Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a really interesting photo I ran into on eBay (link here). It is dated September 24, 1957, and it features Brooklyn Dodger Vice President Buzzi Bavasi seated right in the center (sitting on the right field grandstand steps).

He is wearing shades, as if to hide his appearance from the throng of fans sitting nearby. After all, this day, this game they are watching, would be the very last ballgame ever played at Ebbets Field. The Brooklyn Dodgers would move to Los Angeles the next season.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 the Dodgers/Robins play their very first Sunday ballgame, despite there being a state law banning games on this day. They announce that admission will benefit the Militia of Mercy, a wartime charity, and there will be a pregame band concert and military drill exhibition before the game. When the band concert ends ticket sales stop to conform with the Sunday baseball laws. More than 12,000 attend. Nevertheless, Charles Ebbets and manager Wilbert Robinson are arrested, and will pay a small fine. Here is the boxscore. In 1948 Roy Campanella made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He caught Ralph Branca and recorded three hits --  a double and two singles. In 2011 Dee Gordon completed a stolen base cycle. During the seventh inning he reached base on a force out, stole second, then stole third, and finally swiped home with Casey Blake at the plate.  Gordon is the 40th Major Leaguer to accomplish this during the same frame. Here is the boxscore and you watch him steal home here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Quinn, Kent Greenfield, Boots Poffenberger & Chris Pérez!

Blog Kiosk: 5/5/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun International News Press photo featuring slugger Duke Snider and skipper Chuck Dressen. It is unfortunately undated, but the auction listing (link here) says its from 1953 and the "33" refers to the number of home runs Snider had hit so far that season. As you may know, 1953 was Duke's best year. He would record a 9.2 WAR, hit 42 homers, knock in 126 runs, score a league-high 132 times, while slashing .336/.419/.627/1.046.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 future Hall of Fame manger Tommy Lasorda started his first game as a Major League pitcher and got shelled. He would only go one inning, striking out two, walking two and throwing three wild pitches -- tying a Major League record for wild pitches in an inning (boxscore). In 1976 the Dodgers hit seven home runs against the Cubs at Wrigley Field -- winning the game 14-12. Chicago hit two homers of their own. The Dodger home run hitters were Bill Russell, Ed Goodson, Ron Cey, Henry Cruz (2), Steve Yeager and Bill Buckner. The seven homers set a Dodgers team record for dingers in a game. In 2000 Tommy Lasorda is named manager of the United States' Olympic baseball team. Team USA would go on to win the gold medal in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
• Happy Birthday, George Dockins, Johnny Rutherford & Reggie Williams!

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch yesterday and fortunately Dodger Insider was kind enough to share a bunch of pics taken by Jon SooHoo. Featured here are David Price, Kiké Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Go here to check out more. Below are some notes about Spring Training, as provided by the Dodgers.

• The Dodgers had 62 players report to camp including 25 infielders/outfielders (10 non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees) and 32 pitchers (10 non-roster invitees).
• The former Vanderbilt Commodore Walker Buehler pitched in live action for the second time this Spring, tossing two simulated innings against teammates Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux, Tyler White, Austin Barnes and Terrance Gore. Joining Buehler in throwing live bullpens today were Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Caleb Ferguson, Jordan Sheffield and Victor González.
• The Los Angeles Sports Council will honor 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger as the Los Angeles co-Sportsman of the Year alongside American League MVP Mike Trout.
• On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Dodger Stadium, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw will host their 8th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose benefiting their charity, Kershaw’s Challenge. Kershaw's Challenge was founded by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011 and has raised over 12 million dollars to support at-risk children and families around the globe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Browns. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Pitchers & Catcher Report Day!

Welcome!

Per Sarah Wexler at MLB.com:

"To be able to jump on to a team like the Dodgers, a team that has had the amount of success they've had the last couple years, and then add a player like Mookie Betts, and then to be able to add myself to that mix as well?” Price said. “That's something special to be a part of, and we're both very excited for that.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers completed a rare trade with the Giants. In fact, it would be 17 years before another trade is consummated between the two clubs. They shipped Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver to San Francisco for catcher Tom Haller and a minor leaguer. Haller would play four seasons in LA; slashing .276/.344/.393/.737. He would also garner MVP consideration his two first seasons in Blue -- coming in 22nd in '68 and 29th in '69.
• Happy Birthday, Wayne LeMaster, Gilly Campbell, Todd Williams, Ernie Rudolph, Eddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!

2020 Topps Baseball Flagship, Series 1 -- The Rest of the Dodger Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps flagship Series 1 Baseball cards. This time we can see the Baseball Stars Autographs, Decades' Best, Postseason Performance, Topps Choice and the Medallion Manufactured Relics cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Baseball Stars Autographs

• #BSA-CKE Clayton Kershaw -- Not Yet Seen

#BSA-DM Dustin May

Thank You, Alex Verdugo!

He was going to be one of our outfield regulars, but now he's the main piece going to the Red Sox in the Mookie Betts / David Price trade -- likely to be considered the Dodgers biggest trade in franchise history.

As you already know, the Dodgers have apparently pulled off a caper of monumental proportions. It's a deal that is befuddling due to the stars involved. After all, why would you ever consider sending away the second best ballplayer in the game? Not only that, we basically got him and an All-Star hurler for a top prospect and two other farmhands who seemingly were blocked at every level.

From what has been reported recently (keep in mind it has not yet been confirmed by either club), the Dodgers are getting right-fielder Mookie Betts and former Cy Young winner David Price from the Red Sox for outfielder Alex Verdugo, prospect infielder Jeter Downs and catching prospect Connor Wong. On top of that, Boston is paying half of Price's salary.

Wow!

This is why you and I are not GM's and Andrew Friedman is.

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - So is the Deal Done Now?

After much hand wringing, the trade initially reported last week is in its final stages and it's a bit different than what we were originally told. Sure, it's not exactly the lopsided transaction we heard about, but it's still an extremely good deal for the Dodgers. Not only do we get Betts and Price, but the "live-arm" reliever thought to be going to Boston is actually going to be a Dodger -- Brusdar Graterol. Below is the rundown, via Do-Hyoung Park at MLB.com:

DODGERS-TWINS TRADE
Dodgers get: RHP Brusdar Graterol, OF Luke Raley, 67th pick in 2020 Draft
Twins get: RHP Kenta Maeda, Minor Leaguer, cash 

RED SOX-DODGERS TRADE
Red Sox get: OF Alex Verdugo, SS Jeter Downs, C Connor Wong
Dodgers get: OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price, cash

On another note, the reported trade between the Dodgers and Angels also fell apart. So for now, Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling are still Dodgers. I don't expect that to remain the case. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 veteran catcher Chief Meyers is waived by the Giants, but is claimed by both Brooklyn and the Boston Braves. They settle who gets him with a coin toss. The Dodgers win and Chief Meyers joins Brooklyn. In 1971 the Dodgers trade for pitcher Al Downing from the Brewers for Andy Kosco, Downing would spend seven years in LA -- going 46-37 with an 3.16 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 25 complete games and 12 shutouts. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent knuckleballer Charlie Haeger. 
• Happy Birthday, Kit McKenna, Cotton Tierney, Bob Logan, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, César Izturis, Luis Cruz & Travis d'Arnaud!

2020 Topps Now - First Dodger Cards of the Year - #65 to 69 - Biggest Trade of the Decade

These deals haven't even been officially announced yet. Nevertheless, Topps is making available several 2020 Topps Now cards to celebrate last night madness. As you know, five key players are changing ships, and the Dodgers are heavily involved in all of them.

First, the "big-get" is Mookie Betts. He is moving to Los Angeles to ply his trade in Dodger Blue. Featured above is the Topps Now card announcing the trade. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

The Los Angeles Dodgers staked their claim as super team, acquiring elite outfielder Mookie Betts to add to an already formidable lineup. The 27-year-old star has been a perennial MVP candidate for the past four years, averaging 122 runs scored, 29 home runs and 24 stolen bases per season in that span.

2020 Topps Baseball Flagship, Series 1 -- All the Dodgers Base Cards

If yesterday's trade announcement didn't mark the start of Baseball in the minds of fans, then today's release certainly should.

Today is the official release date of Topps 2020 flagship Baseball card brand, and I've got pics of all of the Dodgers base cards found in the "Series 1" installment of the set. Check them all out below. Go here to see a complete checklist.

As you can see, there are 17 Dodger cards available, and it happens to include cards of three Dodgers who were recently traded -- Alex Verdugo, Kenta Maeda and Joc Pederson. Assuming they don't return to Los Angeles later on in their career, these are likely the last flagship Topps cards we'll see of them.

Also, be sure to check out Kiké Hernández's card below. I think it is easily the best Dodger base card. It features Kiké doing his best "Chorus Line" impression.

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#24 Kenley Jansen

#50 Cody Bellinger

Mookie!

Holy Moly!

Are you kidding me?

After weeks and months of speculation the Dodgers appear to have pulled off a trade that only a patient architect could achieve. The Dodgers waited and cajoled, negotiated like this was a leverage buyout and then struck when it was right... And now, we arguably have one of the most dynamic ballplayers in the game coming to Los Angeles.

Exact details are not yet available, but we do know this... The Dodgers get both Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox, and it didn't cost any of our top prospects. We get to keep Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Will Smith, Edwin Rios, Keibert Ruiz, Zach Reks, Kyle Garlick, Kody Hoese, Michael Busch, DJ Peters, Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs. Heck, as it stands right now, the Dodgers did not have to relinquish one player from their top-30 prospects list, via MLB Pipeline. Wow!

Unfortunately, a trade like this does not come without losses... And these losses kinda hurt.

Young outfielder Alex Verdugo will be going to Boston, and this is no surprise. It has been long speculated that any deal involving Betts would, at minimum, require sending Verdugo to the Red Sox. Also gone is sometime starter/sometime reliever Kenta Maeda -- who is now a Twin. Lastly, Joc Pederson is moved to the Angels to make room in the outfield for Betts. All three of these players were well loved by fans, so seeing them in another uniform will take some time getting used to. Nevertheless, this is the trade we've all been waiting for. This is the trade that may ultimately cement the legacy that the Guggenheim ownership has been trying to achieve.

On another note, I am wondering how prescient am I?

A couple of weeks back I ran across the above t-shirt design and knew I had to have it. It features the main protagonist from the Spike Lee classic Do The Right Thing, Mookie, sporting his Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey while holding a Sal's Pizza box and doing his best "Jumpman" impression. It's a classic looking "t" of a classic film that happens to be very timely. I think I'll be wearing this when I go to my first home game.

Stay tuned. I will certainly have numerous fantasy custom baseball cards to share soon.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/17/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a play we are likely to never see again.

Charley Neal of the Dodgers retires Cubs' Dale Long at second base in the sixth inning. Long's barrel roll slows relay of ball (arrow) enough to avoid double play on Bobby Thomson's grounder to Pee Ree Reese.

BTW, Long's slide allowed a run to score on the play -- to make it 4-2 Dodgers (dated August 6, 1958) (eBay auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1999, in what would be his final Major League season, the Dodgers signed free agent hurler and legendary pitcher Orel Hershiser to a one-year $2 million contract. He would not last the year, and be released on June 27th after going 1-5 with an 13.14 ERA. Overall, Hershiser would compile a 135-107 record in 13 years as a Dodger, with an 3.12 ERA, 24 shutouts, 65 complete games, 1456 strikeouts, an 116 ERA+, a 3.28 FIP and an 39.8 WAR. In 2004 Adrián Beltré leaves the Dodgers, after spending the first seven years of his career with the club, to sign a five-year $64 million free agent contract with the Mariners.
• Happy Birthday, Josh Sborz, Bob Ojeda & Chase Utley!

Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw, Alex Verdugo and Matt Beaty visited Dodger Stadium on Friday to give some local kids the time of their lives -- as a part of their annual children’s holiday party. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“For these kids, their families, they’re from LA so their families are big Dodger fans, it’s like they grow into it,” Verdugo said. “The fact that they can come out here, have fun, be kids, be themselves and get to hang out with us, they get a little bit of that personal, ‘Oh man, I got to hang out with Alex, I got to hang out with Clayton — any little memory we can kind of put in their minds and have them cherish growing up, it’s special to me and I’m happy to be part of it all.”

Photo above via Dodger Insider on twitter (Josh Barber/Los Angeles Dodgers). Pic on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Jamey Carroll to a two-year contract. He would slash .290/.368/.344/.711 in 803 at-bats. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent right-handed reliever Matt Guerrier. In three seasons he would go 6-8 with an 4.24 ERA, in 120 games. In 2014 the Dodgers signed righty starter Brandon McCarthy to a four-year $48 million contract. He would unfortunately be hampered by injuries his whole time in Los Angeles. In 2015 the Dodgers were a part of a three-team trade with the Reds and White Sox. Dodgers got Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson from the Chicago. The Reds received Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler from the Dodgers. The White Sox received Todd Frazier from the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers received Matt Kemp from the Braves for Adrian Gonzalez, Charlie Culberson, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy. This move was clearly a salary dump for the Dodgers -- although Kemp ended up having a fantastic 2018 season in Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Pete Hotaling & Sammy Strang!

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Collection Coming to Auction in 2020

Holy Moly!

I had suspected, with the MLB All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium next season, that Hunt Auctions would have something special for collectors to chase. As you may know, Hunt has had an annual MLB All-Star Week auction and it usually includes some historically important memorabilia. For 2020, though they have truly gone above and beyond. According to an announcement this morning, they have secured select items from the personal collection of Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully -- easily the most iconic Dodger personality in its history.

There's no word yet on how many items will be available, but based on the pic in their email it appears he'll be parting with some items from a Dodgers Tour of Japan, his 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring, the 1981 World Series trophy and some personal photographs.

Stay tuned I'll be sure to highlight everything once more information is available. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Dodger first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove award. He would soon retire from the game, shortly after his 33rd birthday, and become a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Cunningham, Gene Bailey, John Wells, Ben Wade, Tony Brewer, Octavio Dotel & Grant Dayton!

2019 Topps Holiday Baseball Mega Box -- All the Dodger Cards

Available now at many local Walmart's is Topps annual Holiday Mega Boxes featuring limited edition holiday-themed parallel cards. As you can see below, these cards use the basic flagship card design, but adds a whole lot of winter flare to spice it up.

There are a total of 200 base cards and ten Dodgers can be found there. See them all below. Go here for a complete checklist. My favorite inserts are the Holiday relic pieces that include Santa hat relic pieces.

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#HW9 Alex Verdugo      #HW25 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Ten More Wins!

Walker Buehler was stifling last night. In six innings he struck out eight, walked three and allowed just one hit -- a lone single to Soto in the second inning (boxscore). Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“He loves the spotlight, loves pitching big games, loves this atmosphere. He answers the bell every time,” Justin Turner said. “If you know Walker, it’s not surprising. He’s very, very, very, very, very confident in himself. He loves it. He thrives on these situations.”

Now the Dodgers have a 1-0 series lead in the NLDS, and have longtime ace Clayton Kershaw pitching tonight.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1955 the day Dodger fans had been waiting for finally happened. On this day the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series to win a championship for the very first time in franchise history. In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1. 92,234 fans attended the game at the LA Coliseum, setting a new record for attendance for a World Series game. This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would win the World Series in the sixth game four days later. In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two Dodger runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets. You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Rip Ripulski, John Duffie, Mike Sharperson, Dennis Cook, Adam Riggs, Tony Gwynn, Jr. & Stephen Fife!

Rays Series Starts on Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Tuesday, September 16th at 7:10 PM

Ross Stripling Caleb Ferguson vs Blake Snell

TV: YouTube

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 9/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Seven in a Row!

WooHoo! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“The feeling never gets old,” (Russell) Martin said. “We’ve had a good record for a while, so we kind of felt like this moment would happen at some point. But the thing is, the group that we have, that’s what you think about. You think about the people that we have here. Celebrating this moment with good people is what matters, for me at least.”

Per Eddie Matz at ESPN:

"You got to tip the hat to the front office and the job that they do every year creating so much depth," Justin Turner told Spectrum SportsNet LA after Tuesday's victory. "You look at the guys around this room, I think every single guy had their finger on winning this division for the seventh straight year. So many good players [with] one goal in mind -- that's to win the World Series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Also, you can watch a little bit of the postgame celebration here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the Dodgers defeated reliever Elroy Face and the Pirates, 5-4; thereby, ending Face's consecutive win streak at 22. He finished the season going 18-1 (as a reliever, mind you) with a 2.70 ERA, 2.60 FIP and a 3.2 WAR. In 1983 RJ Reynolds squeezed home Pedro Guerrero in the ninth for an improbable walk-off victory against the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers scored four runs in the ninth to win. Tommy Lasorda called his decision to call for the squeeze the most "daring" of his career. Watch video highlights/footage of the ninth inning, here. In 1998 Kevin Malone is named the Dodgers GM, replacing Tommy Lasorda. 
• Happy Birthday, Con Daily, Frank Kitson & Eddie Miksis!

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!

2019 Topps Fire - All the Dodger cards

Another Target exclusive Topps Baseball card brand recently hit store shelves. It is the 2019 Topps Fire set and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards found within packs. See them below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#39 Justin Turner             #44 Corey Seager

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

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#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly