Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/2/2013

Happy New Year!  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Emma at Dodger Blue World pays tribute to the Dodger players who passed away in 2012.
• The Kershaw's and some friends have just headed out to Zambia to check out Hope's Home - a children's orphanage sponsored by Kershaw's Challenge.  Read it all here.
• Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times put together a great list of Dodger New Year Resolutions.
• Check out From the Ravine's Extra Innings podcast as they discuss the potential lineups for both the Dodgers and Angels.
• Topps recently unveiled a preview uncut sheet of Baseball cards on twitter that includes a sneak peak at some cards for Matt Kemp, Sandy Koufax and Jackie Robinson.  See the pic below.  I believe these cards are a part of an insert set for their upcoming flagship Baseball card set.

(twitter link)

• An old friend report:  Delwyn Young is drawing interest from MLB teams, via Chris Cotillo at CLNS Radio.com.  He had double hernia surgery in June.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA is doing yeoman's work.  He is writing individual biographies of every member of the 1988 Dodgers.  He started off with Kirk Gibson yesterday, and Tim Belcher today.  I wonder if he'll include former Dodgers GM Fred Claire in his biographies.  I find his formation of that team to be one of the more interesting stories of that championship club.
• In this recent edition of putting the cart before the horse:  Bae Joong-Hyun of the Korean Joongang Daily wonders if the Rookie of the Year award is possible for Ryu.

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Collection: Delwyn Young Finest Autograph

Here is my 2007 Topps Finest autographed rookie card of former Dodgers prospect and local kid Delwyn Young.  At one time, I thought this guy could become a mainstay with the team.  Unfortunately, he could never stick.  Eventually, he would be traded in 2009 to the Pirates for a couple of other prospects.  Today, Delwyn appears to not be playing ball with a Major League club.

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Collection: A Couple of Autofacts

Here is one fact.  Neither of these guys are still on the Dodgers.

Featured here are two autographed insert cards from my collection.  They are 2007 Upper Deck Artifacts "Autofacts" cards of Eric Stults and Delwyn Young.  Stults is currently on the Padres roster as a starter, and Young does not appear to be in Baseball any longer. 

Collection: Delwyn Young Spectrum Auto

Delwyn Young had so much promise as a young farmhand with the Dodgers. He had shown an ability to hit at all levels, and was a local kid from the far reaches of the Antelope Valley. Unfortunately, he just couldn't take that next step in the Majors. In 2008 he had his chance to impress as a reserve outfielder for the Dodgers, but hit a paltry .246 with 1 homer in 126 at-bats. Certainly, not enough to keep him in LA. So, he was traded to Pittsburgh for nobody in particular. While there he did start, but continued to bat poorly. Soon, he would find himself demoted to the bench then back to the minors when he signed with the Phillies as a free agent for the 2011 season. Currently, he is a free agent and does not appear to be signed with any team. Hopefully he can continue his dream of playing ball. This post features a 2007 Upper Deck Spectrum autographed rookie signatures card of Delwyn Young from my collection.

What A Way To End A Losing Streak

Last Night the Dodgers scratched and clawed to garner a well earned and much needed win against the Milwaukee Brewers. This victory ended their most recent losing streak that saw them lose five straight.

Things were looking bleak early on as Derek Lowe gave up three quick runs in the 2nd inning as a result of two consecutive hits by Parra and Kendall. He finished the evening having given up four earned runs while striking out six.

The Dodger offense started off slow. Blake Dewitt homered in the 5th inning. A fielding error by Fielder gave the Dodgers another two runs to bring the Blue Crew to within one run. By the 9th inning the Brewers still held the lead by a score of 4 to 3.

This is the time when old Dodger star "Game Over" Gagne would come in and clean house for his new team. Fortunately, his poor season so far has relegated him to bench as the Brewers did not want him pitching for a third day in a row. Instead, former Dodger Guillermo Mota came in to try to close the door.

Dewitt came up first in the 9th inning and grounded out. Delwyn Young batted in place of Hu and fought to gain a walk. This was probably the key to the inning. His at-bat appeared to rattle Mota as he took the count full and fouled off numerous pitches. Ethier was next as he batted for the pitcher Broxton. He singled sharply down the right field line. Then, much maligned outfielder Juan Pierre, who had already recorded an RBI in the 7th inning, banged a deep drive to the the left-centerfield alley to score both Young and Ethier. The Dodgers now lead for the first time in the game, 5 to 4. Juan Pierre, no doubt the MVP for the evening, had three hits and 3 RBI's. He is now batting a healthy .293 for the season.

Saito was able to get the job done as he earned his 6th save of the year. Smiles were everywhere to be seen. Saito was smiling. Torre was smiling. Juan Pierre was smiling.

Reflections on the First Homestand

What a great week it has been so far. It started early with the Dodgers hosting the Red Sox in an unforgettable game at the LA Coliseum. The parking lot was filled with tailgater's. BBQ's were set up and drinks were plentiful- almost too plentiful. Beer was poured easily from can to cup. To top it off, Kareem Abdul Jabbar threw a commemorative skyhook over the plate. Good Times. Even though the Dodgers lost the game nothing could stain this historic event.

Opening Day continued the magic. Players from the Dodgers past showed up in large numbers to ring in the new season. Our ace, Brad Penny was in top form as he pitched 6+ scoreless innings. Jeff Kent roared back from Spring leg problems to hit a homerun. Saito looked sharp even though he looked terrible in March. The Giants are horrendous as a team. So far the season is turning out just right.

The second game was just as exciting. Larry Bowa displayed a rare fierceness not seen within the confines of Chavez Ravine in many years. For his troubles he was given a 3 game suspension. In his stead, Mariano Duncan became the thirdbase coach and probably had a large hand in the double steal that Dewitt and Hu pulled off in the 7th inning. It eventually led to the Dodgers tying the game. Derek Lowe was shaky in his start, but was still able to scatter 9 hits while giving up only 2 runs. The Dodgers relief staff is looking solid. Who is this Troncoso kid? Then, our new Pee Wee, Delwyn Young, recorded his first hit of the year with a walk-off game-winning infield single to score Furcal in the bottom of the 9th inning. It's good to be undefeated.

The rubber game was a bit of a let down. It was a day of rain, starting pitching confusion and our first loss of the year. Billingsley and Lincecum were scheduled to start, but didn't get into the game until the 4th inning. Both coaches opted to start a relief pitcher with the belief that the rains would be coming shortly after the start of the game. Why ruin the pace of your starters routine when they can come in after a long rain delay. Unfortunately, the rains came later than expected and the coaches were forced to hinder their routine anyway. (Who says Torre is perfect?) Offense was hard to come by as the Dodgers lost a squeaker 2 to 1. Of special note, that Giant pitcher, Lincecum, is impressive.

So what did we learn after just three games.

• Even Torre can make some mistakes.
• Larry Bowa is exactly who he has been billed as.
  
• There's a new Pee Wee in the clubhouse.

Really not that much, eh? I guess it's too early to tell. All I do know, though, is that I can't wait for my first Dodger dog of the season.

Weekly Blog Kiosk

More links to wet your whistle.

• In case you haven't seen ESPN's Dodgertown tribute by Eric Neel click here. It's a must see!
• Saito experiences a calf strain, but he ask us not to worry.

  Just a note, everyone should not worry about me, and I appreciate reports.

• Tony Jackson praises Delwyn Young.

  What I can't figure out is how this guy has stayed under the radar for so many years while coming up through the minors. He can really play.

• It's time to give him his due. Maury Wills should be in the Hall of Fame and you can help.
  
• These guys have serious man-crush on Russell Martin. The R-Mart Authority.
  
• The Infamous Tatiana explains it so well. Ten Reasons Why I Love Baseball.
  
• Have you ever wanted to be a sports photographer? Well, Wax Heaven has a great interview with photographer Paul Gierhart. Also, check out his interview with photographer Jerry Hale last month.
• Great find Sunshine! The Phillies pull a Spring Training prank on Kyle Kendrick.

YouTube Link: DavidTyreeMVP:

• Do you remember this 80's commercial for Baseball stickers? Stalegum does.
  

YouTube Link: sentiendtrend:

• Stealing sports collectibles is becoming a disturbing trend. Sports Collectors Daily shares some recent stories.
• The 5 Wimpiest Sports Injuries of All Time.
• Topps and Donruss did some good deeds. Cincy Reds Cards recently shared his story about Katrina.

  My home of two weeks that I had wanted to buy for as long as I remember was washed away. Along with 25 years of collecting and a lifetime of momentos. All the Reds cards, photos, autos and stuff I had made a special room for (I was single) were gone. It was tough but you move on. About two weeks later the owner of Gulf Coast Sports Cards and Memorabilia in Biloxi, MS came to see me. Matt had written some companies after the storm about a few of us collectors and what we had lost. Matt came bearing gifts. From various card companies. Topps and Donruss had sent cases of baseball, football and basketball.

• I've added two new Dodger Blogs to the blogroll, Go Dodgers and Dodger Daydreams. Go check them out.
  

Team USA Are World Cup Champions

Team USA did the incredible. They beat the powerful Cuban team 6 to 3. Cuba had previously won 9 straight titles. Rockies prospect Jason Nix belted a homerun and finished the day with 2 RBI's. He was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player. Andy LaRoche and Delwyn Young had 2 hits each in 5 at-bats. Overall, Andy LaRoche went 11 for 33, batting .333, hit 3 homeuns, 3 doubles, scored 8 runs, 10 RBI's, 5 walks and a stolen base. Delwyn Young, unfortunately, struggled. He went 6 for 31, batting .194, 1 homerun, 4 doubles, 5 runs scored, 4 RBI's and 7 walks.

Watch the game online here.

Box Score: Team USA 6, Cuba 3.

LaRoche Helps Team USA Advance in Win Over Korea, 3-1

LaRoche did all the offensive damage Team USA would need in defeating Korea to advance into the semifinals.

USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead after Jayson Nix singled and Andy LaRoche crushed a 3-2 pitch into the left field seats for his third homerun of the tournament.

He finished up the day going 1 for 3 with a homerun, 2 RBI's and a walk. Delwyn Young went 0 for 3 with 2 strike outs and one walk.

Box Score: USA 3, Korea 1:
Game Notes:

Team USA Continues Its Winning Ways

Team USA wins four in a row and earns the top seeding in the quarterfinals as they edge past Chinese Taipei, 10 to 7. If things continue on this track we may see a Cuba vs. USA match-up.

Dodger Andy LaRoche had 1 hit in 5 at-bats while recording 2 RBI's.

Colby Rasmus walked to lead off the (5th) inning and Nix followed with a single. Rasmus and Nix then pulled off a double steal of second and third and Andy LaRoche ripped the next pitch into the right-center gap scoring both base runners. Two batters later Longoria ripped a single to left scoring LaRoche and giving the U.S. a 6-3 advantage.

Delwyn Young hit 2 doubles, going 2 for 4 for the day, and scored 2 runs with 1 RBI. Young has been just as impressive this winter as LaRoche. The Road to Beijing Blog adds,

"Delwyn Young is just plain fun to watch. Whether it's the 3-run bomb, the facial-Jim-Edmonds-esque catch in left, the wide open jersey a la David Wells, or the, what has to be 74 in. bat he swings at the plate, you get your money's worth."

I hope these 2 kids get a chance to prove themselves with the Dodgers.

Game Notes Link:
Box Score: USA 10, Chinese Taipei 7:

LaRoche Is On Fire!

Team USA clinches a quarterfinal spot as they defeat South Africa, 4 to 2, to extend their winning streak to 3 games. Dodger rookie, Andy LaRoche, continues to whack the ball. He went 3 for 3 with 1 run and 3 RBI's. Delwyn Young went 0 for 3 in today's win.

If I may echo MSTI, I think the other option available to the Dodgers at thirdbase may be right in our own house. Andy LaRoche is doing his best to force people to take notice. In fact, Mark Timmons of LA Dodger Talk, is paying attention and believes he has outshined the other highly touted prospect Evan Longoria of Tampa Bay during the IBAF World Cup.

Game Notes:
Box Score: USA 4, South Africa 2:

LaRoche and Young Hit Homers Over The Weekend

After a surprising loss to Italy on Friday, Team USA decided to get back on track by beating Japan and routing Spain over the weekend. On top of that, there was plenty of Dodger news in these games.

On Saturday, in the 5 to 1 victory over Japan, Delwyn Young was the big hero as he drove in three runs in the first inning on a homerun to centerfield. He also made a highlight catch in the outfield.

Duensing (the Team USA pitcher) was helped by a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch from Young, who crashed face-first into the wall and managed to hold onto the ball and double up Kenji Yokoyama at first, saving at least one run.

Andy LaRoche earned 2 walks and scored twice. Our star closer, Takashi Saito, came in to provide some relief for Japan as Team USA pelted the Japanese starting pitcher. He faced just 2 batters, getting them both out to end the second inning.

On Sunday, Team USA unloaded on Spain, 12 to 1. Andy LaRoche did much of the damage as he belted 2 homeruns; his first to start the game and his second to cap the teams scoring for the day. He finished up with two homeruns and 4 RBI's. Delwyn Young walked twice and scored once.

In the tournament so far, Andy LaRoche leads the team with three homers and nine RBI's. Also,

of the nine runs Team USA has yielded in the first five games seven have been unearned.

Again, watch the games right here.

Box Score: USA 5, Japan 1:
Box Score: USA 12, Spain 2:
Pic Link: ReviewJournal.com, Craig Moran:

LaRoche And Team USA Kicked Some Butt Today, 7-0 over Panama

Team USA easily handled the Panamanian team as they routed the Central American foe 7 to 0. Andy LaRoche did much of the damage as he finished up going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI's.

In the first, with two outs, Andy LaRoche singled, Delwyn Young walked and Evan Longoria ripped a single to center scoring LaRoche. In the second Tyler Colvin led off with a double then after two quick outs centerfielder Colby Rasmus knocked in Colvin with a single to center, Jayson Nix was hit by a pitch and LaRoche ripped a double to right scoring Rasmus and Nix to make it 4-0 USA. The score remained the same until the bottom of the sixth when after singles by shortstop Michael Hollimon and second baseman Jayson Nix, Andy LaRoche once again provided the power by doubling off the centerfield wall, scoring both runners and making it 6-0.

Delwyn Young went 0 for 2 with one walk. Tomorrow, Team USA faces off against undefeated Italy.

Update: Watch the game right here.

Story Link:
Box Score: 7-0 over Panama:
Pic Link: TeamUSA:

Player Updates

Diamond Leung let's us know how the rest of the Dodgers are doing.

• Jeff Kent is still undecided about playing next season.
  
• Chin-lung Hu is no longer playing in the Arizona Fall League due to a strained hamstring.
• Tony Abreu is on the mend. He is starting a rehabilitation assignment in Florida.
• Yhency Brazoban will begin throwing next week.
• Jason Repko will begin working out soon.

Also, I'd like to add that Andy LaRoche and Delwyn Young are playing for Team USA in this winters 2007 IBAF World Cup Tournament in Chinese Taipei. Check out the "Countdown to the Olympics" Baseball Blog for updates about how Team USA is doing.

Team USA played their first game of the tournament today against Mexico and came out on top with a 3-0 victory. Both LaRoche and Young went 0 for 4. LaRoche was the DH and Young played leftfield, batting #3 & #4, respectively.

Story Link: Diamond Leung:

Delwyn Young Turning Heads for Team USA

The Dodger rookie prospect is on a tear and folks are taking notice. This guy can just plain hit.

Young, who is batting a Team USA-best .529, helped the national squad improve to 3-2 entering Thursday's fall finale against the Peoria Saguaros at Scottsdale Stadium. Team USA will then fly to Taiwan on Thursday night to prepare for the IABF World Cup, which begins Nov. 6.

If the regular season and AFL results are any indication, Young will be a major part of Team USA's offense against international competition. The Los Angeles native finished third in the Pacific Coast League with a .338 average to go with 17 homers and 97 RBIs. He also led the PCL and finished second in the Minors with 54 doubles.

Those numbers didn't take a dip during his Major League callup as Young hit .382 with two homers and three RBIs in 19 games with the Dodgers. He batted .778 in his first three AFL contests, including a stretch of five straight hits.

Andy LaRoche is also playing for Team USA.

Imagine if Pierre was not in the mix. We could potentially have one of the youngest, best defensive and most explosive outfields in Baseball. The Dodgers could have Andre Ethier in left, Matt Kemp in center and Young in right.

Story Link: LA Dodgers:
Hat Tip: True Blue LA:
Pic Link: Baseball-Almanac:

Fun With Photoshop

I really wasn't happy with my previous attempt at making a Russell Martin Nacho Libre so I thought I would take a second stab at it last night. Not too bad if I can say so myself, especially considering these pics are my first real stab at this kind of stuff. If anyone else has made their own versions please share them. In the meantime, SOSG has some new honest to God real Dodger hazing photos up right now. You can now see Delwyn Young, Tony Abreu and more of Andy LaRoche.

Dodger Hazing Pics Part 2 Link: SOSG:

More Dodger Hazing Pics

Tony Abreu as Pocahontas

Matt Kemp?

Andy "The Clown" LaRoche

The Devilish Eric Hull

Hu The Sorcerer

Delwyn Young doesn't look happy as Snow White.

UPDATE: More Pics

Meleon the Tarzan ManSaito the SamuraiPirate Stults at your service

I Want Pics!

All of the Dodger world is abuzz. The hazing ritual of dressing up your rookies in outrageous costumes during the season continues unabated. Even our own rising stars are not immune from the laughs and public ridicule that comes from being a Major League Ballplayer. Like the Sons of Steve Garvey, I eagerly await photos to share with all of the Dodger world.

Josh Rawitch of Inside the Dodgers shares a helpful list of players and their costumes.

Chad Billingsley as Robin Hood
James Loney dressed as Popeye
Chin-lung Hu dressed as a sorcerer
Tony Abreu dressed as Pocahantas
Delwyn Young as Snow White
Andy LaRoche in full clown attire
Russell Martin as Nacho Libre
Jonathan Broxton as a monk
Andre Ethier and Eric Hull in strange Vegas showgirl type outfits
and the kicker of them all was Matt Kemp, who was in some sort of "fat suit" with a bikini.

Pictures... I want pictures!!

UPDATE: The official Dodger blog missed some players. Have no fear though, Diamond Leung picks up the slack.

Jonathan Meloan - something Tarzan-like
Takashi Saito - Samurai
Eric Stults - pirate

UPDATE: Tony Jackson provides some funny quotes.

"I'm stepping on my dress," Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young said, as he lifted the hem of his Cinderella costume off the clubhouse floor after the game.
Yes, it was time for that annual baseball tradition known as rookie hazing, and this time, because it wasn't done last season, even the second-year guys had to do it. A few had it easy, because they got nothing worse than Disney character outfits to wear on the team charter to San Francisco. Others had it worse. Matt Kemp was given a fat suit resembling the torso of a large woman in a bra and panties and a few other details not fit for a family newspaper.
"It doesn't bother me," Kemp shouted to everyone in the room. "It's San Francisco. I'm going to fit right in."

Now all I want are pictures.

Delwyn Young Joins the Big Club

Welcome to Dodger Stadium Mr. Young. He joins the team to replace Betemit.

Young, 25, a member of the 2001 Riverside Community College state championship team, is hitting .343 with 44 doubles, 16 home runs and 79 RBI in 101 games for the Stars.

Diamond also adds the follow quote from Ned Colletti.

"It was the most unbalanced market I've seen," Colletti said. "The asking prices far exceeded the player."

Story Link#1: Diamond Leung:
Story Link#2: Diamond Leung: