Blog Kiosk: 6/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, McCarthy and Congrats Rogie Vachon!

Things looked bleak early on, but as the yesterdays game wore on the Dodgers continued to battle and eventually came away with a victory.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"It was good to see after we spotted them four in the first, Kaz goes out there and throws up four zeroes," manager Dave Roberts said. "We responded, put up a crooked number and figured out how to win a baseball game. It's something that we saw this series, and there were some good at-bats. I liked the way we didn't quit."

Scott Kazmir went five innings, gave up four hits, and four earned runs (all in the first inning).  At one point he recorded twelve straight outs.  Then the bullpen came in and was magnificent.  Via Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"He just pitched better. He got downhill angle. He started throwing strikes. The changeup played. He was a completely different guy on the mound," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of Kazmir. "Their bullpen has been one of their strengths. We got to see some of that this series. … The opportunities after the first, there weren't many."

Photo above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 2008 the Dodgers are no-hit by the Angels at Dodgers Stadium, but won the game 1-0.  The only run in the game scored on a sacrifice fly by Blake DeWitt in the fifth inning.  He drove in Matt Kemp - who had gotten on base on an error and advanced to third on another error during a steal attempt.
• Happy Birthday, Al Downing!

Blog Kiosk: 12/24/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends Before the Holidays

With the year coming to a close the Dodgers are sharing a bunch of old photos from the past 30 years of Jon SooHoo's tenure.  As you know, he's been the Dodgers official photographer for the past three decades.  You can check out those pics exclusively on their Instagram account; using the hashtag #soohoo30.  Go to this link to check them out.  The photo above features two young Dodger prospects before they would ever have an opportunity to put on a Major League uniform.  Meet prospects Blake DeWitt and Clayton Kershaw - "Before the Bigs."

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers continue to show interest in Kenta Maeda."
• Former Dodger Jerry Sands has been claimed by the White Sox, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.
• A minor transaction.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Astros claim Daniel Reynolds off waivers from Dodgers."
• Panini provides an early peek at some of the 2015 National Treasures Baseball cards that will be hitting stores come early January; including the Joc Pederson card on the right.  Go here to check out a bunch more pics.
• The other night the LA Kings wore some fantastic Christmas themed jerseys for their pregame skate, and auctioned them that same evening to benefit the victims of the recent San Bernardino shooting.  Go here to check out the results.  Surprisingly, backup goalie Jhonas Enroth's jersey sold for the most - at $4,000.  Other sales include Jonathan Quick at $3,025; Anze Kopitar at $2,525; Drew Doughty at $2,275; and Alex Martinez at $2,025.  The below are pics of the jersey's via the LAKings on twitter:

• Panini shares a bunch of preview pics of their 2015 USA Baseball Box Sets that include cards of some of the best and brightest prep stars in the country.  Check it out here.  It doesn't look like any current Dodger prospects is a part of this set yet, but I suspect a player or two will eventually be in our system as some of the prep stars get old enough to be drafted.  Go here for a complete checklist.  BTW, this set is now officially available in stores.

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Collection: Blake DeWitt Bowman Auto

I always like this kid. He was struck me as a hard-nosed scrappy type of player. He always played to get his uniform dirty and wouldn't shy away from trying to make a tough play. Effort was something that came easy to him. I wish, sometimes, that he stayed with the Dodgers. Oh well. Since he was dealt to Chicago a couple of years back he has been more of a utility player than a starting second baseman. Hopefully, he'll find an opportunity to be a regular.

Here is a 2005 Bowman autographed card from my collection of Blake DeWitt.

Welcome to the Blue Guys

(pic link: Dodgers Facebook: Jon SooHoo)

I was prepared to do some light posting over the weekend when I suddenly found myself pondering a couple of trades Saturday morning that had my mind aflutter. Call it "Dazed and Confused."

Over the weekend we picked up Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot and Octavio Dotel for a whole bunch of prospects- some pretty good ones. We sent away Blake Dewitt, James McDonald, Andrew Lambo, Kyle Smit and Bret Wallach.

At this moment I am on the fence about the trades. I'm trying the weight the benefits of two months of potential hope against a major regret it could develop into a couple of years from now. Nevertheless, three new Dodger have joined the club and it is only proper to welcome them to the Blue.

2010 Topps Series 2 Base Cards

Here are the Dodger base cards in the recently released 2010 Topps Series 2 set.

Directly below is a team card.

Hiroki Kuroda

George Sherrill

Carlos Monasterios

James Loney

Russell Martin

Rafael Furcal

Blake DeWitt

SI Suggest Hu

Although, I think it is clear that Blake DeWitt has sewn up the second base job, maybe this suggestion by SI's Pablo Torre is worth a thought.

“Hu is an excellent defensive shortstop who has been blocked in Los Angeles by Rafael Furcal, and while Hu didn’t hit while replacing the injured Furcal in 2008 (he had a .181 average and .252 OBP in 65 games), he has since put up good numbers at Triple A. The Dodgers’ pitching staff throws so many ground balls that maximizing the infield defense is a worthwhile goal, even at a cost of some runs scored. By playing Hu at second, the Dodgers can get the benefits of his range while evaluating him as a successor to Furcal in 2011.”

Maybe not.

I can see the argument. After all, Hu is great with the glove. On the other hand, I just think that DeWitt's bat is far superior and his defense will be more than adequate.

Anyway, click here to see the team preview for the Dodgers from SI. This issue hits the stands tomorrow, and it includes a nice little write-up about Chad Billingsley.

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2010

All Dodgers, All of the time.

• You must read Chris and Alex Volk's story, of Dodgerfan.net fame, about official Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo, here and here.
• LA Dodger Talk tours Minor League camp at Camelback Ranch, Part 1. Part 2.
  
• Sunshine, who is an ardent Dodger fan, writes all about her visit to Padres Fan Fest.
  
• I totally endorse this post and photo from The Left Field Pavilion.
• This makes me want to puke. (Hat Tip: It's Time for Dodger BaseBlog)
  
• Here is a great write up about Sandy Koufax's evening at the Nokia Theater with Joe Torre from Behind Blue Eyes.
  
• Dodger Sims simulates the entire 2010 season and concludes that the Dodger will win the division. Hooray! Playoffs here we come!
  
• Alyssa Milano unveils her 2010 Spring collection and, I think, I just fell in love with her again. Ooh-La-La!
• Brian Akin, a Dodger farmhand and writer of the Dear (Tommy) John Letters blog, has been released. Good luck on your future. I hope you catch on with another team and continue writing your blog.
• GCRL gets a Chan Ho Park auto through the mail.
  

Free 33

The above pic was made by The Left Field Pavilion, and it is something I absolutely endorse.

Give Blake DeWitt a chance at the second base job. He may not have the obvious tools of a Matt Kemp or Orlando Hudson, but he has the heart and desire to get the job done.

He reminds me of a former Dodger outfield prospect named Shane Victorino who was constantly passed over and over. Sure, he didn't project to be a superstar, but he could play. He worked hard to excel and when given an opportunity to play everyday he cemented his position as a regular on the club.

Free 33!

Hat Tip: Pure Science with a Splash of Black Cat:

Check Out Some Triple Threads

Beckett has a recent post featuring some recent pulls submitted by readers from the just release 2009 Topps Triple Threads boxes. It includes the below Trolley Dodgers card featuring 3 Brooklyn heroes and some cut jerseys and bat pieces. Go to their post to see more.Since the above card is the only Dodger one featured I figured I would troll around eBay to see if there are more to be seen. Of course, I was not disappointed. Check out some of them below.

In fact, take a good look at the Blake DeWitt card featuring some cut jerseys fashioned with the words "5 NLCS RBI." In 2008 he started at 2nd base and hammered in 5 RBI's during the series. We could have used some of that this time around. In fact, I'm willing to make the early call that he should be the heir apparent to the 2nd base job in 2010.

(eBay link)

I'm not surprised that card was made. Hollywood with Kemp, Manny and Russell Martin featured.

(eBay link)

How cool is this- Matt Kemp the Bison!

(eBay link)

This reminds us that Manny is a 12 time All Star. Some good that did for us this year. On the other hand, that is a really cool patch on the left side. What is that of?

(eBay link)

Just Manny Being Manny.

(eBay link)

AAA All-Star Game Voting Now

Evan of I love This Game has passed along a request to let all Dodger fans know that the AAA All-Star Game voting is taking place right now and several Isotopes/ Dodgers are on th ballot. Go here to vote. Voting last until next Friday, June 26, 2009. You can help get the following folks into the game.

James McDonald

(Pic Link: Vinny is My Homeboy)

Dee Brown(Pic Link: Minor League Baseball)

Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger

(Pic Link: Flickr Dave Nelson)

Jason Repko(Pic Link: Stopka, Inc.)

Jamie Hoffman

(Pic Link: Copper JJ's Graph World)

Hector Luna(Pic Link: Bleacher Report)

Blake DeWitt

(Pic Link: Cards in the Attic)

Chin-Lung Hu(Pic Link: Dinged Corners)

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2009

Just a few more weeks until Baseball!

• Check out Blue Notes blog post that features some videos of our young Dodgers hanging out with the Lakers. Blake Dewitt and Clayton Kershaw are ecstatic to be there.
  


• Sports analogies are popping up everywhere. Can Obama return the public trust in our government the same way Babe Ruth returned the public trust in Baseball?


• WFAA in Dallas interviews our very own Clayton Kershaw as he reminisces about his early Baseball career; including a perfect game in high school. (Hat Tip: LA Dodger Talk)

• Jose Canseco fought Danny Bonaduce.

• Forbes ranks the Top 10 Baseball cards of All-Time. (Hat Tip: SCD)
  


• The LA Times remembers LA's own Wrigley Field. (Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts)
  


• Upper Deck will be inserting limited edition cards featuring the First Hockey Winter Classic into their 2009 Baseball packs. (Hat Tip: Stale Gum)

• In honor of Todays All-Star game below is the complete game from the 1981 All Star game in Los Angeles featuring our Triple Crown Line of Marcel Dionne, Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor. (Hat Tip: Inside The Kings)
  

• Estranged brother of Mark McGwire is pitching a book claiming he introduced Mark to steroids.


• Remember this name, Bryce Harper. This 15 year old will be the #1 draft pick during the 2011 draft.

YouTube Link: PowerShowcase:
Hat Tip: Diamond Hoggers:

Obamacon The Dodgers

In honor of today's historic event, enjoy the Obamanized Dodgers. You can do your own version here at Obamacon.Me.

Dodger Autograph Alert!

I just got an email from the Dodgers PR Department highlighting several Dodger players who will be signing autographs this coming weekend and next weekend. Below is the list of where to go.

Friday, July 25 – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Blake DeWitt
at:Staples Los Angeles
11341 National Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 445-4041

Saturday, July 26 – 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Chad Billingsley
at:AT&T Los Angeles
3764 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 388-9444

Saturday, July 26 – 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Corey Wade
at:Wal-Mart Santa Clarita
25450 Old Road
Valencia, CA 91381
(661) 253-1911

Saturday, July 26 – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jeff Kent
at:MACY’s Northridge – Men’s Department
9301 Tampa Ave # 2500
Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 885-6611

Saturday, August 2 – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Andre Ethier
at:AT&T
3851 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-2019

Gloom

Overall, yesterday was a gloomy day. The sky was filled with clouds. It was chilly- unseasonable cold for a June day in Southern California. The recent weather sure seemed to foreshadow the evenings game, if not the Dodgers past couple of weeks.

I felt fortunate to have tickets. A friend received 4 choice seats from his work. They were easily the best seats I've ever had at Dodger Stadium. We were six rows back in the field section directly behind were Lasorda usually sits. I felt like reaching out to him for consolation.

The Dodgers are cold- Alaska cold. Their pitching has been terrible. Even when they get a quality start their bats turn off. They can't hit a lick, save the occasional outburst. Watching games have been as difficult as watching a political debate. You want to turn it off, but you worry that you might miss something historic.
The Dodgers wasted a decent start from their struggling ace. Brad Penny twisted and turned enough to walk away with giving up only 2 runs. It was a miracle. Unfortunately, they couldn't follow up his performance with offense.

There was a bit of emotion though. As I'm sure most of you know there was a bench-clearing scuffle at the stadium last night. The crowd was forcibly awoken from it's slumber.
Matt Kemp and Yorvit Torrealba pushed, shoved and wrestled to the ground. Torrealba went so far as to give Kemp a little love tap on his chin while holding the ball. There is nothing like getting hit with a loaded hand. The scrum in front of the Rockies bench looked like a rugby match as players lined up on their side and pushed. I believe it was Ken Levine on Dodger Talk last night who said, "we went to a Baseball game and a hockey game broke out."

The game had a sense of hope after the brawl. The crowd was fired up and the Dodgers were only down by two runs. Three outs is more than enough time to catch up. Unfortunately, a solo homerun on the first pitch of the ninth inning by Rockies replacement catcher Chris Iannetta sealed the deal. The Dodgers followed by putting two guys on with DeWitt up to bat with two outs. He fouled out to right as the rightfield leaned over the railing to catch the last out. With that the stadium and the team deflated like a tire that had run over a pile of nails.

Check out the Video below for highlights of the game.

Video Link: Redlasso:

DeWitt is the Toast of LA and Sikeston, MO.

Blake DeWitt has been a great surprise this season. So much so that he is featured in two of LA's papers today. Check out the LA Times story and Press-Telegram story for some background about his small town roots.

UPDATE: I missed this one. Diamond Leung of the Press Telegram also has a Blake DeWitt story out today.