Blog Kiosk: 10/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw on a Plane, Urias, Utley and Garvey

Above is an fantastic 1910's advertising poster for Fatima Turkish brand Cigarettes that features action photos from an opening series match-up between the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and New York Giants.  It is currently on auction at Mile High Card Company.  (Auction Link)

Unfortunately, the poster mainly points out popular Giants players like Fred Snodgrass, George Burns and Fred Merkle.  So it's likely this ad was prominently displayed in neighborhoods loyal to that team.  Nevertheless, it's a unique piece that includes several rare photographs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise.  Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday: Dan Coulombe!

Welcome to the Blue, Scott Schebler!

The Dodgers have just called up another young bat from the minors to join the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  His name is Scott Schebler, and the righty thrower/lefty hitter will be inserted into the starting lineup - batting seventh.  This will be his Major League debut, and he will wear #55.  Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled outfielder Scott Schebler (#55) from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned left-handed reliever Daniel Coulombe to Triple-A.

Schebler, 24, will make his Major League debut tonight, batting seventh in left field, and has a .274 career batting average with 80 home runs and 305 RBI in 521 games in six minor league seasons. With Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, he's appeared at all three outfield positions and is batting .216 with six homers and 15 RBI in 49 games. Schebler, who was honored as the Dodgers' 2013 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year, was selected by Los Angeles in the 26^th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Des Moines Area (Iowa) Community College.

With the Dodgers a bit shorthanded in the outfield, Schebler will get an opportunity to show what he can do.  I do not expect him to be with us for very long, considering that Puig is expected to arrive soon.  Nevertheless, this "cup of coffee" provides a great chance to watch one of the clubs top-10 prospects up-close.  Here are some links to check out about him:

• Via Jeff Johnson at The Gazette, "C.R.'s Schebler gets call to the major leagues."  His hometown newspaper in Cedar Rapids, IA.

“I do know he is more prepared than I am for this,” Deb Schebler said. “Even though I always believed it would happen, I’m still not prepared.”

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Scott Schebler called up for MLB debut."  Jon includes a feature written about Schebler that was originally printed in the current issue of Dodger Insider Magazine.
• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "Dodgers top prospects 2015: Scott Schebler, No. 6."

What makes Schebler a top prospect in the Dodgers system is his bat. Schebler has 60 or better grades on both his hit and power tool and has the potential to be a .285 hitter with 20+ home runs at the major league level. Schebler’s swing is geared to hit the ball with authority. He uses a long stride and significant weight transfer to incorporate his lower half into his swing. His swing plane is designed to produce loft on the ball and he has the power to carry mishits out of the park as well.

And here's a video scouting report on Schebler from Bernie Pleskoff of MLBPipeline.com (8/8/2014).

Video Link:

In celebration of Schebler's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a Getty Images photo/Jason Wise and the 1959 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career stats, via Baseball-Reference:

Last time I saw Scott Schebler at Dodger Stadium was during the 2014 Winter Development Program. pic.twitter.com/Mt9c31ErxX

— Stacie Wheeler (@organicallyrude) June 5, 2015

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Ethier, Dodgers' Hello Kitty Plush Doll and a Fan Ejection?

Here is a fantastic vintage press photo taken by International News, dated March 1, 1954, that I ran across on eBay.  It features several Dodger greats getting some needed practice before the season starts.  After having an impressive rookie campaign the season prior, Junior Gilliam looks to be showing a couple of pitchers how to slide.  After all, all reports I've read indicate that Gilliam had a high Baseball-IQ, and just naturally seemed to understand every part of the game.  Below is what is written on the caption attached to the reverse:

SLIDE, JUNIOR, SLIDE--Vero Beach, Florida.....Second baseman Junior Gilliam slides in under the watchful eye of Field Director Al Campanis at the Dodgers training quarters as pitchers Don Newcombe and Joe Black watch.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Dodgers announce rain-delay ticket offer for May 25-27 Braves series."
• ICYMI: Kenley Jansen has been reinstated from the DL and reliever Daniel Coulombe has been options back to AAA, via a tweet from @DodgersPR.
• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier is playing like old self."

"It's frustrating, but not everything's going to go good and go the way you want it to be," he said. "You have to grind through things. You're going to have ups and down, not only in the course of the year but in the course of your career. You have to figure out a way to ride them out and keep fighting and keep finding a way to improve and make adjustments."

• Here's an early peek at the Hello Kitty plush Dodger doll that is being given away to fans on Wednesday, July 8th against the Phillies.  Check out the Dodgers promotional schedule here.
• Benjamin Hill at Ben's Biz Blog recently visited Historic Dodgertown and shared a bunch of pics.  Check them out here.
• I wonder if this could potentially be big news for Dodger fans; especially to those who have been locked out due to the cable situation?  Via Timothy Burke at Deadspin, "Judge Grants Class-Action Status To Sports TV Blackout Antitrust Case."  Jon Brodkin at Arstechnica also writes about the lawsuit in more detail.
• This is for the Baseball history buffs out there.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "(Masnori) Murakami to Return to U.S. for Autographs."  Masnori was the first Japanese born player to appear in the major leagues, and he has just finished a new book on his experiences.
• Via David Seideman at Forbes, "Weighing The Risks and Rewards of Investing In Today's Vintage Baseball Card Boom."
• During Thursday's game at the bottom of the ninth inning the home plate umpire is seen moving towards the fans behind him and looked to be motioning at a fan.  The initial reaction by most is that he tried to have a fan ejected from the game; which is rare but certainly within his purview.  I spent some time trying to find out about the incident and came across the below post on reddit, here.  It appears that the flash used by a fan was the problem.  DodgerFilms makes note of the incident at the 10:13 mark in this video here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2015 - Dodger Links - Dodgers All-Star Game Caps and Don Mattingly

The rain sure did put a damper on last night's game.

As I found out this morning, they resumed the game after initially being delayed during the Rockies at-bat in the sixth inning.  Unfortunately, the sparse crowd that was still in the house were not rewarded for their persistence and devotion.  Instead, they were witness to the ninth inning heroics of a batter I had just dropped from my fantasy Baseball team.

Carlos Gonzalez, who has been terrible so far this season, whacked a go-ahead three-run home run to lead the Rockies over the Dodgers, 5-4.  Via Ken Gurnick and Thomas Harding at MLB.com:

"I was watching Garcia coming out of the 'pen, and he was throwing a lot of fastballs," Gonzalez said. "I was waiting to see a good fastball. It finally showed on a 2-1 count and I was able to take advantage and hit the ball over the fence."

The recently shell-shocked rookie reliever Yimi Garcia gave up the dinger.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Mattingly: "He's a young guy with a lot of success and now two times out he's gotten hit. So, you don't know if, being a young guy, or any guy. But the guy didn't get here by having a bunch of success and then giving up."

This is just one of those games that you've got to just forget.  In fact, the only thing that has me vexed is the thought that maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to drop CarGo from my fantasy team.  Should I immediately get him back before one of my competitors snags him away, or is this season a lost cause for him?  I dunno.

The photo above was taken by Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from last night's game.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Joel Sherman at the NY Post, "Why Don Mattingly is doing his finest Dodgers work."

I hear the work he has done with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt with the Jansen-less pen has impressed the bosses who will decide his fate. They like that he has given younger/unproven guys such as Yimi Garcia, Pedro Baez (who injured a pectoral muscle Wednesday and is now on the disabled list) and lefty Adam Liberatore significant roles, and appreciate how he has built confidence with the group and dealt with the unknown.

• Color me a bit surprised, via a tweet from Dylan Hernandez.  I also understand that Mattingly has pledged to not argue replay calls again, but I hardly believe that:

League called Dodgers to say they messed up replay call, Mattingly said.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) May 14, 2015

• Here's a sneak peek at the Dodgers 2015 All-Star cap.  As you'll notice, it is reminiscent of the old-timy caps worn during the early days of the game.  They are referred to the "pill box" caps.  Check it out on the right.  Click on the pic to embiggen.  (Hat Tip: u/DrSteveBruleDDS on Reddit)  BTW, you can check out the hats for the other teams here.  UPDATE:  Ha Ha!  Looks like I got fooled on this one too.  Via Patrick Coffee at AdWeek, the "pill box" styled All-Star game cap seen on the right is an elaborate fake.
• ICYMI:  Pedro Baez has been diagnosed with a right pectoral strain and has been placed on the 15-day DL.  Reliever Daniel Coulombe has been called up to replace him.

Coulombe, 25, made his only big league appearance of the season on May 5 at Milwaukee and has posted a 1.59 ERA (2 ER/11.1 IP) in nine games with Oklahoma City this year, including seven consecutive scoreless appearances since April 15 (9.0 IP). Coulombe saw his first Major League action last year, appearing in five games with the Dodgers as a September call-up, and was selected by the Dodgers in the 25^th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Texas Tech University.

• Olivera is coming!  Via a tweet from Jon Heyman:

Hector Olivera is expected to arrive in L.A. tonite. once there he'll take physical, then finalize deal. #dodgers

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) May 14, 2015

• Mike Piazza had some nice things to say on twitter about Giancarlo Stanton's home run over the left field pavilion roof:

Loved watching @Giancarlo818 bomb last night. Brought back memories, looked like similar pitch I hit, tough to drive fast ball That high.

— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) May 13, 2015

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Prospect Joe Wieland To Start for Dodgers on Wednesday

One of the pieces received from the Padres in the Matt Kemp trade over the winter will make his first start for the Dodgers tomorrow.  Joe Wieland, a right-handed starter, is already in Milwaukee in preparation for his upcoming start.

I wrote this about Wieland back in December:

Known as a pitcher with fantastic control, he throws from a three quarters angle and an easily repeatable delivery.  Wieland has a two seam and four seam fastball, a curveball and a changeup. His heater is clocked in the low 90's. 

Weiland made his Major League debut in 2012 against the Dodgers on April 14th.  Unfortunately for him, he got hit hard.  Ironically, the man he was traded for, Matt Kemp, hit two home runs off him.  Andre Either hit one, as well.  Over five innings pitched he gave up six earned runs on six hits.

Then, after his fifth start that season he experienced arm problems that soon lead to Tommy John surgery, and it's been a hard road ever since.  After missing the entire 2013 season, Wieland had arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow in early 2014, and finally made a return to the mound in San Diego later that year. 

So far, Wieland has made four starts for Oklahoma City this season, and has done well.  He is 3-0 with a 3.60 ERA, 22 strike outs and only two walks in 20 innings pitched.  His pinpoint control has obviously not disappeared, and now he's striking out batters at a rate greater than at any other time in his career.  In his last start against Iowa City he gave up three runs over five innings, striking out five, walking none and yielded two triples.

In celebration of Wieland's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015 and the 1968 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career stats, via Baseball-Reference:


UPDATE:  Per a Dodger press release (5/6/2015):

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled right-handed pitcher Joe Wieland from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned left-handed pitcher Daniel Coulombe to Triple-A.

Wieland, 25, will make his Dodger debut this evening, taking the hill tonight for a start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Wieland made four starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, going 3-0 with a 3.60 ERA (8 ER/20.0 IP) and has struck out 22 batters with just two walks.

The Nevada native is 1-4 with a 5.31 ERA in nine Major League games (seven starts), all with the Padres in 2012 and 2014. Wieland was acquired from San Diego on Dec. 18, 2014, along with catcher Yasmani Grandal and right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin, in exchange for outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz.   

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 24 / Home Game 12

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.

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

San Diego Padres (11-10) at Los Angeles Dodgers (11-6-6)
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch

LHP Jason Lane (0-0, 4.70) vs. RHP Juan Nicasio (0-0, 5.14)
TV: SNLA

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

(Jimmie Rollins, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SAN DIEGO SHOWDOWN: The Dodgers, who have the Majors’ best spring winning percentage at .647, take on the Padres for the second and final time this spring after beating San Diego, 1-0, on March 12 in Peoria. The clubs will play again in just 12 days, on April 6 - Opening Day at Dodger Stadium - for the first of 19 regular-season meetings.

A CASE OF THE MONDAYS: The Dodgers rallied for three runs in the eighth inning on Monday to down the D-backs, 7-4, at Camelback Ranch. Jimmy Rollins, who is batting .316 in 13 Cactus League games, tripled and scored during Los Angeles’ third-inning rally, and Kiké Hernandez went 2-for-2 with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Chris Anderson made the spot start for the Dodgers, allowing one run on four hits in 3.0 innings, and Daniel Coulombe picked up the win after retiring all three batters he faced in the eighth and ninth innings.

• Following Monday’s game, the Dodgers optioned Coulombe to minor league camp.

MEANWHILE ON THE MINOR LEAGUE SIDE…: While the majority of the Dodgers were off yesterday, Brett Anderson and Mike Adams pitched in minor league games against the Brewers. Anderson threw 79 pitches in the High-A game, allowing three runs on nine hits with five strikeouts in 5.2 innings, and Adams needed just 13 pitches to strike out the side in his only inning in a Low-A contest.

• Today, Carl Crawford will receive extra at-bats on the minor league side in the Dodgers’ Single-A game against the Rangers. A.J. Ellis is expected to do the same tomorrow.

(Graphic via @Dodgers on twitter)

THEY SAY IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu, who turns 28 today! Ryu, who hasn’t pitched since March 17, underwent a contrast MRI in Los Angeles on Monday, which showed no changes since his 2012 MRI. The Dodgers plan to rest and rehab Ryu for two weeks before re-evaluating him at that time to determine his throwing progression.

SUCH A JOC: Joc Pederson has posted a .415/.455/.732 slashline this spring and continues to rank among the NL leaders in runs (10, T-3rd), hits (17, 2nd), batting average (.415, 3rd) and total bases (30, 3rd), on-base percentage (.455, 7th) and slugging percentage (.732, 1st).

• Despite not having an official at-bat on Monday, Justin Turner’s 10-game hitting streak came to an end, terminating after he was hit by a pitch and a third-inning sacrifice fly without a hit. He’s batting .469 with four doubles, two homers and seven RBI, while posting a .500 on-base percentage and a .781 slugging percentage in 13 Cactus League games.
• Kiké Hernandez went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored on Monday, as he continued to swing a hot bat. Hernandez has hit safely in his last six contests, batting .500 (7-for-14) with six runs scored, a double, three homers and four RBI since March 18.
• The Dodgers have been going deep at a frenetic pace of late and continue to lead the Major Leagues with 33 home runs.

ON THE MOUND: RHP Juan Nicasio will make his first start in his sixth appearance of the spring today. Nicasio has made three consecutive scoreless appearances, including striking out four in 2.0 scoreless frames in his last outing on Saturday against the Rangers.

• RHP Dustin McGowan will make his sixth appearance of the spring today, last pitching 2.0 scoreless innings on Saturday against the Rockies.
• RHP Sergio Santos has allowed just one run and struck out nine in 6.0 innings in six outings this spring. He last pitched on Saturday against the Rockies at Talking Stick.
• LHP J.P. Howell will make his sixth appearance of the spring today, last pitching a scoreless inning on Sunday against the Indians.
• LHP Paco Rodriguez has allowed just three hits and struck out seven in 6.0 scoreless innings this spring, last pitching on Sunday against the Indians.
• RHP David Aardsma has tossed scoreless relief in five of six appearances this spring, last pitching on Sunday against the Indians.
• RHP Yimi Garcia has nine strikeouts in 7.1 scoreless innings this spring, last pitching 1.2 innings on Sunday against Cleveland.
• Brandon League will have an MRI on his right shoulder today. He has made two appearances this spring, last pitching on March 9.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 14 / Home Game 7

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.

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

Oakland Athletics (9-5-1) at Los Angeles Dodgers (7-2-4)
Monday, March 16, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch

RHP Zack Greinke (0-0, 9.00) vs. RHP Kendall Graveman (2-0, 1.80)  
TV: SNLA Radio: None

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

(Big Dodger Heads, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

STAY HOT: The Dodgers improved to 7-2-4 yesterday after defeating the Mariners in Peoria, 5-2. The club’s .778 winning percentage is currently the best in the Cactus League. Today, Los Angeles meets the A’s for the first of two contests this spring, with the other tilt coming this Friday in Mesa. The clubs will square off in a pair of two separate two-game series this season, with the first coming July 28-29 at Dodger Stadium and the finale is Aug. 18-19 in Oakland. FYI—It’s exactly three weeks until Opening Day!

• Yesterday, the Dodgers flashed some pop, collecting four doubles and a homer in the victory over Seattle. Darwin Barney belted a two-run shot while both Howie Kendrick and Carl Crawford went 2-for-3 with an RBI. On the mound, Clayton Kershaw picked up his second Cactus League victory after yielding one run in 3.1 innings and three hurlers tossed scoreless baseball: Chin-hui Tsao (1.2 IP), Sergio Santos (1.0) and Adam Liberatore (1.0).

MAKING JACKIE PROUD: Major League Baseball announced today that the Dodgers will play host to the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium in the 2015 Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day, Wednesday, April 15.  It will mark the first time that Baseball’s tribute to civil rights leaders and figures will be held in conjunction with its annual commemoration of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson breaking Baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947. The Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day will air nationally on ESPN2, with coverage scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. PT. The Civil Rights Game was developed by MLB to pay tribute to the spirit of the civil rights movement and to honor those who embodied the struggle for equal rights for all Americans. This is the first Civil Rights Game hosted by the Dodgers and second one they have played in (2012), while this will be the first overall for the Mariners.

(Clayton Kershaw, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

G’DAY MATE: On this date last year, the Dodgers broke camp at Camelback Ranch and traveled to Sydney, Australia, for MLB’s Opening Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Los Angeles won both games down under, before returning home for their “domestic” season opener in San Diego.  Check out all of my past blog post about the Australian games here.

THE COMMISH: Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred visited Dodger camp this morning and briefly addressed the squad during the morning meeting. Manfred will stay for the game and visit with Dodger TV and radio broadcaster Charley Steiner and Senior Advisor to the President Ned Colletti. Colletti will be in the booth with Steiner the next three games.   

ON THE MOUND: Right-hander Zack Greinke will make his second start of the spring today after giving up two runs on two hits in 2.0 innings pitched. Greinke won his first career Gold Glove Award in 2014, committing just one error in 59 total chances (.983 fielding percentage).

• LHP David Huff is expected to make his third appearance of the spring today. Through two Cactus League appearances, Huff has tossed 3.2 scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits and striking out four.
• LHP Daniel Coulombe is also expected to see action today. Coulombe has held opposing hitters to a .100 batting average this spring, allowing only one hit in 3.0 innings.
• Veteran RHP Chad Gaudin will make his third Cactus League appearance today after picking up the save in Thursday’s win over the Padres. Gaudin has recorded five strikeouts and has yet to allow a run in 3.0 innings of work this spring.
• RHP Chris Hatcher will make his fourth appearance of the spring today. In his first three Cactus League appearances this spring, Hatcher has tossed three scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and holding opposing hitters to a .231 batting average.
• 24-year-old RHP Yimi Garcia will see action today, for the fourth time this spring. Garcia has held opposing hitters to a .091 batting average in 3.1 scoreless innings.
• RHP Joel Peralta is expected to make his second Cactus League appearance today. Peralta allowed one run and two hits in 1.0 inning of relief in Friday’s 3-3 tie with the Reds.

STUDS: Los Angeles pitching has been terrific so far this spring, as the club has combined to post a 2.87 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .210 batting average, striking out 90 and walking just 28 in 116.0 innings. The 2.87 mark ranks second among NL clubs, trailing just Cincinnati (2.66).

TEXAS TWO STEP: The countdown is on to Big League Weekend, with the Dodgers taking on the Rangers Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome in San Antonio! Erik Bedard and Zack Greinke are expected to start the two San Antonio exhibition games for the Dodgers, with a roster that includes Yasmani Grandal, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig, and Joc Pederson.

BRANDON’S BDAY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy 32nd birthday to Brandon League. League is getting an injection in his shoulder today to try to resolve his soreness. He last pitched on March 9.

(Agon & Puig, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tommy Lasorda is hanging around Camelback Ranch to meet with fans, sign autographs and promote a new book about his life and career.  Be sure to check him out at the stadium this afternoon from noon to 2:00 PM to have him sign "Tommy Lasorda: My Way."

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more photos from Jon from yesterday.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Will Ferrell now has a page at Baseball-Reference.  Check it out here.
• Jorge Arangure Jr. of Vice Sports tries to find out who shut down the Ned Colletti twitter parody account @DodgerzGM, "The Strange Saga of the Dodgers and a Twitter Parody Account."  BTW, the person who ran that parody account started a new one called @Ned2point0.  Check out their first post below.  Ha Ha!

*Gun pointed at my head* "No, I wasn't suspended because of the real Ned Colletti. He is great man with a terrific sense of humor."
— Ned2point0 (@Ned2point0) March 13, 2015

• Just more delays.  It's appearing more likely that we'll again not have SportsNet LA on a a majority of Southland TV screens this coming season.  Via Meg James at the LA Times, "FCC delays review of Comcast-Time Warner Cable and AT&T-DirecTV mergers."
• Via Mike Ozanian at Forbes.com, "Potential Sale Of Stake In Los Angeles Dodgers To South Koreans Values Team at $3 Billion."
• Here's a great story about a Dodger pitcher with an interesting WWII story.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "German pilot gives Coulombe a shot at Dodgers roster."

"I wouldn't be here," said Coulombe, who has thrown two scoreless innings this spring. "If the pilot had followed orders, my grandfather would have died. It's crazy to think."

• Via Matthew Mesa at Dodger Insider, "Dodger Stadium hosting 20th Annual L.A. Community Job Fair on March 28."
• Cards that Never Were made a fantastic 1978 fantasy Steve Garvey Topps MVP card.  Check it out here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 11 / Home Game 5

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.

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

Cincinnati Reds (5-5-1)  at Los Angeles Dodgers (5-2-3)
Friday, March 13, 2015 – 7:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Jason Marquis (2-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-0, 4.50)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC

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

(Peoria Stadium, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

FRIDAY THE 13TH: The Dodgers and Reds meet for the first and only time this spring in a sold-out contest under the lights at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Los Angeles and Cincinnati won’t meet again until August, when the clubs will play their seven-game season series in the span of two weeks, Aug. 13-16 at Dodger Stadium and Aug. 25-27 at Great American Ball Park.

• Tomorrow’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Indians at Camelback Ranch is also sold out. 

LOOK RYU’S BACK: Hyun-Jin Ryu made his Cactus League debut last night, striking out two in 2.0 hitless, scoreless innings, and combined with seven Dodger relievers (including Will Ferrell) on a two-hit shutout of the Padres in a 1-0 Dodger victory. Joc Pederson blasted his first homer of the spring in the ninth inning for the game’s only run and is batting .353 in seven Cactus League games.

• The Dodgers have committed just three errors through their first 10 Cactus League contests.
• Los Angeles pitchers have combined to post a 3.13 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .200 batting average this spring, striking out 72 and walking just 20 in 89.0 innings.

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

MINOR NEWS: Dodger minor leaguers will hold their first official workout of the spring tomorrow on the back fields at Camelback Ranch. The minor league portion of the Spring Training schedule gets underway for the Triple-A and Double-A rosters on March 20, while the two Single-A clubs have their opening games on March 22.

ON THE MOUND: Right-hander Brandon McCarthy will make his second start of the spring tonight after allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings on Sunday against the Brewers. The 31-year-old, who signed a four-year contract with Los Angeles this offseason, enters 2015 as one of baseball’s hottest pitchers after going 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA (32 ER/103.0 IP) in his final 16 starts last year with the D-backs and Yankees.

• RHP Joel Peralta will make his Dodger debut and his first outing of the spring tonight. Peralta, 39, was acquired this offseason from Tampa Bay and leads MLB relievers with 296 appearances over the last four years from 2011-14. During the course of his career, he’s posted a 3.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio and limited opposing hitters to a .230 batting average.
• RHP Brandon League is expected to make his third appearance of the spring this evening, last pitching on Monday against the Giants.
• RHP Chris Hatcher will make his third appearance of the spring tonight after tossing a scoreless inning on both March 5 against the White Sox and on Monday against the Giants. Hatcher, a converted catcher, was acquired from Miami in a seven-player deal on Dec. 10, 2014.
• RHP Juan Nicasio is expected to make his third appearance of the spring tonight after allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings on Sunday against the Brewers. Nicasio was acquired from the Rockies this offseason and, after opening the year in the starting rotation, he made the first 19 relief appearances of his career last year with Colorado, posting a 3.48 ERA in that role.
• LHP Daniel Coulombe has allowed just one hit in 2.0 scoreless appearances this spring, last pitching on Sunday against the Brewers. Coulombe, 25, made his MLB debut as a September call-up last year and pitched in five games with the Dodgers in his first big league action.
• RHP Yimi Garcia is expected to make his third appearance of the spring tonight after tossing a scoreless inning against both the Brewers (March 6) and Giants (Monday).  Garcia saw his first big league action last year as a September call-up and allowed just two runs in 10.0 innings in eight relief appearances with the Dodgers.

AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS: This weekend, former assistant to Tommy Lasorda, Colin Gunderson, returns to Camelback and will sign copies of his new book, Tommy Lasorda: My Way, along with the Hall of Fame skipper himself. There will be two signings in the center-field pavilion at Camelback Ranch, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. tonight and from noon-2:00 p.m. tomorrow

IN MEMORY: The Dodgers join the rest of the Los Angeles sports world in mourning the passing of longtime sports talk radio host Joe McDonnell at the age of 58. The club wishes to pass along its deepest condolences to McDonnell’s family and to all those in the Southern California sports community who lost a colleague and friend. Dodger EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen said, “Joe was all about sports and loved the Dodgers. He was a fixture at Dodger Stadium and will be terribly missed by players, management and fans.”

(The Kershaw's, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 6 / Home 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.

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

Lo Angeles Dodgers (3-1-1) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (0-3)
Sunday, March 8, 2015 – 12:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch

RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-0) vs. RHP Mike Fiers (0-0)
TV: SNLA Radio: AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

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

(Bats, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

HOME COOKING: The Dodgers are back home this afternoon to take on the Milwaukee Brewers for the second and final time this spring. A split-squad of Dodgers crushed the Brewers, 10-1, on Friday in Maryvale. Last season, Los Angeles lost five of its six games with Milwaukee, including a late-season sweep Aug. 15-17 at Dodger Stadium. This year, the “Brew Crew” will play host to the Dodgers seven times, including four contests in Milwaukee May 4-7. The Dodgers host the Brewers for three games July 10-12, their final games before the All-Star break.

NOT THAT COOL: Los Angeles gave up four runs in the ninth inning yesterday and then salvaged a 5-5 tie with the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear. The big performance of the day was from newly-acquired catcher Yasmani Grandal, who went 3-for-3 with a solo homer and three RBI on the day.

• Until the ninth, the Dodger relievers were solid behind starter Mike Bolsinger, as Chad Gaudin (2.0 IP), Jeremy Horst (1.1) and Chin-hui Tsao (2.2) all tossed scoreless baseball.
• Through five games, the Dodgers have a .294 team batting average, a .354 on-base percentage and a .469 slugging percentage.
• A couple Dodgers in the starting lineup this afternoon have been on fire, namely center fielder Joc Pederson (5-for-7 with two doubles and four runs scored) and designated hitter Scott Schebler (5-for-10, three doubles, two RBI).

  

  (Yasmani Grandal, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

ON THE MOUND: Right-hander Brandon McCarthy, signed by the club to a four-year deal in the offseason, will make his Dodger debut this afternoon vs. Milwaukee. McCarthy is coming off a career year last season with the Yankees and Diamondbacks in which he established career highs in innings (200.0), wins (10) and strikeouts (175). After being acquired by the Yankees on July 6, the Glendale, CA, native went 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts with New York. In 207 games (153 starts) for the White Sox (2005-6), Rangers (2007-9), A’s (2011-12), Diamondbacks (2013-14) and Yankees (2014), McCarthy is 52-65 with a 4.09 ERA in nine big league seasons.

• Left-handed relievers Daniel Coulombe and Ryan Buchter are both expected back on the mound after each fired a scoreless inning on Thursday against the White Sox. Coulombe appeared in five games for the Dodgers last year, posting a 4.15 ERA. In his three years in the minors, Coulombe has gone 7-3 with eight saves and posted a 3.43 ERA in 126 games. Buchter made his Major League debut with Atlanta last season, which was his only big league appearance. In nine minor league seasons he has posted a 32-18 record with a 3.44 ERA in 327 games (two starts) in the Nationals (2006-08), Cubs (2009-11) and Braves (2011-14) organizations.
• RHP Juan Nicasio is looking to bounce back from a rough first-time out in 2015. The right-hander allowed three runs on four hits in his 1.0 inning of work in the Cactus League lid-lifter Wednesday.
• Three right-handers that impressed in their Dodger debuts and are expected to see action today are Sergio Santos, Adam Liberatore and Josh Ravin. The trio each tossed a scoreless inning on March 4 vs. the White Sox. Santos, a former first-round pick of the D-backs in 2002, spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jays and is a converted shortstop. The 27-year-old Liberatore was acquired in a trade with the Rays on Nov. 20, 2014, which also brought RHP Joel Peralta to Los Angeles, and had a career year for Triple-A Durham last year, going 6-1 with four saves and a 1.66 ERA in 54 games. Ravin, a graduate of Chatsworth High School, is in his second season in the Dodger organization after combining to go 2-1 with six saves and a 3.55 ERA in 23 relief appearances for Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque last year.

WHO’S GOT NEXT?: The Dodgers will have seven minor leaguers joining the club today against the Brewers at Camelback: infielders Jarek Cunningham (No. 87) and Luis Mateo (No. 86); outfielder Joey Curletta (No. 95); catcher Ryan Scott (No. 88); RHP Steve Smith (No. 94), LHP Mike Thomas (No. 89) and RHP Jeremy Kehrt (No. 85).  

(Juan Uribe, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 2 / Away Game 1 - Kershaw on the Mound

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.

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

Los Angeles Dodgers (0-1)  vs. Chicago White Sox (1-0)

LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. LHP John Danks

Thursday, March 5, 2015 – 12:05 p.m. PT | Camelback Ranch – Glendale

 TV: SNLA/MLB Network Radio: AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

(today's starting lineup, via Colleen Kane on twitter)

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

(Clayton Kershaw, via @Dodgers on twitter)

JUST ONE GAME: The Dodgers dropped their Cactus League opener yesterday, in a 6-4 loss against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Dodgers are the designated road team in today’s game, a rematch against the White Sox, which is the Dodgers’ first of 19 road spring training games in Arizona. Starting pitcher, Erik Bedard took the loss in his Dodger debut yesterday, allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings. Designated hitter Joc Pederson went 2-for-2, with a double and a run and first baseman O’Koyea Dickson, who went 1-for-2 in the game, blasted a home run to left field in his first at-bat after entering the game in the 5th inning.

• The Dodgers are now 2-6 in their Cactus League openers since re-locating Spring Training to Camelback Ranch in 2009, including dropping both split-squad contests in 2011.

HILLTOPPERS: The Dodgers will send reigning NL Cy Young and MVP winner Clayton Kershaw to the mound today for his 2015 debut, coming off of a remarkable season, in which he topped the Majors with 21 wins (21-3) and a 1.77 ERA in 27 starts. He won his third-career Cy Young and became the 11th Dodger to win the NL MVP award, the first National League pitcher to be honored as MVP since the Cardinals’ Bob Gibson. He has led the Majors in ERA every season since 2011, becoming the first-ever pitcher to win four consecutive ERA titles. Since making his debut in 2008, Kershaw leads the Majors in ERA, winning percentage (.667), opponents’ average (.209) and WHIP (1.06).

• 25-year-old RHP Joe Wieland will make his Dodger debut today after being acquired by Los Angeles in a five-player trade with the Padres. Wieland made his Major League debut in 2012 for the Padres and was a September call-up again in 2014, posting a 1-4 record in nine big league games (seven starts). Wieland, who played in seven minor league seasons, threw a no-hitter for Double0A Frisco (Rangers) on July 29, 2011 in the Texas League.
• RHP Brandon League will make his first appearance of the spring today. In 2014, League did not allow a home run in 63.0 IP, the most homerless innings by any NL player. Since 2004, he ranks first among Major League relievers (min. 475.0 IP) with a 61.1 ground ball percentage.
• Hard-throwing RHP Chris Hatcher is expected to make his first appearance as a Dodger after being acquired in a seven-player trade with the Marlins on Dec. 10, 2014. Hatcher, who made his Major League debut in 2010 with Miami as a catcher was returned to the big leagues the following season as a pitcher in 2011. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he became the first player since Art Doll of the Boston Braves in 1935 to play his first Major League season as a catcher and return in a subsequent season as a pitcher.
• LHP Daniel Coulombe, who made his MLB debut with Los Angeles last year as a September call-up, will also make his first appearance of the spring today. Coulombe who appeared in five games for the Dodgers, posted a 4.15 ERA and recorded five strikeouts. In his three years in the minors, Coulombe has gone 7-3 with eight saves and posted a 3.43 ERA in 126 games.



(Dodger billboard, pic via Matthew Moreno on twitter)

• LHP Ryan Buchter will make his first appearance of the spring today. Buchter, one of the newest Dodgers, made his Major League debut with Atlanta last season, which was his only big league appearance. In nine minor league seasons he has posted a 32-18 record with a 3.44 ERA in 327 games (two starts) in the Nationals (2006-08), Cubs (2009-11) and Braves (2011-14) organizations.

COME ON UP: The Dodgers will have five minor leaguers joining the club today against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch: infielder Luis Mateo (No.86), outfielder Joey Curletta (No.96), outfielder Travis Witherspoon (No.85), LHP Jeremy Horst (No.97), RHP Jeremy Kehrt (No.87) and RHP Steve Smith (No.95)

A SAD FAREWELL: The Dodgers mourn the passing of long-time Dodger scout John Keenan, who died this morning. Keenan was a scout in the Kansas area and was involved in the signing of many former Dodgers, including infielder Bill Russell and outfielder Mitch Webster. His grandfather, Bert Wells, was also a well-known Dodger scout.

MARK YOUR CALENDER: The Dodgers and the Padres have agreed to move the start time for their March 12 Spring Training game to 6:15 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex. This adjustment from the original 1:05 p.m. time slot is to accommodate a request by Major League Baseball, which is collaborating with HBO to film a special that day in Arizona.

(Mattingly & Rollins, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 2/3/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Greinke and the Kings in DC

My beloved Kings made their second visit to the White House in as many years yesterday afternoon.  Congrats, boys!  Now, win another!  Pic above via @LAKings on twitter.  Via a story by Dan Rosen at NHL.com:

"As a Chicago fan I'm a little resentful, you guys have an embarrassment of riches," President Obama said during his seven-minute speech. "Today feels like Groundhog Day. If you're feeling a little déjà vu you're not alone. Two years ago we had the Galaxy and the Kings here together. So if you see Bill Murray playing the piano in the foyer you know something weird is going on, and we're probably going to do this again."

Hopefully we'll see a triumvirate of the Dodgers, Kings and Galaxy in Washington DC for this ceremony.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com, "Puig looking for redemption vs. rival Cardinals."  This is a fun story about a family friend who happens to be a Cardinal's fan and constantly taunts Puig about our playoff losses to them.

"He's driving me crazy," Puig said in Spanish. "I have to kick him out of that family. He has four blue things of mine in his room, and he tells me it's because he feels sorry for me, sorry for the Dodgers. He has everything else red -- the comforter, the sheets, the ceiling, everything. His room is red. And he says the best city in the United States is St. Louis."

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "There’s more to Chris Hatcher than just being a baseball player – A lot more."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Zack Greinke offers less-than-glowing review of Dodgers' moves."

“Well, I guess the best way I can answer that question is that, in the playoffs last year, I thought our team was the best team in baseball,” Greinke said. “To say we’re better than that, I don’t know if you could say that, especially without seeing us play.” 

• Via John Hogan at Cards That Never Were, "1977 Topps Don Sutton All Star MVP: Going Horizontal."  Here's a fantastic Sutton fantasy Baseball card.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Daniel Coulombe learns from September stint."

“It gives me a lot of confidence,” said Coulombe, who turned 25 in October, one week after getting married. “I proved to myself I have the ability to get big-league hitters out … now it’s a matter of executing.”

• Via Bob Lemke, ""War Bond Game" was $800MM extravaganza."

When the event was initially proposed it was expected that sales of $100 million worth of war bonds would be realized. When the dust had settled from the last out of the all-star game, it was reported that $800 million in bond sales and pledges had been made. (In today's dollars, that's about $11 billion!)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2014 - Dodger Links - Logan White is Leaving Dodgers

Stay tuned.  Puig recently announced on his instagram that newly created Puig signature caps will be soon available on his website.  His website is here.

Below are some links to check out:

• RIP, Oscar Tavares.  Via Charlie Wilmoth at MLB Trade Rumors, "Oscar Taveras Dies In Car Accident" in the Dominican Republic.  Tarvares was a top prospect within the Cardinals organization.
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Can The Dodgers Even Sell Low On Andre Ethier?"

One way or another, a Dodger outfielder is moving. Maybe it’s Van Slyke, though that wouldn’t really free up much room. Maybe it’s Puig in some kind of massive deal, though that seems unlikely. Kemp’s second-half surge probably keeps him in the heart of the lineup. Carl Crawford could go, though he’s only mildly more valuable than Ethier is. Most likely, Ethier is going in a deal that sees the Dodgers A) eat 90% of his contract B) take on someone else’s problem or C) both.

• No!  Via Jon Heyman of CBS Sports on twitter, Scouting Director Logan White is leaving the Dodgers.

Logan White, well-respected dodgers scouting director who picked Kershaw, Kemp and the others, is taking job with Padres.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 27, 2014

• Old friend alert!  Former Dodger infielder Justin Sellers is now a Pirate, via @Pirates on twitter.
• Dodger pitching prospect Danny Coulombe recently celebrated an Avengers birthday, via his twitter.  Happy Birthday, Danny!

Thank you to my beautiful wife (of one week), Lauren Coulombe, for the Avengers birthday breakfast! pic.twitter.com/KomHeh1LVG
— Danny Coulombe (@DPCoulombe) October 26, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night Tommy Lasorda visited with Jimmy Kimmel and had an opportunity to meet with Taylor Swift, as evidenced by the photo above tweeted by @TommyLasorda.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Report: Bundy to return as third-base coach."
• Just more stuff to add to his mantel.  Via Jesse Spector at The Sporting News, "Clayton Kershaw edges Mike Trout for Sporting News Player of the Year."

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year for 2014, as selected by a panel of  244 major league players. Kershaw beat Angels superstar Mike Trout by just three votes.
...
“It’s awesome,” Kershaw said of the honor. “It really is cool to have that respect from other guys in the league. That’s a huge compliment. For my peers to give that to me, that’s awesome.”

• Via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register on twitter, four Dodgers are finalist for a Gold Glove:

#Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Juan Uribe, Ps Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke finalists for Rawlings Gold Glove awards at their positions
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 23, 2014

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA shares his choices for "Top three greatest Dodger moments of 2014."  I think I have to agree.  Although, I may have gone with a different order.  Still, it's definitely a great group of highlights.
• Via Eric Stephen of True Blue LA on twitter, Dodger prospect/reliever Danny Coulombe has been very busy:

Busy week for Dodgers LHP @DPCoulombe: married Sun, pitched Tue (w/Josh Byrnes watching), now off AFL roster (hopefully enjoying honeymoon)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 23, 2014

• Via Kevin Nelson at Sports Collectors Digest, "Operation Bullpen Endures, Public Fascination Continues."  I would be very interested in seeing a movie about the largest fraud ever perpetrated in the sports memorabilia hobby.
• Buster Olney of ESPN tells us a bit about Andrew Friedman's contract on twitter:

Not surprisingly, Andrew Friedman's deal with the Dodgers is record-setting: from sources, $35 million over 5 years, plus incentives.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 24, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Daniel Coulombe!

Filed under unexpected, the Dodgers called up Chattanooga Lookouts left-handed reliever Daniel Coulombe to join the bullpen.  He is 24-years old, 5' 10", 185 lbs. and will wear #64.  Also, this is his very first trip to the "Show".  Congrats, kiddo!

Coulombe was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2008 in the 17th Round, but elected to go to college instead.  He pitched at USC, then Texas Tech and had Tommy John Surgery in 2011.  Then in 2012 he was again drafted by the Dodgers in the 25th Round and immediately signed up.  Since then, Coulombe has quickly advanced from rookie ball to AA in less than three season.  Per a Dodger press release:

Coulombe, 24, combined to go 3-0 with six saves and a 2.89 ERA in 49 relief appearances with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga this year. He posted a 2.57 ERA (6 ER/21.0 IP) with 31 strikeouts and only 10 walks in 18 regular-season appearances with the Lookouts after his July 17 promotion and also helped key Chattanooga's run to the Southern League championship series with three saves during the postseason. Overall, Coulombe limited opponents to a .214 batting average in the minors with 92 strikeouts and only 27 walks in 65.1 innings, including a .204 mark against left-handed hitters (20-for-98) and a .221 average against righties (31-for-140).

Daniel Coulombe has been very good this year, and could prove to be a sleeper arm in the 'pen.  He joins a left-handed bullpen that includes JP Howell, Scott Elbert, Paco Rodriguez and Paul Maholm.

Love the Daniel Coulombe promotion. Kid has some potential. Definitely a sleeper lefty reliever prospect. Low-90s FB, CB that flashes plus.
— Dustin Nosler (@DustinNosler) September 16, 2014

In celebration of Daniel Coulombe's becoming a Dodger for the first time I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph taken by Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA and the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career statistics, via Baseball Reference:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *