Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an April 18, 1967 AP press photo featuring Sandy's return to Dodger Stadium -- after retiring from the game after last season (eBay auction link).

And on the Mound, Sandy Koufax -- Sandy Koufax, now a sports broadcaster for NBC, throws the opening "pitch" as the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds opened the Los Angeles home season at Dodger Stadium tonight.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 the Brooklyn Dodgers out-slugged the Phillies, 20-16. Hilariously, Dodger hurler Ray Moss allowed ten earned runs and still recorded his first win of the season. In 1931 Dodger outfielder Babe Herman hits for the cycle against the Reds at Ebbets Field. Herman would hit his second cycle of the season on July 24th. In 1942 all night games in New York are banned for the duration of WWII. The city would not host a night game until 1946. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela finally loses, 4-0 (boxscore). It was against the Phillies. Valenzuela now has an 8-1 record to start the season.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Clark, Cy Barger, Don Lund & Eric Young!

Blog Kiosk: 10/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I feel ya Jackie.

I put myself on a brief hiatus following the Dodgers recent plunge in the playoffs. I just needed some time to sulk. But now I'm back and I thought the above 1952 AP wirephoto that recently sold at RMY Auctions (link) would be appropriate to show here. As you can see, Jackie Robinson doesn't look well after losing another World Series to the Yankees. Per the descriptor:

The big 4 of the 42 of Jackie Robinson's uniform seems post-climactic as the Dodger second baseman sits dejectedly in Ebbets Field dressing room today after the Brooklyn team lost final game of the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees. Winning four games to three the World Champions once again kept the Dodgers from their first World Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Kirk Gibson hit his legendary walk-off home run off A's pitcher Dennis Eckersley to win Game 1 of the World Series. This event spawned Vin Scully to utter these immortal words; "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened."  Go here to watch and listen to it. Arash Markazi at ESPN wrote a great article about the event here.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Nick Tremark & Mitch Jones! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this motley crew. As you may know, fan favorite Kiké Hernández officially tied the knot this weekend, and a whole bunch of his buds are in town to celebrate. Congrats!

Photo above via Yasiel Pui's Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 11/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't wait for spring.

Featured above is a 1942 Spring Training pic during a Dodgers trip to Havana, Cuba. You can see shortstop Pee Wee Reese comically stepping over some bats at La Tropical Stadium. Photo found at CubanBéisbol.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the expansion New York Mets unveiled a circular logo that includes the team colors of the two teams who skipped town just a few years before -- it has Dodger Blue and Giants orange. In 1966 Sandy Koufax missed out on winning his second MVP award by ten votes to Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente. As you know, this would be Koufax's last major league season. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Strauss, Glenn Burke & Julio Lugo!

Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Kershaw and Corey Seager

That wasn't half bad.

Last Night was the MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby and rookie shortstop Corey Seager was slated to face off against the Mark Trumbo, who leads the league in homers this season.  It was the first round of the derby and pitching to Seager was his father, Jeff (as seen in the photo above).  Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

Seager said choosing dad was a sentimental pick, but he also provided a lot of familiarity. And as we’ve learned with Seager, familiarity breeds success.

“He’s probably as nervous as I am,” Seager said. “He said he’s going to try and not look at me and not stare up. He said he’s just going to try and stare at the catcher and block everything out. I said, ‘Good luck.’”

Overall, I thjink Corey's Dad did just fine.  He threw strikes and Corey hit 15 of them out.  Unfortunately, the inhuman Trumbo bested him with 16 of his won.  Via Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com:

"It was fun," Seager said of the event, ultimately won by Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. "It was very fun. It was one of those things that not a lot of people get to experience, and to be able to do it, with my dad, was real fun. It was really enjoyable."

Jeff Seager has been throwing batting practice to his three sons -- Kyle and Justin of the Mariners, Corey of the Dodgers -- since they each could even swing. Corey took hacks from him four times a week in North Carolina throughout this past offseason, but this was wholly different.

"I thought I was really lucky that he thought of me and asked me," Jeff Seager said. "Then I started thinking about what it means."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of great pics by Jon from the day.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1949 Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians and Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe of the host Dodgers became the first black players to appear in an All-Star game.  In 1966 Maury Wills drove in the winning run on a walk-off single in the 10th inning of the All-Star Game played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
• Happy Birthday, Ron Fairly and Howie Kendrick!

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Peter O'Malley and Kirk Gibson

Clayton Kershaw was good last night - just not good enough.  He faced off against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants for the second time this season and again came out on the losing side.  Per Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation:

“The bottom line is I just got out-pitched,” Kershaw said. “Madison pitched better than I did and they won the game. So, not a whole lot of analyzation going on. I gave up two, he gave up one, he pitched eight innings, I pitched seven, so yeah, I got outpitched.”

Kershaw gave up seven hits and two runs, and had a heck of a time with Giants phenom Buster Posey - who drove in both runs.  On a happy note, Clayton is getting better with each outing.  Per Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"I think he's just getting better and better as the season's going on. I think that's the one thing we see," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "There are years when guys get runs and years when they don't. You never know who you're going to match up with."

The above photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:

• This is quite an honor.  Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley will be honored with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” from the Government of Japan.  This is that nations highest award for a non-citizen.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider. 
• OMG!  I'm pullin' for ya, Gibby!  Via Jason Beck at MLB.com; "Gibson reveals diagnosis of Parkinson's disease."

"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles," Gibson said in the statement. "While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."

• This is fun.  Via Andres Tardio at MTV.com, "Kendrick Lamar Walks Us Through His First Pitch With The Dodgers."

“This is amazing, especially being from the inner cities of L.A. We’ve never been to the Dodger Stadium on this type of level. I’ve probably been way up there,” he said pointing to the upper deck, “but to actually be in the dugout and on the field, that’s a whole ‘nother story coming from Compton. It’s a blessing, man. It’s a blessing.”

• Listen to agent Scott Boras talk about Dodger baseball (Seager and Urias) with Mason and Ireland on ESPN, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Jansen opposes hitters; Ryu nearing same step."
• Awesome!  Greg at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares a new edition to his collection - a 1911 T332 Helmar Stamp of Zach Wheat.  I added a couple of these to my collection a few years ago - a Bell and Rucker.  Go here to check those out.
• You lucky dog, you!

Walk into the club house to this....Thanks @MagicJohnson #Showtime pic.twitter.com/ylMGLOb2U8
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) April 28, 2015

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Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw to Pitch Subway and Japan Loves Butera

The legend of Drew Butera has just begun.  He is getting a lot of love in Japan.  Pic above via @TheReal2ryoSS on twitter.  Here is a pic of another sign made by a Japanese Baseball fan extolling their love for Butera.

Below are some links to check out:

• Go here and bid often.  The Negro League Baseball Museum has up a bunch of auctions on eBay featuring MLB game-used negro league commemorative uniforms worn over the past couple of years; including players like Rusty Kuntz, Rafael Soriano and Ed Yost.
• Clayton will be the new Jared.  Via Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, "Kershaw signs on with Subway."

"The key for us is authenticity," Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. "We found out that Clayton would stop by a Subway before going to the ballpark and that meant a lot to us that he was a fan of the brand."

• Uh-oh.  Via Gus Garcia-Roberts at Newsday, "Anthony Bosch told feds that agent Scott Boras tried to cover up Manny Ramirez's PED use, sources say."
• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Garvey mentors son at Dodgertown fantasy camp."

"Just seeing all the pictures in the hallways and the memories you see and you hear, especially being around the locker rooms with all these greats, the stories about Dodgertown, and then it finally comes true when you come here," Ryan (Garvey) said. "You see it and you actually live and see it through their eyes what they've been through and what kind of place they kind of grew up in.

"Like they said, this was like a home away from home for a lot of guys. I feel like deep down inside, it's a home away from home, even just being here three or four days. Just the history here and being with my dad."

• Coming out next week will be Panini's 2014 Classics Baseball.  Check out some preview pics here.  Below are a couple of Dodger cards.

• The fabled Barry Halper Collection auction takes another hit.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Collector Suing over Mays Items in Halper Auction."
• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 MVP award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  These prints uses a different profile pic than the recently issued CY Young award prints.  There are three different versions of the MVP prints; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Guerrero to Return Soon, Pederson Hurt and so is Hanley

Clayton Kershaw is seen warming up for his start yesterday against Kansas City in the photo below, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.  He didn't have a Vander Meer moment, but he was masterful in the 8 innings he pitched.  Kershaw struck out 8, gave up 6 hits and walked only 1; as the Dodgers won 2 to 0.  With the Giants losing to the Padres last night, the Dodgers now find themselves only 3 games back.

• ICYMI:  Last night I posted up scans of my recently completed 1962 Union Oil Dodgers Player Portraits set.  Check out that post here.
• Via Jon Heyman at CSB Sports, "With Dodgers prospect's ear saved, he will resume playing soon."

Alexander Guerrero, the victim in a ugly ear-biting incident with his former minor-league teammate, will not lose his ear after surgery and some anxious times and is close to resuming his Dodgers career, Guerrero's agent Scott Boras said.

"The ear is going to make it," Boras told CBSSports.com by phone. "The surgery was a success, and he won't need another surgery."

• Congrats!  I can't wait to see these two kids at Dodger Stadium a couple of years down the road.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Seager and Urias named to 2014 Futures Game." 
• Nooooooo!  Joc Pederson has apparently hurt his shoulder, via Danny Wild at MiLB.com.  I wonder if this will have any bearing on any potential Dodger moves to trade an outfielder.  After all, it's likely Joc would have been called up if we ever did trade somebody.  Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com shares a quote from Mattingly:

“It didn’t sound like it was anything major, but it would be hard for [Conte] to really say. I’m assuming he didn’t break his arm or tear his shoulder out of the socket,” Mattingly said. “I guess you have to watch out when you get a guy like Joc, but it didn’t sound like it was a major, major thing.”

• Can this man every stay healthy?  Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Hanley Ramirez removed from lineup due to shoulder irritation."  I just do not know if it makes much sense for the Dodgers to sign him to a large long-term contract considering his recent history.  On the other hand, I do admire his apparent willingness to battle and play.

On Ramirez's shoulder pain, Mattingly said "no true injury, more the shoulder thing, felt it a little bit in San Diego."  Mattingly added that why they made the decision to take Ramirez out of tonight's lineup was because "[Ramirez] felt a little bit swinging yesterday and [Ramirez] had never not felt that all [before]."

• Look who visited the Negro League Baseball Museum yesterday:

Group from the @dodgers, led by manager Don Mattingly, joined me for a guided tour of the NLBM today! #nlbm pic.twitter.com/BJkg51JI0x
— negroleaguesmuseum (@nlbmprez) June 25, 2014

• No Way... Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Movie Rights to Operation Bullpen Purchased."  

“This story is a cross between ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘American Hustle,’” said Werner, referring to the Operation Bullpen saga in which a dysfunctional family of con artists, led by a conniving grandma and her pot-smoking son, fooled the FBI for years and ripped off a gullible American public for a cool $100 million. “It’s a great story. It’s very cinematic with broad appeal.”

• Via Aaron Mansfield at The Buffalo News, "(Grant) ‘Home Run’ Johnson gets plaque at forgotten grave in Hamburg."  Johnson is one of the great relatively unknown Negro League legends.
• Wow!  During both Stanley Cup Championships Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was battling a serious injury.  In 2012 it was a painful back issue that resulted in surgery.  Now, we find out that he just had emergency wrist surgery from an injury he originally sustained during the series with the Ducks.   Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has the story. BTW, we also know that Kings centerman Jarret Stoll had a serious limp during the teams recent visit to Dodger Stadium.  I only mention these items because I always find it fascinating what ailments hockey players play through during the playoffs. 

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Blog Kiosk: 6/7/2014 - Dodger Links - Arruebarrena Sent Down, Guerrero's Ear and Holmes YouTube Connection

So, did the Dodgers get the message?  Well, one win doesn't make the grade.  Ask me that quesyions a couple weeks down the road.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest tells us all about the Dodger draft picks from #6 to #10 who were chosen yesterday.
• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, " Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp agree with Don Mattingly's criticism."

Gonzalez’s response: “True – I mean, lately. The last two series we were.”

Kemp also didn’t dispute Mattingly’s description of the team.

“I mean, we haven’t been playing very good baseball,” Kemp said. “I think we would all agree.”

• ICYMI:  Erisbel Arruebarrena was optioned back to Albuquerque, and infielder Miguel Rojas is back up with the Dodgers, via a Dodgers press release.  This move was done to give Erisbel some playing time while taking advantage of a player who is on fire right now:

Rojas has been on a power surge of late, with all four of his home runs coming during his active eight-game hitting streak (.412, 14-for-34) that preceded his call-up. 

• JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers put up an interview with Dodgers 2014 1st Round Draft pick Grant Holmes - he tells us he learned his top-ranked curveball from the most unlikeliest of places - YouTube.
• Left Field Pavilion creates a couple of great graphics for potential All-Star Game selections Yasiel Puig and Dee Gordon.  Go here to check out his awesome Zack Greinke graphic, as well.
• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Dodgers prospect Alex Guerrero's repaired ear is on the mend."

Doctors have detected circulation and growth in the surgically reattached portion of Alex Guerrero's left ear, increasing the chances that the ear can be saved, according to his agent, Scott Boras.

• This is just plain dumb, and I would argue wrong.  Check out this article by Harrison Mooney at Puck Daddy about a Hermosa Beach restaurant that briefly had a little taunt/chirp at Kings fans expense (the place bills itself as a Chicago restaurant) after they defeated the 'Hawks, so Kings fans with thin skin went on Yelp to trash the place - and ultimately try to hurt their livelihood.  Stop it, please!  There's nothing wrong with chirping.  It's allowed in sports.  Heck, this sports fan even respects a good taunt.  So please, stop feeling hurt and start being happy about the Kings being in the Finals!
• Via his instagram, Yasiel Puig saw snow for the first time.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Dodger fans are everywhere.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013 from San Francisco.

• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe provides a "Rookie-hazing update".  Puig will be Gumby.
• "The OFFICIAL Dodgers Poolgate Peegate player odds," via Chad Moriyama.
• "A resurgent and reinvented Brian Wilson," via Chad Moriyama.
• "New book details baseball's greatest rivalry: Dodgers-Giants ," via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• True to the Blue recaps the Tim Federowicz and Stephen Fife signing a couple of weeks ago.
• "Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero could sign soon, agent says ," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.

Boras hinted that Guerrero could be signed in the next couple of weeks. Asked if Guerrero would play winter ball in Latin America, Boras replied, “That will be up to the team that signs him. The Dominican League doesn’t start until mid-October. We expect he will be signed before then.”

• "Lasorda visits Georgia girl struck by foul ball," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"I cooked him a Southern dinner and he brought a signed softball and a replica of his Hall of Fame plaque," said Rhonda Johnson. "He encouraged Summer to stay in softball and told her that when she plays her first game back, he wants to be there. She was definitely inspired. I could see it in her eyes."

• Never get between a fan and his bobblehead.  "Mariano Rivera bobblehead night had one itty-bitty problem — there were no bobbleheads," via Mike Oz at Big League Stew.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Puig Promotion Night, Paco's Celebration & Druken "Fall"ies in Korea

The Dodgers have added a new promotional game to their schedule.  On Sunday, July 14 (a game against Colorado) they will be giving out the above Yasiel Puig T-shirt to the first 40,000 fans.  They will be available in two sizes, medium and extra large.

• Congratulations to UCLA for winning the College World Series!

#UCLA has won its first College World Series #CWS and 109th NCAA title! Congrats to @UCLABaseball team! #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/jBbhXY1Txu
— UCLA (@UCLA) June 26, 2013

• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us that 16-year old Dodger prospect Julio Urias has signed with Scott Boras.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA gives us a rundown on the just release mid-season Baseball Prospectus Top-50 prospect report, and two Dodger youngsters made the cut.
• Hanley's feeling good.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Hanley Ramirez turns back the clock".

It took Hanley Ramirez about one second to answer the question, "When was the last time you felt this good at the plate?"

"Um, 2009, when I was the batting champion," Ramirez said. 

• Infectious Joy!  .gif below of Paco's celebration via Dodgers tumblr.

• Via Stephen Bailey at the LA Times, "Matt Kemp begs manager to play, backs it up with game-saving grab".
• Via Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 6/25/13 minor league report - Top 2013 picks Chris Anderson, Tom Windle in debut with Loons".
• This might be the second greatest tradition in sports.  After the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory the other night, fans went to their coach's home, Joel Quenneville, at TP'd it.  The pics are a sight to behold.  Via Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy.
• Has this ever happened in a Major League game?

A guy drank a bit too much and fell over the fence onto the field at the feet of KIA's Na Ji-whan  #KBO pic.twitter.com/cvfGDfmX96
— Dan (@MyKBO) June 26, 2013

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2013

Here is another great pic from the Scout's dinner this past weekend.  This time, Harrison Ford joins Bud Selig and Vin Scully.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Emma at Dodger Blue World has decided to start writing biographies on every living Brooklyn Dodger.  She starts with Mike Sandlock.  Keep up the great work Emma!
• Check out Chan Ho-Park in a tuxedo for 'Gentleman Korea' magazine.  One pic is on the right.
• RIP:  Former Dodger Enzo Hernandez was recently found dead from an apparent suicide, via AP on USA Today.
• The LA Sports Council just started their 8th Annual fan vote for the LA Sports Awards.  Go here to check it out and make your mark.  (Hat Tip: JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers)
• Via JP Hoornstra at the Daily News, the Dodgers announced single ticket pricing plan based on a 4-star scale.  These tickets will go on sale during the the Dodgers FanFest on Saturday, January 26th.  From a Dodgers press release earlier today:

The Dodgers’ 2013 individual game pricing starts at $8 per ticket for One-Star games, $10 per ticket for Two-Star games, $20 for Three-Star games, and $30 per ticket for Four-Star games. 

• Via Flip Flop Fly Ballin', we learn that they almost turned Chavez Ravine into a zoo before it became Dodger Stadium.
• I call "Bunk!" on the rumor that the Dodgers are looking into reliever Rafael Soriano as tweeted by Buster Olney.  It would be a silly move for the Dodgers to pay his salary and lose a draft pick.  I believe this is a rumor floated by Soriano's agent (Boras) to get the bidding up higher.  On a side note, have you notice how the Dodgers are thrown around as interested in everybody?  I assure they are not.  It's just mutually beneficial.  The agents love spreading these rumors in order to help their clients, and the Dodgers don't mind since it adds some favor with those agents since they are likely to work with them in the future.
• jbox at Gaslamp Ball brings us the story of the Adrian Gonzalez autographed photos with the tagline, "I Bleed Dodgers Blue..."

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Blog Kioks: 3/25/2012

The above pic illustrates how Orel Hershiser would transform Dodger Stadium into a Baseball Palace, via PR Newswire.

• CrzBlue's Dodger Blue World has put up a bunch of pics from Spring Training.
  
• LA Blue Crew.com put up some pics from Camelback Ranch; including some pics from St. Patrick's Day.
• Check out Bobble Addicts on Facebook; especially their great photos from Spring Training.
  
• Jim Bowden informs us of something related to the Dodgers pursuit of Prince Fielder, via his twitter.
• Andre Etheir speaks candidly, via Steve Dilbeck LA Times.

  “I’ve been selfish in the past where I feel I’ve gone out and played to do too much stuff for myself rather than contribute to the team,” Ethier said. “I can see now it’s more important sometimes to have the team effort rather than the individual stats.”

• Joe Torre rejoins MLB as Executive VP of Baseball Operations, per MLB Trade Rumors. His pursuit of the Dodgers is officially over.
  
• Check out this great interview with Ben Henry, writer of the Baseball Card Blog at Artifact Collectors. Ben was one of the earliest card collector bloggers.
  

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2011

This is purely a gratuitous pic. From TwitPic @miss_kateC87. Gotta love that she roots for the right team.

• Free agents wary of the the Dodgers, via Scoop Du Jour:

  Agent Scott Boras, who has a front-row seat at Dodger Stadium, agreed that the team could be a tough draw to prospective free agents this offseason: "What visiting players are saying to me is, 'It's different.' That spreads around the league," he said, the Times reports. "L.A. was always a place where there were 40,000 fans in the stands. The Dodgers were always one of the top-five teams in spending. In the player community, both of those dynamics have changed. Players are shocked by it."

• Dodgers television ratings are down, via Sports Business Journal.
  
• Listen to a SABR 41 convention talk between current and former Baseball GM's, here. Dodger GM's Fred Claire, Dan Evans and current Padres GM Jed Hoyer are included.
  
• Here is another SABR 41 talk with Former Dodgers Tommy Davis and Al Ferrara. Listen to a recording here.
  
• Here is Scott Boras's keynote speech from the SABR 41 convention, here.
  
• Ducksnorts writes about his experience at the SABR convention in Long Beach recently.
  
• Check out this great story about Dodgers peanut vendor Ronnie Nelson at the LA Times. He is 80 years old, and has been hawking peanuts for 53 years.
  
• Dodgers Nation puts together the top 5 Vin Scully moments.
  
• Check out this list of the Southland Baseball All-Star team put together at the SABR 41 convention, here. Something I did not realize- no other state in the union has produced more Major Leaguers than California.
  
• Former Dodger Wes Parker was at the SABR 41 convention. Check out this video below. (From the SABR website)

Video Link:

Our Seemingly Long Manny Distraction Is Over

Ramirez and the Dodgers have agreed in principal on a two-year, $45 million contract, pending a physical.

The outfielder, his agents Scott Boras and Mike Fiore, and Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and general manager Ned Colletti met in Los Angeles (this morning) to finalize the deal.

Have we just clinched a playoff spot? Who else in the West can come close to competing against us?

Finally, A Counter

After 4 offers from the Dodgers, Boras finally decides to make a counteroffer to the Dodgers. It took long enough didn't it.

Scott Boras made a counter offer using the same basic language and numbers of the club's two-year, $45MM offer, but without the deferred payments. Boras told the Dodgers that they have until noon to strike a deal.

I don't blame McCourt and company for the last offer with deferred payments. After all, the framework of a $45MM deal over two years is the most important ingredient. The deferred payments is just a ploy to finally get Boras to make a commitment because, at this point so far, Manny and Boras have refused to negotiate in good faith.

When one side refuses to formally counter several other offers (especially good offers) how can the offeror be expected to continue to bid against themselves? This entire process is a negotiation that requires that both sides work together to hammer out a deal. One side, the Dodgers, in my mind, has gone above and beyond in their duties in this negotiation. They have made 4 offers! It is incumbent on the offeree to come back with a counter. Apparently, Boras finally has. And now, we have the makings of a potential deal. (It took longer than desired to get Boras off his perch) Nevertheless, it is now time to get it done.

Update: I wanted to add that you shouldn't expect a done deal until this weekend at the earliest- probably early next week. Boras's deadline for noon today is irrelevant.

Boras Speaks About Manny

I don't like this guy one bit.

Video Link: ESPN:
Hat Tip: underdog from Dodger Thoughts:

Manny Gets Another Offer

After all of the rumors, the suspected other suitor for Manny is not who you might expect. The Worchester Tornadoes of the Can Am League have made a contract offer to Manny.

The Worcester Tornadoes Professional Baseball Team has offered a contract to free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez for two years worth $24,000. The deal would pay the 12-time Major League Baseball All-Star approximately $3,000 during each month of the Can-Am Baseball Season. Unlike Major League Baseball, the Can-Am League operates with a salary cap, and the deal for Ramirez would be on par with other veterans in the league.

I guess all of the vitriol aimed at Boras for being a suspected liar has been unfair. He really is talking to another team.

Pic Link: wahleworld.com:

Tornadoes personnel express some optimism.

“I feel Manny would really enjoy playing in Worcester and hitting in our ballpark. Although I would be concerned about the cars traveling on I-290 during his at bats, it’s a risk worth taking,” said General Manager, Jorg Bassiacos. Director of Player Personnel Brad Michals added, "Manny certainly has the stats to be amongst the leaders of the league next season. Although issues regarding health have surrounded him in the past, I think he will find that the shorter schedule will boost his performance to a new level and serve as the ultimate showcase for his natural skill."

Hat Tip: LA Times:

Blog Kiosk 1/18/2009

Spring is just around the corner. Baseball is almost here.

• Our best wishes to Don Zimmer. He recently had a stroke, but expects to be back on the field this Spring. It looks like a quick recovery. Thanks to True Blue LA for the news.
  
• I look forward to reading more from this new Dodger/ Vin Scully blog called "Listening to Vin."
• Check out the Trolley Dodgers post featuring the very first pitch made at the Brooklyn Dodgers old digs at Ebbets Field.
  
• The Fiendish Observational Comedian discusses the Jason Repko's arbitration.
• Reflections of Blue responds sarcastically to the rumor that 8 teams have called Boras about Andruw Jones.
• You must all read Roberto's blog- Vinny is My Homeboy.
  
• This is a phenomenal read. "A Journey from Ebbets Field to the Steps of the Capitol."

  I did not ask Newcombe what he thought of Obama. But a year ago, I asked Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie, and the prime force in the Jackie Robinson Foundation, how she felt about Obama’s candidacy.

  “George, that is a political question,” she said, putting her hand on my shoulder and giving me her beautiful, resolute smile. “And I’m not going to answer it.” But I think she did.

• The European version of a hobby gimmick. A Beckham sticker from Panini drives collectors in Italy crazy. Hat Tip: Chuck's Used Cards.
• Bad Wax has become a McFarlane sports figurine collector.
• Jo Anna is so ready for some Dodger Baseball.
  
• What a great card. The Garvey Cey Russell Lopes Card blog finds a very timely card. Whoever put these guys on adjacent panels had a eye for the future.
• When all you can do is laugh, play The Bailout Game! Hat Tip: The Big Picture:
  
• Former Kansas City Royal Amos Otis is a collector too.

  “I think people still remember my career, so I still sign quite a few autograph requests,” he said. “Going to shows such as The National gives me the opportunity to see players who I played with and against, yet have not seen them in quite a few years; that’s always nice.
  
  “Plus, I can get some autographs, too.”
  
  Otis collects autographs from sports and entertainment personalities. One of his prized pieces is a signed item featuring cast members from “The Andy Griffith Show,” including Gomer Pyle.

• On June 23rd the Brooklyn Cyclones will transform into the Baracklyn Cyclones with jazzy new uniforms and a free bobblehead given to fans in honor of our new President. Other exciting give-aways that day include 2 free tickets to anyone named Joe and is actually a plumber, a bi-partisan consolation prize of free tickets in the bleachers for anyone named McCain or Palin and a clear-cut exit strategy where fans receive an American flag as they leave the game. Go to the teams website for more info.
• Do you remember Ricky Wright. The 1983 Fleer projects showcases another autographed Dodger card.
• The Fifth Outfielder ranks the best Baseball sites.
• Wow. I Love This Game runs into a great Koufax painting and its painter. It was done with spray paint.
• This is the best video that I've seen so far that best encapsulates 2008. Enjoy.

YouTube Link: calecse:
Hat Tip: Extra Mustard:

Gagne Stung by the Boras Ethic

If I'm not mistaken Eric Gagne was paid $18,000,000.00 over the past two season. In that time, due to injuries, he pitched in a total of 16 games and earned 9 saves. The total number of innings pitched was 15.1. Then, sometime during last season, Gagne mentioned that he would give the Dodgers a hometown discount.

Through the LA Times we find out that the Dodgers offered a competitive offer to Gagne. Certainly not the low-ball deal I had seen previously in the $1,000,000.00 range. No... He was apparently offered upwards of $4,000,000.00 with incentives that could reach as high as $10,000,000.00 a year. That's pretty lofty considering the risk involved and the player agent we have to deal with.

I agree with the Dodger Junkie. If he doesn't take that, then let him walk.

In other news, the Mike Lieberthal signing is official. Also, Gonzo will be joining the Blue Crew. I guess those whimsical dreams of Manny in Blue are all for naught. On the other hand, according to the LA Times, we could see a deal for Vernon Wells. He has one year left on his contract and their GM likes Penny. Could Vernon be a one year rental while we groom our rookies for stardom?