Spring Training: Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres Are Ready for New Season

March 26—Peoria Sports Complex—Peoria, AZ

L.A. Dodgers 5, San Diego 4

On a lazy, breezy, sun-filled afternoon, it was apparent the regular season is fast-approaching as NL West rivals Los Angeles and San Diego played a spirited spring training contest that had the feel of a regular season game between rivals.

One batter for each team was hit by a pitch, which sparked the benches and bullpens to empty, leading to a few harsh words and finger pointing. The home team, Padres, fans were ignited and pulled out the trusty “Beat L.A.” chant even in the valley of the sun.

The drama and tension was surprisingly high and everyone had a good time.

Dodgers Notes

Clayton Kershaw completed a strong spring, pitching 3.1 innings before manager Don Mattingly gave him the hook. Kershaw had total command of his fastball and finished with 2.49 ERA over 25 innings, striking out 20 and handing out just six free passes.

Juan Uribe won’t end up on the cover of Men’s Health magazine, but he looked smooth swinging the bat with a home run and ringing double.

Of all the 15 teams witnessed in spring training, the Dodgers have the worst batch of body types. While not being in tip-top shape doesn't mean a team will or won’t compete for a division crown, but it might end up hurting Los Angeles on defense this upcoming season.

Padres Notes

Watching Dustin Moseley as the starting pitcher for San Diego, at first you wondered why the L.A. Angels had given up on him. Moseley has a fluid throwing motion, good off-speed pitches, but does not bring anything special to the mound. Once Dodgers hitters got a second look at his tosses, the hit parade started, chasing Moseley in the fifth inning after eight hits and five runs.

Having Orlando Hudson batting third in recent contests suggests the Friars will not be a potent offense. Hudson has been swinging a steady bat (.326), but any team having him at such an important spot in the batting order likely will have issues scoring runs consistently.