Blog Kiosk: 8/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Topps Unveils 2017 Baseball Card with Clayton Kershaw

Topps provided a nice surprise for collectors this morning.  Featured in the pic above is Topps' design for their 2017 Baseball card set.  Best yet, they use a pic of Clayton Kershaw to show us the design.  It was tweeted out this morning by Topps.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1975 Davey Lopes stole his 32nd consecutive base without being caught.  This broke a record set in 1922 by Hall of Fame Pirate outfielder Max Carey.  In 1976 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates hurler John Candelaria in Pittsburgh.
• Happy Birthday, Claude Osteen and Drew Butera!

Blog Kiosk: 11/2/2015 - Dodger Links - Mattingly, Greinke and World Champion Drew Butera

Congratulations to the Kansas City Royals and former Dodger Drew Butera for their thrilling World Series victory last night.  I was so hoping they'd have him pitch for a bit.  Alas, that was not to be.  The photo above via Butera's twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• Since the 2015 season is now in the books let's take a look at the odds for 2016.  Via David Purdum, at ESPN, "Dodgers are 2016 World Series favorites." 
• ICYMI: It's now official.  Don Mattingly has been named the new manager for the Miami Marlins.  Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald shares some, "Highlights from Don Mattingly's introductory news conference Monday."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Don Mattingly: 'I think Tim Wallach is going to come with me to be the bench coach'" 

"We've been in conversations about the staff. I don't know if it's something I really want to get into at this point," Mattingly said. "We've talked about some guys. I think Tim Wallach is going to come with me to be the bench coach.

"There are a number of guys coming back. I have pretty much talked or texted with every member of the staff. I don't know if Michael [Hill, president of baseball operations] wants to talk about the staff or not, but some of the guys coming back I'm comfortable with. I think it's important to the continuity of where we're going."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Jacob Scavuzzo emerges as a prospect to watch."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Van Slyke approaching crossroads of his MLB career."
• Via Joshua Sadlock at Baseball Essential, "Zack Greinke won’t be going anywhere."
  

  For a team that shells out $300 MM per season, bumping Greinke up an additional $5 MM per year is a drop in the bucket. There could be concerns about giving him a contract that will run up to age 37. Greinke has had some minor injury concerns, but nothing huge. Since 2008, there have been only two seasons in which he failed to surpass 30 starts. Greinke is not a power pitcher, and his ability to locate, change speeds, and move the ball around in the strike zone will still play even when he loses a few more ticks on his fastball. Pitching in Dodger Stadium suits Greinke, and he pitches to contact and lets the ballpark hold hits down.

• Congrats to LA Kings broadcaster Nick Nickson on his inclusion into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  On Monday, November 9th he'll be awarded the Foster Hewitt Award as a part of the HOF's Induction weekend.  Bob Miller, the Kings other Hall of Fame broadcaster, pens a great piece in honor of Nick, here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Remembering Drew Butera's Grand Year

As you know, Dodger backup catcher Drew Butera was DFA's a few days back and subsequently traded to the Angels yesterday.  And with that, the Butera Era as a Dodger is over, for now.  After all, at just 31-years of age you never know if he might make another appearance in Dodger Blue.

Most stories written about his departure focused primarily on his inability to hit and his stints as a relief pitcher.  As you know, Drew got onto the mound for a couple of laugher's and ended up showing off a 90+ fastball to the delight of just about everyone.  Watch both appearances here and here.

Heck, his fame on the mound even reached the shores of Japan.  During his stint as a catcher for the MLB squad during the Japan Series numerous fans came armed with signs in honor of Butera.  Check out the photo on the right to see what I mean.  It was tweeted out by @TheReal2ryoSS.

Notable as these appearances were, I think Butera would agree that they were not his main highlight of this past season.  Instead, I think his work behind the plate on Sunday, May 25th ranks as even better.  On this afternoon, Drew Butera caught his second career no-hitter (Francisco Liriano was his first in 2011); becoming the fifth catcher to do so in both leagues. 

Dodger hurler Josh Beckett was the master on the diamond as Butera guided him to the greatest performance of his career.  Per a story on MLB.com by Michael Radano:

"I was a nervous wreck from the fourth inning on," said Butera, who worked with Beckett over a 128-pitch afternoon. "He told me he had never gotten a no-hitter into the fourth and I'm like, great, now I'm off my thinking pattern. But he said it every inning. You try not to think too far ahead. One hitter and one pitch at a time. It never gets old."
...
"I was just as excited for Josh as I was for Liriano. We won the game, we won the series, we won the road trip, now maybe we can get some momentum. These things don't happen every day. They happen once in a lifetime, maybe."

Lightening certainly struck twice for Drew Butera. 

(Butera hugging Beckett after no-hitter, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

In honor of Drew Butera's stay in Dodger Blue I decided to Waholize him.  Check that out at the very top.  You can do the same to your favorite picture at BigHugeLabs, here.

BTW, being the class act that he is, Drew Butera thanked us all on twitter yesterday:

I Want to thank the dodgers and the fans for the great experience and support. Enjoyed my time there.
— Drew Butera (@drewbutera) December 10, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2014 - Dodger Links - Butera Traded, Kemp and Puig Raged for his BDay

Check out this veteran Brooklyn Dodger in pinstripes.  Featured above is a vintage 1933 AP press photo of the Dodgers newest first baseman Joe Judge that I ran into on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  The Brooklyn born native spent his first 18 years in the Majors with the Washington Senators, but now he was ready to return to an old home in the National League.  Joe Judge was one of the best fielding first baseman in the game; leading the AL in fielding average five times (a record eventually broken by Don Mattingly decades later).  He could also hit.  In 20 Major League seasons he batted .298/.378/.798 with 2,352 career hits, 1,034 RBI's and an WAR of 46.9 (33rd best all-time for the position).  Below is what was written in the caption:

"HE'S A DODGER NOW.  Joe Judge, veteran first baseman for the Washington Senators, shown in a Dodger uniform covering his old bag at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, N.Y..  Recently given his release by the Senators, Joe was taken up by the Dodgers and will appear with the Brooklyn team this spring.  He signed his contract in New York, Jan. 27.".

You can check out a great biography on him at the SABR biography project here.  The best take-away quote from that piece is from Hall of Fame coach Connie Mack.  This is what he had to say about Joe Judge:

“(He's) one of the smartest first baseman the American League has ever seen. Joe’s the sort of player who hits .300 or close to it year after year and never gets any reputation as a great hitter. To get a true appreciation of Judge’s value to the club you have to go through his record of runs batted in. And you’ll find that Judge annually drives home more than players who hit twenty or thirty points higher than he. Where Joe really shines is in batting in the runs that hurt-the runs that change the tide of battle and swing a ball game to his club.”

Now, check out some links below:

• Thanks for the memories, Drew!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, recently DFA's catcher Drew Butera has been traded to the Angels for cash or a player to be named later. 
• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "On Matt Kemp’s Defense."

From what we’ve seen, it’s premature to say that given a full year of data and health in a corner, Kemp couldn’t be at least adequate as relates to the offense he provides, because he’s still got that arm and being slower isn’t the same as being slow. But he’ll keep aging, and what might be acceptable for another year or maybe two seems like a huge issue down the road. He’s not a DH yet. Soon, though. Soon.

• Topps Five Star Baseball set officially comes out today.  Check out some preview pics of the set on Topps facebook page, here.  Above is a photo of the Jackie Robinson 'bat plate' card.
• Also, Topps is releasing their 2014 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospect set today.  Some preview pics can be seen on their facebook page, here.  To the right is a Jose De Leon card.
• Via Daniel Brim at Hardball Times, "A First Look at StatCast Baserunning Data."  This should be a fun tool to play with.
• Via a TMZ report online, "Yasiel Puig Dominates 24th Bday Party... With Huge Hip Hop Stars."

It all went down at Liv ... where Puig and his buddies rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in hip hop including Diddy, DJ Khaled (also celebrating a birthday), Rick Ross and Miguel.

But despite the competition, our sources tell us Puig outpartied EVERYONE ... slamming Hennessey (dat Hen Dog) with his pals all night long.

As one source put it ... "They shut the club down."

• Tommy Lasorda has a plan, via a tweet by Jon Heyman.

ran into tommy lasorda, 87, in lobby. said goal is to make to 100 and go onto the dodger stadium mound and throw a pitch.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 10, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2014 - Dodger Links - Puig on the Cover of MLB15

Guess who will be on the cover of MLB 15?  Yasiel Puig is the king of the league.  Graphic above via @MLBTheShow on twitter.

I couldn't think of a more appropriate player to grace the cover of the newest edition of MLB The Show.  Afterall, the man is one of the more exciting players in the league and he even enjoys playing the game.  As you'll recall, earlier this year he challeneged Hunter Pence to a friendly game at IGN Studios and he whooped some butt.  Check out my previous post about it here.  You can also watch it below.

Video Link:

Below are some links to check out:

• FYI, Fernando Valenzuela will receive the Othli Award from Carlos Manuel Sada, Consulate General of Mexico, this afternoon at Rio de Los Angeles State Park as a part of Copa IME Becas.  The award recognizes those who have had a significant impact on the lives of the Mexican community and is awarded by the Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME), an agency of the Mexican government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Copa IME Becas is a free community festival that started at 8:00 AM, and Valenzuela will be on hand at noon.
• Listen to Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi on AM570 with Bill Reiter and friends on LA Today that was recorded yesterday, here.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers claim catcher Ryan Lavarnway from Red Sox, designate Drew Butera for assignment."  If Butera clears waivers it's likely he stays within the Dodger system.  A Dodger press release can be found here.

Lavarnway, who went to El Camino Real HS in Woodland Hills and then Yale, had a .389 on-base percentage and .370 slugging percentage in 62 games with Pawtucket in 2014, while battling a strained left wrist. His best minor league season was 2011, when he hit 32 homers, and he has a career .283/.375/.479 line in the minors.

Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest writes a great analysis on Lavarnway, and it ain't pretty.

• Jayson Stark at ESPN has the best take yet on the circus of Matt Kemp rumors circulating throughout social media.  Check that out here.

Here's one final prediction for you: The Dodgers will trade an outfielder this winter. Maybe more than one. But while they're talking about Kemp with the Orioles, Mariners, Padres and others, dealing Kemp is the option they're least interested in -- basically, their "Uh-Oh, We Can't Move Anybody Else So We'd Better Move Him" plan.

• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "Dodgers top prospects 2015: Brandon Dixon, No. 18."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw to Pitch Subway and Japan Loves Butera

The legend of Drew Butera has just begun.  He is getting a lot of love in Japan.  Pic above via @TheReal2ryoSS on twitter.  Here is a pic of another sign made by a Japanese Baseball fan extolling their love for Butera.

Below are some links to check out:

• Go here and bid often.  The Negro League Baseball Museum has up a bunch of auctions on eBay featuring MLB game-used negro league commemorative uniforms worn over the past couple of years; including players like Rusty Kuntz, Rafael Soriano and Ed Yost.
• Clayton will be the new Jared.  Via Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, "Kershaw signs on with Subway."

"The key for us is authenticity," Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. "We found out that Clayton would stop by a Subway before going to the ballpark and that meant a lot to us that he was a fan of the brand."

• Uh-oh.  Via Gus Garcia-Roberts at Newsday, "Anthony Bosch told feds that agent Scott Boras tried to cover up Manny Ramirez's PED use, sources say."
• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Garvey mentors son at Dodgertown fantasy camp."

"Just seeing all the pictures in the hallways and the memories you see and you hear, especially being around the locker rooms with all these greats, the stories about Dodgertown, and then it finally comes true when you come here," Ryan (Garvey) said. "You see it and you actually live and see it through their eyes what they've been through and what kind of place they kind of grew up in.

"Like they said, this was like a home away from home for a lot of guys. I feel like deep down inside, it's a home away from home, even just being here three or four days. Just the history here and being with my dad."

• Coming out next week will be Panini's 2014 Classics Baseball.  Check out some preview pics here.  Below are a couple of Dodger cards.

• The fabled Barry Halper Collection auction takes another hit.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Collector Suing over Mays Items in Halper Auction."
• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 MVP award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  These prints uses a different profile pic than the recently issued CY Young award prints.  There are three different versions of the MVP prints; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Farhan Zaidi, Yasiel Puig and Chad Billingsley

The Dodgers introduced their new General Manager, Farhan Zaidi, yesterday to a handful of local press people, and by most accounts it was a successful event.  He had an opportunity to address his analytical background and philosophy in such a way that even LA Times reporter Steve Dilbeck could understand it.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

Still, I so wanted to hear the gallery chant the demeaning phrase 'NERD, NERD' like that lovable oaf named Ogre from that mid-80's movie classic that spawned three unwatchable sequels.

Yesterday could have been the prologue before the opening credits scrolled on the television screen.  Then, mad hazing would ensue as a wild and wacky crew of old-school Baseball defenders, lead by Ryan Theriot, enact their cruel yet hilarious forms of justice.  Soon, an unlikely romance is born before the plot climaxes with a rousing speech about how Baseball has always been about statistical analysis - heck, read about Allan Roth to understand how the Dodgers were one of the early vanguards.

At the end of the movie, the camera would pan across a cheering fanbase spread throughout Dodger Stadium.  Seated right in front, in the area usually occupied by Tommy Lasorda, is a motley collection of former rivals.  Hand in hand, stats folks and non-stats folks would rejoice in a happy bliss.

It coulda happened.

Below are some links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares numerous quotes from yesterdays press conference regarding the recent hiring of Farhan Zaidi and Josh Byrnes, with Andrew Friendman.  Check it out.

“Both guys are going to touch everything. It’s a massive operation, and our vision is to be as good as we possibly can be in every facet. The development side, international, scouting, the way we use information, the way we prepare at the Major League level — all of those are incredibly important. To have all of touching those not only puts us in the best position we can be but allows us to do so as quickly as we can.

• Jon then shares numerous quotes from new GM Farhan Zaidi, "Quotebook: New Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi discusses his approach."  Check that out here.

“The hard question isn’t just evaluating how good players are, it’s how good players are going to be. And that’s another thing that you’re never going to be able to build, is some model that’s going to project and tell exactly what someone’s going to do next year. … That’s why you need this holistic approach to baseball operations, otherwise you’re going to miss out on a whole swath of opportunities.

• Via Aaron Gleeman at Hardball Talk, "Dodgers’ new GM Farhan Zaidi has a good sense of humor."
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Puig, Butera heading to Japan for All-Star Series."
• In case you were wondering, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA on twitter, the Kevin Correia trade has been completed:

Dodgers sent cash (no player) to the Twins to complete the Kevin Correia trade
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) November 7, 2014

• Via Jayson Stark at ESPN, "Kershaw or Bumgarner?"
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, "Judge rejects Yasiel Puig's second attempt to dismiss lawsuit."

For the second time this year, a federal judge has rejected an attempt by Yasiel Puig to dismiss a lawsuit blaming the Dodgers outfielder for the imprisonment and alleged torture of a Cuban man.

• Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter, Chad Billingsley has changed agents.  There is no guarantee that he'll remain a Dodger.  There is bound to be a team out there willing to take a flyer on him.  Call it a high risk/high reward scenario.

Free-agent RHP Chad Billingsley has changed agents, joining Steve Hilliard of Octagon. Billingsley previously was repped by Dave Stewart.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 5, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2014 - Dodger Links - I'd Call the Game a Comedy, but I'm Not Laughing

Yeah... That sucked.

The Dodgers shoulda coulda won last night, but they didn't.  Dan Haren pitched great in a no-decision and in the process earned a vested player option for next season.  The Dodgers bats, after exploding over the recent roadtrip, were eerily quiet.  The ultimate cause for last nights loss was not the bullpen who couldn't get three-in-a-row out if their life depended on it.  Instead, it was a defensive misplay in right-centerfield in the third inning that lead to a run scoring for the Giants.  If not for that the Dodgers would have won.

I would usually chalk up this defeat as just "Baseball being Baseball," but with the season winding down and the division title on the line all it does is make me sweat... and worry... and sweat some more.

Of note, I do believe it's pertinent that AJ Ellis was pulled for a pinch runner in the seventh inning.  At that point, the Giants had been held to only one hit behind the battery of Haren and Ellis.  Thereafter, the battery of Drew Butera and the bullpen gave up eleven hits.  That's not to say that Butera is a slouch behind the plate (he isn't), or that our bullpen is subpar (it can be, but not that bad).  It's just that I believe it's always a bad idea to replace a catcher who has a feel for the game at hand; especially one who is so depended on to call a good game.  When preparing for any game the catcher is uniquely involved in scouting the other teams batters.  As the game progresses he gains a feel for how those batters are approaching their at-bats that day.  Therefore, a catcher coming in cold during the middle of the game is always at an disadvantage and may often error when calling pitches.

That's just my two cents.  You might disagree.

We have a 3.5 game lead over the Giants and the magic number stays at three games.  Oy Vie!  Graphic above via @SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are some links to check out.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Breaking down the breakdown: What happened with Puig and Kemp on that fly ball?"
• The Dodgers announced yesterday that Clayton Kershaw was named the winner of the ninth annual Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodger player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. The award, which was voted upon by Dodger uniformed personnel, was presented to Kershaw by Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe during pregame ceremonies yesterday.  This is the second year in a row he has won the award.  Check out the Dodger press release here. 
• BTW, Dan Haren's option for 2015 has now officially vest, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.

Dodgers starter Dan Haren now holds a $10MM player option for next season after notching his 180th inning on the year. By reaching that mark, he also triggered a $500K bonus (on top of $1.5MM in innings-pitched and games-started bonuses already met).

• Panini's newest high-end Baseball card set called the Immaculate Collection comes out on Wednesday.  Go here to check out some more preview pics on their blog; including the Mike Piazza as a Dodger card on the right.
• Cora at Sons of Steve Garvey shares his experience participating the the recent LA Dodgers Foundation 5K race.  I might just have to join up for this next year.
• Oscar Martinez of AllTrade Bait fame wrote a piece for Lasorda's Lair, "The Betrayals Of Chavez Ravine And Los Angeles Dodger Fans."  He, along with many Dodger fans, remain unhappy about the lack of Dodger baseball on TV.
• Hilarious!  Via Grant Brisbee at McCovey Chronicles, "Giants reveal horrifying Buster Posey bobblehead."
• On a positive note, preseason hockey has just begun.  The LA Kings look to defend their Stanley Cup Championship this season, and as always I'll be going to a bunch of games (I'm a longterm season ticket holder up in the rafters).  In the past, I haven't posted much about those games, but who knows... Maybe that will change.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2014 - Dodger Links - And the Dodgers Just Keep on Winning

Roberto Hernandez was a bit more wild in his second start as a Dodger.  He threw 118 pitches in six innings and walked four batters.  Nevertheless, Hernandez pitched well enough to record his second straight quality start and a victory.  He limited the Braves to just three hits and one run on his way to his very first win in Blue.

On the offensive side, catcher Drew Butera hit his third home run of the season.  Also, Adrian Gonzalez continued his hot ways by recording three hits; including a double, and three RBI's.  Even better, Yasiel Puig looks to have gotten out of his mini-slump.  He hit three singles, drove in a run and made a spectacular catch while crashing into the centerfield wall.  Watch it below.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

The walls should start fearing @YasielPuig. http://t.co/BRprwGmYyb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 14, 2014

The Dodgers increased their lead over the Gianst to 5.5 games.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a pic of the Magic Johnson bobblehead the Dodgers will be giving out on September 2nd.  See it on the right.
• Seung Lee at the LA Times provides an interactive timeline on the life and career of "Vin Scully through the years."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Stopping (just) short of calling race for L.A."  It's all about the Dodgers currently being in the driver seat, the pundits worrying about making another bad call and that initial bad call that certainly motivated the Dodgers to get their butt into gear.

“That was funny (of the articles calling the division for the Giants),” catcher A.J. Ellis said. “All I’ll say about that is, I think Drew Butera still has a link to it on his phone. We got a kick out of it.” 

• He just gets better as time moves on.  Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Urias strikes out nine in win for Rancho Cucamonga."  We are easily a couple of years (at a minimum) before he wears Dodger Blue, but I just can't wait.  Something tells me that he'll be worth it.
• I dare you to tell me Puig isn't a fine young man after reading this.  Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Yasiel Puig’s heartwarming gesture to Carl and Jimmy Erskine."
• Awesome!  GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey oddball cards and collectibles.
• Ouch.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Erisbel Arruebarrena placed on Triple-A DL with right shoulder inflammation."
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett we get a first look at Topps 2015 Baseball flagship Baseball card design.  See it below.  So, what do you think?  Do you like it?

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Ethier, Butera and Former King Bernie Nicholls

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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

Andre Ethier will be at Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe in teh City of Industry to sign autographs for fans on Saturday, July 12th starting at 11:30 AM to completion.  Prices are: Balls, Flats, Bobbleheads & Figurines:  $45; All other items:  $60; Inscriptions:  $20. each; PSA/DNA Authentication:  $10. each.  Go here or here for information.

Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe #2
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746

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

Dodgers catcher Drew Butera will be at the Sports Authority store on Pico in Los Angeles this coming Saturday, July 12th from 11:00 AM to 12:00PM.  (Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy)

Sports Authority 
4550 W. Pico Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90019

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

LA Kings legend Bernie Nicholls will be at Dr. Alex Corbin Liu's optometry practice in Rowland Heights this coming Saturday, July 12th from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.  Go here for more information.

Dr. Alex Corbin Liu 
19735 East Colima Road, #4
Rowland Heights, CA

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Lord Stanley and the Kings Visited Dodger Stadium Yesterday

The festivities is just beginning for the 2014 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings.  They had a parade on Monday afternoon, Jimmy Kimmel later that evening and a Dodger Stadium visit yesterday.  Who knows what's in store for tomorrow?

As you'll recall, nearly the entire Kings squad visited Dodger Stadium after their Stanley Cup victory in 2012 (check out my post on that here).  This time around, a much smaller contingent made out to the game for a ceremony and public celebration.

(pic via @LAKings on twitter)

Before the start of the game they took some batting practice at Dodger Stadium.  Defenseman Matt Greene, who famously stayed in the Dodgers dugout in full uniform during the Stanley Cup celebration in 2012, is putting on batting gloves in the photo below.  I believe Jarret Stoll (left) and Drew Doughty (right) have their back to us.

(pic via @LAKings on twitter)

Watch star defenseman Drew Doughty taking some hacks below.

In the cage with the @LAKings' @dewyy8: https://t.co/yjmFKAyznW
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 17, 2014

In the meantime, Don Mattingly came out to meet the boys.  From left to right: Tanner Pearson, Mattingly, Mike Richards and Martin Jones.

(pic via @LAKings on twitter)

So, how did the Kings players perform with a bat instead of a graphite stick?  Jon Rosen of the LA Kings Insider lets us know on twitter.

Checking in from Dodger Stadium, where Jeff Carter hit one off the wall during BP.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) June 18, 2014

Considering the Dodgers recent woes, we might have to sign up Carter for the summer.

(pic via JonSooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

Here are some more pics I found featuring the Kings and Dodgers with the Cup on social media.  BTW, you can go here to check out all of the photos taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo; including a bunch of pics featuring the Cup with some Dodger players.

Justin Williams of the @LAKings spending some quality time with @YasielPuig & @HanleyRamirez. pic.twitter.com/iYBkzSCJy2
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 18, 2014

Conn Smythe winner (MVP) Justin Williams is seen with his son, Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig in the photo above.  The Kings watch some Dodgers in the batting cage below.

Just some @LAKings taking in some afternoon batting practice at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/jpFUIxAenC
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 17, 2014

Check out Justin Turner with Lord Stanley below.


Drew Butera then had his turn.


Of course, you know Yasiel Puig wouldn't miss the fun.

Yasiel Puig meets Lord Stanley: pic.twitter.com/obVRYcvgaD
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 18, 2014

The always stoic Uribe.

The Juan and Only: pic.twitter.com/m6AdRt6VYf
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 18, 2014

On the field.

Lord Stanley makes an appearance at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Xwhuv0CHgU
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 18, 2014

Alanna Rizzo looks so excited.

Cup is in the house! pic.twitter.com/3MOBmACHFy
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) June 18, 2014

Kings first pitch

The @LAKings first pitch: https://t.co/guP7lbNpGn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 18, 2014

Finally, Alec raises the cup for all to see.

Hello, beautiful! pic.twitter.com/4XiTFxUWmP
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 18, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Turner, Butera and a Double Dose of Reuss

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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

Justin Turner will be at the new Sports Authority store on Pico in Los Angeles from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 14th.  Be sure to contact the store for more info.  Hat Tip: True to the Blue.

Sports Authority

4550 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles CA 90019

(323) 634-0438

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

Jerry Reuss will be at a couple of places this weekend signing autographs for fans.

On Friday, June 13 starting at 7 PM he will be at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena for a talk and book signing.

Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-449-5320

On Saturday, June 14 he'll be at World Class Motoring from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

World Class Motoring
28714 Canwood St #120
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

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

Dodger catcher Drew Butera will be signing autographs in Riverside at Enzo's Pizza & Pasta on Sunday, June 15th.  Check out the flyer below.

Enzo's Pizza & Pasta
10170 Indiana Ave.
Riverside, Ca 92503
(909) 510-4925

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

Clipper Reggie Bullock will be signing autographs at Dr. Alex Corbin Liu optometry practice in Rowland Heights on Saturday, June 14th from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.  Go here for information.

Dr. Alex Corbin Liu
19735 Colima Road
Rowland Heights, CA

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday Dodger Videos: Puig in the FanCave, Pronouncing Arruebarrena and Beckett's No-Hitter

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

The MLB FanCave did some bat flipping with Yasiel Puig while the Dodgers were in New York.

Video Link:

Then, he visited the FanCave.

Video Link:

ICYMI:  Here's a look at every out from Josh Beckett's no-hitter, yesterday.

Video Link:

Carl Crawford, Justin Turner, Scott Van Slyke and Drew Butera try to pronounce their newest teammate's name - Erisbel Arruebarrena.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/20/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodgers Day Off Shenanigans and Dodger Radio Ratings are Way Up

Drew Butera and Dee Gordon spent their day off hanging out with some New York youngsters - playing dodgeball.  In the photo above they take a group selfie, pic via @MLBFanCave on twitter.

• Via Ben Bergman at KPCC, "Dodgers radio ratings up 78 percent during TV standoff."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Yasiel Puig named co-NL Player of the Week."
• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, "10 Degrees: Dodgers and their crazy TV deal top MLB's biggest disappointments."

The most expensive team money can buy is also the most expensive mistake in the short history of wildly overpriced, patently absurd local-television-rights deals.

• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, "Your ballpark photos could end up on a baseball card in 2015 Topps Opening Day set."  I might have to get an instagram account.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers hope Ryu's return stabilizes rotation."

"I feel healthy and I don't feel I need to be extra careful during my start," said Ryu. "The only difference is the extra shoulder exercises I'm doing after the injury. Otherwise, my routine is normal. I'm not aware of any pitch limitations, but that's not up to me.

"The hard part about being out is that I kind of felt bad for the rotation. I felt I wasn't able to pull my load for the team while on the sidelines. Now that I'm coming back, I will be able to contribute."

• BTW, if you dare, go here to take a look at the toe that landed Ryu on the DL.
• Via Cody Stumpo at Feelin' Kinda Blue, "What must the Dodgers think of Alex Guerrero's defense?"

But the Dodgers want Guerrero to keep getting reps at second base. They've said all along they see him as not-yet-acceptable as a major league defensive second baseman, but with a few months of practice hopefully he gets up to at least the level where his bat can compensate for what his glove gives away.

• Watch Yasiel Puig dancing in the MLB Fan Cave, via twitter.

Dance session selfie with @YasielPuig: https://t.co/BGb0YiAa2x
— MLB Fan Cave (@MLBFanCave) May 19, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Andre Ethier Embraced his Inner Surfer in "Point Break" Performance Today

With today being a off day for the Dodgers, many players decided to have fun around New York to de-stress from their struggles. 

Yasiel Puig visit the MLB FanCave to get his dance on, and Drew Butera and Dee Gordon played dodgeball with some local area kids.  Adrian Gonzalez, on the other hand, had a much nobler pursuit.  He visit the CNN en Espanol offices to discuss his All-Star Teachers campaign.

(pic via Knitting Factory Brooklyn on facebook)

Andre Ethier also made a public appearance that was worthy of note.  He tried his hand at some onstage acting by playing Keanu Reeves as Johnny Utah in Point Break at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.

I kid you not!

As the ladies know, his casting for this part is not off-base.  He's got those California surfer-boy good looks and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes him perfect for the part.  Heck, can't you just imagine him saying,

"The correct term is Babes, sir."

or

"You crossed the line. People trusted you and they died. You gotta' go down."

Fortunately, his appearance quickly spread throughout the 'net earlier today, so we thankfully were able to get a report of the happening.  Rodger Sherman at the LookIt blog at SB Nation was in attendance with a full report.

Still, the whole thing was quite funny, and Ethier was funny in it. The process is half the joke -- for instance, a director ordering Ethier to RUN, Ethier starting to run, the director reminding him that his character has a nagging leg injury, and then Ethier writhing on the ground in pain. Ethier clearly enjoyed the whole endeavor.

Sadly I didn't get any great videos -- Ethier yelling "I AM JOHNNY UTAH," for example -- but it seems the whole thing will be online soon thanks to the MLB folks filming the hell out of it.

I can't wait to watch what MLB puts out.  In the meantime, check out Rodger's story at SB Nation for some of his video and the below tweets.  Oh... and,

 "Vaya con Dios, Brah."

I'm with Ethier at Point Break Live... He's playing Johnny Utah #knittigfactory #Bklyn pic.twitter.com/iZ6OknZGtF
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 19, 2014

Andre Either is JOHNNY UTAH! pic.twitter.com/gaWaZvLV4r
— Knitting Factory BK (@KnitBrooklyn) May 19, 2014

Today @Dodgers outfielder Andre Either is @PointBreakUtah ! #dodgers #mlb #ladodgers pic.twitter.com/cYwzt0Z2Pi
— Daniel Frankel (@Stan_Kankels) May 19, 2014

.@Dodgers OF Andre Ethier plays Johnny Utah in @PointBreak_Live. Video coming soon. #MLBFC pic.twitter.com/fS9tT9R3ua
— MLB Fan Cave (@MLBFanCave) May 19, 2014

Ethier with the Improv Cast of "Point Break Live" #johhnyutah pic.twitter.com/Ge5gR4sBhK
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 19, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Donation Drive Tonight at Dodger Stadium

Meet our newest reliever, Drew Butera.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) are leading an online donation effort now through May 19 and a collection of items at Dodger Stadium Thursday, May 15 in support of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. The Mission experienced a devastating fire earlier this month. Damage sustained included the destruction of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter, vehicle fleet, clothing warehouse and food pantry which were vital in aiding those of need in the San Fernando Valley. The Dodgers and LADF invite fans to donate monetary gifts now by visiting www.dodgers.com/ladf. All donations received this week will go directly to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Fans are also invited to drive through Dodger Stadium Thursday, May 15 from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Lot 1 to drop off donations.
• Via Jen Heger at Rador Online, "Poor Sports? DirectTV Customers Upset About Increase In Sports Channel Fee, Despite Not Offering Dodger Channel."

However, another customer we talked to put the situation in perspective, “So in one breath, DirectTV is saying they don’t want to pass along added costs to us, but increased the regional sports fee and still aren’t offering the Dodgers!

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, " Has Dee Gordon made Alex Guerrero a $28-million problem?"
• Dodger Penguin shares his day at Dodger Stadium.  He received a Mickey Hatcher autograph and a Puig Bobblehead.
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, " Hearing postponed in lawsuit against Dodgers' Yasiel Puig."  As Puig's attorney moves to have the lawsuit dismissed, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Via Earl Bloom and Alyson Footer at MLB.com, "Catcher Butera takes mound for Dodgers."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *