Duren, Duren

Now here's a guy who got the most out of his ability with a gritty attitude and smart understanding of how to pitch.

They should get it authenticated as soon as possible. Once leaving the stadium there is the possibility of some shady dealing. But the ball itself would have certain marks of identification though forgeries and substitutions are known to have happened. In this case there is video but that just refers to the catch. Not what happens after. With Dodger personnel all over this it puts pressure on the ball holder. Easy to get swept up in the moment and easily persuaded to give it up for what turns out to be minimal compensation. And the ephemeral feel good moment of being a good Dodger supporter. Try taking that to the bank! Obviously there is a world wide market for Ohtani stuff. Holding on to it and waiting for potential deals is smarter. And even if no one bids it's still a one of a kind item that will go up in value over time. Historically there has been a wide diversity of what happens to these historic balls. Many just settle for a picture and handshake. And some token gifts. Others have sold things or donated them to baseball museums. The guy who caught Maris' 61st (Sal Durante) had some minor fame for many years and became a friend of Maris. But that was a different era. https://nypost.com/2022/12/02/sal-durante-who-caught-roger-maris-61st-home-run-dead-at-80/ If the collectible world wasn't so mercenary and cut throat being a good citizen and team loyalist would be nice. But giving away something potentially worth really big bucks is naive.

He's been very patient in most at bats this season. Quite a contrast to the past. And has put good wood on the ball quite often. He has to maintain that discipline and not panic if he goes into a slump. He has the strength to drive pitches to all fields and shouldn't just try and over power the ball. Solid contact regularly will take care of itself. That's why he needs playing time. To build up a hitting routine and habits game after game. Even at DH for some lineups. I remember Tim Laker as an Expos catcher way back when. Nice to see him resurface with the Angels.

There are lots of different dynamics. Not necessarily translating into results far beyond expectations. But still cautiously hinting at sustained optimism. A different sort maybe than the past but at least towards a solid revamped (still in progress) and forward looking team. I just have a gut feeling (and hope) that Washington and his staff will keep the team more steady and focussed than in recent years. And some unexpected players will surprise positively. As well as having less devastating injuries. Hanging around .500 or better and sniffing at the wild card scramble would equate a positive season. Playing meaningful games in September rather than spoiler would be a solid success.

It's good for morale and bonding coming home for the first time on a winning streak. Especially with an entirely new coaching staff and manager. And a lot of new players. Helps jumpstart this new phase of the team. And helps put memories of last season further away. Obviously there will be low ebbs and problems along the way, but if they can sustain a reasonable record deep into the season then some real excitement may be generated.

Should be an energized home opener. But I've been at Angel games against Boston when a big portion of the crowd cheers for the Sox. Not as bad as the Yankees though.

A rare game where the hitting and pitching were both great. On the other hand, Miami is the first team in history to start 0 - 7 after making the playoffs the previous season.

True. But Wash seems to keep everyone involved.

Giving Moniak an at bat.

Ward power still activated!

Streak ends, but a productive out. Start a new streak against Boston.

Neto power!

Too bad he didn't finish the inning, but nice to see Sandoval leave on a positive note. 93 pitches strong, but maybe getting tired.

Sandoval officially the pitcher of record. 73 pitches through five. Another inning and if it's quick maybe one more. But probably we'll see the bullpen in the seventh.

Hopefully they have enough insurance to get through the second half of the game. The bullpen will be called on at some point.

Sano wakes up! Marlin outfielders are killing themselves against that wall.

I really like Dana Point. I always drop by there on my SoCal vacations.

Neto getting fooled a lot this season. Having trouble recognizing pitches.

Too bad Sandoval couldn't close the inning out cleanly. One wild pitch changed the inning. Now it's a real dog fight against a hungry team.

Talk about bad luck. Hope Sandoval is ok.

Breaking it open early! Good hitting and some help from an inept team. Should be a nice cushion for Sandoval. Plus a wasted though understandable challenge by the Marlins.

Smooth sailing so far. Adding more runs would be nice.

Good patience by Adell. Hard hit but right at the fielder.

Looks like Sandoval has good stuff. If his control is decent he should have a solid game.

Nice start. Not a lot of chasing bad pitches. Even Sano had a nice at bat. Should give Sandoval some confidence, playing with the lead.