Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Durocher was quite the character. Above is a February 28, 1961 UPI press photo of an agitated Leo. (eBay auction link)

Leo's Back!!
Vero Beach, Florida... Durocher angrily aims glove at photographers after being sent to the showers by ump Jim Duncan in practice game at the LA Dodgers spring training camp.

Below re more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three Negro League ballplayers at Fenway Park -- Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. None are signed by the club. Their loss became our gain. In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Colleti, Paul Waner, Babe Phelps, Sergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!

2017 Panini National Treasures - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

At long last here are the Dodgers non-base cards found in packs of 2017 Panini National Treasures. Go here for a complete checklist.

All-Decade Relics

#5 Mike Piazza

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is something you don't see everyday.  Featured above is a vintage 1939 International News press photo of Dodgers third baseman Cookie Lavagetto tagging out Reds outfielder Wally Berger, and emblazoned across the top are the words, "Thrown Out!"  It is quite a rarity to see words like that in a press photo.

BTW, the pic above was once part of the George Michael Collection of sliding press photographs.  It is currently available for sale through eBay (Auction Link Here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt.  In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance.  In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run.  It would be several more weeks before the Dodgers finalize and publicly announce their plans to move to Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Maddux and Hyun-Jin Ryu

After months of waiting the Korean "Monster" finally got back onto the Dodgers mound.  In late May, nearly 14 months ago, Ryu underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum.  Since that time he's worked tirelessly to get back to Los Angeles, and I think it's fair to say that the Dodgers are pleased.  Regardless of the lackluster results they received last night. Per Sarah Wexler at Dodgers Digest:

“Getting him back out there was a victory in itself,” Dave Roberts said. “I think the bigger answer will be how he feels tomorrow and the next day going forward. But to see Ryu take the mound tonight was great.” 

Ryu could only go 4 2/3 innings; having given up eight hits, six earned runs, two walks and four strike outs on 89 total pitches thrown.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

But the Dodgers were realistic and not expecting total domination, just a baseline from which to move forward. They got that, seeing Ryu work through an opponent with a fastball that ranged from 89-92 mph, and offspeed pitches that sometimes dipped into the upper 60s.

"That's how he was before, pitching in all spectrums of velocity when he was so dominate for us in 2013, 2014," said catcher A.J. Ellis, who was pleased to see his old battery-mate make a return to the mound. "He knows how to pitch. He's such an amazing athlete out there on the mound, he has such an amazing feel and great body control. He adds and subtracts really well. I'm just really excited to see him out there today."

Dodgers lost to the Padres, 6-0, and are now 6.5 games behind the Giants.  They are also effectively ties with the Mets for the Wild Card spot.  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 out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate; marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history.  In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium.  The National League wins for the ninth consecutive time.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!
  

Blog Kiosk: 5/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Slowly but surely Hyun Jin Ryu is getting back.  Yesterday afternoon he heading to Dodger Stadium to throw off the mound as a part of his rehab.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 fans at Ebbets Field see the Hindenberg zeppelin fly overhead - just a few hours before it exploded into a fireball in New Jersey.  In 1947 NL President Ford Frick threatens seven Cardinals players at Ebbets Field with banishment from the league should they follow through with their planned boycott to protest Jackie Robinson.
• You must check this graphic out.  Via PHILFOUNTAIN at In the Belly of the Beast, "A Little Dodger Stadium Trivia."

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #2

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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(Dave Roberts, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

ROLL IT BACK: The Dodgers held their second full-squad workout of Spring Training today, with PFPs, bullpen sessions and batting practice in preparation for Opening Day, April 4 at San Diego. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play on Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

• Brandon Beachy and Alex Wood threw their first live bullpen sessions of the spring today on the minor league side. Tomorrow, live BP will be fully incorporated into the workout with a plethora of Dodger pitchers throwing to big league hitters on Fields 1, 2 and 3.
• Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias, Ian Thomas, Chris Anderson, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Jamey Wright, Lisalverto Bonilla and Jose De Leon all threw regular bullpens.

  

  (Koufax and Kenta, pic via Jon SooHoo on Dodgers twitter)

ROSTER UPDATE: Today, the Dodgers released non-roster right-handed pitcher Brooks Brown.

DODGER ROYALTY: Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax stopped by Camelback Ranch today, greeting Dodger players and staff during a brief visit to camp. Koufax wasn’t the only Cy Young Award winner in camp today, joining Special Advisor Greg Maddux (four-time winner, 1992-95) and guest coach Eric Gagné (2003), who are both expected to be regulars in Glendale throughout the spring.

• 1956 Cy Young Award winner and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe is expected in camp towards the end of March.
• In addition to Gagné, Shawn Green, Ron Cey and Eric Karros will spend time at Camelback Ranch as guest coaches this spring.

THE WORLDWIDE LEADERS: The Dodgers were featured throughout the day today on ESPN’s SportsCenter with Tim Kurkjian, Jessica Mendoza and Aaron Boone anchoring coverage from Camelback Ranch. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez kicked off the coverage with a live hit on SportsCenter this morning, while Dave Roberts invited Kurkjian inside his office for a chat and Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Justin Turner taped features for the network. Clayton Kershaw was featured on SportsCenter last night.

(Agon doing SportsCenter, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, Helicopters and Vin Scully Avenue

Rise and shine, Dodger Fans!

It's Friday!

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

• WTF!  Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Why “Vin Scully Avenue” might not be official in time for the Dodgers’ home opener."

The spokesperson for Cedillo’s office, Arturo Chavez, said in an e-mail that the process is moving on schedule. He described the first week of April as a “best case scenario.” Realistically, however, the name change will take place “most likely the first week of May.” The Dodgers’ home opener is April 12 against the San Francisco Giants.

Chavez added that the BOE has received “mixed pro and con” responses so far from residents. We’ll find out what the exact objections are soon enough, once the BOE prepares its report.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "MLB rule revisions tweak slides, neighborhood play."  The changes seem reasonable enough.  Of course, the devil is going to be in its use going forward. 
• Video: Alanna Rizzo catches up with Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, who became part of the Dodgers front office this season as an adviser. (Link Here)
• Video: Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw discusses his performance in last year’s postseason, this year’s changes in the rotation and more. (Link Here)
• So what's the deal with Dodger players and helicopters?  If you'll recall, a couple of years ago Zack Greinke considered getting a helicopter to get to games (link here), and now Puig is on the verge of getting one (link here).  Via TMZ, "Yasiel Puig: Yes, He's Buying A Helicopter ... Says Car Customizing Guru."
• Uh-Oh!  Yasiel Puig missed the teams first full-squad workout.  No worries, though.  He had oral surgery to have his wisdom teeth removed, so he's expected to return on Friday (today), via an AP report at Yahoo Sports.
• Via Michael Rothstein at ESPN, "Clayton Kershaw says Lions QB Matthew Stafford has a better arm than him."

“I think Matthew’s probably got the better arm,” Kershaw said on SportsCenter. “Put it this way, he can definitely throw a baseball better than I can throw a football. I’ll probably give him the edge.”

• This is definitely off-topic, but well worth your time.  Check out some vintage photographs of Native Americans from 1904 to 1924 via Alex Q. Arbuckle at Mashable,
• If you are heading to Arizona then you should check this out.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "D-Backs Owner Ken Kendrick’s Collection on Exhibit."

Phoenix Art Museum will showcase 41 cards, including some of the rarest and most important cards ever made beginning March 9 through April 24.

Kendrick, a loBabe Ruth 1916 Sporting News 101-5 rookie card PSA 8ngtime collector, is managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and owns one of the hobby’s most valuable collections of important baseball cards.

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Blog Kiosk 2/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Turner, Maddux and Vin Scully to Call Opening Day

The legacy of great Dodgers catchers continues unabated.  Featured above is the fearless crew of Dodger backstop currently manning the plate at Camelback Ranch.  Photo via AJ Ellis on twitter and originally taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Top Row: L to R - Steve Yeager, Kyle Farmer, Jack Murphy, AJ Ellis and Bob Geren.  Bottom Row: L to R - Austin Barnes, Shawn Zarraga and Yasmani Grandal.

Below are more links to check out:

• This is great news.  Via Bill Shaikin of the LA Times on twitter:

He won't travel much this year, but Vin Scully says he'll call #Dodgers' opener in San Diego: https://t.co/b9AG26qtuQ

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) February 24, 2016

• Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Dodgers set to lock in Justin Turner at third base."

“We're going to keep [Turner] over at third base,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Things can change, but I don't see us deviating from that.”

• Padilla also wrote a great piece about Greg Maddux; "Greg Maddux eager to share knowledge with Dodgers pitchers."  Link Here.

"I think the main thing is to try to help the players," Maddux said. "Obviously, I have to get to know them first, and they have to get to know you. I’ll just watch the players and get to know them. If there’s something I can say or do that might make them better, that’s the goal -- to try to make the players better."

• Via Shawn Anderson at the Hall of Very Good, "Hyun-Jin Ryu Throws Party for Fellow Korean Players."
• Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe suggest that the Dodgers might consider parting ways with Carl Crawford (link here).

Don’t be shocked if the Dodgers part ways with Carl Crawford and eat the remaining $42 million on his contract. There comes a point of diminishing returns — and a time to fill his roster spot with a younger, more productive player — and it seems the Dodgers are getting closer to that point.

• Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest shares his list of "2016 Dodgers Top 100 Prospects: No. 20-11."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Brandon Beachy’s time has come … finally."

“We’re excited to have him back, second year removed from Tommy John he said that he feels great, the ball’s coming out,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’s got a great look in his eye, he really does, and I don’t think he’s too concerned about the mechanics of the 40 or not, he just wants to stay healthy and compete and pitch well. And so I think that things always have a way of working themselves out so that’s our number one concern.”

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Pitchers & Catchers Workout #5

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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(Kasten and Roberts, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

WIND UP WEDNESDAY: Dodger pitchers and catchers held their fifth and final official workout of Spring Training today, with PFPs, bullpen sessions and batting practice as the club prepares to start their first full-squad workout of 2016 tomorrow.

• A couple of special guests arrived at Camelback Ranch-Glendale today, including Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten and Dodger Executive Vice President and CMO Lon Rosen.

(Jamey Wright clubhouse intro, pic via Jon SooHoo on the Dodgers twitter)

WRIGHT BACK AT YA: Today, the Dodgers announced the signing of free-agent right-handed pitcher Jamey Wright to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training and he pitched his first official bullpen of the spring. The 19-year Major League veteran returns to Los Angeles after appearing in 127 games (one start) in two stints with the club in 2012 and 2014. Wright ranks first all-time among right-handed pitchers with 64 career pickoffs, while ranking ninth overall. He transitioned to a full-time role in the bullpen in 2008 and has compiled a 3.96 ERA in 494.1 IP since then, which is the seventh most relief innings in the majors in that span. He has posted a 97-130 career record with a 4.81 ERA in 719 games (248 starts) with Colorado (1996-99, 2004-05), Milwaukee (2000-02), St. Louis (2002), Kansas City (2003, 2009), San Francisco (2006), Texas (2007-08), Cleveland (2010), Seattle (2010-11), Tampa Bay (2013) and Los Angeles (2012, 2014).

• Joining Wright and throwing their third official bullpens of the spring today were Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Joe Blanton, Ian Thomas, Chris Hatcher, Luis Avilan, Yimi Garcia, Carlos Frias, Adam Liberatore, Ross Stripling, Matt West, Zach Lee and Chase De Jong.

(Maddux with Anderson, pic via Jake Seiner on twitter)

BRINGING IN THE ARMS: The Dodgers would like to welcome back four-time National League Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux and 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne who were working with the pitchers today during the bullpen sessions. Maddux, who spent two seasons with the Dodgers (2006, 2008) and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, was hired on February 2 as the special assistant to Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, along with Raul Ibañez. Gagne, who spent eight years with the Dodgers and currently holds the all-time Dodgers’ saves record with 161 saves, will work with pitchers as a special instructor during Spring Training.

GOING TO BAT AGAINST CANCER: Yesterday, Major League Baseball launched the 2016 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, which will recognize one fan per MLB Club who has been affected by breast cancer and has demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease.  Dodger fans, ages 18 and older, can share stories about themselves or loved ones who are “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” by visiting HonoraryBatGirl.com for a chance to be recognized on-field by the Dodgers on Monday, May 9 against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Entries can be submitted by breast cancer survivors, friends and family, advocates and/or supporters of the cause through April 14 at 1:59 p.m. PT. A panel of guest-judges, including Dodger pitcher Scott Kazmir, will help select the winning submissions based on the following criteria: originality, quality of writing, demonstration of commitment to breast cancer awareness and online fan votes.

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Welcome Back to the Blue, Greg Maddux!

The mad professor is back.

And by "MAD" I mean he's one crazy crazy dude.  And by "Professor" I mean he's probably the smartest pitcher to ever play the game.

Yesterday afternoon the Dodgers announced that they have hired Hall of Famer Greg Maddux as an Special Assistant to the Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the entire Baseball Operations Department.  In other words, he'll be tasked with imparting whatever knowledge he has about the game - which I assure you is a lot.  BTW, they also announced at the same time the hiring of recently retired slugger Raul Ibanez, and I'll have an additional post focused on him shortly.  In the meantime, let's talk about Greg Maddux.

Late last year it was reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that Maddux was very likely headed our way, so this news is hardly unexpected.  After all, he lives in Las Vegas and prefers, like most folks, to be closer to home.

Greg Maddux is expected to join a West Coast team — likely the Dodgers — as a part-time special assistant. Maddux said he doesn’t want a full-time coaching career. His son, Chase, is a freshman pitcher at UNLV and Maddux wants to spend time watching his games. He also enjoys traveling with his family.
...

“I enjoy working with pitchers,” Greg Maddux said. “If there’s something I can do to help a young guy think about the game more and what he’s throwing and why he’s throwing it, I can help like that.”

That last part isn't surprising.  Maddux has always been regarded as a fantastic teacher.  Per a story passed along by Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

Maddux pitched for the Dodgers in 2006 and 2008, and made a huge impression in planing sessions with pitchers and catchers, as Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times recalled in 2014:

Maddux ended his career throwing an 83-mph fastball, yet he could devise a successful game plan for pitchers with the big-time fastball and monster curve he never had.

Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti recalled Maddux basically taking over scouting meetings and providing each pitcher with a custom plan to approach opposing hitters. Colletti watched in admiration as starting pitchers, generally creatures of silence on game day, sat with Maddux in the dugout and asked for help with that day's lineup.

"He's the smartest pitcher I've ever been around," Colletti said. "To me, he borders on a baseball genius. You knew you'd only see one or two guys like that in your whole life."

That's about right.  Even with less than stellar stuff, Greg Maddux could still win games by being smarter than everybody else on the field.  Heck, his knowledge lead to a kind of prescience that was otherworldly.  I've read story after story about how he could predict the exact sequence of events during any inning - from pitch selection to whether the batter swung and made contact to the exact location the ball went after being struck.  It didn't matter if he was on the mound or if he was sitting in the dugout, he just knew.  Via Verducci in an SI piece (as recounted on Deadspin):

Once while seated in the Braves' dugout as third baseman Jose Hernandez batted for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Maddux blurted out, "Watch this. The first base coach may be going to the hospital." On the next pitch Hernandez drilled a line drive off the chest of the first base coach.

Another time Atlanta manager Bobby Cox visited Maddux on the mound with runners on second and third and two outs. Cox suggested an intentional walk.

"Don't worry," said Maddux, who then spelled out to Cox the sequence of his next three pitches: "And on the last pitch I'm going to get him to pop up foul to third base." Maddux proceeded to escape the jam on his third pitch—getting a pop-up to third base that was a foot or two from being foul.

This guy will be a huge asset, and I feel better knowing he'll be helping out the pitching staff.  On the other hand, we might be approaching a level of grossness within the clubhouse not seen since... well... since he last played for us.  According to many sources, Greg Maddux may very well be the most disgusting person ever elected into the Hall of Fame.  Just get a load of some of these stories.

Via Todd Dewey at the Las Vegas-Review Journal:

"Oh, I've got a few (Maddux stories) but I don't think they're fit for print," San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. "But he was certainly a prankster and a lot of fun.

"All I can tell you is 'don't eat the chili.' I can't go any further than that. (Maddux put) foreign objects in the chili."
...
Maddux, known to belch or pass gas during locker-room interviews, also was "a master of strategically timed nose picking and sidling up to an unsuspecting rookie in the shower and urinating on the kid's leg," it was reported last year in an article on ESPN.com.

"I call him 'The Silent Scumbag,' " Wells said in the story. "You would perceive him to be Einstein because he's quiet and he's always sitting there at his locker with a crossword puzzle. But he's got a silent sickness to him. ... Those quiet guys are the ones you have to watch out for."

Via Larry Brown Sports:

I could tell you about how he (allegedly) urinated in the hot tub when he was a young Cubs pitcher, that story told to me years ago by Andre Dawson, who was in the big tub with a couple of other Cubs veterans when young Maddux informed them that he’d relieved himself in it a few minutes earlier.

On second thought, maybe we shouldn't let him in the clubhouse.

In celebration of his return to the Dodgers I made the above two fantasy cards of him.  I used a photograph taken from the Lantern/MCT and the 1972 Topps Baseball card design. 

Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the hiring of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux and 19-year big league veteran Raul Ibañez as Special Assistants to the Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the entire Baseball Operations Department.

In their roles, Maddux and Ibañez will assist in all aspects of baseball operations, including scouting, player development and working with the club’s players, both at the Major and minor league levels.

Maddux, 49, pitched in 23 big league seasons with the Cubs (1986-92, 2004-06), Braves (1993-2003), Dodgers (2006, ’08) and Padres (2007-08), compiling a 355-227 record with a 3.16 ERA in 744 games (740 starts). The four-time National League Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star and 18-time Gold Glover retired with the eighth-most all-time wins and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, his first year on the ballot, with 97.2% of the vote. Following his playing career, Maddux joined the Cubs’ front office in 2010 as an assistant to general manager Jim Hendry before spending four seasons in the Rangers’ organization (2012-15), where his brother Mike was the pitching coach, as a Special Assistant to General Manager Jon Daniels. He also served as the pitching coach for Team USA during the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2015 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Maddux and Don Newcombe

Although it's a bit too late to make a bid I just had to point this item out.  The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes held an auction recently in benefit of the San Bernardino United Relief Fund that included the above team signed jersey.  As you can see, it features specially made Star Wars jerseys that were worn for a game on May 24, 2014.  Signers include Dodger prospects like Corey Seager, Chris Anderson, Jharel Cotton and Kyle Farmer.  It sold for $305.  Of special note:

The jersey was purchased at the game’s silent auction and generously donated back to the Quakes by the 501st Legion – Southern California Garrison (501st.com) and Cory Leeper (IG: @coryvader).

Below are more links to check out:

• Here's some good news.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu expects to be ready for Spring Training."

"I have no reason to believe I won't be ready for Spring Training," Ryu said.

"Other than throwing off a mound and going all out, I pretty much can do everything I want to do. I'm on a great program and everything is going great. No discomfort, absolutely nothing."

• Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe notes that Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux may be returning to the Dodgers.

 Greg Maddux is expected to join a West Coast team — likely the Dodgers — as a part-time special assistant. Maddux said he doesn’t want a full-time coaching career. His son, Chase, is a freshman pitcher at UNLV and Maddux wants to spend time watching his games. He also enjoys traveling with his family.
...

“I enjoy working with pitchers,” Greg Maddux said. “If there’s something I can do to help a young guy think about the game more and what he’s throwing and why he’s throwing it, I can help like that.”

• Via Marly Rivera at ESPN, "Cuba's famed 'Hot Corner' gets visit from baseball greats."

“It was a lot fun. It’s obvious they love baseball,” commented the Dodgers' ace, who took part in all the events during the three-day tour. “They asked me to name an ideal U.S. lineup, and I mentioned a few players, but they kept telling me the Cuban team would crush them. I missed quite a few, so now I’ve really got to think about that lineup.”

• Even with a lack of significant trades or free agent signings the Dodgers are still considered to have one of the Top-Five rotations in Baseball, via Paul Casella at MLB.com.
• Via Bill Plaschke at the LA Times, "Don Newcombe, a link to Dodgers' greatness, wants to see more of it."

"Look at me when I talk to you," he says. "The Dodgers are the greatest team in history of baseball, and the Dodgers will be world champions again before I leave this earth."

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2015 Topps Archives Signature - Many of the Signed Dodger Cards

Since I've been clearly obsessed with tracking and cataloging all of the modern era Dodger cards in existence I decided to do my best with Topps newest product - 2015 Topps Archives Signature.  Daunting, I know.  Go here for a checklist of players who signed.  For those who don't know, this product includes only signed buyback cards.

As you'll recall, last week I declared an Andruw Jones autograph Dodger card as this years worst (link here), and now you'll discover that there's at least another one to hate.

As for what to love, you should check out the handful of 1980's Topps created retail box sets that have been signed.  Both Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela signed a handful of their 1987 K-Mart cards.  There is also a 1981 Drake's cakes card signed by Garvey - which is absolutely awesome!  Drake's cards disappeared into the dustbin of history many moons ago, so it's nice that they make a little comeback here.  They were one of my favorites as a kid.  Also note that I included the 1973 Frank Robinson Topps card on this list since this issue clearly shows him in a poorly photoshopped Dodger uniform. 

Both Nomar Garciaparra and Greg Maddux are available only as redemptions, so we don't yet know if they signed any Dodger cards for this product.  Also, Fred McGriff has signed some cards, but I have yet to see him in Blue. 

No doubt, this listing is far from complete.  There are likely to be many "1 of 1's" and other scarcer issues out there yet to be discovered.  If you see something not on this list please let me know. 

#Eric Davis

1992 Topps #/15                     1993 Topps #/37

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2015 - Dodger Links - Jansen on Donnie, Honey on Greinke and some Puig Gossip

Dodger alumni Eric Karros and Ron Cey spent yesterday afternoon hanging out with some young patients at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  As you can see they brought gifts, smiles and some needed encouragement.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to see more pics from Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodger Blue, "Kenley Jansen Calls Don Mattingly’s Departure ‘Bittersweet’"

“For me, Donnie was always good. He understood as a person who I am and he always helped keep me positive. That’s one big thing I had with him. I always could be myself with Donnie. I understand the organization’s decision. I understand for Donnie, too. I’m happy for him that he’s with Miami now.”

Jansen said he and Mattingly had a long discussion, and added the need to push forward. “We’re still here for one thing and that’s to win a championship. I’m pretty confident in what Andrew and Farhan are doing,” he said.

• Oh, My!  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "Andy Van Slyke is spreading Yasiel Puig-related gossip."  Apparently, a certain high-paid player went to management to suggest that a certain Cuban outfielder needs to go.

If this isn’t true and if Van Slyke is just trying to sound wise he probably owes an apology to Kershaw. If it is true, and Kershaw is telling the front office that Puig needs to go, it’s gonna make life a lot of fun for the Dodgers’ next manager. Because Puig, whatever else you can say about him for bad and for good, is not in a great place to be traded right now, coming off of an injury–plagued season.

• Dodgers Night at the Clippers game has been scheduled for Monday, November 30th.  Get your tickets here.  Use the promo code "Dodgers" for a ticket and limited edition Dodgers/Clippers t-shirt.  I am unsure if any players will be at the game. 

• Via Anthony Irwin at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers News: Grandal Says He’s “Ahead of Schedule”
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Honeycutt: Greinke can be like Maddux."
  

  "You've seen him each year we've had him, and each year he gets better as the season goes on," Honeycutt said of Greinke. "He's in great shape, he adds and subtracts to his pitches when he wants to. He can continue to pitch just like Maddux into his 40s. He has that ability, because he has the pitches already and makes the adjustments with the pitches he has.
  
  "There's no doubt in my mind he can go as long as he wants to go. For five years, I don't see him having any issues after being with him the last three years. He's very intelligent, he takes care of himself. A lot of guys have talent, but you have to have the smarts to go with it, and he certainly has that. He's got a lot of game."

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Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Bolsinger, De Leon and Julio Urias

Initially, I was going to remark about the carefully wrapped hand that Roy Campanella appears to be systematically undoing.  Then I noticed the fellow overlooking the Hall of Fame catcher, and realized that it's longtime Dodger manager Walter Alston.  He just looks so young I barely recognized him. 

The United Press photo was taken during the early part of the 1954 season when Alston was a rookie manager for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He could not have known at this time that he would eventually lead the club to their first championship the following season, so I imagine the concerned look on his face was filled with thoughts of a doomed rookie campaign. 

I'm sure he wondered, "how could the Dodgers manage without their star backstop?"

No worries though, his job would be safe as he guided the team to a 92-62 record.  Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to win the division, so they would have to wait 'til next year.

I found the photo on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  The caption on the reverse says:

 "MANAGER MULLS OVER MANGLED MITT.  New York: Walter Alston (left). Brooklyn Dodger Manger looks down at the injured catching hand of Roy Campanella, his number one backstop, in the dressing room before the start of the May 11 night game between Flatbush's Faithful and the Milwaukee Braves.  Campanella, whose hand was operated on last week, is in uniform to do some running exercises designed yo keep him in shape until the injured paw allows him to take up his catching chores again.  The National League's Most Valuable Player in 1953 is expected to return to duty in about two weeks."

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Mike Bolsinger creates buzz without power."

He loves to pitch, loves to learn about pitching, loves to theorize how he might be able to last with inferior velocity. He read about Greg Maddux taking ordinary catch sessions seriously, and so he started to, too.

In the bullpen before his starts, he used to do a standard warmup, and then he started feeling like he was getting in an inordinate amount of trouble early. This spring, he increased the intensity of those bullpens and liked how he felt when games began.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Jose De Leon promoted to Double-A Tulsa." 
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Urias to have elective surgery with Dodgers' support."

"Obviously, one of our main intentions -- independent of the procedure -- is to protect Julio and limit his workload," said (Gabe) Kapler. "We're mindful of pitch and innings totals for every pitcher in our organization. Our aim is to take a long view approach to Julio's progression with laser sharp focus on long-term health. A blow midseason made sense to us."

• Via Mike Axisa at CBS Sports, "Report: Dodgers' Don Mattingly, Reds' Bryan Price to be All-Star coaches."
• With the trade of Dee Gordon over the winter this should come as no surprise.  Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "They've become the no-go Dodgers."

Andrew Friedman: "For us, we don't have as many pure base-stealing threats, but we have a lot of depth up and down the lineup, so it's even more important for us not to run into outs. We have eight guys that can really handle the bat, so the risk-reward isn't there."

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Blog Kiosk: 2/11/2015 - Dodger Links - Moncada, Pederson and an Early Peek at the Newcombe Give-Away Pin

Fleet of foot Cardinals infielder Marty Marion attempted to score during a late March Spring Training game in Clearwater, Florida but was stopped by Dodger backup catcher Herman Franks.  This 1940 Associated Press photo was found via eBay.  Check out the auction here.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers' potential target Yoan Moncada nearing decision."

“I’m kind of hoping we’re at the final end of the process,” Hastings (Moncada;s Florida-based rep) said. “I hope I will be able to get Yoan into a team’s spring-training practice as soon as possible.”

• Here's an early peek at the Don Newcombe 'Cy Young' Collectors Pin the Dodgers are giving out to fans on Monday, April 13th.  See it on the right.
• Via Anthony Castrovince at Sports on Earth, "The Top 10 MLB Rotations For 2015."  The Dodgers are ranked second on his list.
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Joc Pederson’s perpetual motion could make him one of the game’s best."

“If you watch [Pederson] closely, he leans forward onto the balls of his feet on every pitch,” said (Rick) Monday. “This allows him to get a better jump on the ball and when the ball is hit, he is already breaking in that direction – even on foul balls. You’re going pick up an extra step or two by doing this and get to balls that guys standing out there flat-footed are not going to get to. These are the things that separate good baseball players from great baseball players.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers will have $7 million draft bonus pool in 2015, per reports."
• Fantastic!  Via Jorge Arangure Jr. at Vice Sports, "The Cuba Diaries: A 56-year-old batbot shares his story."
• I just thought I'd make mention of this.  Onetime Dodger and recent Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is hosting a charity bowling event in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 22 at the Red Rock Casino.  Go here for information. 

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Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Extreme Shifting, Puig's Missing Bat and Praise for Kershaw

In one of the more extreme shifts you'll ever see, the Dodger stacked four infielders on the right side of the infield against Seth Smith of the Padres in the 12th inning of last nights game.  Check out their defensive alignment in the photo above, tweeted out by JP Hoornstra.  Smith, a proven groundball pull hitter, came up with the bases loaded, and did just as they expected (watch it here).  He grounded the ball to Dee Gordon. Unfortunately, the relay throw to home was a little too off the mark to allow for a doubleplay, so the Padres would get another at-bat.  That very next batter slapped a single to the right side to record a walkoff win.

The Dodger fell to the Padres, 3 to 2, and lost a game in the standings to the suddenly surging Giants.  Disappointing, eh?  They coulda, shoulda, won this one.  Haren, although not entirely on the mark last night, pitched six effective innings (watch highlights here).  He sprayed five hits, struck out three, walked one and gave up just two runs (one unearned).  The followup relief crew also held their own until long-man Kevin Correia walked the bases loaded to set up the shift explained above.

The Dodgers offense was helped along by an resurgent Haley Ramirez, who homered for the first time since coming back from the disabled list (watch it here).  Justin Turner continued his hot hitting ways, but that was not enough.  They could only muster two runs on eleven hits.

The Dodgers are now sitting on a 3.5 game lead over the Giants.  Now, below are some links to check out:

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Puig's bat missing some of its sizzle."

“Where has it gone?” McGwire repeated with a laugh when asked about Puig’s power. “You know what — he got off to a fast start with home runs. Once you do that, people think you're a home run hitter. But really it’s all about pitch selection and patience. He’s shown some great stretches with patience and he’s shown some stretches where he’s not patient at all.

“You have to hit strikes. When you simplify the game and stay within your zone, you can get pitches to drive like that. Sometimes he just gets out of that mode and tries too hard. We can’t forget that he's a very young hitter. And young hitters that aren’t really home run hitters that come out hitting home runs — then people try to put things in their mind that they are home run hitters and they try to do too much.”

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Greg Maddux offers some high praise for Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw."

“His consistency is off the charts good,” Maddux said. “Everybody who wears a major-league uniform is good in their own way. There’s guys who can do it every time they put on the uniform. … Every time you see a player whose bad games are good, it’s special.”

• Via Jeffrey Long at Beyond the Boxscore, "How to get a hit against Clayton Kershaw."  Check out this advanced scouting report.
• Chris Olds at Beckett shares some preview pics from Topps 2015 Sticker Baseball set, here.  Check out the Clayton Kershaw sticker on the right.  It is slated to come out on March 4, 2015.

• The new September edition of Dodger Insider Magazine features Clayton Kershaw on the cover and includes a stories on his Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event, his MVP candidacy and his unprecedented domination of the strike zone in 2014.  There is also a 15-page special section offering the history behind every Dodger uniform number from 00 to 99.  Go here for ordering information or get a copy at souvenir stands at Dodger Stadium when the next homestand opens on Monday against the Nationals.  Check out the cover on the left.
• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Family of Jackie Robinson Little Leaguer is homeless."

His mother, Devona Benton, says she and Benton's father, a radiator tech who works part-time, could no longer afford their apartment after her hours were cut as a home-care provider for Catholic Charities. She's worked there for six years and sometimes it's been a struggle, but she says this is the first time her family had to split up to survive. She also is responsible for looking after her 16-year-old son, and for helping with the three grandchildren of her grown daughter. She's hoping and praying for more clients, but until that happens, the family will be fractured.

• OK, fine.  I'm gonna link to a Plaschke article, but only because it's a good one about LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter.  Via Bill Plaschke of the LA Times, "Kings Coach Darryl Sutter is never down on the farm."

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Blog Kiosk: 1/24/2014 - Dodgers Links - The Brooklyn Nets to Wear Dodger Blue, Chone Figgins and Mark McGwire

Darren Rovell shared on twitter the alternate Brooklyn Nets basketball jersey they will wear for 5 games this season.  It sports Brooklyn Dodger Blue in homage to the team.  Paul Lukas of UniWatch on twitter notes that the number should should be in red, not blue.  Per Rovell at ESPN:

Sources told ESPN.com that the Nets will first wear the blue and grey sleeved jerseys for the game against the Boston Celtics on March 21 and will wear them for four other games, to be called "Brooklyn Blue Nights," before the season is over.

• Via Gann Matsuda at Frozen Royalty, "For The Last Time: Dodger Stadium Ice Will Be Just Fine".  Get it folks!
• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest wonders, "Do The Dodgers Really Need Another Starter?"
• Mark Saxon at ESPN writes about, "The curious case of Chone Figgins".
• Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider writes, "Mark McGwire has unfinished business in year two with Dodgers".

“Finish business,” McGwire said on what he’s looking forward to this season. “Everybody got a great taste to have one step to the World Series, but there’s some unfinished business that we want to take care of in ’14.”

• Topps shared this photo of a 2014 Topps Series 1 Sandy Koufax insert card on facebook.  It is a Class Ring Gold Gem Autographed card.
• The Dodgers community caravan begins on Monday.  Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider has some of the details.  BTW, none of the appearances are public.  They will be visiting a hospital, schools and the National Guard Armory.
• The Real BSmile shares a photo of the 1898 Brooklyn Bridgegrooms.
• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Greg Maddux goes into Hall of Fame without a logo — Braves or Cubs — on his plaque".
• Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily tells us about Babe Ruth's 1923 World Series watch coming to auction.

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Blog Kiosk: 1/13/2014 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers are Finalist for Tanaka

They are in the midst of preparing the Dodger Stadium field for ice hockey.  Today, the NHL will arrive with their equipment in order to build the ice rink.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Spring Training tickets are now on sale.  Go here.
• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Yankees, Dodgers and Angels finalists to sign Masahiro Tanaka, according to report from Japan".
• Via Sarah at We're born again, there's new grass on the field writes, "The Dodgers and the knuckleball".
• Sports Card Info takes a look at the Jackie Robinson 1962 Hall of Fame Induction Press Pin.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Inside, "Bryan Cranston: Golden Globe winner, Dodger fan".

“I’m a big, big Dodger fan. Have been all my life. My first Dodger game I was 5 years old. It was 1961 at the Coliseum, and I loved going. Wally Moon was my favorite player back then because as a 5-year-old, the name ‘Moon, Wally Moon’ was so interesting. And the ‘Moon Shots’ he used to hit to left field. It was fantastic. And then I was here in 1962 when Dodger Stadium opened up. It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years.”

• Via Dustin Nosler at Fellin' Kinda Blue, "Dodgers need A.J. Ellis and Tim Federowicz to improve pitch-framing".  I disagree with the notion that advanced statistics guys are the reason for an emphasis on pitch framing.  That's just false.  The art of pitch framing has always been a key skill taught to catchers-particularly in the Dodgers organization.  It's just that stats guys are getting better at quantifying it.  As for our catchers needing to get better at it, I couldn't agree more.
• Via Jeffrey Bellone at Beyond th Boxscore, "How do Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux compare to Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale?"
• Phil Hecken at UniWatch interviews the man behind the twitter account @MLBCathedrals.
• He lives.  Via the Dodgers tumblr.

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Congrats! Maddux, Glavine and Thomas are Hall of Famers

I want to extend a Blue Heaven congratulations to the three new Hall of Fame inductees - Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas.

All three are well deserved new members. I should also note that the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (a collection of 200+ bloggers throughout the country) made the exact same HOF recommendations in December.  See my story about that here.

Of course, none of them spent a majority of their careers in Blue, but one player was a Dodger for a short time.  Greg Maddux, probably the greatest pitcher I've ever seen in my lifetime, was a Dodger for short stints in both the 2006 and 2008 seasons.

In fact, he retired as a Dodger in 2008, and won his last professional in-season game against the Giants on September 27th - going 6 innings in a 2 to 1 victory.  His last career in-season strike out was against Matt Cain (who foul bunted) and the last hit he allowed was to Omar Vizquel (a single to left field).

In the playoffs in 2008, he pitched in relief during Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Cubs.  He closed out the game, in a 7 to 2 winning effort, in the 9th inning.  He faced 4 batters and gave up a hit to Ryan Theriot.

In the NL Championship Series against the Phillies, Maddux pitched in two games (Games 1 and Game 5).  In Game 1 (in a game the Dodgers lost 3 to 2), he pitched in the 7th inning in relief of Derek Lowe.  Maddux faced only 3 batters, gave up a hit Carlos Ruiz and closed out the inning with a double play.  In Game 5 (the Dodgers lost the series 5 to 2), he went 2 innings and gave up 2 runs (both unearned).

His last professional walk was to Shane Victorino (intentional).  The last hit he gave up was to Ryan Howard.  Maddux's last professional strike out victim was Pedro Feliz.

Bill Plunkett of the OC Register noted the following from Ned Colletti during a press conference today at Dodger Stadium.

Colletti points out he is only GM to trade for Greg Maddux. And he did it twice (as #Dodgers GM near end of Maddux career)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) January 8, 2014

Now that this voting is over for the year, I'm sure we'll hear complaints from the whiners.   Morons will say that it's a travesty that Biggio didn't get in this year - even though it's assured that he'll get in eventually.  And the same can be said for Piazza.  Patience is a virtue that continues to disappear from American life.  Also, one of the more annoying facets of social media is the damn whining!

Jack Morris is now officially off the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot.  He will certainly be put on future special committee ballots, and I predict will eventually get enshrined with the help of his Baseball peers.  Many will of course complain about that, but who cares.  If there's one final arbiter of who is most deserving it's the current body of Hall of Fame members.

Congrats again to the 3 new members!

Below is a final vote tally from the BBWAA.

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