Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers Debt, King on Castro and Vin Scully

Check out this fantastic photo of the famous Dodgers infield, dated to spring training 1979.  It includes Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey.  The photograph was taken by famed photographer Alex Traube, and is a part of an limited print-run of just five copies.  (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Burt Shotten is fired as manager of the Dodgers.  Chuck Dressen, who was managing the Oakland Oaks of the PCL, is named as his replacement.  In 1969 second baseman Ted Sizemore is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Maeda and the Draft

Kenta Maeda was outstanding.  Through the first six innings he was pitching shutout ball.  Maeda had only allowed three hits, walked one and struck out nine Rockies batters.  Then a couple of well-placed hits in the seventh inning drove in the evenings only run.  The Dodgers lost last night, 1-0.  Per Jack Baer and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com: 

"The way Maeda pitched, we have to win that game," said Roberts. "I think our hitters are trying too hard."

I think it's more like the Dodgers offense decided to take a nap.  Doug Padilla at ESPN adds more:

“I think that guys are, again, trying to do too much,” Roberts said. “There are some empty at-bats and some tentativeness to the swings when you get into a good hitter’s count. We’re missing fastballs, whether we’re swinging through them, fouling them off or we’re late on them. We’re putting extra pressure on ourselves.”

The photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  BTW, today is the first two rounds of the MLB Amateur Draft.  It all begins at 4:00 PM, and the Dodgers have four picks (#20, #32, #36 & #65).  Their bonus pool money is at $9,336,500.  Check out Ken Gurnick's story at MLB.com about the draft and the Dodgers strategy this evening (link here).

"I know everyone judges on the first five picks and they're probably not as strong as people would like," (Billy Gasparino) said. "For us in the middle portion of the first round and on, it's really strong. Player 10 to 50, we feel really good about that group. Better, I think a whole grade higher than last year in depth and talent."

Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Dodgers starter Rube Marquard breaks his leg running the bases during the game against Cincinnati.  In 1990 Eddie Murray hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the game against the Padres in San Diego.  Having done this for the tenth time in his career, he ties a MLB record with Mickey Mantle.

Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero DFA'd, Urias Called Back Up and Kazmir's Fantastic Start

Has he figured it out?

Last night was the second great start for Scott Kazmir.  He threw six strong innings, recorded seven strike outs and allowed only one hit all evening to the Cubs.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's back," manager Dave Roberts said. "The ball has life and the changeup, he's getting extension with the change and the fastball. The deception is there. He's just really excited about the place he's at. Even when he's giving up runs, he's throwing the ball well, so I think he's been back and it's exciting for us."

...
"It's kind of just getting everything in sync," (Scott Kazmir) said. "That's where I'm at right now."

You can watch Dave Roberts speak more about Kazmir's start with Alanna Rizzo on SportsNet LA here (Video Link Here). 

Photo above of Kazmir and AGon via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Don Drysdale beat the Phillies for his 13th victory without a loss over the past 15 starts against them.  He would then go 0-9 in his next 12 starts against Philadelphia.  In 1997 Wilton Guerrero is ejected (and later suspended) for using a corked bat in that days game.  He had broken his bat while at the plate and immediately scrambled to pick up the broken pieces.  The umpire, a bit curious at Guerrero's actions, decided to investigate, and found cork strewn on the grass.
• Happy Birthday, Derek Lowe!

Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers thought that they'd lucked out yesterday.  That afternoons starter, Jason Hammel, left the game early due to an hamstring cramp.  So, they wouldn't have to face one of their best starters so far this season.  Unfortunately, the Cubs bullpen was up to the task of shutting down Los Angeles.  Via Brian Hedger at MLB.com:

"Once Hammel goes out there and we're into the bullpen in the third inning, you're thinking you can grind some at-bats and wear out the bullpen," Turner said. "It's Game 1 of a four-game series. [Wood] did a good job of pounding the zone and getting quick outs, and I think he went four innings. You have to tip your cap to him."

Five Cubs pitchers combined for a one-hit shutout victory; including seven no-hit innings by their relievers.  The lone Dodger hit was a single by Justin Turner in the first inning.  The Dodgers lost 2-0.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2106.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: This is remarkable.  In 1948, Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays of the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers.  Lasorda has said in the past that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day.  In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in a game against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam.  In 1968 Don Drysdale hurled his fifth consecutive shutout to extend his scoreless innings streak.  This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Roberts!

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda, Puig and Trayce Thompson

Exciting!  Thrilling!  The crowd jumped out of their seats and roared.

Locked into a tie, Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson, the youngest son of former Laker star Mychal Thompson, came up to the plate with two out and proceeded to knock a 2-2 pitch into the left field pavilion for a walk-off home run.  (Watch it here)  Via Jack Baer and Anthony DiComo at MLB.com:

"It was a fastball," Thompson said. "Their whole entire bullpen, their whole entire pitching staff has amazing stuff. I just try to keep it simple against them. Just look for a heater, keep it simple and square it up. It was a fastball over the plate that I was able to handle."

Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“I don’t know how he did it,” Seager said. “He took two heaters and still battled back and ended up swinging at the first thing that doesn’t bounce. That’s awesome. It’s an awesome moment.

“He’s calm as hell. It’s unbelievable. He didn’t even have any jitters after the game. It was like as if nothing happened right there. It was special. A lot of people, their motors are going fast. His just wasn’t. No heartbeat at all.”

The Dodgers really needed this win.  Best yet, starter Alex Wood put in a great performance.  Wood went 6.1 innings in the no-decision; giving up four hits, two runs (one of which was unearned) and striking out nine.  On Wood, Mets manager Terry Collins said this:

"That's the best I've seen Alex Wood pitch," Mets manager Terry Collins said.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax would throw his second no-hitter of his career against the Giants.  He had a perfect game going into the eight inning when he walked Ed Bailey on a 3-2 pitch.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Jose De Leon rests with arm soreness for Oklahoma City."
• Via Brad Lefton at the Wall Street Journal, "Sixty Years Ago, the Dodgers Toured Japan and Changed Baseball Forever."

“Up until then, defensively, Japanese baseball was reactionary, not anticipatory,” (Sadaharu) Oh said. “For example, the Dodgers preached to anticipate the bunt and charge in with the pitch. That kind of thing was unheard of in Japan. They taught the infielders how to move in tandem with the pitcher and play a more team-oriented defense. It completely changed the way we defended.”

ICYMI: Here's the Dodgers 25-Man Roster

You probably already know that the Dodgers announced their 2016 Opening Day 25-man roster over the weekend.  Nevertheless, I figured I'd outline the guys who will be manning the club to start the season in a post.  There are quite a few surprises, but only because several key injuries have opened the door for some new faces.

Here is the Dodgers 2016 Opening Day roster.

Starting Pitchers (5):

• Clayton Kershaw (L)
• Scott Kazmir (L)
• Kenta Maeda
• Alex Wood (L)
• Ross Stripling

The rookie and first time Major Leaguer, Ross Stripling, beat out Carlos Frias and Zach Lee for a spot on the rotation.  His stay is likely to be a short one.  Stripling will probably go back to minors once either Bolsinger or Ryu is ready to go.

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Gets an Apology from Philadelphia

Dodgers hurler Kenta Maeda met with some special guest before yesterdays game.  The kids from the Tokyo Kitasuna team from Japan, as seen in the photo above shared by Dodgers photographed Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016, greeted the MLB rookie with giant smiles.  As you likely know, they won the 2015 Little League World Series.  Check out more pics from Jon from yesterday here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Rick Monday, Tom Paciorek, J.D. Drew elected to College Baseball Hall."
• Better late than never, I suppose.  Via Tricia L. Nadolny at Philly.com, "Sorry, 42: City Council apologizes for Phillies' race-baiting of Robinson." 

"Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia," reads the resolution unanimously passed Thursday, "that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate April 15, 2016 as a day honoring the lifetime achievements and lasting influence of Jackie Robinson, and apologizing for the racism he faced as a player while visiting Philadelphia."

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rookie coffee run continues for the Dodgers -- even during spring training.  This morning it appears that several of the young kids were tasked with getting coffee for the team, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by Kyle Farmer.  From L-R: Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Kyle Farmer?, Jharel Cotton, Caleb Dirks and Jacob Rhame.

Below are more links to check out:

• It's always a pleasure to work with Daniel at C70 At the Bat, so when he asked me to participate in his "Playing Pepper" question and answer session I was happy to oblige.  This series explores my, and several other Dodger bloggers', thoughts on the upcoming Dodger season.  Check out what I wrote, along with Alex Campos at Dodgers Way and Scott Andes at the LA Dodger Report, here.
• Via Richard Kagan at Baseball Magazine, "Brooklyn Dodgers’ World Series Comet: Al Gionfriddo."
• Via Barry M. Bloom at MLB.com, "Injured Guerrero progressing, nearing return."

"He's taking batting practice, taking grounders, but as far as our comfort level of him playing in a Major League game, we're not there yet," Roberts said.

• Via Fox Sports, "MLB Commish Manfred talks Snapchat, Dodgers and PEDs in wide-ranging interview."

Despite the league's wider access in many markets, Manfred did express his concern regarding the Dodgers ongoing TV troubles in which a large percentage of Dodgers' fans have been unable to watch their team in the local market due to limited access to the team's new cable channel. Calling the team one of the league's historic franchises, the commissioner said the league had no problem getting involved in discussions between the team and cable providers but was quick to point out they were limited in their influence.

In other words, there is no change in the situation, and ultimately there really isn't much the league can do.

• Former Dodger Randy Wolf to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders aloud, "Is Scott Schebler the next Paul Konerko, etc?"
• The ever popular Kiké Hernandez now has his very own store.  Go here to check it out.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Nomo, Koufax and a Brief Time Warner Update

Sandy is lounging on the grass at Wrigley Field!

Above is a fantastic pic of Sandy Koufax from an original 1960's color transparency/slide from the Metropolis Collection that was being auctioned by Hyee_Auctions on eBay.  It recent sold for $113.50.  The photo was taken by Chicago based photographer Lee Balterman.  He had started out as a photographer for the Army during WWII then did freelance work for magazines such as Life, Fortune, and Sports Illustrated.

Below are more links to check out:

• Here's some good news on the Time Warner front -- however slight it might be.  The California PUC is speeding up their review of the proposal merger between the company and Charter.  Via Robert W. Welkos at CFTN, "California ALJ Advances Time Warner Cable-Charter Decision Date."

Administrative Law Judge Karl J. Bemesderfer issued a scheduling order pushing up a final decision to May 12 from the previously announced June 10 date, and said that a proposed decision in the case would be issued April 12.

So, it's conceivable that SportsNet LA can be in everybody's homes before the All-Star break.  Assuming, of course, they can hammer out agreements with the other cable companies right away.

• I'm not one for reporting trade rumors, but this is one I can get behind.  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Shopping Alex Guerrero."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Double-A Tulsa releases 2016 spring training schedule."
• Via Baseball America, the Dodgers have the #1 ranked minor league system in the game this year.
• Old friend Hideo Nomo just became a Padres.  Via a San Diego press release, "Padres name Hideo Nomo Advisor, Baseball Operations."

"I am very happy to join the San Diego Padres and return to Major League Baseball," said Nomo. "My hope is that my advice will be handed down to the young players of Padres. It is also an opportunity for me to learn, and I hope to help bring a World Championship to the Padres. I look forward to working with A.J Preller and all of the Padres baseball operations staff."

• MLB Network ranks Yasiel Puig as the eighth best right fielder in the game.  Watch the video here.

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2015 Topps Strata Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Once just a fancy insert, Topps Strata has gone legit.  It is now its very own standalone Baseball card brand.  As you know, these are acetate cards that promises two hits per box.  BTW, boxes will cost you about $75 to $90 a piece for two cards.  Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see, there is no base set.  Instead, every card either has an autograph, relic or both.  One of the Kershaw cards comes with a redemption.  There are a couple of cards I have yet to see, so I'll update this post once they come to light.

Autographs

#SA-AGZ Adrian Gonzalez                  #SA-CKW Clayton Kershaw

2015 Topps Update Baseball - The Dodger Variation Cards

Following up on yesterday's post featuring the Dodger base cards found in the 2015 Topps Update set, I now share the numerous variation cards that are available.  Check them all out below.

As you can see, there is one Dodger base photo variation card, two different sparkle cards and three sabermetric statistic cards.  You can see a complete checklist of variations available here.

Base Photo Variations

#US-309 Howie Kendrick

Normal Base                                           Variation Card

2015 Topps Update Baseball - All the Dodger Base Cards

The final installment of Topps flagship Baseball card set is now in stores. Officially released today is the 2015 Topps Update Baseball card set, and it includes 23 Dodgers' in the base set.  Considering the large number of transactions the front office pulled off towards the end of the season this number should be of no surprise.  First time Dodgers with Blue cardboard include Luis Avilan, Josh Ravin, Enrique Hernandez, Adam Liberatore, Juan Nicasio, Mike Bolsinger, Jim Johnson, Mat Latos and Alex Wood.  Go here for a complete checklist of the set.

BTW, I have included pics of the gold parallel for the Mat Latos and Alex Wood cards.  Those are numbered to #/2015, so they are fairly common.

#US37 Luis Avilan

#US50 Alex Guerrero                            #US51 Yasmani Grandal

Complete Schedule for Autographs and Photo Opps for La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers on Saturday

I just received some additional detail regarding the upcoming La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers event at the Historic 76 Station on Saturday.  It all begins at 2:00 PM and concludes at 6:00 PM.

Several current Dodger players will be signing there; including Yasmani Grandal, Joel Peralta, Ronald Torreyes, Luis Avilan, Carlos Frias and Alexander Guerrero.  Old-timers signing for fans include Al Ferrera, Rick Monday, Manny Mota, Ron Cey and scout Mike Brito.  Both Jaime and Jorge Jarrin, along with Pepe Yñigue, Fernando Valenzuela, Kiké Hernandez, Yimi Garcia, Pedro Baez and Juan Nicasio will be available for photographs.

Below is a complete schedule of events:

1:30 p.m. All Dodger Stadium auto gates open
2:00 p.m. La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers begins
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Autographs with Grandal, Peralta and Torreyes
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Photos with Hernandez
2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  On stage interview with Gonzalez
2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  On stage interview with the Jarríns
2:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.  Sonsoles perform
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Autographs with Ferrara, Monday and Mota
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Photos with the Jarríns
3:20 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.  Sinverguenza performs
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Autographs with Brito, Cey, Ferrara and Mota
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Photos with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:05 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.  On stage interviews with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:08 p.m. to 4:28 p.m.  Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Autographs with Avilan, Frias and Guerrero
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Photos with Garcia, Baez and Nicasio
4:35 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.  Cotto interview on stage
4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.  Los 5 performs
5:35 p.m. Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance on field
5:45 p.m. DJ Adam provides entertainment
5:55 p.m. Cotto first pitch
6:10 p.m. Game time

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2015 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodger Base Cards

Last week I commented about the inclusion of a Trevor Cahill Dodger card in Topps newest set - 2015 Heritage High Numbers.  Now, take a look at all the Dodger base cards that are available.  I've included the one known variation (Jimmy Rollins) and several of the parallels.  Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base Set

#585 Yasmani Grandal                                 #595 Trevor Cahill

Brewers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Friday, July 10 at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme for the evening will be 70's music.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Special Olympics World Games commemorative Pin.  Prior to the game, the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will culminate at Dodger Stadium.

Local musician and lyric soprano Gretchen Anderson will perform the national anthem as part of Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium. Pregame entertainment will also include DJ Adam in the right-field plaza and a strolling magician in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps Petty Officer Second Class Brian Escamilla.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasmani Grandal autographed baseball and Howie Kendrick autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, July 11th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Juan Uribe bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Anderson da Silva, mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion will throw the first pitch. Sophie Simmons, daughter of rock legend Gene Simmons, positive body image activist, fashion designer, actress and singer, will perform the national anthem.

Pregame entertainment will also include pop band Everett Coast in the left-field plaza, singer Michael O. in the right-field reserve level, DJ Adam in the right-field reserve plaza and a strolling yo-yo artist the left-field reserve plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Eric Quintanar.

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Sunday, July 12th at 1:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14-years old or younger will receive a Kids' hamper.  Check it out on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will celebrate Cuban Heritage. Viva Los Dodgers will feature  photos with fans from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal. Outfielder Alex Guerrero will take photos with fans from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Outfielder Yasiel Puig will greet fans on stage at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and take part in a Q&A session alongside reliever Paco Rodriguez.  musical entertainment will be provided by The Arsenio Rodriguez Project and Buena Onda. Dodger scout Mike Brito will also partake in a meet and greet with fans at 12:00 p.m.

Also exclusive to Viva Los Dodgers will be the Cuban Dog.  The Cuban Dog features a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog topped with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickle chips and will be available at Viva Los Dodgers while supplies last.

Cuban music mogul and 19-time Grammy award winner Emilio Estefan will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.  The Dodgers will present a community hero award to the Gavina family at Viva Los Dodgers. Gavina Coffee, a Cuban-owned business, has been a coffee tradition in Los Angeles since 1967. Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, will throw Sunday’s honorary first pitch.

Singer, actress, R&B Divas L.A. star and “X-Factor” finalist Stacy Francis will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E-7 Nicholas Cottrill and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Pastor McGill.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Don Mattingly autographed photo, Orel Hershiser autographed baseball and Justin Turner autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

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2015 Panini Elite Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

Earlier this week Panini released their Elite Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist.  This is a foil-based brand with a 200-card base set.  Check out all of the Dodger cards in the base set below.

Of note, this is the first Panini set to include ballplayers in their college Baseball uniforms.  Unfortunately, no Dodger players are a part of those insert sets.

#15 Joc Pederson                                 #35 Clayton Kershaw

2015 Topps Stadium Club Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

It's all about the base!

This just might be the best set of the 2015 Baseball season.  Really!  We aren't even half-way through the season yet and I'm certain there's no way either Topps or Panini could possibly make a better set.

Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards to the 2015 Stadium Club brand, and they are all with almost little exception fantastic.

As you know, Stadium Club focuses on photo quality and uniqueness, and for the second straight year Topps gets high marks on both those factors.  There's beautiful photography all around.  The cards can make you smile, reminisce or gaze like you're looking at a beautiful sunset.

Wow!  Topps has done good... Really good.

Go here to check out a complete checklist to this set.

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Unquestionably, the Fernando Valenzuela card below is the best ever.  Ever!  Ever!  Ever!  I keep staring at it wondering if I might be reaching, jostling or lurking in the background. 

That's me... Right?  At center... At the top... Man... I so want that to be me right there.

I just love this card.

#1 Fernando Valenzuela

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Guerrero and a Catching Baby Daddy

Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo always seems to find himself in the perfect spot.  He was burping distance from the somewhat controversial play that saw Keith Harley make a one-handed steal of a pop fly out of Adrian Gonzalez's glove.  Check out the fantastic photo he took above.  Via Jon Greenberg at ESPN:

"Baseball is not a new thing to me," he said. "I didn't want it to hit the ledge and hit him, so I wanted to make first contact, I think."

More importantly, what was going through wife Kari's head?

"I was a little bit nervous, a little bit scared he was going to drop the baby," she said. "Fortunately he held on tight to both the ball and Isaac, so we were OK."

Adrian, on the other hand, had an hilarious response to it all, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It would have been more impressive if the baby would have caught it," said Gonzalez.

Go here to check out more photos of yesterday's game from Jon.  Below are some links to check out:

• Dodgers beat reporter JP Hoornstra has just completed a book about the Dodgers.  It is called, "The 50 Greatest Dodgers Games of All-Time."  You can check it out here.
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, "Judge dismisses suit against Dodgers' Yasiel Puig stemming from human trafficking charges."

Corbacho Daudinot sued under the Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991, which allows civil lawsuits in the United States against people who commit torture while acting in an official capacity for another country. He said that Puig falsely accused him of human trafficking — attempting to help Puig leave Cuba — which led to a seven-year prison sentence in 2010.

• Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers 2015 MLB Draft signing update: 28 players signed."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Hector Olivera placed on DL with hamstring injury."
• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Guerrero knows a trade could be a good career move."

Alex Guerrero’s exaggerated enthusiasm couldn’t hide his genuine enthusiasm for the possibility.

“Donde? Philadelphia?” Guerrero said, laughing and raising his hands to the sky in prayer when it was pointed out that his name was likely to come up in speculation as a potential trade chip if the Dodgers are going to acquire pitching help before the trade deadline.

• Congrats!  Via Dick Dornan at the Malibu Times, "Former Dodger Billy Ashley Named Malibu Baseball Coach."
• Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Brandon Trinkwon is top star in All-Star Game; Cal League wins."

Trinkwon was named the Top Star of the game. Trinkwon was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, two RBI and a walk. Bellinger doubled and had two RBI. Bellinger was also a part of three fielding double plays.

• Watch A.J. Ellis with Keith Olbermann to discuss Joe Maddon's stall tactics, Clayton Kershaw, and the Dodgers season thus far.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/22/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Olivera and a Mashup

It was a very special Father's Day at Dodger Stadium as fans and players alike brought along their kids to enjoy the festivities.  Featured above are Scott Van Slyke and Yasiel Puig with their young boys.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos taken by Jon from yesterday's game.

Below are some links to check out:

• Check out this interview by ESPN with Yasiel Puig, here.
• Via Anna Katherine Clemmons at ESPN, "A Father's Day Q&A with new dad Clayton Kershaw."

ESPN.com: What were those first days and weeks like for you and Ellen?

Kershaw: We thought Cali wasn't a crier and we had it figured out. We thought, 'We have a really calm baby.' And she is calm. But then she found her lungs a bit later. It was pretty overwhelming to bring her home for the first time and realize you've got to make sure she stays alive. Ellen is incredible and already has the whole mom thing down pat, so I just follow her lead.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Walker Buehler continues run of strong Dodgers pitching in College World Series."
• A Hector Oliver Update:  Via Jacob Unruh at NewsOK, "OKC Dodgers notebook: Hector Olivera finishes double shy of cycle in 6-3 win over Memphis."

“He’s a talented guy,” Berryhill said. “Right now, the first few games he looked like he was just not in real good baseball shape.

“He’s coming quick and the swings are getting better. Defensively, he’s getting better and getting better jumps on the ball. I’m pleased with where he’s at.”

Olivera said he is pleased with his progress to the point he is just waiting for the promotion.

“I’m waiting for that call,” he said. “I’ve been working really hard to get here and I think I’m prepared. I’m just waiting for the call.”

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Dodgers get bench production from Guerrero."
• Via an AP story on ESPN, "Erisbel Arruebarrena suspension cut to 30 days."
• Ha Ha!  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "The Giants team bus left Bruce Bochy at Dodger Stadium on Friday."
• Funniest mashup ever!  Check out Justin Turner, Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez goofing around on the plane last night, via Kike's Instagram.

🍌🍌🍌 #Minions #HappyFlight #WinningIsFun @yungjoc650 @redturn2

A video posted by Kike Hernandez (@kikehndez) on Jun 21, 2015 at 10:20pm PDT

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Bid Now on Some Dodgers' Mother's Day Game-Used Gear

Are you looking to add some unique memorabilia to your Dodger collection?

Then look no further than to MLB's own auction of Mother's Day game-used goodies from the Dodgers.  Currently, there are game-used bats and shoes/cleats available for sale of three Dodger players: Joc Pederson, Alex Guerrero and Yasmani Grandal.  Check out a listing below.  BTW, Major League Baseball Charities, Inc. will equally distribute its proceeds from the auction of MLB Pink Ribbon Products to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and Entertainment Industry Foundation, for breast cancer initiatives.

Joc Pederson

There are two Pederson game-used bats from the Mother's Day game the Dodgers played against the Rockies currently on auction.  You can see a photo of them at his locker in Colorado above. 

• The Marucci Bat (as seen above) is available here (link).
• Joc's Louisville Slugger Bat is available here (link).
• His cleats from the evening can be found here (link).  A photo of them is directly below.  So far Joc's shoes are at $355 with 11 bids.

(Auction Link)

Alexander Guerrero

Guerrero's bat can be found here (link), and his cleats (as seen below) can be found here (link).

(Auction Link)

Yasmani Grandal

Check out the game bat from our hit-hitting catcher here (link).  It's a Louisville Slugger.  Check out the cleats he wore here (link).  A photo of them is below.

(Auction Link)

Photo at the very top and the very bottom via @Dodgers on twitter.

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