Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association honored Vin Scully during their 26th Annual Awards luncheon. He is their first recipient of the newly renamed Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Photo above via Dodgers photographer Jill Weisleder on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract.  In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement.  In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez.  In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - A Father's Day Victory

The Dodgers look pretty good in those Father's Day Baby-Blue Dodgers jersey's yesterday afternoon.  I especially loved the high-socks style used by several players; especially Kiké Hernández.  He had tied the game at one with an pinch hit home run to left field in the eighth inning.  Check out his home run swing in the photo on the right, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.

It's also notable how the Dodgers pulled out a victory in the end.  With the game tied at the bottom of the ninth inning Yasmani Grandal came up to bat for AJ Ellis with the bases loaded.  He then proceeded to grind out a six pitch walk to drive in the winning run.  Per Jack Baer and Adam McCalvy at MLB.com:

Grandal's winning walk was that talk of both clubhouses, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lauding Grandal's overall plate discipline and the Brewers focused on Thornburg's 1-1 pitch. Catcher Martin Maldonado held it an extra moment for umpire Tim Timmons, who deemed it just off the edge of the plate. But Pitch f/x data from the game suggested similar pitches had been called strikes.

"A 1-1 pitch is the pitch that changes [the outcome of a plate appearance] most often," Thornburg said. "Obviously, I wanted that call. I've gotten that call plenty of times before. But it didn't make or break the AB."

The photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 2008 the Dodgers received an Award of Excellence star from the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.  The Dodgers star on the Walk of Fame is located adjacent to the constellation of stars along Hollywood Boulevard at the Hollywood and Highland complex.
• Happy Birthday, Juan Castro!

Blog Kiosk: 4/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Stripling, Robinson and Vin Scully Avenue

Just a friendly reminder, the Vin Scully Avenue dedication ceremony is today.  It all begins at 11:15 AM at the main entrance to Dodger Stadium.  Go here for information.  Pic above via a screengrab from a tweet by KTLA reporter Eric Spillman.  As you can see, they have already started changing the signs.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Stripling family respects Dave Roberts' decision."

"One of the cool things that I experienced this morning was Ross' dad was down in the lobby today and just sought me out," Roberts said "He came up to me and, really kind of emotional, just thanked me for him and his wife for looking out for his son."

When you meet Ross Stripling you see a kid with a good head on his shoulders. When you hear a story like this it becomes clear where it came from.

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Gets an Apology from Philadelphia

Dodgers hurler Kenta Maeda met with some special guest before yesterdays game.  The kids from the Tokyo Kitasuna team from Japan, as seen in the photo above shared by Dodgers photographed Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016, greeted the MLB rookie with giant smiles.  As you likely know, they won the 2015 Little League World Series.  Check out more pics from Jon from yesterday here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Rick Monday, Tom Paciorek, J.D. Drew elected to College Baseball Hall."
• Better late than never, I suppose.  Via Tricia L. Nadolny at Philly.com, "Sorry, 42: City Council apologizes for Phillies' race-baiting of Robinson." 

"Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia," reads the resolution unanimously passed Thursday, "that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate April 15, 2016 as a day honoring the lifetime achievements and lasting influence of Jackie Robinson, and apologizing for the racism he faced as a player while visiting Philadelphia."

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Frias, Lee and Kenta Maeda

This past Saturday was Dodgers Pride Night at the LA Kings game, and I was there to take it all in.  Later today I hope to have a bunch of pics I took from the evening; including a brief look at the pregame Dodgers-themed Kings jersey's they sold at auction.  Featured above is Kings goalie Jonathan Quick in Dodger "Whites," pic via the Kings on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via David Krell at the Sports Post, "Durocher, Drysdale, and the Duke."  David takes a look at short Hollywood careers of several Dodger players.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dave Roberts owes Kenta Maeda a nice dinner."

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 24/Home Game 10

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

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San Francisco Giants (9-15-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-10-3)
Friday, March 25, 2016 – 7:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
LHP Clayton Blackburn (0-1, 4.38) vs. RHP Carlos Frias (0-0, 3.38)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC

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(Kershaw and Daughter, pic via Ellen Kershaw on twitter)

BABY STEPS: The Dodgers were unable to win for the first time since March 16 last night, but the silver lining is they didn’t lose either. Los Angeles scored three in the ninth and ended up tying the Cleveland Indians, 5-5, in Goodyear. The club is now 0-7-1 in its last eight contests. Clayton Kershaw made 96 pitches and allowed two runs on seven hits in 5.0 innings, as he prepares for his sixth consecutive Opening Day start. He fanned seven batters and walked three. At the plate, Justin Turner went 2-for-3 with a double, his fifth of the spring in just his sixth game, while AJ. Ellis, Yasiel Puig and Trayce Thompson also collected two hits apiece. Following Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Chris Hatcher and Scott Barlow all worked a scoreless inning.

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

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

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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-1-1) at CHICAGO CUBS (1-5)
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 – 12:05 p.m. PT | Sloan Park, Mesa
LHP Clayton Kershaw (1-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 4.50)

TV: None Radio: None

Revised Dodger lineup for today:
Crawford LF
Puig RF
Utley 3B
Ethier DH
Ellis C
Hernandez SS
Thompson CF
Segedin 1B
Johnson 2B
(Kershaw P)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 8, 2016

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(Charlie Culberson and his 3-run homer, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

THE DREAM IS OVER: The Dodgers (3-1-1) dropped their first Cactus League game of 2016 yesterday, falling to the Indians, 8-5, at Camelback Ranch. Alex Wood was betrayed by a couple of early errors and ended up allowing four first-inning runs, which put the club in the hole early. Following Wood to the mound, Yimi Garcia (1.0 IP), Brandon Beachy (2.0), Louis Coleman (1.0) and Ian Thomas (1.0) all threw scoreless baseball. At the plate, shortstop Corey Seager was 2-for-3 with a double while infielder Charlie Culberson continued to swing a hot bat, cracking a three-run homer. Culberson is tied for the Cactus League lead with six RBI and has six hits in eight at-bats this spring (.750). 

• The Dodgers were 4-3 against the Cubs in 2015, splitting a four-game set at Wrigley Field in June and taking two of three at Dodger Stadium in late August.  This year, the Dodgers hit the “Windy City” May 30-June 2 and the Cubbies visit Los Angeles Aug. 26-28.

(Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

ON THE MOUND: Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw will make his second spring outing this afternoon after firing 2.0 scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ Cactus League lid-lifter last Thursday. Kershaw will also be on the hill for the regular-season opener, April 4 at San Diego. The Opening Day nod will be Kershaw’s sixth consecutive Opening Day start, leaving him one shy of the Dodger franchise record (7), shared by Don Drysdale (1958-61, ’63, ’65, ‘69) and Don Sutton (1972-78). Fernando Valenzuela (1981, 1983-86, ’88) and William “Brickyard” Kennedy (1894-96, 1898-1900) are the only other members of the franchise to tally at least six Opening Day starts. 

• In 2015, Kershaw turned in his fifth consecutive All-Star campaign, going 16-7 and ranking third in the Majors with a 2.13 ERA in 33 starts. He topped the big leagues with 301 strikeouts in just 232.2 innings, joining Sandy Koufax (1963, ‘65-66) as the only pitchers in franchise history to eclipse 300 Ks.
• Last year, Kershaw went 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in six Cactus League starts.
• RHP Joe Blanton will make his second appearance of the spring after tossing 2.0 perfect innings with three strikeouts against the White Sox last Thursday. Last year, he combined to go 7-2 with two saves and a 2.84 ERA in 36 games (four starts) with the Royals and Pirates.
• RHP Carlos Frias allowed a run in 2.0 innings on March 3 in his 2016 Cactus League debut and is coming off a 2015 campaign in which he went 5-5 with a 4.06 ERA in 17 games (13 starts) for Los Angeles.
• RHP Jacob Rhame worked a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout last Friday in Surprise and is entering his fourth professional season. Rhame combined to go 3-3 with four saves and a 2.68 ERA in 44 relief appearances last season with Single-A Ranch Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa.
• RHP Pedro Baez saw his first full big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances. The hard-throwing former third baseman allowed a run and struck out two in his only spring inning of work last Friday against the Rangers.
• The Dodgers have three additional pitchers suiting up today from the minor league side: RHP Red Patterson (#89), LHP Grant Dayton (#84) and LHP Justin Richardson (#93).

(Several Dodgers' visited a Bull Riding event recently, pic via Jon SooHoo on @Dodgers twitter)

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Complete Schedule for Autographs and Photo Opps for La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers on Saturday

I just received some additional detail regarding the upcoming La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers event at the Historic 76 Station on Saturday.  It all begins at 2:00 PM and concludes at 6:00 PM.

Several current Dodger players will be signing there; including Yasmani Grandal, Joel Peralta, Ronald Torreyes, Luis Avilan, Carlos Frias and Alexander Guerrero.  Old-timers signing for fans include Al Ferrera, Rick Monday, Manny Mota, Ron Cey and scout Mike Brito.  Both Jaime and Jorge Jarrin, along with Pepe Yñigue, Fernando Valenzuela, Kiké Hernandez, Yimi Garcia, Pedro Baez and Juan Nicasio will be available for photographs.

Below is a complete schedule of events:

1:30 p.m. All Dodger Stadium auto gates open
2:00 p.m. La Gran Fiesta / Viva Los Dodgers begins
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Autographs with Grandal, Peralta and Torreyes
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Photos with Hernandez
2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  On stage interview with Gonzalez
2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  On stage interview with the Jarríns
2:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.  Sonsoles perform
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Autographs with Ferrara, Monday and Mota
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  Photos with the Jarríns
3:20 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.  Sinverguenza performs
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Autographs with Brito, Cey, Ferrara and Mota
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Photos with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:05 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.  On stage interviews with Yñiguez and Valenzuela
4:08 p.m. to 4:28 p.m.  Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Autographs with Avilan, Frias and Guerrero
4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Photos with Garcia, Baez and Nicasio
4:35 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.  Cotto interview on stage
4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.  Los 5 performs
5:35 p.m. Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez performance on field
5:45 p.m. DJ Adam provides entertainment
5:55 p.m. Cotto first pitch
6:10 p.m. Game time

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Pederson, Hershiser, Peraza, Barnes and Frias - UPDATE! Kiké Hernandez

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Here is a signing event for fans of Joc Pederson at the Glendale Galleria.  From what I understand, he'll be signing only items provided by the promoter (I think Lids) and photographs are prohibited.  It's likely they'll have some sort of card, postcard or photo for him to sign.  Go here for information.

Lids store at Glendale Galleria
100 W Broadway
Glendale, CA 91210

Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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UPDATE!!!!

Kiké Hernandez will be meeting with fans this coming Saturday at the Northgate Market in Hawthorne from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  Only the first 300 fans will get an autograph, so if you're planning to be there you've got to be there early.  Check out the flyer below.  Go here for more info.

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Come out to Honabach & Son's in Ontario to meet Orel Hershiser on Saturday, September 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This is a pay event for a signature.  Go here for information. 

Honabach & Son's
1614 S. Carlos Ave.
Ontario, CA

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Three Dodger rookies are scheduled to appear at Frank & Sons this coming Saturday.  Go here or here for information.  Check out the flyers below.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Ave
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Izturis Tonight - Lopes and Wills on Saturday

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Here is a quick notice about a Dodger signing event happening tonight at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry.  Dodger shortstop Cesar Izturis will be signing from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Go here for more information.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
Industry, CA 91748

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Then, this weekend four more Dodger players (both past and present) will be at Frank & Sons.  Go here or here for information.  Featured are Carlos Frias, Austin Barnes, Davey Lopes and Maury Wills.  Please note that I am fairly certain that Austin Barnes and Carlos Frias are unlikely to be there since they both had been sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City since the original announcement of this event.  BTW, Rudy Law has been added to the lineup.  He will sign from 11:30 Am to 12:30 PM, and they will be free autographs.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2015 - Dodger Links - Rollins, Peraza and Grandal

Jimmy Rollins is seen goofing around with a young child prior to the start of yesterday's game, via the photo above by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.

On a side note, I know it feels like we are in the midst of deadly hail storm intent on destroying whatever accomplishments the Dodger have made this season.  It's like we're trapped within a dark forest of doubt and fear (us fans, that is), and everywhere we turn, every time we try to move forward, we end up taking a few steps back.  Believe me, though, this is just temporary. 

There's a constant ebb and flow to the season, and right now we are stuck in the valley.  Sooner or later we'll find ourselves climbing that mountain.  And when we do your mood and the general attitude of those online with mellow out like a good bourbon on a warm summers night. 

Sure, we still have memories of those game decisions that make us to rant like a group of bloodthirsty hyenas, but you should always keep in mind that this game has nothing to do with perfection.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider a few days ago:

Imperfection is not the same as incompetence. Not having reached the ideal — especially in August — does not mean the season is lost.

This game is about perseverance, and fortunately we've got plenty of Baseball left to play.  Right now, we remain in first place. That's something to not only be thankful for, but is also something that should strengthen whatever faith you have that the Dodgers will be OK.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Spencer Bingol at Beyond the Boxscore, "Yasmani Grandal is one of the most valuable young players in baseball."
• Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Dodgers in good hands of steady vet Rollins."

"Losing Howie hurts, but somebody else steps up. Your job as a leader is to make it as easy as possible, to help guys be themselves. Nothing changes; it's still baseball. The only thing that's different is that everybody's an All-Star now."

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Dodgers' Peraza debuts, triples for first hit."

"At first, I thought he was going to get that ball," Peraza said. "When I saw he didn't, I just kept running and running."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Carlos Frias has option voided, placed back on major league DL."  Nothing to really see here.  Frias is just reinstated to the Major League DL.
• Just in case you still have a Kemp crush.  Via jbox at Gaslamp Ball, "Meeting Matt Kemp and wearing his Oakley sunglasses."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Olivera and Farhan Zaidi

I think with the silly season in full gear it is important to note that a vast majority of rumors you hear are just a bunch of bunk.  You've got competing interest at play; from agents looking to position their clients, to GM's trying to outplay their competitors, to reporters looking to create buzz and pageviews.  So, you should take everything you hear and read with a grain of salt.  Heck, the most likely trade to happen are the ones you don't hear about.  (Case in point, were there any rumors about Tulo getting traded before he was?)

That being said, I can totally envision the Dodgers trading Yasiel Puig should the right offer come along.  The thing is, I highly doubt that kind of offer comes.  He is an economic asset (look at his contract) and a player with the ability to put up huge numbers.  In order for a trade to make sense we would have to get premium value with cost certainty for a good amount of time, and no amount of rumors focused on any clubhouse antics should play a part in subsequent discussions.  Nevertheless, with all of the talk focused on him he had to respond, via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times:

If Puig had a say, he would go nowhere.

"Players never want to be traded from their first team," he said. "But that's not our decision."
Puig raised the example of Dee Gordon, the All-Star second baseman who was traded to the Miami Marlins over the winter.

"Dee Gordon didn't want to be traded from here and they traded him," he said.

Puig said that if he is traded, he would like to respond the way Gordon did. Gordon, who was sidelined by a thumb injury earlier this month, is second in the National League with a .338 batting average.

"I'll play anywhere," Puig said. "I came to the United States [from Cuba] to play baseball. Baseball is the same anywhere. If they want to trade me, that's their decision. I can't do anything about that."

I hope the Dodgers keep him in the outfield.  He's still young and learning as he navigates the world he lives in now, and I'd hate for his numbers to explode in another uniform when maturity sets in.

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are some links to check out:

• Take a look at the upcoming August issue of Dodger Insider magazine on the right.  It features Yasmani Grandal on the cover and in-depth articles on Yasiel Puig and Rick Honeycutt.  It goes on sale at Dodger Stadium on Saturday.  Click on the pic to embiggen.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Olivera 'doing great,' Frias healthy after rehab start."

"Hector is doing great," said Kapler. "He's recovering beautifully, running to increase speed and stride length. Working his tail off. Taking swings off the tee and looks strong and fluid."

• PETA declares that Dodger Stadium is the #1 most vegetarian friendly Baseball stadium in the league.  Check out their top-10 list here.
• GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey cards in his collection - all of his book "fold-out" cards.
• I hate hearing stuff like this - even when the victim is a Giants fan.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "(Willie) Mays Rookie Stolen from Rob Schneider’s Home."
• With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago is just days away Panini shares even more cards from their wrapper redemption program at the show; including the Joc Pederson jersey button cards below.  Go here to see even more photos of the cards available.
  
  

• Check out this recent interview (this past weekend) from the DOHA conference between Molly Knight and Farhan Zaidi below.  (Hat Tip: r/thedude596 on reddit)

Video Link:

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Welcome to the Blue, Eric Surkamp!

Eric Surkamp, acquired by the club less than two months ago, has joined the Dodgers for tonight's game.  As you'll recall, we attained the minor league starting pitcher from the White Sox for former Dodger prospect Blake Smith.  He will replace the injured Carlos Frias.

Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Surkamp will not start, however. Instead, relief pitcher Yimi Garcia will make his first official MLB start, with the Dodgers possibly then playing a platoon switcheroo and bringing Surkamp in for early long relief.

BTW, you can follow Eric on twitter here:  @ESurkamp  

In celebration of Surkamp's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph grabbed from his twitter account and the 1972 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career stats, via Baseball-Reference:

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2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

Take a look at the Dodger base cards found in packs of Topps Series 2 packs.  This set was officially released to collectors yesterday.  Go here to check out a complete checklist, and here to see all of my previous post on this set.

Of special note is possibly the last Juan Uribe card in a Dodger uniform.  Who am I kidding, though.  Topps is likely to include him as a Dodger in various other upcoming sets.  Also, I especially love the no-hitter tribute card for Josh Beckett.  As you know, he retired from the game over the winter.

#409 Juan Uribe                                      #429 A.J. Ellis

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Kike Hernandez, Carlos Frias and Manny Mota

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Manny Mota, Carlos Frias and Kike Hernandez will be at Frank & Sons this coming weekend.  Go here for more information, or check out the flyers below.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 5/9/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Mom, Frias and the Memorial Day Caps

What an ugly game this must have been.  Featured above is an vintage ACME press photo from a ballgame dated September 2, 1951 that I saw on eBay.  On that afternoon the Brooklyn Dodgers were visiting the Giants at the Polo Grounds for a late season match.

As you can see, several Dodger players are walking off the field (towards the centerfield visiting clubhouse) during the game as fans in the outfield seats throw trash at them - no doubt added even more fuel to the already fiery rivalry.  Below is what is typed on the caption attached to the reverse:

"NAUGHTY BOYS.  New York---A group of Brooklyn Dodgers leave the bench to go to the clubhouse, Sept. 2, after being tossed out of the Brooklyn-New York fracas for arguing and heckling.  Umpire Al Barlick ordered five Brooks off the field.  Giants whipped the Dodgers, 11-2."

Oh boy!  They sure were a rascally bunch of Dodgers' back then.  After all, the "Boys of Summer" had a five game lead over the Giants with about a month left in the season, but were cognizant of the fact that the lead was as high as 13 games just a few weeks before.

Were they razing the ump for ill perceived slights, or were they aware that the proverbial wheels were falling off?

Likely both.  Players always find reasons to blame umpires for their bad times, and as you'll recall this was the year Bobby Thompson made us pay with his pennant clinching home run during the last game.  So, the wheels were falling off.

Oy Vey!  Why do I keep bringing up bad memories like this?

Below are some links to check out:

• The Dodgers and Rockies played some "Rain Delay Tic-Tac-Toe" on twitter during yesterday's rain.  Check it out here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Joc's mom knows the big league ropes."

"Joc and his dad are very different, but I definitely know what will happen to Joc along the way [after] having lived it with Stu," she said. "It's harder to be the mom than the wife. With Stu, I was with him, throwing soft-toss, going to winter ball. Joc doesn't have that. But I know what he's going through."

BTW, Stu is Joc's father who also played pro ball for the Dodgers in the 80's.

• Via Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs, "Confirmed: Carlos Frias Still Has a Curveball."
• This time the Dodgers traded away a player for cash.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Athletics Acquire Matt Carson From Dodgers."
• Via Ben Lyons at The Players Tribune, "Real Fan Life: Tommy Lasorda."  This is a podcast interview with Tommy.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ reliance on home run for scoring evident early in the season."

What I’m saying is, the amount of runs the Dodgers are scoring with the home run is something to keep an eye on. If they’re going to be really dependent on home runs for scoring, that could come back to haunt them come playoff time. There were 57 home runs hit in the 2014 postseason and 55 in the 2013 postseason. That’s over the span of a month and with multiple teams. In the playoffs, the level of pitching tends to be much better than over the course of the regular season.

• I couldn't agree more with what Paul Lukas at Uni Watch writes here.  He discusses and expresses disgust at the uniforms and celebrations that occur on Memorial Day in Baseball.  This holiday is about remembering our fallen soldiers, and that should be our only focus on that day.  BTW, all Memorial Day caps will have camouflage brims.  See the Dodgers version on the right.
• Yeah!  I loved the Muppet Show when I was a kid (early 80's), and I distinctly remember being confused and sad when they pulled the show off the air.  Via Mike Ayers at the Wall Street Journal, "The Muppets Are Coming to Prime Time."

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Blog Kiosk: 5/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Wieland, Greinke and Glenn Burke

This young Dodger fan in Milwaukee loves Jimmy Rollins... Obviously.

The photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:

• With Joe Wieland slated to make his Dodger debut this evening, Carlos Frias will start on Thursday; via Andrew Wagner at ESPN.com.

"We feel like it can't hurt to be able to give [Frias] an extra day," Mattingly said. "I'm not really worried about his arm, I just want to give him an extra day."

• Joe Wieland made an interesting comment to Ken Gurnick at MLB.com regarding the recent flurry of activity between AAA and the Dodgers:

"Down there, we expect anything to happen because just about everything has happened," he said. "You're here one day, you're outrighted. We've also had three or four starters on hold and then nothing's happened. We see it and have come to expect it. It's not as big an issue as it was in the beginning."

• Zack Greinke showed off a stellar bat flip yesterday.  Via Chris Landers at Cut4, "Zack Greinke busts out the rarely seen pitcher bat flip ... on a double."  JP Hoornstra shared a quote from Greinke about it on twitter:

Q: Where did the bat flip come from? Zack Greinke: It's always there. I just haven't hit one hard like that in a while.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 6, 2015

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Glenn Burke elected to Baseball Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals."  BTW, former Topps executive Sy Berger, considered the father of the modern Baseball card, was also elected.
• Via Mike Spohr at BuzzFeed, "16 Questions With Baseball Legend Tommy Lasorda."  There are a couple of silly questions, so get ready to laugh a bit.
• Former Dodger hurler Chad Billingsley has returned to a MLB mound to pitch.  I'm glad to see him back out there.  He was always someone I rooted for.  Via a tweet from Phillies beat writer Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal:

Billingsley's 1st MLB start since 2013 is over after 5 innings. He allowed 6 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits w/1 BB & 2 Ks on 77 pitches #Phillies

— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 6, 2015

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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: 4/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Rachel Robinson, Jimmie Rollins and other News

Last night was, indeed, a special evening at Dodger Stadium.  All of the pomp and circumstance you'd expect from the host of the Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day was there, but amplified.  After all, it was like a homecoming, of sorts.

Rachel Robinson was there and she was glowing like a beacon of light sprung from the Blue heavens above.  She brought with her a legacy that was born out of an desire to break down the walls that separated us all, and in the process helped change the country in ways unimaginable at the time.

This evening was an sforzando to a coda that is far from ending.  She came to Los Angeles with the reverence of all who attended, and we watched to remember the sacrifices that were made.

The best and possibly most surprising news of the evening was the announcement that a Jackie Robinson statue will soon be erected at Dodger Stadium.  Via Barry Bloom at MLB.com, Rachel said this:

"How do I feel? I've been waiting, waiting for years and years."

It's about time, eh?

The photo above is of Rachel Robinson with Dodger shortstop Jimmie Rollins, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out even more pics from him from last night.  They are fantastic.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Jimmie Rollins wrote a special piece for Sports Illustrated fror Jackie Robinson Day.  Check it out here.  It's titled, "A special day to be a Dodger: What Jackie Robinson Day means to me."

I always thought it was special to be a black player on the Dodgers. I was even a little envious of those guys, especially on Jackie Robinson Day. I used to think how awesome it was not only to wear his number 42 on your back but also his team’s name across your chest, and how that was something I would love to do one day. Being in Philadelphia for so long—14 full seasons—I didn’t think it would ever happen, but it will on April 15. Putting on Jackie’s uniform, in my first season with Los Angeles, will be a powerful moment for me.

He also expressed his excitement at meeting Rachel Robinson, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The real cool thing for me was that I got to meet Rachel Robinson," Rollins said of Robinson's widow, an active participant in the pregame ceremonies at age 92. "I talked to her and thanked her for everything. It was a real honor."

• Via Chris Lamb at ESPN, "Two who tried out before Jackie Robinson."
• Night Owl Cards proves once again why he is one of the best sportscard... No, strike that... One of the best bloggers in the business.  Check out his fantastic post titled, "'A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives'" here.
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Jackie Robinson remembered in outer space by astronaut Terry Virts."
• Awesome!  In the Belly of the Beast profiles a stereotypical Giants fan known as "The Hipster."
• Via Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, "Diamondbacks had nothing to do with fan covering up Dodgers blue."  

• Panini released preview pics of the 2015 Elite Baseball set; including the Joc Pederson card on the right.  Go here to check out the other preview photos.
• The Dodgers made a move yesterday to bolster their relief depth, via a recent press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today claimed left-handed pitcher Ryan Dennick from the Reds and designated left-handed pitcher David Huff for assignment. Dennick, who is on the 40-man roster, has been optioned to Double-A Tulsa.

Dennick, 28, has gone 27-31 with 18 saves and a 3.88 ERA in 210 career minor league games (26 starts) in seven seasons and saw his first big league action last season with Cincinnati, appearing in eight games. Dennick has made two relief appearances for Triple-A Louisville this year, allowing three runs (two earned) in 2.2 innings, and was selected by Kansas City in the 22nd round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of Tennessee Technological University. 

 BTW, reliever Carlos Frias was recalled to join the Dodgers on the 25-man roster.

Frias, 25, last pitched on Friday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, picking up the win and allowing three runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings against Round Rock. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder made four Cactus League appearances (one start) for the Dodgers this spring, allowing six runs in 8.0 innings, and appeared in 15 games (two starts) for the club last year in his first big league action.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 7 / Road Game 4

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

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 Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1-1) vs. San Francisco Giants (2-5)
Monday, March 9, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Scottsdale Stadium

LHP Brett Anderson (0-0) vs. RHP Matt Cain (0-0)
TV: SNLA Radio: None

In case you missed today's Dodgers-Giants lineups, here they are in dry erase board form pic.twitter.com/4Cwa3dC6EQ
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) March 9, 2015

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

(Old friends Honeycutt and Roenicke, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

A SAN FRANCISCO TREAT: The Dodgers, unbeaten in their last five games, take on the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium today in the first of two Spring Training meetings between the clubs. Last year, Los Angeles won seven of its last nine games against the Giants and took the season series, 10-9, en route to a second consecutive division title. The Dodgers posted their second-best divisional winning percentage last year, going 50-26 (.658), and will play NL West clubs in three of their next four Cactus League contests.

• Opening Day is just FOUR WEEKS AWAY, Monday, April 6 vs. San Diego.

WALK-OFF THIS WAY: Corey Seager’s double to deep center field in the ninth inning scored the game-winner yesterday, as Los Angeles improved to 4-1-1 on the spring with a 4-3, walk-off win over the Brewers at Camelback Ranch. Brandon McCarthy made his Dodger debut, allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings and racking up two of Los Angeles’ 11 strikeouts, and Kyle Jensen powered his second homer of the spring in the victory.

• The Dodgers have now played 41 consecutive errorless innings and have committed just one error through their first six Cactus League contests.
• Los Angeles pitchers have combined to post a 3.33 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .209 batting average this spring, striking out 47 and walking only 11 in 54.0 innings.
• The Dodgers are averaging six runs per game and have posted a .281 team batting average.

(Kyle Jensen, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

(Mattingly, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

ON THE MOUND: Left-hander Brett Anderson will make his Dodger debut and his first start of the spring today. He was limited to only eight starts with Colorado last year by a broken left index finger and lower back surgery but, when healthy, Anderson has posted a 1.29 WHIP and has limited opponents to a .316 on-base percentage during the course of his six-year MLB career. He has only given up only 41 home runs in 494.0 innings in his big league career, averaging only 0.75 home runs per 9.0 innings.

• Veteran LHP Erik Bedard is expected to make his second appearance of the spring today after allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings and taking the loss on Wednesday against the White Sox. He has averaged 8.60 strikeouts per 9.0 innings and has posted a 2.34 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 241 career big league games (230 games) over 11 seasons with Baltimore (2005-07), Seattle (2008-09, ’11), Boston (2011), Pittsburgh (2012), Houston (2013) and Tampa Bay (2014).
• 25-year-old RHP Carlos Frias will make his second appearance of the spring today after allowing two runs on three hits in 2.0 innings on Wednesday vs. the White Sox. In his first big league season last year, Frias was 1-1 with a 6.12 ERA in 15 games (two starts) during two stints with the Dodgers.
• RHP Brandon League is also expected to see action today after striking out one in a scoreless frame on Thursday against the White Sox. In 2014, League did not allow a home run in 63.0 innings of work, the most innings by any NL pitcher without allowing a home run.
• RHP Chris Hatcher is expected to appear in today’s game, after pitching a scoreless inning of relief in his first action of the spring on Thursday against the White Sox. Hatcher made his big league debut in 2010 as a catcher and returned the next year as a pitcher, becoming just the first player since 1935 to do so (last: Art Doll, Boston Braves, 1935).
• 24-year-old RHP Yimi Garcia will make his second appearance of the spring today after tossing a scoreless frame on Friday against the Brewers. Garcia saw his first big league action last year and posted a 1.80 ERA (2 ER/10.0 IP) in eight games with Los Angeles.
• Also suiting up for the Dodgers today will be minor leaguers RHP Steve Smith (#95), RHP Jeremy Kehrt (#88) and LHP Mike Thomas (#89).

30 IN 30: MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days will be on-site tomorrow for an inside look at Dodger camp. The hour-long special, complete with field reports, interviews and predictions, will air tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. PT on the network.

(Fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA DOdgers 2015)

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