Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Maeda's changeup has been otherworldly. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I've been able to use it effectively and I'm getting a lot of punchouts with it," said Maeda, who struck out nine for the fourth consecutive start, allowing only one first-inning run and limiting the Padres to four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

With the help of Maeda, Dodger starting pitchers lead the NL in ERA and K/9. Maeda struck out eight of the first 14 batters he faced Wednesday, the majority of which went down against a change-up that continues to baffle hitters as it drops down below the zone. 

“It’s been a game-changer for Kenta,” manager Dave Roberts said of the change-up. “Everything just plays up off of that.”

Photo above via Campbell Dunn/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the All-Star Game arrived at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for the first and only time. Furthermore, this was also the first All-Star Game to inlcude black ballplayers -- Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Larry Doby of the Indians. In 1966 Dodger shortstop Maury Wills hit a walk-off single off of Pete Richert of the Senators in the tenth inning of the All-Star Game in St. Louis to help the National League defeat the American League, 2-1. Other Dodger participants include Jim Lefebvre (who went 0-for-2 as the starter at second base) and Sandy Koufax (who made his only career All-Star start, threw three innings, struck out one, gave up one hit and allowed a single run). Dodger hurler Phil Regan did not pitch. 
• This historical event has nothing to do with the Dodgers, but is worth mentioning. On this date in 1979 the Chicago White Sox hosted Disco Demolition Night. As you may know, Chicagoan's had turned on disco by this time and basically rioted on the filed at old Comisky Park. You can watch a little documentary on it here and here.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Pastorious, Ray Mowe, Artie Dede, Al Glossop, Ron Fairly, Mike Munoz, Kelly Wunsch & Howie Kendrick! 

Blog Kiok: 10/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I thought I would begin the day with this -- a pie covered Cubs fan at the LA Kings game on Sunday. Per NHL.com:

When the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the National Legaue Championship Series, Bailey, the LA Kings mascot, was ready to celebrate. 

In what appeared to be an obviously staged but still funny stunt, Bailey sought out a "Cubs fan" in the crowd, decked out in a Cubs shirt and hat, and promptly smashed a celebratory pie in the fan's face.

I had tickets to this game (I've got season tickets up in the rafters -- Die Hard Seats), but elected to opt out so that I can focus all of my attention on the Dodger game. Given what I've heard about the Kings crowd that day and the fun little incident highlighted above, I now regret it. You can watch the pie-facing here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1.  Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it.  They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Justin Turner is a Beast

All hail Justin Turner!

He was a one man wrecking crew yesterday afternoon.  Justin was responsible for five of the Dodgers six runs on the day by hitting two homers against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg.

I think it's fair to say that JT is out of his early season slump.  He began the year slashing .235/.335/.343/.678 with three home runs and 16 RBI's in the first 50 games.  Via Bill Ladson and Alex Putterman at MLB.com:

"I've felt healthy all year. I don't know what was going on those first two months," Turner said. "I feel good, feel comfortable, and am obviously getting better results."

Since July 1st, over a span of the past 16 games, Turner has been slashing .323/.394/.677/1.072 with six homers and 16 RBI's.  That's definitely much better results.  Via Alex Putterman at MLB.com:

"It's a simple mindset, but execution and mechanically it's tougher to do," (Dave) Roberts said. "But he committed some time in June to get out front and elevate to the pull side, and then you've seen the slug."

The Dodgers defeated the Nationals, 6-3, and now sit four games behind the Giants in NL West and maintains a one game lead over the Marlins in the Wild-Card race.  The 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 1966 Mets left fielder learns he is a new dad when the Dodger Stadium scoreboard relays the message, "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. eastern standard time, making it the next day on the East Coast. In 1970 Tom Haller hit the very first pinch hit grand slam in Dodgers franchise history.  It was in the seventh inning against Claude Raymond of the Expos, and it sparked an eight-run rally that eventually saw the Dodgers defeat Montreal, 12-10.  In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks the clubs rookie record for saves established in 1980 by Steve Howe with 18.

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Is it wrong for me to yearn for Spring?  The 2015 Baseball isn't even done yet.  Still, I can't wait for those gates at Camelback Ranch to open up again.  2016 figures on being something entirely new, and potentially exciting.  The Dodgers will be ushering in a new era - complete with a new manager - to go along with its new front office.  I'll have more on Mattingly's departure later on.

In the meantime, check out the above fantastic 1928 ACME press photo from an Brooklyn Dodgers/Robins Spring training camp in Clearwater, Florida.  Featured are Hall of Famers Wilbert Robinson and Dazzy Vance hashing out their plan for the upcoming season.  It is currently available for sale through RMY Auctions.  Check it out here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Turner’s postseason one of the best in Dodger history."

Turner is just one of four Dodger players to OPS 1.300 or higher with a minimum of 15 plate appearances in a series.

• ICYMI:  The Dodgers pick up some scraps in hopes of finding gold.  They claimed right-handed pitcher Lisalverto Bonilla from the Texas Rangers and placed the 25-year-old on the 60-day disabled list (recovery from April Tommy John surgery).  Per a Dodger press release:
  

  Bonilla missed the entire 2015 season due to injury after making his Major League debut in 2014 and going 3-0 with a 3.05 ERA in five games (three starts) with the Rangers. In 170 minor league games (43 starts) in six minor league seasons, Bonilla has posted a 27-20 record with 15 saves and a 3.17 ERA, while limiting opponents to a .232 batting average with 489 strikeouts in 429.0 innings. Bonilla, who was honored with a 2012 selection to the Futures Game, was originally signed by the Phillies in 2008 as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic and then traded to Texas in 2012.

• Now that the minor league season is over, Baseball America takes a look at best and brightest of the 2015 Baseball draft by sharing their "Best Of" list that includes several Dodgers.  Check it out here.  38th Round pick Edwin Drexler was named the second best fastest runner, 11th round pick Imani Abdullah was named the third best late-round pick and 1st rounder Kyle Funkhauser was named the top draftee to get away.
• Could Baseball return as an Olympic sport?  Via the Australian Baseball Digest, "BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SHORTLISTED FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES."

“Reinstatement back into the Olympic Games is an extensive process for the sport, so it is encouraging this evening to receive the news that Baseball/Softball has made it to the next step, and it is credit to the sports global movement”, said Baseball Australia President, David Hynes.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/30/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodger Nation sure did show up in Arizona last night.  Unfortunately, not all of the Dodgers did.

The bullpen was dismal, Mattingly had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach and Mike Bolsinger likely puked in the clubhouse.  Via Barry Bloom at MLB.com:

"It's not a good feeling. This is probably about the worst I've felt after a game all year," Mattingly said. "It was disappointing that we got a lead and we didn't hold on to it."

Imagine how Bolsinger felt. Mattingly knew as the game began that the right-hander was experiencing queasiness and cramps, the cramps reaching a crescendo as he worked through a three-up, three-down fourth inning.

Mattingly said he thought about sending Bolsinger out there again in the fifth, but he opted instead to pinch-hit Alex Guerrero with runners on the corners and two out in the top of that inning. Guerrero struck out. Bolsinger was replaced by Joel Peralta and thus began the cavalcade.

"It was tough, I feel bad, taxing the bullpen like that the first day of the series," Bolsinger said afterward. "You never want to do that. The bullpen has been so good all year. Not only tonight, but I feel like in past outings I've taxed the bullpen. I've got to figure out a way to go deeper into games. I know I can do it." 

The phot above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Dodgers' bullpen has been stealthily excellent."  Regardless of last night's result I still like the 'pen.

Diversity seems to have been part of the formula. They have hard throwers in Jansen, Pedro Baez and Adam Liberatore and finesse pitchers in Joel Peralta and J.P. Howell. They have also kept the group in constant flux, bringing fresh arms from Triple-A whenever there is an opportunity to make a roster move.

• Via The Sporting News, we get Baseball team logos as area codes.  Check them out here.  The Dodgers is seen on the right.
• True to the Blue was at the Kike Hernandez autograph signing session at Frank & Sons a couple of weeks ago.  He shares his experience and photos here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Crawford slated for Minor League rehab."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers sign 11th-round pick Imani Abdullah, per report."

The Dodgers reportedly signed Abdullah to a bonus of $647,500, of which $547,500 counts against the Dodgers bonus pool since Adbullah was picked outside of the first 10 rounds.

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Get to know this year’s foreign imports: Yadier Alvarez."
• Hey there cutie-pie!  Meet Cali Kershaw and check out this cool onesie she's wearing.  You can get one at the Kershaw's Challenge website here.  Pic below via Ellen Kershaw on twitter.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2015 - Dodger Links - The Story Behind the Nancy Bea Hefley Situation

There was a bit of a brouhaha on twitter and various other social media sites yesterday as rumors swirled that Dodgers' longtime organist Nancy Bea Hefley was being pushed out of the organization.  As you can imagine, the Dodger faithful were less than pleased.  She has seen her role during games reduced significantly the past several years, and it appeared obvious that her dismissal was coming soon rather than later.  Well, she dispelled all of those rumors when she responded on twitter:

To all my faithful fans. I WILL be coming back next year. Thank you for your support. The Dodgers have stated I have a job as long as i want

— Nancy Bea Hefley (@NancyBea) June 11, 2015

Unfortunately, the above is far from the entire story.  Bill Plaschke at the LA Times shared a piece last night that provides more detail: " Frustrated Dodgers' organist signals last notes, until team's overture."  Check out the story here.

"I am retiring at the end of this season," Hefley told The Times. "It's finally gotten to me."

Even her richest show tune wouldn't be proper accompaniment for what happened next.

The Facebook exchange began spreading. Twitter talk began buzzing. Hints of outrage began forming. Dodgers officials who had not been previously informed of Hefley's plans took notice.

Three hours after the original post appeared, one of those officials called Hefley and, soon thereafter, the woman who had been reduced to playing five minutes a day was suddenly un-retired after being promised a lifetime deal.

I get the desire for more modern tunes during games, but feel that the significantly diminished role given to her is both unwarranted and shortsighted.  There is room for what she does, and you have to find a way to bring her back to the game.  Her style is a reflection of the history of the franchise in Los Angeles.  To turn your back on that part of our collective past is like turning away family.  And ultimately, the Dodgers are family... And, Nancy Bea Hefley is family.

The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Pitcher Erik Bedard halts comeback with Dodgers, announces retirement."
• Via JP Hoornstra at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, "Dodgers’ Kiké Hernandez embraces ‘Rally Banana’ fame."
• Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodgers push aside traditional batting statistics in search of true value."

“The first time you present information to a player, it’s brand new, totally foreign,” (Gabe) Kapler said. “The second time you present it to a player, it feels a little less awkward, a little uncomfortable. The third, fourth, fifth, sixth time they hear about wOBA and it being more indicative of positive performance than batting average, then it’s not so foreign and awkward anymore, and it feels like a conversation they’re ready to have.

“I believe it’s a commitment you make over time to help players understand how they’re being evaluated. You can’t quit halfway, because then everything goes out the window.”

• Remember this kids name.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "2015 MLB Draft: Dodgers take SDSU-bound RHP Imani Abdullah in 11th round."
• Via Jake Seiner at MiLB.com, "Stock Watch: Quakes' Bellinger powering up."

"I think he can definitely be a home run and gap-to-gap guy," Rancho Cucamonga coach Bill Haselman said. "For his age, to hit [12] home runs in this league, that's a pretty awesome thing to do. They're pretty legit home runs, too."

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Ethier in familiar position as LA gets healthy."  On the outfield situation:

"It's every man for himself," Ethier recalled. "It's not a competition against other teams, it's a competition of the guys in here, and may the best man win."

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