DODGERS - 4/4/03
2nd place in the NL West
2-2, 1.5 games behind the Giants




Last Week's Results (2-2)
3/31: 8-0 win over the Diamondbacks
4/1: 5-4 loss (10 innings) to the D'Backs
4/2: 5-0 win over the D'Backs
4/3: 6-1 loss to the Padres

Opening Day - All Nomo
The Dodgers opened the season against the NL West Champion Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson. Hideo Nomo dominated from the first hitter of the game to throw a 4-hit complete game shutout. He walked one and struck out seven; 70 of his 103 pitches were for strikes.

Offensively, the Dodgers handed Randy Johnson his first opening day loss. They touched up Johnson for 9 hits, 5 runs (3 earned) and 1 homer in 6.2 innings. RJ didn't look particularly sharp as he struck out 5 Dodgers. Brian Jordan hit a 2-run homer in 6th innings.

Brown Sparkles
In game 3 of the D'Backs series, Kevin Brown made his first start of the season and he looked like the ace of old. After an impressive spring, Brown threw 6 innings allowing 3 hits, no runs and 1 walk while striking out 4. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the Dodgers didn't push Brown too hard and pulled him after just 72 pitches.

"I think a lot of people forgot how good he really is," catcher Paul Lo Duca said. "He's been hurt the last couple of years, and a couple of their guys stepped out [of the batter's box] and said some of the pitches were illegal."

If the Dodgers are to challenge in 2003, they'll need Brown to stay healthy all year. A great start for Brown and the Dodgers as they took 2 of 3 from the D'Backs.

Air (Brian) Jordan
After playing on bad knees in 2002, Brian Jordan is looking great in the field. He hit 3 homers in the first 4 games, including a blast off of Randy Johnson. Jordan had offseason surgery on his right knee and he also lost 20 pounds over the winter. He feels so good that he says that intends on stealing more this year. He believes that it will be another 3 weeks until the knee feels perfect and then he'll "be ready to run." Look for Jordan to return to double-digit steals in 2003 (he stole 10 in 2000; his career high is 24 in 96).

Transactions
4/3: Activated Guillermo Mota (served 4-game suspension)
4/3: Optioned LHP Steve Coyler to Triple-A Las Vegas and recalled 3B Ron Coomer

Local Perspective
Dodger fans are definitely excited about the 2003 squad. The pitching staff tossed 2 shutouts in the first three games against the NL's #1 offense in 2002. Offensively, the team is looking very aggressive on the basepaths. In the first 4 games, the team has already stolen 5 bases (3 from Cesar Izturis). Look for Dave Roberts, Izturis, Shawn Green, Adrian Beltre and Jordan to all steal in the double-digits in 2003.

Hot
Shawn Green: .500 (8-16), 3-2B, 1HR, 4RBI, 1.454 OPS
Cesar Izturis: .385 (5-13), 1-2B, 2R, 3SB, 4BB
Brian Jordan: .267 (4-15), 3HR, 5RBI, 1.256 OPS

Not
Adrian Beltre: .125 (2-16), 1RBI, .305 OPS
Fred McGriff: .125 (2-16), 2RBI, .410 OPS
Kaz Ishii: 3.2IP, 6H, 5R, 3BB, 2SO, 12.27ERA


Add
- Brian Jordan: lost 20 pounds in offseason; power and speed returns

Drop
- Kaz Ishii: control problems still a huge issue

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