The Trolley Dodger

That bright light outdoors must mean that Spring has officially sprung and the sounds of baseball are in the air.

Yes, this is not news to most online fans, those who have been religiously following and commenting on every last organizational wiggle since the end of the 2009 season. Having been one of those bloggers and one of those fans in off-seasons past, I had to take a step back this time around. A sort of palate cleansing, if you will.

After the McCourts’ implosion news threatened to turn the 2010 baseball season into a year-long episode of Divorce Court, I took a mental step back from MLB and turned my attention to the Lakers’ title defense, the Kings’ rebuilding plan coming to fruition, World Cup 2010 preparations, and Landon Donovan’s successful run with Everton FC.

Which is not to say I haven’t been keeping up on Dodger developments.

Storylines I’m especially curious about at the moment:

• The Eric Gagné Experiment, now moved to the minor league camp.
• Just how awesomely lethal the Kemp-Ethier combo could be this year.
• Just how awesomely lethal the Kershaw-Billingsley combo could be this year.
• Whether Furcal is as revitalized as he thinks he is.
• Where James McDonald winds up pitching, and whether he’s starting or relieving.
• Is Ramon Ortiz for real?
• What’s the severity of Kuo’s current elbow injury?
• Whither Belisario?
• What’s up with Russell Martin?
• Will the revised Union Station -> Dodger Stadium shuttle stick this time around?
• What does Garrett Anderson have in the tank?

So, with my baseball batteries recharged, I can finally relax a bit, look forward to the Spring’s first hot dog at the first ball game, and feel excited about the Dodgers again. :)

Congrats!

Belated congratulations to Jon Weisman and Tony Jackson for their respective moves to ESPN Los Angeles. Not to mention blogger Bob Timmermann joining LA Observed. Much success to them all!

Finally, an especial congratulations and thanks to Trolley-favorite Nomar Garciaparra, who recently announced his retirement. Thanks for the classiness, the carne asada, and the memories.

You blink in the world of blogging, and everything changes. :)

First of all, massive congratulations to Jon Weisman and Dodger Thoughts, now part of the LA Times website. It’s certainly been a bout of culture shock for the DT community, but the rapid rebound points to its strength. Way to go, Jon!

On the flip-side of that coin, we are unfortunately losing The Griddle, Catfish Stew, and the rest of the Baseball Toaster blogs. They will definitely be missed.

Back to happier matters. The Official Dodger blogs are expanding, with the ‘Topes Tattler bringing us the lowdown on the new AAA affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes (can’t wait to pick up a new cap and pennant!). And closer to home, the 66ers Baby Blue Blog will be doing the same for the High-A Inland Empire 66ers.

One of Jon’s last DT posts was “Dodger Blogs Ready for 2009″, listing some of the now-established Dodger blogs and pointing out there are a bunch of newcomers. I’m pretty sure I have everybody new and updated in the sidebar here, but if I missed you please feel free to let me know via the comments.

Can’t wait for the season to start!