Showing posts with label Arruebarrena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arruebarrena. Show all posts

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Blog Kiosk: 5/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Arruebarrena, Urias, and Gone Fishing


What's a ballplayer to do when you've got a day off in Toronto?

You go fishing, of course.

Early this morning, after what was a late night red-eye flight to the Great White North, both Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig heading out to Lake Ontario to cast some lines.  As you can see, they were rewarded with a couple large salmons.  BTW, AGon's catch was 24 lbs.  Photos above via their twitter accounts here and here.  You can check out more pics of their morning here, here, here and here.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Tommy Lasorda would start his first Major League game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He would last only one inning and tie a record for throwing three wild pitches in that first inning.  Also, in 2000 Lasorda was named the manager for the 2000 Baseball Olympic team.  They would go on to win a gold medal.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2015 - Dodger Links - Buehler, Funkhouser and Tommy Lasorda


This coming Wednesday Panini will be releasing their 2015 Cooperstown Baseball set.  Check out a couple of Jackie Robinson cards above.  Go here to see a whole boatload of preview pics from the set.

Below are some links to check out:
“It gets a little warm here once in a while, but I played in Kansas City and Cuba, so I’ve played in some hot places,” Lasorda said during an appearance Thursday at ONEOK Field. “I was going to pitch against the White Sox and was sitting on the porch, and I saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walking, that’s how hot it got in Kansas City.”
  • Some good news on the draft signing front.  Via Jon Heyman on twitter, the Dodgers have signed their 2015 1st round pick Walker Buehler (24th overall).  BTW, Buehler also needs Tommy John Surgery, via Heyman's twitter.

  • Well this is disappointing, via his twitter.  Funkhouser was a Dodger 2nd 2015 first round draft pick - 35th overall.  BTW, the the Dodgers will get a compensation pick in 2016 - a 36th pick.



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Monday, June 22, 2015

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 2015Go here to check out more photos taken by Jon from yesterday's game.

Below are some links to check out:
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.
A video posted by Kike Hernandez (@kikehndez) on



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    Friday, May 22, 2015

    Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Ryu and Arruebarrena


    Clayton has had a rough go of it recently.  Sure, he's still striking out batters at a healthy clip, but for whatever reason the opposition is getting on base more often and scoring more runs.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
    Kershaw, his fastball several ticks slower than usual, conceded his pitches "just weren't coming out, for some reason." He said he felt fine -- "You're going to have those days," -- and he tipped his cap to Bumgarner, who stunned him by slugging a third-inning home run with two outs.

    "Fastball down the middle," he said. "I should have a little more respect for him."
    This is the first I've read that his velocity is down; which is a bit disconcerting.  Worse yet, he conceded that he was running on empty, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:
    Kershaw’s velocity was down a little bit on Thursday, and he admitted he didn’t “have a whole lot in the tank, honestly.”

    “It just wasn’t coming out for whatever reason,” Kershaw said. “It’s tough. Madison pitched really well, and you just tip your cap, again.”
    What is clear is that the Giants are no laughing matter, Bumgarner is a proven champion ace and their manager Bruce Bochy might be the best in the business.  The Giants are riding high with a six game winning streak, and you have to figure we'll be battling them for a playoff spot all season long. 

    Photo above via the @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:
    The left-hander needed a repair of his left labrum and will not pitch again until 2016.
    Erisbel Arruebarrena has not played a game at any level this season and has been placed on the suspended list by the Dodgers, apparently for disciplinary reasons.
    "Part of his success is that he hides the ball really well," said Rancho Cucamonga pitching coach Bill Simas. "Some people have a knack for that. It's hard to explain. He hides it behind his body until that release."

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      Thursday, February 19, 2015

      Pitchers and Catchers Report to Camelback Ranch Today



      Woo Hoo!  After months of waiting... Months of twiddling my thumbs... Months of staring out the window praying for Spring... This day has finally come. 

      Today, Dodger pitcher and catchers officially report to their Spring Training home at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

      For the most part, everyone reporting today is just checking in.  Actual workouts on the field begin tomorrow.  In the meantime, there is already a bunch of comments coming in from some notable Dodgers.  Check some out below.

      From newest starting pitcher Brett Anderson:


      Other than having a great season, Anderson has one other goal:


      Having worked out during the Winter with an Korean team, Hyun-Jin Ryu is ready to go:


      Clayton Kershaw is doing well:






      AJ Ellis could care less about the politics of it all:


      Zack Greinke is as evasive as ever:


      Unfortunately, a couple of players have yet to show up:


      But there are some surprising early appearances:




      Graphic at the top via @Dodgers on twitter

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      Monday, January 19, 2015

      2014 Bowman Chrome Mini Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

      Recently, Topps released a complete factory set of Bowman Chrome Mini's, and I thought I would include some photos for informational purposes.  Other than being slightly smaller than a normal Baseball card, these cards look just like cards already released in past Bowman sets.  Go here for a complete checklist.

      There are 12 Dodger prospects in the set.  Check them all out below.

      Prospect Mini Base 

      #2 Julio Urias                                       #28 Alex Verdugo

      Wednesday, January 14, 2015

      2014 Panini National Treasures - The Dodger Autograph Cards

      Now take a look at the rest of the Dodger autographed cards (not already shown) that can be found in National Treasures.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

      Below is a brief checklist of cards that I have yet to see:
      • HOF 75th Anniversary Souvenir Cuts (#/1): #7 Dick Williams
      • HOF 75th Anniversary Souvenir Cuts (#/1): #40 Zack Wheat
      • Signature Die-Cut Players (#/10): #18 Fernando Valenzuela

      Baseball Signature Die-Cuts

      #5 Adrian Gonzalez

      #22 Clayton Kershaw

      Friday, January 02, 2015

      2014 Bowman Sterling Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

      Here is Topps newest Baseball card set to hit the market.  It is called Bowman Sterling and it consist primarily of prospects, rookies and recent up-'n-comers.  Go here for a complete checklist and listing of parallels.  Check out all of the Dodger cards below.

      There are three different Yasiel Puig autographed cards in the set, but they only come via a redemption card.  Also, the Dodgers #1 pick from the 2014 draft, Grant Holmes, has a redemption card for the Bowman Black card (an on-card autograph).  Below is a checklist of all redemption cards:
      • Bowman Black Autographs (#/25): #BBC-GH Grant Holmes
      • Dual Refractor Autographs: #BDA-SP Yasiel Puig & Jorge Soler
      • Sterling Autograph Showcase (#/25): #SAS-YP Yasiel Puig
      • Sterling Silver Autographs (#/1): #SS-YP Yasiel Puig

      Base Rookies Set

      #2 Alex Guerrero

      #15 Erisbel Arruebarrena

      Prospects Set

      #BSP-26 Joc Pederson

      #BSP-32 Julio Urias

      Prospect Autographs

      #BSPA-GH Grant Holmes

      1989 Bowman is Back Silver Diamond Refractor

      #89BIB-JP Joc Pederson

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      Wednesday, December 31, 2014

      Brett Anderson Signing Official - Dodgers Designate Arruebarrena


      The man Clayton Kershaw said had "probably the best stuff in Baseball" has officially been added to the Dodgers.  Brett Anderson, who you'll recall was said to have signed in mid December, will wear Blue in 2015.  It is a one-year contract and is expected to be for $10Mil plus $4Mil in incentives (via Buster Olney).

      Per a Dodger press release:
      Anderson, 26, has gone 27-32 with three saves and a 3.73 ERA in 92 games (81 starts) in six big league seasons with Oakland (2009-13) and Colorado (2014). During the course of his career, Anderson has posted a 1.29 WHIP and a 2.90 strikeout-to-walk ratio, striking out 386 and walking only 133. He has 56.2 career ground-ball percentage and allowed an average of only 0.75 home runs per 9.0 innings, giving up only 41 home runs in 494.0 career innings.

      As a member of the Colorado Rockies last year, Anderson was limited to just eight starts by a broken left index finger and lower back surgery, going 1-3 with a 2.91 ERA. He allowed just one home run in 43.1 innings and permitted three or fewer earned runs in seven of his eight starts, including five quality starts.

      Anderson was originally selected by Arizona in the second round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.
      Go here to check out my previous "Welcome" post for Brett Anderson.  As you will note, he has all the potential in the world.  He just has to stay healthy.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:
      “Over the past three seasons, no starting pitcher logging at least 100 innings has generated a higher ground ball rate than Anderson (61.4%),” wrote David Golebiewski at Gammons Daily. “His expected fielding independent ERA (a measure of pitcher skill based on strikeouts, walks, and homers per fly ball allowed) over that time frame is 3.30, far below the 3.91 overall average for starters.”

      The bet here, essentially, is to get as many great starts as you can from the No. 5 spot in the Dodger rotation (behind Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy), then fill in as needed behind them.
      To make room for Anderson on the Dodgers 40-man roster, Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena has been designated for assignment... Wha?

      I think it's fair to say that the new Dodgers regime does not see him in their future plans.  Overall, Arruebarrena has certainly proved he can get it done with the glove, but his bat is another story.  Last year he hit .259/.304/.417 in the minors, and hit .195/.244/.220 in 45 plate appearances with the Dodgers.  Paired with his involvement in a nasty brawl in AAA Albuquerque last season, you have to figure they believe he isn't worth the trouble.  As I had intimated in July when the Dodgers signed Darwin Barney, it's possible that the Dodgers no longer felt he would fit in the Dodger clubhouse.  Certainly his actions during that brawl denote some possible character issues.  The problem financially, though, is that they had just signed him to a 4-year $16Mil 5-year $25Mil contract, so they'll be on the hook for three four more season.

      UPDATE:  BTW, it'll be interesting to see if the Dodgers release him, ala Brian Wilson, or retain him in the minors should they not find a trade partner.

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      Friday, December 26, 2014

      2014 Donruss Baseball Factory Set - All the Dodger Cards

      I recently became aware of two factory sets recently released by Panini's brand Donruss, and discovered that there are several new and unique Dodger cards within them.  There is the complete Donruss Factory set and the Rookies Factory set.

      The Donruss Factory set consist of all the base cards previously released during the season as Series 1 & 2 cards (for a total of 355 cards) plus either a newly created relic or autograph card.  There are two new Dodger autographed cards available (but no new relic cards).  They are cards autographed by Alex Guerrero or Erisbel Arruebarrena.  Check them out below.  Unfortunately, I have yet to run across the Guerrero card at this time.  Go here for a complete checklist.  BTW, these two new cards can also be founded randomly inserted into the Rookies Factory set detailed below.

      The Rookies Signatures

      #19 Alex Guerrero
      (card not yet seen)

      #80 Erisbel Arruebarrena

      The Rookies factory set includes a 100-card "The Rookies" complete set plus one autographed card (the Guerrero and Arruebarrena cards above can be found).  The first 41 cards of the 100-card base set are repeats of the insert cards found in Series 1 & 2 boxes.  The remaining 59 cards are brand new.  Of those new created cards are two new Dodger players (Withrow and Arruebarrena).  Below is a complete look at all the Dodgers that are found in the 100-card set.  Go here for a complete checklist. 

      The Rookies Set

      #19 Alex Guerrero                                #34 Onelki Garcia

      #60 Chris Withrow                               #80 Erisbel Arruebarrena

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      Monday, December 01, 2014

      2014 Topps Chrome Update - All the Dodger Cards

      I figured I should put this up just for informational purposes.  A couple of weeks back Topps released their 2014 Topps Chrome Update cards, and they can only be found in retail-only boxes.  Per Chris Olds at Beckett:
      A new collecting twist that began last season is back for another run as a retail-only edition of 2014 Topps Chrome Update will be found in boxes arriving in stores now. Each box includes five packs of 2014 Topps Update and two packs of Chrome Update for $14.99

      The Chrome Update set will consist of 55 cards, while there will be 25 All-Star Stitches Chrome Relics to be found and 10 All -Star Stitches Chrome Relic Autos as well. The only other inserts will be 20 World Series Heroes cards.
      Go here for a complete checklist.  There are only a handful of Dodger cards available, and all of them are just chrome versions of cards that had already been released previously in October as a part of the 2014 Topps Update set.  Go here to see the Dodger cards found in 2014 Topps Update.

      Base Set

      #MB-30 Erisbel Arruebarrena

      I have yet to see the actual chrome versions of the two below relic cards of Kershaw and Puig, so I have included pics of the normal update relic cards for your information.  I have no reason to believe that the chrome cards look any different than these cards - except for being super shiny.

      All-Star Stitches Chrome Relics

      #ASCR-CKL Clayton Kershaw                         #ASCR-YP Yasiel Puig

      World Series Heroes

      #WSC-18 Sandy Koufax

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      Tuesday, November 25, 2014

      Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Editorializing the Dodgers


      Here is a fantastic ACME Press Photo, circa 1940, from high up in the rafters of Ebbets Field.  I ran into this on eBay.  Check out the auction here.

      On a side note, I am more than pleased with the current moves the Dodger front office is making.  They are measured, deliberate and necessary changes meant to provide depth in areas that are lacking with the club.  Not only that, several of the new Dodger players appear to have some upside that may translate well if given different roles.  No doubt they are gambles, but they appear to be worthwhile.

      In the past, the Dodgers tried going the veteran route - figuring their money would solve any problems.  They went after old horses with an easy to understand history, but they got burned.  Soon, fans and the press complained.  Now they are choosing to go a different route by trying to find a competitive advantage by taking some risk... And still you complain? 

      None of these recent moves are flashy or headline grabbing, and I don't think that the current leadership cares about any of that - and neither should you.  Heck, you never should have built up the expectation that the Dodgers were going to do something major to begin with.  They were never going to sign Russell Martin.  Hanley Ramirez was always going to be allowed to go elsewhere.  And you shouldn't expect the Dodgers to sign a Lester or trade for Cole. 

      What you should expect is some resolution to the outfield situation.  Someone or more will get traded, and I do not believe Kemp will be that man.  He has significant value (given his 2014 second half he would make a bundle in todays free agent market), and unless another team is willing to pony up he will remain in Blue.  Instead, we'll see a trade that includes cash and some minor prospects.

      We are in a new Dodger era - an era that does not include trying to be the Yankees of the West.  Instead, we are a Dodger franchise set on the intention of playing it smart.  We have the cash, the brains and now the will to make it all happen.  Don't sully that by giving yourself false expectations of the future.  What you want is not the same thing as what we need.

      Below are some links to check out:
      It’s quite possible they’ll live with the in-house options, giving Erisbel Arruebarrena (who will earn his $25 million by 2017 whether he’s in the big leagues or minors) first crack at it. Miguel Rojas will be standing by if he flounders. The Dodgers’ defense would improve significantly, but the offensive drop-off from Hanley to either of those guys would be vast.
      • Listen to the most recent episode of Dodger Talk with David Vassegh and Kevin Kennedy, here.  Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi joins them at about the 22:30 minute mark.  He mentions that one of their focuses will be to find under-the-radar tough-luck starters to convert into relievers.  I think this is the basis for the recent trades for Mike Bolsinger and Juan Nicasio.
      • Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Juan Nicasio, Fascinating Relief Project."
      Though Nicasio would be at the moment likely the team’s fifth starter behind Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-jin Ryu, and Dan Haren, I’m really not interested in him in that role, and I think we all know the Dodgers will move to add another starter. But as a reliever, a two-pitch guy who can touch 95 in short stints? Well, that’s fascinating, really, because I’ve long loved the idea of taking mediocre starters who don’t have a good enough third pitch or velocity to survive in the rotation and turning them into relief assets. I’m not suggesting that Nicasio will be Wade Davis, but you get the idea — it’s the exact same thing.
      • On Joe DiMaggio's 100th birthday check out this post by Paul Frazier at Picollecta about his life through collectibles. 
      • A Jackie Robinson Tribute from UCLA.

      Video Link:

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      Friday, November 21, 2014

      2014 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

      On Wednesday Topps released their newest set.  Instead of rolling out boxes with randomly inserted packs of cards, they produced a 100-card complete set box that includes one random Real One Autographed card.  The set is called Topps Heritage High Number and an unopened box will cost about $90.  This is an companion set to their Heritage cards released in March.  Check out all of the Dodger cards below.  Go here for a complete checklist.

      Base Set

      #H502 Dee Gordon                                 #H530 Onelki Garcia

      #H547 Alex Guerrero                           #H551 Erisbel Arruebarrena

      Real One Autographs

      #ROA-AG Alex Guerrero                    #ROA-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena

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      Monday, November 03, 2014

      2014 Topps Supreme Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

      Last week Topps released their newest high-end Baseball card set.  It is called Supreme Baseball and every card in the set is autographed.  A box will cost you about $60 to $80 each and you get just one pack with two autographed cards in it.  Go here for a complete checklist.

      Unfortunately, most of the Dodger autographed cards are available only through a redemption card.  A complete checklist is available below.

      There are four Dodgers in the Base Autographed set.  They are Alexander Guerrero, Erisbel Arruebarrena, Johnny Podres and Yasiel Puig.  The Guerrero (#SA-AG) and Puig (#SA-YP) have redemption cards.  They are serial numbered to only 50 copies and have numerous parallels available.  The parallel checklist is as follows: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.

      Autographs Set

      #SA-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena                   #SA-JPO Johnny Podres

      UPDATE: Here is the Puig Autograph card in it's original redemption holder on the left and the Guerrero card on the right.

      Yasiel Puig (#SA-YP)                      Guerrero (#SA-AG)

      The Autographed Patch Relic cards below are numbered to 25 copies with the following parallels: Platinum Patch #/5, Supreme Patch 1/1.

      Autographed Patch Relics 

      #APR-AG Adrian Gonzalez

      Remaining Redemption Dodger checklist:
      • Dual Autographs Set - #DA-AG Guerrero & Arruebarrena (#/25)
      • Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)
      • Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PT Trout & Puig (#/25)
      • Dual Autographed Jumbo Patch Relic Book - #DAPR-PT Trout & Puig (#/10)
      • Triple Autographs - #TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)
      UPDATE:  Here is the Kershaw/Puig Dual Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.  Also the Triple Autograph card with Puig,Trout and Harper is below that.

      #DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)

      #TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)


      The Simply Supreme Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SSU-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Snider and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

      Simply Supreme Autographs

      #SSU-DS Duke Snider               #SSU-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena

      UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Simply Supreme Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

      Clayton Kershaw (#SSU-CK)


      The Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SS-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Koufax and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

      Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographs

      #SS-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena               #SS-SKO Sandy Koufax

      UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

      Clayton Kershaw (#SS-CK)

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