"With countless hours spent on the practice fields and training room this spring, the Dodgers took a break from the monotony of camp on Thursday and shared some laughs. Their source of amusement was an "American Idol"-like talent contest. Taking place behind the closed doors of their clubhouse at Camelback Ranch, the event was the first of its kind since the Dodgers moved their spring training home from Florida to Arizona. "We're just having fun," Matt Kemp said. "It's a team thing. Loosen everyone up, have a little laugh, go with the flow." Kemp was one of the judges, the others being Andre Ethier and physical therapist Nancy Patterson. Jamey Carroll was the emcee. The last time this event was held was in 2008, when Kemp and Ethier were young players in Vero Beach trying to win everyday jobs. The judges were Jeff Kent and Nomar Garciaparra. As was the case back then, the pool of contestants was made up of players in major league camp for the first time. Among the participants were John Ely, Dee Gordon, Jerry Sands and Justin Sellers. Pitchers Rubby De La Rosa and Luis Vasquez won the top awards." Read more: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0304-dodgers-fyi-20110304,0,4029724.story
