Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic spring baseball photo. This time it's of a pitcher who many regard as one of the most underrated hurlers of the 30's.

Dated March 27, 1943. Ex-Dodger -- The Brooklyn Bums were visited by Larry French, formerly a member of their mound corps, recently at their Bear Mountain spring training camp. French, who is now a lieutenant junior grade with the US Navy, is reported seeking permission to play weekend ball with the Dodgers so that he might reach the 200-win mark before hanging up his spikes. Shaking hands with French is Manager Leo Durocher.

Unfortunately, Larry French did not receive such permission. Instead, he began his second career. Larry French would remain in the Navy for 27 years as both in active duty and as a Navy Reservist -- retiring in 1969 as a Captain. BTW, he participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.  
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

2016 Panini Pantheon Baseball - The Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at many of the Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Panini Pantheon Baseball.  Go here for a complete checklist.  Unfortunately, Panini does not provide an accurate (in terns of card #'s) checklist to work with, so I've done my best to make a Dodgers checklist for collectors.  Keep in mind that most of the card #'s below are inaccurate.

This is a new brand for Panini's Baseball products.  It features a box that consist of eight packs with a single card inside, and you are guaranteed that the one card has either an autograph, relic, or both.  So, this is a set filled only with hits.  As in the past, there are no team or MLB logos since it is only licensed by the players union and not the league.

Base Guilds

500 Home Runs

#21 Gary Sheffield

Blog Kiosk: 6/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Brock Stewart's Start, Kershaw to the DL and More

Dodger pitcher Brock Stewart has had quite a year.  He began the season in Single-A and immediately impressed.  Quickly, he was advanced up the ladder.  First to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, then to Oklahoma City a few weeks back.  Yesterday, his quixotic journey put him on a Major League mound, and from what I understand his whole family was there.  Unfortunately, his day as the Dodgers starting pitcher didn't go as planned.

Stewart got shelled, but the shellacking was short lived.  In fact, if not for a flurry of six hits and a bit of bad luck that drove in five runs in the second inning we would be looking at his start as a rousing success.  As it were, Brock Stewart gave up eight hits, five earned runs and two walks in five innings of work.  He also struck out seven Brewers batters.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“I think once we decided to get him up here we wanted to see how he would handle himself,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s definitely worthy of discussion. I mean, really. Five innings, seven [strikeouts] and I thought he composed himself well. You look at a couple pitches -- it could have been a completely different outing. As I sit here right now, I think [another start] is a high possibility.”

Brock Stewart added:

“I think I’ve grown as a pitcher,” Stewart said. “I haven’t been pitching long but I definitely have come a long way since I started. I wanted to go out there for the sixth, honestly. I wanted to keep putting my team in a position to win. It didn’t happen tonight, but I definitely want to see how far I can go into a game and compete my butt off.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1962 Sandy Koufax threw his first career no-hitter.  He defeated the Mets 5-0.  BTW, in the first inning he struck out the first three batters he faced with only nine pitches - an Immaculate Inning.  In 1985 Pedro Guerrero hit his 15th home run in the month of June to tie a Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Chan Ho Park and Mark Grudzielanek!

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Scully and Frankie Montas

Although the Dodgers got beat in the late innings last night it was nice to see a couple Dodgers briefly break out of their hitting slumps.  Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig, both of whom who've struggled at the plate, slugged two-run homers at separate times to give the team a lead.  Via AJ Cassavell and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"You saw the results from all the work I've been doing," said Puig. "There is a difference in my at-bats. I'm hitting strikes and not swinging at bad pitches. Today I was swinging at pitches in the zone and that's why I was able to hit a home run."

You can watch Puig's homer here, and Turner's homer here.  Unfortunately, their good fortune at the plate was all for naught.  The typically reliable Kenley Jansen gave up his first walk-off home run of his career and his first blown save of the season.  He was working on a 25-game consecutive save streak.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Tonight was one of those for sure head-scratchers," said Roberts. "Kenley has been lights out. You can't expect him to be perfect. I expect to have a lead tomorrow and use him again and I expect him to rebound. It's not an easy game. Got to be a man about it and turn the page."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 the Dodgers would score 15 runs in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field.  Pee Wee Reese would get on base three times in that inning alone.  In 2000 Adrian Beltre and Shawn Green of the Dodgers would hit grand slams to join a cavalcade of grannies hit this day throughout the league.  For the first time in history there are six grand slams hit throughout the league.

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig's Magnificent Throw

Yasiel Puig's throw to nail Trevor Story at third base yesterday was so shocking these fans forgot how to spell his name, (watch it here if you haven't seen it yet) but the Cuban sensation had a different explanation for the flub.  He wrote on twitter:

What happened, guys? Too much cerveza? Hahaha I love my fans

As for the throw, Puig had this to say.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"If I can't do it with my bat and I can't do it with my glove, I'll do it with my arm," said Puig. "I have to do something to help my team. I just try to throw to the base and my teammates do the rest."

Photo above via Puig on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run and Pee Wee Reese played his 2000th career game. Also, in 1999 Cardinal third baseman Fernando Tatis hit two grand slams in the same game in one inning against the Dodgers - the first and only player to do it.  He hit both grand slams against Chan Ho Park.
• YouTube: Get inspired listening to Steve Sax on Conrad's Corner.  (Link Here)

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Alvarez, Ryu and our 5th Starter

This past Saturday was the Dodgers family day picnic, and Jon SooHoo of the Dodgers was kind enough to share some pics.  Check out Magic Johnson entertaining Clayton Kershaw and his young daughter in the photo above.  Go here to see a few more photos.

Below are more links to check out:

• Another prospect top get excited about.  Via Josh Norris at Baseball America, "Dodgers’ Alvarez Dazzles On Back Fields."

Alvarez used a loose, whippy arm to generate lively fastballs that started out in the low-90s and eventually built to the mid-90s before touching 99 mph near his outing’s end. He coupled the pitch with a low-80s slider that garnered swings and misses as well.

“I think his stuff is pretty good,” said Dodgers catcher Garrett Hope, who was surprised to find out Alvarez was throwing in the upper-90s. “Ninety-nine coming out of your mouth, that kind of blows my mind. I had no idea.”

• Chan Ho Park recently visited with Hyun-Jin Ryu at Camleback Ranch.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Park: Ryu can inspire with successful return."

"Young players watched him and saw you can make the Major Leagues, but it's even more important now for young pitchers to see his recovery and see him come back and pitch well," said Park. "Many young pitchers in Korea are injured and stop playing and we never see how good they can be. And we don't have that many like Ryu.

"So we need to learn from Ryu and from the Dodgers and their system to save our young pitchers. That's my hope and dream. If I opened the door for pitchers to come over here and play, he can open the door for pitchers to recover from injury and return."

• Andre should be OK.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Hobbled Andre Ethier says foul ball gave him a 'dead leg'"

"I squared myself up pretty good right there," Ethier said. "I wasn't sure if it hit off the ground before it hit my leg or not, and then someone watching the replay said I direct-lined it. It's just one of those plays that happen. My leg is littered with scars and marks from doing that over the years."

• ICYMI: one-time Dodger Chone Figgins to officially retire, via Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors.  
• Panini America shares a bunch of great pics and video of the San Diego Chicken's recent autograph signing in Santee (Link Here).
• Oy Vey!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 5th starter competition officially a mess: Bolsinger scratched, Beachy hurt, Lee optioned."  Certainly not a great situation, but we fortunately have enough time to sort things out.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com shares a Dave Roberts quote:

"At this point, we'll see," Roberts said when asked who his fifth starter is. "I don't know how long [Bolsinger's] oblique is going to last and how serious it is. Obviously, there's Zach Lee, and I don't know where Beachy is right now.

"It just keeps happening, I guess. Bolsinger has a mild oblique strain, whatever that means, and whatever it takes we'll know as days go on. He'll get treatment and see where it goes from there. You win with pitching and defense. Look where we were at the start of camp and where we are now, it's a little frustrating. Every team goes through it in some capacity. It's another obstacle for us to deal with."

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Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw and Ethier

Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout are captured together in a photoshoot for Subway sandwiches yesterday afternoon, pic via Bill Shaikin on twitter.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Alec Dopp at the Gammons Daily, "Clayton Kershaw: Historically Platoon-Proof."

How is it that Kershaw became so historically platoon-proof last season? Easy: He changed his approach to one that keys on establishing the inside corner. 

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Andre Ethier expects chance to win starting outfield spot."

"Friedman, Donnie, Farhan and all those guys understand what I said and where I'm coming from, and the intentions. With me still being here, I have to assume they're at least considering it," Ethier said. "This is a big decision coming up for the year, but they have had a lot of big decisions to make all winter. This is just a small facet of what has to be done for this team."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN LA, "Reliever Chris Hatcher ended 70-year drought."
• Via Anthony Castrovince at MLB.com, "McCarthy, Anderson eye successful reunion with Dodgers."

As McCarthy put it, "We're similarly socially awkward people with dry senses of humor."

• Dodger Penguin shares a photo recap of his recent trip to the Dodgers Spring Training Home at Camelback Ranch, here.
• Congrats, Night Owl!  He shares his recently completed 1956 Topps Dodgers team set.  Check it out here.  He gets some great autographs.
• Via Joon Lee at Hardball Times, "Keep an Eye on Korean Baseball."

“In Korea, in the showers, I’ve heard it’s not considered weird to scrub down each other’s backs,” Lee said. “In the U.S., if you were to do that, it’s incredibly weird. It’s funny. Chan-Ho Park talked about that where in the first couple years of his minor league career, he tried to do that to his American teammates and his American teammates thought that he was gay. In Korea, your scrubbing each other’s backs is raising the camaraderie, like, ‘Hey, good day of practice, let me scrub down your back,’ whereas in the U.S., that’s completely off limits.”

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Blog Kiosk: 1/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig Buys Home in Sherman Oaks

Tommy shows the kids how it's done.  Yesterday, Tommy Lasorda shared this fantastic spring training photograph of himself on instagram and I can't stop laughing at it.  He added the below inspirational caption, but I still can't get this smile off my face. 

Sometimes if you want something done right you got to do it yourself. Championship teams are made in #SpringTraining

Tommy looks as graceful as Wile E. Coyote chasing after the Road Runner.  Better yet, his team looks so concerned for his well-being.  Is that reliever Steve Howe, over his left shoulder, ready to jump in to save his soon-to-be ailing manager?

Below are some more links to check out:

• The Dodgers have now agreed to terms with all the Dodger players who had filled for arbitration:

juan nicasio settles at $2.3M with dodgers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 16, 2015

Kenley Jansen and the Dodgers avoid arbitration, agree to $7.425 million salary for 2015.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) January 16, 2015

Justin Turner and Dodgers avoid arbitration, settle on $2.5 million salary for 2015.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) January 16, 2015

• Via Mark David at Variety, "Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig Buys Home in Sherman Oaks."

A stone-floored center hall entry has beige walls, beige inlaid stone tile
floors and curved, wrought iron railed staircase that sweeps up to a circular second-floor gallery with domed sky light. The pretty much all-beige, open-plan living spaces at the rear include a built-in wet bar, a roomy dining area, formal sitting area and family room with bookshelf flanked and television-surmounted fireplace and a built-in aquarium. The (also very beige) adjoining kitchen has a sizable center island, room for a breakfast table next to a sizable center island, speckled granite countertops, completely average although probably custom-crafted raised panel cabinetry and medium-grade stainless steel appliances.

• Here is a must read if you want to know what this young stud prospect can throw.  Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Julio Urias’ illustrated guide to pitches."
• Now that the Dodgers' Winter Development Program is over Matthew Mesa at Dodger Insider writes, "Through the eyes of the prospects," which includes social media post by some of our young prospects.
• Dodgers add some depth to starting pitching minor league staff.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers ink Bedard to Minor League contract."
• Dodger Penguin shares his experience at Frank & Sons this past Saturday getting Chan Ho Park's signature.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Lasorda, Chan Ho Park, AGon and Nancy Bea!

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.

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

This weekend is the first autograph signing opportunity of the new year.  It is being held at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry.  Nancy Bea, Tommy Lasorda, Chan Ho Park and Adrian Gonzalez will be meeting, greeting and signing for fans.  Go here or here for information.  Click on any flyer below to embiggen.

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

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The 2001 Dodger Fan Appreciation Baseball Card Sheet

In appreciation of the new Dodgers front office and the myriad number of moves they've made recently (save the Kemp trade that has me miffed, but slowly coming around) check out the above 2001 Dodger Fan Appreciation Baseball card sheet.  As you know, these were given out during the last home game of the season on Fan Appreciation Day.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this give-away.

This sheet features perforated cards of Gary Sheffield, Chan Ho Park and Paul LoDuca. 

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A Dodger Fan Appreciation Card Sheet from 1997

I recently picked up a bunch of Dodger Fan Appreciation card sheets, so I will share them one-by-one on this blog.  I will start with the very first sheet issued by the team.  It is from the last home game of the 1997 season and features perforated Baseball cards of Hideo Nomo, Mike Piazza and Chan Ho Park.  There are also photographs of Eric Karros and Raul Mondesi on the corners.

These sheets are not scarce at all.  They measure 8.5" x 11" and can be purchased for a song and a dance.  I received a group of six different sheets for about $10.00 shipped.  Click any pic to embiggen.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

It looks like they had a fantastic day at Historic Dodgertown yesterday.  Here's a pic of Olympic gold medal managers Kyung Moon Kim & TommyLasorda with Chan Ho Park & KBO Dinos CEO Lee, pic via @WBSC_co on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Here's something I didn't know.  Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Nickname Game: Dodgers beat out Kings in 1932 vote."

But the name, according to a rarely seen newspaper clipping, didn’t become official until 1932, when sportswriters — yes, sportswriters — officially voted for Dodgers to be the team’s moniker.

• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Spot the differences in these two pics of Clayton Kershaw's entourage."

The entourage was proud this time too, but they looked entirely too similar. Same formation, circled around Kershaw. Same investment banker-in-training look about them. Kershaw says he and the boys were planning a night of video games and ping pong. But they're trolling us all, I'm sure of it.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers sign Juan Uribe’s nephew, two others."  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has more details.
• Awesome!

Just another day in the offseason for @ithrow88, @AJEllis17 and @FlashGJr ... http://t.co/LnEPN79MtR pic.twitter.com/hstJeSTH9h
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 12, 2014

• Chris Olds at Beckett provides a sneak peak at 2015 Topps Tier One Baseball cards, here.  Below are Puig and Valenzuela cards.  This set will arrive in late May 2015.

• Chris Olds also provides a preview of Panini America's 2014 National Treasures set.  check out the Clayton Kersahw book card below.

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Photos from the Historic Dodgertown Ceremony and Dodger Adult Baseball Camp

Last week I mentioned that Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida would be designated an Florida Heritage Landmark and that a ceremony dedicating a marker would happen today.  Thankfully, the good folks at Historic Dodgertown passed along some photos from today's big event. (Photo credit: Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Fla.)

In the above photo you see Vero Beach community leader Bud Holman (on left), Tommy Lasorda and Peter O’Malley at Florida Heritage Landmark ceremony.  Below, Steve Garvey and Sandy Koufax watch Maury Wills offering some instruction at Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.

As you may know, today was Day 1 of the Dodgers Adult Baseball Cam, and a whole bunch of Dodgers were in attendance to help out the players.

Here are even more photos from today's ceremony, via the @Dodgers on twitter:

Camp is underway at Historic Dodgertown, which today was designated as a "Heritage Landmark." http://t.co/6rXAMBEq30 pic.twitter.com/UIeXehjyaH
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 10, 2014

And here are some pics of some of the former Dodgers providing an helping hand at the Baseball camp.  Steve Garvey tweeted the below photo; featuring Chan Ho Park:

@ Pinetar5...Our great Kirean friends...Park, Lee and Kim at @historicdodgertown #mlb @dodgers pic.twitter.com/jMpnhkbwS9
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

Here's Wills and Garvey with some campers:

The fabulous @DodgersAdultCamp starts tomorrow @HistoricDodgertown..Maury Wills and the Great Guy Wellman! pic.twitter.com/QujjjlxkFW
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

And Steve Garvey having fun in the rain at Historic Dodgertown:

Back @HistoficDodgertown for first #AdultCamp in 5 years..A little drizzly☔️☔️☔️ pic.twitter.com/fsv93uznod
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Vin Scully is Coming Back for 2015 and is the FCC Cracking the Whip at TWC?

Blue Heaven reader Cathy was kind enough to pass along the above photo of Tommy Lasorda signing what looks like leather "sweet spot" style baseballs for an upcoming Baseball card set while in Cooperstown this past weekend.  

• Woo Hoo!  It was announced last night that Vin Scully is coming back to broadcast for the Dodgers in 2015.  Watch the official announcement made at Dodger Stadium last night here. As you might expect, the crowd gave Vin a rousing standing ovation.  Per a Dodgers press release:

(Gif via Dodger Dugout)

"It is very difficult to say goodbye," said Scully. "God willing I will be back next year. Over the years I have been blessed to have so many friends including those that sit in the stands and listen as well as those at home, who listen and watch. It is just too hard to say goodbye to all these friends. Naturally there will come a time, when I will have to say goodbye, but I've soul-searched and this is not the time."

Thank you Vin!

• Via David Lieberman at Deadline.com, "FCC Chairman Blames Time Warner Cable For Dodgers TV Impasse."  Read Chairman Tom Wheeler's entire letter there.

Wheeler specifically wants TWC to provide, within 10 days, an explanation of the arbitration process that it has proposed, how that could resolve the matter, and other steps the cable company can take to fix things if arbitration fails.  In addition, he wants FCC logounredacted copies of contracts or term sheets in SportsNet’s deal with TWC, and proposals to other pay TV distributors.

... 

Via Chairman Wheeler: "I am writing to express my strong concern about how your actions appear to have created the inability of consumers in the Los Angeles area to watch televised games of the Los Angeles Dodgers." 

The Chairman has requested a ton of information within 10 days.  A part of me feels that their (TWC's) lobbying effort has backfired.  Now, TWC is asked to provide a slew of information, and if they do that I may have to make a freedom of information act request.  I'll have to figure out that process since it's been years since I've done that.  On the other hand, TWC can just make all of that information public themselves, but I wouldn't hold my breath. 

• Don Mattingley on the trade deadline, via a tweet from Bill Shaikin of the LA Times:

Mattingly on #Dodgers at trade deadline: "I'm not expecting anything huge."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 29, 2014

• FYI, the Dodgers reinstated left-handed relief pitcher Scott Elbert from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment.  Per a Dodger press release:

Elbert made 15 rehab appearances (two starts) for Dodger affiliates this year, going 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA for Rookie-advanced Ogden, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Albuquerque as he worked his way back from 2013 Tommy John surgery. Elbert, who was originally selected by the Dodgers in the first round (17^th overall) of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, last pitched in the Majors on Aug. 26, 2012 and went 3-3 with two saves and a 3.61 ERA in 120 games with the Dodgers from 2008-12.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Kenley Jansen – MLB’s most underrated closer."
• Via Baseball in Korea, "Groundbreaking for Soyosan Park Chan-ho Baseball Park."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2014 - Dodger Links - Sending a Message with a Pitch to the Backside

So, this happened.  This weekends series against the Cardinals was a hit-by-pitch marathon.  Now, I'm not saying it was all purposeful, but some of it was reckless.  As Jerry Hairston Jr. mentioned on twitter, the Cardinals have reputation for hitting batters.  They want to intimidate by throwing up-'n-in, but they need (as Clayton Kershaw said) to have a better idea about where the ball's going. Obviously, that's something they lack.

Kershaw, in retaliation, threw an obvious purpose pitch against the buttocks of Matt Holliday.  He didn't throw anything dangerous.  It wasn't anywhere near the guys face.  The ball had the luxury of landing on the part of the body that would do the least damage, so it didn't hurt.  No x-rays were needed.  The pitch was just a message that their pitchers need to get their ship in order... And, you know what?  I don't have a problem with that.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I do believe there is a time and place for purpose pitches to get a message across.  This game is such that a reckless play can get someone really hurt, and if a player doesn't stay cognizant of that then I feel it's important for the opposition to remind them.  That's what Kershaw did.  He is just politely reminding them to be more conscious of what they are doing.  If you want to throw up-'n-in then you better have the ability to do so.  Heck, if this was hockey there'd be a few hard checks, a couple slashes to the skate or a fight instead.  So, the Cardinals should feel lucky.

BTW, the photo above is of Matt Holliday jawing with AJ Ellis after being plunked in the rear-end, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  That baby should just stop whining.  He got off easy.

• The Cardinals must hate Hanley Ramirez.  What did he ever do to you?  As you likely know Hanley was hit twice by the Cardinals last night; once on his left hand.  He eventually left the game and had x-rays.  LA Times reporter Dylan Hernandez let us know on twitter that they were negative, so he should be ready to play tomorrow against the Pirates.  Hanley had this to say on twitter:

Stuff happens. Let's keep on, there's a title to chase. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers.
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) July 21, 2014

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Don Drysdale is smiling down on Clayton Kershaw."

Dodgers ace and two-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw had seen enough. It wasn’t that Ramirez was hit by Martinez’s pitch, it was that the pitch just missed Hanley’s head. Reminiscent of the good ol’ Don Drysdale days, Kershaw hit leadoff hitter Matt Holliday “on the wallet”, as Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully would have said if he were calling the game.

• Via Kim Tae-Jong at Korea Times, "Farewell for Park Chan-Ho."  Park was honored at the Korean Baseball League All-Star Game this weekend.

"I will never forget this graceful moment," Park said on the mound after the ceremonial pitch at the Champion's Field stadium in Gwangju. "Since I retired in 2012, I have dreamed of standing on the mound again, and I have really wanted to pitch again."

• As Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey notes, Don Mattingly prefers Joc Pederson in centerfield.

Don Mattingly prefers Joc Pederson in center field, but he’s not yet on the active roster. In Pederson’s favor, there’s little doubt that he’s the best defensive option. Some within the organization worry about his minor league strikeout rate, and believe he’ll benefit from further seasoning. If Mattingly gets his way, the Dodgers outfield will become even more crowded, further increasing the likelihood of a trade.

• Via Justin Perline at Beyond the Boxscore, "How productive can Joc Pederson be?"
• Via Alex Halsted at MLB.com, "Crawford joins Holliday in AFL (Arizona Fall League) Hall of Fame."
• The A's 1989 reunion included a nice tribute to Bob Welch.  Via Daniel Brown at the San Jose Mercury News, "1989 Oakland A's get to celebrate."

The last act by the former players in attendance was for each to drop a yellow rose at the pitcher's mound, where a large No. 35 had been etched into the dirt. That was Bob Welch's number. The popular starting pitcher died June 9 at age 57.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Kemp is Unhappy and Puig is Scared of Thunder

Vin Scully and Fernando Valenzuela are featured in the newest issue of the Hollywood Reporter.  Pic above via @Dodgers PR on twitter.  Check out the Hollywood Reporter story here.  There are some great photos to check out; including pics of Luc Robitaille and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

• Is it me or does the criticism and subsequent defenses being levied onto Adam Wainwright sound an awful lot like the kind of things said about Puig last season.  Ya know, Puig disrespects the game - Wainwright disrespects one of the greats of the game... Puig lacks class - Wainwright lacks class... Puig should just shut up - Wainwright should just shut up... 

I'd be lying if I told you I didn't enjoy the shoe being on the other foot.  For the record, this whole thing (like the Puig thing) is overblown, but that won't stop me from twisting that knife just a little bit... for the lulz, ya know?

• Not surprisingly, two Hall of Famer Dodgers made PSA's list of Top-20 Baseball Autographs in the hobby: Sandy Koufax at #7 and Jackie Robinson at #4.  Check out the list here.
• Via Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports, "Agent: Dodgers' Kemp open to trade if not playing every day."

According to Stewart, Kemp wants to play center field again on an everyday basis. Even though Matt has been playing left field in an everyday role since Carl Crawford nearly snapped his ankle in half, it seems like Kemp is still bitter about being uprooted from center field.

• Cards That Never Were makes a phenomenal 1980 Topps Roy Campanella All Star Game Honorary Captain fantasy card.  Check it out here.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Nomo and Park to be honored Friday."

Nomo will be inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame. Ceremonies will be held on the field to honor the 2014 inductees (which include former Major League pitcher Kazuhiro Sasaki, slugger Koji Akiyama and Choichi Aida, the former baseball coach of prestigious Waseda University who passed away in 2012) prior to the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Game at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa (near Tokyo), Japan on Friday.

The same day, Park will receive recognition during retirement ceremonies prior to the Korean Professional Baseball All-Star Game at Champions Field, Kwangju, South Korea.

Via Peter O'Malley:

“Nomo and Park are both true pioneers,” said O’Malley. “They opened the door for more players from Japan and South Korea to participate in Major League Baseball. Today, there have been 40 players from Japan and 14 from South Korea who have played in the major leagues. I am very proud of their leadership and their on-going commitment to youth baseball in Japan and South Korea.” 

• Uh... Yasiel Puig is terrified of thunder... LOL! ...Wait for it...

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Reds Series Starts Tomorrow - Chan Ho Park to Sign Autographs, a Ryu Bobblehead and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow evening with the Cincinnati Reds, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Monday, May 26 at 5:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 5:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 2:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 3:00 PM.  It is Memorial Day, and the Dodgers will wear specially-designed caps and jerseys featuring an authentic military digital camouflage design licensed from the United States Marine Corps in honor of Memorial Day.  See the Dodger cap on the right.  BTW, 100% of all net proceeds from the sale of these caps to fans go to Welcome Back Veterans (www.welcomebackveterans.org).


The first 40,000 fans through the gates on Monday will receive BBQ apron from the Dodgers.  Check it out on the left.

Memorial pre-game ceremonies will include flag unveiling in center field along with six stars representing each U.S. military branch, Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard as well as Prisoners of War (POW). Wives of service members who died in service of our nation will officially begin the game with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” and children of these families will be amongst the children who partake in Kids Take the Field Monday.  Former Dodger, Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Roy Gleason will throw the first pitch.  The national anthem and “God Bless America” will be performed by U.S. Coast Guard MK2 Mike Dalager and the U.S. Army will provide the color guard.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Navy Quarterman (QM1) Luis Villegas. Villegas enlisted in 2004 and currently serves onboard the USS Essex. His deployments have been in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and his accolades include four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. In honor Memorial Day, Bank of America will be presenting a special flag and display case to Villegas. Navy Veteran Sean Gass, who serves as Bank of America Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor at Bank of America- Merrill Lynch, will be on hand for the presentation.

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Tuesday, May 27th at 7:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

It is Korea Night at Dodger Stadium.  The first 50,000 fans through the gates on Tuesday will receive a Hyun-Jin Ryu Bobblehead from the Dodgers.  See it on the right.

Dodgers legend Chan Ho Park will sign autographs for fans in the right field pavilion plaza starting at 5:30 PM.  He will also throw out the first pitch.  Korean pop star Yong-hwa Jung of CNBLUE  will sing the Korean national anthem, and the US national anthem will be sung by South Korean R&B singer Ali.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Sergeant Jose Martinez. Martinez enlisted in 1996 having always dreamed of being a soldier. He serves with the HHC 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Arkansas. Martinez has served deployments three times in Iraq and most recently in Kandahar, Afghanistan and his accolades include multiple Army Commendation Medals and National Defense Service Medals.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed Baseball, Hyun-Jin Ryu autographed LA Dodgers jersey and a Yasiel Puig autographed photo. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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Wednesday, May 28th at 7:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

Rina Cervantes of Norwalk will perform the national anthem and one of Korea’s top superstars, singer and actress SUZY will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  Ryu is scheduled to catch for SUZY.  BTW, Ryu and SUZY co-starred on a Korean reality show called “Runningman” this past winter.  Watch an episode of the show with Ryu at the very bottom.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Senior Airman (SrA) Darien Barrett Foster. Foster enlisted in 2011 and currently serves with the 61st Medical Squadron as a dental technician. Foster is an active member of the L.A. Air Force Base Honor Guard and was recently honored as the 61 Air Base Group Airman of the Year.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ryu and Dee Gordon

I love this group of pics featuring Puig's home run.  Photo via Dodgers tumblr.  Check out even more pics from yesterday afternoon from Jon SooHoo here.

• "Ryu earns praise of fellow South Korean Park," via Austin Laymance and Mark Sheldon at MLB.com.

"He's adjusted very well and is pitching very well," Park told MLB.com from Cooperstown, N.Y. "I think he enjoys it very much. I'm very proud and enjoy watching him."

• Naver.com has a whole bunch of pics focused on the matchup between Ryu and Choo.
• "Choo-Ryu matchup a big draw for S. Korean population, via Mark Sheldon at MLB.com.

"I like to see a lot of Korean fans because I've played in Cleveland and Cincinnati, where there aren't a lot of Korean people," Choo said. "It's quiet -- no media, no fans. But here, it's like a small Korea."

• Evan Bladh at Opinion of Kingman's Performance makes note of a new fashion trend currently hitting the Dodgers.
• Dodger Penguin shares a couple of autographed baseballs he recently got at Dodger Stadium.
• Chris Olds at Beckett.com provides a preview of the upcoming 2013 Panini Cooperstown set; including a sneak peek at a Duke Snider card. See the Snider on the right.
• "Isotopes Notebook: Gordon slows it down to improve," via Christopher Jackson at Examiner.com. 

“At first it was tough because I’m aggressive, I like to play hard, stuff like that,” Gordon said. “So it was tough at first but I’ve got good coaches who are helping me a lot. I’m just glad they’re taking the patience and time with me.”

• "Dodgers juggle lineup another day with Carl Crawford still ill," via Lance Pugmire at the LA Times.

“Obviously, it’s still going on, his temperature’s going up and down,” Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said of the .289 hitter who’s stolen 10 bases this season. “Still fighting off an infection … sometimes antibiotics kick in and you know you’re good.”

• "Puig's base running becoming an issue," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

"We're trying to corral it a little bit, but without putting too many restrictions on him," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "As you get into big games, any game can be the game it costs you, so we just want him to understand situations." 

• Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest writes about the Helmar Brewing Company cards.
• Noted sports artist Brian Kong will be at the National Convention and will have a Yasiel Puig card available for sale only at the show, via Sports Collectors Daily.  See it below.  He will be in booth #787. 

• Below is the best tweet of the day:

Kids get to run the bases Sundays at Dodger Stad. Taking longer than usual today because, thanks to Puig, they're sliding into home
— Lee Jenkins (@SI_LeeJenkins) July 29, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 6/14/2013 - Dodgers Links - Scully Will Tweet, a Bryan Stow Update and the College World Series

Be sure you don't miss this next week.  Vin Scully will be taking over the Dodgers tweet account this coming Wednesday, June 19th for their game against the Yankees in New York.  Dodgers twitter here.

• Don Newcombe is 87-years old today.  Happy Birthday, big guy!
• Via Lori Preuitt at NBC4, "Bryan Stow Out of Rehab, Home With Parents: Stow family says insurance company stopped paying for Bakersfield rehab, so they brought Bryan home to Santa Cruz County".

"At first look and during conversations, Bryan appears to be doing better, cognitively," the post read. "But to be with him as much as we are, we see what others don’t. The memory problems, the use of words that do not belong, the pain he is in and the stiffness in his body that prevents him from being able to do things on his own. Due to a huge cut in therapy coverage, Bryan has physically experienced a big setback."

• Via Chosun Ilbo : "Park Chan-ho Reflects on Three Decades of Baseball in Book ".  No word yet if there will be an English translation.
• Jason Stark at ESPN writes a bit about the unwritten rules of Baseball, in relation to the most recent brawl.
• Chad Moriyama has the rundown on the potential availability of Andre Ethier in a trade.  He also writes a bit about the Dodgers interest in Cuban Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
• The Japanese Baseball league has admitted to juicing their Baseballs this season, via Eleanor Warnock at the Wall Street Journal.
• Hey!  The College World Series begins on Saturday.  Check out Aaron Fitt's preview at Baseball America.  Unfortunately, my alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, barely missed the cut.  BTW, if you happen to be in Omaha an impressive cadre of former players will be signing autographs in the fan zone:

• Friday, June 14, Edgar Martinez, Q&A, 4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; autographs,
  5 p.m. – 6-p.m.
• Saturday, June 15, John Smoltz, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m . (At Beverly Plaza, 7820 Dodge, noon to 1 p.m.)
• Sunday, June 16, Ivan Rodriguez, noon – 1 p.m.
• Monday, June 17, Todd Walker, Q&A, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; autographs, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 Get more information here.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2013

Here's a great pic of Rick Honeycutt, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Chan Ho Park as tweeted by Ryu.  Photo credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  

• With the Jackie Robinson bio-pic slated to be coming out soon, get prepared for the film by making your very own personal customized vintage looking Baseball card here.  (Hat Tip: Dusty at SOSG)
• Check out a bunch of photos from the RC Quakes/Dodgers game yesterday from the Quakes, here.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN wonders if Carl Crawford's arm is actually better than before surgery.  Hey, it works for pitchers, right?
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw Already Impressing Fellow Ace Greinke."

"I haven't seen that much, but his fastball is special," Greinke said. "His fastball, hitters have to cheat for it. If they sit on another pitch, they won't be able to hit the fastball. That's important to get strikeouts. You can't sit on the offspeed and fight off that fastball. He just has an ability that's huge. Then he's got the nasty slider. No way a hitter can legitimately be on both of them. That's how he strikes out over 200.

"You can't steal off him. He's got endurance. He's a workhorse. So, to me, he's pretty much the complete pitcher. I don't know how good his command is compared to me or someone else because I haven't seen him enough. But his stuff, you could actually tell a guy what's coming and it might not matter.

• Hyun-Jin Ryu finished Spring Training with 4 shut out innings against the Angels yesterday, via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"All my pitches are pretty up to normal now, I feel comfortable," Ryu said. "I feel the same way before the Korean season starts."

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly likes what he's seen so far from the southpaw.

"He's thrown the ball great all camp," Mattingly said. "Obviously coming in, we have no idea what to expect other than seeing him on tape and knowing he was the best pitcher in Korea. I think he's shown that he can pitch at this level, at least during Spring Training he has. The season can be a different scenario."

• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue takes a look at the best gloves in the Dodgers' farm system.
• Mars, baby!  Over at the Huffington Post they let us know of some incredibly detailed HD quality views of our sister planet.  Check it out.
• Fox Sports provides some highlights of Manny Ramirez's first game in China; including a video of his at-bats.

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