Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We struggled against the Giants this weekend, but still saw our 'Magic Number' fall to two when they won on Sunday, 5-0 (boxscore). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“On the pitching side, the story was Kenta,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Kenta was really good today. The slider, the fastball, just kind of on the attack all day long. To log four innings put us in a really good spot to win a baseball game.”
...
“With two strikes, he wasn’t relying on the slider as much,” (Russell) Martin said. “In division, the guys have many at-bats against him. They kind of know, they’ve seen the slider, guys tend to sit on it.” 

The slider was still on point, though, getting six swinging strikes and three called strikes.

Photo 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 1948 Dodger righty Rex Barney throws a no-no against the Giants (boxscore) 2-0. He struck out four batters and walked only two, as he had to endure a one-hour rain delay, as well as showers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to finish his gem. In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game and his fourth career no-hitter to defeat the Cubs, (boxscore) 1-0. He struck out 14 Chicago batters and faced the minimum 27 batters. You can listen to the last inning here.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Burch, Waite Hoyt, Charlie Perkins, Todd Zeile, Robinson Checo, Félix Rodríguez, Kaz Ishii, Todd Coffey & Edwin Jackson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't help but smile at the thought of the Dodgers destroying the Phillies. It just warms my heart. Per Paul Casella at MLB,com:

“I drank two Red Bulls and took a lot of Advil," said Bellinger, who went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and four runs. "So I was feeling all right."

So, that's his secret.

Photo above via Mary Snyder/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 1936 the game between the Dodgers and Reds in Cincinnati is postponed due to a heat wave that crippled much of the Midwest. The extreme weather, exacerbated by the Dust Bowl, results in over 5,000 deaths in the United States. In 1948 Brooklyn agrees to a deal with the Giants that releases their manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants. Burt Shotten would take over the managerial position for the Dodgers. BTW, Phillies manager Ben Chapman, infamous for his racist tirade against Jackie Robinson, is fired by Philadelphia on this same day. In 2000 Dodgers skipper Davey Johnson is hospitalized after experiencing dizziness caused by an irregular heartbeat. Per a CBS story:

"He's very unhappy about being in the hospital," Dr. Mellman said. "And he's not very happy with me, because I told him to go to the hospital instead of coming to the game tonight. That's Davey Johnson."

• Happy Birthday, Don Ross, Tommy Tatum, Norm Sherry, John Purdin & Eric Surkamp!

Blog Kiosk: 6/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw looked liked he hadn't missed a beat. He was fantastic during his first start since going on the DL. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I saw 100 percent from him," Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said of Kershaw. "I didn't see anything hampering or laboring or anything. I thought he was the Kershaw that I know."

Dave Roberts added more, via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Very positive for us going forward,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Clayton was efficient, got up and down five times, felt the fastball had life (at 92–93 mph), good command. Curveball was sharp and the slider was good. I think that it’s only going to get better.”

Photo above of Kershaw via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Clayton went five innings, striking out six and walking none. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Fernando Valenzuela no-hit the Cardinals, 6-0, at Dodger Stadium.  With 119 pitches he struck out seven and walked three.  Also, on this same night, former Dodgers starter Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays; thereby marking the first time in modern Baseball history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day. In 1995 Hideo Nomo struck out thirteen Rockies to give him a then team record of 50 strike outs in four consecutive starts. In 1996 Mike Piazza hit three home runs against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. He became the fifth Dodger to hit three homers in a game. In 2012 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Yasiel Puig.
• Happy Birthday, Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson, Farmer Steelman, Bobby Morgan, Rick Honeycutt & Pedro Guerrero!

Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You do not often see a vintage action photo featured Tommy Lasorda as a player, so when you do it's worthy of sharing. Featured above is a June 1955 press photo that was formerly a part of "The George Michael Collection". Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Cards Wally Moon safe at home on passed ball. Dodgers Pitcher Tommy Lasorda spoke on the play left the game. Umpire Augie Donatelli. Cards won 1st game 9-4, Dodgers 2nd 10-6.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. 
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an up-close look at the famous right field wall at Ebbets Field.  The AP wirephoto is dated to August 22, 1955 and features Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo (eBay Auction Link).  Per the caption:

Outfielder Carl Furillo demonstrates in Brooklyn Dodgers workout today why he is master of the right field wall in Ebbets Field.  In this sequence camera series Carl reaches up for ball, starts to turn in mid-air and is prepared to throw as he comes down.  In the last picture the ball is enroute to second base to cut down any ambitious hitter who wants to stretch a single.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seat that club can sell for 25 cents.  In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs.  In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer.  This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history.  In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!
  

My Evening at the 2017 NHL All-Star FanFair

I hadn't planned on attending the NHL All-Star Game FanFair at the LA Convention Center, but I couldn't help myself.  A major mid-season event was happening in my town, and I would be remiss if I didn't show up to take it all in.  Besides, I was told that there would be a small card show, a little museum display and autographs... Free autographs.  So I went, and I'm glad I did.

One of the keen displays were these large hockey pucks seen all around the Staples Center.  They featured every All-Star in attendance this year.  Naturally, I tracked down the two Kings players - Jeff Carter (left) and Drew Doughty.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Dodgers FanFest & the NHL All-Star FanFair

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

This is a big weekend in sports for the Los Angeles area.  Not only are the Dodgers holding their annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour this week, but they are also hosting their FanFest on Saturday.  Also, the NHL All-Star Game FanFair is also taking place at the convention center from Thursday to Saturday.

 ---------------------------

On Thursday, January 26th Joc Pederson is hosting a Pet Family Photo Day at the Silver Lake Dog Park as a part of the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour starting at 2:00 PM.  Go here for some information.

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon Trayce Thompson hosted a bunch of kids and their families who are patients at Cedars-Sinai for a movie night at Dodger Stadium.  First, though, he spent some time showing the tykes the Dodgers clubhouse.

Day three of the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour is today and it's filled with plenty of appearances throughout LA.  First, Andre Ethier and Julio Urias will hold a clinic for more than 20 Special Olympics of Southern California athletes at the Dodgers Dreamfield at Baldwin Hills Recreation Center from 9:30 Am to 11:30 AM.  At 10:00 AM the Los Angeles City Council will formally recognize Dave Roberts as the 2016 NL "Manager of the Year" at City Hall.  At the same time, Adam Liberatore, Ron Cey, Al Ferrara and Dennis Powell will promote literacy at four different Los Angeles public libraries.  Finally, Ethier and Roberts will take part in a "Thank You Lunch" for the LAPD at the Northeast Community Police Station.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics taken by Jon from yesterday's tour events.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 11/10/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, DeJong, Seager, Zaidi and the 2017 Spring Schedule

The 2017 Dodgers Spring Training schedule has officially been set.  The graphic above of the schedule is via Camelback Ranch on twitter.  Go here or here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1988 Orel Hershiser was named the winner of the NL Cy Young Award.  He was the unanimous choice.
• Happy Birthday, Rob Segedin and Shawn Green!

Blog Kiosk: 6/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda Recovering, Billingsley Ailing and Clayton Kershaw

Although far from perfect, Clayton Kershaw was still good enough to earn a Dodgers victory.  (Of course, a less than perfect Kersahw is still better than 95% of pitchers in the league)  He struck out eleven DBacks and walked only one in the 3-2 win.  Via Ken Gurnick and Jake Rill at MLB.com:

"Clayton saw we needed to win the series and came with the usual intensity and intent," manager Dave Roberts said. "Clayton was Clayton. For us to get that win was not only good for him, but for us."

Fortunately, a bit of luck came our way during this game.  With the Dodgers leading 3-1 and Kershaw on the mound, Paul Goldschmidt hit a deep liner to left field that barely missed going over the fence by inches.  Instead of tying the game with a two-run jack, Goldy was only able to bring Arizona within one run of tying the game.  (Watch the play here)

BTW, the Dodgers three runs all come on a homer by Scott Van Slyke against lefty Patrick Corbin.  (Watch it here)

"Looking for something in I could pull, and he gave it to me," Van Slyke said. "Big league pitchers are good, and you come back and, like, wow, you got to adjust yourself. I know I can hit any lefty if I'm focused and have my swing down."

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo on the Dodgers twitter.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:In 1958 Don Newcombe is traded by the Dodgers to Cincinnati.  In 1963 rookie Nick Willhite became the first pitcher in LA Dodgers history to throw a shutout in his Major League debut.  He defeated the Cubs, 2-0.  It would be 29 years before another rookie would do the same - Pedro Astacio.
• Happy Birthday, Jonathan Broxton!

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

Four Dodger rookies stare out into the stands at Ebbets Field in the vintage United Press photo shown above.  Dated April 16, 1956, it reads on the reserve:

"ROOKIES AT EBBETS FIELD.  New York: Gathered for the last day of Dodger workouts, April 16th, before the official opening game of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 17th are four rookies a good look at Ebbets Field.  They are, left to right: Charlie Thompson; Don Drysdale; Gino Cimoli; and Charlie Neal.  Neal has earned himself a starting position as second baseman in the opener."

Photo via an eBay auction (Auction Link Here).  BTW, the 2016 Draft continues today, and the Dodgers have eight picks to announce.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 John Shelby's hitting streak is stopped at 24 games.  He batted .360 (32-for-89) with two home runs and 12 RBI during the streak that lasted from May 14-June 9.  His endeavors propelled the Dodgers into first place - where they stayed the remainder of the season.  In 2012 Dodgers outfielder Bobby Abreu surpassed Mickey Mantle on the all time hit list at 2,416. 
• It is with great sadness that I report that the great Gordie Howe has passed away.  Mr. Hockey was 88.  Here's a great video on Howe's career (link here).

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Maeda and Jackie Robinson Day

Today is Jackie Robinson Day.  Naturally, I had to find a photo of Jackie to share here, and I think I found the perfect one.  Featured above are two young kids, Jackie and wife Rachel, having a dance in Puerto Rico in 1950.  I'm unsure of the circumstances surrounding the photograph.  Pic via Jorge Colon-Delgado in twitter.

BTW, Dave Roberts had this to say about today, via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“[Newcombe] was his roommate,” Roberts said. “As much as [Newcombe] wants to talk about Jackie and his story, and what he went through, and Maury [Wills] sharing stories, Manny Mota, I’ll listen. Just to be back in a Dodgers uniform and in this capacity, to have these guys who I have known for a decade and sometimes even hear the same stories, that’s what’s great about it. It’s like it’s the first time I’ve ever heard them. But [Friday] will be a special day for sure.”

Below are more links to check out:

• Why I love Vin Scully.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Listen up, Vin Scully is about to school you on the number 13."

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - Pederson, Hatcher and the 2016 Draft

Check out who'll be a part of New Era Cap's upcoming marketing campaign for the 2016 season.  Here is Joc Pederson behind the scenes posing with a stylish lid.  Pic via New Cap Era on Instagram.

BTW, Pederson has been running around town like a Hollywood model recently.  Heck, he even posted a pic on Instagram of himself going through a facial treatment.  Although, he doesn't look too happy about it.  Check it out on the right.

Below are more links to check out:

• Jared Massey on twitter lets us know about the Dodgers upcoming draft order:

The Dodgers currently have picks #22, #31 and #36 in this year's draft. They'll add another in the 30s if/when Kendrick signs w another team

— Jared Massey (@JaredJMassey) January 13, 2016

BTW, Hudson Belinsky at Baseball America has a complete rundown on the 2016 MLB Draft Order here.

• Everyone needs words of encouragement.  Via Justin Russo at Dodgers Nation, "Players, Broadcaster Reach Out To Support Blair Walsh."

With just a few ticks remaining on the clock he hooked a 27-yard field goal wide left, and the Vikings were eliminated from the NFL Playoffs. After that mishap, several members of the Los Angeles Dodgers reached out to Blair Walsh to offer their support via social media.

• Chris Hatcher and the Dodgers have settled on a new contract; thereby avoiding an arbitration hearing, via anh Jon Heyman tweet:

chris hatcher settles with dodgers for $1.065M

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2016

• Congrats, Dee!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Marlins, Dee Gordon Agree To Five-Year, $50MM Extension."
• Huh?... Apparently, a well known cricketer is working on transitioning to Baseball, so he spent some time training with some Dodgers players to get ready.  Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Cricket star Kieran Powell attempting to transition to baseball."
• This was my biggest concern when it came to football in LA, so I'm happy to learn that taxpayers will not be footing a large part of the bill for that Inglewood football stadium. Via Lindsay Gibbs at Think Progress, "The Biggest Surprise About The Rams’ Relocation to Los Angeles? It’s Actually A Win For Taxpayers."

Stan Kroenke, the billionaire who became the majority owners of the Rams back in 2010, is privately financing this stadium complex, which is said to cost about $2.66 billion plus the $550 million NFL relocation fee. He will receive about $180 million in sales tax kickbacks, but as deMause put it for VICE Sports, “that’s pretty cheap as stadiums go.”

• Willie O'Ree at The Players' Tribune writes about breaking the color barrier in the NHL; including meeting Jackie Robinson as a child and later on as an NHL player: "The Barrier."

“I’m a baseball player,” I say, raising my voice. “But what I really love — is hockey.”

“Oh?” Jackie (Robinson) says, turning back to me, still smiling. “I didn’t know black kids played hockey.”

I smile back.

“Yup.”

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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Ethier and McCarthy

Country star Toby Keith visited with Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers prior to yesterday's game in Texas, and as you can see he has his Baseball allegiance set right.  The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics taken bu Jon from yesterday's game.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Kershaw's trip home brief but enjoyable."

"It's fun to be home, see your friends and family," Kershaw said. "Usually you don't get to do this until the offseason, so it's a little bit weird, but it's fun for 24 hours or so."

• Via Frank Cesare at the Gammons Daily, "Andre Ethier is Reviving His Career."

Ethier isn’t being fooled by off-speed stuff this year, and he’s shortened his stroke enough to capitalize on pitches inside that may have jammed him in the past. His ability to recognize strikes more efficiently has the lefty making more contact and allowing him to be more aggressive at the dish without swinging recklessly at pitches out of the zone.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chris Anderson, Jeremy Horst named Texas League All-Stars."
• Brandon McCarthy is a funny dude, via his twitter:

in keeping with baseball tradition, a Houston exec should walk into the STL offices and hit their best front office guy with a fastball

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) June 16, 2015

• Panini America provides a first-look at some of the cards that'll be handed out at participating hobby stores on Father's day; including the Corey Seager card on the right.  Go here to check them out.
• Lol!  Via  J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hector Olivera dealing with an “elevation issue” in Colorado Springs."
• Drei at It's Always A Good Dre in L.A. tells us about Filipino Night at Dodger Stadium; including a review of the Filipino Dog that was served.
• This is amazingly cool.  Via Sal Barry at Punk Junk, "Patrick Kane’s “First” Hockey Card."  The Chicago Blackhawks star was shown in the stands on a hockey card 12 years before be began his professional career.  I wonder if there are ballplayers who found their way onto a Baseball card as a kid?

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Congrats, 'Hawks!

If you haven't noticed, I've been rather silent for most of the hockey season this year.  A combination of some terrible play by my hometown team, LA Kings, and their eventually ouster from playoff contention had left me with an unmistakable void I had hoped would never again creep into my life as a hockey fan.  I was despondent and angry the season turned out the way it had.  And worse yet, I knew exactly who would be the favored club to take home the Stanley Cup... And that didn't exactly make me too happy either.

As King coach Darryl Sutter is want to say, "the road to the Stanley Cup goes through Chicago."  This has been true for many years now, and yesterday's outcome proves that point. 

The Chicago Blackhawks are a dynasty in the NHL, and as much as I hate writing this they are truly worthy of their third championship in six years.

Congrats, 'Hawks!

Now check out this fantastic interview with a 'Hawks fan roaming the streets in Chicago, via WGNtv.com.


Pic at the very top via @NHLonNBC on twitter.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2015 - Dodger Links - Buehler, Turner and Bob Baffert

Bob Baffert, seen above shaking hands with coach Tim Wallach, was at Dodgers Stadium last night to throw out the first pitch.  His horse, American Pharaoh, recently won the Triple Crown - the first to do so in 37 years.  When asked who he'd compare his horse to on the Dodgers he said (via an AP story on ESPN):

"I guess he'd be like [Yasiel] Puig," Baffert joked. "When he gets out there, he dominates."

The pic above is via Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos taken by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Walker Buehler no stranger to Dodger Stadium, looks up to Zack Greinke."

"I have always looked up to Zack Greinke," Buehler said. "We have similar body type, and are similar-type pitchers, I hope I can say."

"I hate to get into comparisons because it sets expectations too high, but it's not far off," Gasparino said. "We didn't really have a Zack comp for him, but Zack would be in his mold of pitchers. He's lean-built,  athletic, really smart, and a guy who can really pitch."

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "There’s never been a Dodger quite like Justin Turner."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Los Angeles Dodgers getting healther, looking more dangerous."

"The main thing is, when you're getting guys banged up everywhere, it's not your team," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "Howie is a middle-of-the-order guy who has gotten big hits for us all year. Yasiel hasn't been around all that much, but now that he's back he gives us a different lineup, allows us to do a lot of different things. Just getting your pieces back allows your lineup to flow."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers scout Lamb having historic Draft."

"Part of it is luck," said Lamb, in his 17th Draft for the Dodgers. "They've got to fall to the right places, and we've got to like them. As an organization, our cross-checkers and Billy [Gasparino, scouting director] did a great job. And Buehler and Funkhouser, they had to fall so we'd get a shot at them. So, it's a team deal.

• WTF NBC!!!  Via Ed Sherman at the Chicago Tribune, "NBC Sports boss: Shave the hockey playoff beards."

Lazarus said he has lobbied the NHL and its players to end the tradition of the playoff beards. He says the excess facial hair hurts player recognition for fans, perhaps hindering the development of new stars during the highest-rated games of the season.

“The players won't like this, but I wish they all would stop growing beards in the postseason,” Lazarus said. “Let's get their faces out there. Let's talk about how young and attractive they are. What model citizens they are. (Hockey players) truly are one of a kind among professional athletes.

 “I know it's a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, 'That guy looks like the kid next store,' which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing."

FU, Lazarus!

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Blog Kiosk: 12/31/2014 - Dodger Links - Kuroda, Kershaw and Garvey

An obviously befuddled Jake Pitler, a Brooklyn Dodger coach, looks on as skipper Walter Alston takes a pick axe to a Dodgertown mound during Spring Training.  The photo was taken by legendary team photographer Barney Stein in 1955.  Check out the eBay auction where I found the photo here.

Below are some links to check out:

• RIP, Hank Presswood.  Via Nick Diunte at Examiner.com, "Hank Presswood, Negro League player with Cleveland and Kansas City, dies at 93."

“Willie Grace went to the Buckeyes and he was the one who told them about me,” Presswood said to me during a 2010 phone interview. “He was from Laurel, Mississippi. One day I was working and who was at my job, Grace and the foreman! He asked me about going, and I wanted to go you know. … I said, ‘What in the world are you doing here, I thought you were with the Buckeyes?’ He said, ‘I am with the Buckeyes, but I told them about you. I came after you.’ I was really surprised. I accepted and went on up there.”

• Wow!  The vintage Roy Campanella worn Brooklyn Dodgers jacket I featured in a post last month sold at Grey Flannel Auctions at $71,554.00.
• Via Barry M. Bloom at MLB.com, "Clutch Garvey merits a place among game's best."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Hiroki Kuroda – Dodger Stadium’s other near perfect game."

Even though Kershaw’s no-no has been ranked as the most dominate no-hitter in modern baseball history by ‘Game Score‘ and was but a Hanley Ramirez throwing error away from becoming baseball’s 24th prefect game, it was not the only near perfect game to be tossed by a Dodger at The Ravine.

• Via Eno Sarris at FanGraphs, "The Best Pitches of 2014 (By Whiffs)."  Clayton Kershaw is mentioned as having the best slider of all starting pitchers... Of Course!
• If you don't already know, there will be a hockey game between the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks on News Years Day at Nationals Park in DC, and Mike Bertha at Cut4 has some video of them transforming the field into a hockey rink.  There's also a video of the NHL ice crew playing some ball on ice.  Go here to check that out.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu Hurt as Dodgers Get Blanked

Oh, boy!  That game was embarrassing.

The Dodgers got shellacked by the Giants last night.  Worse yet, Hyun-Jin Ryu left the game early  due to shoulder irritation.  He will be examined by team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache later today.  Ryu didn't look like his normal self on the mound.  He gave up four runs on five hits; including three doubles.  Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"I felt it during the warmup session before the game. It's something I've felt before," Ryu said after the game through translator Martin Kim, as shown on SportsNey LA. "During the top of the first it got really uncomfortable. I wasn't able to make the pitches I needed to, and the results showed."

David Vassegh on twitter added that the irritation Ryu experienced last night was similar in feeling to what ailed him earlier this season.  As you'll recall, he went on the 15-day DL in late April due to shoulder issues.  The photo above of Ryu stretching things out is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here for more pics of his from yesterday's game.

With the 9-0 loss the Dodgers lead over the Giants shrinks to a single game.  Now, below are some links to check out:

• The Chattanooga Lookouts got swept in the Championship Series, via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA.

Apparantly, yesterday was write about Puig day:

• Via Jeff Sullivan at Just a Bit Outside, "What's wrong with Yasiel Puig's swing?"
• Via Alec Dopp at the Gammons Daily, "Inside Yasiel Puig’s Production Plunge."
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Swinging At The First Pitch Isn’t Yasiel Puig’s Problem."
• Sabermetric-styled analytics goes hockey.  The Toronto Maple Leafs have recently gone in big.  Via James Mirtle at The Globe and Mail, "Tim Leiweke on the Leafs: ‘Analytics make us smarter.’"  For those who don't know, Leiweke was formerly with the Kings (AEG).

“We’ve gone from very little analytical information to we have two guys we just hired that are considered two of the smartest analytical guys in the game of hockey today,” Leiweke said, likely referencing Dubas and Metcalfe, an engineer who built wildly popular analytics hub extraskater.com.

“Including one that owned his own website that every general manager used and we bought the website. When he came, that website came with us and we took it down. We don’t want anyone else seeing it. It’s called a monopoly. It’s good.”

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Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2014 - Dodger Links - An Early Peek at Kemp Figurine

Matt Kemp looked pretty good last night.  He walked twice and drove in a run.  Unfortunately, he was still stymied since he didn't get a hit.  Still, his confidence at the plate is apparent, so I remain hopeful he'll return to form.

• Here's an early peek at the Matt Kemp figurine the Dodgers giving away to fans on Sunday, August 24 on the right.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ answer to finding a bat at the deadline: Alex Guerrero."  I couldn't agree more.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "McGwire on Canseco: 'It's too late.'"

"Mark, to me, when I played with him, I looked up to him," Canseco told reporters. "I idolized him for a lot of reasons -- the guy was on the field, he was off the field. It haunts me till this day that I said those things about him, even though obviously they were true. I could have gone about it a different way and gotten my point across."

• Be sure to check out this ESPN video 30 for 30 Shorts on the high-five, here.

It's the gesture most associated with celebration in sports, but few know the story of the high five---from its origins to the professional and personal decline of the man credited with its creation, Glenn Burke.

• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey writes, "Vin Scully, on BYO Musical Instrument Night at Ebbets Field."  Awesome!
• Shawn Anderson of the Hall of Very Good shares his interview with their Glenn Burke Memorial Courage Award winner Tanner Vavra.  He is a ballplayer in the Midwest League who has one eye.
• It was National Hot Dog day yesterday, so in celebration SI Extra Mustard shares the best hot dogs available from each MLB stadium.  Go here to check that out.
• Hockey is going moneyball.  For those who follow the NHL, the recent signing of Kyle Dubas as assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs did not go unnoticed.  Via Kavitha A. Davidson at Bloomberg View:

The 28-year-old stats guru -- dubbed the "Billy Beane of hockey," after the A's general manager -- is jumping to the big leagues after serving in the Ontario Hockey League. In just three seasons, Kubas turned around the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds from worst to first in the Western division, building a team around advanced statistics.

Of course, if you've really been paying attention then you already know that advanced statistics is already a large part of the game.  Just look at the LA Kings.

• This is the best umpire strike three caller ever!  Really.. Watch it below.  James Kratch at NJ.com has the story.

"The umpire is 'Eddie the Ump.' He calls games like that all the time and is generally a fun guy to be around. He is one of the reasons the league is a great way to spend Sunday afternoons trying to stay young. He also umpires high school and youth games, but would not bring the act on the road to those games as it may cross a line in those circumstances. But with us, it's enjoyable and brings something new to the game."

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2014 - Dodger Links - All-Star Dee Gordon, World Cup Fever and Don't Trade Kemp

Zack Greinke did not have a happy homecoming in Kansas City yesterday.  In just over 5 innings he allowed 5 earned runs on 11 hits.  On top of that, the Dodgers offense sputtered in the cavernous stadium.  The Dodgers lost 5 to 3.  Fortunately, the Giants also lost, so we didn't lose any ground.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dee Gordon's All-Star case."

“I would absolutely love it,” Gordon said. “If I don’t, I don’t. And, honestly, I’m not supposed to be where I am anyway, but that would definitely be something that’s cool. My whole family would be there.” 

• Via Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe, claims that the Red Sox have been watching Matt Kemp.  Sounds creepy to me.  On the other hand, Rob Bradford at WEEI says there is no truth to the rumor.  It seems to me that the annual parade of rumors, innuendo's and fake headlines is starting right on time.  As always, I suggest ignoring these stories.  None of these "in the know" guys know what they are talking about.
• Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest that, "There is no benefit to the Dodgers trading Matt Kemp."

There is no benefit to trading Kemp. If the Dodgers did trade him, not only would they have to a large portion of the $107 million he’s owed from 2015-19, the return would be miniscule at best. For Kemp to have any real trade value, he’d have to be hitting well for a few months. If that were the case, the Dodgers wouldn’t want to trade him anyway.

For the record, I agree with Dustin on this one.  Of all the outfielders we could trade, I would consider Kemp to be the least desirable to go since he has the best upside.  Besides, I always thought Ethier would be a better candidate for a trade.

• Via Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest, "Down On The Farm Update: Games Of 6/16 – 6/22 – Seager, Leon, Pacheco."
• A hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to all the folks who were elected to enter into the 2014 class of the Hockey Hall of Fame; especially former longtime Kings defenseman Rob Blake.
• Some Dodgers have World Cup fever.

After that Mexico goal, Adrian Gonzalez grabbed a Mexican flag and ran around the #Dodgers clubhouse as if he had scored.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 23, 2014

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