The Dodgers and Giants will be playing beginning tonight in San Francisco.  Wolfy will be pitching and the starting lineup will be intact.  Yesterday was a disaster with the Dodgers allowing 10 runs, a season high so far.  However 3 of the starting lineup sat it out which I wonder about.  Manny, Furcal and Blake.  What was Joe thinking of?  Poor Clayton had another rough game.  He is still young and will get better.  Hopefully he won’t lose his confidence.  

I am again waiting for them to come back to Los Angeles.  I must be overanxious because in my spare time I have been busy buying more tickets for the games when I already have season tickets.  I have 3 seats so far for the April 30 game.  I will have 3 different views of the field.  I really can’t ask for a better season seat: front row field level by the left field foul pole.  Well, maybe, Dugout Club…there’s something to say about having Robert Wuhl sitting next to you with Jon Lovitz a row behind.  Kevin Bacon was sitting directly in front of me during one game.  Jane, you would fit right in with them.  

Sorry this is a short post but I am working several nights in a row to be able to go to as many games as possible.  I have to get ready to play my other role..ER nurse.  During baseball season I think being a DODGER FAN is my primary role.  My life pretty much has to fit around the games much like Jane Heller and her Yankees, Julia and her Red Sox, Kaybee and her Padres.  We love our teams.  It does make life much richer.

The picture above was taken by me right after Matty Kemp’s grand slam homerun.  I was screaming and jumping up and down at the same time so it’s amazing that the picture is in focus.  This was only one of the homeruns that Matt hit today.

It just seems that the Dodgers are becoming unbeatable.  Oops, as everyone tells me, the Dodgers started out strong last season and then slumped.  Part of the reason was Furcal’s season ending back surgery.  So let the Cat dream a little.

The Dodgers swept the Giants handily and then did the same with the Rockies.  I was happy about the first sweep since as a Dodgers ardent supporter, I can’t stand the Giants.  I was happy for the second sweep because Clint Hurdle has publically stated that he doesn’t like the Dodgers.  Well, so there, Clint.  Now go back to Colorado.

And it seems that there is a different hero everyday.  Today was Matt Kemp’s day.  Besides his homeruns which pretty much set the tone for the pounding that the Rocks got today, his defense was amazing.  He was superman.  And congratulations to Scott Elbert who was just called up from the minors after Cory Wade’s going on DL with bursiitis.  He was the winning pitcher and also was successful at bat, even though it was a borrowed bat from Randy Wolf.  He also borrowed Randy’s gloves.  Yesterday the hero was our guy Andre Ethier.  Let’s hear it from our resident Ethieroholics. Of course Manny is everyones hero every day.

Now the Dodgers go on the road.  Hopefully they can stay in number one since that is where they belong.  Their offense is strong, their pitching is surviving, and Broxton is outstanding.  As everyone says, the Dodgers have had a perfect homestamd. 

Back to work tomorrow night.  I feel like I have been in a dream going to so many Dodger games.  I love my guys.  I love baseball.   

My fellow bloggers are moaning and groaning about their teams:  the Yankees and the Red Sox.  But I am exhilarated.  My Dodgers are on a five game winning streak and now are tied for first with the Padres.  Before the season started, even during Spring Training, many would not believe how the team has come together.  We all were not sure of the pitching, myself included.  Although Kuroda is injured, the other SPs have risen to the occasion.  Broxton has been outstanding.  Has anyone else noticed that he seems slimmer?  Randy Wolf has surprised everyone with his performance.  Kershaw pitched a super game with 13 strikeouts.

By far what I am impressed with is that our players have matured.  Everyone seems more patient.  The offense is strong.  And it isn’t all about Manny.  Everyone is getting their hits.  They all seem to be having a good time playing the game.  And all of us fans are having a great time watching then play.

I may be imagining things but I think the food in the Dugout Club is even more delicious this season.  Wednesday the fare was unbelievable.  I can never compliment the Dodger stadium staff enough.  They are a very efficient group, as well as being friendly.  They always make me feel welcome.

Ron Cey autographed a ball for me to give a good friend.  He was so nice about it and wrote my friend’s name on it and a short message before signing it.  My friend put it on his mantle in a place of honor.  Mr. Cey was his hero growing up.  The next day I saw him again and he shook my hand as I thanked him again for signing the ball.   By the way, my friend lives near Dallas, Texas and is still a Dodgers fan.

So far my days at Dodger Stadium have been memorable.  Opening Day was wonderful.  Jackie Robinson Day always is special for me.  There is almost nothing that brings me more pleasure than watching my Dodgers play.  Not many people understand the love affair I am having with baseball.  During baseball season the Dodgers are my life.   And I have never been happier.   I have made many friends with the same love.  My life seems so much richer.  I know there are many of you who totally understand where I am coming from.  I’m talking about you, Jane, Julia, Mark, Dodger4life, Nellyjune, Ethieroholics, we all have that passion. 

There has never been such an opening day!!  At least I don’t think there could have been another one as memorable as this one at Dodger Stadium.

I arrived early as usual.  Everyone was excited, happy, anticipating a wonderful opening day.  But no one could anticipate what was to happen.

I had a mission today to get a ball signed for one of my good friends, Pete, who lives in Texas but is a Dodger fan.  The only autograph he ever wanted was Ron Cey.  I accomplished that goal today before the game.  Good, I was already happy and would be no matter how the game turned out. 

Before the game Frank McCourt, the owner of the Dodgers walked down the field but stopped to say hello to a young fan.  He stopped and shook my friend Joanna’s hand and then mine.  That was an experience.  The pregame show was enough to get everyone in the mood for a big game.  I’m not sure who decided on having the Navy during the show or having the Stealth fighter fly over Dodger Stadium, but it was so perfect, especially after the rescue of the Captain of that captured ship.  I was proud of the Dodger fans and the applause they gave the Navy.  It was inspiring.

I’m beginning to think that eleven is going to be a popular score for the Dodgers, 11-2, then 11-1 today.  What an opening day it was.  Frist Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle, the first Dodger to do so since Wes Parker in 1970 did so at Shea Stadium.  O Dog was the first Dodger to hit for the cycle at Dodger Stadium!  We saw history happen.  And then our Andre for all you Ethieroholics hit 2 homeruns!   Every Dodger had a hit including Bills who pitched an outstanding game only allowing one run.  Our pitchers have one of the lowest ERAs in the MLB.  And we were worried about the pitching.  Broxton has had stellar pitching.  No need for a save today.  Randy Wolf and Eric Stults have also pitched well in the last two games.  Our offense is the best.  I again predict that our Dodgers will go to the World Series 

Victory feels sweet.  It was a big win for Eric Stults brought up from Albuquerque allowing only one run in 6 1/3 innings.  The hero of the game was Orlando Hudson.  But as the Dodgers tend to do, they shared in the offense. 

The only survivor in the Nick Adenhart tragedy has been upgraded from critical condition.  It is amazing that anyone survived the crash.  Prayers to his family and hopes for a speedy recovery.

GO DODGERS!! 

Sorry everyone.  I’m having a problem focusing the last couple of days.  I think it’s a little jet lag possibly.  Nick’s tragic death hit me harder than I thought it would.  I know it will take me a while so bear with me.  I keep telling myself that life goes on.  Every day is precious.

And the Dodgers will return to Dodger Stadium Monday.  I look ahead and realize this is the day that I have been looking forward to since last October.  Baseball is back.  Life is good. I will be going to every game starting with Opening Day.  I look forward to seeing my wonderful Dodger friends including Rosa, Roni, Ron, George (my favorite usher), all the great security staff who keep the stadium safe, including Louie and Henry.  I also hope to see Linda, Nina and Joanna my new friends from the Dodger Caravan.  I can’t wait to see the staff of the Dugout Club who are the best.  And most of all, I can’t wait to see my Dodger guys.  Matty, James, Russell, Dre, the young anchors of our team.  The dream lives on.  This is the season we will go to the World Series.  I said it first.  Thank you everyone for reading my blog.  Thank you for your great posts.

I am sitting here at Washington-Dulles Airport thinking about how life can change in an instant.  I am talking about Nick Adenhart, the Angels pitcher who lost his life after a senseless accident.  I couldn’t let the day go by without saying something about it.  I’m waiting for my connecting flight back to L.A. 

How marvelous that he was able to pitch such a wonderful game for the Angels.  How sad that that was his last.  I hope all of us take some time out to pray for his family, the Angels organizataion and for all of us. 

Good night Nick.  We will remember you. 

Okay, so today I still feel full from last nights fare at the Club.  It must have been the hot apple piie and caramel apple I had after the frozen yogurt. 

So let’s get serious about the team.  I know it’s just an exhibition game but 4 runs in one inning???  Joe, Joe, what pitchers are you going to keep.  I can say a few things but I won’t.  I trust you.  I agree with James MacDonald as the fifth SP.  I am not biased.  James went to my high school, Long Beach Polytechnic High School.  He is an outstanding coolheaded pitcher.  Good luck James..  Actually I like Hiroki, Baby Clayton, Randy Wolf and our ace Chad but the bullpen has a few kinks.  I think Ohman will be okay.  Brox needs a little polishing but then he was not at ST long.

The offense is the strong factor this season unlike the other seasons when pitching was so hot.  Andre, James and Casey have been outstanding during ST.  My personal favorite Matty Kemp will be strong too.  Russell seems a bit thinner and possibly more relaxed.  I’m not sure if losing weight will be a positive since he already is pretty fast.  With Ausmus on board, hopefully he will get more time off.

Sports Illustrated seems to like the Dodgers in the West.  That’s always good news.  Barring injuries, please Raffy watch your back.  O Dog guard your wrist.  Kuo keep healthy.  Last year the Dodgers went down like bowling pins with their injuries.  If we can keep those injuries down, I think we have a good chance to go to the playoffs.  Possibly we may get lucky and pick up another pitcher like maybe Bedard??  Maybe someone might be on sale?  We could be lucky like we were with Manny.  Any pitcher misbehaving??

Although we lost the game yesterday, I had a super time.  Being the UAM (ultimate autograph magnet) I did snag a couple of autographs.  I suppose I’ve been to enough games that the players are starting to recognize me.  I was standing at my season seat over by the left field foul pole when Russell Martin glanced over to me,  recognition flashed in his eyes, and he nodded and waved to me.  Being me, I waved back and looked around to make sure he was waving at me.  Yes, it was me he had singled out of the crowd of fans.  Does a girl good.  Matty Kemp, James Loney and Andre Ethier also recognize me and always ask me how I’ve been.  I think I am sooooo lucky.  I never take any of this for granted.  I love my guys.