Blog Kiosk: 2/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Betts is looking like a happy camper. Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are some notes from a Dodger press release regarding the Dodgers Spring.

• Right-handed pitcher, Brusdar Graterol, threw his first bullpen session (on Monday), making his Dodger Spring Training debut. The Venezuelan born pitcher was a combined 19-6 with a 2.48 ERA (59 ER/214.0 IP) in 51 minor league games in the Twins’ organization last season. After making his Major League debut on Sept. 1, 2019, the 21-year old made 10 relief appearances for Minnesota to record a 1-1 record with a 4.66 ERA (5 ER/9.2 IP) with 10 strikeouts against two walks.
• The Dodgers would like to welcome non-roster invitee Terrance Gore to camp. The outfielder spent last season between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Kansas City. With Kansas City, he appeared in 37 games for a .275/.362/.353 slash line with two doubles and a triple. 
• The first live batting practices of camp were thrown Monday by Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin.

Photo on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Walter O'Malley and the Dodgers completed their purchase of Chavez Ravine by paying $494,000 for the property that was valued at $92,000. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 18-year old free agent Dominican infielder José Vizcaíno. He would go on to have an 18 year career in the Majors -- playing five seasons for the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers re-signed Chase "Dad" Utley to a one-year $2 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Sherry Smith, Manny Mota, Bob Miller, Kevin Tapani, Jamey Carroll & Chad Moeller!

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

Check out these Brooklynites celebrating with Carl Erskine in the above UP press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Erskine Does It Again -- Brooklyn, NY: Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine is congratulated by admiring fans, after the trim Indiana righthander hurled the second no-hit game of his career, a brilliant 3-0 win over the New York Giants here May 12th. Erskine's other no-hitter came against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952. Erskine's feat makes him the 17th pitcher in Major League history to have pitched at least two no-hitters, and by coincidence, the Major League's last no-hitter was pitched exactly one year ago on this date by Chicago's Sam Jones in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 5/12/1956. (boxscore)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1861 the Brooklyn Atlantics defeat the Charter Oak Club, 36 - 27, playing Baseball while wearing skates on a frozen Litchfield Pond in South Brooklyn. In 1956 Commissioner Ford Frick introduces the Cy Young Memorial Award in memory of the Hall of Fame pitcher who died the year before. As you know, Dodger hurler Don Newcombe would be the first to win the award later in the season. In 1985 the Dodgers traded 6' 5" righty Pat Zachery to the Phillies for aging slugger Al Oliver. 
• Happy Birthday, Lefty Davis, Eddie Ainsmith, Possum Whitted, Pat Perry & Steve Schmoll!

Blog Kiosk: 1/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's the upcoming cover of Time magazine that honors Kobe Bryant, via a tweet from Tania Ganguli. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I was so fascinated and in awe with him,” (Justin) Turner said. “Growing up, everything that left my hand was followed by a ‘Kobe.’ What he meant to so many people here in Southern California, the icon that he was in the world, really, it’s just sad. It’s a sad day, and it’ll be a sad week, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take for anyone to get over this — if they ever will.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: This isn't Dodger news, but it's worth noting. In 1949 the NY Giants signed their first African-American ballplayer -- Monte Irvin and hurler Ford Smith. In 1961 the International League Board of Directors votes to move the Montreal Baseball franchise to Syracuse, New York, where the former Dodger farm club will play as the Chiefs. In 1982 the Dodgers signed free agent infield prospect Dave Anderson. He would play eight season in Los Angeles and become a World Champion in 1988 as part of the "Stunt Men". In 2004 the Dodgers signed the great Jose Lima to a one-year free agent contract. He would lead the club with a 13-5 record and become a beloved figure in Los Angeles.  In 2013 the Dodgers announce the launch of SportsNet LA, their own regional sports network on Time Warner Cable.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Doak, Lyn Lary, Joe Beckwith & Stu Pederson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

One of the unheralded heroes of any Baseball staff is the team doctor. For the Dodgers, during the Golden Years of the franchise, it was Harold W. Wendler, or Doc Wendler, who kept the players healthy and in tip top condition. Featured above is a 1956 Spring Training press photo taken by noted photographer Herb Scharfman featuring Doc tending to Sandy Amaros (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Looking For a Break -- Miami, FLA... Doc Wendler looks for a possible fracture on the left ankle of Dodger outfielder Sandy Amaros, who was hit by a pitched ball in the third inning od an exhibition game with the Boston Red Sox today. sandy was able to walk to the dugout unaided. The Red Sox walloped the World Champions, 17-5. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1969 Roy Campanella is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame with 79.4% of the vote - his fifth year of eligibility. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent catcher Brad Ausmus to a $1 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Emil Batch, Benny Meyer, Glenn Chapman, Johnny Oates, Josh Wall, Josh Ravin & Joe Wieland!

Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Nine More Wins!

Let's hear it for the old guys! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“What he’s done for our entire group, namely the young catchers, just the entire group of ball players, his insight, his experience — and now you talk about when he does get an opportunity to play, just his toughness, his compete and obviously the at-bat quality…he’s got some big hits for us this year, none bigger than the one tonight,” Roberts said.

Old guy Russell Martin was a major catalyst for the Dodgers last night. After trailing for most of the night, he came up with two-on and doubled to give the Dodgers a lead that they would not relinquish. His hit started a rally that would score seven runs in the sixth inning, and would provide starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu with his third career playoff win.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers fire their manager, Casey Stengel. He had a 208-251 record as Brooklyn's skipper over three season. In 1977, in Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers score three runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead over the Phillies. The Dodgers eventually win the series the next day to advance to the World Series. In 1978, in Game 4 of the NLCS, the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on a tenth-inning run scoring single by Bill Russell to win the NL pennant and earn the a right to face the Yankees in the World Series (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Al Burch, Phil Lewis, Tony Malinosky, Phil Ortega, Rudy Law, Jim Bruske & Brickyard Kennedy!,

It Is National High-Five Day!

By virtue of him being the first we celebrate this day in honor of former Dodger outfielder Glenn Burke.

I of course will also note Dusty Baker's participation, but that's more because he was the catalyst naturally responding to the moment. It was Burke who started it all.

Happy high-five day!

Blog Kiosk: 2/2/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Let's hope we see something like this in October.  Shown above are outfielder Willie Davis and third baseman John Kennedy in the midst of celebrating the Dodgers 1965 National League pennant, dated 10/2/1965 (eBay Auction Link).  They had just defeated the Milwaukee Braves, and clinched the title over the hated Giants.  As you know, they would go on to win the franchise's fourth World Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1964 a Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee elected former Dodgers Burleigh Grimes, Heinie Manush and John Montgomery Ward into the Hall. 
• Happy Birthday, John Tudor, Scott Erickson & Chin-lung Hu!
  

Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - WooHoo! Dodgers Win

Wow!

That game was epic.  Maybe the best ever.  And I'm not saying that 'cause the Dodgers won... Okay, maybe I'm far more enthusiastic about it 'cause my guys won, but really... Wasn't it the best ever!

• "One of the best games in history," said Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. (Link Here)
• "That's probably one of the craziest, if not the craziest, games I've ever been a part of in my career," Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer said. "Man, this is a tough one to be on the wrong side of."  (Link Here)
• "I'm like, wait a minute, am I dreaming right now?" Jansen said, exhausted on the floor of the visiting clubhouse. "It's an awesome feeling to know the best pitcher in the game has your back."  (Link Here) 
• “It was crazy,” Pederson, who finished this NLDS 5 for 15 with two walks, a double and the homer, said on the field after the game in a televised interview. “I’m kind of at a loss for words right now. Washington played great. They fought us to the end, but it just shows what kind of team we are. We stuck together, we believed in each other, we came back.”  (Link Here)
• “I came to [Roberts], you know, once Kenley went out there in the seventh,” Kershaw said. “I was just kind of doing the math. I don't think Kenley's ever done a six-out save, let alone a nine-out save. He threw 20 pitches in that seventh inning, and I just said, 'I'm going to go get loose, see how I feel and I'll let you know, but I might be able to do this.' That's kind of what happened.  (Link Here)
• “I thank God for being able to be at his side,” Urias said through an interpreter. “When I saw him come in the clubhouse and put on his spikes, I knew he was ready to go and I learned a lot about him at that moment. He’s about winning and all that goes through his mind is winning, winning, winning. I’m so glad that everything worked out.”  (Link Here)
• "This encapsulated our season, yeah," manager Dave Roberts said. "It takes 25 guys to win a game [and] that’s what we did [in Game 5]."  (Link Here)

Dave Roberts managed the gutsiest game of Baseball I've ever witnessed... Bar none!  And as a viewer, I am exhausted.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game and celebration.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 Sandy Koufax, on just two days rest, masterfully pitched a 2-0 complete game shutout to defeat the Twins in Game 7 of the World Series to win their fourth championship.  He was named MVP of the series.
• Happy Birthday, Hugh Casey and Ivy Olson!  

Blog Kiosk: 10/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon the Dodgers jumped on a plane (as evidenced by a video tweeted by Charlie Culberson) and headed out to the capitol for this weekends NLDS matchup against the Nationals.  Once there, they held their first workout at the stadium.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, Dave Roberts had this to say about the season so far:

"The thing I'm most pleased with is we've made no excuses and we've persevered," said Roberts. "We've got a tough group of players. In life and in sports, there's always talk about accountability and reasons why you don't have success, but our guys don't have that, and I think that's the thing I can hang my hat on."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1963 the Dodgers completed their sweep of the NY Yankees in the World Series for their third championship in franchise history.  Sandy Koufax got the win and complete game in the 2-1 victory.  In 1965 Sandy Koufax sat out his scheduled start in the World Series against the Twins due to Yom Kippur.
• Happy Birthday, Alfredo Griffin!

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2016 - Dodgers Links - Potential Puig Trade Revealed and Dodger Fans Rule Yankee Stadium

What the...?

Never in my life could I ever have expected a crowd of Dodger fans to out-root, out-cheer and simply overcome the hometown crowd at Yankee Stadium.  As you may have heard, a group of over 1,300 loud Dodger fans, a contingent that came along with Dodgers fan group Pantone 294, overwhelmed Yamkee fans in their own home.  Heck, they even performed their own "roll call" of Dodger players on the field (watch the NY commentators discuss it here).  Billy Witz at the NY Times has a good rundown on the spectacle:

The longest-tenured Yankee, left fielder Brett Gardner, who was well within earshot of the Dodgers fans, said in reference to the crowd: “Even the Red Sox, they don’t have maybe as big a following or aren’t as rowdy. It’s a little bit different, but I thought it was a good atmosphere. If we’re going to play well down the stretch and get back into the postseason like we aspire to do, we’re going to have to play well in that atmosphere, whether it’s at the Stadium or on the road.”

Best yet, the folks at Pantone 294 brought some luck to the Blue Crew.  The Dodgers hammered out an impressive 8-2 victory behind an fantastic second career start by Jose De Leon.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“It was electric and everything I expected,” De Leon said of his Yankee Stadium debut. “I was a little more nervous than I was in L.A. Since I grew up a Red Sox fan, I really wanted to beat the Yankees, so it was a good one."

Photo above via @MLB on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1925 Dodger starter Dazzy Vance ho-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 10-1. Check out the boxscore here.  In 1977 Dodger outfielder Dusty Baker set a franchise record by driving in five runs in one inning.  It was against the Padres at Dodger Stadium. 
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Ruether and Rick Dempsey!

Nationals Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Washington Nationals.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The DC: Half Smoke Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Nationals at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with diced onion, yellow mustard and DC chili.

The sixth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Corey Seager on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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

Monday, June 20th at 7:10 PM
RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 6/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Venable and Kenta Maeda

Oh noes!

In a season filled to the brim with injuries seeing Kenta Maeda crumble on the field after being struck on his right knee was distressing.  My immediate thought was, "what else could go wrong?"

At the start of the sixth inning Paul Goldschmidt lined a comebacker that was recorded at an exit velocity of 95 MPH.  Unable to catch it on the fly, the ball struck Kenta just below the knee.  Obviously in pain, Maeda still had the presence of mind to grab the errant ball and throw out the All-Start first baseman to record the first out of the inning.  Soon thereafter, he fell to the turf and writhed in agony.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's feeling better actually now," Roberts said. "It was something with a nerve that just lit him up."

"What I know for sure is that it didn't hit the bone," Maeda said through a translator. "But I wasn't able to put any strength or flex it at all, so I was a little bit in shock."

Fortunately, x-rays later on were negative and only revealed a very bad bruise.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's hard to tell at this point, but I will reevaluate [Wednesday]," Maeda said through his interpreter. "My hope is to make the next scheduled start. What I know for sure is it didn't hit the bone, but I wasn't able to put any strength or weight on it and I was kind of shocked. Among all the hits taken in the past, it hurt the most. "

I don't know if this team could have survived another major injury to its starting rotation.  So I think it's fair to say we dodged a bullet.  BTW, the Dodgers were victorious over the Diamondbacks, 7-4.  They slugged four home runs; including a pair by Joc Pederson.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Johnny Vander Meer pitched his second consecutive no-hitter, beating the Dodgers at Ebbets Field.  He had no-hit the Braves four days prior.  In 1951 Buzzy Bavasi made his first trade as the Dodgers GM.  He received Andy Pfako, Johnny Schmitz, Wayne Terwilliger, and Rube Walker in exchange for Bruce Edwards, Joe Hatten, Eddie Miksis, and Gene Hermanski. In 1996 the Dodgers turned their first triple play in 47 years.  It was against the Braves in the first inning.
• Happy Birthday, Brett Butler and Dusty Baker!

Blog Kiosk: 6/2/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Sometimes you just can't help it.  Sometimes the other pitcher was just better.

Jon Lester got on to the mound against the Dodgers and dominated.  He threw a 113 pitch complete game, his first of the season, and finished the evening retiring the last fifteen batters he faced.  The only run scored against him was an home run, on the Lester's second pitch of the game, to Kiké Hernández to start the game.  After that, the Dodgers had nothing.  Via Carrie Muskat and Brian Hedger at MLB.com:

"I think that might have been the best I've seen Jonny since I've been here," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He gives up a leadoff homer and then nothing. That's physically the best I've seen him pitch here."

All you can do is tip your cap.

BTW, the Dodger pitcher were up to the task of matching Jon Lester.  Unfortunately, it wasn't enough.  Mike Bolsinger, the Dodgers starter, only allowed a two-run homer to Bryant, but that was all they needed to defeat the Dodgers, 2-1.

"He matched [Lester] pretty much pitch for pitch, and made a mistake, and Bryant hit it out of the ballpark," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I thought we had a chance to win all night and didn't really give ourselves a chance." 

The above photo of Hernández's homer via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Hideo Nomo recorded his first Major League win.  It would be against the NY Mets.  Nomo went eight innings, gave up two hits and struck out six in a 2-1 victory.  Also, he would then win his next five starts.
• Happy Birthday, Chin-Hui Tsao!

Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Now here are some championship arms.  Featured in the Associated Press press photo above, as found on eBay, are the pitchers of the eventual 1955 World Series Champion Brooklyn Dodgers.  Per the descriptor attached to the reverse:

"DODGER PITCHERS.  Don Newcombe, Billy Loes, Karl Spooner, Don Bessent, Clem Labine and Johnny Podres, left to right, are expected to be the pitchers throwing for the Dodgers in the World Series which gets underway Sept. 28. They're shown off to the side of a work out of the team at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, N.Y., Sept. 26.  Newcombe is expected to open for the Dodgers, seeking their first World Series title."

The only hurlers missing from the photo are Carl Erskine, Ed Roebuck and Roger Craig.  Below are more links to check out:

• The newest issue of Dodger Insider magazine will feature Dave Roberts on the cover.  Check it out on the right.  Via Jon Weisman, it will be free!:

There’s a big change coming in 2016 for the Dodgers’ official magazine.

Starting in April, Dodger Insider magazine will be distributed for free at the autogates at every Dodger Stadium regular-season game.

• Next week the MLB Network will premier a special show featuring former Dodger Dusty Baker; titled "Dusty: A Baseball Journey."  Hosted by Bob Costas, it will air on Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET. The one-hour program will focus on his childhood and path through Baseball.  You can watch a clip of it here.
• The 2016 Dodgers yearbook will feature Clayton Kershaw on the cover.  See it on the left.  Via Jon Weisman:

In June, Clayton Kershaw will celebrate his 10th anniversary in the Dodger organization. In turn, the Dodgers are celebrating Kershaw in the 2016 Yearbook.

Publishing at the start of March — in time for the opening game of Spring Training — and available at both Dodger Stadium and Camelback Ranch, the 2016 Yearbook will feature a special 27-page section reminiscing over the divine decade of Kershaw’s life as a Dodger.

• Via Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com, "Pitching prospects with best combo of tools: Nats' Giolito, Dodgers' Urias obvious leaders; Rockies' Hoffman surprising company."

Urias, No. 4 on the Top 100 and the top lefty on the list, understandably comes in second with a score of 240. He doesn't have the 80 or 70 on his report card like Giolito, but he is consistently plus across the board. Urias' 65 fastball may sit in the low 90s, but he can reach back for more, and it plays up because he commands it to both sides of the plate. Both his big breaking ball and his fading changeup are 60s -- that also allows his fastball to play up. Urias throws all pitches for strikes, thus the 55 grade on his control (it wouldn't surprise anyone if that ended up a 60).

• defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown shares several custom made Baseball cards; including a Ron Cey card that he got signed.
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA writes a fantastic report on recent Dodgers Special Assistant Raul Ibanez.

Ibanez is one of those players that most likely should have been consumed by the game. Apparently with little chance of making it to MLB and even less chance of a lengthy career, he defied all the odds. He simply wouldn’t be defeated by a five ounce ball and a 34 inch bat.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Notable Nickname, Made In and Die-Cut Dodgers Cards

Here are even more Dodgers cards that can be found in packs of Panini's 2015 National Treasures packs.  This time I share pics of the Notable Nickname, Made In, Game Ball Signatures and various other Die-Cut Dodgers cards.  Go here to see all of my previous post on this set.

Notable Nickname

#29 Adrian Gonzalez (#/25)                 #44 Frank Howard (#/25)

Blog Kiosk: 11/3/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Roberts and Vote for Scavuzzo

Will we be getting a new and improved Yasiel Puig next season?

It's obviously way too early to tell, but you gotta love this early indication.  The photo above, featuring Puig with slugger Miguel Cabrera, was instagramed yesterday.  In the caption Miggy says that he ran into Puig working out with weights for the first time in young career.  Hopefully, this is a sign of some good things to come.  (Hat Tip: r/ilovemesomeme)

Below are more links to check out:

• I like Dave Roberts, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: #Dodgers have interviewed Dave Roberts for managing job. LAD not close to decision. Roberts expected to move on from SD regardless.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 3, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Ralston Cash, manager Bill Haselman named to 2015 AFL Fall Stars Game."  As Eric notes, Dodger prospect Jacob Scavuzzo is also an "Final Vote" candidate for the All-Star Game.  Go here to make your mark for Scavuzzo.
• Well... I guess Dusty Baker is the manager instead.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "It's official: Dusty Baker is the new manager of the Nationals."
• Via Kennedy Ryan at KTLA5, "Two Men Arrested in Shooting of Brother of Dodgers Pitcher Josh Ravin." 
• You folks should come on out for this, via a tweet from Justin Turner:

Excited to play n #Bat4Hope Celeb Softball for @iamhope. Come out 2 support, get tix today: https://t.co/7ZGKJG5P0D pic.twitter.com/AWD13X3aMT

— Justin Turner (@redturn2) November 3, 2015

• Via John Thorn at Our Game, "Ball Playing Among Native Americans."
• This is probably the most insightful sabermetric analysis of the Royals World Series win.  Via Alex Skillin at The Hardball Times, "The Royals Are A Sabermetrics Team."

The Royals haven’t just won with defense, of course. At the plate, they’ve built a lineup filled with high-contact hitters in an era when power has become pricey and highly sought after. Moreover, in a time when hurlers have dominated and strikeouts have soared, Kansas City has assembled an offense that is less susceptible to the effects of elite velocity and pitching’s widespread supremacy.

As Ben Lindbergh wrote recently at Grantland, evidence exists that high-contact hitters perform better against power pitchers, a notion that has been borne out in the playoffs for two years in a row. (The Giants, too, have succeeded with a similar offensive makeup.) Although burly sluggers often can do more damage, they’re less consistent at the plate, and they’re vulnerable when facing hurlers who excel at getting strikeouts. Watching the Mets’ power arms churn through a formidable Cubs lineup demonstrated this concept to a “T.”

...
Ultimately, Kansas City is still not viewed as a sabermetric team due to a dated reputation that no longer accurately reflects the organization’s capabilities. Instead, the Royals should be regarded as one of the smartest organizations in baseball — a franchise, much like the Pirates or Astros, that has developed a clear plan and carried it out to great success. No, the Royals haven’t excelled solely because they possess some hyper-advanced analytics department filled with mad scientists churning out data and formulas that are well ahead of everyone else. But what they’ve done probably would draw far more accolades from the sabermetrics crowd if a team like the Rays or Cubs had succeeded with similar strategies.

• Awesome!

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Pedro Guerrero Votes for Dusty - Rants on Twitter

Oh, boy!

The end of the Baseball season is oftentimes filled with comedy gold.  For instance, we recently witnessed the ranting of former Dodger infielder Ryan Theriot on twitter - who has a well known bias against the saber-geek squad.  Now, we get to bask at the epic screams of everyone's favorite Dominican ex-Dodger from the 1980's, Pedro Guerrero.

As you may know, Pedro has not been shy about sharing his opinions online.  He curses, he hates (on the Giants) and vocally lobbies for a future job as a Major League manager.  (Please, someone hire him!)  Guerrero also keeps tabs on the team that raised him, and this Dodger fan couldn't be more pleased about that.  Check out his twitter feed to see what I mean (here).

Yesterday, he went onto twitter to tell the world what he thinks the Dodgers should do in the clubhouse.  Pedro Guerrero believes they should hire former Dodger outfielder and well-known "killer of pitchers" Dusty Baker.

It is time for Dusty Baker @dodgers

— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) October 19, 2015

Man-O-Live! 

I think the collective heads of a lot of fans would explode if this happened. 

Not only that, he would vocally clash with the Dodgers' front office - considering his views on sabermetrics. 

NO WS in 27 fucking years! has to be the change! Mattingly GONE. McGwire GONE. Every body else OK. Dusty wins everywhere bring him home.

— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) October 19, 2015

As a fervent Dodger fan, I cannot argue against bringing home any former Dodger.  I was raised to look at the team as family, and continue to feel that way... But, as manager... No way.

How much saber shit does Toronto do? is ther saber shit in New York? KC? STL? NO LO CREO! Dusty has the eyes nothing beats the eyes @dodgers

— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) October 19, 2015

"Look at the Eyes!"

Wait... Aren't all the playoff teams sabermetrically-based, to some extent?

@mrshody Cody hermano my dead grandma could have got to the WS with the dodger budget.

— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) October 19, 2015

Now this is classic Pedro.  Thank you for this.

Hat Tip: r/_Autumn_Wind on Reddit.
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2015 - Dodger Links - Friedman, Pablo Fernandez and Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event last night appears to have been a smashing success.  The ballplayers came out to play, stars were there to lend their support and a bunch of money was raised for a good cause.  Featured in the pic above were probably the two biggest goofballs in attendance.  Via a pic tweeted by Kike Hernandez is Kike with his ping pong partner Ken Jeong.  You can check out more photos from AM570 here.  Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com:

"It's humbling for us to see the turnout, not to mention we get to raise money for two incredible causes. It's just so cool," Kershaw said. "It keeps getting bigger and bigger every year."

While Kershaw was paramount in organizing the event, he wasn't able to participate in the pingpong competition. Kershaw has a sore hip that caused him to miss his scheduled start on Wednesday.

"I probably could [play], but it's the smart thing to do, as much as I'd like to," Kershaw said. "I'll get to trash talk and watch."

BTW, the duo of Orel Hershiser and actor Josh Henderson won the tournament.  Check out the Kershaw's Challenge website here to learn more.  Below are some links to check out:

• Dusty Baker is now on twitter.  You can follow him here: @dbaker_12  
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Friedman discusses Dodgers' Deadline moves." 

"Money factors in, just like players do," Friedman said. "Everything is negotiated. There are times we've given up players, times we've taken on contracts. We have that ability to do that and/or supplement that with players, and that increases the likelihood of getting a deal done. Having that added flexibility increases your chances of [making a deal]."

• BTW, the Dodgers might not be done, so stay tuned.  Today is the trade deadline and things might get interesting.  Via a tweet from OC Register reporter Bill Plunkett:

Friedman: "We feel good about what we’ve done to date. But by no means are we kicking our feet up, sitting back and exhaling." #Dodgers

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 31, 2015

• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, "With money and cutting-edge brilliance, Dodgers playing a game others can’t."

The Yankees sashayed into free-agent meetings like fat cats, paying big dollars for big names and big splashes. They were old money acting like new money. The Dodgers positioned themselves in diametric opposition, fundamentally against larding their roster with aging players, using their cash as judiciously as the filthy rich can, exploring every creative nook and cranny possible.

• Via David Lieberman at Deadline Hollywood, "Time Warner Cable Strikes Out In Securing More Distribution For Dodgers."

It “doesn’t look like we’ll get additional distribution for the Dodgers network this season,” Time Warner Cable CEO Rob Marcus told analysts this morning in a call to discuss Q2 earnings.

• Via Hugh Bernreuter at MLive.com, "Dodgers prospect Pablo Fernandez hopes trip from Cuba ends in L.A."

"He's got five, maybe six quality pitches and that translates better to starting than relieving," Loons pitching coach Glenn Dishman said. "He was a reliever in Cuba, but in the Majors here they like having a reliever or closer with one or two dominant pitches throwing 100."

• GCRL, a Dodger collector blog, is calling it quits.  You were one of my favorite daily destinations.
• With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago in full swing I though I would share the below pic from twitter with you.  It's a display from SCP Auctions of some Don Drysdale items that will be for sale in their upcoming offering.  BTW, I have personally consigned items from my own collection with SCP, so I'll be sure to write about that soon.

Don Drysdale collection consigned to @SCPAuctions just unveiled  here at #NSCC15. pic.twitter.com/IghCO0OrwS

— Sports Collector (@SportsCollector) July 29, 2015

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2015 Topps Stadium Club Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

It's all about the base!

This just might be the best set of the 2015 Baseball season.  Really!  We aren't even half-way through the season yet and I'm certain there's no way either Topps or Panini could possibly make a better set.

Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards to the 2015 Stadium Club brand, and they are all with almost little exception fantastic.

As you know, Stadium Club focuses on photo quality and uniqueness, and for the second straight year Topps gets high marks on both those factors.  There's beautiful photography all around.  The cards can make you smile, reminisce or gaze like you're looking at a beautiful sunset.

Wow!  Topps has done good... Really good.

Go here to check out a complete checklist to this set.

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

Unquestionably, the Fernando Valenzuela card below is the best ever.  Ever!  Ever!  Ever!  I keep staring at it wondering if I might be reaching, jostling or lurking in the background. 

That's me... Right?  At center... At the top... Man... I so want that to be me right there.

I just love this card.

#1 Fernando Valenzuela

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: DODGERFEST!

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.

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

This is the big Dodger signing event of the winter.  Frank & Sons in the City of Industry is hosting DODGERFEST this coming Saturday, and a whole bunch of former Dodger players will be there.  Check out the flyer below.  You can also go here or here for more information.  The first link for Hall of Fame sports includes prices and appearance times for all of the players.  Go here for that.  BTW, there are a handful of Baseball/sports card and memorabilia dealers at this show, so there is plenty to do. 

If you do attend I suggest getting there very early.  Parking availability at this facility is horrible... Like really horrible... Like so bad it always makes me think twice about attending events there.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA. 91748

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *