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

At one point, Walter O'Malley had dreams about building a domed stadium in Brooklyn. Featured above is a May 11, 1957 AP press photo featuring O'Malley showing off his design (eBay Auction Link). Strangely, with him are New York Giants president Horace Stoneham, San Francisco Mayor George Christopher and SF County Cupervisor Francis McCarty. As you know, the Dodgers would soon announce their intention of leaving the Brooklyn borough for Los Angeles.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Sunday was not the best day. First Clayton Kershaw left the game early due to back tightness issues. Then, Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season when he yielded a three run home run that tied the game. Fortunately, this Dodger team doesn't give up. They fight... And they claw... And they never surrender. So, they eventually rallied in the 10th inning and won the game on a walk-off single by Logan Forsythe. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a good series for us, to battle back from two losses to start,” Forsythe said. “To see the depth of our bench, to see the bullpen come in and do a good job and for us to grind out at-bats and have quality at-bats and get a split in that series I think was good to see.”

On a side note: Unlike many, I am not worried that the season will be lost due to the recent injury to Kershaw. Instead, I see this as just another hill that these Dodgers are eager to climb. There is no barrier too high, no roadblock too perilous, and no injury too great that will sway their belief that this season is theirs.

The above photo of Yasiel Puig dousing Logan Forsythe via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn; slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 former Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 17-year old amateur free agent infielder José Offerman out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleads guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 30/Home Game 15

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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Cleveland Indians (14-12-4) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-13-3)
Wednesday, March 30, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. PT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
RHP Corey Kluber (3-1, 2.21) vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 2.25)
TV: None Radio: None

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(Ross Stripling, pic via Jon SooHoo via Dodgers on twitter)

HOMEWARD BOUND: The Dodgers take on the Indians this afternoon in their final Cactus League contest before returning to Los Angeles for the Freeway Series against the Angels. The clubs will meet Thursday (7:10 p.m., LHP Scott Kazmir vs. LHP Andrew Heaney) and Friday (7:10 p.m., RHP Kenta Maeda vs. LHP Hector Santiago) at Dodger Stadium, with the series shifting to Anaheim for a 6:05 p.m. game Saturday (LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Nick Tropeano). After an off-day Sunday, the Dodgers kick off the regular season on Monday against the Padres at PETCO Park – just five days away!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 5/Home Game 3

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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Monday, March 7, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

Cleveland Indians vs. LA Dodgers
RHP Danny Salazar (0-1, 13.50) vs. LHP Alex Wood (NR)
TV: None Radio: None

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(Lining up for the anthem, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

ON A ROLL: The undefeated Dodgers (3-0-1) return home to Camelback Ranch today to take on the Indians (0-4-2) in the first matchup of the spring between the two clubs. Yesterday, the Dodgers downed the Giants 5-2 in Scottsdale after taking the lead in the top of the fifth inning when outfielder Carl Crawford drove in a run with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Yasiel Puig. Crawford finished the day going 2-for-3 with two RBI and shortstop Charlie Culberson continued to swing a hot bat, plating two more runs on a single in the top of the eighth in his only at-bat. Zach Lee pitched 2.0 scoreless innings in his first Spring Training start and Ross Stripling recorded the win, tossing 2.0 scoreless frames.

• The Dodgers last faced the Indians during the regular season in 2014, when the Tribe took two of three at Dodger Stadium.
• Charlie Culberson has gone 5-for-6 (.833) with a double, a triple and three RBI in four Spring Training games for Los Angeles.

YOUNG GUNS: The Dodgers enter the 2016 season with Baseball America’s top-ranked farm system and seven players ranked among the publication’s top 100 prospects: IF Corey Seager (#1), LHP Julio Urias (#4), RHP Jose De Leon (#23), RHP Kenta Maeda (#50), IF/OF Cody Bellinger (#54), RHP Grant Holmes (#72) and OF Alex Verdugo (#100).

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

NEW FRONT MAN: Dave Roberts is in his first season at the helm of the Dodgers after being named the 10th manager in Los Angeles history (28th in franchise history) on Nov. 23, 2015. Roberts, 43, served as the Padres’ bench coach from 2014-15 and was San Diego’s first base coach from 2011-13, after originally joining the organization as a special assistant in 2010. A veteran of 10 MLB seasons, Roberts was the starting center fielder for the Dodgers from 2002-04 and will become the fourth manager in Los Angeles history (15th overall in franchise history) to both play and manage the club.

• Rick Honeycutt returns for an 11th season as Dodger pitching coach and is the lone returning member of the Los Angeles coaching staff beyond catching instructor Steve Yeager. The new-look staff is comprised of bench coach Bob Geren (2015: Mets’ bench coach), hitting coach Turner Ward (2015: D-backs’ hitting coach), first base coach George Lombard (2015: Red Sox’ minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator), third base coach Chris Woodward (2015: Mariners’ first base coach), bullpen coach Josh Bard (2015: Dodgers’ pro scout), assistant hitting coach Tim Hyers (2015: Red Sox’ minor league hitting coordinator) and quality assurance coach Juan Castro (2015: Dodgers’ minor league infield coordinator).

HOT TICKETS!: The Dodgers notched their first sellout of the spring, with 13,122 fans taking in their victory over Arizona on Saturday. Last year, the Dodgers established team records in total (147,066) and average (9,804) Spring Training attendance, while Camelback Ranch saw a record number of fans with a combined attendance of 232,305 between the Dodgers and the White Sox. So far this season, advance ticket sales have been brisk with Camelback Ranch enjoying its best advance ticket sale in its eight-year history. Three additional Dodger games already have sold out - Friday, March 11 (Los Angeles Angels-Dodgers), Saturday night, March 12 (Chicago Cubs-Dodgers) and Friday night, March 25 (San Francisco Giants-Dodgers).

(Alex Wood, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

ON THE MOUND: LHP Alex Wood will make his first start of the spring today. He enters his fourth Major League season and his second with the Dodgers after being acquired by the club in an eight-player deal with the Braves on July 30, 2015. Wood, 25, posted career numbers last season, winning a career-high 12 games (12-12) in 32 combined starts, while posting a 3.84 ERA.

• LHP Ian Thomas will make his first appearance of the spring this afternoon. A 2015 mid-season acquisition from the Atlanta Braves,  he made nine relief appearances (one start) for the Dodgers going 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA.
• LHP J.P. Howell, enters his 11th MLB campaign and his fourth season with the Dodgers after leading MLB relievers (min. 40.0 IP) with a 1.43 ERA in a team-high 65 appearances in 2015. He finished the season posting a 6-1 record with one save and tossed scoreless relief in 59 of 65 appearances.
• RHP Kenley Jansen will make his first appearance of the spring. He enters his seventh big league season after successfully converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last year, the third-highest single-season save percentage in team history (Gagne: 2003-100.0%, 2004-95.7%).
• RHP Louis Coleman will be making his second appearance of the spring after tossing a scoreless inning of relief on Friday against the Rangers. Coleman enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Brandon Beachy will make his first appearance of the spring, after making his Dodger debut last season on July 11, 2015 with a start against the Brewers, his first since Aug. 20, 2013. He made two starts with the club after being reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City where he went 1-1 with a 3.64 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).
• RHP Yimi Garcia will be making his second appearance of the spring after striking out one batter in a scoreless inning of relief on Thursday against the White Sox.  He ranked among the NL’s best relievers in WHIP (0.95, 5th), opponents’ batting average (.199, 16th), opponents’ on-base percentage (.242, 4th) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.60, 3rd) last season.

A LOOK BACK: The Dodgers went 92-70 in 2015, with the club claiming its third consecutive and 14th overall National League West title. It marked the first time in franchise history that the team reached the postseason in three consecutive seasons.

• The Dodgers topped the National League in homers for the first time since 1983, blasting 187, their most since 2004 (203 HR).
• Los Angeles led the Majors with a .988 fielding percentage, while committing the fewest errors (75) of any big league team.
• Los Angeles pitchers combined to post a 3.44 ERA, the fifth-best mark in the Majors, and tied for the big league lead with the Cubs with 21 shutouts.

(Banana mania continues unabated, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 23 / Home Game 11

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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Arizona Diamondbacks (12-8-1) at Los Angeles Dodgers (10-6-6)
Monday, March 23, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch

RHP Daniel Hudson (0-0, 6.75) vs. RHP Chris Anderson (1-1, 3.00)
TV: SNLA

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(Yasiel Puig, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SNAKE CATCHERS: The Dodgers, who have the National League’s best spring winning percentage at .625, take on the Diamondbacks for the first of two meetings this spring. Last year, the Dodgers dominated the Snakes, winning 15 of 19 games, including two in Sydney, Australia, and eight of 10 in Phoenix. This season, the clubs will square off during the campaign’s first month as the Dodgers travel to Chase Field for their first road trip, April 10-12. Arizona’s first visit to Dodger Stadium will come the next time the squads play, from May 1-3.

• One year ago today, the Dodgers continued their 2014 opening series by picking up their second consecutive victory over Arizona, 7-5, in Sydney, Australia. Yasiel Puig and Juan Uribe each had a double and three hits while Andre Ethier added two hits and an RBI. On the mound, left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu tossed 5.0 scoreless innings for the victory.
• The Dodgers’ one-and-only off day of the spring falls tomorrow. Left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson will participate in a minor league game on the back fields at 1:00 p.m. to stay on schedule.

THEY SAY IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Joel Peralta, who turns 39 today! Peralta is in his first season with the Dodgers after spending the previous 10 seasons with the Angels (2005), Royals (2006-08), Rockies (2009), Nationals (2010) and Rays (2011-14). The native of the Dominican Republic was acquired on Nov. 20, 2014 with Adam Liberatore in exchange for Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris. Peralta hold the Rays’ all-time record for appearances with 296.

MEDICAL MINUTE: Yesterday, Dodger left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu left Camelback Ranch for Los Angeles, where he will meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache today. Ryu has been experiencing discomfort in his left shoulder and received an inflammation-reducing injection on March 18. Fellow left-hander Erik Bedard will have an MRI this morning after suffering what is believed to be a lat strain in San Antonio.

THE LEGEND: Former Cy Young Award winner and current Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe is at Camelback Ranch this week! Newcombe, who won the very first Cy Young Award in 1956, is making his annual visit to Dodger Spring Training and will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to Friday’s sold-out game against the Giants.

(Joc Pederson, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

SUCH A JOC: Joc Pederson has posted a .436/.476/.769 slashline this spring and continues to rank among the NL leaders in runs (10, T-1st), hits (17, T-1st) and total bases (30, 2nd), on-base percentage (.476, T-3rd) and slugging percentage (.769, 1st). Pederson also ranks second in the NL in batting average, trailing only Arizona’s Ender Inciarte (.472).

• Justin Turner has homered in consecutive games, posted four consecutive multi-hit games and also hit safely in 10 consecutive contests dating to March 8. He’s batting .469 with four doubles, two homers and six RBI, while posting a .485 on-base percentage and a .781 slugging percentage in 12 Cactus League games.
• The Dodgers have been going deep at a frenetic pace of late and now lead the Major Leagues with 33 home runs this spring, four more than the Chicago Cubs. The club is led by Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernandez, who all have three.

CAN’T FLY SOLO: The Dodgers lost to the Indians, 4-2, yesterday at Camelback Ranch, getting solo homers from Yasiel Puig and Kiké Hernandez as their only offense of the game. The club was limited to five hits and managed just three in 5.2 innings off of American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. On the mound, left-hander David Huff tossed 3.0 scoreless innings and allowed just one hit while J.P. Howell (1.0 IP), Paco Rodriguez (1.0), Yimi Garcia (1.2) and David Aardsma all tossed scoreless relief. Garcia has now fired 7.1 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts this spring.

ON THE MOUND: 22-year-old RHP Chris Anderson will make his third Cactus League appearance today. He has allowed one run on one hit through 3.0 innings so far this spring. Anderson was the Dodgers’ top pick in the 2013 draft and has averaged 9.8 strikeouts per 9.0 innings during the course of his career, striking out 196 batters and walking 87 in 180.1 innings.

• Hard-throwing LHP Adam Liberatore is expected to make his seventh appearance of the spring today. Through six Cactus League appearances, Liberatore has tossed 6.0 scoreless innings, surrendering only three hits and striking out six.
• LHP Daniel Coulombe is also expected to see action today. Coulombe has held opposing hitters to a .063 batting average this spring, allowing only one hit in 4.2 innings.
• RHP Sergio Santos will make his seventh appearance after tossing a scoreless inning of relief in last Friday’s loss to Colorado.
• RHP Pedro Baez will see action today, for the sixth time this spring. The native of the Dominican Republic has held opposing hitters to a .200 batting average and struck out five through 4.0 innings of work.

(Bat and helmet, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 12 / Home Game 6

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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Cleveland Indians (5-6-1)  at Los Angeles (5-2-4)
Saturday, March 14, 2015 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

LHP Bruce Chen (1-0, 3.60) vs. LHP Brett Anderson (0-0, 0.00)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC/KTNQ

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(Dodger fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

CAMELBACK ROCKS: The Dodgers and Indians meet for the second of three games this spring in a sold-out contest at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Los Angeles and Cleveland also square for the final time during the Cactus League slate on March 22, a contest also at Camelback Ranch.

• Last night, the Dodgers’ played to their fourth tie (the club’s first tie was against the Indians on March 7) this spring, 3-3, moving their record to 5-2-4 this spring. With 21 Cactus League games left, the club is one tie short of equaling the franchise mark for ties in a spring season, established in 2006 and matched last year. Once again, the Dodgers came from behind to equal the score, as Corey Seager’s sacrifice play plated Darnell Sweeny in the bottom of the ninth last night. Outfielder Joc Pederson went 2—for-2 and his Cactus League average now stands at .421. On the mound, right-hander Chris Hatcher stayed perfect this spring, tossing  a scoreless frame, while Juan Nicasio (1.0 IP), Daniel Coulombe (1.0) and Yimi Garcia (1.0) all tossed scoreless baseball.  

MAN, THAT’S BRISK: Through 11 Cactus League contests, the Dodgers’ average game time is two hours and 39 minutes, with the longest game being 2:53 on March 6 and the shortest being last night’s 2:18 no-nonsense affair. The club has also played three of its 11 contests at the exact game time of 2:46.

(Adrian Gonzalez stretches for the out, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

RUN PREVENTION:  Los Angeles pitching has been terrific so far this spring as the club has combined to post a 3.12 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .206 batting average, striking out 76 and walking just 21 in 98.0 innings. The 3.12 mark is tied with Philadelphia for third among NL clubs, trailing just Cincinnati (2.83) and Pittsburgh (3.09).

MINOR NEWS: Dodger minor leaguers held their first official workout of the spring this morning on the back fields at Camelback Ranch. The minor league portion of the Spring Training schedule gets underway for the Triple-A and Double-A rosters on March 20, while the two Single-A clubs have their opening games on March 22.

ON THE MOUND: 27-year-old left-hander Brett Anderson will make his second start of the spring today after tossing two scoreless innings against the Giants. During the course of his career, he has posted a 1.29 WHIP and has limited opponents to a .316 on-base percentage and a .370 slugging percentage. In 2014, Anderson allowed only one home run in 43.1 innings of work.

• Veteran RHP David Aardsma is expected to make his third appearance of the spring today after pitching a scoreless inning of relief in the Dodgers’ tie against the Rockies on Tuesday. The former first round draft pick has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning during the course of his career with 305 strikeouts against only 169 walks in 306.1 innings.
• LHP J.P. Howell will make his second appearance of the spring today after giving up two runs and striking out one in an inning of relief in a 7-4 win over the Mariners. Howell enters his third season with the Dodgers after tying for the club lead with 68 appearances and setting a career-best mark with a .183 opponents’ batting average in 2014.
• Hard-throwing LHP Paco Rodriguez is also expected to see action today after striking out the side in a scoreless inning of relief against the Rockies on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Miami native tossed scoreless relief in 15 of 19 big league appearances, going 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 2014.
• RHP Dustin McGowan is expected to appear in today’s game, after pitching an inning of relief in his second appearance of the spring on Tuesday against the Rockies. After joining the Toronto bullpen in 2014, the 10-year veteran went 3-1 with a 3.35 ERA (16 ER/43.0 IP) in 45 games, while limiting opponents to a .215 average and a .284 on-base percentage.
• RHP Pedro Baez will make his third appearance of the spring today after tossing a scoreless inning of relief in Tuesday’s 2-2 tie with the Rockies. Baez posted a 2.63 ERA and limited opponents to a .188 batting average in 20 relief appearances in four stints with the Dodgers in his first MLB action last year.
• Veteran RHP Mike Adams will make his first appearance of the spring today. In 2014, Adams posted a 2-1 record in 22 relief appearances for the Phillies, with a 2.89 ERA (6 ER/18.2 IP) and limited opposing batters to a .232 average.

IN MEMORY: The Dodgers join the rest of the Los Angeles sports world in mourning the passing of longtime sports talk radio host Joe McDonnell at the age of 58. The club wishes to pass along its deepest condolences to McDonnell’s family and to all those in the Southern California sports community who lost a colleague and friend. Dodger EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen said, “Joe was all about sports and loved the Dodgers. He was a fixture at Dodger Stadium and will be terribly missed by players, management and fans.”

(Dodger fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

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Blog Kiosk: 7/2/2014 - Dodger Links - Bid on a Kershaw No-Hit Ball, Humble Robinson and a Replay Triple Play

Josh Beckett is seen chatting it up with his teammates before yesterday evenings game.  Unfortunately, he wasn't his typical self on the mound.  He gave up 5 earned runs in 5 innings of work.  The Dodgers are now a half game behind the Giants.  You didn't think winning the division was going to be a cake walk, did ya?  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Game-used Kershaw no-hitter ball up for auction."  Bidding starts at $10,000.00.  Wow!  BTW, all proceeds go the LA Dodgers Foundation.  See the ball on the right.
• Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo shares a whole bunch of great photos featuring Bobby Castillo - who passed away on Monday.  Go here to check them out.
• Via Jordan Bastian at MLB.com, "Replays in LA lead to Tribe's 7-2-4 triple play." A video is included in the link.

"That was awesome," Indians right fielder David Murphy said. "I don't know if we'll ever see one like that again."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Humble Robinson is Dodgers' unlikeliest hero."

"Everybody wants to talk about being 29 years old and being in the Minor Leagues for eight years and all that, but I really enjoy my job," said Robinson after the Dodgers' 1-0 win over the Indians. "I still get paid to come to the ballpark every day and play baseball. Everybody says it's such a grind in the Minor Leagues, but it's something that I love to do, so just to get to come up here and contribute is icing on the cake for me."

• Panini America's blog shares some early pics from their newest upcoming product, 2014 Golden Age Baseball, here.  The set officially goes live today.  Check out a Steve Yeager autographed card and some base cards below; including a Tommy Lasorda card.

• Ned Colletti recently visited with Jay Mohr on AM570, "Ned Colletti hasn't seen a trade offer yet worthy of making a deal."  Listen to it here.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ prospect Darnell Sweeney quickly becoming a ‘Guy,’ maybe."
• Via Eric Vrsalovich at Dodgers-Lowdown, "Dodgers Acquire First Baseman/Outfielder Brock Peterson From Nationals."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "International signing period: Dodgers sign Felix Osorio, per report."
• Zero Hedge has a great graphic about the cheapest and priciest countries for beer.
• This is just plain awesome.  OYO Sportstoys, which is basically player/team themed Lego's has been making videos showing off their wares.  Last week they released their LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions video and I am smitten.  Watch it below.  BTW, they have Dodger OYO characters.  Go here to check them out.

Video Link:

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Indians Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts this evening against the Colorado Rockies, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The July issue of Dodger Insider is now available.  See the cover on the right.  It features stories on Beckett's comback season, follow-up on the no-hitters by Beckett and Kershaw, an inside look at the 2014 draft, the return of Dee Gordon and Brandon League from difficult 2013 seasons and a piece on Brooklyn Dodger Dixie Walker.

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Monday June 30th at 7:10 PM
RHP Corey Kluber vs. RHP Dan Haren

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. Dodger fan and “Project Runway” winning model Kalyn Hemphill will perform the national anthem.

Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Kenny Landreaux (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Major General Paul E. Funk II. Watching his father return home from serving in Vietnam, Funk decided to follow in the same footsteps as his father, joined the Army and was commissioned in 1984. Funk is the Commanding General for the 1st Infantry Division known as “the Big Red One” at Fort Riley, Kansas. He has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His accolades include the Legion of Merit with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, The Combat Action Badge and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Bank of America will be presenting an authenticated flag and display case to Funk. He will be honored with a piece of Dodger history, a flag that has flown over Dodger Stadium. Gregg Hall an Army veteran and now Bank of America Regional Director of Global Corporate Security will present the flag on behalf of Bank of America.

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Tuesday, July 1st at 7:10 PM
RHP Justin Masterson vs. RHP Josh Beckett

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans will receive a Don Newcombe adult sized replica Brooklyn Dodger jersey.  See it on the right.

Don Newcombe will throw the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday and closer Kenley Jansen will catch his first pitch.  Chris Mann, classically trained singer-songwriter who finished 4th on “The Voice” season 2 on Team Christina Aguilera will perform the national anthem.

Former Dodgers Tim Leary (in right-field pavilion plaza) and “Sweet” Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Colonel John Tree, who is currently serving with the Air Force Reserve as a Key Senior Leader to the Director of Resource Integration at the Pentagon. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tree joined the Air Force following his graduation from the Air Force Academy and served in active duty for seven years. Throughout his career he has been deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, twice to Haiti and Germany and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tree’s accolades include the Humanitarian Service Medal with one Device, NATO Medal and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal.  

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Wednesday, July 2nd at 12:10 PM
RHP Trevor Bauer vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

This afternoon's game starts at 12:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 9:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 10:00 AM.

American Bladerunner, Blake Leeper, a Silver and Bronze medalist in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Former Dodgers Matt Luke (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Derrel Thomas (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Sergeant Alvin Blinder, a longtime Dodger fan. Blinder was drafted in 1943 to lend support to World War II efforts and served with the 16th infantry division for General Patton’s 3rd Army, serving as communication between platoons, Company Headquarters and the First Battalion Headquarters. Sergeant Blinder fought in Metz Chateau Salins, Vic-sur-Seille France defeating part of the German First Army. Blinder’s accolades include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/7/2014 - Dodgers Links - Mondesi Back in LA, Puig's Thumb and a Minor Trade

Raul Mondesi was at Dodger Stadium on Sunday as a part of Viva Los Dodgers.  He was there for a clothes drive and signed autographs for fans.  Pic above via the Dodgers on tumblr.  Check out a bunch of photos from Sunday featuring Mondesi via Jon SooHoo here.

• Dan Le Batard at ESPN The Magazine reminds us why we should continue to be patient with Puig with a piece titled: "Let's cut Yasiel Puig some slack."  He provides some funny examples of 'culture shock' stories from other foreign born players.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers still hope Beckett can make start."

With regards to his ankle: "It's a little sore this morning," Mattingly said. "I think he's frustrated, honestly. He felt his stuff was good, his arm felt good. Right now, nothing's changed [about his chances to start]. The next couple of days will tell us."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers lose first instant replay challenge of season."

The Dodgers issued their first challenge of the year under MLB's new instant replay system, but manager Don Mattingly's challenge was denied in the seventh inning. A.J. Ellis was thrown out at home plate by Hunter Pence for the third out of the inning, a call that was upheld after review.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Lost in Quakes hype and hoopla, Lindsey Caughel continues to impress."

“I definitely think that Caughel would be the front-runner [to be the first promoted to Double-A Chattanooga] just because of what he did last year and how he pitched in this league last year,” said Quakes pitching coach and former Dodger pitcher Matt Herges. “I expect him to pitch even better this year. He was a late send-down (to the Advanced Single-A level) in spring training, so I’ve got to believe that he’d probably be the first guy [to be promoted].”

• BTW, per a Dodgers press release, they made a minor trade with the Indians over the weekend.  They acquired left-handed pitcher Colt Hynes from Cleveland in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Duke von Schamann.  Hynes was added to the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated outfielder Mike Baxter for assignment.  This appears to be a depth trade.  The Dodgers wanted another left-hander in AAA as a backup plan.
• Via Ken Gurnick and Earl Bloom at MLB.com, "Puig out of lineup following X-ray, MRI."

"It was pretty swollen this morning when he came in," manager Don Mattingly said. "We'll see. I don't think we expect it to be anything major."

• Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times tells us that Puig just has a thumb ligament strain.
• RJ at RBI Collecting shares some of his autograph "gets" at Rancho Cucamonga; including Beckett, Pederson and Urias.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Check out this great photo of the very first plane owned by a MLB club.  It is a Convair 440 bought by the Dodgers in 1957.  Photo via Michael Beschloss on twitter.

• Vin Scully discusses why he has always prepared thoroughly for a game in a video provided by Comcast Sportsnet.  Check it out.
• Check out a bunch of pics from National Park from yesterday provided by a Redittor named phuckduck in imgur.
• "Matt Kemp injures ankle in win, Dodgers say no DL for now," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.  There is video available to view.
• Bill Plunkett with the OC Register shares some quotes from Kemp about the ankle injury on Sulia.

 "It's a little sore, a little swollen but I don't think it's that bad."
Kemp admitted the injury was a result of not running hard. He assumed the play was going to be at first base (and Carl Crawford would beat it out for a hit) and had to speed up and lunge for the plate at the last second.
"It's my fault," Kemp said. "I wasn't running hard. That's an easy hit for CC. ... CC has every right to be mad at me. He would have had another hit if I was running hard.
"The result of my not running hard is he doesn't get that fourth hit and I rolled my ankle. That's all my fault. ... I shouldn't have been in that situation."
Kemp did not have X-rays taken of his ankle and doesn't anticipate needing any.
"The biggest thing will be how it feels waking up tomorrow."

• Dodger Penguin was at the Paul LoDuca signing at Harry's Dugout and shares some photos.
• "Dodgers GM Ned Colletti doesn't see any big trades in the works," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.

"When I call around teams, there's not a lot of names of position players being discussed," Colletti said. "I'm not sure if there's a market out there on the sell side."

• Expos fans came out in force to a Blue Jays game in support of bringing the game back to Montreal, via Anna Fogel at NESN.  Even Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had something to say.

I hope that the efforts of @ExposNation will one day be rewarded with a team in Montreal. #Expos
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) July 20, 2013

• Joe Student at Busted Coverage has a copy of the room assignment list for the Cleveland Indians and it includes some hilarious pseudonyms. 
• The Giants season really is going to the birds.  Via Fox Sports, seagulls have started to invade AT&T Park.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 12/ Home Game 7

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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Split Squad Games

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

Team Mexico (0-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-5-2)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch - Glendale
RHP Stephen Fife (0-0, 5.40) vs. RHP Daniel Rodriguez (N/R, ---)

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic link: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

VIVA LOS DODGERS!: In Glendale, The Dodgers will take on Luis Cruz, Javy Guerra, Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico as the WBC squad prepares for their first Pool D tournament game tomorrow against Team Italy at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Dodger Special Assistant, Player Personnel Juan Castro is a Team Mexico coach as is Fernando Valenzuela, who played a key role in connecting the Dodgers to the Los Angeles Latino community following his MLB debut in 1980 and the launch of Fernandomania in 1981. For all those wondering, Opening Day is just 26 days away!

• In Goodyear, Hyun-Jin Ryu and a split-squad of Dodgers will play the Indians for the second and final time this spring after beating the Tribe, 5-1, at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Dodgers will return to Goodyear next Tuesday for a night game against the Reds.
• The Dodgers and Giants have agreed to make the following pitchers available to Team Mexico today: LHP Edwin Escobar (SF), RHP Justin Fitzgerald (SF), RHP Jose Valdez (SF), LHP Geison Aguasviva (LAD), LHP Victor Garate (LAD) and RHP Ryan Acosta (LAD).

DOWNER: The Dodgers pounded out 11 hits, but fell for the fourth time in their last five games with a 7-3 loss to the Padres in Peoria. Matt Kemp played in the field for the first time with 4.0 innings in center field, but went 0-for-3 at the plate. Kevin Gregg ran his scoreless innings streak to 4.0 with 2.0 scoreless frames and has allowed just one baserunner this spring (1-for-12, .083). Clayton Kershaw made his third start of the spring, allowing four runs on seven hits in 3.0 innings and taking the loss to fall to 1-2.

• Shawn Tolleson was removed from the game yesterday in the eighth inning due to left knee pain.  He was re-examined by a physician today and is listed as day to day.

FUTURE DODGERS!: Baseball America’s Top 5 Dodger prospects will be on display today as LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (No. 1), OF Yasiel Puig (No. 2) and OF Joc Pederson (No. 4) suit up against the Indians in Goodyear and IF Corey Seager (No. 3) and RHP Zach Lee (No. 5) come over from the minor league side to face Team Mexico. Puig is off to a hot start this spring, batting .400 with three doubles, a homer and five RBI in 10 games, while Pederson, the Dodgers’ 2012 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year, will make his second appearance on the big league roster (March 1 vs. SD, 1-for-2). Seager, 18, was the Dodgers’ first round pick (18th overall) in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Northwest Cabarrus High School in North Carolina and batted .309 with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 46 games with Rookie-advanced Ogden last season. Lee has already made one appearance this spring, allowing two runs in 1.0 inning and taking the loss on Saturday against the Padres.

• LHP Chris Reed, LHP Onelki Garcia, LHP Paco Rodriguez, RHP Matt Magill and RHP Ross Stripling round out Baseball America’s Top 10 Dodger prospects.
• Today, Baseball America named Hyun-Jin Ryu as their top rookie heading into the 2013 season.
• Speaking of future Dodgers, registration is now available for the 2013 Dodgers Youth Baseball Camp, benefiting the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, which will be held June 25-28 (Session 1) and August 9, 12-14 (Session 2) at Dodger Stadium. Register your child today at www.dodgers.com/camp. Camp will feature instruction by Dodger coaches and alumni with special visits by current Dodger players. Campers will learn about hitting, fielding, base running, throwing and pitching as well as team play, sportsmanship and conditioning. Enrollment is open to boys and girls, ages 7-12. Space is limited so please register your child today!

(pic link: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013)

HILLTOPPERS: RHP Zack Greinke had been scheduled to start, but was scratched due to illness.  Instead, RHP Stephen Fife will make his third appearance (first start) of the spring. In his last outing on Friday, Fife allowed two runs in 3.0 innings against the Padres. The Idaho native made five starts for the Dodgers last year for his first Major League action, going 0-2 with a 2.70 ERA.

• RHP Brandon League will make his third appearance of the spring after allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits on Saturday against the Mariners in Peoria.
• RHP Kenley Jansen made his only appearance of the spring on Feb. 26, firing a scoreless frame against the Giants.
• LHP J.P. Howell struck out three in a scoreless inning on Saturday against the Mariners. Howell allowed two runs in 1.0 inning against the Giants on Feb. 26 in his first appearance of the spring.

CAMERA READY: Tomorrow, Javy Guerra (@JavyGuerra54) will take over the Dodgers Official Instagram account (@Dodgers) capturing a "Day in the Life" of a big league ballplayer.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 10/ Home Game 6

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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Cleveland Indians (6-4) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (3-4-2)
Sunday, March 3, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Camelback Ranch – Glendale
RHP Josh Beckett (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (0-0, 11.25)

TV: Dodgers.com Webcast | Radio: AM 570 Fox Sports LA

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic link: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

CLEVELAND ROCKS: The Dodgers and Indians square off for the first of two times this spring before meeting again on Wednesday in Goodyear. The clubs haven’t played in the regular season since a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in 2008 and the Dodgers hold a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 29 days away from Opening Day vs. the Giants!

• With no game tomorrow, most Dodgers will have the day off with only RHP Aaron Harang expected at Camelback Ranch for his scheduled simulated game at 10:00 a.m.

DOWNER: The Dodgers dropped their third in a row yesterday, falling 9-5 to the Mariners in Peoria. Andre Ethier went 2-for-2 with an RBI triple, raising his spring batting average to an even .500, and Jeremy Moore roped his fourth double of the exhibition season to start the Dodgers’ ninth-inning rally. Ethier’s two triples are tied for the Major League lead, while Moore tops the NL in doubles.

• The Dodgers continue to lead the National League with both a .309 team batting average and a .401 on-base percentage through their first nine Cactus League games.

HILLTOPPERS: Dodger right-hander Josh Beckett will make his second start of the spring after striking out three and allowing just one hit and one walk in 2.0 scoreless innings on Tuesday against the Giants in the Dodgers’ eventual 8-8 tie. The 32-year-old helped Boston reach the 2007 World Series by dominating the Indians in the 2007 ALCS, going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 14.0 innings in the series to garner MVP honors. Beckett, however, has struggled against the Tribe in the regular season during the course of his career, posting a 4-6 record with a 5.65 ERA (40 ER/63.2 IP) in 11 starts against Cleveland. Most recently, on May 10, 2012, Beckett was touched for seven runs in just 2.1 innings in an 8-3 Red Sox loss at Fenway Park. 

• RHP Javy Guerra, who was recently selected to join Team Mexico’s World Baseball Classic squad, will make his second appearance of the spring after tossing a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Cubs. Guerra has enjoyed the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium during his career with a 1.84 ERA (9 ER/44.0 IP) in 45 home appearances in his career, while posting a 3.02 ERA (16 ER/47.2 IP) in 47 road games.
• After giving up two runs in 0.2 innings in his first appearance of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox, RHP Peter Moylan bounced back to toss a scoreless frame on Thursday against the Angels. Moylan has struck out four in 1.2 innings this spring.
• RHP Josh Wall has retired all seven of the batters he’s faced this spring with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings. Wall last pitched on Thursday against the Angels and struck out two in a scoreless frame.
• RHP Mark Lowe allowed an unearned run on three hits in his last appearance on Wednesday against the Cubs. The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to allow an earned run in 2.0 innings in two Cactus League appearances.
• RHP Steve Ames, the winner of this morning’s Dodger Idol competition, surrendered two runs on three hits in his last outing on Thursday against the Angels. Ames fired a scoreless frame in his first outing of the spring on Feb. 24 against the White Sox.

(pic link:Wallach,Green and Karros: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

BIG DOINGS: All-time Los Angeles home run king Eric Karros will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to today’s game and, along with Shawn Green, has been serving as a guest instructor at Camelback Ranch since Friday. Karros, who also serves as a television analyst on FOX and for KCAL-9 on their pregame show, played in 14 big league seasons (12 with Los Angeles), won the 1992 NL Rookie of the Year Award and took home the 1995 NL Silver Slugger Award at first base.   

• Dodger legends Ron Cey and Tommy Davis will arrive Friday, March 8 and spend a few days in camp working with the squad.

GOING GLOBAL: Shortstop Hanley Ramirez (Dominican Republic) and right-handed reliever Ronald Belisario (Venezuela) have departed Camelback Ranch to join their respective World Baseball Classic teams. Adrian Gonzalez (Mexico), Luis Cruz (Mexico), Javy Guerra (Mexico) and Nick Punto (Italy) are slated to play in today’s game and will depart camp tomorrow to join their national teams.

• A split-squad of Dodgers will face off against Gonzalez, Cruz, Guerra and Team Mexico on Wednesday at 1:05 pm at Camelback Ranch – Glendale.

I SEE YOU: The Dodgers announced yesterday that they will broadcast eight additional Spring Training games via Dodgers.com, starting with today’s contest against the Indians. After today, fans will also be able to watch games on March 6 (Mexico), March 8 (Reds), March 9 (Mariners), March 14 (Cubs), March 15 (Royals), March 19 (Athletics) and March 22 (Reds) on the internet webcast. Rick Monday and Charley Steiner’s call on AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles will be simulcast on today’s webcast.

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