Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2019 - Dodgers & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just can't wait for Spring, so when I come across a press photo showing some Dodgers' preparing for the upcoming season I have to share it here. Featured above is Brooklyn catcher Bruce Edwards with youngster Tom Tatum, dated 2/24/1947 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Bat Selection. Bruce Edwards (left), Brooklyn Dodger catcher, looks over some bats with rookie Tom Tatum at the Dodger training area at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 21. Tatum came to the Dodgers from Montreal in the International League where he hit .319 in the 1946 season. Edwards' home is in Sacramento, Calif, and Tatum lives in Nashville, Tenn.

BTW, Tom Tatum had a short career in Brooklyn, but made an impact nonetheless -- and it wasn't for his play on the diamond. Instead, he (like George Shuba the year before in Montreal) is recognized for extending a handshake to Jackie Robinson as he crossed home plate following his first career home run on April 18, 1947. You can see a photo of it on the right. Obviously, this kind of action shouldn't seen as unusual or surprising, but such was the times. On another note, both Tatum and Robinson were teammates on the 1946 Montreal Royals, so this wasn't a big deal for either of them.

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 future 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 roles 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 third season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Johnston, Jake Hehl, Ted Martinez, Gil Reyes & Mel Rojas!

Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only does Cody Bellinger lead the Majors in home runs (5), he also now holds the franchise record for most home runs in the first 300 games of their MLB career -- Bellinger with 69, Piazza with 68 and Howard with 55. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Even that first at-bat, I think he just missed a homer,” Roberts said. “Then he comes up with bases loaded, stays on the cut fastball. His at-bat qualities, his takes are good. He’s just seeing it really well. I think this is as good as I’ve seen him.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers traded for left-hander Hank Aguirre from the Tigers for a player to be named later, minor leaguer Fred Moulder. He played one season in Blue, and is better known for being the worst hitter in Major League history -- slashing .085/.117/.108/.225 and striking out an astounding 61% of the time through a 16-year Major League career. In 1974 the Dodgers traded for soon-to-be fan favorite Pedro Guerrero from the Indians in exchange for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. In 2004 the Dodgers traded Franklin Gutierrez and Andrew Brown to the Indians for outfielder Milton Bradley. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Moon & Tim Crews!

Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2015 - Dodger Links - Kapler on Intangibles, Puig's Rehab and Grandal's Big Day

What a monster day at the plate for Yasmani Grandal.  Yesterday he went 4 for 4 with two - three run home runs, two walks and eight RBI's.  He did most of his damage when the Dodgers were already well on their way to a victory - his two homers came in the 8th and 9th innings.  Nevertheless, it was a nice break-out for the young catcher.  Heck, it was an legendary game overall.  Per Aaron Gleeman at Hardball Talk,

– He’s the first catcher with two home runs, eight RBIs, and six times on base in a game since Walker Cooper of the Reds in 1949.

Yasmani also had this to say, via Andrew Wagner at ESPN.com:

“It’s a new team and I want to do good,” Grandal said. “I understand that last year, RBIs wasn’t a big thing for me. I wanted to get those RBIs so I was pressing a lot. Every time I got a good hit, it was straight at guys. I guess it was a good move to change the lineup a little bit.”

The photo above of Alex Guerrero congratulating Grandal was shared by the @Dodgers on twitter. Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Gabe Kapler on his blog Kaplifestyle, "Makeup."  He addresses the desire to measure heart.

Scouting is hard. We, as an industry, simply haven’t figured out how to appropriately measure and value intangibles. We’re still learning, and I have no doubts that a clever individual will create a method to do so. Right now, quantifying those intangibles remains elusive.

• Via Brian Melley at AP, "Bryan Stow's attacker goes from smirking to begging for judge's mercy."  He ended up receiving three additional years to his eight year sentence for the federal gun charges.
• Yasiel Puig went hitless in four at-bats during his first rehab assignment in Rancho Cucamongo last night, but he did make a new friend via a tweet from @RCQuakes.

#BestFriendGoals pic.twitter.com/JQ3KIRi4VA

— RC Quakes Baseball (@RCQuakes) May 8, 2015

• The item below is absolutely fantastic, and I'm leaving it here for posterity.  Featured is a circa 1880's Baseball themed bowling pins set sold through RSL Auctions.  Per the auction description:

Probably by Selchow & Righter American - Circa 1880’s This rare and exquisite American toy was found recently at a flea market in northern England. It is absolutely mint condition and it had been stored for more than a century in its original box. It seems that the ball players have rarely strayed from the box because the lithography is as bright today as the day they were sold. This rare set of figural ten pins is particularly significant because they depict men playing baseball; a favorite American spectator sport. There are only a handful of other known sets and a couple of isolated figures. And none of those retain this extraordinary quality. This set also includes three original wooden balls that would have been rolled to knock down the figures. The chromo-lithographed label for the lid of the box shows a ballgame in progress. The graphics are nothing less than AMAZING. A second label on the side of the box reads “One Piece Base Ball, S & R (Selchow and Righter) Ten Pins”.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2015 - Dodger Links - Newest Target Yadier Alvarez, Pederson and Joey Amalfitano

The Dodgers held their Dodgers Foundation Gala last night and by all accounts it was a fun and worthwhile affair.  The boys were able to get together and let loose a bit by downing some drinks, sharing a stogie with Uribe and wearing some outrageous outfits for a fashion show.  Fun was definitely had by all.  The photo above was taken by Jon SooHoo.  Go here to check out more pics from him, Juan Ocampo and Jill Weisleder from the evening.

Below are some links to check out:

• The Dodgers apparently have their sights set on Cuban righty Yadier Alvarez, via Kiley McDaniel at FanGraphs.

The expectation is that even if Alvarez is granted the waiver that he will wait until July 2nd to sign. This is due to the persistent rumors that the Dodgers will be blowing past their international bonus pool for 2015-2016 (starting on July 2nd), with Alvarez their top target.

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, 'Dodgers' Joc Pederson showing what the excitement was about."

“Joc is a solid defender,” Mattingly said. “That talks to the importance of what he’s capable of doing out there kind of on an everyday basis. Not so much having to make the spectacular plays, but just the bread and butter, getting good jumps, running good routes, being solid for us.”

• What a strange game of musical chairs.  The day after being called up to Los Angeles Carlos Frias has now been optioned back to AAA.  That leaves an open spot to the 25-man active roster, so expect a move soon to replace him in the bullpen.
• Former Dodger coach Joey Amalfitano spoke with Chris Haft at MLB.com to share his favorite moments in Baseball.  Check it out here.  On Gibson's home run:

"All hell broke loose," Amalfitano said. "All the guys came out of the dugout. I was going to home plate and stopped and said, 'Wait a minute, this one's going down in history.' So I went back to third and shook his hand."

Amalfitano pounded Gibson once, then twice, in triumph.

"He said to me, 'Back-door slider, Joe,'" said Amalfitano.

• Via Ian Denomme at Big League Stew, "Bryan Stow takes big step in recovery, throws out first pitch at minor-league game."
• Panini has released a bunch of preview pics from their upcoming 2015 Diamond Kings Baseball set; including the Joc Pederson and Corey Seager cards below.  Go here to check out more pics from Panini.  The set officially releases on April 29th.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2015 - Dodger Links - AGon had a Huge Day

Adrian Gonzalez, along with fellow Gold Glove winner Zack Greinke, started the evening off in the best of ways - by taking home the award to add to their mantel place.  AGon did one better, though.  He also received his Silver Slugger award, and did his best to show the world why he deserves another this year.  The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out even more great pics from yesterday by Jon.

Gonzalez had a heck of a game.  He accomplished a feat never achieved before in Baseball.  By walloping three dingers last night he became the first player in MLB history to slug five home runs in his team's first three games.  He also became only the third Dodger (joining Carl Furillo and Jimmy Wynn) to homer in each of the first three games of the season, and the 23rd player ever to homer in four consecutive at-bats (he also homered in his last at-bat on Tuesday).  Needless to say, Adrian Gonzalez is dialed in.

With regards to his fourth at-bat on the evening he said this, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

"I definitely wasn't thinking of hitting another [home run] against the lefty, just thinking, 'Hit something hard up the middle,'" Gonzalez said. "I told myself, 'Don't try to do too much.'"

He hit a single to drive in an insurance run in the sixth inning.  Overall, he hit three home runs, had four hits total and recorded four RBI's.  Gonzalez is also the early favorite for the MVP.  OK, I'm getting way ahead of myself... I know... But I can't contain my excitement. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via David Armstrong at Bloomberg, "How an Insurer Is Taking Money From the Fan Beaten at Dodger Stadium."  Bryan Stow continues to get shafted.

It’s all because Stow’s health insurer is entitled to a huge slice of the settlement, even before Stow is paid. A growing body of federal law, including a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, gives insurers power to recoup medical costs caused by a third party—in the face of state laws that specifically prohibit it. “This is what people pay premiums for,” says Stow’s ex-wife, Jacqueline Kain. “To worry about some insurance company taking what is his is absurd.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers trade for Jorge De Leon, another position player turned pitcher."
• Good luck Clayton, via a tweet from Ken Gurnick:

Kershaw having root canal Monday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 8, 2015

• Excellent!  Via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.com, "Los Angeles Dodgers' front office think tank is a force to be reckoned with."

"The mindset in everything we do is to be the casino," (Andrew) Friedman said. "We want to be the house. We're going to make a lot of decisions. It's a high-volume business. We can't be afraid of making mistakes. The key is to be right more than we're wrong and ... trust that it will work out well."

More interesting is this quote about the Heaney for Kendrick trade:

"That's a trade -- in a vacuum -- that you wouldn't make in a small market," (Josh) Byrnes said. "A guy like Heaney, a six-year [club-controlled] pitcher, for a one-year player? Even though Kendrick is a really good player, that's the one that went against our traditional instincts."

• Via Dylan Goforth at Tulsa World.com, "New players, new promotions and new food items await Drillers fans heading to ONEOK field this year."

Other new items include an Asian-inspired "Far East dog," a "Gyro dog" and a hamburger with sliced ham and coleslaw on it named after Dodgers pitching ace Clayton Kershaw.

• I love the Mother's Cookies sets.  GCRL takes, "an abbreviated run through the 1997 mother's cookies dodger set."
• Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports wrote a fantastic piece about Earl Weaver and the enigma that was Steve Dalkowski: "How do you solve a problem like Dalkowski?"

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Blog Kiosk: 2/2/2015 - Dodger Links - Rocky Bridges, Joe Wieland and Yasmani Grandal

To conclude the Dodgers Community Caravan last week the Dodgers visited City Hall on Friday and met with a group of combat-injured service members and the Wounded Warriors Project for lunch.  Photo above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos from the event.

Below are some more links to check out:

• RIP, Rocky Bridges.  Mark Langill at Dodger Insider passes along the sad news that former Brooklyn Dodger Rocky Bridges has died.  Check out his story about him here.
• ICYMI: The two assailants who attacked Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium in 2011 have just plead guilty to additional federal gun possession charges, via an AP report at ESPN.  They were already in state prison for attacking Stow and now face time in federal prison.  In other words, they are doing everything possible to make sure they never get released.
• Via Miles Wray at FanGraphs, "Which MLB Teams are Blazing New Trails in Scouting?"  As you would expect, the Dodgers are at the top of the list.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "A healthy Joe Wieland is eager to move forward with the Dodgers."

“I’m gonna go into camp and just show ‘em what I have, and I’ll let them make the decision,” he said. “I’m 100 percent ready to go, and I’m gonna do all I can to make it a hard decision on them.”

• BTW, the Dodgers new marketing slogan for the 2015 season is "We Love LA."

“Since 1958, the fans of Southern California have had a love affair with the Dodgers, our broadcasters and Dodger Stadium, and the feeling has been mutual,” said Dodgers’ Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen.  “What better way to express our admiration to our fans for their overwhelming support than with this year’s slogan, `We Love LA’” 

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Gabe Kapler's favorite player: A.J. Ellis."

"That's why he stands out to me. He does a great job providing a platform for his teammates to be heard and appreciated. A.J. checks all of those boxes, and that's why he's my favorite player."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Yasmani Grandal ready to make his mark with Dodgers."

“No pressure at all,” Grandal said. “I want to keep doing the same thing I was doing in San Diego and try to help this team win. They say they needed a catcher. Hopefully, me and A.J. [Ellis] can take this team to a World Series. I think both teams got what they wanted.” 

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Blog Kiosk: 10/2/201 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

The October edition of Dodger Insider magazine is now available.  Check out the cover featuring Matt Kemp above.  Jon Weisman at the Dodger Insider blog has details about what's inside.

Below are some links to check out:

• You gotta check this out.  Jon Wesiman put together a list of the Top-50 best Dodger plays of the second half of the season, and he has video for all of them.  Go here to check them out.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Clayton Kershaw a finalist for four Players Choice Awards."
• Just a reminder, the Dodger Express shuttle bus will be picking up fans in the South Bay for the upcoming playoffs.  It'll pick up fans at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center.   Go here for the Dodger press release that has information.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Carl Crawford could be ‘X-Factor’ for Dodgers in NLDS."

Crawford is coming off his best season (119, according to wRC+) since his final year in Tampa Bay (2010, 134 wRC+). He’s also coming off an incredibly torrid September in which he slashed .448/.473/.716. In fact, Crawford has been the best hitter in baseball over the last month, again according to wRC+. For a guy who slashed just .163/.245/.209 in July, that’s almost unbelievable.

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Jansen grateful he was convinced to become a pitcher."

“The arm was beautiful,” said Dodgers vice president for player personnel Vance Lovelace. “He was a big-bodied catcher who’d drop to his knees and he had an 80 throwing arm (the highest scouting grade). It wasn’t hard to see. It was, ‘OK, if you don’t hit pretty soon. We’re going to make you a pitcher.’”

• GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey oddball Baseball cards here.
• I wonder if this recent ruling will have any effect on MLB and the Dodgers.  From what I understand, though, it primarily applies to the NFL.  Via Travis Waldron at Think Progress, "FCC Votes Unanimously To End TV Sports Blackout Rule."
• Via the LA Daily News, "Bryan Stow again sues the Dodgers, accuses team of conspiring to deprive him of adequate care."

The suit alleges the team and ACE (Stow’s insurer) are fraudulently trying to recover $3.4 million from the plaintiff regarding his health care. Representatives of Anthem and the Dodgers could not be immediately reached.

• Panini's 2014 Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary Baseball card set is coming out next, so they released some preview pics on their blog to check out.  Go here to see those.  Above are cards of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese.

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The Trial is Over - Bryan Stow Will Receive Some Financial Relief

This afternoon, an Los Angeles jury determined that the Dodgers are partially liable for the injuries sustained by Bryan Stow in a Dodger Stadium parking lot attack in 2011.  Furthermore, former team owner Frank McCourt escaped any responsibility.  He was absolved of any contributory negligence. 

And with that, the nearly 5 week long trial is over.  The team will be responsible for 25% of the $18Million verdict, or $4.5Million total.  Unfortunately, that is the most the victim is likely to ever receive.  It is highly doubtful that his two attackers have any money to pay for their collective 75% of financial responsibility.

I wish I could say that this closes one of the saddest chapters in the history of the Dodgers franchise, but that would be callous.  The truth is that this act of violence perpetrated on our home field is something that should haunt us.

We all should bear some responsibility.  After all, how many times have you looked the other way when a drunken bully acts out in an inappropriate way (beyond playful banter)?  Have you done enough to tell that stranger to cool it?  Would you do it today?  I get that it is scary to speak out, but at some point you just can't sit back.

Also, I think it's important to remember that this verdict is just the beginning for Bryan Stow.  He is the one who will have to endure it all.  I hope he is able to live as full a life as possible, and that these funds are enough to provide for his care.  Hopefully, this verdict provides some relief and help. 

KTLA 5 has a good story on the verdict here.

Pic at the very top via KTLA 5 on facebook.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/13/2014 - Dodger Links - More Draftee Signings

Ya know, that polar bear is way too close.  That animal is dangerous!  Here's another great photograph of Yasiel Puig enjoying his day at the Cincinnati zoo the other day.  Go to the zoo's facebook page for more pics from his excellent adventure.

• Here's some more draftee signing news.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA tells us that Colin Hering (10th Round) and Devan Ahart (16th Round) have signed.  JP Hoornstra and Robert Morales at the Daily Bulletin notes that Scott De Jong (32nd Round) and Karch Kowalczyk (37th Round) have also signed.  Also, Jeff Brigham, the Dodgers 4th Round Pick, announced on twitter that he had signed with the Dodgers on twitter:

That moment when you get to go out on the street and play catch with your dad after signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Jeff Brigham (@Jbrigs34) June 13, 2014

• The LA Daily News updates us on the ongoing Bryan Stow trial, "Dodger security’s failure to meet industry standards lead to Bryan Stow’s beating, expert witness says."

Had security at Dodger Stadium met industry-wide standards on the night in 2011 that Bryan Stow was severely beaten, the attack may not have happened, a sports facilities management expert testified today.

• Check out this video of Allie Mac Kay of KTLA Channel 5 as she shows us the custom work of Nick Romero of The Ave in Venice.  It features this incredible custom Vin Scully themed Converse hightop you see below.  Wow!

• Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Prospect Windle beats Appel in Class A victory."  It's always nice to hear when one of our own out-duels a former #1 pick. 
• With Puig's recent trip to the Cincinnati Zoo becoming all the rage, I thought this post at Chaos and Kanji to be timely.  He visits the Tobu Zoo Amusement Park in Japan.  Check out his visit here.
• Topps is now selling 10" x 14" Throwback Aluminum Wall Art, and 3 Dodgers are available.  Go here to check them out.  They are limited to only 99 copies.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2014 - Dodger Links - Jamie Romak, Trading for a Catcher and Wilson's Bobblehead

What could be better than a photo featuring Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefley and slugger Yasiel Puig, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Scott Miller at MLB.com, "Determination pays off as Romak gets 'the call'"  BTW, since Jon SooHoo took some new photos of Romak yesterday, I decided to make a new fantasy card for him.  Check it out on the right.

Romak said he trusted his abilities throughout, and then he said something that is a pretty good lesson in any walk of life.

"I didn't put much emphasis on where I wasn't," Romak said. "I worried about where I was."

• The Dodgers have acquired minor league catcher Johnny Monell from the Cubs, via Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.  This was likely done to fill a spot that was vacated due to the Guerrero incident.
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Jury selection begins in Giants fan Bryan Stow's civil suit against Dodgers."
• Check out some photographs from a recent Albuquerque Isotopes game taken by Redditor brianplayspiano.
• Here's an early peek at the Brian Wilson bobblehead the Dodgers are giving away on June 26th, via @Dodgers twitter.  Notice that it has a real hairy beard. 

First look at the Brian Wilson Bobblehead (June 26): https://t.co/RvKMIFtHc0
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 28, 2014

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Stock watch: Josh Beckett takes over."  Beckett, until recently, has been quietly putting together a great comeback season.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Chris Withrow facing Tommy John surgery."

Chris Withrow underwent an examination by Dr. ElAttrache on May 23rd to evaluate pain in his right elbow. Dr. Elattrache diagnosed his problem as a tear of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament and recommended Tommy John surgery. He was subsequently placed on the Major League disabled list. Withrow is seeking a second opinion next week and will proceed with further treatment.

• Oh, come on... Really?  I officially disown this guy as a Kings fan.  You Don't belong!  Don't be a wussy!  Via Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy, "Corey Crawford allegedly sprays Kings fan, who files police report: TMZ." 

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Blog Kiosk: 4/5/2014 - Dodgers Links - A Billingsley Rehab Start on Sunday, Beckett Tweaks Ankle and Puig Forgettable Day

Vin Scully make the Opening Day pitch to Sandy Koufax in the above photo, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check more pics of Opening Day from Jon here.

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Magic Johnson on Yasiel Puig: 'He has to make the right decisions'"

"We’re hoping that he’ll get better making the right decisions with his life," Johnson said. "He has to remember that those decisions also can affect what you do on the baseball field."

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Puig apologetic, Mattingly forgiving after benching."

“It was 100 percent my fault,” Puig said. “It was nothing to do with my teammates and my manager. I didn’t realize stretch was as early as it was. But it was absolutely my fault, and I ask forgiveness from my teammates and obviously from my manager.”

Puig said that once he realized he was late, he knew that “there’s pretty much no chance that you’re going to play, and I certainly felt bad about that.”

“I want to ask forgiveness from the fans,” he added. “I was very sad that I wasn’t able to play on Opening Day. It’s something that I’m not proud of and I take full responsibility.”

• Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.com writes a great commentary, "Yasiel Puig needs to cut the chaos."

What everyone with the Dodgers is hoping, is that days like Friday make him realize that the chaos he creates actually does affect other people sometimes. That it isn't just something to charge him up or push him to another next level. The dust he kicks up gets in other people's faces sometimes and has real consequences. Once he sees that, once he experiences a day like Friday, there is a real moment to change. Not to save the season or his career or anything so dramatic. Just to make it easier on himself and everyone involved.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chad Billingsley starts rehab assignment Sunday in Rancho Cucamonga."

"It's getting close. I'm just going to start working and prepare for each [rehab] start like it was the regular season," Billingsley said. "But I'll work on things too, using these starts at my spring training."

• Mark Townsend at Big League Stew writes, "MLB report: Dodger Stadium a 'culture of apathy' on day of Bryan Stow beating."
• Not again!  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Beckett exits rehab start with apparent injury."  According to reports, he tweaked his ankle fielding a bunt, via Raymond Bureau at Sports Injury Alert.
• Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 4/4/14 minor league report - Duke von Schamann is efficient in win."

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Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2014 - Dodgers Links - Guilty Pleas from Stow Attackers, Miguel Rojas and Arruebarruena

It was photo for the Dodgers yesterday.  Kershaw and Kemp are above.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via AP at ESPN, "Two admit guilt in Bryan Stow attack".  Hopefully, this ameliorates this painful chapter in Dodger history.
• Richard Winton and James Rainey at the LA Times writes, "Bryan Stow's sister tells attackers they 'got off easy'"
• The Dodgers released the following statement:

"We are pleased that the culpable parties have finally accepted responsibility for their actions and have been sentenced for their crimes."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Infielder Rojas playing under stress". 

“People in Venezuela are doing something special right now. They’re showing the government they’re not happy with what’s happening over there,” Rojas said. “I know that’s not the right way to do it, but they have to do it anyways, because the people are not happy.” 

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB, "Arruebarruena: When will he sign with Dodgers?"

The infielder is currently working out in the Dominican Republic and is waiting on a P-1 work Visa before he can finalize what is expected to be a five or six-year deal worth $25 million with Los Angeles. The Dodgers, who also signed Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero to a four-year, $28 million contract this winter, have not confirmed the Arruebarruena signing.

• Wow!  This is an impressive looking set.  Panini unveiled more preview pics from their upcoming 2014 Donruss set that comes out next week,  Check out a bunch of pics here.  Below are some of the Dodger cards.

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers reliever Brandon League is glad to start over".

"It was not just one thing," he said. "It was not just mechanical. It wasn't just preparation. It was one thing one time, something else another time."

• Via Warren Corbett at The Hardball Times, "Connie Mack’s Less Than Graceful Exit".

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Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Shawn Green was in the house last night.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• If you are so inclined, please check out my blogs Facebook page and "like it".
• ICYMI:  Check out my post from yesterday about the Nick Punto Song.  After Punto's clutch double in the 8th inning of yesterdays game to start the rally I thought we should all sing his praises by singing his song.
• Check out my post from earlier today on a couple of Brooklyn Dodger Carl Erskine no-hitter memorabilia items.
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Andre Ethier, this is your life now that Yasiel Puig is around".
• Mike Oz also writes, "Young Dodger fan pledges to give money from viral video to injured Giants fan Bryan Stow".
• John Brenkus at ESPN breaks down Yasiel Puig's swing.
• Chad Moriyama may have noticed a small adjustment to Puig's swing.  Check out what he has to say.
• Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times writes, "Does Yasiel Puig dream of electric sheep?"  Any time you see a story about the Dodgers that makes a Phillip K. Dick reference then it must be read.  The title of this story refers to a book by Dick that was made into a movie that you've probably seen - Blade Runner.  Awesome!

Those are numbers Willie Mays could admire. They are unsustainable, which is not to say they’re not to be absolutely enjoyed as long as this ride continues.

I don’t know if androids dream of electric sheep, but right now, Dodgers fans dream of Yasiel Puig.

• @PA_Dodger on twitter makes a funny observation.

Pointless fact: Through 20 games in his MLB career, Yasiel Puig has worn 6 different models of Nike cleats. pic.twitter.com/7IRF6LNMCZ
— Mark (@PA_Dodger) June 25, 2013

• Carl Crawford Cards shared a great video interview with Negro Leaguer Carl Long.  Just awesome!   I love it when little known blogs get a gem like this, and I firmly believe it's my duty to pass it along.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/8/2013

Panini unveiled some preview pics of their upcoming 2012 National Treasures Baseball set; including the above Jackie Robinson book card.  Go here for more information and pics of this new product.  It is slated to be released on February 13th.

• True to the Blue tells about the upcoming Trinity Bat Company Home Run Challenge this Saturday.  It will be at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, and numerous MLB stars will be there.
• Christopher Jackson writes a guest post at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness that takes a look at catching depth within the Dodgers.  He'll be writing a series of post on each position.
• The Dodgers continue to add to their farm system.  It has been announced by Ben Badler at Baseball America that they have just signed 17-year old Dominican Ariel Sandoval for $150,000.

Sandoval is 6-foot-2, 180 pounds and impressed the Dodgers with his potential to hit for both average and power from the right side of the plate. He's an above-average runner who should begin his career in center field, though he has the arm strength to play right field if he outgrows the position.

• Baseball sabermatrician and recent presidential election stats-guru, Nate Silver, is holding a "Ask Me Anything" session on reddit this morning.  It's likely he'll be talking mostly about the election, but you never know if he'll talk a little Baseball, as well.  Go here to check it out.
• Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk lets us know that the man originally accused of the Bryan Stow beating at Dodger Stadium recently had his lawsuit against the city (maybe for defamation?) dismissed.
• Topps just unveiled a sneak peek look at the card design for their 2013 Allen & Ginter card set on twitter.  See it at right.
• This is the most fascinating story I've read so far this year.  Via Rafael Medoff at JNS.org, he tells us about Babe Ruth's role in letting the American public know about the Jewish Holocaust as Hitler rose to power.

By participating in this German-American protest against the Holocaust, Ruth used his powerful name to help attract public attention to the Jews’ plight. Timing is everything, both on the baseball field and beyond, and the timing of Ruth’s protest was crucial: precisely at the moment when U.S. officials were hoping to brush the Jewish refugee problem aside, Babe Ruth helped keep it front and center.

• Sports Collectors Daily tells us that the 2013 Shrine of the Eternals ballot will include retired Topps executive and Baseball card pioneer Sy Berger.
• RIP: Huell Howser.  You will be sorely missed.  Check out the below youtube video made in tribute to him.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/29/2011

Dee Gordon Comments on twitter: "I swear I absolutely HATE losing!” (Pic Link)

• Chris Erskine of the LA Times catches up with Gary Cypres to talk about his Sports Museum of Los Angeles.

  Before he collected sports memorabilia, Cypres collected businesses — retail, travel, mortgage lending. His pockets deep, he turned his passion for sports into this collection. Estimates of its value range to $30 million, but he won't even speculate, saying it's only worth what it eventually sells for.

• The Bryan Stow lawsuit against the Dodgers could potentially cost millions, via the Denver Post.

  Attorney Ehline deals with brain injury cases as part of his law practice, has attended Dodgers games, and he relates that cases involving head injuries can often result in settlements and verdicts in the millions of dollars. Although there is no outcome known, or court finding of brain injuries currently, attorney Ehline relates that repeated kicks to the head and comas, as alleged here, are generally accepted to be a cause of brain injuries.

• Ryan Garvey, Steve's son, is transferring out of USC, via Dan Arritt of ESPN. Big mistake if you ask me.
• Panini's blog shares some production pics for their upcoming 2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Baseball set; including the below pic of the Kershaw card.
• I find the power of the internet absolutely fascinating, and so does Forbes.
• Babes Love Baseball puts together a list of 2011 Most Memorable Stories in MLB.
• The Baseball Professor takes a look at the fantasy values of the leagues top 25 pitchers. Take note fantasy players, this is important stuff. On Clayton Kershaw:

  Kershaw's stuff is devastating. With all due respect to Verlander and Halladay, Kershaw has the highest ceiling in the league.

  For fantasy purposes, I would try to take Kershaw in the 1st round if available (focusing on pitching has done me well in fantasy leagues) then go after Haren, Shields, Johnson, Wainwright or Darvish at the appropriate times.
• Check out the 24 Greatest Sports Streakers of 2011, via Busted Coverage.
• Matt Kemp at CaliChristmas with DJ Vick One. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy)

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• If you're a hockey fan you'll definitely enjoy this. If not, I gotta believe you'll still think its a gas. Check out Don Cherry's piano desk.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2011

Santa Kemp! Matt was given the key to the Oklahoma City and celebrates by giving out some toys to kids. (Pic via: twitter @SMPLonnie)

• Check out the Dodgers official Seasons Greetings right here.
• A future Bryan Stow settlement is an issue that should concern any Dodgers bidder, via LA Times.
• Ronald Belisario might be back, but he will face a 25 game suspension to start the season, via ESPN.
• Chan Ho Park will be playing in South Korea and will be donating his income to youth Baseball in his home country, via France 24. (Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts)
• High Heat Stats takes a look at the worst 20 pitching contract in history, and the Dodgers fill 4 spots on that list. Can you name the 4?
• Happy Birthday, Steve Garvey! Big League Stew has a great writeup today.
• Tom at Baseball By the Letters tells us that Steve Sax is now only signing autographs through the mail for a fee of $20.
• From the Bleacher Report, check out 50 of the coolest sports photos of 2011.
• Remember the woman who was arrested for allegedly placing a Craigslist ad offering sex for World Series tickets in Philadelphia? Well, an appeals court just overturned her conviction. Via Washington Post.
• Tebowing has gotten way out of hand.
• Check out this Christmas miracle. 59 year old Brenda Hewlett wins a new truck with one shot of the puck. Unbelievable.

59 Yr Woman Wins Truck From Frenchie's Ford By Making Hole in one from Clayton Plourde on Vimeo.

Blog Kiosk: 11/6/2011

Matt Kemp at the Daily Carson shoot, via Facebook.

• He was far too young. RIP Bob Forsch. Via Stltoday.com.
• A settlement in the Bryan Stow lawsuit may be at hand, via ESPN.
• Dodgers assistant GM DeJon Watson has withdrawn his name from Orioles GM search, via ESPN.
• Need any more signs that McCourt is heading out of town for good. He is now entertaining offers for the LA Marathon, via LA Times.
• Dodgers deal is a victory for Selig, and a warning for other teams, via SI.
• Dennis Gilbert is getting a lot of attention as a potential new owner of the team. Here is a Daily News story. LA Weekly. Sporting News. Chicago Tribune. Fox Sports.
• Check Gary Cypres's collection of Babe Ruth items. From Yahoo.

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