Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode No. 3

Episode No. 3 of "Dugout Blues" is now live. Jared Massey and I talk about the Dodgers' fast start, Matt Kemp's dominance, James Loney's struggles and some good and bad minor-league performances.

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I made my debut on ChadMoriyama.com today with an article about some minor-leaguers who are off to fast starts. Here's an excerpt:

"Jesus Alberto Arredondo — get used to that name, especially if the guy is going to continue to get on base 47 percent of the time.

Arredondo (.400/.471/.567) was signed out of Mexico, is in his first professional season, and he’s already making a great pitchers league look easy. He’s listed as a shortstop, but he’s been playing second base and just turned 21 in February. Maybe he’s the offensive version of Angel Sanchez, who burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old in the Midwest League last year."

I'm going to be a contributor for Chad Moriyama :o

Hey folks. I'm going to be doing some writing over at Chad Moriyama's blog, Chad Moriyama. I'll be covering mostly the minor leagues over there, but I'll also chime in on the Dodgers from time-to-time.

What does it mean for this blog? Well, not a whole lot. I'll still be writing here and posting excerpts of what I write over there. Admittedly, the posts here might not be as frequent, but I still hope to put out some quality work here. And I'll definitely continue doing the weekly podcast with Jared Massey of LA Dugout.

I just want to give a big thanks to Chad for giving me this opportunity. I am humbled and grateful for the chance. Look for my first post soon.

Dodger blogger profile: Chad Moriyama (Chad Moriyama, True Blue L.A.)

In the fifth part of my mini-profiles on fellow Dodger bloggers, I catch up with Chad Moriyama. He used to run the now defunct Memories of Kevin Malone. Now, he writes for True Blue L.A. on occasion and started a new blog, aptly named ChadMoriyama.com.

Chad lives in Hawaii -- the same place I was born -- and he kind of stumbled into not only his Dodger fandom, but also blogging.

The piece I remember him for most is his breakdown of Matt Kemp's swing from 2010 (which he mentions below). It's a fascinating read and it appears Kemp doesn't struggle with a lot of the things Chad mention's anymore.

1. How did you become a Dodgers' fan?
- As I explain on my site, I didn't really have a choice in the matter. I'm not sure exactly when I seriously started following the every move of the Dodgers, but for as long as I can remember, my dad has had me brainwashed. He is a big Dodgers fan and he passed that down to me.

2. What got you into blogging?
- I got into blogging as a joke, actually. I was tired of complaining to friends and family about how stupid the Dodgers were and how terrible mainstream analysis was, so I started writing as a place to vent. Apparently people liked my writing, and so I continued on with it.

3. What are some of goals for your blog?
- I don't think I've ever had goals as a blogger. I guess the end goal would be writing for mainstream sites, but whether that happens or not is just gravy at this point. I'm just appreciative and surprised that as many people care about what I say as they do now.

4. What is the best experience you've had since blogging?
- Best experience is probably getting featured on ESPN MLB's main page, as well as having my analysis of Chad Billingsley and Matt Kemp spread all over the 'net.

5. What is your most memorable in-person Dodgers' experience?
- Memorable? Honestly, the first thing that pops into my head is being amped to see Kevin Brown start, only to have him lay this egg against the Pirates. Oh and getting a direct line of sight to Carlos Perez beating up the water cooler with the bat.

6. How many Dodger games have you attended?
- Geez...7? All at Dodger Stadium.

7. Who is your all-time favorite Dodger player and pitcher?
- Player is between Mike Piazza and Matt Kemp. Pitcher is between Orel Hershiser and Clayton Kershaw.

8. What season of Dodgers' baseball do you remember most? Why?
- 2008 because it was the first time I had ever seen the Dodgers win a series in the playoffs.

9. Who is the Dodger you liked that no one else seemed to like?
- I remember really liking Antonio Osuna for some reason, but I can't remember how popular he was. I assume people liked him because he was good, but I was unusually intrigued by him. I think it was the baller gold chain and swagger.

10. What do you think the Dodgers need to do to win another World Series in your lifetime (save axing McCourt and Colletti)?
- Would like to see them re-invest in the Dominican Republic and the international scene, in general.