Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2019 - Dodgers & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just can't wait for Spring, so when I come across a press photo showing some Dodgers' preparing for the upcoming season I have to share it here. Featured above is Brooklyn catcher Bruce Edwards with youngster Tom Tatum, dated 2/24/1947 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Bat Selection. Bruce Edwards (left), Brooklyn Dodger catcher, looks over some bats with rookie Tom Tatum at the Dodger training area at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 21. Tatum came to the Dodgers from Montreal in the International League where he hit .319 in the 1946 season. Edwards' home is in Sacramento, Calif, and Tatum lives in Nashville, Tenn.

BTW, Tom Tatum had a short career in Brooklyn, but made an impact nonetheless -- and it wasn't for his play on the diamond. Instead, he (like George Shuba the year before in Montreal) is recognized for extending a handshake to Jackie Robinson as he crossed home plate following his first career home run on April 18, 1947. You can see a photo of it on the right. Obviously, this kind of action shouldn't seen as unusual or surprising, but such was the times. On another note, both Tatum and Robinson were teammates on the 1946 Montreal Royals, so this wasn't a big deal for either of them.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the National League officially banned the spitball. The American league would follow the next season. Current spitballers would be grandfathered and be allowed to continue throwing the pitch -- including future Dodger Hall of Famer Burleigh Grimes, who would eventually be the last legal spitballer in the game. In 1986 the Dodgers trade first baseman Greg Brock to Milwaukee for reliever Tim Crews and starter Tim Leary -- both of whom would play important roles during their 1988 World Championship run two years later. In 2012 the Dodgers signed free agent starter Zack Greinke to a six-year $147 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after its third season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Johnston, Jake Hehl, Ted Martinez, Gil Reyes & Mel Rojas!

Blog Kiosk: 9/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

New York Giants skipper John McGraw decided to take a photo of his counterpart, Dodger manager Wilbert Robinson. Per a description on the reverse (eBay auction link):

John McGraw takes Wilbert Robinson's picture but Robinson and his Brooklyn Baseball team took the first game (boxscore) from the New York Giants on the opening game of the (1926) season at the Polo Grounds, New York. McGraw evidently wanted to see if rotund Robby had gotten any thinner since they last met last fall.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 a fan instigated a fight on the field with the games home plate umpire. Following a dismal season and a bad call that resulted in another Dodger loss, 21-year old fan Frank Germano jumped on the field and proceeded to sucker-punch a retired heavyweight boxer, umpire George Magerkurth. I wrote about the incident here. In 1957 the LA City Council votes to approve a 300-acre site in Chavez Ravine for a ballpark if the Dodgers will finance a public recreation area. In 1988 Reds starter Tom Browning throws a perfect game against the Dodgers, 0-1 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, George McVey, Dick Robertson, Buster Mills, Mike Garman, Orel Hershiser & Paul Shuey!

Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You can't stop Pederson!

Last night he walloped two home runs to give him 32 on the season. He also has five home runs over the past 8 plate appearances. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Just riding the wave,” said Pederson. “Swinging at pitches I’m able to handle. It’s really fun.”

During this recent short stretch he recorded six consecutive at-bats with an extra-base hit to tie a National League record set by Larry Walker in 1996.

The Dodgers 7-3 victory over Colorado last night reduces their "Magic Number" to four games. The photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers hurler Nap Rucker throws a no-hitter against the Boston Doves/Braves at Washington Park in Brooklyn. He struck out 14 and walked none en route to a 6-0 victory. In 1951 Gil Hodges hit a grand slam off Phillies pitcher Ken Johnson -- his 37th homer of the season and a new Dodger single-season record. In 1955 Don Newcombe hit his seventh home run of the season to establish a National League record for home runs by a pitcher in a season. It was a three-run jack in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. Newk would eventually throw a complete game to win his 20th game of the season, 11-4. In 1978 both the Dodgers and Angels have their home games postponed due to rain -- a rare occurrence in the Southland. 
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Knowles, Ed Stein, Jul Kustus, Merv Shea, Buddy Hassett, Wayne Belardi, Candy Maldonado, Rod Barajas, Randy Choate & Zack Walters!

Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Youngest to 40

Cody Bellinger launched his 40th homer of the season last night to become the youngest Dodger in franchise history to hit as many home runs -- he is 24-yeas old. Via Christina De Nicola at MLB.com:

Per Andrew Friedman: “Obviously, incredibly talented player who’s had a lot of success, but for him to take that other big step forward has been awesome. Just the maturation that we've seen over the offseason into this year, we think it's a big contributing factor to that.”
...
“He's a special player, when you think about it,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “This guy plays center. He plays first. He's a really good outfielder. He can steal a bag. He has power. The whole thing. It's a different look. He does everything. When you're talking about one of the top guys in the league, they're guys that can do that. It's not just home runs. It's not just average. It's a little bit of everything.”

Photo above via Michael Reaves/Stringer at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Giants third baseman Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs off Dodger pitchers Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine at the Polo Grounds. Brooklyn got pummeled 16-7. In 1964 Cardinals great Curt Flood recorded eight consecutive hits against the Dodgers during a doubleheader in Los Angeles; including four hits against Sandy Koufax. Unfortunately, Koufax injured his elbow while on the basepaths and would not pitch again that season. In 1988 the Dodgers traded fan favorite Pedro Guerrero to the Cardinals for starting pitcher John Tudor. This move would prove to be an impactful one. In nine starts Tudor would solidify the rotation by going 4-3 with an 2.41 ERA as the Dodgers head to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Northen, Billy Rhiel, Roger Cedeno & Yu Darvish!

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

"Help is on the way."

While some complained that the Dodgers didn't do enough to grab a reliever before the trade deadline, others realized that there's Major League-ready talent in the minors itching to show their worth. We recently witnessed the potential of Dustin May, and last night we got a good look at another. Tony Gonsolin made his second career start yesterday and proceeded to blank the Cardinals for six innings. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

In a seemingly never-ending line of standout Dodger rookies, Gonsolin has stood out for his precision. 

“I think Tony walked his first guy tonight in his three outings,” said Justin Turner, who recorded two hits and knocked in a run. “That’s something we talked about around the clubhouse — he makes guys earn it.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 St. Louis Cardinals hurler Johnny Lush throws a six-inning no-hitter to beat the Dodgers, 2-0. The game was halted due to rain, but still deemed an official game. In 1961 Muary Wills hit his first career home run when he hit a fourth inning solo homer off Cubs pitcher Jack Curtis to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. It only took 1,167 at-bats to hit his first dinger. (boxscore) In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved by the players; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season. In 2009 Andre Ethier hit his fifth walk-off hit of the season when he walloped a three-run home run against Braves closer Rafael Soriano to give the Dodgers a 5-4 victory.
• Happy Birthday, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out some celebrating Dodgers' following their pennant clinching victory over the Phillies on September 23, 1952 (eBay auction link). Can you name them all?

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Steve Garvey's consecutive-game streak ends at 1,207 when he dislocates his left thumb in a home-plate collision with Braves pitcher Pascual Pérez. The injury keeps him from playing the second game of the doubleheader. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda announced his retirement as manager of the Dodgers, following a heart attack and an angioplasty procedure a month prior. Bill Russell is named as his replacement.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Greer, Chief Meyers, George Cutshaw, Dutch Stryker, Luther Roy, Roy Henshaw, Gary Thomasson & Chad Billingsley!

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Stadium Upgrades

Holy Moly! The upcoming changes at Dodger Stadium look awesome. It'll be a $100 Million renovation that will include a new center field plaza -- two acres of food concession stands, beer garden/sports bars, a children’s play area, the relocated Jackie Robinson statue and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques.. Per Arash Markazi at the LA Times:

“We’re finally going to have a front door with this entertainment plaza we’re building below and beyond the pavilions,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and chief executive. “It’s going to act like a two-acre tailgating area pre- and postgame.”

“This is all meant to be a celebration of the Dodgers and Dodgers history and provide fans with the kind of amenities that you see at new ballparks without changing our postcard view,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “We relish the beauty of this place and want to preserve that. I know when fans hear we’re renovating the pavilions the first thing they ask is what’s going to happen to the wooden benches. The answer is they’re staying in place. None of those things that fans love will change. We’re just improving the experience.”

Click on any pic to embiggen. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers history: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thank you, Fernando! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s very special. It’s a great honor, because the Dodgers have the history of tremendous ballplayers for many years. To be part of this, it’s a great honor,” Valenzuela said. “When the Dodgers mentioned I was going to be in with these two great ballplayers … that means a lot. Steve Garvey, he was my first baseman when I came up as a rookie. He supported me. He helped me a lot for my first couple years. To now be part of the same group, to be selected for this honor, is tremendous.”

Photo abvoe via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider 2019. Go here to check out more pics from Saturday's ceremony. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season.
• Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Todd Hollandsworth, Alanna Rizzo and Alex Verdugo

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any), as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers held their annual Children's Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday, and as you can see fun was had by all. Featured above is Cody Bellinger getting pelted by a group of cheerful youngsters.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Opening Day Odds and Ends

You will rarely see a more fantastic Opening Day snapshot than the one above. Featured is a circa 1941 fan-taken photograph of the famed facade of Ebbets Field. It recently sold on eBay at $31.00. (auction link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers purchased outfielder Jason Grabowski from the A's. They also traded reliever Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays for outfielder Jason Werth. In 2008 the Dodgers played a pregame exhibition game at the LA Coliseum against the Boston Red Sox in celebration of the 50th annniversary of the club's move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. A crowd of 115,300 attended -- the largest to ever see a Baseball game.
• Happy Birthday, Hank Gastright, Rube Dessau, Lee Meyer, Gibby Brack, Tommy Holmes, Mike Ramsey & Brian Jordan!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

-MLK, Jr.

On this #MLKDay, @nlbmprez reflects on baseball's impact on the civil rights movement pic.twitter.com/yGkqS3zwJa

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 15, 2018

Photo above via the Negro League Museum on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

Blog Kiosk: 9/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am hoping desperately that there isn't an "ESPN Curse" 'cause I don't think I can handle that. As you can see, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig are featured on the cover of this coming months issue of ESPN The Magazine MLB - Playoffs Issue. BTW, the Cleveland Indians are also on the cover (I assume in newsstands on the east coast). Per a story inside via Tim Keown; "You Win Some, You Lose Some: Two dramatic streaks will define the Dodgers' 2017 season -- unless they can pull off something even more memorable in October."

It's jarring to watch a team that considered winning a byproduct of its existence profess a joyless pride in a minimal level of competitiveness. Twice a day, Roberts talks about signs of life as if assessing the vitals of a comatose patient. The Dodgers had the best 50-game streak in 105 years and the franchise's longest losing streak in 73. Same team, same season. On the day his team broke the losing streak, Roberts said, "A lot can change in three weeks. We've lived it."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Duke Snider hit his 39th and 40th homers of the season to tie a National League record for hitting at least 40 home runs in five consecutive seasons. His second homer also proved to be the last home run to ever be hit at Ebbets Field. In 1954 Dodgers pitcher Karl Spooner, in his Major League debut, shutout the Giants, 3-0, at Ebbets Field. He fanned 15 Gnats and allowed only three hits. In 1976 Don Sutton, for the first and only time in his career, won his 20th game of the season when he defeated the Giants, 3-1. In 1986 Fernando Valenzuela became the first Mexican ballplayer to win twenty games in a season when he defeated the Astros, 9-2.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Joyce, Doc Marshall, Tommy Lasorda, Sweet Lou Johnson, Doug Camilli, Jim Fairey, Jeffrey Leonard, Dave Sax & Mark Guthrie!

Blog Kiosk: 5/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was another tough loss for the Dodgers. On a night that saw returning pitcher Rich Hill go five strong innings with six hits allowed, one walk and one earned run, the Dodgers are unable to muster enough offense. At least it was a close one, though. The Dodgers lost 2-1. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“The ball came out of my hand well — not 100 percent the way I wanted to — but the one mistake to Brandon on a curveball that kind of hung,” Hill told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “But overall everything came out the way I wanted to and the finger felt good. No issues there.”

Pic above via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 slugger Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie Robinson during a game at Forbes Field. While standing on first base he asked Jackie if he was hurt during a collision with him earlier in the game and then says, "Stick in there. You're doing fine. Keep your chin up." Knowing that Greenberg knew first hand the difficulties he had been facing, due to his own Jewish heritage, Jackie named him his "diamond hero." In 1978 Lee Lacy hit his third consecutive home run as a pinch-hitter -- becoming the first player to have ever done so.
• Happy Birthday, Al Mays, Rube Vickers, Elmer Steele, Harry Riconda & Dick Smith!
  

Welcome Back to the Blue, Alanna Rizzo!

We received word earlier this morning that the Dodgers have re-signed a trusted and important friend to Dodger fans everywhere (at least to fans who can watch the team on television).  Announced today, via a tweet from Alanna Rizzo, was the formal re-signing of Mrs. Rizzo to the Dodgers/SportsNet LA broadcasting team.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 15/Home Game 7

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Colorado Rockies (8-6) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (9-3-2)

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Chad Bettis (0-2, 2.77) vs. RHP Zach Lee (1-0, 2.89)

TV: None Radio: None

Today's Dodger lineup:
Ethier LF
Kendrick DH
Turner 3B
Utley 2B
Puig RF
Grandal C
Van Slyke 1B
Pederson CF
Herrera SS
(Lee P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 16, 2016

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(Sky over Camelback, pic taken and shared by Alanna Rizzo on twitter)

STREAK SNAPPED: The Dodgers lost to their Camelback Ranch neighbors, the White Sox, yesterday, 8-6, snapping a four-game Cactus League winning streak. Joc Pederson went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, raising his spring average to .318, and the Dodgers clubbed four home runs, one each by Andre Ethier, Kike Hernandez, Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin.  On the mound, Kenta Maeda allowed two unearned runs in 3.2 frames and Chris Hatcher tossed a scoreless inning.

• The Dodgers beat the Rockies, 6-4, at Salt River Field on Sunday. Last year, Los Angeles was 11-8 against the Rox, including 7-3 at Dodger Stadium.

BARNESTORMING: Dodger catcher/infielder Austin Barnes hit his fourth home run of the spring yesterday, temporarily taking over sole possession of the team lead until Rob Segedin came up in the 9th inning and blasted his fourth. Overall, the Dodgers’ 20 home runs are tied with Arizona for third in the Cactus League, trailing just the White Sox (26) and Cubs (22). The club’s offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking second among NL clubs in batting average (.293), on-base percentage (.362) and slugging percentage (.503), behind only Arizona. Individually, Scott Van Slyke (.417, 3rd), Austin Barnes (.375, 6th) and Micah Johnson (.357, T-8th) rank among the NL leaders in batting average.

(AJ Ellis, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• On the mound, Dodger All-Star Clayton Kershaw’s 10.0 innings pitched is tied with Cincinnati’s Brandon Finnegan for the most in baseball this spring while his 10 strikeouts are tied for second among NL clubs.  

DOING WORK: The Dodgers are inviting the Los Angeles community to meet more than 100 employers and pursue nearly 3,000 job opportunities available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 21st annual Community Job Fair at Dodger Stadium. Those interested in attending should register by visiting: https://lajobfair2016.eventbrite.com.

TRIMMING THE ROOM: On Monday, the Dodgers made their first cuts of the spring, optioning RHP Jharel Cotton and reassigning RHP Lisalverto Bonilla, RHP Chase De Jong, RHP Caleb Dirks, RHP Jacob Rhame, RHP Chris Anderson, OF Alex Hassan and C Kyle Farmer to minor league camp. The Dodgers have 54 players in big league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• RHP Zach Lee will make his third start of the spring, after tossing 3.0 innings against the Angels on Friday. Lee, 24, saw his first big league action last season, starting at New York-NL on July 25, and was named the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining to go 13-6 with a 2.63 ERA in 21 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers. Lee ranked among the Triple-A Pacific Coast League leaders in wins (11, T-3rd), ERA (2.70, 2nd), WHIP (1.11, 1st), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.26, 3rd) and home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (0.40, 3rd).
• LHP Julio Urias will make his second appearance, after making his spring debut Friday against the Angels. The 19-year-old, who was the Dodgers’ 2014 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, combined to go 3-5 with a 3.81 ERA in 18 starts last year, primarily with Double-A Tulsa before a late-season promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Urias also made several rehab starts last year with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers following cosmetic surgery on his left eye, which cost him two months of the season on the DL. Urias enters the 2016 season rated by MLB.com as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball and the fourth-best overall prospect.
• RHP Carlos Frias is expected to pitch in his fourth game of the spring, after making his first start on Saturday against the Mariners. He enters his third big league season after going 5-5 with a 4.06 ERA in 17 games (13 starts) with the Dodgers last season.
• RHP Yimi Garcia will make a relief appearance for the fifth time this spring, after his fourth straight scoreless outing against the Rockies on Sunday. He ranked among the NL’s best relievers in WHIP (0.95, 5th), opponents’ batting average (.199, 16th), opponents’ on-base percentage (.242, 4th) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.60, 3rd).
• LHP Adam Liberatore will appear in his fifth game, after most recently throwing a scoreless frame against the Rockies. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• RHP Matt West will come on in relief for the fifth time, last pitching 1.0 inning against the Rockies and striking out two. He tossed 3.0 scoreless innings in two relief appearances with the Dodgers after being acquired from the Blue Jays last year

(Kiké enjoying tacos brought by AGon, pic via Kiké on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Rizzo and Clayton Kershaw

Ya know what's happenin' right now in Glendale, Arizona?

Fantasy camp... And hangin' out with the fantasy ballplayers is the above motley crew of former Dodger players.  Pic above via @TommyLasorda on twitter.  BTW, Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider wrote a great piece about the current fantasy camp happenings that you can check out right here.

“The uniforms, they’re like butter,” he said. “I feel almost like I’m naked, because they’re so comfortable.”

Below are more links to check out:

• Julio Urias continues to impress.  He took MLBPipeline.com's top spot as the leagues best left-handed pitching prospect.  Via Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com:

He doesn't turn 20 until August, and he's already knocking on the door. Urias has an outstanding combination of stuff and pitchability well beyond his years. He has three plus pitches with outstanding command. The only thing he doesn't have is innings. Urias has yet to top even 90 innings in a season, but that shouldn't hold him back for too long.

• Via Amanda Howell at Dodgers Way, "Alanna Rizzo Celebrates Two Years with the Dodgers."
• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodger Blue, "Clayton Kershaw Prefers To Keep DH Out Of National League."

“I’m kind of torn. I think obviously some of the greater hitters of our game are DHs. You see David Ortiz and Edgar Martinez when you go back, and different guys like this are some of the better hitters. But at the same time, my mentality is baseball is a two-way sport. You have to be able to put a glove on your hand and go out there and play in the field to be a baseball player. I definitely would not take it away. I want the pitcher to hit. I guess my easy answer is keep it the way it is and deal with it in the World Series.”

• Jeff Pearlman recently wrote about the power of Baseball cards here.

There’s a 1980 Youngblood, for example, that’s all creased up. As soon as I saw it, I remembered finding it on the Lakeview Elementary blacktop and sticking it in my pocket. Only I didn’t merely remember. I felt it. Like, the emotions and texture of 8-year-old Jeffrey Pearlman hit me. Only for a second. But I felt it. I did.

• Via Ron Cervneka at Think Blue LA, "‘Lemonade Guy’ as big a part of spring training as the games." 

Moore is one of several lemonade vendors at the Cactus League’s most beautiful ballpark and it should come as no surprise that he was recently voted the best vendor in Major League Baseball by fans. His schtick is a simple one and it tugs at the hearts of baseball fans from across the country – “Lemonade! Lemonade! Just like grandma made!” – and it works.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

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Blog Kiosk: 12/3/2015 - Dodger Links - McGwire, Rizzo and AJ Ellis the Hunk

Talk 'bout breakin' up the play.

Check out this fantastic vintage "United Press" press photo, dated August 28, 1956, of Cubs outfielder Pete Whisenant with an aggressive slide against Dodger second baseman Charlie Neal.  To use hockey parlance, it looks like Whisenant hip-checked Neal off the base.  Fortunately, the missed opportunity to get the extra out didn't lead to a run, but the Dodgers did lose the game, 4-3.  Photo above via an eBay auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• I'm a huge AJ Ellis fan, so this is welcomed news. Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Catcher A.J. Ellis will return to Dodgers in 2016."

They retained one of the most popular players in the clubhouse, agreeing to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with catcher A.J. Ellis on Wednesday.

• BTW, AJ Ellis isn't just a catcher and positive clubhouse presence.  He is also a reality tv actor.  Via Robin Reed at Yahoo TV, "Dodger A.J. Ellis Makes House Call to Lisa Vanderpump on ‘RHOBH’"  There's a video to gawk at, and plenty of material to make you smile.  The best line of all was:

"The LA Dodgers have sent over this gorgeous hunk.  AJ Ellis who, ya know, let me play with his balls... or practice, at least."

• Via Bernie Wilson at Yahoo Sports, "Padres manager Andy Green names McGwire bench coach."

''As a player I pretty much went through anything a player could ever wish upon as far as success, and all the failures,'' he said. ''You learn how to be a man through adversity and failure. The game is built on failure. I know how to bust through that. ... I'm ecstatic about this new role. It's a great challenge for me, moving up in the game.''

• Wow!  According to Erika Owen at Travel + Leisure, Dodger Stadium is the 5th most Instagrammed place in the world.
• SportsNet LA/Dodgers Broadcaster Alanna Rizzo is the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) “HOPE Rising” honoree at their 26th annual awards dinner tonight.  Adrian Gonzalez is expected to introduce her to the masses.  Go here for more information about this event.  Per a Dodger press release:

“I am truly honored to be receiving the HOPE Rising Award,” said Rizzo. “When an organization like HOPE, that for 26 years has been working to advance and amplify the voice of Latinas, notices your work and the impact it has on others, it only elevates my commitment to continue to work harder to open the doors for young Latinas that follow in my footsteps.”

• This is a head-scratcher.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers part ways with Juan Nicasio."

Nicasio led all Dodger relievers in 2015 in innings pitched, finishing the year with a 3.86 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings. He had a 2.92 ERA through August 30, before allowing nine runs in his final nine innings and ending up off the Dodgers’ playoff roster.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers reportedly hire Neil Rampe, Nate Lucero as new athletic trainers."

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Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke, Sax and Vin Scully

After a little medical procedure during the recent playoffs - putting him out of commission - Vin Scully looks quite dapper just a few weeks later in the photo above.  He seems healthy, strong and prepared to tackle the oncoming 2016 Baseball season with his usual gusto.  The pic above is from a recent interview he had with broadcaster Alanna Rizzo, and it will air tonight on SportsNet LA at 7:00 PM.  So, if you've got the channel you should go check it out.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“Yes,” Scully told Rizzo in regards to the 2016 season. “Oh yeah, definitely. I’m looking forward to next year, maybe because it’s my last year. I’m looking forward to it as much as my second year because I got by the first year and I was so thrilled there was another one coming up — well, that’s how I feel about ’16. I’m chafing at the bit.”

Ugh!  I still can't wrap my head around the notion that 2016 will be Scully's last year behind the mic.  Worse yet, there are hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of fans who will likely be unable to enjoy his words due to the Time Warner mess. 

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Former Dodger scout Ronnie King passed away on Monday, via Jim Jenkins at the Sacramento Bee.  He was responsible for signing Steve Sax.

“He was like a second father to me,” said Sax, a former Dodgers second baseman. “He was a tutor to a lot of players, an unbelieveable man. He would work all of us out tirelessly to make sure we did things right. He knew just about everything in baseball. He wasn’t boastful but could always give you that special input. Between seasons, I’d come back home to meet with him. If it wasn’t for Ronnie, I probably would have never made it to the major leagues.”

• Zack Greinke was named to the 2015 Sporting News National League All-Star team.  Check out the story here. 
• Mark Saxon at ESPN writes an excellent profile on Dodger managerial candidate Gabe Kapler.

"He's incredibly bright, he's a tremendous leader of people, and he's an exceptional communicator. It's so hard for players, who are so mired in it, to sometimes see the bigger picture or even look at it from a different perspective. Gabe is incredibly skilled at seeing things at different perspectives."

• BTW, it appears that Don Mattingly has been hired by the Miami Marlins, via Molly Knight at Vice Sports.

Mattingly's deal is for four years, according to the source. He will be the club's eighth manager since 2010. The Marlins are thought to be waiting until after the World Series to make a formal announcement.

• Bud Black also appears to have already gotten a new managerial job.  Via James Wagner at the Washington Post, "Nationals expected to name Bud Black next manager."
• You know I love card collecting... And I love my LA Kings... So, when Sheng Peng at Jewels from the Crown put together, "A Hockey Card History of the Los Angeles Kings" blog post you know I'm gonna love it.  Check it out here.

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