Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Guerrero, Josh Byrnes and Dodger Give Away Sneak Peeks

Pedro Guerrero is on the mend.  Above is a photo with birthday boy Manny Mota with Pedro at his bedside as he recovers from a minor stroke suffered this past weekend.  Photo via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are some more links to check out:

• FYI, Camelback Ranch officially opens to fans tomorrow, Friday, February 20th at 9:00 AM, via their facebook.  The team store, concession stands and box office will be open.
• Take a look at a sneak peek at two of the Dodger pins they are giving out this season.  Below are the Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax Cy Young pins, via @Dodgers on twitter. Check out the Don Newcombe pin they are giving away on April 13th here.

• Here's another Dodger give away preview.  On the right is the 1965 World Series replica ring they are giving away on Saturday, May 16th for Old-Timers Day.  Go here to check out the entire Dodger promotion schedule.
• Listen to Josh Byrnes, Dodgers Senior VP of Baseball Operations, on DodgerTalk from last night here.
• OK.  This is just hilarious.  Via No Coast Bias, "Omaha Storm Chasers Start Twitter Feud With Albuquerque Isotopes Because Of ‘Better Call Saul’"
• Baseball Nut at All About Cards does it right, "Wallet Card Wednesday the Adventures of Wallet Card at Dodger FanFest."  I apologize for neglecting my own Wallet Card.  I still have it, and its gone through a tremendous amount of wear and tear.  It's just that I keep forgetting to take photos of it.
• Now this is interesting.  Via Ryan Tedards at Sports Card Radio, "Panini America Interested In Acquiring Upper Deck."  If this happens then I they'll be seriously considered for a MLB license to create Baseball cards.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/2/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Debut and an Interview with Urias

Roberto Hernandez took the mound for the Dodgers yesterday, but labored as he surrendered four home runs on five hits.  The ball was jumping and carrying off the National bats like they were hitting beach balls in the stands at Dodger Stadium.  Just about any ball hit in the air looked dangerous, and unfortunately for the Dodgers they hit less of them then their counterparts.

The Dodgers offense was anemic once again.  After Kemp's two-run home run in the first inning they didn't record another hit until Kemp singled in the seventh inning.  They did attempt a rally thereafter, but it just wasn't enough.

Of note, the two Dodger newbies came into the game with differing results.  Yimi Garcia pitched two innings in relief, and gave up just a single and struck out one.  He was fantastic.  The photo above is of Yimi, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out a bunch of pics from yesterday.  Joc Pederson had an exciting pinch-hit at-bat in the ninth inning.  There were two runners on base with the Dodgers down two, so he had an opportunity to be a difference maker.  Unfortunately, after working the count full, he struck out looking on an off-speed hanging slider out-and-away.  On this holiday afternoon, mighty Casey struck out.

The Dodgers lost 6 to 4, and maintain 2.0 game lead over the Giants.  Oy Vey!  I feel like I'm having a heart attack.  Now, below are some links to check out.

• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Top prospect Pederson among LA's September callups."

"I'm excited," Pederson said. "It's a dream come true. But it's now time to help the team win."

After last nights game he shared his thoughts about his game ending at-bat.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, " Joc Pederson on his first AB: 'It was pretty special.'"

"That's a thing as a little kid you're chasing in a game, and it came in my first at-bat, so I thought it was pretty special," Pederson said. "Unfortunately it didn't go the way I want."

• I'm super envious.  The Albuquerque Isotopes gave away this cool hat (as seen on the right) to fans during yesterday's last game of the season, pic via Isotopes on twitter.  The Dodgers need to give something like this away.
• Peter Gammons notes that if Hanley doesn't sign with the Dodgers then he'll likely be best suited for the American League.  He can be an occasional DH.  It's also less likely that Matt Kemp gets traded if Hanley leaves the Dodgers.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers extend affiliation with Ogden through 2016."
• Via David Brim at Dodgers Digest, "Investigating The Hyun-Jin Ryu Rest Effect."

One thing that is said often about Ryu, especially during broadcasts, is that he pitches better with long rest than he does with four days of rest. It makes intuitive sense, since the pitching schedule in Korea involves longer gaps between starts. His W-L record is usually the first thing cited, which we know is irrelevant. But looking beyond that, Ryu has a 3.52 ERA while pitching with four days of rest and 2.71 ERA while pitching with five or more days of rest through his young career. There’s some truth to this. Pitching well on regular rest is especially important since Ryu will need to do so during the playoffs.

• Check out this great interview with Julio Urias by Brian Tabije of http://www.ieprosports.com/ about his season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and what helped him to accelerate his strikeout count.  This is from just a few days ago.

Video Link:

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Joc is Our PCL MVP

Joc Pederson is having a season for the ages. 

Over the past week, Joc has been named to the All-PCL Team and won the Pacific Coast League Rookie of the Year award.  Today we learn that he can also add the Most Valuable Player Award to his mantle.  Per a Isotopes press release:

The 22-year-old outfielder received more than half of the votes from the 16 field managers as well as media representatives from across the league to be named the 78th PCL MVP in league history.

Pederson's MVP recognition is just another in his trophy case for the 2014 season. On Tuesday, he was named the PCL's Rookie of the Year, just one day after earning All-PCL Team honors. Last Saturday, Pederson became the first player in 80 years to record a 30-30 season in the PCL.

Ranked the Los Angeles Dodgers' top-overall prospect entering the season according to Baseball America, Pederson leads the PCL in home runs (33), on-base percentage (.434), runs scored (101), total bases (256) and walks (96). His .590 slugging percentage currently ranks second in the league. The outfielder's 96 walks and 101 runs scored are Isotopes single-season records.

Sure, his numbers might be aided a bit by a very hitter-friendly home ballpark, but who cares?  That's just a bunch of rabble from hater's who would rather spend their time knocking someone down.  Instead, let's cheer and clap our hands for the kid. 

Congrats, Joc!

The Isotope season is coming to a rapid close, so Albuquerqueans will have just one final chance to watch their MVP.  Their last homestand begins tonight against the Las Vegas 51's and ends on Monday.  Pederson is also expected to join the Dodgers for a September call-up.

Oh... And, on Friday one lucky fan will win Joc Pederson's car.  Yeah, that's right... Someone out there will drive away in Joc's hooptie - a 1994 Buick Century.  It is nicknamed "Little Chucky."  Go here for details about this contest.

In celebration of Joc's MVP trophy I made the two two fantasy cards for him (both above and below).  The card at the top uses a photo taken by a fan named Wrigley Gilkison (which might be the best name ever) and put up on Pinterest and I used the vintage 1971 Topps Baseball card design (template provided by Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining).  I made the below card just because I thought the photo taken by Tyler Maun / MiLB.com was fantastic.  BTW, you can check out other fantasy cards I made of Joc here and here.

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Joc's Cabinet is Starting to Fill Up - Honored with All-PCL Team and ROY

It's got to be an exciting time for Joc Pederson.

A few days ago he joined the illustrious Pacific Coast League 30/30 Club, and in just a matter of days he should be heading out west to join the Dodgers for a "cup of coffee."  In the meantime, he is being showered with some awards that only place more shine on what looks to be an already polished product.

Yesterday, it was announced that Joc Pederson has been elected to the All-PCL Team by the league's field managers and media.  Today, we find out that he beat out a strong contingent of rising prospects to win the Pacific Coast Leagues Rookie of the Year Award.

Congrats, Joc!

In celebration of Joc's newest accomplishments I made the above two fantasy cards for him.  The photos are from the Albuquerque Isotopes and I used the vintage 1971 Topps Baseball card design (template provided by Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining).

If you can't tell I'm getting all-jazzed up about Joc's impending play in a Dodger uniform.  It denotes a time of hope and excitement.  There's nothing like seeing what a homegrown highly-touted kid can do for the club.

Below are his minor league statistics, via Baseball Reference:

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Testimonies from Kershaw and Ellis

Here are this Sunday Dodger Videos.

Clayton Kershaw was the last Dodger to speak at the Dodgers' Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium after a game last weekend, Sunday, August 17, 2014. This is his entire speech, plus a little Q&A from the Dodger Team Chaplain Brandon Cash at the end. (Video via StadiumBound)

Video Link:

Here, AJ Ellis speaks at the Dodgers' Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium.  BTW, these two videos were filmed by Stadium Bound.  He's a must-follow for Dodger fans on YouTube.  Check him out here.

Video Link:

KRQE News 3 in Albuquerque talk about the Dodgers impending move to Oklahoma City and what it means for Albuquerque.

Video Link:

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Joc Pederson is a 30/30 Man

Congrats, Joc!

With a steal of second base in the sixth inning tonight, Joc Pederson did something that hadn't been done in the Pacific Coast League in 80 years and only done three times before.  Joc Pederson is now a member of the exclusive PCL 30/30 club. 

Via a Isotopes story at MiLB.com:

The 22-year-old phenom swiped his 30th base in sixth inning of Saturday night's game at Colorado Springs. He walked with one out in the inning, and after a pitching change, stole second on the first pitch to Tim Federowicz. Sky Sox catcher Dustin Garneau didn't even attempt a throw after Pederson got such a good jump.

Pederson's 30th home run came off right-handed pitcher Donovan Hand of the Nashville Sounds in the third inning on Monday, August 18. It was the second of back-to-back homers after fellow outfielder Mike Baxter provided the first.

The last ballplayer to accomplish this feat in the PCL was former Cubs standout Frank Demaree in 1934.  Also, Yankee Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri did it in 1925 and slugger Lefty O'Doul did it in 1927.  Pederson also joins former Dodger prospect Chin-Feng Chen as the only former franchise farmhands to have accomplished the feat.  Chen did it in 1999 with the San Bernardino Stampede.

In celebration of Joc's accomplishment I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at an preseason exhibition game against the Angels this past Spring and the 1971 Topps Baseball card design (template provided by Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining).

Hopefully, Joc can continue his exploits on the big stage with Dodgers.  He will be called up by the team when the rosters expand on September 1st.  Although, he is not expected to get a lot of playing time, he'll certainly get his chances to prove he is ready for the "Show."

(Graphic via @TripleABaseball on Twitter)

UPDATE: Below is a video of his 30th stolen base.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2014 - Dodger Links - Haren's Sharp, No More Isotopes and Seager is Cal League MVP

Haren does it again.

Just when you thought his effectiveness on the mound was done, he comes back and pitches a gem.  In seven innings of work against the Mets last night he struck out six, walked none and gave up just three hits; including an opening batter solo home run to Curtis Granderson (his 25th of the season). 

Haren was quick and efficient, and according to Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, he earned a $250,000 bonus for reaching 150 innings pitched this season.  BTW, at 180 inning pitched his contract automatically vest for next season. 

Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, Haren had this to say about a contract for next year:

"I couldn't care less," Haren said. "It might sound stupid, but who knows if I would want to play next year? I'd rather throw 179 2/3 and us win the division, honestly. I've made enough money in my life. I've been blessed. Hopefully, my kids' kids are set up. It's a lot of money, I don't want to devalue that and sound like a snob, but my goal is for this team to achieve what we set out to."

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game from Jon.

Thankfully, the Dodgers offense came alive as they spread around eleven hits to score six run and earn a victory.  Dee Gordon was superb.  He knocked in the first Dodger run in the third inning on a single and recorded his Major League leading eleventh triple in the seventh inning.

With the 6 to 2 victory over the Mets they hold onto an 3.5 game lead over the Giants.  Now, here are some more links to check out below.

• Via Mike Bertha at Cut4, "Yasiel Puig is so popular that people are naming their children after him."
• Bye Bye, Albuquerque.  Via Michael Baldwin at NewsOK.com, "Oklahoma City RedHawks will be Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate."

A group affiliated with the Dodgers is on the brink of purchasing the local pro baseball team. The group is in the final stages of contract negotiations that began several weeks ago with Mandalay, which announced earlier this year it would be selling its five minor league baseball properties.

Looks like the cat got out of the bag too early.  Apparently, this is all news to the Isotopes GM John Traub (via a tweet from Albuquerque Journal writer Rick Wright) and Dodgers Assistant GM De Jon Watson (via a Wright tweet).  The Albuquerque Journal has a report on it right here.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider takes a look at, "The top Dodger bench players of the 21st century."  Chad Kreuter and Alex Cora top the list.  My all-time favorite was Olmedo Saenz - "The Killer Tomato."
• BTW, Jon also tells us that Corey Seager has been named the California League MVP.
• Now, you can win Joc's hooptie!  Via an Isotopes press release, "Joc Pederson's Car To Be Given Away Next Friday."

One lucky fan at the Albuquerque Isotopes game next Friday, Aug. 29, will drive away (or tow away) outfielder Joc Pederson's luxurious 1994 Buick Century. Fans will not want to miss the chance to win this one-of-a-kind car driven by the next Los Angeles Dodgers superstar.

The car, nicknamed "Little Chucky," has only 166,000 miles on it and has at least one operable window, which is really all you need. It is perfect for cruising around during the New Mexico summers with its "awesome" stereo system and lack of air conditioning. Kelly Blue Book estimates the value at nearly $1,000 (depending on if it has a full tank of gas). Little Chucky will also come with two complimentary air fresheners and whatever else Pederson forgets to clean out.

ICYMI, the @AbqTopes on Aug. 29 are giving away Joc Pederson's car, a 1994 Buick Century pic.twitter.com/vaAn4ZnS5O
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) August 22, 2014

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "MLB's blackout restrictions may be relaxed in 2015."

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Blog Kiosk: 8/13/2014 - Dodger Links - Haren, Barney and Six Games Up - Oh, My!

Dan Haren was sharp for the second straight game as the Dodgers pulled out a 4 to 2 victory against the Braves.  Unfortunately, his nemesis, BJ Upton, slammed his sixth career home run off of him, but it wasn't enough to overcome his effort.  Haren went six innings, struck out seven, walked one and allowed just two runs to score. Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

The afternoon, though, belonged to Darwin Barney.  He was outstanding on the field and with bat in his first career start for the Dodgers.  As you might expect, he flashed the leather like a former gold glover should.  The surprise was that he was great at the plate and on the basepaths.  He knocked in the first run of the game in the second inning, and manufactured a run, just like a modern day Jackie Robinson, in the ninth inning to give the Dodgers an insurance run.

That last play was a thing of beauty.  Barney got on base via an error by the shortstop, then proceeded to take second on that very same play when the ball skipped to the outfield.  He quickly moved to third base on a groundball out to the right side, and scored when a wild pitch bounced in front of the catcher and scampered down the third base line. Wow!  It was just like watching some olde-tyme Dodger Baseball.

(GIF via Dodgers on tumblr)

The Dodgers are now 6.0 games ahead of the Giants.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• ICYMI: Dodger teenage prospect Julio Urias turned 18 yesterday.  Happy Birthday, buddy!
• BTW, Topps 2014 Finest Baseball card set officially goes live today, so go to your local card shop to check them out.  I'll photos of all the Dodger cards soon.  In the meantime, check out some preview pics of Yasiel Puig and Mike Piazza (as a Dodger) below, via @Toppscards on twitter:

• Any other goal is worthless.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Kershaw: 'It's World Series or bust'"

“I think it was almost like that last year, too,” Kershaw said. “Coming up short didn’t feel good, and now we have that experience of what it’s like to go deep and not win. Especially with the team we have now and the guys brought in from last year, we feel like it’s World Series or bust, for sure.”

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez and Appreciating Greatness."
• If you have SportsNet LA this is great news.  They will be televising 5 of the remaining home games of the Albuquerque Isotopes.  Below is a schedule:

SportsNet LA Isotopes TV Schedule
Game Date                                     Opponent                     SportsNet LA TV Time
Fri., Aug. 15 @ 6:05 p.m.              vs. Memphis                Sun., 8/17 @ 11:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 16 @ 6:05 p.m.             vs. Nashville                Mon., 8/18 @ 2:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 18 @ 5:35 p.m.           vs. Nashville               Wed., 8/20 @ 11:00 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 29 @ 6:05 p.m.              vs. Las Vegas              Sun., 8/31 @ 6:00 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 31 @ 5:05 p.m.            vs. Las Vegas             Tues., 9/2 @ 11:00 a.m.
All times listed are Pacific Time.

• Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Prospect Schebler clubs three homers at Double-A."
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Brian Wilson Is Pitching Better Than You Think He Is."
• Via Shawn Anderson at the Hall of Very Good, "John Elway Inducted Into Minor League Hall of Fame."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2014 - Dodger Links - A Sweep of the Giants and Should the FCC Get Involved?

Woo Hoo!  Dodgers swept the Giants this weekend.  They now find themselves with a 1.5 game lead over the gnats.  The top play of the afternoon was Dee Gordon scoring on the wild-pitch strike out to Adrian Gonzalez in the top of the 5th inning.  Watch it here.  The photo above of Dee scoring via @MLB on twitter.  The Dodgers would then quickly score two more runs to take a 4 to 2 lead.  They would eventually win the game 4 to 3.

BTW, the Dodger got key offensive contributions from the #4 to #7 batters in their lineup.  They recorded 6 hits; including a run-scoring triple by Crawford, a run-scoring single by Uribe and a pair of hits by both Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp.  It appears the "Boys in Blue" are taking it to another level for the second half of the season.

Of special note, Matt Kemp is looking very good at the plate.  He looks comfortable and is starting to lay off pitches out of the zone.  As a result, he is starting to hit the ball square and being rewarded for his patience with some timely hits.  Unfortunately, we have yet to see any real power, but that is to be expected.  Considering the kind of shoulder injury he was dealing with you shouldn't expect him to hit like the old Matt just yet.  It's likely we won't see anything like that until this time next season.  In the meantime, he's accepted the reality that he can't drive the ball like he used to and is happy to just "hit 'em where they ain't."

Check out a bunch of photos from yesterdays game via Jon SooHoo here.  Below are some more Dodger links:

• Via Eric Stephen of True Blue LA on twitter we learn that Cuban Alex Guerrero is now back up with the Albuquerque Isotopes.  It may be only a matter of days before he returns to the Dodger roster.  Maybe his bat will act as another spark to the Dodgers offense.
• Check out a couple Dodger prospect eyewitness scouting reports from Baseball Prospectus of Tom Windle and Rob Rogers; here and here.  (Hat Tip: Chris Rodriguez on twitter)
• I love Ethier's attitude.  Via JP Hoornstra at the Daily Breeze, he said:

“We have a chance to possibly achieve something here. That’s above everything else,” he said. “It makes everything worth going through.”

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Colletti says trade for top-tier pitcher is unlikely."

"We may not do anything. We still have a club with upside to it," said Colletti. "There's still more from this club as it's constituted. But historically, we've been active in July and August, too. We'll see what we can do.

"I think we have the players here that can win."

• Pedro Guerrero has a dirty mouth; via his twitter:

Is it a hundred to nothing yet vagiants? jajajajajajajajaja
— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) July 26, 2014

• Via Larry Brown Sports, "Reno Aces and Albuquerque Isotopes in major brawl (Video)."  This was no shoving match - It was a rumble!  Larry Brown has a couple of videos of the melee. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, 10 players were ejected (4 Isotopes and 6 Aces); including Cuban Erisbel Arruebarrena. He will definately get a huge suspension, so you shouldn't expect him in LA for quite some time.  Another video of the incident can be seen here.  BTW, the day after this fight Arruebarrena was reassigned to Single-A ball, via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.
• Via Joe Flint of the LA Times, "FCC should help reach deal to end Dodgers TV standoff, lawmakers say"

Seven members of Congress led by Rep. Tony Cardenas are calling on the FCC to mediate an agreement between Time Warner Cable and distributors.

"Consumers deserve the opportunity to watch their program of choice," Cardenas wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. "The ongoing stalemate between Time Warner Cable and other pay-TV providers has reached a point where mediation by the FCC is necessary."

Co-signing the letter with Cardenas were Democratic House members Lucille Roybal-Allard, Judy Chu, Alan Lowenthal, Linda Sanchez, Janice Hahn and Julia Brownley.

I'm not sure if this is a great idea, but I guess anything is worth a try.

• In an obvious move to reduce the chances that PED ballplayers make the Hall of Fame, they decide to cut short the eligibility period from 15-years to 10-years, via an Associated Press report on ESPN.
• Oh, boy!  This is a major Fan Foul!

My buddy saw this guy at the game today. I don't know what to say. pic.twitter.com/3dnCr4addX
— Dave  (@gggiants) July 28, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2014 - Dodger Links - Matt Kemp, a Couple No-Hitter Pins and Pederson's All-Star Experience

The Dodgers landed in St. Louis for their series against the Cardinals yesterday afternoon.  Shown above is traveling secretary Scott Akasaki and Juan Uribe in the photo above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014. BTW, if you're wondering what Scott Akasaki does as the traveling secretary then watch this helpful video.

• With the silly rumor season about to go into overdrive I think it's important to remember that 99% of all rumors you hear are a load of BS.  You are not hearing any special insight.  You are not getting "Inside Baseball" information.  You are not getting a peek at closely held negotiations.  I would suggest ignoring them all.  THEY MEAN NOTHING!  And, I assure you that most rumors are made up by bored reporters making unfounded assertions from innocent conversations so that they have something to write.
• Via Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs, "Matt Kemp’s Wish is a Pitching Staff’s Nightmare."  Kemp wants to be an everyday centerfielder, but it seems clear that this isn't likely on the Dodgers.

Matt Kemp would one day like to return to center field. That’s almost certainly not going to happen in Los Angeles. And one hopes that’s almost certainly not going to happen anywhere else, either. Kemp wasn’t a very good center fielder even before having a major operation, and pretty soon there’s going to be a 3 in front of his age. It’s not even clear he’s a particularly capable corner outfielder, and though his bat remains sufficiently intriguing to justify a trade pursuit, Kemp should probably be traded to a team in the American League that down the road could slot him in at DH. That might not be what Kemp wants, and that might be a future obstacle, but what Kemp wants could drive a pitching staff crazy. What Kemp wants would make his baseball team worse.

• Meanwhile, Jerry Hairston Jr. had an interesting take on comments made by Kemp's agent that lead to the story above, via a twitter conversation with a fan.

.@hung12low It's no big deal. Just his agents way of protecting his client. #la #Dodgers
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) July 17, 2014

• Last week, I mentioned that the Dodgers would be giving out commemorative no-hitter pins in September.  Now, Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider has mockups of what they will look like here.  They are definite must haves.  See them below:

• Wow.  You don't see this very often.  The Albuquerque Isotopes had to forfeit a game last week, via Shaun P Kernahan at Grading on the Curve.
• Clary Osborne at Dodger Insider tells us how you can play fantasy football with the Dodgers... for reals!

“We’re all excited to share our passion of fantasy football to raise money for some great causes,” said Dodger catcher A.J. Ellis. “I’m looking forward to some good competition and a little trash talk in the Big Blue Fantasy Football League, but like all things I do, I’m playing to win, so bring your “A” game!”

• Via Christopher Jackson at Albuquerque Baseball Examiner, "Isotopes Notebook: Pederson enjoyed his All-Star experience."

“I think it was a pretty good experience,” Pederson said. “Any all-star game you go to is a special time. It’s an honor to represent the Isotopes and Dodgers in such an event.”

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Miguel Olivo Does a Tyson and Bites Alexander Guerrero's Ear Off

Something you won't believe happened this afternoon during a AAA game.

The Isotopes were playing the Salt Lake Bees when an argument erupted on the mound as Albuquerque was making a pitching change (Jared Massey shared a vine video of this altercation that you can see here).  Veteran catcher Miguel Olivo, who you should apparently not mess with, got into a heated argument with teammate and Dodger prospect Alexander Guerrero.  Then, a brawl ensued soon afterwards in the dugout.

Blood was shed.  According to reports, Olivo bit off a piece of Guerrero's ear; emulating Mike Tyson.

(Pic via MiLB on twitter)

Via Danny Wild at MiLB.com:

Albuquerque second baseman Alex Guerrero needed surgery on his left ear after getting attacked by teammate Miguel Olivo during a dugout fight at Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday, and both Salt Lake police and the Dodgers are investigating.

The game was stopped briefly in the eighth inning when Guerrero, the Isotopes' second baseman, and Olivo began fighting in the Albuquerque dugout. Both players were replaced in the lineup. Guerrero, according to agent Scott Boras, "is having plastic surgery on his ear right now," Tweeted Jon Morosi of FOX Sports at 6:39 p.m. ET. Boras indicated the surgery was as a result of Guerrero being bitten by Olivo.

Morosi said police have "gathered evidence about the incident and collected witness statements, according to Boras. Guerrero's recovery timetable is uncertain, Boras said. It's not clear yet how many stitches the surgery will require."

You can check out a bunch of pics of the dugout fight over at StingemBees.com blog.  Smudge provides the best report so far on why this happened:

It goes like this…….The Isotopes defense had their struggles against our base runners. If I were managing my Comp team I would call it laziness…. The Bees advanced runners multiple times because after plays were seemingly over, Isotopes players would wander away from their base and our Bees runners would advance with very little opposition.

A couple times the runners advanced with the ball in C Miguel Olivo’s hand. I got the feeling he was upset that no one was talking to let him know there was a runner, and when they DID scream “runner!”, no one was at the bag to cover a play. …. That is certainly a cluster of plays that got under the skin of Olivo.

The Dodgers issued the following statement:

The baseball operations department is aware of the altercation and is conducting an investigation into the matter. The organization does not condone this type of behavior and will have no further comment at this time.

It should be noted that non-violence isn't exactly an Olivo credo.  He has instigated at least a couple of fights on the field.

• On September 29, 2007 he ran across the diamond and threw a punch at Jose Reyes - starting a bench-clearing brawl.
• On August 3, 2008 he was hit by pitcher DJ Carrasco, so naturally Olivo charged after him.  The benches cleared again.

Olivo is also one tough customer.  Via a wikipedia entry:

Olivo made headlines in early 2010 for having to leave the Rockies' April 29 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at the beginning of the eighth inning to pass a kidney stone. Remarkably, he was able to re-enter soon after and finished the game.

Not only can Olivo pass a stone and not miss a beat, but he will also bite your ear off.

This man is not to be screwed with!

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Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Puig's Untold Story, Alex Guerrero has a Big Debut and Eric Smith

The DBacks mascot gave Justin Turner a nice little pat on the rear end on Sunday, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Jesse Katz at LA Magazine, "Escape from Cuba: Yasiel Puig's Untold Journey to the Dodgers."

Once the speedboat navigated the reefs that shield the three-square-mile island and puttered into the docks at Laguna Makáx, the last of Puig’s obstacles should have been cleared. Free of the Cuban security apparatus, free of the American embargo, he could begin shopping for an agent and showing off for scouts. In baseball terms, Mexico was practically the United States. But almost as soon as Puig had showered off the grime of his trek—after his group had toasted their arrival with an unfamiliar beer, its label stamped with two Xs, and tuned the TV to a Mexican sitcom—the celebration came to an end. The smugglers were anxious to get on with things. The job was done. Where was the money?

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers insert Maholm for series with Giants."

Josh Beckett, Paul Maholm and Hyun-Jin Ryu, in order, will start the three games of the upcoming series in San Francisco, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly announced on Sunday.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Wilson nears return; Beckett on target for Tuesday."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Adrian Gonzalez, Dee Gordon complete Dodgers sweep of Diamondbacks."
• Alexander Guerrero is now playing in Albuquerque, via a tweet from the team.

Transactions: INF Alex Guerrero added to roster. INF Brendan Harris was released.
— Albuquerque Isotopes (@AbqTopes) April 12, 2014

• Guerrerohad a huge first game in Albuquerque.  Via Christopher Jackson at the Examiner.com, "Alexander Guerrero shines but bullpen falters again for Isotopes."

"That wasn't what I was thinking during the game; I just went to the plate looking to make contact," Guerrero said through his translator David Longley.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "The Other Golden Voice of the Dodgers."  Ron writes a great story on our PA announcer.

No, it’s not the golden voice of Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully, it’s the other golden voice of the Dodgers – Eric Smith, the Dodgers longtime Public Address (PA) announcer and he is, hands down, the best in the business.

• Dodger Penguin headed to El Teyepac Cafe for the Jerry Reuss signing and shares his experience.  Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy did the same thing here.  I'm working on a review of Reuss's book that hopefully will be done by the end of the week, and an online interview with him the following week.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2013 - Dodgers Links - Isotopes Go Breaking Bad, an Interview with Bundy and Steve Lyons Lays Down Some Snark

This just might be the best thing ever!  Via Danny Wild at MiLB.com, "Isotopes pay tribute to 'Breaking Bad': Heisenberg-esque tee a unique souvenir for Albuquerque fans". 

• Via Chris Flick at True Blue Crew writes, "Is JP Howell targeted by the Nats?"
• Ryan Walton at Valley Bay News caught up with recent Dodger minor league signee Clint Robinson.
• Via Greg Zakwin at Yahoo, "Los Angeles Dodgers Easily Have Best Rotation in Baseball".

While there are plenty of rotations that can lay claim to a top-three ranking in the game, one group clearly stands above all others as easily the best in baseball: the staff of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Via Ross Gassmer at Dodgers Nation, "Video: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Discusses Contract, NLCS Loss".
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "New (Dodgers) third-base coach Bundy has paid his dues".

"For those of us who have been in the Minor Leagues a long time trying to get to the Major Leagues, with all the hard work you have to do in the Minors, and now to be rewarded, well, I feel like I earned it," Bundy said from Mexico, where he is into his third decade as a Winter League manager because "I'm trying to get better.

• Here's an old friend alert.  Via Dodgers Nation on twitter, former Dodger Dave Hansen has joined the Angels coaching staff as assistant hitting coach.
• Tom Verducci at Sports Illustrated writes a great argument for including Jack Morris into the Hall of Fame.  His article explains what I have believed for some time; that Jack Morris, when placed in context of his peers during his era, was one of the best - if not the best starting pitcher in Baseball.
• This is for those interested in the upcoming 2014 Draft.  Via Jim Callis at MLB.com, "Next year's Draft deeper, packed with pitchers".

"Last year was one of the weakest Drafts I can remember," a scouting director with a National League team said. "Last year was really weak in high school pitching, and this year there's some really good-looking high school pitchers. Last year was the weakest year I've ever seen in shortstops, and this year there are shortstops. It's better in almost everything."

• Steve Lyons is not happy, via his twitter.  Lyons takes a little swipe at the reported newest member of the Dodgers broadcast team, Nomar Garciaparra.  He claims he's not trash talkin', still he sounds a little bitter about his exit.

I certainly wasn't an All Star when I played. Excuse my ego now but the new guy has big shoes to fill...
— Steve Lyons (@SteveLyons12) December 4, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 11/26/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Mattingly Monument, Guerrero Back on Friday and Haren Happy to Be Home

Check out the Dugout Wizard with Ol' Blue Eyes in the photo above.

• Via Ballpark Digest, "Isotopes Park wins 2013 Field of the Year".
• Via the Kansas City Star, "Don Mattingly's Ind. hometown toasts his career".  Pic at right: WFIE 14News.

Mattingly visited Garvin Park's youth baseball field in Evansville on Saturday to help dedicate the monument, which includes the inscription, "It all started here."

• Alexander Guerrero has been absent from his Winter League team - Gigantes Del Cibao - in order to nurse a leg injury.  Via Gigantes Del Cibao's twitter, he'll be coming back on Friday.

Alexander Guerrero regresa a Roster este viernes frente a @aguilascibaenas. #apujarpormisgigantes. Se oye!!!
— Gigantes Del Cibao (@GigantesSFM) November 25, 2013

• Via Dan Wohl at Cut4, "Watch Hyun-Jin Ryu play insane CGI-aided baseball on a Korean game show".  I saw this over the weekend, and I couldn't stop watching.  Although I couldn't understand a word, I found it hilarious.  It's like a real life Baseball video game.
• There is no doubt Haren is excited to be a Dodger, via a @Dodgers tweet.

"I came to a lot of (Dodger) games as a kid. It means so much to my family and I to come back to Southern California." -Dan Haren
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 26, 2013

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dan Haren happy to be close to home".

"We've been looking for a starting pitcher, and we've been looking for someone we could lean on to provide starts and innings," Colletti said. "He's from the area and understands the Dodgers tradition.

• The Masahiro Tanaka auction appears to be coming soon.  Via Ben Badler at Baseball America, "Negotiations Continue For Posting System With Japan".

At some point soon, the sides are expected to reach an agreement, which would clear a path for Tanaka to jump to MLB, if the Rakuten Ealges agree to post him. Tanaka, 25, would be the top pitcher available on the market, as several teams project Tanaka as a No. 2 starter in the majors and see him stepping into that role immediately. 

• Via Dayn Perry at CBS Sports, "Just because: The greatest bullpen car of all-time".

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Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2013 - Dodgers Links - Greinke, Nolasco, and Wilson to be Activated Soon

Ryu and Puig greet a couple of kids in the visitors clubroom in Philadelphia.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from yesterday here.

• ICYMI: "Are Skunks the Dodgers Good Luck Charm"
• "Zack Greinke Getting By Without His Best Pitch," via Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness.
• Dodgers on Rampage through West," via Murray Chass.

“We had guys who started slowly,” Kasten said. “We also had injuries. That’s not an excuse; everyone has injuries. But we had a carousel of injuries. Every week we had a guy injured and we lost him for a week or two. Once we hit a rhythm with most of our guys on the field we played the way we thought we could play. We finally had a steady, stable lineup on the field.”

• Josh Suchon writes on his blog (Out of Ink) about the PCL realignment and how it affects the Isotopes and Dodgers.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com tells us that Ricky Nolasco was named after Rick Monday.

"So when I got traded to the Dodgers, my dad got all crazy," said Nolasco, who starts for Los Angeles on Sunday. "It was kind of surreal. And cool. My first day with the team, I got interviewed by Rick, and I sent my dad pictures. He was excited. My dad always talked about Rick Monday."

• "Brian Wilson will be activated “in a day or two”, via Drew Silva at Harball Talk.
• Left Field Pavilion shares a bunch of pics he took while attending a Dodgers/Phillies game in Philadephia.
• Dodger Penguin had a very busy Saturday.  He travelled all over the Southland to get some Baseball autographs.  Here he gets Jose Altulve, then Dennis Martinez, and finally Steve Yeager at the Sports Authority. 
• Via Bill Plaschke at the LA Times, "The setup men for a gimpy Gibson’s immortal World Series homer: A grown batboy, a lost slugger and an old scout remember their roles in Kirk Gibson’s game-winning homer in the 1988 World Series."
• "Panini America Previews the On-Card Autos Coming to 2013 Hometown Heroes Baseball," via Tracy Hackler at The Knights Lance (Panini's blog).  Check out the Davey Lopes card below.

• Via Maury Brown at the Daily Gammons, "The Blame for PEDs in Baseball Begins with You".

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Welcome to the 'Topes, Ian Stewart!

I didn't want to alarm anyone here, so I figured I should make the headline "Welcome to the 'Topes" instead of "Welcome to the Blue".

Announced earlier today, via JonHeyman on twitter, is news that recently released infielder Ian Stewart has been signed by the Dodgers.

Ian Stewart signs with dodgers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 5, 2013

Now, before you get in to a tizzy, I should add that in all likelihood he is headed to Albuquerque instead of Los Angeles.  I've yet to find confirmation of this (save a notice on NBC Roto-World), but I would be surprised if he was signed to replace anyone on the current roster.  Instead, I think Stewart is a depth signing for the club.  We are a little weak at 3rd base right in the high-minors, so in order to provide some insurance against a major injury Stewart was signed to come in as a just-in-case measure.  Besides, the man has shown some power at the plate, so he is certainly worth a try.

Below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig in the FanCave

Yasiel Puig visited the MLB FanCave today.  Check him out above trying out a new bat, pic via twitter @MLBFanCave.  Check out his reaction to the new band Puig Destoyer, here.

• Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers are nearing a new contract, per Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports.

The Dodgers have made progress on a seven-year extension for Kershaw, and the dollar amount will be above the $180 million the Tigers awarded Verlander, according to major-league sources. The contract would be the largest for a pitcher in baseball history.

• Kershaw is not happy that the above negotiations have gone public.  Per Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Clayton Kershaw upset about report on contract talks with Dodgers".
• It sounds like Puig is here for good.  Via a tweet from Dylan Hernandez.

Even if/when Kemp and Crawford return, Puig will probably remain in major leagues, according to Mattingly.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) June 16, 2013

• The Dodgers organization was involved in another bench-clearing brawl.  This time it was in Albuquerque against the Cardinals AAA club from Memphis.  Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew.
• Joel Sherman at the NY Post writes, "Dodgers gambled big on phenom Puig based on just one BP session".

“I wanted the player,” White remembered during a phone conversation. “And I will tell you how badly I wanted him: I would rather he come to us with the talent I saw and fail to turn those tools into anything than go someplace else and succeed. I couldn’t have lived with that.”

• "Fifty years later, Downing recalls '63 season fondly: Southpaw was key factor in Yanks' pennant, had front-row seat for historic Series," Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com.

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