Dodger fans have a lot to be excited about with the team's recent news, which is highlighted by a blockbuster trade and Vin Scully's announcement of returning another year as the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
L.A. Acquire Gonzalez, Beckett, Crawford, Punto in Blockbuster Trade
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is officially a Dodger. Although it was no easy task, the Dodgers eventually acquired their power hitter. Gonzalez arrives to Los Angeles via a nine-player trade that saw right-handed starting pitcher Josh Beckett, outfielder Carl Crawford and utility man Nick Punto some to L.A. and first baseman James Loney, pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and two players to be named later to the Boston Red Sox. Also, Boston is shedding more than $250 million in salaries through 2018. Gonzalez immediately becomes the No. 4 hitter for the Dodgers, Beckett strengthens the pitching rotation and Punto adds depth. Crawford, on the other hand, will not see action until 2013 because of the recent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
Vin Scully Announces Return
For a 64th season, acclaimed broadcaster Vin Scully, 84, is set to return as the voice of the Dodgers. The announcement became official on Sunday before a press conference with Scully was held at Dodger Stadium. In it, Scully acknowledged much excitement in coming back for the 2013 campaign. "They want to win and they want to win now, so I want to hold on with two hands and see how far they're going to take this ball club," Scully said about the Dodgers new owners and what convinced him to come back. "Put it all together -- the little boy in me, the opportunity to see how far these owners take it -- it would be pretty hard to walk away from."
Gonzalez Homers in First At-Bat As Dodger
It is in the books now, but Adrian Gonzalez's three-run home run Saturday night against Marlins pitching ace Josh Johnson is just like a fairy tale (like Vin Scull said). With two runners on, Gonzalez came to the plate and hammered a homer to right field. The fans in attendance went ballistic, and they even ignited a curtain call for Gonzalez seconds after going back to the dugout. The Dodgers beat the Marlins 8-2.
Ana Tijoux Performs at Viva Los Dodgers
French-Chilean Ana Tijoux performed at Viva Los Dodgers on Sunday. Tijoux, who sings and raps in English, Spanish and French, delivered an impeccable 20-minute set for the listening audience. She ended her unique presentation with the very popular and beyond likable "1977," a track released in 2009. Her latest album La Bala (The Bullet) is now available. Mexican singer Jenni Rivera made a special guest appearance. The next festivities of Viva Los Dodgers will be held Sunday, Sept. 2, before the Dodgers entertain the Arizona Diamondbacks. Admission to Viva Los Dodgers is free with a ticket to that afternoon's Dodger game.
Vin Scully Bobblehead Giveaway Takes Place Thursday Night
For a 10th time this season, the Dodgers will hold a bobblehead giveaway. Only this time, however, it is historic to say the least. The first 50,000 fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium with a valid ticket for the Dodgers/Diamondbacks 7:10 p.m. affair on Thursday (Aug. 30) will receive a unique Vin Scully bobblehead. The bobblehead honors Scully, one of the most beloved broadcasters of all time, as the voice of the Dodgers.
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