Blog Kiosk: 4/2/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Dated to Opening Day, April 17, 1934, here's a AP press photo featuring Dodger manager Casey Stengel shaking hands with Boston Braves skipper Bill McKechnie (eBay auction link).

BTW, the Brooklyn Dodgers won that afternoons contest, 8-7, on the back of homers by outfielders Danny Taylor and Hack Wilson and a complete game by Van Lingle Mungo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 47-year old Dodger great Gil Hodges dies of an heart attack. In 2008 Dodgers coach Larry Bowa is ejected from the game for not staying within the boundaries of the coaching box. He is given a three-game suspension for "inappropriate and aggressive conduct," in which he had to be restrained by manager Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer. As background, Mike Coolbaugh, first base coach for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, was killed the year prior from a batted ball that struck him in the temple while coaching. You can watch the ejection here.
• Happy Birthday, Hughie "Ee-Yah" Jennings, Don Sutton, Reggie Smith & Mike Kekich!

Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This just might be the best photo from the 1955 World Series - the Dodgers first World Championship. Featured are a group of Dodger wives (see Rachel Robinson on the far left) celebrating right after the victory, available via RMY Auction. This photo was taken by Barney Stein and it is a re-strike -- printed in 1980.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 1/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

He's officially a Dodger now.

Featured above is a vintage International News press photograph showing the Dodgers manager helping newly signed Dodgers coach, Babe Ruth, into his uniform for the very first time.  (RMY Auction Listing) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Into Uniform Once More... But Only To Coach:  Manager Burleigh Grimes of the Brooklyn Dodgers helps the one-time King of Swat to don his uniform.  Just before the Brooklyn team took to the field to engage in a double-header against the Chicago Cubs.  A few minutes later, the Bambino received a tremendous ovation from 25,000 fans when he made his debut as a Dodger coach.  The beloved ex-home run king spent an hour posing for the movies before the game, signing autographs and hitting fungoes to the outfield.  To top things off Ruth took a turn at bat and drove one of Grimes offerings out of the lot (dated 6/19/1938)

The Dodgers were no-hit by Reds hurler Johnny Vander Meer on June 15, 1938 -- the second of his two consecutive no-hitters that season.  Then the following day Ruth met with the team and officially signed a contract to be a coach for Brooklyn.  He would debut in the uniform on the 19th at Ebbets Field.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1988 Steve Garvey announced his retirement from the game of Baseball.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Jordan & Elmer Dessens!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - Haren, Hill, and Roberts on Maeda

Not only did the Dodgers feature the first African-American position player to play in the Majors, but they also introduced the first African-American pitcher to enter a Major League game.  Featured above is a vintage AP Wire Photo, currently available for sale at RMY Auctions (Link Here), that shows a clapping Jackie Robinson (on the right) providing on-field encouragement to trailblazing pitcher Dan Bankhead as he enters a MLB game for the first time.  It is dated to August 26, 1947.

As you may know, his debut did not go exactly as planned.  Bankhead would enter the game in relief of starter Hal Gregg -- who had been shelled for six runs in the one inning he pitched (after not getting an out in the second inning) against the Pirates at Ebbets Field.  So, Pittsburgh bats were hot, and looking to make it a laugher.  Unfortunately for Bankhead that's exactly what they did.  Over the next 3 1/3 innings Dan gave up eight earned runs on ten hits; including hitting batter Wally Westlake with a wicked curve -- an act that some thought might provoke a fight.  On the positive side, Dan Bankhead did hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning in his very first Major League at-bat.  Per Rory Costello at the SABR Biography Project:

After the game, Bankhead told pioneer black sportswriter Sam Lacy, “I think I’ll be okay as soon as this newness wears off. Today it seemed like I was wearing a new glove, new shoes, new hat, everything seemed tight.”

Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2013 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Wilson. 
• Happy Birthday, Tom Lovett, Ryan Theriot & Yasiel Puig!

Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - Haren, Erskine and Baseball Voodoo Helps Puig

Ballplayers will go to just about any length to get their bats going right.

Case in point, check out the photo above tweeted by Yasiel Puig.  It features a reverent Kiké Hernández standing over his bats.  Puig wrote (likely Kiké wrote):

Electric stim machine for treatment on bats. Trying to extract hits. Puig's bat is next.

I say, do whatever works.  BTW, Kiké also Instagrammed the following:

Kids; make sure that if there's something wrong with your body, you let a trainer know. I learned the hard way, but now my bats are getting treatment and they should be better in the upcoming days! Thanks to everybody for the prayers and good wishes! Love y'all!

So, what happened?  Did the voodoo work?  Why yes, it did!  Yasiel broke out after just having three hits over the past 24 at-bats.  Last night he recorded three hits; including a run scoring single and a home run in the sixth inning.  No doubt, Kiké Hernández's magic worked out.  Via a follow up tweet by Puig after the game:

I think the electric stim machine gave result thanks @kikehndez for the idea

Go here to check out a bunch of pics from yesterdays game from Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela improved his season record to 8-0 with a complete game victory over the Expos at Dodger Stadium.  In 2011 the Dodgers, for the first time since 1914, were defeated after giving up only one hit.  Chad Billingsley gave up a double in the second inning to Stephen Drew of the Diamondbacks; who eventually scored on a failed pick-off play at second.  Jamey Carroll had forgotten to cover the base, so the throw went into centerfield.

Blog KIosk: 3/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Sierra, Maeda and Josh Ravin

Good morning, Dodger Fans!

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

• Still unable to participate in any spring activities due to unresolved immigration paperwork, Yaisel Sierra is now in Arizona, via a tweet from Alanna Rizzo:

RHP Yaisel Sierra made a very brief appearance at camp today. Still not officially here. #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 29, 2016

• Several other Cubans have also made it to spring camp, via a tweet by Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

3 of the #Dodgers young Cuban investments -- RHP Yadier Alvarez, OF Yusniel Diaz, IF Omar Estevez - were in minor-league camp today

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 29, 2016

• Amanda McCarthy, wife of Brandon, shared a pic of her husband as a young Dodger fan on Instagram (link here), so I decided to make a fantasy Baseball card using the photo.  Check it out on the right.
• Yasmani Grandal made an interesting comment about pitcher Kenta Maeda after a throwing session yesterday.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Maeda unleashes 4-pitch mix in BP session."

"The reason I compare him to Greinke is that he's got a four-pitch mix," Yasmani Grandal said after catching Maeda's two innings. "Obviously, they are two different pitchers. But you can build a game plan around four pitches and be creative, that's the comparison."

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA puts together some background information on Dodgers catching prospect Kyle Farmer (Link Here).
• Listen to former Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren on the Jonah Keri podcast (dated 2/26/2016 Link Here) where he talks a bit about his time with the Dodgers.  (Hat Tip: r/clarkbarniner on Reddit)
• Dodgers pitcher Josh Ravin was in a car accident this morning, via Alanna Rizzo on twitter:

.@FreshSqueezed22 was in an auto accident yesterday, breaking his left radius (forearm area).  Surgery scheduled for today.  #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 1, 2016

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Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, Urias and Buy your FanFest Autograph Vouchers Today!

Get your Dodgers FanFest autograph voucher tickets today.  Go here for information.  All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.  Go here to see my blog post about the sale from last night.

Below are more links to check out:

• FYI, Trade Deadline has been moved to August 1st for only this year, via Tom Singer at MLB.com.
• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "Dodgers top prospects 2016: No. 8, Alex Verdugo."

Verdugo has some of the best bat speed in the system, though this can be inconsistent. The obvious change from his high school days to 2015 is the fluidity in his swing. Verdugo has quieted his set up, with low hands and a slightly open stance, and employs a toe tap for timing. Verdugo’s swing is extremely short to the ball, and when right, he shows a high finish and extension, spraying line drives gap to gap.

• Via Ken Gurnick and David Venn at MLB.com, "High expectations only make Urias work harder."

"The truth is, I'm proud that they've given me that high praise," Urias said in New York. "It gives me strength to keep working, work harder and achieve the goal I have in my mind."

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "The Worst Clayton Kershaw Pitches of 2015."
• Kershaw also mouthed off a bit on twitter at the mention of that new 9th planet.  Via Mike Bertha at Cut4, "Why Clayton Kershaw really is out of this world." 

U mean 10th right? #neverforgetpluto

— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) January 21, 2016

• Via Ronald Blum at the AP, "MLB unsure of timing in Chapman, Puig and Reyes probes."

"I would love to have these resolved before we begin play again," Manfred said. "The one thing I've learned about these cases is timing is not mine, right? You have to really rely on the criminal process playing out in order to put yourself in a position that you're comfortable to actually know what the facts are."

• Dan Haren is living the dream, via a tweet:

Just played Legend of Zelda for 2 hours. This is the life I dreamed of 25 years ago. Stay in school, dreams come true kids.

— dan haren (@ithrow88) January 20, 2016

• A Reddit user named r/dallenhill shared a fantastic pic of a sample promo-give away that was proposed one year.  It's a Dodger sombrero.  Check out a pic in the thread here.
• Via Samy's Camera, "Interview: Jon SooHoo – Los Angeles Dodgers Official Team Photographer."

Q: What was the first Dodgers game you photographed?
A: Back in the day, when I was a student at USC in 1981, the Trojans traveled to Dodger Stadium to play an exhibition game against the assembled Dodgers.  One of the pitchers for the Dodgers was a young and upcoming left hander from Mexico. Who, during this exhibition, was just another pitcher among the four Dodgers to pitch that game. It took me about 20 years to go back through my negatives to realize that this was the beginning of Fernandomania.

• Awesome!  Below is a new episode of "The Breaks":

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2016 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Haren and Scott Kazmir

This is the kind of incentive players got in the 50's.

Featured above is a September 30, 1950 press photo from the Associated Press showing Dodger manager Burt Shotton hand-feeding hurler Erv Palica after a complete game victory against the Phillies.  It was the second to last game of the season, and Brooklyn was two games behind Philadelphia for the National League pennant.  Palica's effort lowered the deficit to just one game, and the last deciding game would be the next day against the Phillies in Brooklyn.  Unfortunately, Don Newcombe couldn't hold off the inevitable.  Newk would lose the game after being bested by Robin Roberts.  Both pitchers went ten innings.  Photo via eBay.

Below are more links to check out:

• Listen to Clayton Kershaw on Game Night with Matt Perrault to talk about his foundation and the Dodgers (link here).  Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue recaps the interview here.

Kershaw: I think expectations are great. I just think you need to know when to celebrate and when to enjoy a moment. For me, that’s the most important thing.

• Dan Haren is a crack up.  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Dan Haren reflects on his career during hilarious Twitter rant."  Cwik points to several tweets, but I think the one below is most pertinent to Dodgers fans:

My threat to retire didn't quite work last offseason

— dan haren (@ithrow88) January 4, 2016

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "Scott Kazmir, the Dodgers, and Health."
• Via an AP story at ESPN, "Scott Kazmir's $48M deal with Dodgers includes payments through 2021."

Los Angeles will defer $8 million of each year's salary without interest, money payable in equal installments each Dec. 15 from 2019-21. Because of the deferred money, Major League Baseball calculates the deal's present-day value at $44,954,652.

• Former Dodger GM is moving on to the gridiron.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Paul DePodesta Leaves Mets For NFL."

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Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2015 - Dodger Links - Breaking Up is Hard to Do

They sure do know how to pack them in.  Above is a view of the Dodger press room for yesterday's press conference to discuss the departure of manager Don Mattingly, and it was filled to the brim.  Even with the World Series on the horizon the Dodgers became the talk of Baseball, and I suppose we fans would want nothing less.  The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Also, you can watch the entire press conference here.

There isn't much more that I can add to what's already been said and written.  Donnie is gone, and the impression given by all parties is that it was an amicable split.  Of course, that's like any breakup with a significant other that didn't end with screaming expletives and broken bottles.

"Sure... It just didn't work out... Let's just be friends... No, it's me... Really, it's me, not you."

Nevertheless, that's the story they are telling and nothing in the world will change their narrative.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“If there was a reason that this happened, we would share it,” Friedman said during a 45-minute session for him and Zaidi at Dodger Stadium. “There’s not. It was a collection of a lot of different conversations over many days that got us to this point. So it’s not so black and white here. There is a huge middle, and it’s gray, and that’s how everything played out.”

Mattingly expressed similar words, as shared by Mark Saxon at ESPN:

"I can't sit here and say I'm just bubbling over," Mattingly said. "There are a lot of emotions that go into this, a lot of discussion, a lot of talk, but it gets back around to the same thing as we kept talking and going over it. We all came to the same conclusion. This is best for both parties."

Wow!  It's amazing how much this does sound like a high school breakup. 

Below are more links to check out:

• Bill Shaikin at the LA Times suggest, "Five candidates to replace Don Mattingly as Dodgers manager."
• Via Howard Cole at Forbes, "BookMaker Names Bud Black Best Bet To Succeed Don Mattingly As Dodger Skipper."
• Justin Turner appears to be doing well after his surgery yesterday, via his tweet:

Surgery was a success! Thank you @NealElAttrache and thanks to everyone for all the well wishes! #LA @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/V5Tj2HG3Cw

— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 22, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, with Mattingly now out of the picture, "Dodgers coaching staff told they are free to look elsewhere for jobs."

"We talked to them this morning. Obviously we wish that we had more answers to provide but we don't. This process is just getting underway," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Thursday. "We told them they are free to look elsewhere."

In fact, Eric wrote earlier that, "Tim Wallach interview(ed) for Nationals' managerial opening."

• To the surprise of no one, Mattingly's players come to his defense.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com: "Dodgers players hold Mattingly in high regard."  

"I loved playing for Donnie," said Clayton Kershaw, Opening Day starter for each of Mattingly's five seasons. "He has and will always have my utmost respect. I have nothing but positive things to say about him as a person and a manager. He will be missed."

Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "A.J. Ellis has strong words of support for Don Mattingly."

"From my experience, rarely does a player you grew up idolizing come close to even meeting your expectations. To say Donnie exceeded mine is an understatement. Donnie is the most consistent, optimistic person I have ever been around, on or off the field. It was an honor playing for him, and to embrace each other as we did these past three years after clinching a division title are cherished memories. I have no doubt he will be a world champion manager some day, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to play for him."

• Former Dodger pitcher Dan Haren has called it quits.  He is retiring from the game, via his tweet:

Thank you baseball. I played this beautiful game for 30 years. I took my jersey off for the last time tonight. It was an honor. #ithrew88

— dan haren (@ithrow88) October 22, 2015

• Um.... What?  Keith Hernandez told Dan Patrick that the Dodgers front office created an essay test for their scouts, and whoever didn't pass was fired.  It starts at the 6:18 point.  I want to know what the three test questions were.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2015 - Dodger Links - Mattingly, Grandal and Turner

Just another celebration in the Dodgers clubhouse.

Check out this fantastic, rarely seen, photograph of several of Brooklyn's boys drinking, partying and carrying-on in the locker room after clinching the 1955 National League pennant.  It is currently available for sale at RMY Auction.  Check that out here.  It was originally printed in the Milwaukee Journal.

You can see second baseman Don Zimmer give Dodger batboy Charlie Di Giovanna a beer shower as Roger Craig, Dixie Howell, Don Bessent, Billy Loes, Frank Kellert and Russ Meyer cheer on.  Best yet, Zimmer is wearing Don Newcombe's oversized straw hat.

Below are more links to check out:

• Bill Shaikin at the LA Times ponders the idea of possibly trading Mattingly; "Why Dodgers' choice on Don Mattingly is not simply 'keep him' or 'fire him'" 
• Go here to check out information of Dodgers Fantasy Camp at Camelback Ranch in January.
• As you already know, Yasmani Grandal is having arthroscopic surgery on his left should AC joint today.  Now we find out that Justin Turner is having arthroscopic surgery on left knee tomorrow, via a @dodgers tweet.  Hopefully they'll be 100% come Spring.

Justin Turner to have arthroscopic surgery on left knee Thursday to clean up loose bodies, also expected to be set for Spring Training (2/2)

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2015

• Via Chris Erskine at the LA Times, "Thanks, Dodgers, for everything — except that ongoing TV fiasco."

But if you don't settle this intransigent TV standoff by next season — probably the last for Vin Scully, your biggest star — there may be a pox on this franchise that may take decades to overcome.

Dear Dodgers, don't become your own curse.

• What is wrong with you, Dan Haren?  Via his twitter:

I've never seen one Star Wars movie and I'm 35, where do I begin?? ? My mom made me watch I Love Lucy when I was a kid and I loved it.

— dan haren (@ithrow88) October 20, 2015

• Blowout Cards shares some preview pics and product information on Topps 2016 Museum Baseball card set that is slated to be released in March 2016.  Go here to check that out.  On the right is a Clayton Kershaw Meaningful Material Prime Relic card.
• The debut issue of Baseball Magazine on digital is now available for a free download.  Go here to check it out.  It includes a story about the mythology of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/13/2015 - Dodger Links - Justin Turner, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig

Goodness gracious!  There are so many story lines from last night's game.  I could rattle off about the fantastic start by Mike Bolsinger; who went 5.2 innings, gave up five hits, a lone home run and struck out three.  Via an AP story at ESPN:

"I just tried to put myself in a good position to stay up here," Bolsinger said. "I didn't have my fastball command that I wanted so I just threw a lot of curveballs and sliders and was able to get some groundouts."

Or, how about that home run Bolsinger gave up to Mike Stanton that cleared Dodger Stadium - only the fifth time that's ever been done.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"That's the hardest ball I've ever seen hit against me … well, I take that back. His last ball he hit against me was probably the hardest ball," Bolsinger said. "You've got to just look back and go, ‘That's awesome,' and just go on with the game."

Then there's the offensive explosion that saw the team record 21 hits to earn the Dodgers 22nd win of the season.  Via Joe Frisaro and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We did a good job forcing [Haren] to throw the ball in the strike zone and kept the pressure on him," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "We did a good job of passing the baton."

But I am really enjoying the recent resurgence of the once-maligned outfielder Andre Either.  He is proving his naysayers wrong by showing that he still has something left in the tank.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Ethier pushed his 2015 OPS to 1.021 and has six consecutive hits dating back to Monday. Ethier holds the Los Angeles Dodger record (and is tied for the all-time franchise mark) with 10 consecutive hits in August 2012.

“It’s a good feeling,” Ethier said. “You’re doing what you want to do — every at-bat, you want to get a hit. But more importantly, it’s just keeping this thing going and building off that momentum from last night.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos of yesterday's game from Jon.  Below are some links to check out:

• What's better than a Dodger story told by Vin Scully?  How about a story told by Vin about the great Satchel Paige.  Watch it here via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.
• Via Eno Sarris at FanGraphs, "Justin Turner, Marlon Byrd, and an Education in Hitting." 

After years of hearing about letting the ball travel deep in the zone, and giving the ball time, and staying back, Turner didn’t quite take to the advice right away. He challenged Byrd, but Byrd got him right back. “Pull up your film from all the balls that you’ve driven, and look where your contact point was,” the outfielder told the infielder. “Even though I thought I was backing the ball up, when I looked at the balls I was driving, they were out in front of the plate,” Turner admitted. “It really started making sense.”

• Yeoman's work.  Redditor r/siber222000 translated a recent Korean article that includes an interview with Hyun-Jin Ryu regarding his recent shutdown.  Check it out here.

Q. Was it because of the pain? or was it because of the decline in fastball speed?

-It was more of an extended stiffness that lasted couple of days rather than pain which caused a bit of decline in my fastball. The second bullpen session was more uncomfortable than the first bullpen session (which he threw 25 fastballs).

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Puig's rehab stopped after setback."  Oy Vey!

"I don't know about it starting all the way over," Mattingly said. "It wasn't necessarily good news, but I don't feel we're starting all the way over. The MRI shows a strain and we know there is one."

• Wow!  This is fantastic.  John Thorn, MLB's official historian, is sharing photos from an 1880 book about the Worcester Base Ball Club's season that includes cartoon-like engravings.  It is from the only copy known to exist, and has never been reproduced or shared with the public before.  Check it out here.  Below is my favorite.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2015 - Dodgher Links - Urias, Kershaw and Corey Seager

Spring has just begun and Dodger Nation is already showing up in droves to catch a glimpse of the "Boys in Blue."  The above photo of a couple of Dodger "fanaticos" was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics of his from yesterday. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Jorge L. Ortiz at USA Today, "Lean, mean, only 18: Dodgers' Julio Urias gets serious."

"Fernando already completed his own great career. Now it's up to me to do what I can,'' he said. "I don't know if I'll ever measure up to what he did, but I have to put in the work. I know about the comparisons, but I don't feel any pressure to live up to what he accomplished. I'll have my own career and hopefully it's a successful one as well.''

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw unimpressed by first 'pen session of spring."

"I'm healthy and feel great, but it was a pretty bad [bullpen session]," said Kershaw. "I hope the next one is better. I was all over the place, but my arm and body feel good."

Ellis saw it differently.

"He was really good," said Ellis. "I think he's ahead of us and just waiting for us to catch up."

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers And The Cubans That Haven’t Worked Out."
• Topps has just released a Retro Spring Training 10" x 14" print available directly from them online.  A pic is on the right.  Go here to check them out.  A version numbered to 49 copies is available at $24.99.  I think this would look great with a bunch of signatures.  
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares what appears to be the first Dodger prank of the young season, here.  JP Howell did the ol' "hid all his stuff" prank on new Dodger pitcher and friend Joel Peralta.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN LA, "Corey Seager makes a good first impression."

“I just want to soak up as much as I can,” Seager said. “Just observe is basically what I’m trying to do.” 

• I don't even know why I'm linking to this.  It's just plain stupid... And slightly entertaining... Even if Tommy wasn't that entertained.  Via TMZ, "Tommy Lasorda Nods Off at Hot Burlesque Show."
• Old friend alert.  Former Dodger Nick Punto will not be playing ball this season, but may resume his career the following year, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.  Also, Dan Haren showed up for the Marlins Spring Training in Florida, via the Marlins on twitter.  I guess all of that talk several months back about not wanting to play for them was just posturing.
• The Dodgers single-A affiliate Great Lake Loons will host Star Wars Night, via their twitter:

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Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2015 - Dodger Links - Jackie Robinson, Dan Haren and Brett Anderson

Check out Jackie Robinson with just some of the trophies and awards he'd collected so far in his career.  It is an undated International News/The Sporting News press photograph that I ran into on eBay.  Go here to check out the auction.

Below are some links to check out:

• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dribbling on behalf of Jackie Robinson."

I was in a Harlem Globetrotters rabbit hole last weekend when I stumbled upon this connection between famed Harlem Globetrotter Marques Haynes and famed Dodger Jackie Robinson.

• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "A look back at the 2014 Rancho Cucamonga Quakes."
• Via Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs, "The Other Uncertainty Regarding Brett Anderson."  Just something to think/worry about.

Another uncertainty regarding Anderson, however — perhaps related to his injuries and perhaps not — concerns his fastball velocity. For, simultaneous to recording the worst park-adjusted xFIP (96 xFIP-) of his career in 2014, Anderson also recorded his lowest ever average fastball velocity (89.8 mph). There’s a distinct relationship between velocity and success, nor does Anderson appear to be immune from it.

• Via Joe Frisaro at the Fish Pond blog tells us that, "Haren not intending on joining Marlins."

If Miami cannot work out a trade, it is not clear yet if the 12-year big league veteran will retire.

• bpb47 at BaseballPinbackButtons has solved a vintage Jackie Robinson pin mystery in a piece entitled, "ONE MYSTERY SOLVED!"  This really is a big deal for Dodger/Jackie Robinson pin collectors.  Go here to check it out.  It relates to the pin on the right and the letter "J" above the name "Brooklyn Eagle".  We now know what the "J" is all about, and there could possible be pins with many different letters in the marketplace.  ("J" appears to be most common, but "R" and "N" are known to exist.)  On a side note, I was asked about this pin many months ago, but didn't have an answer then.  Now, I do.  Below is a pic of the ad discussed in the story:

• Via David Golebiewski at the Daily Gammons, "Kuroda Quietly Brilliant During MLB Tenure."

In 2015, Kuroda will re-join the Hiroshima Carp having proven to be durable, occasionally dominant, and still capable of vanquishing MLB hitters as he nears his 40th birthday. From 2008-14, Kuroda ranked 19th among starters in innings pitched (1,319) and Wins Above Replacement (21.7). Had he decided to pitch another year in the show — or make just one more stellar start, even — he would have passed Nomo (21.8 WAR) for the highest career WAR total among Japanese-born hurlers.

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WTF! My Head is Spinning! Dodgers Trade for Howie Kendrick?!

I'm still in shock about this afternoon's happenings.  It's like a whirlwind came over 'Dodger Nation' and decided to wreak havoc.  Let's just toss everything around and see if we can jumble the club into a super-powered statistically driven behemoth unseen in the game.

What we are witnessing is what happens when you pair some of the smartest folks in the game with the financial muscle of a Wall Street bank.  We get extremely bold moves. 

As you know, the Dodgers traded Dee Gordon, Dan Haren and Miguel Rojas to the Miami Marlins for Andrew Heaney, Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes and Kike Hernandez.  Then, just as the dust was starting to settle, the Dodgers have reportedly moved Andrew Heaney to the Angels for Howie Kendrick - straight up.

CORRECTION: Andrew Heaney to Angels for Howie Kendrick, not Austin Barnes.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) December 11, 2014

Wha...?  I just can't keep up.

So as it stands, we have the makings of a creative three-way trade.  The Dodgers get Howie Kendrick, Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes and Kike Hernandez.  The Miami Marlins get Dee Gordon, Dan Haren, Miguel Rojas and potentially a bunch of cash.  The Angels get Andrew Heaney. 

Whew!  What a crazy day it's been.

Hilariously, Andrew Heaney responded to being a Dodger for all of a few hours on twitter:

Well, @Dodgers we had a good run! Great to be a part of such a storied franchise. #thanksforthememories
— Andrew Heaney (@Heandog8) December 11, 2014

BTW, the Dodgers might not be done.  There are reports that they are close to signing free agent starter Brandon McCarthy.

UPDATE:  BTW, I had already made a Dodger fantasy Baseball card for Andrew Heaney and feel compelled to share - just because I don't want to feel like I wasted my time.  Check it out below.

UPDATE II:  Just to let you know what we might be missing when it comes to Andrew Heaney here is a listing of various scouting reports on him:

• Frank Neville scouting report at the Sporting News."

The talented lefthander doesn’t have a dominant pitch, but he has three above-average offerings and a smooth, repeatable delivery.  Heaney’s stuff plays up because he has some deception and he is effective at locating to both sides of the plate.

• Via Michael Beller at Sports Illustrated, "Fantasy baseball Pitcher Scouting Report: Andrew Heaney."

The 23-year-old lefty features a fastball that sits at about 91 mph, a changeup that typically clocks in about 10 mph slower, and a slider that registers in the high-70s.

• Via Chris Blessing at RotoScouting, "Andrew Heaney Scouting Report (2014)."

Listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Heaney has physical projection left. Long and lean, the young lefty looks stoic in the windup. With a three-quarters arm slot and easy arm action, his velocity is a product of consistency and power generated from his base. Heaney’s core is in near-perfect symmetry. Everything is laid back and easy.

• Via John Sickels at Minor League Ball, "Prospect of the Day: Andrew Heaney, LHP, Miami Marlins."

Born June 5, 1991, Heaney makes dominance look easy, throwing a 90-95 MPH fastball (sometimes as high as 97) with a low-effort delivery. He locates the fastball with precision, made all the more effective due to the contrast with a wicked slider (likely his best overall pitch) and a very good changeup.

• Via Clark Spencer at the Miami Herald, "Miami Marlins prospect Andrew Heaney being held in high regard."

“Pitchability-wise, he’s got the plus fastball,” (Wayne) Rosenthal (the Marlins’ minor-league pitching coordinator) said. “He’s got an out-pitch slider, and he’s got a changeup. So you’re looking at three plus pitches.”

UPDATE III:  It is now officeial.  Here is the Dodger official press release.

 The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the acquisitions of infielder Howie Kendrick from the Angels and prospects infielder/outfielder Kike Hernandez, catcher Austin Barnes and right-handed reliever Chris Hatcher from the Marlins. The acquisitions were made through two separate trades, a seven-player deal with Miami - with Los Angeles acquiring Hernandez, Barnes, Hatcher and left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney in exchange for infielder Dee Gordon, right-handed pitcher Dan Haren, infielder Miguel Rojas and a player to be named later or cash considerations - and a subsequent trade that sent Heaney to the Angels in exchange for Kendrick.

Pic at the very top via Wikimeadia Commons, Shishike.

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Dodgers Make Another Big Trade - Dee Gordon and Dan Haren go to Marlins

Holy moly!  What a day for the Dodgers.

After lulling its audience into believing they would do nothing the Dodgers go ahead and splurge all at once.  Following on the heels of the trade that brings Jimmy Rollins to play shortstop we find out that a blockbuster trade has been completed with the Miami Marlins.  Keep in mind, though, that this deal has yet to be confirmed by the clubs involved, but has received widespread confirmations throughout the peanut gallery.

The Dodgers will send fan favorite Dee Gordon and starting pitcher Dan Haren to Miami for top rated left-handed starting pitching prospect Andrew Heaney, right-handed reliever Chris Hatcher, infield prospect Austin Barnes and infield prospect Kike Hernandez.

Wow!  What a bevy of players.

From what I understand, Andrew Heaney is one of Miami's top starting pitching prospects, so he'll slot in nicely into Haren's spot.  Also, Chris Hatcher had been fairly effective in a relief role this past season in Miami.  As for the remaining two players, they have potential, but are hardly key pieces to the deal.

Something of note, Heaney would likely rank as the Dodgers 2nd or 3rd best prospect in our system, so we got quite a prize for Dee Gordon and Dan Haren.  The Dodgers front office definitely sold high on Dee.

I'll have more details later on; including my own card creations for the new Dodgers, so stay tuned.

UPDATE:  If you can't tell, I'm kinda excited about this trade.  It's the kind of deal I expected to see from our new front office and I'm glad that my expectations are being met.  On the flip side, I really like Dee Gordon... Like, I considered him to be the most 'True-Blue' Dodger on the entire roster kind of like for him.  If I were a younger lad I might be in tears at the thought of him playing elsewhere.

UPDATE II:  This is cold!  Via Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the Dodgers are paying all of Dan Haren's $10Mil salary for 2015 should he not retire, or they will pay nothing if he does retire (as he has already threatened to do).  UPDATE: Reports now indicate that the Marlins can keep the $10Mil even if Haren decides to retire.  Wow!

Hearing that #dodgers, as part of trade with #Marlins, agreed to pay Haren's $10 million. So Haren is a "free pitcher" for #Marlins.
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) December 11, 2014

UPDATE III: It is now being reported that Dodger infielder Miguel Rojas was also a part of the trade.  He goes to the Marlins, via Joe Fisaro at MLB.com:

I've heard INF Miguel Rojas is also headed to #Marlins from #Dodgers and Miami will receive financial compensation if Haren retires
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 11, 2014

UPDATE IV:  Here's the official Dodger press release on all the details of this crazy blockbuster trade:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the acquisitions of infielder Howie Kendrick from the Angels and prospects infielder/outfielder Kike Hernandez, catcher Austin Barnes and right-handed reliever Chris Hatcher from the Marlins. The acquisitions were made through two separate trades, a seven-player deal with Miami - with Los Angeles acquiring Hernandez, Barnes, Hatcher and left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney in exchange for infielder Dee Gordon, right-handed pitcher Dan Haren, infielder Miguel Rojas and a player to be named later or cash considerations - and a subsequent trade that sent Heaney to the Angels in exchange for Kendrick.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/4/2014 - Dodger Links - AGon, Hamels and Haren is One Funny Dude

I can never get enough of Hall of Famer Frank Robinson in a Dodger uniform.  It's such a wondrous and amazing sight.  The photo above was found through an eBay auction that you can check out here.  It is stamp dated to April 3, 1972, so it was likely taken during Spring Training that year.

Below are some links to check out:

• So, do you want to play some softball?  Do you love reading blogs?  Well... Then you have to check out Left Field Pavilions 3rd Annual Dodger Blogger Charity Softball Tournament.  Go here for information.
• Via Marty Noble at MLB.com, "Perception, fate have conspired against Hodges."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez leads trip to Mexico."  A contingent of Dodgers will be joining Adrian Gonzalez in Mexico City today to honor him as he receives a national sports award presented by Mexico’s La Comisión Nacional de Cultura Física y Deporte (CONADE).

“It is truly my honor to travel to Mexico City in support of Adrian Gonzalez alongside our own Fernando Valenzuela who was very integral in the establishment of our significant Dodger fan base throughout Mexico,” Kasten said. “The Dodgers are fortunate to have such a rich history with Mexico and so many fans of Mexican descent.

“We applaud Adrian for being a role model on and off the field in Los Angeles, as well as an exemplary role model and athlete in his family’s own native country of Mexico. We remain committed to scouting throughout Mexico, and we look forward to our club’s future, which will undoubtedly continue to include Mexican talent.”

• Via Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports, "The likelihood that Hamels is heading to the Dodgers."  He's just clearing the air and connecting appropriate dots.  Giving up our best prospects for Hamels makes no sense.

The Phillies would want one of the Dodgers’ top position prospects, shortstop Corey Seager or outfielder Joc Pederson, in any Hamels deal, according to major-league sources.

And the Dodgers, rather than part with premium young talent and assume the remainder of Hamels’ contract, can purchase a free-agent pitcher for a comparable price and give up no more than a draft pick.

• Dan Haren is quickly becoming my favorite twitterer.

@VernonWells10 you need to get in shape for an adult softball league or something?
— dan haren (@ithrow88) December 3, 2014

• MLB historian John Thorn writes about, "The Elysian Fields."  This place was one of the spawning grounds for Base Ball.

The Elysian Fields became not only a place of rest but also recreation as the prospect of employment lured young bachelors from the farm to the city, only to leave them pining for rural bliss. Cricket was played at the Hoboken grounds before baseball, but by 1845 the New York Knickerbockers had taken heed of the northward push of industry in Manhattan and had taken their new game of “base ball” to Hoboken.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2014 - Dodger Links - Seager, Haren and Puig

Clayton Kershaw and AJ Ellis visited the Toros del Este of the Dominican Winter Leagues yesterday.  In the photo above they are standing with Luis Dorante and Amaury Telemaco.  Kershaw threw out the first pitch.  Photo above via @DodgersPR on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Doubles king Corey Seager completes tremendous season."

During the minor league regular season, Seager led all players with 50 doubles. It was the first time a minor leaguer reached the 50-double mark since 2011 (Toronto farmhand David Cooper had 51 for Triple-A Las Vegas). There have only been four occurrences where a minor leaguer has had 50 doubles in a season since the turn of the century.

• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "2015 top Dodgers prospects overview."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Other than LA, retirement for Haren?"  I absolutely respect his viewpoint.

"My signing with the Dodgers last year and my decision to exercise my player option were based on my desire to play in Southern California near my family," Haren told ESPN in an email. "I had other opportunities but at this point in my career I have no interest in playing in a city away from my family."

• Via David Venn at MLB.com, "Puig reflects on first Japan Series experience."

"All of the discipline they have," he said. "Everything is about respect, almost as if [the players] are apologizing. And the fans are great. They support their team from the first inning to the ninth. That's a nice thing."

• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Wills hopeful for induction into Hall of Fame."
• Check out some unique player themed apparel from Topps, here.  Below is a Jackie Robinson shirt that they call a 3-button henley.  There are other t-shirts featuring vintage Baseball cards of stars like Nolan Ryan, Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, etc.

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