Rookie Dodgers P Kenta Maeda will make his fifth start for the team tonight, and his first four starts have evoked "echoes" of former P Fernando Valenzuela "on and off the field," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Dodgers Publicist Steve Brener said, "Kenta has the potential to pass Fernando in popularity." Fans "flocked to Dodger Stadium to adore Valenzuela" during his rookie season in '81. The Dodgers in Valenzuela's third home start drew 53,906 fans on a Thursday against the Expos, while 52,439 showed up for his fourth home start on a Monday against the Phillies. Brener said that the Dodgers for today's game "project a crowd in the mid-40,000 range" when Maeda makes his third home start against the Marlins. Shaikin notes the Dodgers have "scheduled a Maeda bobblehead giveaway in July but otherwise have avoided making him the focus of promotions." Dodgers Exec VP & CMO Lon Rosen said that the team is "in discussions to expand team sponsorships from Japanese companies and license tour packages for Japanese fans." However, he added that the Dodgers want Maeda to "get more comfortable on the field before approaching him with off-the-field opportunities" (L.A. TIMES, 4/28). USA TODAY's Jorge Ortiz notes about 25 Japanese reporters are "expected to cover Maeda's start" tonight. Dodgers Spanish language announcer Pepe Yniguez said, "You can't compare it to Fernandomania. ... But if he kept up his pace all the way to the All-Star Game, it would give rise to a Kentamania or Maedamania" (USATODAY.com, 4/28).
