Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers wedding #6 happened over the weekend. Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Barnes!

Barnes, Pederson, Ryu, Wood, Stripling and Turner have gotten married this winter.

Photo above via Barnes on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players, and he would eventually sign with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rosters for the various WBC teams were announced yesterday, and eleven Dodgers' will a part of all the fun.  Five players will be a part of Team Mexico:  Adrián González, Vidal Nuno, prospect Alex Verdugo, yet-to-be-officially-signed Sergio Romo and Julio Urias.  Kiké Hernandez will play for Puerto Rico, Rob Segedin and prospect Drew Maggi will represent Italy, non-roster invitee Ike Davis and prospect Dean Kremer will play for Israel and Kenley Jansen will join the Netherlands.  Furthermore, both Urias and Jansen are part of the designated pitcher pool; which makes them inactive for the first round.  On a side note, former Dodger closer Eric Gagné will play for Canada and recently traded pitcher Jose De Leon will join Puerto Rico.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - Haren, Hill, and Roberts on Maeda

Not only did the Dodgers feature the first African-American position player to play in the Majors, but they also introduced the first African-American pitcher to enter a Major League game.  Featured above is a vintage AP Wire Photo, currently available for sale at RMY Auctions (Link Here), that shows a clapping Jackie Robinson (on the right) providing on-field encouragement to trailblazing pitcher Dan Bankhead as he enters a MLB game for the first time.  It is dated to August 26, 1947.

As you may know, his debut did not go exactly as planned.  Bankhead would enter the game in relief of starter Hal Gregg -- who had been shelled for six runs in the one inning he pitched (after not getting an out in the second inning) against the Pirates at Ebbets Field.  So, Pittsburgh bats were hot, and looking to make it a laugher.  Unfortunately for Bankhead that's exactly what they did.  Over the next 3 1/3 innings Dan gave up eight earned runs on ten hits; including hitting batter Wally Westlake with a wicked curve -- an act that some thought might provoke a fight.  On the positive side, Dan Bankhead did hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning in his very first Major League at-bat.  Per Rory Costello at the SABR Biography Project:

After the game, Bankhead told pioneer black sportswriter Sam Lacy, “I think I’ll be okay as soon as this newness wears off. Today it seemed like I was wearing a new glove, new shoes, new hat, everything seemed tight.”

Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2013 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Wilson. 
• Happy Birthday, Tom Lovett, Ryan Theriot & Yasiel Puig!

Blog Kiosk: 8/10/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wow.  Check this out.  Here is a photograph of the rotunda within Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.  For whatever reason, there are very few photos of this part of the ballpark.  Pic via @MLBcathedrals on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly ready to turn page on Pirates series."

"We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves," Don Mattingly said. "Nothing happened here in Pittsburgh that changes our mind about our club. Basically, we had a chance to win every game in the series. We're lucky, really, where we're at. Nothing changes my mind that we can play with anybody."

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw team up for charity."  Go here to find out more and to participate.

Pujols and Kershaw have launched a joint fundraising drive for their foundations, with two grand prize winners getting to play wiffle ball with the two stars at Angel Stadium next month. The minimum donation for the raffle is $10; other prizes are available.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Don Mattingly meets with Yasiel Puig about playing time." 

“I just let him know that he’s not just going to automatically be out of there against righties. He’s going to be in there, it’s just occasional days off,” Mattingly said. “I know a couple have come here recently as we want to mix Carl back in.

• Via Scott Eden at ESPN, "Federal investigations into Cuban smuggling, Major League Baseball slow."

But people with knowledge of the federal probes have told Outside the Lines that the MLB piece of the investigation has slowed, as federal agents have struggled to convince officials at the U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami that enough evidence exists to move forward.

• Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Release Chris Heisey."
• The Shorpy photo blog shares a fantastic family photo from early 1965, here.  It features a couple of kids on top of a wooden bench playing with a toy.  What makes this pic noteworthy is that the oldest kid is wearing a vintage Dodger t-shirt that must be from the 1963 Dodger season.  Check it out here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "(Brett) Anderson injures right wrist on checked swing."

Anderson developed tendinitis in his right (non-throwing) wrist after a checked swing in an at-bat against Oakland's Sonny Gray on July 28. He is undergoing acupuncture and wearing a protective brace when not at the ballpark in an attempt to reduce the inflammation.

"I wouldn't be Brett Anderson without having stuff nobody's seen," the self-deprecating lefty said.

Check out a pic of some of those acupuncture needles in his arm via his instagram account, here.

• Shawn Anderson at the Hall of Very provides a brief update on a couple of former Dodger players: "Brian Wilson is Jacked" and "Andruw Jones Is Hoping For A Comeback."

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Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2015 - Dodger Links - SportsNet LA Woes, Yadiel Alvarez and Brian Wilson as Charlie Sheen

The Dodger face the Giants this evening in San Francisco, and hopefully we experience a better result that what's shown in the photo above, via eBay.  Featured is Brooklyn outfielder Duke Snider sliding hard into home plate, but being called "out" by umpire Larry Goetz - Giants catcher Wes Westrum made the tag. 

On the positive side, this play only briefly stopped a surging Dodger team as they soon turned a mighty October struggle into a laugher.  The October 2, 1951 game was a 10-0 triumph for the   "Bums."  The win brought the Dodgers into a tie with the Giants for the National League crown with the final deciding game the following day.  Unfortunately, that game would end with Bobby Thompson's home run in the ninth inning.

Below are some links to check out:

• Here's another personal fan story about the impact of not having the Dodgers on TV is having on one Long Beach family, via Danny Bonvissuto of Jeans & Ties.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Bolsinger, Seager, Urias honored."

Mike Bolsinger, Corey Seager and Julio Urias and Mike Bolsinger each received Player or Pitcher of the Week honors in their minor leagues.

• Via Michale Clair at Cut4, "Vin Scully's most important call yet: This adorable baby with giant cheeks."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "No longer under radar, Garcia realizing dream."

"At the end of June, his velocity jumped, and the 94-95 [mph] started to come out," said Rick Knapp, the Minor League pitching coordinator. "The slider that was always a sore spot is now a weapon. He used the Minor Leagues for exactly what they're for. It's a great thing for a coordinator to see. He makes me proud."

• Here's some Comcast-TWC merger news.  Via Jon Brodkin at Ars Technica, "Comcast could abandon TWC merger if government imposes tough conditions."  It's being speculated that concessions might include affirming recent FCC net neutrality rules and changes.  If that happens I suspect Comcast is out.
• WTF!  Via Dave Schilling at Grantland, "We Went There: Closer Brian Wilson Channeled Charlie Sheen at the ‘Major League’ Live Read."

As is customary with the Film Independent Live Read series, the casting is often against type or so perfectly on the nose that you can’t help but laugh about it. Former Giants and Dodgers closer Brian Wilson portrayed Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn, mimicking Charlie Sheen’s trademark laconic delivery and even coming to the event in a period-appropriate Indians uniform. 

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Dodgers lead for top Cuban righty; Jays, Nats, D-Backs, Rangers in."  Heyman confirms previous reports saying that the Dodgers are leading in the race for Yadiel Alvarez's services.  BTW, Alvarez is slated to be getting his very own Baseball card very soon.  It's a 2015 Onyx Platinum Elite card.  Check it out via a tweet from Onyx.

2015 Platinum Elite eye candy..Next mega Cuban baseball superstar and first card ever - Yadier Alvares signed cards!! pic.twitter.com/nHgLi0NKfj
— Onyx Authenticated (@Onyx_Authentic) April 20, 2015

• Brett Anderson let's us know about what he thinks of those new padded pitcher caps, via twitter:

Silly me for thinking the old padded hat couldn't get any worse. pic.twitter.com/mrybEy0YIO
— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) April 20, 2015

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Brandon McCarthy is Now Officially a Dodger

Just in case you didn't already know, the Brandon McCarthy signing was made official this morning.  Via a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the signing of free-agent right-handed pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four-year contract.

McCarthy, 31, established career highs in wins (10), strikeouts (175) and innings pitched (200.0) last season with the Diamondbacks and Yankees, going 10-15 with a 4.05 ERA in 32 starts. He ranked ninth among MLB starters with a 5.30 strikeout-to-walk ratio and averaged only 1.49 walks per 9.0 innings, the eighth-best mark in the Majors. Beginning with his final two starts with the D-backs and through his 14 starts with New York following his July 6 trade, McCarthy was one of the game's best pitchers, going 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA (32 ER/103.0 IP) from June 27 to the conclusion of the season.

Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times also shared some contract details on twitter:

Brandon McCarthy will receive a $6 million bonus. $11 million a year in 2015 and 2016, $10 million a year in 2017 and 2018.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 16, 2014

And as I stated in a post earlier today, the Dodgers DFA'd Brian Wilson to make room for McCarthy on the 40-man roster.  Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi had this to say about it,

"We don’t want to be sort of tied down by financial obligations — we’re just trying to build the best team we can for 2015."

Well, this morning Zaidi held a telephone press conference today, and I had an opportunity to listen in on it.  Below are some brief notes on what was discussed:

• Brandon McCarthy made changes to his winter routine by doing some upper body lifting.  Zaidi believes that should make him a more durable player going forward.
• Last season McCarthy added 2MPH to his fastball; which is unheard of for a pitcher of his age.
• The 4-year contract to McCarthy was based on an interest in a long-term solution and in response to potential opt-out clauses to Kershaw and Greinke contracts.  Zaidi also mentioned that the marketplace dictated the length of deal.
• Zaidi continue to emphasize that McCarthy pitched 200 innings last season.
• Said Stan Conte was heavily involved in vetting the health of both McCarthy and Anderson.
• Zaidi refused to say whether they would be looking around for another starting pitcher, saying "we feel very good about where we are having five starting pitchers who give us a chance to win every time out."
• Farhan made the point of saying that when he was with the A's no pitcher made him more comfortable on the mound.  He knew McCarthy would execute their plan.
• With regards to pending trades, they have no worries or concerns.  They are just logistical issues; i.e. scheduling physicals, etc.
• Farnhan then stated the obvious, "On the defensive side of the ball, I do think that we've upgraded significantly."

At this point they announced that Brian Wilson had been DFA'd, and my mind went blank.  Like, really?  I just didn't think the Dodgers would walk away from his huge contract.  Of course, this is a different crew and they obviously want to quickly rid themselves of anything that might get in the way of their plans.  In fact, Zaidi stated that they just didn't consider Wilson to be one of their top 7 reliever options.

Later in the afternoon, Brandon McCarthy held his own telephone press interview.  Below are my notes:

• Was born in Glendale, but lived in Pasadena til 11. 
• Brandon idolized Orel Hershiser when he was a kid - he recalled running into him at Disneyland as a kid.
• Said, "there was nothing that didn’t intrigue me about the Dodgers.  I grew up 10 miles from the stadium. The Dodgers were what I knew."
• He looks forward to learning from Kershaw and Greinke.
• He did some heavy lifting over winter to emphasize strength in shoulders and his back; lifting heavy and lifting often.  Knows that runs counter to what most folks think a pitcher should do.
• He had a seizure after a head injury in 2013 and felt weaker due to a 13lbs. weight loss.  As a result, he decided to get into workout program to gain strength.  
• Said Brett Anderson ( a former teammate in Oakland) is a "good quiet guy." An "unbelievable competitor... Always envisioned himself as being great... It's been devastating to see him go thru all these injuries."  He looks forward to spending the season with him and seeing him perform.

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Brian Wilson has been DFA'd

Holy Moly.  I didn't think they'd do this.

During this afternoons telephone press conference regarding the official signing of Brandon McCarthy, it was announced that the corresponding move to the 40-man roster would be to DFA Brian Wilson.

So, unless Wilson accepts a demotion to the minor leagues, he has likely already spent his last days within the Dodger organization.  There was no word of a possible trade for him, but if something comes along the Dodgers will consider it. 

Wilson is owed $9.5Mil for 2015, so that's quite a bit of change the Dodgers are walking away from.

UPDATE:  12/19/2014 According to Dylan Hernandez on twitter Wilson has been released by the Dodgers; meaning that the Dodger were unable to find a trade partner and are now on the hook for his $9.5Mil contract. 

The #Dodgers have released Brian Wilson, whom they recently DFA'd.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 20, 2014

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014

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The Ball's in Hanley's Court Now and Other Dodger Developments

The Dodgers have elected to extend an Qualifying Offer to Hanley Ramirez.  (No surprise, eh?)

The Dodgers have extended a qualifying offer to shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

This means that Hanley has until November 10th to decide to take a 1-year $15.3Mil contract to play for the Dodgers in 2015, or he can become a free agent for the first time in his career.  If he decides to stay with the Dodgers (either to boost his potential value the following season or because he really wants to stay in LA), then that immediately solves any issues the team has with filling the short stop position next year.  If Hanley chooses the later, then the Dodgers will receive a compensation draft pick for the 2015 draft should he sign elsewhere.  They would also have to fill the vacancy at short stop.

I am certain that he'll decline the Qualifying Offer since he should be able to find a more lucrative multi-year contract with another club.  Besides, as Jon Weisman noted earlier today, every player given a Qualifying Offer since this process began a couple of years ago has declined.  So why buck that trend?

On the other hand, I believe his professed love of Los Angeles is genuine, so maybe... just maybe he takes it.  BTW, the Dodgers and Hanley could still negotiate a contract.  I just don't think the team is willing to provide the kind of long-term commitment Hanley wants.  They have plenty of options now; including Arruebarrena and Guerrero, while they wait for top-rated prospect Corey Seager to take over the position.

I should note that I do not believe the Dodgers will extend a multi-year contract to any available free agent to play short stop.  They are clearly trying to make room for their youngsters, and putting up a roadblock like that runs counter to what you should expect will happen with the Dodgers going forward.

Hanley Ramirez has been a great LA Dodger, and his leaving really sucks.  I've enjoyed watching him on and off the field, and I believe his departure will prove to be a big loss for that clubhouse.  That being said, times change and I don't think there's any question that this new phase of the Guggenheim ownership will result in a whole new Dodger team.

The pic above was taken the day Hanley first arrived in the Dodger clubhouse after being traded there in late-July 2012, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.  He looked so young, didn't he?

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In another unsurprising move, Brian Wilson has decided to exercise his player option for the 2015 season.

Right-handed pitcher Brian Wilson exercised his option to return to the Dodgers for 2015.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

Brian Wilson has one year remaining on his contract and it's at $9.5Mil.  After a fantastic month and a half as a Dodger in 2013, Wilson's 2014 was sorely disappointing.  He appeared in 61 games with a 4.66 ERA, and recorded a 4.29 FIP.  Having displayed a glaring loss in velocity to his fastball, he was largely ineffective and mistrusted in relief. 

Hopefully, he can do better in 2015. It'll be just under three years since his Tommy John surgery in early 2012, so if his arm is indeed fine then the timing is good for him have a big rebound year.

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Scott Elbert is now a free agent.

Left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert has elected to become a free agent and has been removed from the Dodger roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

The Dodgers had outrighted Elbert for the purposes of reassigning him to the minor leagues.  As is a players option, Scott opted to become a free agent instead.

This is a bit surprising.  Scott had Tommy John Surgery in June 2013 and only just recently got back on the field to pitch.  He was effective, though, so that likely drives his belief that a better Major League option exist for him. 

In seven appearances at the tail-end of the 2014 season he gave up just four hits and one earned run.  He also pitched in the playoffs against the Cardinals, but got shelled.  Scott Elbert gave up the eventual game winning home run to Kolten Wong in Game 3 of that series.

Scott Elbert was the Dodgers 1st round draft pick in the 2004 draft and was considered, at one time, to be one of the best prospects in the Majors.  Unfortunately, arm problems cropped up in 2008 and various other arm issues continued to hamper his development from then on out.

The pic above of Elbert is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.

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(pic via @MLB on twitter)

Joe Maddon is now the Cubs manager, so it's time to get over the fact that he's not coming to LA.  Besides, it was never going to happen... No matter how much folks screamed about it on social media. 

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Blog Kiosk: 10/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Thanks for a Great Season

Things started out well for the Dodgers.  They had MVP candidate Clayton Kershaw on the mound and the Dodger Jobu all gussied up and pretty in the clubhouse.  Unfortunately, the Baseball gods struck us down with its mighty hammer and gave us the blues.  The pic above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to see more photos of his from yesterday.

I won't bother recounting any details of the Dodgers loss, or provide explanations as to why it happened.  I just think that's all a big waste of time right now.  Instead, I'd like to take this brief moment to say thanks to the team for a wonderful season of Dodger Baseball.  Most of all, I'd like to say thanks to all of you for visiting my little blog.  It's been a fun year and and I promise next year will be even better.

As you might have guessed, posting is likely to decrease over the coming days and weeks (maybe), but I won't be disappearing.  Baseball collecting never ends and I suspect this winter will be filled with plenty of Dodger news.

BTW, the LA Kings hockey season officially starts tonight, so we've (assuming your a fan) got that to immediately look forward to.  Go Kings Go!

Check out some links below:

• Read Don Mattingly's postgame interview with the press after Game 4, here.

I mean, Holliday hits the ball barely out of reach of Dee, Peralta hits the ball and it hits off Hanley's glove, and then had a curveball there. So at the end of the day, I think it's not really a situation that you try to change too much or manipulate too much.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Right-hander Beckett announces plans to retire."

"I just don't see me going through that rehab and coming back to pitch at this point in my life," he said.

• Yasiel Puig was playing through an ankle issue, Via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.  His benching for Game 4 suddenly make a lot of sense. He had difficulty getting around on the fastball due to his ankle.
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, Panini America recently announced they will be released a card set called Panini Classics.  Check out some preview pics here.  To the right is an autographed Clayton Kershaw card.
• Here's the first bit of Dodger winter news.  Per Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish on twitter, Brian Wilson has already told the Dodgers that he will exercise his $9Mil option for 2015.  No kidding, eh?

Sources: Brian Wilson has informed #Dodgers that he will exercise his player option for 2015.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 8, 2014

• I'm not sure if this is indicative of anything, but it is concerning, via a tweet from Eric Stephen:

In last week, Dodgers have lost 3 from player development: De Jon Watson (AZ), Roy Clark (Atl), Rafael Chaves (pitching coordinator, Phi)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 7, 2014

• Via the LA Kings, "Discovery Cube LA Partners with LA Kings to Celebrate the Science of Hockey in a Permanent New Exhibit."

“The Science of Hockey” will debut in early 2015 at the new Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA) as one of the most technically advanced sports-themed exhibits in the world. Announced for the first time today by representatives from the Discovery Science Foundation (DSF) and the Kings Care Foundation, the permanent destination attraction will combine hands-on hockey learning focused on the skills of the sport with unique participatory experiences that explain the scientific realities of the game.

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They Dun It! Dodgers Win NL West Title!

WooHoo!

This was the game we'd all been waiting for.  With the potential of champagne showers and a kind of revelry only a long 162 game season can provide, we had an opportunity to nail down the top spot in the National League Western Division tonight.  Best yet, we had a chance to do it in front of our most hated rival.

So, please take a moment to relive the evening with some replay videos below.

The Giants got on the board first in the third inning due to a balk, that moved runners to second and third base, and a well-placed grounder to score a run.  But before we get there, though, let's watch an amazing defensive play by Clayton Kershaw to record the first out of the inning.


Video Link:

That was some backhand magic, wasn't it?

Anyway, the Giants soon loaded the bases in the inning against our Cy Young candidate to bring up Buster Posey with the bases loaded and one out.  Watch what happened next below.

Video Link:

6-4-3, Baby!

From here, things were a little quiet until the Dodgers half of the fifth inning.  With a man on second base Clayton Kershaw came up to the plate and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Video Link:

Then in the sixth inning the Dodger bats decided to follow Clayton's lead.  First, Yasiel Puig came up to start the inning.

Video Link:

Thereafter, Kemp doubled to center and Hanley Ramirez walked to give the Dodgers two men on base for Carl Crawford.  He proceeded to double them both in to give the Dodgers a 4 to 1 lead (Video Link).  Next up was Juan Uribe who drove in Crawford to give the Dodgers another run (Video Link).  So, at the end of the sixth inning the Dodger lead grew to 5 to 1.

In the seventh inning the Giants were threatening.  A runner was on first base as pinch-hitter Duffy came to the plate.  Watch watch happened next.

Video Link:

You just don't run on Puig.  Don't they know that yet?

In the eigth inning the floodgates opened up for the Dodgers.  Juan Uribe drove in a couple more runs with a single to right.  AJ Ellis then grounded in another run.  A few batters latter Yasiel Puig took a walk to drive in another.  Amazingly, the Dodgers brought 10 batters up to the plate, scored four runs, but had only one hit.  When it was all said and done, the Dodgers staked themselves to a 9-1 lead that they would not relinquish.

This game had everything.  There was intrigue.  There was suspense.  And best of all, there was celebration.

Make no mistake, this game wasn't easy, not by a long shot, but it was thoroughly enjoyeable to watch.

Photo at the very top via Dodgers on twitter:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2014 - Dodger Links - Another Dodger Victory

Thank goodness for some good pitching and clutch hitting.  Hyun-Jin Ryu went a strong 6.2 innings last night; giving up just four hits and striking out six.  He also tossed a career high 114 pitches.  Unfortunately, two late runs in the seventh inning caused him to leave the game with a no-decision. No worries, though, the Dodger bats found a way to take home a victory.

After a first inning two-run homer by Adrian Gonzalez, the Dodgers offense remained quiet until the eighth inning.  That's when they were able to string together a few hits to score three runs.  Of note, the recently called up Roger Bernadina came in as a pinch-runner and scored the eventual winning run on Dee Gordon's single.  In the photo above Dee is seen celebrating his run-driving hit, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to see more photos from the day from Jon.  BTW, Dee went 3 for 4 on the evening; driving in a run and scoring twice.  Hanley Ramirez also drove in two runs in the eighth inning with a double to left field.

The Dodgers held on for a 5 to 2 victory over the Diamondbacks, and hold on to a 2.0 game lead over the Giants.  This division is going down to the wire.  Now, below are some links to check out.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Josh Beckett's last hurrah."

Beckett hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since Aug. 3, sidelined with a hip injury that will require surgery. The 34-year-old right-hander confirmed to reporters on Friday that his 2014 season was done, and that he is mulling retirement.

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Selig laments 'regrettable' Dodger TV impasse."

“I’m always an optimist,” said Selig, who will step down as commissioner this winter. “This is in no one’s best interest obviously. I have to hope and believe some way, some day, somehow we will get this done.

• Via Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest, "Brian Wilson Is Losing Velocity."

Yikes. Wilson’s velocity has been on a steep downward trend for most of the season. In April, Wilson’s four seam fastball was averaging 94.2 mph. He hasn’t thrown the pitch in September, but in August it was averaging 91. His sinker has gone from 93.2 mph average to 89.3 mph average. His cutter, which he throws more than half of the time, has gone from 90.6 mph to 86.7 mph. Wilson has lost four miles per hour velocity average across all of his hard stuff this season alone.

• Sarah at We're Born Again, there's New Grass on the Field tells us about the time Dodger Stadium got flooded.
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his day at Frank & Sons on Saturday getting Joc Pederson's autograph.
• Via Derek Thompson at The Atlantic, "The Simple Technology That Accidentally Ruined Baseball."

The irony is that MLB did everything that an economist or corporate guru would have advised. Baseball embraced emerging technology rather than banish it. It used analytics to improve the work of its elite employees. It used reviews to encourage exceptional performance among umpires. And the league got exactly what they wanted: a more-perfect strike zone.

But is that really baseball's highest goal? A perfect strike zone, at the expense of steadily evaporating offense?

• Watch Mo'ne Davis pitch against Jimmy Fallon.

Video Link:

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Walter White, er... Heisenberg, er... Bryan Cranston Must be Stopped!

Walter White's alter-ego visited Dodger Stadium last night and I'm not talking about that Heisenberg fellow we all fear.  Instead, White now mask himself as a bigger-than-life Hollywood celebrity named Bryan Cranston, and he quickly enamored himself to the crowd with a comic-book-like shapeshifting skill the likes have not seen since the emergence of Mystique.

He was captivating and charming, gracious and humble... But, deep down you know that that evil monster is lurking in the shadows.  White must be on a scouting trip to set up a new base of operations on the West Coast, and if something isn't done soon to stop him we will all have to pay a steep price.  He even charmed the heck out of our vaunted saint Vin Scully; as evidenced in the photo above. And check out this video below of him running around the press room like he owns it... For shame, Walter White!

Video Link:

I'm sure you're saying, "But Ernest, he's an upstanding member of the community now!"

I say to you, "I think not."

How do I know?

Let me show you.  I got proof.  See it below.

(pic via @MLB on twitter)

Walter White, the scourge of New Mexico, the master cook of the blue crystal, the drug dealer that even the mafia is afraid of, tried to recruit Dodger reliever Brian Wilson into his world of crime.

White wrote, "I can use a guy like you," and gave it to Brian Wilson.

Make no mistake folks, Heisenberg is not dead... Oh, No!  He's alive and well.

Photos at the top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu's Butt Hurts, Crawford on Fire and McCartney Damaged the Outfield

The Dodgers lost a close one against the Atlanta Braves yesterday, 3 to 2.  Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched well; going 5.2 innings, striking out seven, allowing six hits and three runs.  Unfortunately, he would have to leave the game early due to an injury.   Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hyun-Jin Ryu leaves game in fifth inning with strained right gluteus muscle."  So... He pulled a muscle in his butt?  How embarrassing.

Via Joe Morgan at MLB.com:

"There's a little concern because it's a new area that's never bothered me before," Ryu said through a translator. "So right now, the only thing I want to do is sleep through and see how I feel tomorrow morning."

Fortunately, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, he doesn't feel it's anything serious, but is expected to get an MRI or meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache when the teams goes back to LA at the end of the week, via Dylan Hernandez on twitter.

Of special note, Carl Crawford had another great day at the plate.  He recorded two hits, drove in a run and scored a run.  This was his fourth straight multi-hit game.  I think it is safe to say that he is fully recovered from his most recent injury.  Pic at the top via @Dodgers on twitter.

The Dodgers are now 5.0 games ahead of the Giants - who beat the White Sox earlier in the day.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Cooking Channel to feature Dodger Stadium’s Chef Dave."  During my one stay as a faux reporter in the Dodger pressbox, I had the pleasure of enjoying his food.  I had the pork, and was quite satisfied.
• Aaron Dodger at Inside Dodger Baseball writes, "Kershaw's ready for a pitch-off!"  He links to an ESPN video about Little League pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis who has challenged Clayton.  There's a great video there of Clayton accepting the challenge.
• Via JP Hoornstra at the LA Daily News, "Dodgers’ Dee Gordon is still taking pointers from patient Chone Figgins."

“I don’t know how Figgy did it,” Gordon said. “He’d say stuff like … ‘I didn’t ever hit. I walked and got my hits. You hit and get your walks.’ He’s been just showing me how to do that side of it as well.”

BTW, the Dodgers have asked for unconditional release waivers on Chone Figgins, per their twitter.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Brian Wilson still sees a knuckleball in his future."

“That’s a pitch that I’m just letting the league know that in case one day they’re interested in a starter, I can throw a knuckleball,” he said. “Not to be funny or as a joke – it’s a real pitch. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind starting one day, try that routine out at the professional level. I did it in the minors – I mean, it’s similar, not to the stakes of Major League competition.

He's just weird and competitive enough to be an effective knuckleball pitcher in the future.

• Recently DFA'd reliver Colt Hynes has been claimed, per @Dodgers on twitter:

Minor-league reliever Colt Hynes, whom the Dodgers designated for assignment, has been claimed by the Toronto @BlueJays.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• Another one bites the dust.  Stephen Fife will have Tommy John surgery, via @Dodgers on twitter:

Stephen Fife will undergo ulnar collateral ligament (Tommy John) surgery, to be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles today.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• In light of Scott Schebler's huge day at the plate the other day (3 homers), Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs has some insights on what is happening.

Over his most recent two-game stretch with Double-A Chattanooga, Schebler has produced the following line: 7 PA, 1 BB, 0 K, 4 HR, 5 H. Nor has Schebler’s plate-discipline deteriorated, really: since that initial appearance among the Five, Schebler has produced walk and strikeout rates of 8.0% and 14.0%, respectively — i.e. a considerable improvement over his previously established levels.

• "Damn you, Paul McCartney!" As I shake my fist like a madman.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, the McCartney concert did some damage to the centerfield grass at Dodger Stadium.

It seems that the stage on which Sir Paul performed unknowingly damaged the center field grass at Dodger Stadium, prompting stadium grounds crew workers to begin hurried repairs to the field on Wednesday morning for the upcoming homestand with the Brewers, Padres and Mets, which begins on Friday night.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/13/2014 - Dodger Links - Haren, Barney and Six Games Up - Oh, My!

Dan Haren was sharp for the second straight game as the Dodgers pulled out a 4 to 2 victory against the Braves.  Unfortunately, his nemesis, BJ Upton, slammed his sixth career home run off of him, but it wasn't enough to overcome his effort.  Haren went six innings, struck out seven, walked one and allowed just two runs to score. Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

The afternoon, though, belonged to Darwin Barney.  He was outstanding on the field and with bat in his first career start for the Dodgers.  As you might expect, he flashed the leather like a former gold glover should.  The surprise was that he was great at the plate and on the basepaths.  He knocked in the first run of the game in the second inning, and manufactured a run, just like a modern day Jackie Robinson, in the ninth inning to give the Dodgers an insurance run.

That last play was a thing of beauty.  Barney got on base via an error by the shortstop, then proceeded to take second on that very same play when the ball skipped to the outfield.  He quickly moved to third base on a groundball out to the right side, and scored when a wild pitch bounced in front of the catcher and scampered down the third base line. Wow!  It was just like watching some olde-tyme Dodger Baseball.

(GIF via Dodgers on tumblr)

The Dodgers are now 6.0 games ahead of the Giants.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• ICYMI: Dodger teenage prospect Julio Urias turned 18 yesterday.  Happy Birthday, buddy!
• BTW, Topps 2014 Finest Baseball card set officially goes live today, so go to your local card shop to check them out.  I'll photos of all the Dodger cards soon.  In the meantime, check out some preview pics of Yasiel Puig and Mike Piazza (as a Dodger) below, via @Toppscards on twitter:

• Any other goal is worthless.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Kershaw: 'It's World Series or bust'"

“I think it was almost like that last year, too,” Kershaw said. “Coming up short didn’t feel good, and now we have that experience of what it’s like to go deep and not win. Especially with the team we have now and the guys brought in from last year, we feel like it’s World Series or bust, for sure.”

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez and Appreciating Greatness."
• If you have SportsNet LA this is great news.  They will be televising 5 of the remaining home games of the Albuquerque Isotopes.  Below is a schedule:

SportsNet LA Isotopes TV Schedule
Game Date                                     Opponent                     SportsNet LA TV Time
Fri., Aug. 15 @ 6:05 p.m.              vs. Memphis                Sun., 8/17 @ 11:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 16 @ 6:05 p.m.             vs. Nashville                Mon., 8/18 @ 2:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 18 @ 5:35 p.m.           vs. Nashville               Wed., 8/20 @ 11:00 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 29 @ 6:05 p.m.              vs. Las Vegas              Sun., 8/31 @ 6:00 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 31 @ 5:05 p.m.            vs. Las Vegas             Tues., 9/2 @ 11:00 a.m.
All times listed are Pacific Time.

• Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Prospect Schebler clubs three homers at Double-A."
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Brian Wilson Is Pitching Better Than You Think He Is."
• Via Shawn Anderson at the Hall of Very Good, "John Elway Inducted Into Minor League Hall of Fame."

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

The next homestand starts this evening against the Colorado Rockies, and several old-time 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.

For this series the Dodgers have created a special St. Louis Dog.  It's an all-beef hot dog topped with braised beef short ribs, BBQ sauce and fried onions.  It is available through Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.

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Thursday, June 26th at 7:10 PM
RHP Adam Wainwright vs. RHP Josh Beckett

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 a bobblehead night!  The first 50,000 fans will receive a Brian Wilson bobblehead.  See it on the right.

Trey Songz, Grammy-nominated and BET Award-winning artist will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  “Back to the Future” star Christopher Lloyd will announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup. “Back to the Future” is Wilson’s favorite movie.

Former Dodgers Kenny Landreaux (in right-field pavilion plaza) and "Sweet" Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andres Otero. Otero is the son of Cuban refugees and is based at Port Hueneme, CA where he works in testing and evaluation of weapons systems. Otero has been deployed twice while onboard the USS Nicholas to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

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Friday, June 27th at 7:10 PM
RHP Carlos Martinez vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

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 Dodgers will celebrate Mormon Night for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. More than 4,000 members of the church from Los Angeles to San Bernardino will be in attendance for this annual event.  Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will throw the honorary first pitch.

Former Dodgers Derrel Thomas (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Billy Ashley (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Angel Peraza of Palmdale. He enlisted in 2000 and serves with the 30th Civil Engineers Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Peraza is responsible for disaster preparedness, hazardous material emergency response training and ensuring the base’s ability to withstand and recover from an attack during wartime and natural disasters.  He has served deployments to Qatar, Japan and Kyrgyzstan. Peraza’s accolades include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award and a Good Conduct 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 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Zack Greinke autographed baseball, Yasiel Puig autographed photo and Scott Van Slyke autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers 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, June 28th at 4:15 PM
TBD vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Tonight's game starts at 4:15 PM.  Auto gates open at 1:45 PM, and stadium gates open at 2:15 PM. BTW, this game will be televised on Fox.

The national anthem will be performed by Dodger fan Tony DeFranco. Melissa McCarthy’s, who is starring and wrote, along with her husband, Director Ben Falcone, “Tammy,” will be on hand for the ceremonial first pitch. McCarthy will also announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup.  The California Youth Spirit Corps (CYSC) will perform their award-winning routines in a special pre-game performance.

I apologize in advance for having incomplete information regarding Dodger autograph signings on this day.  From my understanding, Al Downing will be on on-hand to sign, but I am uncertain if it is in the right or left field pavilion areas.  Also, it is likely that another player will be there as well, but I do not know who that is.  What I do know is that Saturday is Al Downing's birthday, so be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday!  Heck, it would be great if a crowd of Dodger fans serenaded him.  (This is all subject to change since the info I received was confusing, and I have yet to hear back from my follow-up inquiries.)

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Corporal Cecil Belmares. Belmares volunteered for service in 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served with the 29th Infantry Division, 116th Regiment on board the Queen Mary which had been converted to a war ship to transport troops during World War II.  He served in Central Europe, Germany and in Normandy, France where his regiment took part in the historic attack on Omaha Beach, known as D-Day. Belmares’ accolades include the Presidential Unit Citation for actions of the 116th Infantry on D-Day and the Combat Action Badge.  He is a lifelong Dodger fan and his favorite player is his fellow soldier Jackie Robinson.

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Sunday, June 29th at 1:10 PM
 TBD vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Tonight'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 Adrian Gonzalez Replica Jersey.  Check it out on the right.

The national anthem will be performed by Elliot Yamin as part of the Dodgers’ 15th annual Jewish Community Day.  Fans who purchased the special ticket package will receive a Dodgers-in-Hebrew baseball cap.  See it on the left.  This ticket package is already sold out.  Kosher food will be available to all fans in the Left Field Reserve section, including Kosher Dogs, Jalapeno Kosher Dogs and Italian Beef Sausages. 

Viva Los Dodgers will take place at the historic 76 station and begins at 11:00 AM.  Former Dodger Lee Lacy will be signing autographs there.

Former Dodgers Tommy Davis (in right-field pavilion plaza) and "Sweet" Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Davis, Johnson and Lee Lacy will sign from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Stadium Club.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Command Master Sergeant Larry Montes. Montes enlisted in 1978 and is assigned to the 104th Regiment, 7th Battalion in Bell, CA. He has served deployments in support of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield and to Balad, Iraq. Montes’ accolades include the Bronze Star and the Army Achievement Medal.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will have a Mystery Bag fundraiser at Viva Los Dodgers at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Tent. For a $40 donation, fans can get an  official Major League baseball signed by one of ten Dodger Alumni featured, including Don Newcombe, Tommy Lasorda, Fernando Valenzuela and current players including Yasiel Puig and Adrian Gonzalez. Only 82 Mystery Bags available. 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.
• 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 Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, a Kid-Take-The-Field Experience for Wednesday, July 30 vs. the Atlanta Braves and Josh Beckett autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers 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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