Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Opening Day is around the corner.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season. 
• Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I still believe that we'll get to witness something like this. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Los Angeles Dodgers star southpaw pitcher Sandy Koufax hoist a champagne toast in dressing room here 10/6, after the Dodgers won the 4th World Series game in a row to give them the title. The Dodgers handed New York its first 4-game shutout in 28 trips to the classic.

UPI photo photo came from an eBay listing, dated 10/6/1963. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP -- receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Bob Gibson of the Cardinals in 1968. He received 18 of 30 first place votes.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween and Congrats Nats!

I would like to extend a big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Nationals for their World Series Championship. Out of curiosity, if Kershaw is a choker then what is Verlander? He's 0-6 in World Series games. I must confess that there's a little bit of joy in knowing that Bryce Harper will not be celebrating with that team. BTW, the Dodgers were the only team to win a postseason home game against the Nationals during these playoffs. I can't believe Fernando Rodney finally won a championship. Lastly, a congrats to former Dodgers Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, Javy Guerra and Dan Hudson on their new rings.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 2017 the Dodgers forced a Game 7 in their World Series matchup against the Houston Astros by defeating Houston and Justin Verlander, 3-1 (boxscore). Kenley Jansen pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn the save.
• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic view of Dodger Stadium in the mist of being built, via RMY Auction (link here).

It is dated to 1958 and was taken by Delmar Watson -- a onetime child actor and news photographer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers announced that on May 16th Dodger Stadium will host a regular season game between Mexico City Diablos Rojos and the Monterrey Sultanes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) summer league. Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to a week-long closure of the Mexican League in April due to a swine flu outbreak. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe they ever rescheduled the game.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hutcheson, John Gaddy, Cy Buker & Don Hoak!

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Born in Brooklyn in the early 40's, Sen. Bernie Sanders maintains his love for the club -- even as he moved to the northeast and became a Senator in Vermont. Yesterday, he visited the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch and spent plenty of time talking Baseball with Dave Roberts (as shown in the pic above) and hitting with Yasiel Puig (per pic on the right). Both photos are via Sanders' twitter here and here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going into the Dodgers clubhouse. Both players would be suspended five games. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Justin Turner hosted the third annual Justin Turner Golf Classic yesterday afternoon. Per Ryan Walton at True Blue LA:

“To see how much this event has grown in just three years has been amazing to us,” said Kourtney Turner. “Sponsors have been reaching out to us wanting to get involved after they heard what we’re doing in the community. They want to be a part of it and it’s incredible to us.” 

Monday was the first time in the three years that Turner himself has actually played in the event. The Dodger third baseman was anxiously awaiting his chance to play while he and his wife personally put together gift bags in their garage Sunday night.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2017 - Dodgers Links - Game 7 is TONIGHT!

Wow!

On the right was my view from last nights thrilling Game 6 victory. I sat in the Left Field Pavilion for the first time in decades, and I can't begin to express how much fun it was there.

Blue was everywhere. The crowd was loud and enthusiastic. Strangers were hugging strangers. It was fantastic.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a lot of pictures. In fact, once the game started I only pulled out my camera once. Heck, I refused to leave my seat until the very last pitch of the game. In lieu of any pics (of which there are really none) I will instead direct you to Cat Loves the Dodgers. She shares a whole bunch of pics from Game 6 here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 Roy Campanella is named the National League MVP -- his first of three MVP's he would win.  In 1966 Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second-straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both leagues. In 2000 Jim Tracy is named manager of the Dodgers. In 2005 the Brooklyn Cyclones, a Mets Single-A farmclub, unveiled their Jackie Robinson/Pee Wee Reese bronze sculpture at their stadium -- then known as KeySpan Park. See it on the right. In 2007 Joe Torre is named the new Dodgers manager.
• Happy Birthday, Red Owens, Larry French, Art Parks, Fernando Valenzuela & Eddie Williams!

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Game 6 is tonight. I'll see you there.

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

• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 7/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

The Dodgers just keep on rollin'. Instead of boring you with details I thought I would point to the above action photograph taken by Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. As you can see, Jon decided to photograph the game in a different perspective, and in the process snapped one of my favorite subjects. Here, he captured Kike Hernandez with a broken bat swing -- complete with a piece of the barrel flying off the bat.

Go here to check out more pics by Jon from Sunday's game. You can also see pics from Saturday's game here, or Friday's game here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers field the very first starting nine that consist of a majority of black ballplayers for the first time in Major League history. In 1974 Dodger starter Tommy John suffers an arm injury on the mound against the Expos that would eventually lead to a revolutionary new surgery that would be widely known as "Tommy John" surgery -- to repair a torn ligament in the elbow by replacing it with a ligament taken from another part of the body. The surgery is performed by Dr. Frank Jobe. In 1976 Walter Alson wins his 2,000th game as a manager. His Dodgers defeat the Cubs in Los Angeles, 5-4. Alston would then leave the Dodgers at the end of this season -- finishing with a 2,040-1,613 lifetime mark as skipper.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Brown!

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Spring around the corner I can't help but be excited when I see a vintage spring training photograph like the one above.  (eBay Auction Link) Featured are five Dodger pitchers showing off for the camera while training at Dodgertown, dated February 25, 1953.  It was taken by noted International News and soon-to-be Sports Illustrated photographer Herb Scharfman.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Posing prettily here at the Brooklyn Dodgers Vero Beach camp are the five top flingers of the Dodgers/  In Front: Russ Meyer, latest acquisition; and Carl Erskine (right).  Rear: (from left) Joe Black, Billy Loes and Preacher Roe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!
  

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

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

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

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Reddick, Seager, Garlick and Yasiel Puig

After falling back as far as eight games in late June, I am in awe of what the Dodgers have accomplished.  They were seemingly in disarray.  The Dodgers had everything imaginable thrown their way; including a record number of injuries and clubhouse turmoil surrounding an enigmatic star.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and a plan, no doubt hatched before the start of the season, was allowed to flourish.  Depth has been a key to this season, and along with an improving offense (the teams batting was never as bad as early indicators showed) they now find themselves with a five game lead with just 23 games to go. 

It certainly is good to be a Dodger fan right now, eh?

As for last nights game, it was doubly nice to see Yasiel Puig contribute.  He provided much of the offense needed to pull off the teams teams fifth consecutive win.  Puig hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Dodgers take the lead, and added an insurance run in the sixth inning by homering off Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robin Ray.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"Yasiel … he can do so many great things, but I think the situational at-bat early in the game helped his confidence," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you can start him and have [Josh] Reddick and [Andrew] Toles, we've got some depth."

Photo at the very top via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the pennant; assuring a trip to the World Series.  As you know, they went on to defeat the Yankees that Fall to become champions for the first time in franchise history.  In 1957 the Dodgers and Giants face each other for the last time at the Polo Grounds in New York.  In 1967 the Mets honored Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax at their stadium. 

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Last night Dodger Stadium hosted the 4th Annual "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" charity event in benefit of Kershaw's Challenge.  Dodger players, other celebrities and even fans came out for a good cause and for a friendly tournament of ping pong. 

As you can see, host Clayton Kershaw was seen sporting a fantastically ridiculous outfit for the event.  Unfortunately, you can't see the best part of his ensemble in the photo above.  As you can see in the photo on the right, Kershaw wore the most awesome set of socks... er, leg warmers?

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  You can also go to Kershaw's Challenge on twitter (@KershsChallenge) to check out more pics from last night.  Go here to make a donation to Kershaw's Challenge.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1982 Steve Sax tied the Dodgers rookie record for stolen bases in a season at 40.  He would finish the season with 49 stolen bases.  In 1984 both Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  In 1996 Ramon Martinez regestered his 100th career victory.  He defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 6-5.
• Happy Birthday, Julio Urias!  He is now 20 years old.
  

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Robinson Highway, Puig Problems and Brandon McCarthy

Brandon McCarthy came out to make his sixth start since coming back from Tommy John Surgery last night and didn't seem right.  Maybe it was the high altitude that did him in.  Or maybe it was the 38 minute rain delay in the middle of the first inning with him on the mound that did it.  I dunno.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Never felt like that on a mound before," said McCarthy, whose first four starts were sharp, followed by one bad inning in a four-inning start, then Tuesday's three-run outing. "Coming back, there's a lot of ups and downs, but when the feeling was off, I was able to get through it. Tonight, just the opposite. There were just some horrific, bad pitches in there. I just felt very weird."

McCarthy needed 85 pitches to get through three innings.  He gave up three hits, walked five, struck out only two and allowed three earned runs.  You can listen to Dave Roberts talk about the outing here.  BTW, reliever Jesse Chavez did not impress in his first outing as a Dodger.  He came in to pitch the sixth inning and gave up three runs.  If not for an inning ending double play with the bases loaded it would have been much worse.

Fortunately, the slumping Giants couldn't get past the moribund Philadelphia Phillies.  They lost to keep the Dodgers two games behind in the division race.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the season is played at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  The AL defeated the NL, 5-3, on a third inning two-run homer by Yogi Berra off Don Drysdale.  In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record by winning their 13th consecutive victory.

Blog Kiosk: 5/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Arruebarrena, Urias, and Gone Fishing

What's a ballplayer to do when you've got a day off in Toronto?

You go fishing, of course.

Early this morning, after what was a late night red-eye flight to the Great White North, both Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig heading out to Lake Ontario to cast some lines.  As you can see, they were rewarded with a couple large salmons.  BTW, AGon's catch was 24 lbs.  Photos above via their twitter accounts here and here.  You can check out more pics of their morning here, here, here and here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Tommy Lasorda would start his first Major League game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He would last only one inning and tie a record for throwing three wild pitches in that first inning.  Also, in 2000 Lasorda was named the manager for the 2000 Baseball Olympic team.  They would go on to win a gold medal.

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Gordon, Goff and Gabe Kapler

Matt Kemp gained some measure of revenge as he belted a go-ahead three-run home run to propel the Padres over the Dodgers last night.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers 5-1 loss came at the expense of an brilliant outing by starter Alex Wood - who went seven innings, struck out nine and allowed just one run. 

If only the Dodgers offense could put some runs on the board.  As it were, they couldn't.  The team floundered, and so it seems that their closed door meeting before the game had not yet set in.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“You just got to get back to the fundamentals and trying to play clean, crisp baseball and play every pitch,” Roberts said. “I think that there are signs of that. … Whether we’re winning games or not winning games, I still think there’s a process that needs to be in place, and you just don’t want things to get away from you. So right now, it’s kind of hit the reset button a little bit.”

Among other issues, Roberts has the sense that Dodger batters are pressing at the plate.

“You know, it’s funny — I think it’s just guys are trying too hard,” he said. “And you hear it all the time when guys aren’t swinging well, that guys want to do it so bad, it’s a little bit, ‘Try a little less hard.’ Because guys just start swinging the bat, and you start coming out of the strike zone.”

This all strikes me as a minor blip on the road.  This team is too good to disappear into oblivion, and I suspect it'll be something we'll remember as an molehill.

Photo above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 Dodgers pitcher James 'Tex' Carleton throws a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.  It is the teams ninth straight victory to start the season.

Blog Kiosk: 11/24/2015 - Dodger Links - It's All About Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts is the rage right now.  He has taken over the town like a gaggle of zombies parading down main street.  Since the rumors and subsequent announcement broke there's hardly been room on the newswires for anything but Dave Roberts... And that's a good thing because, by and large, when news this momentous engulfs a city like Los Angeles and it's not bad, then you know you're on to something.  And that something feels like that old Dodger magic.

Featured above is one of many photographs dug up by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo and shared on his blog.  Go here to check out a bunch more from him.

Below are more links to check out:

• We may have a new trainer joining the Dodgers soon, via Will Carroll on twitter:

Hearing dodgers have new head trainer selected. Neal Rampe from Dbacks.

— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) November 24, 2015

• How did I ever miss this?  Back in August Gabe Kapler wrote that men should...LOL... Well, men should make that extra effort to get some sun.  Via Kevin Draper at Deadspin, "Gabe Kapler's Advice To Baseball Players: Get A Nice Tan On Your Nuts." Wha?  (Hat Tip: reddit u/DOCKhobo)

Kapler writes about how vitamin d—which you mostly get from sunshine—is important for testosterone production, and that baseball players likely don’t get enough of it because they’re suited and booted with a cap on out in the field. Kapler’s solution to this problem is for baseball players to sunbathe in their birthday suit and get some sol on their cojones. 

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Looking at some fastball-slider lefty options."

If they don’t acquire a lefty reliever with a good slider, it’s possible Liberatore gets a long look at the opening day bullpen. Having a lefty who can throw a good slider against left-handed hitters is far from a bad thing to have. And I know we’re all waiting for Howell to pumpkin, because everything is seemingly going against him being as good as he’s been the last few seasons. Maybe he’ll prove everyone wrong, which would be for the best.

• BTW, here are some more praises for Dave Roberts:

Huge congrats to the @dodgers for hiring an incredible guy to lead the team. Dave Roberts is going to be there for a long time

— Shawn Green (@shawngreen15) November 24, 2015

Congrats on my man Dave Roberts getting the Dodgers managing job! The Dodgers organization is in good hands a guy I always looked up to!

— Juan Pierre (@JPBeastMode) November 24, 2015

#Congratulations to My New Manager Dave Roberts #dodgers #2016 #newyear #newmanager https://t.co/J5d54pnHJX

— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) November 23, 2015

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Past and Present Dodgers' Respond on Twitter

Accolades are coming in from all around the Baseball world regarding the recent hiring of Dave Roberts as the new Dodger manager; including congratulations and encouragement from several former and current Dodgers'.  Check some of them out below: 

I'm thrilled that Dave Roberts is the new manager of the Dodgers. He is a classy gentleman widely respected. A fine choice.

— Ross Porter (@therossporter) November 23, 2015

The former Dodger broadcaster is obviously happy with the choice... And so is former teammate David Ross:

Congrats to Dave Roberts on being #Dodgers new Mng. He taught me to be a professional on & off the field! True leader and a great man!

— David Ross (@D_Ross3) November 23, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Captain Joe Shoemaker Wins Coolbaugh Award

O Captain!  My Captain!

Accolades from all circles are coming in for longtime Dodger minor league manager, teacher and mentor Joe Shoemaker.  He was named the recipient of the eighth annual Mike Coolbaugh Award - presented annually to those who have shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field.  That pretty much describes Shoemaker to a "T". As you may recall, he was appointed “Captain” of Player Development this past September for his dedication through the course of 39 years with the club, and now dons a "C" on his jersey.

He said the following about winning the award, per a Dodger press release:

“With numerous qualified instructors eligible for this award, I feel extremely fortunate to be the recipient of this year’s Mike Coolbaugh Award,” said Shoemaker, who led the Ogden Raptors to a 43-33 mark in his 22nd season as a manager in the Dodgers organization. “Past, present and future winners of this award have the distinct privilege on honoring the legacy of Mike Coolbaugh, who throughout his career displayed passion, determination and perseverance, all valuable traits for a professional athlete. I am grateful to Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball, the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization and most importantly, the Coolbaugh family for recognizing me with this award.”

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are more links to check out:

• Kiké Hernandez has begun rehab, via his tweet:

Day 1 of rehab ✔️

— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) November 18, 2015

• Now down to just two candidates?  Via a tweet from Jerry Crasnick:

Indications are #Dodgers manager job will come down to Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts. Bud Black appears to be out of the mix.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 18, 2015

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Clayton Kershaw extends efforts for underprivileged."

On Thursday, Kershaw and his wife Ellen will host their second annual benefit concert in Dallas to benefit Kershaw’s Challenge, the nonprofit charity they founded to transform at-risk communities and the lives of children worldwide. Country music artist Easton Corbin is the featured performer.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw donates to building of UYA in Texas." 

Dodgers pitcher and Dallas native Clayton Kershaw made a personal financial donation toward construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Urban Youth Academy in West Dallas.
...
"Kershaw's Challenge is all about giving kids an opportunity," Kershaw said. "We never expected to have a partnership with the Rangers, but it's awesome. We just wanted to do something here in our hometown … in our backyard. It's an incredible partnership."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers reportedly hire Drew Saylor as minor league coach."
• Via Steven Quach on Dodger Nation, "Nomar Garciaparra Appears in Online Golf Series."
• Via Sports Card Info, "MacGyver’s Baseball Card Episode."  I don't remember this episode at all, but now that it's mentioned I am going to have to watch it.
• Great stuff for the uniform geek inside all of us.  Via Paul Lukas at UniWatch, "Squatchee Etymology: A Uni Watch Investigation."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/17/2015 - Dodger Links - Genovese, Anderson and Yimi Signing Cards

Yimi Garcia is seen hard at work during the off-season signing cards for Topps in the photo above, as tweeted by Yimi.  I'm not entirely familiar with the design he's signing, but I'd place my bet on those being an insert from the upcoming 2016 Topps flagship set.  I can't wait to find one.

Below are more links to check out:

• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider writes a great piece, "Remembering scout George Genovese (1922-2015)."

“George was one of the greatest scouts there ever was,” said Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, a Dodger scout between 1960 and 1965. “I scouted against George and I scouted with George. He put a lot of guys in the big leagues. He was an exceptional man and one of my best friends. I’m going to miss him.”

...

“Believing in a player you have discovered is really believing in yourself, your judgement, your evaluation and projecting skills,” Genovese said in his 2015 autobiography, “A Scout’s Report: My 70 Years in Baseball,” co-written with Dan Taylor. “It can bring a scout tremendous satisfaction, but he has to be prepared because it can also bring its share of disappointment.”

• Via Josh Jackson at MiLB.com, "Verdugo, Bellinger on the rise for Dodgers." (Hat Tip: Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider)  Gabe Kapler shares his thoughts on a number of different Dodger prospects; including Julio Urias and Corey Seager.  Here's more quotes from Kapler from the same interview.

On Bellinger: "He's got a loose, athletic, flexible, whippy swing that generates bat speed and he identifies he pitches he can drive and attacks them," Kapler said.

On Verdugo: "With Alex, it's cut and dry. He took huge steps forward -- his ability to be a good teammate and control his emotions on the field and to prepare his body and mind every single night on and off the field," Kapler said. "He has a strong arm and the ability to play all three outfield positions.

• Via Rachel Heacock at Beyond the Boxscore, "Assessing the Dodgers' managerial options."

Black has experience, but if the Dodgers were impressed enough by Kapler and Roberts to let them get this far, it stands to reason that one of them would get the job. If the Dodgers were looking for a seasoned manager, they could have kept their old one. Instead, it looks like they'll be charting a new course, and Kapler or Roberts would serve as a good choice to do so. Soon enough, the Dodgers will name their 2016 manager and relieve themselves of the weight of being the last team in Major League Baseball without a skipper.

• Joc Pederson came in 6th place in the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year race, via the BBWAA website.  He received one single third place vote from an Agence France Presses (a French news service?) reporter Marcos Enrique Hernández out of the MIA chapter.  Kris Bryant, of course, took home the prize.
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares some quotes from Brett Anderson that answer why he took the Qualifying Offer.  He just likes it in LA.

“My situation is a little bit unique in the fact that I’m younger than most to have been offered a qualifying offer,” said Anderson, who will be 28 next season. “I liked being in L.A., and I liked my teammates and I liked everything about it, other than the ending to the season. Everything in consideration, the one-year deal fit myself again, and hopefully (with) the stigma of a health record off my back, go into next year and see what happens.”

• Via Tyler Maun at MiLB.com, "Glendale notes: Farmer catches up in AFL."

"It's definitely a learning process," Farmer said. "Especially if you want to make it to the big leagues, you have to know what the pitcher has, what he's going to throw, what his put-out pitch is, what he likes to do behind in the count to a hitter.

"There are so many things, it's like a chess match. Each inning, with a pitcher you don't know how to catch, it's a different chess match, and it's a tougher chess match when you don't know how to catch them. Once you see what they have, everybody's objective is to get the batter out."

• Congrats!  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Yogi Berra and Willie Mays to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *