Showing posts with label Brewers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brewers. Show all posts

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Brewers Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:


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Friday, April 12th at 7:10 PM
Julio Urias vs Corbin Burnes
TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 5 this Afternoon!


Everyone wants to talk about Bellinger and his fantastic diving catch and walk-off single. I would rather point out how great our bullpen has been. Last night their entire eight-man relief corp recorded eight scoreless innings, and overall they've given up only two runs in 19.2 inning pitched. That is the only reason we are still in this thing. Per Todd Zolecki at MLB.com:
"It was hard to watch everybody walk out of the bullpen and be the last one," Urias said through the team's interpreter. "But it was kind of motivating to watch everyone do their job and I was able to do mine, and when we got the run it all worked out."
On another note, I am excited by the starting staff next season that will include Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. It promises to be electric.

Pic above of Urias via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
  • Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Friday, October 12, 2018

UPDATED: NLCS Series Against Brewers Starts on Friday -- A Homestand Preview - Pregame Info and Other Stuff


The National League Championship Series match-up between the Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers begins on Friday. Below are some odds and ends for this series. Here are some important links:
I will update this post as more information becomes available for each game.

BTW, the umpires for this series (per Craig Calcaterra at NBC) is as follows (for Game 1). Obviously, assignments will change from game to game:
Home: Scott Barry
1B: Alan Porter
2B: Gerry Davis*
3B: Hunter Wendelstedt
LF: Jim Wolf
RF: Brian Gorman
Replay, Games 1-2: Greg Gibson
Replay, Games 3-7: Scott Barry
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Below are the rosters. Click on any pic to embiggen:
Dodgers                           Brewers

Thursday, October 11, 2018

2018 Topps Now -- #MU1 & #MU2 -- NLCS Matchup Preview Cards


The NLCS series between our beloved Dodgers and the Brew Crew of Milwaukee is set to begin tomorrow, so Topps naturally decided to release a couple of Topps Now cards to celebrate.

At top is a Matchup Preview card featuring Dodger ace Clayton Kershaw and rising superstar and "glad-to-be-out-of-Miami" slugger Christian Yelich.  Go here to check it out and order. The reverse of the card is on the right.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Brewers Series Starts on Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!



The next homestand starts on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph guest. Here are some important links:

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Monday, July 30th at 7:10 PM
Kenta Maeda vs Freddy Peralta
TV: ESPN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Brewers Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph guest. Here are some important links:
Poutine Fries will be available for this homestand only against Brewers available at Field section 22 and 23 and Reserve section 32. It features golden fries topped off with beef gravy, cheese curds, garlic aioli and green onions. See it on the right.

This weekend marks the 9th annual ThinkCure! weekend. Throughout the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans can help support and raise awareness of City of Hope’s efforts to find new lifesaving treatments and cures for cancer patients. To date, ThinkCure! has raised more than $2 million to help support research grants, setting the stage for medical breakthroughs. You can make donations to ThinkCure! here.

This is also the first ever "Players Weekend." Both teams will be wearing special uniforms with unique nicknames on their backs and have the opportunity to wear and use uniquely colored cleats, bats and other equipment. Check out the Dodger duds below and on the right. Here is my story from a couple weeks back about this event. This coincides with the Little League World Series championship in Williamsport.
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Friday, August 25th at 7:10 PM
TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA
Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Saturday, June 03, 2017

2017 Topps Now - 3 Dodgers Cards - #207, #210 & #213 - Bellinger and Kershaw


Friday nights are often the best nights, and last night was one of the best for the Dodgers in recent memory. Not only did the Dodgers still sit atop the heap in the West, but youthful power hitting slugger, Cody Bellinger, was also named the National National League Rookie of the Month to start off the day. To commemorate this achievement Topps has issued a 2017 Topps Now card, and it happens to include fellow phenom Aaron Judge. Go here to check this card out. Per the description on the reverse:

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2016 - Dodgers Links - Potential Puig Trade Revealed and Dodger Fans Rule Yankee Stadium


What the...?

Never in my life could I ever have expected a crowd of Dodger fans to out-root, out-cheer and simply overcome the hometown crowd at Yankee Stadium.  As you may have heard, a group of over 1,300 loud Dodger fans, a contingent that came along with Dodgers fan group Pantone 294, overwhelmed Yamkee fans in their own home.  Heck, they even performed their own "roll call" of Dodger players on the field (watch the NY commentators discuss it here).  Billy Witz at the NY Times has a good rundown on the spectacle:
The longest-tenured Yankee, left fielder Brett Gardner, who was well within earshot of the Dodgers fans, said in reference to the crowd: “Even the Red Sox, they don’t have maybe as big a following or aren’t as rowdy. It’s a little bit different, but I thought it was a good atmosphere. If we’re going to play well down the stretch and get back into the postseason like we aspire to do, we’re going to have to play well in that atmosphere, whether it’s at the Stadium or on the road.”
Best yet, the folks at Pantone 294 brought some luck to the Blue Crew.  The Dodgers hammered out an impressive 8-2 victory behind an fantastic second career start by Jose De Leon.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:
“It was electric and everything I expected,” De Leon said of his Yankee Stadium debut. “I was a little more nervous than I was in L.A. Since I grew up a Red Sox fan, I really wanted to beat the Yankees, so it was a good one."
Photo above via @MLB on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1925 Dodger starter Dazzy Vance ho-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 10-1. Check out the boxscore here.  In 1977 Dodger outfielder Dusty Baker set a franchise record by driving in five runs in one inning.  It was against the Padres at Dodger Stadium. 
  • Happy Birthday, Dutch Ruether and Rick Dempsey!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Brewers Series Starts on Thursday - Autograph Guest, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including a couple of veteran Dodgers' coming out to sign for fans on Sunday at Viva Los Dodgers.

The Milwaukee County Stadium Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Brewers at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with fried cheese curds and county stadium secret sauce.

The sixth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Corey Seager on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 
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Thursday, June 16th at 7:10 PM
RHP Junior Guerra vs. LHP Scott Kazmir
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday, March 14, 2016

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 13/Home Game 6


Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Milwaukee Brewers (6-5-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (8-2-2)
Monday, March 14, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Mike Bolsinger (0-0, 3.60) vs. RHP Wily Peralta (1-0, 7.36)
TV: None Radio: None

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(Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

ON A ROLL: The Dodgers (8-2-2) return to Camelback Ranch today to face the Brewers after beating the Rockies, 6-4, yesterday at Salt River Field. Los Angeles took an early lead in yesterday’s contest, scoring all six of their runs in the first three innings. Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded his second victory of the spring, allowing just two hits in five scoreless innings along with three strikeouts. Relievers Yimi Garcia (1.0 IP) and Adam Liberatore (1.0) each tossed scoreless innings, while Matt West (1.0) collected his first save of Spring Training. At the plate, Scott Van Slyke blasted a solo shot in the second inning to record his third Cactus League home run. Cody Bellinger went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI, while Joc Pederson also drove in two runs, going 1-for-4.
  • The Dodgers took the 2015 season series from Milwaukee, 4-3.
GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, leading the National League with a .372 on-base percentage, while ranking second among NL clubs with both a .302 batting average and a .501 slugging percentage. Individually, Scott Van Slyke has put up a .409/.500/.909 slashline, while his three Cactus League home runs are tied for second with teammates Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin along with Colorado’s Trevor Story. Charlie Culberson is tied for third in the Cactus League with eight RBI.
(Cody Bellinger, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

WELCOME BACK, JUSTIN!: Dodger third baseman Justin Turner will make his first appearance of the spring in today’s game, batting third and making the start at the hot corner. Turner, who had offseason knee surgery, will likely play four or five innings. 
  • The Dodgers would also like to welcome Eric Karros, who arrived in Camelback Ranch this morning and will serve as a guest coach. The 1992 NL Rookie of the Year played 12 seasons for the Dodgers (1991-2002) and is the all-time home run leader in Los Angeles Dodger history with 270 bombs.
1“B” GAME: The Dodgers and White Sox played a “B” game today at 10:00 a.m. on the White Sox’s Field 1. Left-hander Scott Kazmir made the start for the Dodgers, while Yasmani Grandal, Kyle Farmer and Cody Bellinger participated in the game.  

MR. WORLDWIDE: Major League Baseball has announced details for the Panama City and Mexicali WBC qualifiers for the 2017 classic. Dodger first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will play for his brother, Edgar, on Team Mexico from March 17-20 in Mexicali. In addition, Dodger legend Eric Gagné will manage Team France as they try to advance in their qualifier against Spain, Colombia and Panama.

(pic via Miracle League LA on twitter)
FEATURED STORY: The Dodgers will be spotlighted on MLB Network’s “30 teams in 30 days” program today. In addition to interviews with Dodger manager Dave Roberts and President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, MLB hosts Sean Casey and Matt Vasgersian will talk to numerous Dodgers and conduct a fielding demonstration with Adrian Gonzalez.   Dodger CEO Stan Kasten will also call in for an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

BUSINESS LEADERS: The Dodgers and leading global agency R/GA were named a finalist for the Sports Business Journal’s Sports Business Awards category for Sports Breakthrough of the Year. The nominees for all awards were announced this morning and the winners will be announced at the event to be held in New York on May 18.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:
  • RHP Mike Bolsinger will make his first start of the spring against the Brewers, after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings of relief thus far. He went 6-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 21 starts in his first season with the Dodgers in 2015.
  • RHP Louis Coleman will appear in his fourth Cactus League game, after throwing 3.0 scoreless frames with five strikeouts in his first three appearances. Coleman enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
  • RHP Pedro Baez will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after most recently throwing a scoreless inning against the Angels. Baez went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
  • LHP J.P. Howell will come on in relief for the third time this spring, after striking out two batters in an inning of relief against the Angels. He finished the 2015 season with a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
  • RHP Jamey Wright will make his fourth appearance of the spring, after allowing two runs in 1.0 inning of relief against the Cubs on Saturday. Wright, a 19-year MLB veteran, last pitched in the Majors in 2014, going 5-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 61 appearances with the Dodgers.RHP Kenley Jansen is expected to make his third Cactus League appearance following a scoreless outing against the Angels on Friday. He enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third-highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).
(The Victory Line, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, July 09, 2015

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.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday, March 08, 2015

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 6 / Home Game 3


Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Lo Angeles Dodgers (3-1-1) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (0-3)
Sunday, March 8, 2015 – 12:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch

RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-0) vs. RHP Mike Fiers (0-0)
TV: SNLA Radio: AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

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(Bats, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

HOME COOKING: The Dodgers are back home this afternoon to take on the Milwaukee Brewers for the second and final time this spring. A split-squad of Dodgers crushed the Brewers, 10-1, on Friday in Maryvale. Last season, Los Angeles lost five of its six games with Milwaukee, including a late-season sweep Aug. 15-17 at Dodger Stadium. This year, the “Brew Crew” will play host to the Dodgers seven times, including four contests in Milwaukee May 4-7. The Dodgers host the Brewers for three games July 10-12, their final games before the All-Star break.

NOT THAT COOL: Los Angeles gave up four runs in the ninth inning yesterday and then salvaged a 5-5 tie with the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear. The big performance of the day was from newly-acquired catcher Yasmani Grandal, who went 3-for-3 with a solo homer and three RBI on the day.
  • Until the ninth, the Dodger relievers were solid behind starter Mike Bolsinger, as Chad Gaudin (2.0 IP), Jeremy Horst (1.1) and Chin-hui Tsao (2.2) all tossed scoreless baseball.
  • Through five games, the Dodgers have a .294 team batting average, a .354 on-base percentage and a .469 slugging percentage.
  • A couple Dodgers in the starting lineup this afternoon have been on fire, namely center fielder Joc Pederson (5-for-7 with two doubles and four runs scored) and designated hitter Scott Schebler (5-for-10, three doubles, two RBI).
    (Yasmani Grandal, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

ON THE MOUND: Right-hander Brandon McCarthy, signed by the club to a four-year deal in the offseason, will make his Dodger debut this afternoon vs. Milwaukee. McCarthy is coming off a career year last season with the Yankees and Diamondbacks in which he established career highs in innings (200.0), wins (10) and strikeouts (175). After being acquired by the Yankees on July 6, the Glendale, CA, native went 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts with New York. In 207 games (153 starts) for the White Sox (2005-6), Rangers (2007-9), A’s (2011-12), Diamondbacks (2013-14) and Yankees (2014), McCarthy is 52-65 with a 4.09 ERA in nine big league seasons.
  • Left-handed relievers Daniel Coulombe and Ryan Buchter are both expected back on the mound after each fired a scoreless inning on Thursday against the White Sox. Coulombe appeared in five games for the Dodgers last year, posting a 4.15 ERA. In his three years in the minors, Coulombe has gone 7-3 with eight saves and posted a 3.43 ERA in 126 games. Buchter made his Major League debut with Atlanta last season, which was his only big league appearance. In nine minor league seasons he has posted a 32-18 record with a 3.44 ERA in 327 games (two starts) in the Nationals (2006-08), Cubs (2009-11) and Braves (2011-14) organizations.
  • RHP Juan Nicasio is looking to bounce back from a rough first-time out in 2015. The right-hander allowed three runs on four hits in his 1.0 inning of work in the Cactus League lid-lifter Wednesday.
  • Three right-handers that impressed in their Dodger debuts and are expected to see action today are Sergio Santos, Adam Liberatore and Josh Ravin. The trio each tossed a scoreless inning on March 4 vs. the White Sox. Santos, a former first-round pick of the D-backs in 2002, spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jays and is a converted shortstop. The 27-year-old Liberatore was acquired in a trade with the Rays on Nov. 20, 2014, which also brought RHP Joel Peralta to Los Angeles, and had a career year for Triple-A Durham last year, going 6-1 with four saves and a 1.66 ERA in 54 games. Ravin, a graduate of Chatsworth High School, is in his second season in the Dodger organization after combining to go 2-1 with six saves and a 3.55 ERA in 23 relief appearances for Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque last year.

WHO’S GOT NEXT?
: The Dodgers will have seven minor leaguers joining the club today against the Brewers at Camelback: infielders Jarek Cunningham (No. 87) and Luis Mateo (No. 86); outfielder Joey Curletta (No. 95); catcher Ryan Scott (No. 88); RHP Steve Smith (No. 94), LHP Mike Thomas (No. 89) and RHP Jeremy Kehrt (No. 85).  
(Juan Uribe, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, March 06, 2015

Dodgers on the Road - A Clubhouse Filled with Sweets - Split Squad Game Info


The Dodgers head outside of the friendly confines at Camelback Ranch for the first time this spring, and quickly find themselves surrounded by sugary delights.  It's like the opposition heard about the Dodgers recent move towards healthy eating and decided to just screw with them. 

Featured in the photos above and below are Justin Tuner and Scott Van Slyke raiding the visiting clubhouse food shelves for a little pick-me-up.  Both photos where shared by AJ Ellis on twitter here and here.

BTW, I haven't received game notes from the Dodgers yet, but I can share that today is the first split squad day of the spring season.  Below are the particulars.

Game 1:
Dodgers vs. Seattle at 12:05 PM PST
LHP David Huff vs. RHP Erasmo Ramirez
TV: SNLA Radio: AM 570 (Eng.)
Below is the Dodger lineup; including a quick change:




Game 2:
Dodgers vs. Milwaukee at 12: PM PST
RHP Zach Lee vs. RHP Matt Garza
No TV or Radio


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, December 19, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2014 - Dodger Links - Fernando's Visit and Vinny's Ring Found in Ribs


Fernando Valenzuela made an unannounced visit to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles yesterday to give gifts and joy to patients and families there.  Via Yvonne Carrasco at Dodger Insider:
“I wanted to visit the kids here at CHLA today because it’s almost Christmas, and I thought they might like Dodger gifts from me,” said Valenzuela. “I like this time of year, because it’s a time where you can do more things for the community.

“I also want to say I wish all the Dodger fans Merry Christmas, and I hope everyone is able to enjoy time with their families.”
The photo above was provided via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more pics of Fernando's visit.

Below are some links to check out:
  • If you haven't heard yet, the Matt Kemp trade is done, and as a consequence the trade for Jimmy Rollins is also completed.  I'll have a little more on this later on.
  • RIP, Ryan Bolden.  Via The Angels, In Order, the Angels prospect was shot and killed on Wednesday in an altercation.
  • Following up the small incident where Vin Scully lost his 1988 World Series ring, Bill Plascke at the LA Times writes, "Dodgers' Vin Scully loses one golden ring in holiday loop around Costco."
Sure enough, while Vin was unloading the stacks of items, he heard a cry from inside the house. While emptying the ribs, Sandi found the ring at the bottom of the bag.

"I'm still laughing about it," said Vin. "But you know, I think I've been laughing about things all winter."

Scully phoned Costco's Rahhal and wished him Merry Christmas. He phoned the Dodgers' Brener and wished him Merry Christmas.

"This time of year just blows me away," said Vin.
  • The Dodgers made a minor trade yesterday by trading a bunch of minor leaguers, via their twitter feed:

We effectively gain a little bit of catching depth in the minor with the acquisition of Shawn Zarraga.  Check out his stats, via Baseball-Reference, here.  From what I understand, Zarraga has a nice bat, but is a bit subpar behind the plate. 

But, unlike the women immortalized by “A League of Their Own”, Manley wasn’t a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Instead, she made a name for herself in the Negro Leagues. The trailblazer served as co-owner of the Newark Eagles alongside her husband Abe Manley from 1935 to 1946. After he died, she was the team’s sole owner through the 1948 season.

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

    Sunday, August 17, 2014

    Star Wars Night as Seen Through Twitter



    The nerd in me is strong.  Yet, I couldn't make way to Dodger Stadium this past Friday for the 6th Annual Star Wars Night with the Dodgers.  Fortunately, the wonders of twitter made me feel like I was there.  Check out some of my favorite pics from the evening below. 

    BTW, the always great Dodger photographer Jon Soo Hoo shared some of his best pics on his photo blog.  The above photo of a young Dodger fan with the steely eye glare of a Jedi was taken by him.  Go here to check out more from him.  I've included a couple more directly below.  On the left is Brandon League in the most-geekiest laser gun pose ever, and on the right is Lakers coach Byron Scott with Darth Vader and his minions.

    Now, here are some twitter pics below:

    I had to start this off with my favorite Star Wars character.  Here is the one-and-only R2D2.


    Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy then got into the act and tried to overpower the dark one.


    But, the force was stronger with Darth Vader.


    Soon, the Empire started to take over.


    But have no fear, Don Mattingly was in the house.


    Soon, the fans got into the act.


    LOL!  That's a weak looking Han.  Are you with me on that one?


    What a great costume.  Awesome!


    And, I'll leave you with this: "May The Dodgers Be With You"


    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

    Friday, August 15, 2014

    Brewers Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!


    The next homestand starts this evening against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several old-tyme Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

    BTW, the Extreme Loaded Dog concession stands will be making the Bratwurst Dog, a bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.  It will be available Friday through Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  Mmmm...  Check out a pic on the right.

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    Friday, August 15th at 7:10 PM
    RHP Jimmy Nelson vs. RHP Zack Greinke

    Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game.  The theme for the evening will be Star Wars.

    Speaking of Star Wars, tonight is the 6th annual Star Wars Night at Dodger Stadium.  The special event ticket package is sold out.  Starting at 5:00 PM Star Wars characters including R2D2 will be amongst Dodger fans in the right-field pavilion, right-field pavilion plaza and left-field pavilion plaza.

    Newly appointed Lakers head coach Byron Scott will throw the honorary first pitch. Darth Vader will throw the first ceremonial pitch for Star Wars Night.

    Former Dodgers Al Downing (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Tim Leary (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Both will then sign autographs in the Stadium club from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
    • The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jonathan Chang of Pacific Palisades. Chang completed Officer’s Candidate School in 2008, was commissioned as Second Lieutenant and went onto to become an Artillery Officer. He currently serves with the Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.  As the Company Commander, he is responsible for the training welfare and unit readiness of more than 100 Marines. Chang has served a deployment to Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan and his accolades include a Combat Action Ribbon, Afghan Campaign Medal and Navy Marine Corps Achievement medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
    • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Matt Kemp autographed photo and Hyun-Jin Ryu autographed game-used #42 Dodger jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.
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    Saturday, August 16 at 6:10 PM
    RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

    Tonight's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:00 PM.

    This evenings game features a postgame Dodger Stadium Movie Series viewing of the Baseball movie classic, "The Natural." All fans in attendance are welcome to stick around after the game to watch the movie.  Fans seated in the pavilion areas are invited to sit in the outfield to view the game. 

    Two-time NBA All-Star and current head coach at Cal State Northridge Reggie Theus will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Mark Lindquist will perform the national anthem. Lindquist is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed in 22 countries and 44 states.  He is also a former sergeant in the United States Air Force and an Afghanistan war veteran.

    Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Ken Landreaux (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
    • The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) Juan Sandoval of Glendale. Sandoval enlisted in 1993, serves as an Aviation Machinist with Fleet Squadron 55 and provides maintenance and repairs to C-130 aircrafts. He has served deployments onboard the U.S.S Kitty Hawk and global missions throughout the world, including in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.  His accolades include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one star. Bank of America will present an authenticated flag and display case to Sandoval. The flag has proudly flown over Dodger Stadium and will be presented on behalf of Bank of America by Navy veteran and a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Jesse Smith.
    • Kim’s Hapkido Jang Mu Won has been teaching the traditional Korean martial art of Hapkido since 1960 and will be in attendance Saturday. Hapkido incorporates various self-defense techniques such as striking, twisting, throwing techniques and weapon techniques for self-defense situations. A demonstration will take place during pregame ceremonies tomorrow.
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    Sunday, August 17th at 1:10 PM
    RHP Wily Peralta vs. Dan Haren
    This is the busiest Sunday ever!

    Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:00 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14 years of age or younger will receive an Kids' Luch Box.  Check it out on the right.

    Also, today is Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium.  All fans are invited to celebrate family and fellowship at Dodger Stadium and following the game, Dodgers A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke will share their personal testimonies on faith. A special postgame performance is scheduled by former contestant of “The Voice” contestant and gospel singer Anthony Evans and Christian rock artist Dom Liberati.

    It is also Cuban Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium.  Cuban-American actor Tony Plana, best known for his role as Betty’s father on “Ugly Betty” will throw the first pitch. Actress Jessica Alba, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. As part of Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium, Anthony Evan will perform the national anthem.

    Also, it is Carne Asada Sunday with Andre Ethier.  As part of the event, fans will have the opportunity to eat freshly prepared carne asada seasoned with Chef Merito, hear stories from Andre Ethier and have the opportunity to ask the Dodger outfielder questions. All proceeds will go towards the Union Rescue Mission. This event is sold out.

    Former Dodgers Tommy Davis (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

    As always, Viva Los Dodgers begins in the Dodger parking lot at 11:00 AM and it will celebrate Cuban Heritage.  The festival will feature an appearance by Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Puig will be on hand to greet fans on stage followed by photos with fans in the Dodger autograph tent (no autographs!). Fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to take their place in line for a chance to take a photo with Puig and Ramirez.  Also, Dodger broadcaster Manny Mota and Dodger scout Mike Brito will sign autographs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

    In celebration of Cuban Heritage Day, Levy Restaurants will offer a special extreme loaded dog, the Cuban Dog, an all-beef hot dog served with roasted shredded pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard. I think this is better than the Bratwurst Dog.  See it on the right.  It will be available only on Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels and at Viva Los Dodgers.
    • The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is Cuban-American Fernando Rivero of the U.S. Navy Reserve serving with the Joint Public Affairs Support Element. His responsibilities include coordinating and escorting news media aboard naval ship, ashore and in hazardous combat environment.  LCDR Rivero is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
    • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 2:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Yasiel Puig autographed baseball, Zack Greinke autographed photo and Kenley Jansen autographed game-used #42 Dodger Jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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