Blog Kiosk: 1/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic Sandy Koufax artwork found on the streets of Tel Aviv, Israel; pic via Jonathon Mayo on twitter.  It was part of a photo op for an upcoming documentary that follows the Israeli Baseball teams travels as they head towards the World Baseball Classic later this year.  Via Ben Fisher at the Jerusalem Post:

A group of 10 past, current, and future Major League Baseball players, including first-baseman Ike Davis and former outfielder Gabe Kapler, are in the country for a week-long tour that has seen them help to break ground at a new baseball field in Beit Shemesh, meet with MK Michael Oren, who hails from the United States, and enjoy the typical tourist sites around the country, including the Dead Sea, Masada and Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
...
“We brought [the players] here to have some kind of connection [with Israel]. That way, when the tournament actually starts in March, we’ll have people really, really excited about it,” she said.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Harley Payne, George Crable, Ivan de Jesus, Ferrell Anderson & Otis Nixon!
  

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Jansen, Turner and the Champion Loons

Congratulations to the Dodgers Single-A affiliate Great Lakes Loons on their Midwest League Championship series win over the Clinton LumberKings last night.  This achievement marks their first championship in their ten-year history.  The game itself was highlighted by an five-run come-from-behind sixth inning that gave the Loons a lead they never would relinquished.  Per Hugh Bernreuter at MLive:

"I think the tough times in the first half made it possible for us to persevere in games like this," Loons manager Gil Velazquez said. "Winning a championship in the minor leagues means something.

"They learned how to play when the pressure is off the charts. They learned how to come through and play big in tough situations. They played in a playoff situation and succeeded. It shows what they're made of. They carry that for the rest of their lives."

Hopefully, many of them will carry the experience learned there to the Dodgers.  Photo above via Great Lakes Loons on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Haeger, Joe Ferguson and Duke Snider!

Blog Kiosk: 10/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Thanks for a Great Season

Things started out well for the Dodgers.  They had MVP candidate Clayton Kershaw on the mound and the Dodger Jobu all gussied up and pretty in the clubhouse.  Unfortunately, the Baseball gods struck us down with its mighty hammer and gave us the blues.  The pic above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to see more photos of his from yesterday.

I won't bother recounting any details of the Dodgers loss, or provide explanations as to why it happened.  I just think that's all a big waste of time right now.  Instead, I'd like to take this brief moment to say thanks to the team for a wonderful season of Dodger Baseball.  Most of all, I'd like to say thanks to all of you for visiting my little blog.  It's been a fun year and and I promise next year will be even better.

As you might have guessed, posting is likely to decrease over the coming days and weeks (maybe), but I won't be disappearing.  Baseball collecting never ends and I suspect this winter will be filled with plenty of Dodger news.

BTW, the LA Kings hockey season officially starts tonight, so we've (assuming your a fan) got that to immediately look forward to.  Go Kings Go!

Check out some links below:

• Read Don Mattingly's postgame interview with the press after Game 4, here.

I mean, Holliday hits the ball barely out of reach of Dee, Peralta hits the ball and it hits off Hanley's glove, and then had a curveball there. So at the end of the day, I think it's not really a situation that you try to change too much or manipulate too much.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Right-hander Beckett announces plans to retire."

"I just don't see me going through that rehab and coming back to pitch at this point in my life," he said.

• Yasiel Puig was playing through an ankle issue, Via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times.  His benching for Game 4 suddenly make a lot of sense. He had difficulty getting around on the fastball due to his ankle.
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, Panini America recently announced they will be released a card set called Panini Classics.  Check out some preview pics here.  To the right is an autographed Clayton Kershaw card.
• Here's the first bit of Dodger winter news.  Per Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish on twitter, Brian Wilson has already told the Dodgers that he will exercise his $9Mil option for 2015.  No kidding, eh?

Sources: Brian Wilson has informed #Dodgers that he will exercise his player option for 2015.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 8, 2014

• I'm not sure if this is indicative of anything, but it is concerning, via a tweet from Eric Stephen:

In last week, Dodgers have lost 3 from player development: De Jon Watson (AZ), Roy Clark (Atl), Rafael Chaves (pitching coordinator, Phi)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 7, 2014

• Via the LA Kings, "Discovery Cube LA Partners with LA Kings to Celebrate the Science of Hockey in a Permanent New Exhibit."

“The Science of Hockey” will debut in early 2015 at the new Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA) as one of the most technically advanced sports-themed exhibits in the world. Announced for the first time today by representatives from the Discovery Science Foundation (DSF) and the Kings Care Foundation, the permanent destination attraction will combine hands-on hockey learning focused on the skills of the sport with unique participatory experiences that explain the scientific realities of the game.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Bring on the Cards!

Winning sure can be exhausting.  Last night I was full of joy as the Dodgers captured their second NL West Division crown in a row.  This morning I am tired from the release of a season long built up of angst, worry and fear.

No more do I have to hear the rabble rousing screams of the chattering class declaring our teams lack of class, will or chemistry.  Instead, I bask in the glory of Dodger Blue as I await the start of Baseball's second season. 

You see, the reason we go through this entire exercise, a season filled with 162 maddening games, is to have a chance to compete for the crown.  And the only way to get there is to earn an opportunity.  This Dodger team has done just that, and this Dodger fan is eternally grateful for their work.

So, on to the part of the season that REALLY matters.  On to the pageantry and majesty of a national spotlight on national television.  On to having an opportunity to watch the "Boys in Blue" compete with the best in the land.  On to taking that next step on the road to the World Series.  You've done us proud, and I am certain you will not disappoint.

There are three games remaining in the season and as you know there is nothing left to chase after.  We are the National League Western Division Champions and with the Nationals solidly ahead by two games for the leagues best record, I think it's fair to say that we'll be facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs.  BTW, the gif above of the last out of last night's game is via the Dodgers on tumblr.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "After grind of season, Dodgers let loose in celebration."

"Let me tell you, this team always has fun -- it's one of those types of teams," said left fielder Carl Crawford, interrupted briefly by Puig throwing ice chips at his face. "You've got to be loose, man. You can't be uptight all the time."

...

"A lot of guys had individual issues throughout the year, but we got here as a team, and that's what the most important thing is," catcher A.J. Ellis said. "Now we're in the tournament, we're all healthy and we're ready to go."

• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest has up an celebration post including gifs, dancing and moonshine.  I kid you not.
• Via Aaron Gleeman at Hardball Talk, "Matt Kemp is playing like a superstar again."
• Via Chris Moran at Beyond the Boxscore, "The Dodgers deep lineup will be tough to beat."

The point is that Dodgers are healthy, and they can beat you in a myriad of ways. They have speed, power, and on-base skills. Also, with Hanley Ramirez rounding into shape and Matt Kemp recovering his old form at the plate, they are healthier than they've been all year.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Diamondbacks set to offer pitching great Dave Stewart the GM job."
• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest also notes that Dodger VP of Player Development DeJon Watson likely appears headed to Arizona also.  Boo!  He's one of the stars of the Dodger front office.
• Here's a report by Ron Shah of FanGraphs on Dodger prospect James Baldwin.

James Baldwin is one of the most intriguing prospects in the California League. The outfielder checks off all the boxes with his graceful athleticism, tools across the board, and major league bloodlines. But the 23-year-old is currently facing an uphill battle due to his struggles in the batter’s box, which may ultimately deter him from reaching his tools-based ceiling.

• True to the Blue shares his day with Joc Pederson - at his autograph appearance a couple of weeks ago.
• Via Cody Ulm at MLB.com, "(Roberto) Hernandez hopes to beat Rox, earn playoff role."

Hernandez showed enough promise with three quality starts in his first four tries for the Dodgers after the team acquired him from the Phillies in early August. But since then, he's failed to last longer than 4 1/3 innings in his four most recent starts, surrendering 11 runs in 15 innings.

I'd be surprised, but good luck.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2014 - Dodger Links - One Game Away

All hail Justin Turner!

The man initially thought to be a lesser version of Nick Punto has proven he is more than just that.  He is a beast, a monster in his own right, a sparkplug who can lead the team to victory.

Last night he started the game with a home run to left, then finished off Giants starting pitcher Bumgarner with his second home run of the evening in the eight inning.  Ole!  The Dodger win!

BTW, birthday boy Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run, as well. As for the pitching, Zack Greinke threw an eight inning gem; allowing just two runs while striking out five and scattering six hits.  Kenley Jansen recorded his 44th save of the year.

Watch the last out below.

Video Link:

We are now a game away from clinching our second straight National League West Division Championship, and with Clayton Kershaw scheduled to be on the mound tonight you have to like our chances for a champagne celebration this evening.  BTW, the photo at the very top was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out some more great pics by him; including a shot of Dodger Elvis.  Below are some links to check out:

• I won't be writing anything about the Puig/Bumgarner fracas in the first inning (other than this).  I find it to be a waste of time and ultimately meaningless.  The only thing that matters to the Dodgers is winning the next game.  Anything else is just dumb.
• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Ryu unlikely to start before postseason."

"We're notching off-days here," Mattingly said. "I think we're pleased with the progress with Hyun-Jin and how he's doing, and he's moving forward and not having any complaints afterward. I'm happy with his progress."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Matt Kemp reflects on turning 30."

"The last two years have been pretty freaky. Everything happens for a reason. I'm pretty happy with where I am. Just got to stay healthy and on the field."

• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider put together a pop quiz on the Dodgers vs. Giants rivalry.  You should take it to see how well you know the rivalry.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "De Jon Watson discusses Dodger moves in Triple-A, Double-A."

“Some pitchers have pitched fine (in Albuquerque). Other pitchers have struggled to a certain degree. Yet they make adjustments,” Watson said. “The key is executing quality pitches. It doesn’t matter what ballpark you’re pitching in —whether you’re pitching in Dodger Stadium or Colorado, you still have to execute quality pitches. The ultimate guidelines for us what we’re trying to teach and preach internally stay the same. (But) moving to Oklahoma gives us a better chance to assess our guys and where they are, and what areas we need to address with them.”

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers likely to pay Chris Perez $4.3 million."
• Whiny Giants are Whiny.  Via Kevin Draper at Deadspin, "Reports: San Francisco Giants Boycotting Long-Time Beat Reporter."  Frick'n babies... All of them!
• The LA Register has now closed, via Hillel Aron at LA Weekly.  At least my favorite sports reporter there, Rich Hammond who covers the Kings, was spared from the chopping block.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Moving AA & AAA to Oklahoma

It was a beautiful Colorado evening last night.  It was cool and partly cloudy with a slight breeze blowing in from left.  Heck, it was so nice the Dodgers decided to take a breather.  Actually, that's not entirely true.  The Dodgers got their hits, they just couldn't drive them home.

Once again, every Dodger position player (including the pitcher) got a hit, but they could only muster four runs.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

The National League’s No. 1 team with runners in scoring position had three hits but 11 outs, stranding 10 runners and wasting most of their 16 hits, including three by Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig’s first home run since July 31.

Yeah, it was one of those nights.  The Dodger loss and an subsequent Giants win over the Diamondbacks keeps the magic number at none.  The two photos above were taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more pic by him from yesterday's game.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Steven Silverman at Beyond the Boxscore, "Zack Greinke, forgotten ace."

As much coverage as a certain Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher has gotten in these pages (and others) in recent weeks, there are other good stories coming out of Chavez Ravine. Zack Greinke, even if he had to resort to hitting a home run to escape Clayton Kershaw's monstrous shadow this week, has been quietly having another solid year.

• It is now official.  Per a Dodger press release, they are moving their AAA operations from Albuquerque to Oklahoma City in 2015.  In fact, they are buying a piece of the team.

The owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that they have reached an agreement with Mandalay Baseball Properties, LLC on the purchase of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.  The purchase would be part of a partnership in which Peter Guber will be the Executive Chairman and Managing Director of the team and partners Paul Schaeffer and Larry Freedman will manage the operations of the company.

The Dodgers also announced they will change their triple-A franchise affiliation to Oklahoma City in 2015 and continue to play in the Pacific Coast League, while moving to the American Northern Division. 

As Eric Stephen at True Blue LA notes, the Dodgers are also expected to move their AA club in Chattanooga to Tulsa.

The Dodgers contingent will make their way to Tulsa, 107 miles away, for a 1 p.m. PT press conference for what the Double-A Tulsa Drillers called on Wednesday "a major announcement regarding the franchise."

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers’ third base coach details the perils of elevation on a player’s evolution."  JP speaks with Dodger coach Lorenzo Bundy about the difficulty in evaluating players in Albuquerque.  
• Via a Dodgers press release, Clayton Kershaw has been named the Dodgers' nominee for the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award.
• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Jake Peavy on next start: 'I was just in the shower thinking about Dee Gordon'"
• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "DeJon Watson will be brought back for second interview in Arizona."

Watson, who's been considered instrumental in the development of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, star outfielder Matt Kemp and many other young Dodgers, served as the scouting director and farm director of the Dodgers before rising to become an assistant to Ned Colletti in L.A. The Dodgers appear on their way to a second straight NL West crown.

• GCRL shares the evolution of Dodger first baseman through baseball cards, part II.
• I just love trip reports to amusement parks in foreign lands.  Check Chaos and Kanji at Enakyo Wonderland, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2014 - Dodger Links - Magic Number is Now 16

It's nice to finally witness some Dodge offense.  They exploded for nine runs yesterday, and even scored four of them before the fifth inning.  Hanley had a four hit game, Crawford had three hits including a homer and Uribe homered as well.  Clayton Kershaw did his part on the mound; going eight innings, giving up one earned run and striking out eight.

Featured above is Magic Johnson with LA Kings mascot Bailey, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more photos from the evening.  Last night was Kings Night at Dodger Stadium.  Unfortunately, the Stanley Cup did not make an appearance.  On another note, I want Bailey's jersey so bad. 

The Dodgers now have won four games in a row and increased their division lead to 3.5 games over the Giants.  BTW, their MAGIC NUMBER is now 16.  Now, check out some links below:

• If you watched last night's game then you saw a bit of the Bad News Bears during the top of the sixth inning.  On a single play the Dodgers committed three errors that allowed two runs to score.  It was like watching my nephews little league game in action.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has a good rundown of the event; including video.
• Dan Haren is now on twitter.  Follow him here: @ithrow88.  Unfortunately, he might not be there for long.  It appears the trolls have come out of the woodwork.  He recently posted that he is already regretting joining, here.
• the 2015 Dodger schedule is now available for viewing.  Go here to check it out.
• Via Bill Chuck at the Daily Gammons, no one has more hitless relief appearances than JP Howell this season.
• Via Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Camilli and Gonzalez: Two of a kind at first."

Dolph Camilli and Adrian Gonzalez have more in common than being the only Dodger left-handed hitting first basemen in the last 75 years of the franchise to post consecutive 100-RBI seasons. Camilli and Gonzalez represent key players acquired under new ownership during their respective eras.

• Via Steve Gilbert at MLB.com, Dodgers Assistant GM DeJon Watson and Agent Dave Stewart on list to be new Diamondbacks GM.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Frias, Baez could be key cogs in Dodgers' bullpen."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Don Mattingly likes Dodgers' energy."

“I like the fact guys are talking about the right things, like having good at-bats, and I can feel the energy on the bench,” Mattingly said. “We’ve been more competitive in games we’ve been down. Right now, it’s that time of year. We’re in a pennant race. We know every game is important, every at-bat is important, every play you make on the field is important. Guys know where we’re at.” 

• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "Lookouts advance to Southern League Championship Series."
• Get this T-Shirt!

I've designed a limited edition shirt to raise funds for @sportsspec! Get yours quick: http://t.co/LpO05c739C pic.twitter.com/sDB8FviDkL
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) September 9, 2014

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Blog Kios: 3/18/2014 - Dodgers Links - Landing in Australia

Here's a pic of Vin Scully entering the plane to Australia, via @MLB on twitter.  Check out even more pics of the Dodger trip and landing from Jon SooHoo, here.  And here are some pics from their first workout at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

• JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers shares a great time-lapse video of the Sydney Cricket Ground transforming into a Baseball diamond.
• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest shares his Top 25 Dodger Prospects.
• The end of an era.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross officially closed the #Dodgers case today, after 995 days.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 17, 2014

• Adam Nodiff at the Baseball Professor writes, "5 Gut Calls On Players Outside Our Top 200," and it includes a prediction about Alexander Guerrero.

Sometimes the absence of seeing a player play gets mistaken for upside. This is not the case here. I have watched Guerrero this spring, and although he doesn’t seem to have a great baseball IQ, the guy can flat out hit for power. As a second baseman with a full season of at bats, I wouldn’t be surprised if he led the position in home runs.

• Howard Megdal at Sports on Earth writes about the improving Dodger farm system in a piece titled, "Young Money".

"I don't think our vision has really changed," (De Jon) Watson told me as we sat in a golf cart on the third base side of a minor league field where many of the prospects in his charge played an intra-squad game on Friday afternoon. "What's really nice is that we've actually invested into the international market. And it's given us a broader player pool to choose from. Whereas before, I don't want to say we were just domestically-I mean, [Vice President of Amateur Scouting] Logan White was doing internationally and domestic-but we just didn't have the resources to really go out and be aggressive on the international market. 

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com writes, "Figgins, Turner thrilled to join Dodgers".

"It's almost more gratifying than being called up to the big leagues," said Figgins, released twice in the last two years. "The last four years have been hard. I wouldn't say it was life changing, but it makes me appreciate the hard work. I was with my wife when I got the call from my agent, and it was emotional. She's seen me come home the last four or five years, watching video and not playing. Now she sees me smile again."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers, D-backs enjoy a historic venue".

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Blog Kiosk: 7/9/2013 - Dodgers Links -

For some reason the pic above sent by Yasiel Puig via Instagram had me singing the Grateful Dead tune Casey Jones.

Casey Jones, you better watch your speed 
Trouble ahead, trouble behind 
And you know that notion just crossed my mind

• Orel at Vin Scully is My Homeboy passes along Vin Scully's story about a batting out of order event from 1950.
• This might be the best T-Shirt design I've seen all year.  From Eephus Blue - Kershaw and Ellis in a Calvin & Hobbes style.  See it on the right.  As a huge fan of that comic strip, I say "Awesome!"
• Christopher Jackson at Examiner.com writes a 2 part interview with the Dodgers Director of Player Development, De Jon Watson.  See Part 1 here, and Part 2 here.
• OK, photoshop geniuses! It's time to use your creative energy to help a Dodger out.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, they have issued a "Reader challenge: Design a campaign poster for your favorite All-Star ‘Final Vote’ participant".  The best campaign poster win an All-Star jersey.
• Eric Becker at Eric's Dodger Blog was in the Bay Area this past weekend and shared a couple of videos he took to document the experience.  He promises many more in the near future.
• Via Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, "Clayton Kershaw: Mets Ace Matt Harvey Should Start All-Star Game".

“He should (start),” Kershaw told FOXSports.com. “There’s no reason, especially if it’s in New York, that he shouldn’t start. That’s what the fans will want. I’ve got no problem with that.”

• Check out some great pics in an album shared by Redditor KaBoom752 from his experience being a bat boy for the Dodgers during Spring Training in 2011 right here.
• Eno Sarris at FanGraphs writes, "Has Ricky Nolasco’s Luck Finally Turned?"

As an older pitcher, Nolasco’s fastball isn’t going to get any better. But by placing it in the right place and using it less often, Nolasco is having the best season of his career. There’s evidence that he’s changed his position on the mound and it’s helped against lefties, too. 

• Sports Collectors Daily has a great story about a wounded veteran who has been using sports card sorting as a way to rehab from brain injury.
• Watch as Hanley Ramirez goes one-on-one with Jerry Hairston.

Video Link:

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