of 2.28, pitched 233 innings, started 33 games, does charity work, and represents well the team on and off the field. I hope that this as all talk and we hear about a long term deal in the next couple of days.

Another story in the L.A. Times talks about the parking lots at Dodger Stadium. They are reporting that Frank McCourt has the option to sell the Dodgers but keep the surrounding parking lots, and his interests as landlord and potential developer might not coincide with those of the new owner.

That makes me mad! Come on I really don't want to give the guy any of my hard earned money. I don't get out to Dodger Stadium much, but it would kinda make me cringe to hand the parking attendant money that will eventually go to McCourt. Just sell the team and move on. Fans shouldn't have to think about this stuff. Anyway you can read the whole story by clicking here.

Just a couple of more days till the bids are submitted.

KURODA TO THE YANKEES, PADILLA TO THE RED SOX

2012-01-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Vincente Padilla at Isotopes Park

I am alright with Padilla leaving the Dodgers organization, but I would have like to see the Dodgers bring back Kuroda.

Kuroda signed a one year $10 million dollar deal with the Yankees. Kuroda was very loyal to the Dodgers after he exercised the no-trade clause last season.

Padilla on the other hand was on the DL most of last season. Padilla signed a minor league deal with an invite to Major League camp.

Padilla spent time with the Isotopes while rehabbing. I don't know why I remember this but when he made his first start at Isotopes Park he ran out of the dugout and tripped right a the third base foul line.

Good luck to both, I wish them well.

I just got an email from Rio Grande SABR saying that at the next meeting the speakers will be Isotopes GM John Traub and Max Walla who is in the Brewers organization and grew up in Albuquerque.

NEW MEXICO HIGH SCHOOLS USING WOODEN BATS THIS SEASON

2012-01-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Last July the New Mexico Activities Association voted to implement the use of wood bats for the 2012 season.

In a press release last July Dusty Young, NMAA Assistant Director in charge of baseball, said, “coaches across the state have been interested in making this change for many years, and with the new BBCOR standards going into effect in 2012, these coaches felt it was a perfect time to make the move and their proposal was in fact passed by the membership.”

I like the move to wood bats. I have spoken with a couple of high school coaches and they both like the implement of wooden bats. As a matter of fact they both told me the same thing saying their team was built for wooden bats.

I don't get to many high school game but I am going to make it a point to make it to several this season. good move for everyone involved.

According to the NMAA website the official bat of the NMAA is the DEMARINI PRO MAPLE COMPOSITE BAT.

For more info on this topic click http://www.nmact.org/athletics/baseball/

A WHOLE LOT OF RICH PEOPLE WANT TO BUY THE DODGERS

2012-01-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan

People are coming from all corners of the universe to try and place a bid on the Dodgers. Everyone one wants to be the next owner of the greatest franchise in Major League Baseball. I don't blame anyone for trying. Heck if i had that kind of money I would be in line with everyone. I don't so I am not in line.

Lets take a look at who might be the next owner of the Dodgers.

Fan favorites

I read Tweets and talk to Dodger fans who are so excited that Steve Garvey and Orel Hershiser are going to buy the Dodgers. They would get the team if the fans were voting on it.

Magic Johnson is also a fan favorite he would also get the popular vote from fans.

Joe Torre might have an edge on everyone because he is not only a fan favorite but also has the financial backing. His partner Rick Caruso was smart to put Torre as the face of the group. Torre is not only popular with the fans, but he is a baseball guy on and off the field. He would be good for the Dodger franchise.

Mark Cuban I would like to see him as the Dodgers owner. but I think alot of people don't.

Steven Cohen I read he has never been to Dodger Stadium. End of discussion.

The O'Malley's? They should have never sold the team in the first place. While a fan like me would like to see the Dodger traditions return back to when the O'Malleys owned the team I think it is a long shot.

Then there is Dennis Gilbert who I am pulling for. But don't trust my judgement I once thought the McCourt's would bring back the family tradition to the Dodgers. I was wrong! I admit it.

Then there is this guy by the name of Joshua Macciello who is interested in buying the Dodgers. vinscullyismyhomeboy.com has some interesting post on Macciello.

I have an idea how about all of us Dodger bloggers get together and form a group?

Corporate

Then there is Time Warner Fox, and others who would like to have the team. I would rather see a face owning the team rather than a logo.

All I know is it we might be watching history in the making. Not only for the sale price of the Dodgers but the way the sale is going to take place.

JOSH LINDBLOM ON BLACK AND GOLD LIVE

2012-01-08T10:39:00.003-07:00

I was browsing the Internet on Friday when I came across a Tweet on Twitter from Josh Lindblom saying "ask me a question on Black and Gold Live." Check out Josh talking about his foundation, baseball, and other things on this video.

ISOTOPES COACHING STAFF FROM 2011 STAYS INTACT IN 2012

2012-01-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Glenn Dishman has been the pitching coach with the Albuquerque Isotopes for about a season and a half

In December the Dodgers announced the 2012 Minor League coaching staff. There will be no changes for us here in Albuquerque.

Lorenzo Bundy will remain the Isotopes Manager, Glenn Dishman the pitching coach and John Valentin the Isotopes hitting coach.

Last season the Isotopes pitching staff had a team ERA of 5.73 with 932 strikeouts in 1256.1 innings pitched.

The Isotopes hit .292 with 183 homers last season.

Just in case you didn't know the Isotopes hitting coach John Valentin is the only player I believe (let me know if I am wrong) to hit for the Cycle and turn an unassisted triple play in the big leagues. I recommend getting an autograph from him.

I couldn't find a picture of him but he is the quiet one with the pencil in his ear.

Sometimes I focus so much on the players coming through Albuquerque I forget about the coaches and instructors.

John played ten years with the Boston Red Sox and one year with the Mets. Come on all you Red Sox fans in Albuquerque you should know this stuff.

ALBUQUERQUE HONERS JORDAN PACHECO AND MATT MOORE

2012-01-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Jordan Pacheco takes a lead off firstbase Major League weekend 2010 at Isotopes Park

Albuquerque's Jordan Pacheco who was called up to play for the Colorado Rockies in September and Edgewood's Matt Moore who pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in September where honored last night at the Sheraton Airport in Albuquerque.

I had the chance to exchange a couple of words with each young man and I must say they are both very respectable.

Me and Jordan Pacheco

I had watched Jordan through the years when he played for the University of New Mexico. So even though I had never met him I felt very proud of him. He represents New Mexico very well and should be a role model for all the young kids growing up in New Mexico who have a dream of playing Major League Baseball.

University of New Mexico baseball Coach Ray Birmingham said that he predicts Jordan will have a long career in Major League Baseball and then will will return to New Mexico and become Governor. That's just the kind of personality Jordan has. His parents did an excellent job raising him.

Jordan made his Major League debut on September 6, 2011. He played 21 games with the Rockies and ended the season hitting .286 with 14 RBI and two homers.

I will be cheering for Jordan except for when he playing the Dodgers. I wish him the best of luck.

Me and Matt Moore

Matt Moore moved to a town about 20 miles east of Albuquerque called Edgewood when he was 11. For those of you who are not familiar with New Mexico that area is known as the east Mountains. I also grew up in the East Mountains long before Matt moved there. As a matter of fact we didn't even have a little league back then. So seeing a young man like Matt who grew up in that area having so much success in Major League Baseball makes me proud. I had never spoken to Matt before last night, but I was very impressed how he interacted with the fans last night.

I had never seen Matt pitch until his first start with the Rays against the Yankees on September 22, 2011. as a matter of fact I have seen his brother Bobby pitch more than I have seen Matt. I had followed him through the minors and heard good things, so I was very excited to see him pitch. He did very good pitching that night going five innings giving up four hits no runs and striking out 11 and walking only one.

Matt's next start was against the Texas Rangers in game one of the ALDS. Matt went seven innings gave up two hits struck out six and walked two that day. He threw 98 pitches 62 for strikes and got the win.

I wish Matt the best and think we will see big things from him in the future.

Jordan and Matt have set the bar high for those young men from New Mexico who have dreams of playing Major League Baseball, but that's good. I am very happy to see these two local young men succeeding in Major League Baseball.

DODGERS SIGN MACDOUGAL

2012-01-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Mike MacDougal Petco Park 2011

Yeserday the Dodgers announced they have signed right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal to a one-year contract with a club option for 2013.

MacDougal pitched 57 innings with a 2.05 ERA out of the Dodgers bullpen last season.

SPRING TRAINING

Spring Training is right around the corner! Are you planing to head out to Camelback Ranch and watch the Dodgers get ready for the 2012 season? If so tickets go on sale today!

In a press release from the Dodger they a say...

Single-game ticket prices begin at $8 ($13 premier games) and all tickets for the Dodgers’ first three games at Camelback (excluding “All You Can Eat” tickets and suites) are half price. Baseline reserved seats are now available for an advanced price of $10, previously $15, and baseline field box seat prices have dropped from $28 to an advance price of $19.

Season tickets, mini plans, group tickets and suites are also available and the 2012 season-ticket pricing structure reflects an average decrease of 13 percent over 2011 prices.

The Dodgers’ first game at Camelback Ranch – Glendale is on Monday, March 5 at 1:05 p.m. against the Chicago White Sox.

More information about Spring Training, including the Camelback Ranch promotional schedule and full ticket pricing information, is available at http://www.camelbackranchbaseball.com/

KYLE RUSSELL FIRST AAA HOMERUN

2012-01-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here is some highlights posted on Youtube by the Albuquerque Isotopes. In the highlights you will see a great assist by Russell Mitchell, and Kyle Russell's first AAA homerun.

ISOTOPES PLAYER AWARDS FOR 2011

2012-01-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

I got real busy at my job last season and didn't get a chance to post this video from the Isotopes. I had a little time today and here it is. Better late than never! Sorry!

MEL CORBO

2012-01-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I attended a SABR meeting and the guest speaker was Mel Corbo. Who's That? I didn't know who he was either before I heard him speak.

Mel was drafted by the Dodgers in 1959 and played fro the Albuquerque Dodgers in, 1966, 1967, 1968, and the Albuquerque Dukes in 1964.

In 1964 he hit .339 with 23 homers and 98 RBI in 121 games.

Back then Albuquerque was the Double-A affiliate of the Dodgers and played in the Texas League.

He was roommates with Tommy Lasorda. He spent 12 years in The Dodgers organization.

He told some very entertaining stories about being in the Dodgers organization. He was called up for a bit with the Dodgers but never for a long period of time.

Me and Mel Corbo 2011 at Isotopes Park

After he spoke to Rio Grande SABR he passed out a post card to every one who attended. It was pretty cool. If you have never attended a meeting I highly recommend it.

JOE TORRE RISIGNS FROM MLB TO MAKE BID FOR DODGERS

2012-01-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Top of the dugout at Isotopes Park

In a press release on MLB.com Former Dodgers Manager Joe Torre says he want to make a bid for the Dodgers.

Torre says in a press release "I am so appreciative of the chance the Commissioner gave me to see the game from a different perspective by working for Major League Baseball, especially during such a great time for our sport. I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much. I want to thank the Commissioner and all of my colleagues over the last year, particularly the members of the Baseball Operations group and the Major League Umpires."

You can read the whole press release by clicking here.

Espn Los Angeles Reports "Torre's group is backed by Los Angeles real estate developer Rick Caruso. He is known for building high-end outdoor shopping centers, including The Grove at Farmers Market. You can read Espn Los Angeles article by clicking here

This is going to be very interesting. I still cant believe there is so many rich people out there. I don't know much about Caruso other than he owns Malls. I like that he has Torre in his corner because Torre can do good things for the Dodgers. I am still pulling for Dennis Gilbert, But Torre would be nice.

I just had a horrible thought! What if the new owner moves the Triple-A team out of Albuquerque!

JAMIE HOFFMANN

2012-01-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Jamie Hoffmann

A familiar face won't be in an Isotopes uniform in the 2012 season. Outfielder Jamie Hoffmann was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies back in December.

Hoffmann played a very good centerfield. I saw him steal a couple of homeruns on Isotopes hill. In 2010 with the Isotopes he hit .310 with eight homers and 74 RBI. In 2011 he hit .297 with 22 home runs, 23 doubles, 84 RBIs and 14 steals in 133 games.

Photo Credit Evan: Jamie Hoffmann

Jamie was very good with the fans. He was always willing to sign autographs and was real respectful. I remeber I was sitting in my seat at Isotopes Park one day watching him sign for fans by the tunnel to the Isotopes dugout. He signed and he asked "Did I sign for everyone". When you are good with the fans that goes a long way with me.

I hope he gets the chance to play in the big leagues for the Rockies. I wish him the best. Good luck Jamie!

Photo Cedit Evan: Jamie Hoffmann

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Evan: Dee Gordon was a very exciting player to watch during the 2011 season at Isotopes Park

Happy New year to everyone. Its around this time I get real excited for baseball, and lately its all I think about.

What am I thinking about?

First I want all this ownership stuff to be over with. I would like to hear more about the team than about a Judge in Delaware ruling on one thing or another. I want to hear that the owner of the Dodgers signed off on a deal to acquire player "X".

One thing I learned through this whole ordeal is there is a lot of beyond rich people who want to buy the team. I really didn't think there was that may people who could afford the team, but there is more than I thought. Competition is good. May the best billionaire win.

Who would I like to see buy the team? I would hope the best man wins but, I am kinda pulling for Dennis Gilbert. I guess it's because when I am watching Dodger games on T.V. I always see him behind home plate. He knows this team, and he is a "Baseball Guy" He knows the business.

Enough about that. How about the Isotopes. We were pretty lucky to see Dee Gordon, Jerry Sands, and Trayvon Robinson play last season. What can we expect this season? Mike Sciocias Tragic Illness has a little preview of what we might see come through Albuquerque.

Who am I excited to see this season. Nathan Eovaldi, and Allen Webster are the first come to my mind, and they might come through Albuquerque, but I noticed last season that the Dodgers seemed to leave the pitching down in AA, so i don't know if we will see them here this season.

Photo Credit Evan: Tim Federowicz at Petco Park 2011

I would like to see Tim Federowicz some more. I didn't like the trade I guess because I get kinda attached to players like Tayvon Robinson, but what I did see of Federowicz I liked. I saw him homer and it wasn't a high deep homer it was a laser line drive homer. If you blinked you would have missed it. The other times I saw him hit he seemed to hit the ball solid. They were also line drive lasers. I think the more I see of him the more I am going to like him.

I would also like to see Brian Cavasos-Galvez and Greg Wilborn play at Isotopes Park. They are both from New Mexico and I always root for the local kids to make it.

You can read the whole article called "Checking Into the 2012 Albuquerque Isotopes" at MSTI by clicking here.

Photo Credit Evan: Josh Lindblom at Isotopes Park 2009

Josh Lindblom who played with the Dodgers last season and with the Isotopes in 2009 has started a foundation called The Josh Lindblom Foundation. The foundations mission is "TO PROMOTE AWARENESS AND RAISE FUNDS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN NEED AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OTHER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS."

Josh is a very nice guy and hope his foundation does well. You can find out more about The Josh Lindblom Foundation and upcoming events by going to their website at http://www.joshlindblom.com/.

Matt Moore

Photo credit Evan: Jordan Pacheco at Isotopes Park During Major League weekend 2010

Matt is not a Dodger but a pitcher for the Tampa bay Rays, and he is also from Edgewood New Mexico which is about 20 miles east of Albuquerque. Anyway there will be a banquet, honoring Major League Baseball players Matt Moore (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) and Jordan Pacheco (Colorado Rockies) on Jan. 6th at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Albuquerque.

The event is sponsored by The University of New Mexico Baseball team and the Albuquerque West Side Chamber of Commerce.

You can get more information about the event by clicking here

Well I hope you all had a happy and safe New Year. Best wishes to everyone for 2012.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE!

2011-10-19T12:57:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since my last post. I have been working some long days. I happened to take today off because it's the World Series!

Since my last post the Isotopes season ended, the AAA Championship game was played here in Albuquerque, and I traveled to San Diego to see the Dodgers.

It was the second to last series of the season when I was in San Diego. I had never been to Petco, and I was very impressed not only with Petco Park but the city of San Diego.

I had been to the city of San Diego before for work but I was usually in and out in 16 hours. I never had time to check out the town.

I purchased tickets on Southwest Airlines for $50.00 each, one way. You got to keep checking their website for deals. I got lucky and after all the the taxes and other charges it came out to 300.00 for my wife and I round trip.

The flight from Albuquerque to San Diego was about an hour and forty five minutes.

When we arrived in San Diego I was surprised that the airport only had one runway.

One thing that I really liked about San Diego is that everything is in walking distance. We also made use of the Trolly. You really don't need to rent a car. Which saves money, alot of money.

I figured after it was all said and done we spent about a third of what it cost when we travel to Los Angeles to see a Dodger game.

We stayed in San Diego five days and besides the game there was plenty to do. Shopping, and great restaurants are all near the stadium.

Lets start with the game. We went to the Sunday afternoon game when we arrived at Petco there were Dodger fans all over the place. The gates opened and we found our seats. I went down to get autographs and my wife stayed in our seats. she sent me a text that said "Matt Kemps mom is sitting in front of us" I thought she was joking, but when I got back to the seats not only was Matt Kemps mom sitting in front of us but so was Dave Stewart!

Matt Kemps mom was nice enough to take a picture with my wife! She and Dave Stewart were great with all the Dodger fans.

I was standing waiting for some autographs and Josh Lindblom came up to me and recognized me! He asked "How long did it take to get here from Albuquerque" I told him we flew so only an hour and a half.

I was also lucky enough to see Clayton Kershaw pitch. That was real cool.

When it was all said an done the Dodgers won the game.

I will definatly be returning to San Diego next season.

RUSS MITCHELL PCL BATTER OF THE WEEK

2011-08-09T10:40:00.000-06:00

Photo credit Evan: Russ Mitchell at Isotopes Park 2011

The press release from the Isotopes list Mitchell's week where he hit .467, 14 hits in 30 at-bats for the week, while scoring nine times, hitting three doubles, a triple, three home runs, and driving in 14.

It was pretty cool watching Mitchell and Hoffmann both hit two homers each on Saturday night. Mitchell ended the night with two three-run homers, racking up a career-high six RBI.

I also have to mention that Mitchell and his buddy Jamie Hofmann both are great with the fans. I don't know them personally but just watching the and how the conduct themselves, I have much respect for both of them.

Congratulations Russ you deserve it!

GOOD BYE TO TRAYVON ROBINSON

2011-08-02T08:47:00.001-06:00

All Photos by Evan

With all the ownership problems in Los Angeles, I used to think about how when everything gets figured out that a Dodgers team of Kemp, Ethier, Kershaw, Gordon, Sands, and Robinson would be the light at the end of the tunnel. Well It looks like I will not get to see Trayvon Robinson in a Dodgers uniform.

You have probably already heard that Robinson was traded to the Red Sox who the traded him to the Mariners. He was trade for catcher Tim Federowicz and right-handers Stephen Fife and Juan Rodriguez.

I really don't understand the trade but who am I! Ned Coletti said in a press release "It's tough to find catchers and we have a good feel for Federowicz,” said Colletti. “He's a good leader, strong behind the plate and a good defensive player. He's somebody who has gotten better and better offensively.”

If catchers are tough to find why did the Dodgers trade Lucas May and Carlos Santana.

I thought with Robinson being from Los Angeles he would be a good asset to the Dodger team with all that is going on.

At the start of the season I was real excited to be able to watch Robinson, Gordon, and Sands play for the Isotopes. I had alot of fun watching them play here in Albuquerque.

Robinson was always good with the fans here in Albuquerque. It was an honer to watch him develop. I wish he was still in the Dodgers organization. I wish him the best in Seattle or Tacoma where ever he ends up.

I took all these pictures during Robinson's time in Albuquerque. I wish him the best. I still can't believe he was traded.

DUKES RETRO NIGHT

2011-07-24T19:34:00.000-06:00

I havn't had time for much in the past few weeks but I would't dream of missing Dukes Retro night at Isotopes Park.

I really like the Mustard yellow Dukes Jerseys. All photos by Evan

Jerry Sands played first base last night!

Dee Gordon is so much fun to watch play. When he gets on base watch out!

Trayvon Robinson can't wait for the day when I hear he has been called up! Can't wait for the day to see a Dodger outfield of Robinson, Kemp, and Ethier!

Since A J returned back to Albuquerque he is so serious.

Lorenzo Bundy I like the guy it seems like he has a close bond with all of the players

Jerry Sands almost threw down with the Zephyers. Dee Gordon had to hold him back

I will have more pictures and a post about the Albuquerque Baseball Hall of Fame later this week!

VOTE FOR ANDRE ETHIER

2011-07-04T14:05:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit Evan: Vote for Andre Ethier!

Lets get Andre Ethier voted to the National League All-Star team. You can vote by clicking here. or by going to this link http://atmlb.com/kZExsw

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2011-07-04T13:54:00.002-06:00