San Bernardino County transit service Omnitrans has a post reminding folks you can take the bus to see Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Inland Empire 66ers games, “Take Omnitrans Out to the Ballgame”

Omnitrans is proud to be part of the tradition of baseball in San Bernardino County. This season, we are teaming up once again with both the Inland Empire 66′ers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Throughout the season, you will find Omnitrans and Buster at many games at both teams’ home stadiums.

Buster is Omnitrans’s mascot — check out that blog post for a list of appearances at various of both team’s games this season.

I commute on Omnitrans most workdays and have found both their buses and drivers to be awesome. The organization has also done a good job of reaching onto the Internet and social media platforms. Check out the top of their blog for links to Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Well, that’s a big ol’ bummer interrobang at the end of a long, bummer season. The Dodgers announced today that they have signed an agreement with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, making them their High-A affiliate in the California League. And while this probably isn’t a big deal to other folks, it does move the team 20+ miles farther away from the Trolley Dodger compound.

On the plus side, the Quakes have quite possibly the most excellent stadium name (the Epicenter) and a nice view of the mountains. I’m sure it’ll be great, just will take some getting used to. :)

The first thing we noticed after getting parked was a more pronounced police presence than usual.

There were also cops and security personnel cruising around the stadium. But that’s to be expected when you get a world-famous athlete playing in your park. We didn’t see anything untoward going on, apart from one fight in the 4th inning that was quickly squelched, so it seemed to be working.

It was noticeably more crowded getting around the entrance and food vendor areas, although I’ve seen it similarly crowded on big promotion nights or holidays.

While waiting in line for our first Dodger Dog and local Hangar 24 beer, we caught a couple readying themselves for the game with a final dreadlocks adjustment.

There were a ton of the Manny dreadlocks wigs being worn, including by Bernie, the 66ers’ mascot (see below).

Once we got seated, this gentleman was good enough to stand in front and remind us of why we were all there. ;)

A crowd was standing at the third-base-side railing trying to strain for a view into the dugout. When Manny made his first appearance, running onto the fields for warmups, he also got the first of several ovations of the night. Somebody even broke out a beach ball for the occasion, just like at Dodger Stadium. :)

Partway through warmups, Manny jogged over to the railing and signed autographs in the middle of this mob.

Big cheers for Manny’s introduction and him running on the field. No boos were heard anywhere near us. A few were reserved for San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris, who threw out the first pitch. ;)

Much like a pro soccer game, the players were accompanied onto the field by kids. Here’s Manny with a couple of children and 66ers mascot Bernie.

Bernie also engaged in a bit of pre-game meditation on the third-base line.

I’m a sucker for mascots, especially talented ones. Bernie has some great routines, and the kids adore him. Here he is rocking the dreadlocks and the cowbell.

In Manny’s first at-bat, batting leadoff, he drew a walk from the understandably nervous Rancho Cucamonga Quakes pitcher, Alex Torres. The starter settled down, later striking Manny out twice.

After the walk, Manny went from first to third on a double by DH Elian Herrera, but was stranded there.

Winner for best headgear of the night was this fellow, with a Dodger cap atop his sombrero.

Manny had a pretty good average thanks to the home run the night before. Kind of surreal seeing his name out there on the old scoreboard.

Shouts of “Manny!” and “I love you, Manny!” and “Hey, Manuelito!” as he came off the field. Cellphone cameras filled up with pictures.

Preston Mattingly, son of Dodger pitching coach Don Mattingly, pinch-hit for Manny in the 6th inning, then stayed in at LF for the 7th and the rest of the game — which, by the way, the 66ers won, 4-1, after a great eight innings by starter Timothy Sexton.

Manny’s name at the top of the lineup board. All of those guys will have quite a story to tell, no matter how far they go in their baseball careers. I wonder who will be making it to the bigs someday.

Here’s the starting lineup transcribed (see box score):

• LF Manny Ramirez
• DH Elian Herrera
• CF Trayvon Robinson
• 3B Pedro Baez
• 1B Steven Caseres
• RF Scott Van Slyke
• 2B Adolfo Gonzalez
• C Alex Garabedian
• SS Christian Lara
• P Timothy Sexton

I imagine writing that name on the board must have been fun. :)

Lastly is this sign located just outside the entrance, with mileage to the various Dodger facilities around the US and Caribbean. If only we knew what units the distance to Albuquerque were in! ;)

A few other articles and related whatnot about the night:

• ie66ers.com: “Ramirez causes stir in San Bernardino”
• ie66ers.com: “Sexton Steals Spotlight from Manny”
• mlb.com: “Quiet night for Manny with Inland Empire”
• San Bernardino Sun: “Dodger fans flock to see Ramirez”
• San Bernardino Sun: Photo gallery
• LA Times: “Manny Ramirez’s minor league tour coming to end”
• Manny’s minorleaguebaseball.com page
• Box Score

Keep in mind:

The 66ers would also like to remind fans that the media reports concerning Manny Ramirez’s rehab appearance with the 66ers has not been confirmed by the Dodgers as of Friday morning. Major League players’ rehab schedules are subject to change, so the team cannot confirm or guarantee that Ramirez will be playing on those days. Both Sunday and Monday games are currently SOLD OUT, however the 66ers have created special ticket options for the two games. Tickets for Tuesday’s 11 a.m. game are still available.

They have a new $25 BBQ Picnic Ticket option:

The BBQ Picnic Tickets include an all-you-can-eat food buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, chips and cookies. Soda and water are also available at the buffet. The tickets will include a wristband for admission to the 1st base patio area for the buffet, which will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. The seating area for the BBQ Picnic Tickets is in the 1st base patio area, and there are no assigned seats in this area. These tickets must be purchased in advance at the 66ers box office while they are still available.

Fans will receive one (1) wristband per ticket purchased, and fans must have their bracelet to enter the patio area. There will be a $25 replacement fee for all lost wristbands. The 66ers encourage fans purchasing BBQ Picnic Tickets to give themselves extra time getting to the stadium, parking and getting into the ballpark. Long lines and large crowds are expected for both games, so please plan accordingly.

There was a steady stream of ticket buyers coming up to the windows at Arrowhead Credit Union Stadium in downtown San Bernardino this morning when I stopped by. I poked my head in to the office and confirmed with a front desk person that there had been a swing upwards in ticket sales this morning.

I’m guessing tickets will still be available until there is more confirmation about dates, but of course at this point there’s no telling for sure.

If this does turn out to be a Manny-splendored game, I’ll naturally be posting pictures and audio afterwards — during, if I can get it worked out.

I came across a picture I took of the lineup board from that day (click to embiggen):

Out of curiosity, I decided to find out what has become of these players, not quite two years later, as a cross-section of Dodger minor-leaguers.

SS Shane Justis

Currently: 2B Huntsville Stars (AA Brewers). Selected by Brewers in 2008 Rule 5 draft. Hitting .313/.377/.462/.838 with 3 HR, 15 BB, and 19 SO in 182 AB.

CF Ryan Rogowski

Currently: OF New Jersey Jackals of the independent CanAm League. In 2008, he made it up to Jacksonville (AA Dodgers) then was sent back down to the 66ers. He was released in Spring Training 2009. Hitting .323/.355/.436/.791 with 0 HR, 3 BB, and 3 SO in 31 AB.

2B Travis Denker

Currently: 2B Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA Red Sox). Traded from Dodgers to Giants in August 2007 as PTBNL in the Mark Sweeney trade. Placed on waivers after 2008 season and selected by the Padres, who subsequently waived him in April 2009, and was claimed by the Red Sox. Hitting .247/.339/.351/.690 with 2 HR, 19 BB, and 30 SO in 154 AB at Pawtucket.

C Lucas May

Currently: C Chattanooga Lookouts (AA Dodgers). Hitting .298/.391/.468/.859 with 4 HR, 14 BB, and 23 SO in 94 AB.

RF Jamie Hoffmann

Currently: OF Los Angeles Dodgers. Started 2009 at Chattanooga, then went to Albuquerque. Called up after Xavier Paul (another 66ers alum) went down with an staph infection. Likely headed back to AAA soon. Hitting .190/.174/.429/.602 with 1 HR, 0 BB, and 5 SO in 21 AB.

3B Russell Mitchell

Currently: 1B Chattanooga Lookouts (AA Dodgers). Hitting .175/.234/.296/.530 with 5 HR, 14 BB, and 40 SO in 189 AB.

1B Drew Locke

AKA Andrew Locke, Andy Locke. Currently: OF Corpus Christi Hooks (AA Astros). Hitting .351/.395/.566/.961 with 10 HR, 18 BB, and 37 SO in 205 AB.

DH Bridger Hunt

Currently: recovering from off-season shoulder surgery in Glendale AZ. Listed as “inactive” on the 66ers roster.

LF Adam Godwin

Currently: CF Chattanooga Lookouts (AA Dodgers). Hitting .253/.304/.295/.599 with 0 HR, 6 BB, and 28 SO in 95 AB.

SP Randy Wolf

Currently: SP Los Angeles Dodgers.

Thanks to Matt Pedersen, 66ers Media Relations, for the assist on tracking down a couple of the guys.

Also, they’ve really got to replace the scoreboard and monochromatic video screen someday soon — it looks like a large version of an old Gameboy. In fact, their newer advertising video screen out by the freeway is way better than the one in the park. It does, however, have a certain quaint charm, not unlike an Amish buggy. ;)

The Sixers wound up losing despite some great pitching from the awesomely named Alberto Bastardo, who has been with the team for at least a couple of years. Got to see Preston Mattingly for the first time, not to mention catcher Kenley Jansen, who looks even bigger in person than he did during the World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands.

Not a great game for the team otherwise, but it was still fun to finally be at a ballpark. Looking forward to being at one during the warmer months. And hey, at least it didn’t get rained out like a couple of years ago. ;)

First Dodger Dog of the year — definitely better grilled, of course, but it was a happy moment nonetheless.

Don Mattingly’s son, formerly an infielder. He’s been struggling at the plate I understand. Good to know left field is also protected by the US Border Patrol. I noticed the "Dodgertown Inland Empire," which I guess is the new theme of having several Dodgertowns around (LA, IE, Camelback AZ, etc.) instead of just the one. Sorry for the blurriness — camera on extreme zoom.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs & Roasted Corn. My stepson Hans reacting to the foodstuff available. We haven’t tried those yet, but I hear they’re crazy good. Perhaps they’re just crazy. ;)

This is the 66ers’ mascot Bernie, who has a very funny act. Kids love him, as do most of the adults. Good crowd rapport, plus funny shtick with the umpires.

Bernie and handlers advertising the Dodger blanket giveaway the next night. With the weather forecast I read, they would probably need it!

About half the size as previously, but now free.

The 66ers will be managed Carlos Subero, who enters his first year with the club after leading the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League to a 74-63 record and playoff birth. Former Dodger and 25-year Major League veteran Charlie Hough returns for his third year as pitching coach. Hough will work with three former Dodger first-round draft picks on the 2009 pitching staff, Greg Miller (2002), Justin Orenduff (2002) and Withrow. Another former Dodger, Franklin Stubbs, joins the 66ers as the hitting coach. The former first baseman was a key part of the 1988 Dodgers World Series championship team.

The 2009 roster includes five of the Dodgers top-30 prospects according to Baseball America. Four of the top five prospects are pitchers: Chris Withrow (9), Steven Johnson (15), Daigoro Rondon (23) and Josh Wall (29). Rounding out the prospect group is infielder Pedro Baez (13), who slugged 12 homeruns and drove in 50 runs in 61 games with short-season Class-A Ogden in 2008.

Here’s the whole 66ers roster.

And the other affiliate rosters are up as well:

• AAA Albuquerque Isotopes: Press Release and Roster
• AA Chattanooga Lookouts: Press Release and Roster
• Low A Great Lakes Loons: Press Release and Roster

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!

From the Dodgers minor league report today, seems like DeWitt is doing pretty well so far in his first AAA experience:

BLAKE CAN RAKE: INF Blake DeWitt is 6-for-14 (.429) with a double, a triple, two homers, and seven RBI in three games since being optioned to Las Vegas on Saturday…the 22-year-old was selected by the Dodgers in the first round (28th overall) of the 2004 draft.

And the countdown begins to Vin’s first mention of “Casey at the bat“. :)

ESPN.com: “Source: Indians, Dodgers close to deal sending Blake to L.A.”

The Cleveland Indians are closing in on a trade that would send third baseman/outfielder Casey Blake and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.

The teams were in the process of finalizing the deal early Saturday and it appeared the trade could be completed by the end of the day.

While Blake won’t make that much of an impact — it’s not as if we’re getting A-Rod — he will likely stabilize the 3B position for the rest of the year. As a rental, he could also net us a draft pick or two if we let him walk at the end of the season.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see DeWitt sent down where he should have been the last month or so, with LaRoche on the bench as 2B/3B backup. Unless Andy winds up in some other trade.

The two minor leaguers heading the other direction for Blake are said to be Carlos Santana and Jon Meloan.

Still, a cool moment. As was seeing Jason Schmidt walking out to the mound, wearing #7 on his 66ers uniform. He got a nice round of applause as he was announced.

It was hot in San Berdoo, with a high over 100, which I imagine didn’t make the job any easier. Schmidt looked like he was doing pretty darn well, apart from a brief moment in the 2nd when either Schmidt was having trouble finding the strike zone, or the ump was.

He went 2.1 innings, giving up only one single and one walk, with no runs, three Ks, three flyouts, and one groundout on a difficult comebacker that hit him pretty hard in the 1st inning.

He had to spin around for a moment to find the ball, but still managed to throw the man out at first. Schmidt didn’t seem to be any worse for wear after the ball hit him, or at least he wasn’t letting on if it was. As he walked off, Eduardo Perez looked like he was asking him how he was, and Schmidt nodded and waved his glove as if to say “No problem.”

We left after the Lake Elsinore Storm put up six runs in the 4th, but according to the box score, the 66ers managed to pull out an 8-7 victory in the bottom of the 9th.

Cory Wade, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

CALLED UP: Recalled from Double-A Jacksonville on April 24 when infielder Blake DeWitt was sent down.

DEBUT: April 24 in a 6-4 loss to Arizona. The last of four pitchers, he tossed one hitless inning, striking out one and hitting shortstop Stephen Drew with a pitch.

NOTES: Originally a 10th-round pick in 2004 out of Kentucky Wesleyan, Wade put himself on the Dodgers’ map in 2007 when he posted a 2.45 ERA at Class A Advanced Inland Empire and a 1.36 ERA at Jacksonville, striking out 100 in 99 innings while walking just 28 and limiting hitters to below a .200 average. His strong Arizona Fall League showing earned him a spot on the 40-man roster and made it easier to call him up from the Suns bullpen when an extra reliever was needed.

The Dodgers and 66ers have teamed up to allow the fans of the Inland Empire to show that they really are true blue fans. The first 2,000 people through the gates on Saturday, April 19th at Arrowhead Credit Union Park in San Bernardino will receive a free Dodgers blanket!

Last season the 66ers also gave away a Los Angeles Dodgers blanket and fans came out in flocks! A line of fans snaked around the the stadium with the truest of blue fans lining up as early as 3:30 that afternoon.

They’re playing the High Desert Mavericks, who have replaced the 66ers as the Seattle Mariners’ High A affiliate.

Update: Looks like they should do Blanket Night more often!

The starting pitcher for Inland Empire, Tim Sexton dominated the Mavericks offense for six perfect innings. In a somewhat controversial decision to strictly follow the pitch count, 66ers manager Henry Cruz decided to take Sexton (2-2) out of the game before the seventh inning. Paul Koss pitched the next two innings, and while he did allow three Mavericks to reach base, he kept the no hitter in tact. The three runners that reached base got there on an error and two walks. The ninth inning, and the no-hit bit, was put in the hands of Francisco Felix who started off the inning strong with a strikeout. The chance for a no-hitter ended however when the Mavericks shortstop and highly touted prospect Carlos Triunfel knocked a sharp ground ball to the right side that was too hot for the first baseman Eduardo Perez to handle. Felix would end up striking out the side in the inning, which was little consolation for losing the bid at the no-hitter.