Repko On the Move

According to Dylan Hernandez, via Twitter, Jason Repko has landed in the Twins organization.  I've always liked his hustle.  I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a role with the big club one of these days.

Bog Kiosk: 1/10/10

So when does some real Dodger Baseball news start?

• Dodger resign Jason Repko for $500,000.00 to avoid arbitration.
  
• KingyMcKingster at Let's Go Kings creates a conceptual art drawing of what the Winter Classic Hockey game might look like at Dodger Stadium- complete with snow blowers. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
• Download GM Trade Histories for the NL West here from MLB Trade Rumors.
  
• Carlton Hendricks goes through the entire negotiating process to buy a rare sports antique at an Alameda antiques fair. He finally buys a 1888 Bailey Championship Prize Sterling Silver Plaque given by the Amateur Athletic Union (one of the more prominent athletic bodies in the late 19th century).
• Check out some new commemorative stamps the USPS will be releasing later on this year- Negro League Stamps. (Via Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
• Indians Basball Cards confirms the existence of cards featuring the movie Major League.
• The NY Times is "Documenting the Decade" in photos. Check them out here.
  
• Check out these incredible photos from the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China from Boston.com.
• Muzorama

Muzorama from Muzorama Team on Vimeo.

Video Link:

Repko's Back

Am I the only guy who forgot that Jason Repko was still with us?

He, along with Scott Elbert and A. J. Ellis, has been called up for the September lineup expansion.

Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts:

AAA All-Star Game Voting Now

Evan of I love This Game has passed along a request to let all Dodger fans know that the AAA All-Star Game voting is taking place right now and several Isotopes/ Dodgers are on th ballot. Go here to vote. Voting last until next Friday, June 26, 2009. You can help get the following folks into the game.

James McDonald

(Pic Link: Vinny is My Homeboy)

Dee Brown(Pic Link: Minor League Baseball)

Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger

(Pic Link: Flickr Dave Nelson)

Jason Repko(Pic Link: Stopka, Inc.)

Jamie Hoffman

(Pic Link: Copper JJ's Graph World)

Hector Luna(Pic Link: Bleacher Report)

Blake DeWitt

(Pic Link: Cards in the Attic)

Chin-Lung Hu(Pic Link: Dinged Corners)

Blog Kiosk 1/18/2009

Spring is just around the corner. Baseball is almost here.

• Our best wishes to Don Zimmer. He recently had a stroke, but expects to be back on the field this Spring. It looks like a quick recovery. Thanks to True Blue LA for the news.
  
• I look forward to reading more from this new Dodger/ Vin Scully blog called "Listening to Vin."
• Check out the Trolley Dodgers post featuring the very first pitch made at the Brooklyn Dodgers old digs at Ebbets Field.
  
• The Fiendish Observational Comedian discusses the Jason Repko's arbitration.
• Reflections of Blue responds sarcastically to the rumor that 8 teams have called Boras about Andruw Jones.
• You must all read Roberto's blog- Vinny is My Homeboy.
  
• This is a phenomenal read. "A Journey from Ebbets Field to the Steps of the Capitol."

  I did not ask Newcombe what he thought of Obama. But a year ago, I asked Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie, and the prime force in the Jackie Robinson Foundation, how she felt about Obama’s candidacy.

  “George, that is a political question,” she said, putting her hand on my shoulder and giving me her beautiful, resolute smile. “And I’m not going to answer it.” But I think she did.

• The European version of a hobby gimmick. A Beckham sticker from Panini drives collectors in Italy crazy. Hat Tip: Chuck's Used Cards.
• Bad Wax has become a McFarlane sports figurine collector.
• Jo Anna is so ready for some Dodger Baseball.
  
• What a great card. The Garvey Cey Russell Lopes Card blog finds a very timely card. Whoever put these guys on adjacent panels had a eye for the future.
• When all you can do is laugh, play The Bailout Game! Hat Tip: The Big Picture:
  
• Former Kansas City Royal Amos Otis is a collector too.

  “I think people still remember my career, so I still sign quite a few autograph requests,” he said. “Going to shows such as The National gives me the opportunity to see players who I played with and against, yet have not seen them in quite a few years; that’s always nice.
  
  “Plus, I can get some autographs, too.”
  
  Otis collects autographs from sports and entertainment personalities. One of his prized pieces is a signed item featuring cast members from “The Andy Griffith Show,” including Gomer Pyle.

• On June 23rd the Brooklyn Cyclones will transform into the Baracklyn Cyclones with jazzy new uniforms and a free bobblehead given to fans in honor of our new President. Other exciting give-aways that day include 2 free tickets to anyone named Joe and is actually a plumber, a bi-partisan consolation prize of free tickets in the bleachers for anyone named McCain or Palin and a clear-cut exit strategy where fans receive an American flag as they leave the game. Go to the teams website for more info.
• Do you remember Ricky Wright. The 1983 Fleer projects showcases another autographed Dodger card.
• The Fifth Outfielder ranks the best Baseball sites.
• Wow. I Love This Game runs into a great Koufax painting and its painter. It was done with spray paint.
• This is the best video that I've seen so far that best encapsulates 2008. Enjoy.

YouTube Link: calecse:
Hat Tip: Extra Mustard:

Sign Martin Long Term

After reading on several occasions last year that Russell Martin was content with one year contracts we now find that he is changing his tune.

"I'm always interested in a long-term deal," Martin said. "Who wouldn't be?"

Unfortunately, Colletti has yet to get the word.

General Manager Ned Colletti said the Dodgers are "concentrating on a one-year [contract] at the moment."

Maybe it's time to start thinking long term, eh. On the positive side, Russell signals that he will be realistic.

"I just want to get treated fairly," he said. "I'm not trying to steal the bank."

In other news several other Dodgers, including Martin, filed for arbitration yesterday- they include Jonathon Broxton, Andre Ethier and Jason Repko.

Collector Spotlight: Mark From Washington

This is a feature I've been wanting to do for a long time now. I know there is a large community of Dodger collectors out there who would love the opportunity to share their collection with other fans. As luck would have it, I came across a fan through eBay with a great Baseball room and an even better story.
A couple of weeks ago on eBay I came across a 1976 Centennial Game Used Bat of former Dodger outfielder Glenn Burke- made famous as the inventor of the high-five in Baseball- being sold by a long distance Dodger fan Mark (Dodgerbats) from Washington. He was kind enough to share his story.

Thank you for taking the time to share your Dodger fanaticism and collection. What are your earliest or fondest memories of the Dodgers?

My earliest and fondest Dodger memory is sitting in the farm truck with my dad, late at night, listening to Vin Scully describe the Dodger game! I grew up on a farm in Northern Montana. When the local radio stations would cut their power late at night, we could get the LA radio station all the way up to our Montana State!

Who is your favorite player- either in the past or now?

My favorite Dodger of the past is a tie! The tie goes to Bobby Valentine and Manny Mota!

My favorite current Dodger is Jason Repko! If he ever gets healthy, WATCH OUT! I'm just afraid that he might not ever get healthy, which is really sad! Hey, that kind of reminds me of my Bobby Valentine! Tuff breaks for some of the MLBers! But then again, that's how some of our other Dodgers get a chance to play, like Blake Dewitt! Blake's lookin' good!

I see from the photos on your eBay page that you have quite a collection from baseball bats to uniforms in your own Baseball room. Are they all Dodger related items? What is your collecting focus?

My main focus in collecting is Dodgers game used bats of past and present players. I also have a few Dodgers game worn jerseys, and other equipment such as a Maury Wills Equipment Bag, a pair of Tommy Lasorda's game worn pants, Eric Karros's game worn belt, Ron Cey's game worn undershirt, etc etc.. I only collect Dodger items, as I wouldn't even be able to sleep at night if I had anything in my Dodger Den from another team! LOL!

How long have you been a collector? How long have you been collecting Dodgers stuff?

I've been collecting Dodger memorabilia since 1968. My dad took me to a Great Falls Giants game in Montana. We sat out in our truck just outside of the left field wall, listening to the game on the radio. The Announcer said the famous words, "AND A LONG FLY BALL!" It was the very first homerun baseball that I ever got, and the homerun was hit by no other than Bobby Valentine! He was playing for the Ogden minor league farm system at the time!

Please share your favorite bat or uniform. Do you have another (other than a bat or uniform) that you consider your favorite?

My favorite bat in my collection would have to be my 1976 Bicentennial Manny Mota bat! The Bicentennial bats are getting very hard to come by. I also love my "LASORDA'S DUGOUT" restaurant entry rug. It makes my whole Dodger Den! :)

Is there anything on your want list you want me to put up to let other Dodger fans/ collectors to know your looking for?

The #1 item on my Dodgers wish-list is quite unique! I'm looking for a 1996 Mike Blowers game worn jersey. He only played half of the 1996 season because he unfortunately blew his knee out! Where did all his 1996 jerseys go??? I'm guessing they sent most of them down to the minors. My father did business with Mike Blowers up here in the Seattle area, where we live now! Therefore, Mike has always been one of our favorites! He's a very nice man!

Thanks again for sharing my Dodger Love with others! I sure wish I lived in Southern California! You have no idea what it's like to be a Dodger fan stuck in Seattle Mariner Country! My friends give me a pretty bad time!

The last time we visited California on vacation, I bought an ice chest and brought home $250.00 worth of Farmer John Foot Long Dodger Hot Dogs! Now my Dad and I sit in our Dodger Stadium Seats eating Dodger Dogs, while watching the Dodgers on MLB-TV! "GO DODGERS GO!"

Mark, thank you so much for sharing. I must say that I never knew how far Dodger fandom stretched, and BTW I'm envious of your Lasorda Dugout rug. That's awesome!

If anyone has a Dodger collection that you would like to share please write to me. I'd love to share your stories. I'm hoping that this segment will be the first of many.

Player Updates

Diamond Leung let's us know how the rest of the Dodgers are doing.

• Jeff Kent is still undecided about playing next season.
  
• Chin-lung Hu is no longer playing in the Arizona Fall League due to a strained hamstring.
• Tony Abreu is on the mend. He is starting a rehabilitation assignment in Florida.
• Yhency Brazoban will begin throwing next week.
• Jason Repko will begin working out soon.

Also, I'd like to add that Andy LaRoche and Delwyn Young are playing for Team USA in this winters 2007 IBAF World Cup Tournament in Chinese Taipei. Check out the "Countdown to the Olympics" Baseball Blog for updates about how Team USA is doing.

Team USA played their first game of the tournament today against Mexico and came out on top with a 3-0 victory. Both LaRoche and Young went 0 for 4. LaRoche was the DH and Young played leftfield, batting #3 & #4, respectively.

Story Link: Diamond Leung:

Truckin'

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me;
Other times, I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me ...
What a long, strange trip it's been.

What an exasperating year this has been. From injuries to triumphs, the ups and downs, the Dodgers seemed doomed from the start, but hopeful that everything would turn out o.k.

Everything did start well enough. Free agency brought us Jason Schmidt, Randy Wolf and Luis Gonzales. Nomar re-signed for another term. JD Drew left for Boston to the claps and cheers of the Dodger faithful. Our rookies where looking better than anyone imagined.

Then, a dark cloud popped out from behind the shadows. Repko and Furcal were injured on the same freak play that resulted in Jason sitting the entire year and Rafael hobbling and limping at shortstop. Worries about Schmidt's velocity during the Spring ballooned into a season ending injury. Loney was sent back to the minors at the start of the season that caused some grumbling. Pierre had a difficult start to the season in centerfield. It took him a long time to traverse the expansive terrain of Chavez Ravine. Sometimes it looked like he could not see the ball off the bat at Dodger Stadium. Nomar was not entirely healthy. Betemit couldn't buy a hit. The year was not starting out on the right foot.

Somehow... Somehow, the Dodgers found a way to be competitive anyway. Billingsley showed that he is ready to be a full-time starter. Penny and Lowe proved to be a solid pitching tandem. Saito was not a one year wonder, and Broxton matured into a more reliable set-up man (the past couple of weeks notwithstanding). Kent continues to prove why he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Our rookies on the field continued to progress beyond our wildest expectations. James Loney, the disgruntled Texan, earned a full-time starting job at firstbase. Along with Russell, Ethier and Kemp they provide a solid foundation for the future.

Unfortunately, the future might have to wait for next year.

We started the day having lost a crushing doubleheader to the Rockies yesterday. Billingsley pitched an outstanding 5+ innings, having given up just two runs on 4 hits. Nevertheless, the Dodgers offense provided little help as the Blue Crew fell 3 to 1. Then the nightcap became a hitting bonanza. The Dodgers got 13 hits and scored 8 runs; including homers by Gonzales, Loney and Martin. They led going into the later innings, but saw their once solid bullpen give up 4 runs. The final nail the coffin was a walk-off two-run homer by Helton of Saito. It was a bad ending to a hopeful day.

Yesterday morning had so many opportunities. The Dodgers were 4 games back of the Diamondbacks in the division race, and only 3 games back of the Padres in the wild card race. Our playoff hopes were looking dim, but there was more than enough time to make it all up. Now, everything seems different. That glimmer of light is slowly burning out. The Dodgers are now 5.5 games behind Arizona and 4.5 games behind San Diego. There are 11 games left to go.

Is there still a chance of a late season revival? Of course there is! Baseball is a funny game where just about anything can happen. Is it likely or plausible that we will find the "Boys in Blue" playing in October? No, at this point we are probably done.

Truckin', I'm a goin' home.
whoa whoa baby, back where I belong,
Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin' on.
Hey now get back truckin' home.

Pic Link: Agony & Ivy:
Lyrics above are from the Grateful Dead song Truckin', written by Robert Hunter.

Spring Training Pics: Thursday, March 22, 2007

Today was a bad day for the Dodgers. As many of you already know, Furcal is out, for the time being, with a moderate ankle sprain. The play looked much worse than that. I was chatting with a friend just as the event developed. I turned to see the pop fly and saw Repko charging hard with Furcal running back. The next thing I know, Furcal leaps, catches the ball and lands on the ground like a fish caught out of water. Repko had dived and appeared to upend Furcal. Raffy was on the ground in obvious pain. All I could say was, "Oh No!"

I had a sudden sense of fear that we may lose Raffy for a long period of time. He laid on the ground for several minutes holding his head. I thought he may have also banged his head or neck. Again, all I could do was say, "Oh No!" The entire training staff came out and helped Furcal onto a cart while carefully holding his leg. I was in such a state of shock I plain forgot to take any pictures.

At the end of the day, though, this appears to be a situation where you can't believe your lying eyes. Furcal is optimistic about his return and everything may be just fine- given some rest, of course. The only positive out of this is whole ordeal is that Raffy, even in his pain, still caught the ball for an out.

Repko must be cursed. He was chasing a deep fly to right centerfield when he fell in a heap. It looked like he dove for the ball, but reports indicate that he lost traction and fell. The dirt out there has gravel that caused Repko to slip as he came running at full speed. Jason got up and looked fine. He even wanted to play on. Fortunately, Ethier came over and started calling for the trainers. Again, I neglected to take any pictures. BTW, this was Repko's first start since his last injury.

Below are just a handful of pics from today. Russell Martin is walking up with his equipment bag.
Today was elementary school day. There were hundred of little tykes in bright colored t-shirts taking the day off from school. Below, Nomar is signing for the kids.
The kids were also loud. You could hear chants of "Let's Go Dodgers" throughout the game. It was a nice departure from the typical quiet crowd at Holman Stadium.

PhotoAlbum:

What a Difference a Few Days Make

Four in a row, Baby! After going 1-13 the prospects for a successful season was looking bleak. Kent and Nomar went down with injuries. Then we just couldn't hit. Our starting pitching was faltering as tempers flared in the clubhouse. We had players on the roster who, seemingly, did not want to be there. But Baseball is a funny game.

Like life, Baseball takes you on a rocky road filled with many highs and lows. Sometimes everything falls into place, but sometimes nothing can go right. Success can be sweet, but failure is just as sour. Nevertheless, we all chose to continue to play and given enough effort we all know that good things can happen.

Well, the Dodgers are making the effort. They get rid of clubhouse whiner Odalis Perez. The reliable old horse we know as Giovanna Carrera joins the club after failing to catch on with another team and pitches well. Toby Hall comes in to provide some excellent back up work even though he believes he is a starter. Elmer Dessens rejoins the Dodger team after a trade to provide some stability. Jason Repko comes back from the DL after a long rehabilitation. The young and hot hitting Wilson Betemit, a former Atlanta top prospect, arrives from Atlanta, and Banny Baez takes a seat in the Braves bullpen. Caesar exits in exchange for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. The best available infielder, Julio Lugo, comes in for a late season rush. Finally, James Loney is called up to replace Nomar on the roster.

Then, like my dog, Miko, with a plate of hot food under her nose the Dodgers turn on a dime. Change is good.

The I Ching, "The Book of Changes", is an apt way to see how this team has evolved this season. Its

philosophy centers on the ideas of the dynamic balance of opposites, the evolution of events as a process, and acceptance of the inevitability of change.

We may have been down but that cannot last forever. Furthermore, once you accept change as a reality and move forward with that in mind it become inevitable that something will happen- something dramatic. We have seen first hand the ups and downs of the season. From long losing streaks to long winning streaks. We have seen how the team has grown- both good and bad. We have seen that when you accept inevitability of change good things can happen. Right now good things are happening.

The Dodgers score 10 runs on 17 hits to trample the Reds. Furcal goes 3 for 6, while driving in 4 (Including a clutch 3 run double in the 7th inning). Lofton gets 2 hits. Drew gets 3 hits of his own. Ethier gets a hit, a run and a RBI. Betemit hits his first homer- a 2 run shot. Martin scores twice on one hit and an RBI. Loney has 3 big hits. Even starting pitcher Sele contributed with the bat- getting a single.

Our pitching was just as solid. Sele continue to impress. Tomko, Beimel and Broxton finish off the game as the bullpen starts to coalesce into a solid relief staff. Everything is starting to look bright.

I hope that this is a start of a upswing that leads to something better than good.

Our Good Fortune

So far our Rookies have shown they can play. The progress of Repko was one of the first signs of a resurgent Minor League program. Andre Ethier, Jonathon Broxton, Hong-Chih Kuo, James Loney, Willy Aybar and Russell Martin have us excited about the season. Now, Matt Kemp gives us a taste of a future not so far away. He just might be ready soon than expected. Today, Matt went 2 for 3 on this Holiday Monday afternoon. After getting his first major league hit after 3 strike outs yesterday, Kemp followed up looking more relaxed. With each at bat he looked less tentative. With each swing his stroke came into life. I look forward to game number 3 for Kemp.

Other hopeful Rookies soon to grace their presence in Los Angeles include Chad Billingsley and Joel Guzman. Billingsley could be a very solid pitcher for a very long time. Guzman, once he finds a position and learns some patience at the plate, can be an offensive juggernaut for years to come. As a great man once said, "the future is looking bright."

Fortune Sign Generator