2017 Topps Heritage Minor League - All the Dodgers Cards

Even as the season comes to close, the Baseball card hobby doesn't stop. In fact, this Fall is proving to be one of the busiest. This week alone Topps has released three card sets to keep collectors busy, and next week three more are scheduled to hit the public.

The first set I'll make note of is the 2017 Topps Heritage Minor League brand. It focuses on prospects and soon-to-be Major Leaguers on the vintage 1968 Topps Baseball card design. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are eleven Dodger youngsters in the 220 card base set (including a card for the recently traded Willie Calhoun). Additionally, three Dodgers are also a part of the league leaders subset. Check out all of the Dodger cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Heritage Minor League below.

Base

#5 Andrew Sopko                #36 Yusniel Diaz

#45 Will Smith             #87 Alex Verdugo

Welcome to the Blue, Bud Norris!

The Dodgers have just made another trade with the Braves.  This time, they bring along starting pitcher Bud Norris and Cuban born prospect Dian Toscano (I'll have a post on him soon).  Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired right-handed pitcher Bud Norris, minor league outfielder Dian Toscano, a player to be named later and cash considerations from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitchers Philip Pfeifer (LHP) and Caleb Dirks (RHP). To make room for Norris on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles designated left-hander Ian Thomas for assignment.

Norris has been one of the National League’s best pitchers this month, going 2-1 in six games (five starts) with Atlanta and ranking among the league’s best in ERA (2.08, 10th), opponents’ batting average (.194, 7th) and WHIP (0.96, 10th). Overall, the 31-year-old has posted a 3-7 record with a 4.22 ERA in 22 games (10 starts) this season, including a 2.08 ERA (11 ER/47.2 IP) in his last 17 games (five starts) since May 2.

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rookie coffee run continues for the Dodgers -- even during spring training.  This morning it appears that several of the young kids were tasked with getting coffee for the team, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by Kyle Farmer.  From L-R: Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Kyle Farmer?, Jharel Cotton, Caleb Dirks and Jacob Rhame.

Below are more links to check out:

• It's always a pleasure to work with Daniel at C70 At the Bat, so when he asked me to participate in his "Playing Pepper" question and answer session I was happy to oblige.  This series explores my, and several other Dodger bloggers', thoughts on the upcoming Dodger season.  Check out what I wrote, along with Alex Campos at Dodgers Way and Scott Andes at the LA Dodger Report, here.
• Via Richard Kagan at Baseball Magazine, "Brooklyn Dodgers’ World Series Comet: Al Gionfriddo."
• Via Barry M. Bloom at MLB.com, "Injured Guerrero progressing, nearing return."

"He's taking batting practice, taking grounders, but as far as our comfort level of him playing in a Major League game, we're not there yet," Roberts said.

• Via Fox Sports, "MLB Commish Manfred talks Snapchat, Dodgers and PEDs in wide-ranging interview."

Despite the league's wider access in many markets, Manfred did express his concern regarding the Dodgers ongoing TV troubles in which a large percentage of Dodgers' fans have been unable to watch their team in the local market due to limited access to the team's new cable channel. Calling the team one of the league's historic franchises, the commissioner said the league had no problem getting involved in discussions between the team and cable providers but was quick to point out they were limited in their influence.

In other words, there is no change in the situation, and ultimately there really isn't much the league can do.

• Former Dodger Randy Wolf to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders aloud, "Is Scott Schebler the next Paul Konerko, etc?"
• The ever popular Kiké Hernandez now has his very own store.  Go here to check it out.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Pitchers & Catchers Workout #2

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.

--------------------------

(Roberts and Grandal, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN: Dodger pitchers and catchers held their second official workout of Spring Training today, with PFPs, bullpen sessions and batting practice in preparation for Opening Day, April 4 at San Diego. Position players report on Feb. 24 and the first full-squad workout will take place the following day, Thursday, Feb. 25. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play on Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

THE WAITING ROOM: Dodger reliever Josh Ravin missed his second consecutive day due to flu-like symptoms and non-roster right-handed reliever Caleb Dirks will be down a few days with a stiff lower back. Right-handed Brooks Brown, who was claimed off waivers from the Rockies on Oct. 14, 2015, is also being held back from throwing due to right shoulder soreness.

(Charlie Hough, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

WHEN DOES YAISEL MEET YASIEL?: This morning, the Dodgers announced the signing of 24-year-old Cuban reliever Yaisel Sierra, who is expected to join camp sometime in the next few days. The right-hander pitched five seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional with Holguin (2010-14) and Sancti Spiritus (2012), going 16-21 with 25 saves and a 4.23 ERA in 131 games (25 starts). Sierra, who was ranked No. 13 on Baseball America’s Top 20 Cuban prospects list, pitched for the country’s gold-medal winning national team at the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games. To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas (rib resection surgery) on the 60-day disabled list.

NEW IN BLUE: While plenty of the familiar faces of the Dodger players are back from last year’s division title, the coaching staff is almost entirely new, with the exception of 11-year pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. The new first base coach in Los Angeles is George Lombard, who spent part of the 2008 season in the Dodger organization as a non-roster invitee and at Triple-A. Lombard spent six seasons coaching in Boston’s minor league system, including the last three as Boston’s minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator after two years (2011-12) managing the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox. He joined the coaching ranks in 2010 as the hitting coach for Single-A Lowell. Welcome George!

(Kenta Maeda, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

(Scott Kazmir, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

ON THE MOUND: The second crew of Dodgers threw their first official bullpens today, including Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda, who took the mound in front of about three dozen media and another dozen staffers. Maeda was caught by Yasmani Grandal as he took another step on the way to his first Major League start. The 27-year-old was signed to an eight-year contract on Jan. 7 following   eight professional seasons with Hiroshima (2008-15) in which he compiled a 97-67 record with a 2.39 ERA in 218 games (217 starts). During the course of his Japanese career, Maeda won two Sawamura Awards (2010, 2015), given to the league’s best pitcher. The new hurler will become the eighth Japanese player in Dodger history, joining Hideo Nomo (1995-98, 2002-04), Kazuhisa Ishii (2002-04), Masao Kida (2003-04), Norihiro Nakamura (2005), Dave Roberts (2002-04), Takashi Saito (2006-07) and Hiroki Kuroda (2008-11). 

• Joining Maeda in throwing bullpens today were Scott Kazmir, Pedro Baez, Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Alex Wood, Chris Anderson, Jharel Cotton, Mike Bolsinger, Brandon Beachy, Ian Thomas and Jacob Rhame.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 2/2/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Hernandez and Justin Turner

In collaboration with The Dream Center’s Veterans Program Justin Turner hosted his very first charity golf tournament on Monday, and it appears to have been a smashing success.  A bunch of Dodgers were there; along with boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya.  Best yet, they even put together the above miniature golf setup, pic via David Vassegh on twitter. 

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers hope fresh start rejuvenates Yasiel Puig."  As you'll recall, there was a little controversy over the Winter concerning some words spoken about Yasiel Puig by Scott Van Slyke (father of Andy), and it included some gossip purportedly said by Clayton Kershaw. Apparently, most of the parties involved buried the hatchet.

"That was a mishap, and I'd rather put that behind me," Van Slyke said. "You guys have seen me with Yasi every day, and I love the kid. I think he's a benefit to our team, and my feelings toward him won't change."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "(Justin) Turner on target for Opening Day."

"My game plan is not just to be ready Opening Day, but to be 100 percent in baseball shape for Opening Day," said Turner. "I'm hoping it's fixed, that when I get to 100 percent it's in the rear-view mirror and I won't have to worry about it. I hope it feels like a brand-new knee once I get to 100 percent. My goal is to be available and ready to play every single day."

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers boost non-roster invites to 20 with De Jong, Dirks and Rhame."
• Via Tom Shieber at the Baseball Research, "Jackie and Mickey."  Tom came across a fantastic vintage pic featuring Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle on the basepaths, and he spent some time figuring out when it was taken.
• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodger Blue, "Kiké Hernandez Prepared To Play Super Utility Role Once More."

“I can play six different positions, so it is what it is. Same role as last year. Nothing changes.” Hernandez joked he hasn’t yet discussed playing all nine positions with manager Dave Roberts.

Hernandez also said he’s recovering well from offseason shoulder surgery. “I’ve been here for three weeks now finishing up the rehab. Hopefully there’s no setbacks and I’ll be ready for spring,” he said.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2015 - Dodger Links - 14 New Dodgers Added to the Franchise Yesterday

With the All-Star Game just around the corner I though this AP press wire photo of the 1962 All-Star Game starting pitchers would be a good way to start this Independence Day weekend.  Featured above is Don Drysdale and Jim Bunning.  Pic via eBay.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Brandon League closing out rehab stint, designated for assignment."
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider tells us a bit more about the nine international prospects the Dodger signed yesterday: "Dodgers sign nine international prospects, led by Yadier Alvarez, Starling Heredia."  Jon also spoke with Dodger senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes here: "Teenagers are no wasteland for Dodger international scouts."

On Alvarez: “He’s one of the more talented teenage right-handed pitchers who a lot of us who have been doing this a long time have seen,” said Byrnes, who added that Alvarez throws 97 mph, “occasionally touching 99-100, with very little effort and some pretty good feel for secondary pitches.”

On Heredia: “That is rare,” Byrnes said. “I don’t think it’s fair to comp him, but at least the physique (compares) to Kirby Puckett. Fireplug body, nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’ down there, and a real strength-speed combination. Very strong body, but even with that build, he can really run. In any arena, finding a good combination of strength and speed is really rare.”

• Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Chase DeJong and infielder Tim Locastro from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for three international signing slots: 27, 57 and 117. DeJong and Locastro have been assigned to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

DeJong, 21, was recently promoted to the Blue Jays’ Single-A Dunedin affiliate in the Florida State League, but only appeared in games with Single-A Lansing of the Midwest League this year, where he was 7-4 with a 3.13 ERA, a .231 opponents’ batting average and a 1.08 WHIP in 14 starts. The Long Beach native is in his fourth year of pro ball and has an 11-13 record with a 3.69 ERA in 56 career games (45 starts). He was originally selected by Toronto in the second round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Locastro, 22, had a .310/.409/.421 slashline this year with Lansing, hitting five home runs and driving in 25 runs in 70 games. He has a .305 career batting average and a .399 on-base percentage in 180 minor league games in three professional seasons, earning selections as a 2014 MiLB.com Toronto organization All-Star and also a 2014 Single-A Northwest League All-Star. The New York native was originally selected by the Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2013 First-Year Player draft out of Ithaca College.

• And here's another Dodger press release on an acquisition of a couple more players-this time from the Braves:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Caleb Dirks and outfielder Jordan Paroubeck from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for international signing slot No. 87. Dirks has been assigned to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Paroubeck will head to Arizona and continue rehabbing a minor quad injury.

Dirks, 22, made 17 combined relief appearances for the Braves’ Single-A Rome and Single-A Advanced Carolina affiliates, going 1-2 with three saves and posting a 0.68 ERA (2 ER/26.2 IP). Since being promoted to Single-A Advanced Carolina on May 8, he has pitched 16.2 scoreless innings in 11 relief appearances and was limiting hitters to a .148 average (8-for-54). The Riverside, CA native is in his second professional season and has a 2-2 record with a 1.53 ERA in 38 career games. He was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 15th round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft from California Baptist University.

Paroubeck, 20, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the second round (69th overall) of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Serra High School in San Mateo, CA. The switch-hitter batted .286 with four homers, 24 RBI and 26 runs scored in 34 games (all in left field) for San Diego’s Arizona League squad last season. In 2015, the 6’2 Paroubeck was dealt from San Diego to Atlanta in the Craig Kimbrel trade and played in 25 extended spring training games this year. 

• We have apparently signed another pitcher, via a tweet from Matt Eddy:

#Dodgers sign RHP Trevor Cahill, 27-year-old groundball machine whom #Braves released on June 20.

— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) July 2, 2015

Per Eric Stephens it's a minor league contract (link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *