Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw is excited for the season, regardless of the controversy currently embroiling the game. Via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think any time you add players of Mookie’s caliber, of David’s caliber, there’s a little bit added excitement for sure,” Kershaw said. “We’re fired up. We know we have a good team. Now we’ve just got to go play.”
...
“I love baseball,” Kershaw said. “I’m excited about it, and I’m just thinking about the 12-year-old kid at home that… here’s all this stuff. It’s hard to decipher. It’s just a lot of negative and negative and negative, and rightfully so. It’s a lot of stuff that’s going on that shouldn’t have happened, but at the same time, the season’s going to happen. We’re excited about it. This team is excited. There’s going to be a lot of great baseball, and I’m fired up for that.”

Photos above and on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed 19-year old Roberto Clemente to a one-year contract worth $5,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus. He was highly scouted by both the Yankees and Giants, but they all got outbid by the Dodgers. Unfortunately, they would lose Clemente's rights during the upcoming 1954 Rule V Draft to Pittsburgh... And guess who was the Pirates GM at the time -- Branch Rickey. In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration. The Dodgers had countered with a salary of $750,000.
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Segedin, Wright and Roberts Say's No iPad

Check out Roy Campanella hanging out with some little leaguers at the place he called home during Spring Training - at "Campy's Corner."  Dated to March 1959, photo found on eBay, he would often regale players and fans alike with stories of yore. 

Below are more links to check out:

• Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports writes something funny.  He makes some outlandish predictions for every team.

Dodgers:  Team president Friedman, reacting to a series of injuries down the stretch, buys Cuba to fortify team with major-league-ready replacements.

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Roberts not planning to use iPad during games."

"I'm used to looking at paper and I kind of have certain things that I like to go to and reference when you walk through an individual game," Roberts said. "To navigate through an iPad, I don't want to have to worry about it loading up. I want to know where I have to go for information."

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Libertore, Ryu and Jamey Wright

You gotta respect a man who wants to give it one last try.  After all, calling it quits is the toughest thing to do.  Via Ken Gurnick on twitter, 19-year veteran pitcher Jamey Wright is retiring. Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"I have no regrets in this game. Everything I got I had to work really, really hard for," Wright said. "What I tell some of the young guys is that the hardest thing to do is staying in the big leagues, and there is no excuse for letting somebody out-work you."

Wright said he might one day get into coaching, but for now he was focused on "being with the most important team," his wife and three kids.

"I am very blessed to be in the clubhouse and be with these guys I missed it last year and I will continue to miss it," Wright said. "One thing about pitching for 10 different teams, I've got more friends than anybody. That's one of my greatest accomplishments."

As you will recall, Jamey spent the winter working out with Clayton Kershaw after seemingly being done with the game and just got that itch.  Via Andy McCullough at the LA Times in February:

“The first time out felt great. The second time felt even better. Then we started getting some other guys in there throwing, but I wanted to keep throwing. I wanted to take it through and see how it feels.”

Check out Wright's statistics here.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:

• Mike Noren at Cecil Cooperstown shares original drawings that look like Baseball cards of ballplayers who are underappreciated.  Check out the drawing he did of Steve Garvey here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Maeda and Corey Seager

The well loved Dodgers skipper Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson looks as happy as can be.  He is sporting Dodger pinstripes and a fantastic Brooklyn sweater to go along with his robust waist.  It is dated to the tail end of the 1916 season; a year the club won it's first National League pennant in sixteen years.  It is currently available at RMY Auctions.  BTW, the photo was found in the archives of Underwood and Underwood - a well regarded sports press photo shop at the time.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Urias may decide between Mexico and Dodgers."

"My first choice would be to be here with the Dodgers and see if there is an opportunity for me here," Urias said in Spanish. "I prefer to be with the Dodgers. But at the same time, I would enjoy being with the Mexican team."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Eager to go from Seager to Seager."  Cary speaks with Chris Woodward, the Dodgers' new third base coach, about Corey - after having spent so much time with his brother Kyle in Seattle.

“Kyle’s very humble, but he’s got a lot of confidence when he goes up there,” Woodward said. “Some guys are cocky, but then they’re hard to coach because they think they’re good enough. There’s so many dynamics to players, but Kyle was perfect in most ways. He said Corey’s the same way. Kyle said, ‘Corey’s the same way, but he’s better than I am.’ I said, ‘Wait a second. You’re a hundred million-dollar player who’s an All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, and you’re saying he’s better than you? OK.’ He said, ‘I’m not lying.’”

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "There’s focused – and then there’s Jack Murphy focused."  Ron chats with the newest Dodger catcher.
• Alex Wood was playing hurt last season, via Andy McCullough at the LA Times.  He apparently rolled his ankle in his final start as a Brave - just before coming to Los Angeles.
• Eric Gagne with be managing Team France during the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Panama City next month, via mister-baseball.com. (Hat Tip: r/Spongie555 on Reddit)
• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Maeda, Ellis find rhythm in bullpen session."

"I know about his fastball command and I've seen evidence of his slider and how devastating his slider can be, but I was impressed with his changeup and his ability to throw that today with the quality of depth he had with it and really command it in the middle of the plate," Ellis said. "We talked for a while afterwards about what an important weapon that can be for him this year."

• He's back.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers ink veteran reliever Wright, bring him into camp."
• In hobby news, John Mackie at the Vancouver Sun writes about a vintage find of Vancouver BC Baseball memorabilia; "Baseball treasures found in Metro Vancouver attic" (link here).

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Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Turning Royal Blue and Pederson to Play in Dominican Republic

It's a painful realization when it becomes clear that the Giants are just the better franchise at this point in time.  They've done everything right and have reaped the benefits, as a result.  As Sheen would say, they are 'winning' and right now they are drinking that tiger blood.  That being said, I shall root for that other 'Blue' team to slay that cocky feline like they're one of those rabid lions in 'The Ghost in the Darkness.'  Royals, be Val Kilmer!  Slaughter those Giants!  The graphic above is via Jerry Hairston on instagram.

Below are some links to check out:

• This is worth your time to read.  Via Janet Marie Smith at Dodger Insider, ‘Back to the Future: Building a Ballpark, Not a Stadium’.  Janet is the Dodgers Senior Vice President of Planning and Development.  She gave a speech at the HOF recently about ballparks and their history, and this post includes its complete text.
• Joc Pederson to play in the Dominican Winter Leagues for Leones del Escogido, via a tweet from Joc.

✈️ Headed to Dominican to play for @EscogidoBBClub ⚾️🌴
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) October 16, 2014

• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "A couple words from Jamey Wright on the Dodgers’ season."

“I’m still trying to figure out why I’m at home right now and not in San Francisco.”

• ICYMI:  Blake Griffin recounts some of his experiences during the Sterling debacle with an article at The Players Tribune.  It's well worth your time to check out.  He ended the piece with a perfect quote.  Check it out below.

“Some people are so poor, all they have is their money.”

• I just thought I'd pass this along.  Detective Dean Cioppa of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office has been identified on Twitter by Yogi’s granddaughter, Lindsay Berra, as looking for information and leads from collectors in connection with the robbery at the Yogi Berra Museum. He can be reached at 973-837-7667. A $5,000 reward was initially offered by Crimestoppers according to Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura and that reward has increased to over $30,000 thanks to donations from Berra fans and supporters.  As you may know, the museum was broken into and numerous championship rings and 2 MVP awards were stolen.  Initial speculation suggest it was a contracted job since these items could not possibly be sold out in the open.  (Hat Tip: Hauls of Shame.org)

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A Foam Party Celebration - The Many Iterations of the Dodger Bubble Machine in Fantasy Card Form

In honor of last night's division winning victory and the good luck charm that got us there, I thought I would share some fantasy Baseball card creations I've been putting together in honor of the vaunted Dodger Bubble Machine.

My memories aren't entirely clear but from what I remember it first came into being in early June, and other than a brief respite in NL Commissioner jail it has traveled consistently with the Dodgers ever since.  If anybody recalls the exact day or game it made its first appearance please let me know.  I think it's important, for the sake of Dodger Blue history, to know these kind of things.  Or maybe I'm just a weirdo with an unhealthy obsession with bubbles.  Anyway, the Bubble Machine has been with us through it all and below is my way of honoring it.  Check out my fantasy Baseball card creations below.

As you know the Bubble Machine has come in many different forms.  After all, the rough and tumble Major League clubhouse would surely be too taxing for an inexpensive toy contraption like this.  So, there have been many different Dodger Bubble Machines.  I have done my best to capture them all.

The first fantasy card below uses a photo that was tweeted by the @Dodgers right after it was unofficially banned by the NL Commissioner in early August.  The team wanted to let us all know that it had been all packed up and ready to go to Milwaukee.

The below fantasy card is of the Bubble Machine featured in the box above.  The pic was shared by ESPN reporter Beto Duran on twitter, and taken just before it's banning.  I used the vintage 1968 Topps Baseball card design.

Here's another version of the Dodger Bubble Machine from late August.  The original photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

I believe this next Bubble Machine (on the bottome left) is one of the earliest version, if not THE earliest versions.  The original photo was taken in Detroit and shared on CBS (Leon Halip/Getty Images) in early July.  The card on the right is from late September and was shared by SportsNet LA on twitter.  As you can see, by this time they started painting the Dodger logo onto the Bubble Machine.

The next series of fantasy cards are "In Action" cards, so to speak.

The below card uses a photo taken during the recent roadtrip to Chicago, taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  I'm not entirely sure who is holding it up, but I do know they are celebrating one of AJ Ellis' two home runs on Friday, September 19th.

Here is something different.  The Bubble Machine just doesn't fill itself up.  That's the job of Dodger Clubhouse Manager Mitch Poole.  Photos below were taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014 in mid-September.

Here are some classic "In Action" photos using the vintage 1972 & 1973 Topps Baseball card design.  You might not see the Bubble Machine, but you sure do see its bubbles.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

And how could I forget to put up an "In Action" card featuring Clayton Kershaw celebrating his no-hitter (card on the left).  This photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  On the right is Adrian Gonzalez fiddling with it in late June; also taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

These last two fantasy cards have nothing to do with the Bubble Machine.  I just loved the photo (taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014) and had to incorporate it into a couple of cards.  I call it "Ryu & Turner's Ice Party."

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Blog Kiosk: 9/22/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon the Dodger bats continued their hot-hitting-ways by driving in eight runs on sixteen hits against the Cubs, and this time the bullpen didn't falter like on Saturday.  In fact, yesterday's game was a bullpen game; meaning that the pitching would be done solely through the 'pen.

The elder statesman of the staff, Jamey Wright, came out to start the game.  Then, Carlos Frias came in to relieve him after a couple of innings.  He was followed by Chris Perez, Paco Rodriguez, Pedro Baez and Kenley Jansen.  It was like experiencing a Spring Training game during the regular season.

Overall, they gave up five runs, eight hits and struck out a collective 13 batters.  The Dodger offense was fueled by Matt Kemp who had a home run, three singles and four RBI's.  On top of that, five other Dodgers had multiple hits.

With the victory, the Dodgers now have a firm strangle hold on the National League West Division title. They now lead the Giants by 4.5 games and saw their magic number shrink to three games.  With the Giant series starting tonight the Dodger have a chance to clinch the division with San Francisco looking on if they win two games.

BTW, on Sunday the Dodgers held their first annual LA Dodgers Foundation 5K run at Dodger Stadium.  As you can see in the above photo tweeted out by the @Dodgers there was a large crowd on hand.  There were 3,805 runners.  Now, below are some links to check out:

• Go here to check out some photos from yesterday's game via Jon SooHoo.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu could return to action before postseason."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Gordon looks forward to 'first time' clinching."

He said he is looking forward to the Dodgers’ next playoff-clinching party because it will feel like his first. Gordon spent most of last season at Triple-A Albuquerque, starting just 23 games for the Dodgers. Even though he made the postseason roster, primarily so he could be used as a pinch runner, Gordon said he didn’t consider himself part of that 2013 team that made it to the NLCS.

“That didn’t count,” Gordon said. “I didn’t feel like I was part of it, to be honest. I hadn’t been there all year. This will be a great moment for me.”

• "Haren not focused on clinching against rivals," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"To tell you the truth, when we swept them [in San Francisco] two months ago, the feeling in the clubhouse was that we needed to sweep. We understood the magnitude of the series even months ago. We've played really well to be in a good position. Now we don't have to sweep, just play good ball. "

• I had failed to mention this over the weekend.  The hazing in Chicago of the Dodger rookies didn't end with only costume play.  Joc Pederson got treated extra special by the grisly Dodger veterans.  On Friday morning he was tasked with fetching some coffee at a nearby Starbucks.  As you can see in the photo below (as instagramed by Joc himself) he completed the task in full uniform.  The person helping him out (walking in front of Joc) is Dodger Clubhouse Manager Mitch Poole.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just love this photo tweeted out by @Dodger_History on twitter of a less-rotund Tommy Lasorda and Steve Garvey playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic.

BTW, the showdown with the Giants begins tonight in San Francisco.  Hyun-Jin Ryu faces off against Madison Bumgarner at 7:15 tonight.

• What is this all about?  Via AP on FoxSports, "Man charged with allegedly smuggling Dodgers' Puig from Cuba."  I'd be willing to bet that this has been a huge distraction.
• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "Lookouts fall behind 2-0 in Southern League Finals."  The Dodgers AA famclub is on the brink of elimination.
• Via JP Hoornstra at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, "Dodgers’ Dee Gordon embraces change, is stealing bases with his feet."

“It’s about safety and being able to (steal a base) in the long-term, and being called safe more,” he said.

In July 2012, Gordon dislocated his thumb sliding head-first into third base in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he’s managed to avoided any serious hand injuries by wearing a protective guard. He tried switching to a foot-first slide multiple times since, but the change never took until recently.

• Ow!  Watch this with caution.  Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton hit in face with pitch and taken to hospital."
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA tells us about Roger Kahn's newest book, 'Rickey & Robinson.'
• Via Daniel Brim at Dodger Digest, "Jamey Wright, Lefty Specialist?"
• Sometimes I get emails from other collectors hoping I can help them fill a wantlist. Well, the other day I got an interesting one that I thought I would pass along. A collector named Scott is in the process of collecting tickets from every game that Mike Piazza has played in, and is in need of tickets from his days as a Dodger, from 1992 to 1998.  If you have tickets from this era (preferably a season ticket holder from that time) that you'd be interested in parting with please let me know.  I'll hook you up with Scott.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodger Loss Felt Like Alderaan Being Attacked by the Death Star

The force was strong with Yasiel Puig last night.  He recorded two singles and a double; while driving in two runs and scoring once.  Unfortunately, a bad outing by reliever Jamey Wright turned last nights celebratory Star Wars evening into a rerun of the Star Wars Holiday Special.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

Dee Gordon also had a great evening.  He recorded two singles, two stolen bases and scored twice.  Unfortuantely, he also was caught stealing in the bottom of the seventh inning; which ended up being an omen for what would happen next.   Jamey Wright came into the game in relief of a very effective Pedro Baez to give up three singes, a walk and a double.  All five of those runners would eventually score and seal the Dodgers fate.  The good guys lost the game, 6 to 3.

The Dodgers maintained their lead over the Gianst at 5.5 games.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• ICYMI: Hyun-Jin Ryu has been placed on the 15-day DL due to right hip/butt strain (LOL!).  No... I shouldn't laugh.  He's an important cog on this team and we can't afford to lose him for any extended period of time... But, I just can't help it.  Pedro Baez has been called up in his place.
• And it just keep on pouring.  Via Ken Gurnick and Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Uribe day to day with tight right hamstring."

"His hammy tightened up on him. The same one as before, so we tried to get him out of there," Mattingly said, referring to the injury that caused Uribe to miss 34 games earlier in the year.

• Via Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Clayton Kershaw’s target: Burt Hooton and ‘The Great Arm Robbery’"
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Alex Guerrero Is Right Where He Should Be."

Until he starts hitting again, he’s exactly where he ought to be. For the next three weeks, until the Triple-A season ends, he should be in Albuquerque trying to get his swing back and getting as much defensive time as he can. In September, he’ll almost certainly join the Dodgers, since he’s already on the 40-man roster, and he’ll be a potentially interesting bench option.

• Via Jeff Todd and Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Acquire Justin Germano."  He has been sent to Albuquerque.  You can follow him on twitter at @JustGerm.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Jharel Cotton, not Julio Urias, might be the Quakes’ ace."
• Chaos and Kanji gives us another post at a Baseball game in Korea - "NC Dinos Baseball Game, Masan (Changwon), Korea." 
• Dee Gordon accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge.  Wait for the end.  AJ Ellis shows us the sexy.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: March 28, 2014 vs. Angels

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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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Los Angeles Dodgers
RHP Garrett Richards vs. RHP Zach Lee
Friday, March 28, 2014, 7:10 p.m. | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV: SportsNet LA RADIO: AM 570 KLAC (ENG), KTNQ 1020 AM (SPAN)

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(Pujols, Mota, Puig and Gonzalez, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

BACK TO SPRING TRAINING: After opening the 2014 Major League regular season with a pair of games against the D-backs in Australia last weekend, the Dodgers returned to exhibition play last night, losing 7-5 to the Angels. The clubs meet again tonight at Dodger Stadium before the series shifts to Anaheim for the Freeway Series finale tomorrow evening. Los Angeles won the Freeway Series last year, 2-1, and then the clubs split their four regular-season meetings, with each club protecting their home field. The clubs will play four times during the regular season this year, two games at Dodger Stadium, August 4-5, and two games in Anaheim, August 6-7.

• The Dodgers open their North American slate on Sunday evening against the Padres on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Los Angeles will also battle the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday before its home opener on Friday, April 4 at 1:10 p.m. against the Giants.

(At Camelback Ranch, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

LIFE IN THE DESERT: The Dodgers went 6-10-5 during Cactus League play as they matched a Los Angeles record for Spring Training ties set in 2006 (15-13-5). In 12 home dates at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, the Dodgers drew 114,402 fans, with an average crowd of 9,534, their highest average since moving to Arizona in 2009.

HIGH NUMBERS: The Dodgers’ roster will be supplemented by minor leaguers RHP Matt Magill (#36), C Tim Federowicz (#26), RHP Sam Demel (#38), RHP Zach Lee (#64), RHP Red Patterson (#78), C Jose Capellan (96), INF Miguel Rojas (#72), INF Corey Seager (#94), INF Darnell Sweeney (#87), OF Joc Pederson (#65), OF Trayvon Robinson (#90) and LHP Tom Windle (#97).

GONE HOLLYWOOD: For the second consecutive season, the Dodgers will treat their fans to baseball-themed movies after three games – Saturday, April 26 “Field of Dreams” (6:10 p.m. vs. COL), Saturday May 31 “A League of Their Own” (4:15 p.m. vs. PIT) and Saturday, August 16 “The Natural” (6:10 p.m. vs. MIL). These three iconic and family-friendly baseball films will be screened for fans following each game and screenings are free with a game-day ticket. Fans sitting in the right field pavilion and left field pavilion will be invited down to the field postgame for a better viewing experience.

ALL DODGERS, ALL THE TIME: All three of the Freeway Series games will be televised by SportsNet LA, the exclusive new 24/7 TV network of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The network takes fans behind-the-scenes with the team and offers in-depth access to the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will televise more than 140 live, regular-season Dodger games, plus a full slate of original, classic and live studio programming that focuses only on the Dodgers, covering the team in a way that it’s never been covered.

JOB FAIR: Tomorrow, the Dodgers will host their 19th annual Community Job Fair starting at 10:00 a.m. and more than 100 companies will be on hand to meet with members of the Los Angeles community. Last year, more than 5,000 job seekers from throughout Southern California gathered at the stadium to meet potential employers. This year’s Job Fair features training providers, government agencies and employers including: Kaiser Permanente, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Fairplex, Lowe’s and many more. Parking at Dodger Stadium and admission to the job fair is free. Also, free shuttle service into the stadium will be provided from the corner of Elysian Park Ave. and Sunset Blvd. Participants are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring their current resume. 

CHECK IT OUT: Tomorrow, Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game, a new exhibition exploring the team’s storied past through four players and a Hall of Fame manager, will open at the Japanese American National Museum. Jackie Robinson, Fernando Valenzuela, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo, and Tommy Lasorda—each of whom made history in his own right—will be prominently featured, as will owners Branch Rickey, Walter O’Malley, and Peter O’Malley. The exhibition continues through September 14.

(Bullpen overlook, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodger 2014)

NEW AND IMPROVED!: The latest round of stadium improvements are being unveiled this week, including:

• Expansion of the entries at the field level, with two new 25,000 square-foot plazas in right and left field.  Each plaza houses a 5,000 square-foot new team store, tickets and concessions space, as well as memorabilia to celebrate Dodger history.
• Seating and lounging areas at bars and drink rails overlooking the bullpens in the outfield, giving focus to pitchers warming up, as well as infield game views. 
• Two new restaurants in the outfield entrance plazas; Tommy Lasorda’s Italian Trattoria, in the right-field area of the plaza, and THINK BLUE BBQ in left-field.
• A new public wireless system.
• Sunset Blvd. Gate A, along Elysian Park Avenue, will feature a dedicated pedestrian entrance with new lighting in an effort to encourage fans to utilize parking lots 13 and 14.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: MLB’s new instant replay system will be on display for the Freeway Series games as managers will have the ability to challenge one call through the sixth inning (and receive another challenge if successful) and be able to request a review of any play after the seventh inning. Los Angeles had five test runs with the system in Cactus League play.

(Zack Greinke, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodger 2014)

ZACH ATTACK: Minor league right handed-pitcher Zach Lee will make his third start of Cactus League play tonight and posted a 1-0 record with a 5.79 ERA thus far. Lee last started in an exhibition game against Team Australia on March 20 and struck out six, allowing one run on three hits in 4.0 innings, which did not count toward Cactus League stats. The 22-year-old, who was selected by the club in the first round (28th overall) of the 2010 MLB draft, went 10-10 with a 3.22 ERA in 28 games (25 starts) with Double-A Chattanooga last year, ranking among the Southern League leaders in wins (T-9th), innings pitched (142.2, 9th), strikeouts (131, 3rd) and WHIP (1.17, T-3rd).

• Kenley Jansen is scheduled to make his eighth appearance of the spring and has allowed only two hits in 7.0 innings in his previous outings. Jansen earned his first save of the 2014 regular season on Saturday night in Australia after finishing the 2013 campaign with a career-high 28 saves in 32 opportunities and ranked among the NL relief leaders in saves (T-11th), ERA (1.88, 6th), opponents’ batting average (.177, 7th), WHIP (0.86, 2nd) and strikeouts (111, 2nd).
• Also scheduled to pitch today are Jamey Wright, Chris Perez and Chris Withrow.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2014 - Dodgers Links - 2014 Dodger Yearbook Features Vin Scully

Aboce is the cover of the 2014 Dodgers yearbook, and you have to get it.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

(It) celebrate(s) the legendary broadcaster with an unprecedented 21-page section entirely in Scully’s words, discussing his life and career at length, taken from a one-on-one interview conducted in January.

• FYI, Alex Guerrero has been optioned by the Dodgers to AAA Albuquerque in order to make room for Carl Crawford on the roster, via Jon at Dodger Insider.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu's injured toenail jumbles pitching plans".

"Yeah, I'm concerned," Mattingly said. "It's not a long-term thing, but it could set us back and make us change the rotation we've been talking about."

• Ken also notes that Matt Kemp might be reactivated soon.  Holy Moly!
• Holy Moly.  That's hilarious.  The Reddit is strong with you.  From the @Dodgers on twitter:

It came in like a wrecking ball -- banana for scale: pic.twitter.com/0QM3lZdVbO
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 25, 2014

• Via Eric Stephen on twitter, Puig had a MRI yesterday:

Yasiel Puig did have an MRI exam today that showed no structural damage to his lower back. Day-to-day, expects to workout Wednesday w/team
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) March 25, 2014

• Via Jamey Wright at MLB.com, he recounts his most favorite Opening Day as an opposing pitcher at Dodger Stadium.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Walks don’t stop for Chone Figgins".  His approach reminds me of Jim Gilliam.

“I’ve always been a guy who’s seen pitches, but it’s not that I’m trying to see pitches just to walk,” Figgins said. “I’m more looking in a zone, and if I don’t think it’s in that zone, then I take it. I’m not afraid to hit with two strikes. I’m not trying to hit with two strikes, but I’m not afraid.”

• Via Simon Crerar at BuzzFeed, "Baseball Explained By An Australian (Who’s Never Seen Baseball)".
• 2014 Topps Museum officially comes out on Friday.  Check out a bunch of preview pics on their facebook page, here.  Below are cards of Koufax and Kershaw.

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It's Official: Dodgers Sign 2 Relievers - Chris Perez and Jamey Wright

Over the past several days there has been talk of the Dodgers signing a couple of relievers to shore up their bullpen.  Well, they made those signings official today.

The Dodger announced this afternoon that they have signed both Chris Perez and Jamey Wright to 1-year free agent contacts.

In celebration, I made a couple of fantasy Baseball cards for both of them using a design I've been fiddling with all winter.  BTW, the photo used on the Jamey Wright card was originally taken by Dee Gordon and was shared on Jon SooHoo's photoblog.

As for the new Dodgers, Ned Colletti had this to say about Chris Perez.

"Chris expressed an interest in coming here and pitching in any role Don asks of him,” said Colletti. “We see him adding depth and experience to our bullpen and while Kenley and Brian will close games, we play so many tight games that we couldn’t pass up the chance to add another reliever who has experienced success in the 7th, 8th and 9th inning. It’s a great opportunity for both Chris and the Dodgers."

As you know, Jamey Wright played for the Dodgers in 2012.

"We’re very familiar with Jamey from his time with us in 2012 and he’s capable of pitching in a variety of different roles,” said Colletti “He brings versatility, a veteran presence and added leadership to the staff. We look forward to having him back in 2014.”

Below are their career stats, and you can check out the Dodgers press release for both of them, here and here.  I should add that the rumored signings of both Juan Uribe and Brian Wilson have yet to be made official.

Chris Perez's career stats via Baseball Reference.

Jamey Wright's career stats via Baseball Reference.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/24/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Tommy Lasorda dropped the opening puck at last nights Kings game.  He's done this a number of times over the past several years, and has quite an unusual way of doing it.  He walks up to center ice, never acknowledges the opposing player, barely acknowledges the Kings player, drops the puck and immediately walks away.  It's hilarious.  Watch his puck drop from last night here.

• Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs shares the Dodgers 2014 ZiPS Projections.
• An old friend alert.  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, The Tampa Bay Rays claim Jerry Sands off of waivers.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ethier a friend to Los Angeles' neediest communities".
• Apparently, the Dodgers have signed reliever Jamey Wright to a 1-year contract, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Check out Hanley Ramirez's new hairdo, via Samer Kalaf at Deadspin.
• Via Sarah Wexler at We're born again, there's new grass on the field writes, "Dodger Stadium: MLB’s only Googie stadium".  This is a great piece on it's architectural design.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers agree with relievers Wright, Perez".
• Via Logan Rhoades on BuzzFeed, "24 Reasons Why Hockey Players Are Actually Big, Cuddly Sweethearts".

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2012 Topps Update Baseball Cards- Dodgers Base Set

On Wednesday, Topps released their UPDATE Set to their flagship Baseball card set.  As expected there are whole bunch of inserts and parallel variation cards; including some short printed Baseball cards.  In fact, their are 7 different short printed Dodgers variation cards (actually 6 since one of them is a Sabathia card with a Kemp sitting nearby).  Go here to see them all.

For this post, I feature all of the base Dodger cards in the set.  See them below.

#US3 Adam Kennedy 

#US4 Matt Treanor 

#US38 Elian Herrera -RC 

#US52 Clayton Kershaw - AS 

#US57 Hanley Ramirez 

#US102 Brandon League 

#US113 Scott Elbert 

#US133 Matt Kemp - AS 

#US170 Jerry Hairston 

#US191 Bobby Abreu 

#US217 Matt Guerrier 

#US262 Matt Kemp - Home Run Derby 

#US293 Shane Victorino

#US304 A.J. Ellis 

#US324 Jamey Wright

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