Wolf Draws First Exhibition Start in Orlando

Dodger manager Grady Little announced that left-hander Randy Wolf would start the exhibition opener against the Atlanta Braves in Orlando on March 1. Wolf, who grew up in Woodland Hills and went to El Camino Real High School, has never worn a big league uniform other than Philadelphia’s in eight Major League seasons.

Since 1999, Wolf’s 4.21 ERA ranks sixth in the National League among current left-handed hurlers, trailing Randy Johnson (3.06), Barry Zito (3.55), Tom Glavine (3.67), Jamie Moyer (4.08) and Mark Mulder (4.11).  

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL TALK: Every Sunday at 8 p.m. PT, Bob Harvey will host DodgerTalk on KFWB 980, featuring a segment with KFWB reporter A Martinez. Martinez has been producing a number of Dodger “player profiles” this spring, which takes listeners behind the scenes and shows a side of their favorite Dodgers they might not otherwise know.

Just this week, Martinez talked to Mark Hendrickson about his difficulties trying to post-up Shaquille O’Neal and with Jeff Kent on how his 10-year old daughter might want to be a journalist. These profiles will be airing on KFWB throughout the day during the month of March.     

KEEPING THE FAITH: Dodger center fielder Juan Pierre was honored last week with the first-ever “Champions of Faith” Award during an awards reception in Chicago hosted by Chicago Bears co-owner Patrick McCaskey.

The award was bestowed on Pierre because of his outstanding example of virtue both on and off the field. The All-Star outfielder will also be featured in an upcoming move entitled “Champions of Faith,” which explores the intersection of sports and faith by profiling some of the most accomplished and devout figures in the game, including Mike Piazza, David Eckstein, Mike Sweeney and Jeff Suppan.  

BILLY BALLGAME BACK IN UNIFORM: Dodger Special Assistant to the General Manager Bill Mueller donned a uniform this morning and helped run the workouts, giving special instruction to the infielders. Mueller retired after last season with .291 lifetime batting average, 85 home runs and 493 RBI in 11 seasons with the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers. The 2003 American League batting champion helped Boston win the 2004 World Series by hitting .321 in 14 playoff contests.  

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…: Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully will receive the John R. Wooden Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Sports Legends Awards later tonight. Sports Legends Awards honorees are selected annually for their contributions to sports by the Paralysis Project of America, which benefits spinal cord research. In 2007 alone, the Hall of Fame broadcaster has been named California Sportscaster of the Year for a record 28th time and received awards from the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association and the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California. Scully, who is set to begin his 58th season behind the microphone for the Dodgers, will arrive in Dodgertown before the first televised game by KCAL-9 on St. Patrick’s Day against Houston.  

BOCCACHICA RELEASED: Former Dodger infielder Hiram Bocachica was released by the Oakland Athletics.