Blog Kiosk: 8/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Mistakes were made. Errors committed. Game was lost. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“There’s no excuse for what happened,” (Dustin) May said. “I should have been behind third to back the ball up. Can’t let it go into the dugout in that situation. A huge situation.” 

“The throw came in and I was assuming Corey [Seager, at shortstop,] was going to cut it off, but it was over his head,” (Justin) Turner said. “I tried to knock it down, and it just sneaked by me.”

Oftentimes, it's the little things that determine your fate. Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/MLB.com 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 1937 Dodger righty Fred Frankhouse throws a rained-shortened (7 2/3 innings) no-hitter, beating the Reds, 5 - 0.  He recorded only three strikeouts and walked six. In 1955 Sandy Koufax earned his first career win during his first career start when he pitched a complete game shutout to defeat the Reds, 7-0. He struck out 14 batters and walked five. In 2005 Dodger second baseman Jeff Kent hit his 300th career homer run as a second baseman -- the first to have ever done so. In 1988 Tommy Lasorda won his 1,000th career game as Manager of the Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Don McJames, Hal Janvrin, Mike Maddux, Jim Thome, Rick Gorecki & Justin Miller!

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Have no fear, Muncy is here! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I can’t count how many big hits he’s had for us,” manager Dave Roberts said of Muncy. “When we’re at home, we feel if the game’s tied, we have a good chance to finish it with a walk-off.”

Last nights game winning homer was the Dodgers 11th walk-off of the season. Photo above of Muncy receiving a powder bath via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 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 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher, Sandy Koufax, while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face -- who took offense. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Several milestones were reached last night. First, Cody Bellinger became the first Dodger to have 100 RBI since Adrian Gonzalez in 2014. Best yet, he accomplished the feat while in the midst of having his pants fall down. Then he scored his 100th run of the season two innings later. More importantly, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 166th career win to best Dodger Hall of Fame lefty Sandy Koufax. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“What Sandy means to this organization and what he means to me personally, it’s an incredible thing, something I never thought would happen,” Kershaw said. “It’s not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something to look back on when all is said and done. It’s an honor, for me, to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy, I’ve said that many times. What he was able to accomplish in his career, and would have gone a lot longer if he played today because he could have gotten healthy.”

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin was fire last night. He recorded his first career save by pitching four innings to close out the game -- allowing just three hits, one earned run and recording three strike outs. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was all about his fastball command tonight,” said Roberts. “Saved the ‘pen and, just more importantly for Tony, just the confidence. For any pitcher, in this ballpark, it’s a leap of faith, and we showed the confidence and he didn’t let the conditions affect him.”
...
“Pounding fastball down, mixing changeup, using the slider,” said Martin. “Even the first game in Arizona, I thought he threw the ball well, got unlucky with some defense, we didn’t pick him up. Tonight, Coors Field, sometimes guys’ stuff doesn’t act the same. He was lights-out today. If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere.

No good deed goes unpunished. The musical chairs continue for the Dodgers. They have just called up righty reliever Dylan Floro, who's coming off the 10-day IL, and sent righty Tony Gonsolin to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Photo above via David Zalubowski/AP 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 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson! 

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Welcome to the Blue, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss!

This bit of news just came out of left field yesterday. It was announced that a brand new addition has been made to the Dodgers ownership group. Tennis champions and longtime partners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss are joining the franchise. Per a Dodger press release:

“As someone born, raised and educated in Southern California, it is an honor to be part of the Dodger ownership group,” King said. “Mark Walter and the entire Dodger organization are a first-class operation that have proven to be leaders in sports on and off the field of play. We share a commitment to equality and inclusion, including the LGBTQ community, and we hope to further expand the team’s efforts in those areas as we move forward together.” 

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Mark and Kimbra Walter on some projects, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Dodgers’ ownership group and helping the team expand its reach with new audiences,” Kloss added. “I hope to work with the team at a variety of levels and I share the organization’s proven commitment to excellence on the field and in the community.”

This just seems right. What other franchise in all of sports has done more to break down barriers?

Welcome to the Blue, ladies!

BTW, they will both be introduced to the fans prior to tonight's game against the Padres. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Sweep!

The dazzling duo of Buehler and Puig handcuffed the Rockies last night, 5-2, as they completed a series sweep to give the club a 2.5 game lead in the NL West -- their largest lead of the season.  Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“This game, this series was emblematic of our ballclub — how many people had their hands in this series to help win three games,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Yasiel, to be able to put him in a leverage spot and to be prepared for that moment and to come through was huge, obviously.”

Yasiel hit a deciding three-run homer in the seventh inning to knock any air that remained against the sails of the quickly sinking Rockies vessel. Buehler put in six innings of work and struck out a career high 12 batters in the no-decision.

Photos above of Buehler and Puig via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. BTW, DodgerFilms was there and shared a video that you can watch here.
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

When Manny met Vinny.

BTW, Manny will wear #8 as a Dodger. Also, it appears that Andrew Toles will be sent down to Triple-A to make room for Machado (via a tweet from Ken Gurnick).

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) pitcher Mal Eason no-hit the Cardinals in St. Louis, 2-0. In 1925 future Hall of Famer and Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Dazzy Vance struck out 17 Cubs to defeat Chicago 4-3 in 10 innings. In 1970 Dodger hurler Bill Singer no hit the Phillies at Dodger Stadium, 5-0. Singer struck out ten, walked none and committed two errors on the field.
• Happy Birthday, Heinie Manush, Claude Crocker & Charles Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - First Place, Baby!

Woo Hoo! For the first time this season the Dodgers are in first place.

The trepidation that began at the start of the season is now but a distant memory.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Leo Durocher recorded a "little league" home run that started as an sacrifice bunt in the seventh inning during the All-Star Game played in Cincinnati. Durocher was credited with a bunt single and came around to score on errors by Jimmy Foxx and Joe DiMaggio. In 1979 the Dodgers purchased the contract of pitcher Fernando Valenzuela from Puebla of the Mexican League. In 1980 the Dodgers retired Duke Snider's uniform #4 during that days Old-Timers Day ceremonies at Dodger Stadium. In 2000 Vin Scully is voted the No. 1 sportscaster of the 20th century by members of the American Sportscasters Association. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Kellert, Willie Randolph & Germán Rivera!

Welcome to the Blue, Dylan Floro!

Here's a little bit of news that escaped my attention over the weekend. On Friday the Dodgers announced that they had claimed right-handed reliever Dylan Floro from the Chicago Cubs. They immediately shipped him to Triple-A Oklahoma City in hopes that they found another diamond. As you know, the team likes to chase after ballplayers that have unrealized skills, and Floro appears to have something to offer. Per a brief report by John Sickels on Floro at Minor League Ball in 2016:

As you may anticipate from his background, he doesn't have a blazing fastball, working with heat in the 80s. He'll mix in a variety of breaking balls and change-ups and his delivery has some funky deception. He succeeded in college and the lower minors because he is allergic to walks and generally possess pinpoint location. Triple-A hitters exposed his thin margin for error when he started last year, but he's been more successful in shorter stretches coming out of the bullpen.