Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Saito, Gordon and Veteran's Batting Practice

A group of 300 military veterans visited Dodger Stadium yesterday for batting practice with Kenley Jansen, Dodger alumni like Billy Ashley and Al Downing and fellow veterans Don Newcombe and Roy Gleason. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The players understand we're not as young as we used to be, but to give us the attention makes me feel happy," said (Ret. Lt. Col. David) Friend, who retired after 30 years of service. "I was particularly happy to see Don Newcombe. When I was going overseas, I saw him at a base in Virginia."

Via Anthony Irwin at Dodger Nation:

Kenley Jansen, who was at the park for conditioning, also took in the festivities before getting to work. He ran the stairs as the batting practice took place on the field. 

“It’s just great to be here for them. They’ve given so much for us, I just want to give back,” he said.

Featured in the pic above is Don Newcombe welcoming the crowd, via the Dodgers on twitter.  Check out more photos from the days activities by Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Congrats to Jake Arrieta for being selected the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, via BBWAA.  He edged out Zack Greinke by just 22 points.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares the final numbers on the Dodgers 2015 payroll.  It's striking how many of the top paid players didn't play for the Dodgers at all... So many dumped contracts.
• An old friend to join San Diego - Takashi Saito.  Via Dennis Lin on twitter:

Former All-Star closer Takashi Saito will be an intern in the Padres' FO. Padres exec Logan White was a key figure in signing Saito in '06.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) November 18, 2015

• Here's a fantastic story via Clark Spencer at the Miami Herald on Dee Gordon; "Loss of his mother to domestic violence spurred Dee Gordon to comfort others."

Gordon, through his Flash of Hope program, is working with children in Miami-Dade County who have lost a parent from domestic abuse, just as he lost his mother 20 years ago.

“I went through it, and when I went through it, I didn’t have anybody,” Gordon said. “Nobody could relate to me. So now I just want to relate to kids and give back my time.”

• Via Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun, " Blue Jays could have interest in Dodgers executive Byrnes as GM."   Elliott also mentions that Ned Colletti interviewed for the President job in July.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us all about getting the autograph of former Dodger John Werhas.

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And He's Gone - Don Mattingly Decides It's Time to Go

The move that has been speculated about endlessly has finally happened.  After winning his third straight division championship - a first for the franchise - manager Don Mattingly and Dodgers have agreed to part ways.

I can't say that I'm surprised, but I hardly believe it to be warranted.  As I've written about plenty of times before, I like Donnie Baseball, and it seems clear to me that he had the respect of the clubhouse.  That said, maybe change was needed for the team, the new ownership, the front office and its fanbase.  Maybe it is just time.

Certainly, Don Mattingly felt it was time to go.  In a strange turn, it appears this decision to part ways was not initiated by the Dodgers front office.  Instead, according to Ramona Shelbourne at ESPN, it was Donnie who ultimately decided it was time to go.

Mattingly had one year remaining on his contract, and sources indicated to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that the Dodgers offered him an extension this past weekend. But after years of uncertainty about the Dodgers' long-term commitment to him -- Mattingly has worked under two ownership groups and two general managers -- he informed the team earlier this week that he preferred to move on.

So, assuming this is true, it appears it wasn't the front office who pushed for this conclusion.  Heck, they wanted him to stay.  After all, there aren't too many managers out there willing and able to juggle an ever-changing roster the way Mattingly did; while at the same time accepting and implementing the constant input (i.e. demands) of an stat orientated front office.  That's the kind of work a magician does.

Per a Dodgers press release:

Dodger President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, General Manager Farhan Zaidi and Senior Vice-President of Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes met and talked extensively with Mattingly for several days following the conclusion of the season.

“As our end of season process began, we discussed the past year, our future goals, necessary changes, roster needs and other matters relating to next year’s campaign,” said Dodger President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. “As the dialogue progressed daily, it evolved to a point where we all agreed that it might be best for both sides to start fresh. We decided to think about it for a couple of days and when we spoke again, we felt comfortable that this was the direction to go. I have the utmost respect for Donnie and thoroughly enjoyed working with him this past season. I want to thank him for his hard work and collaboration, as well as his accomplishments, including three consecutive National League West titles. I wish him nothing but success in the future.” 

“I’m honored and proud to have had the opportunity to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers,” said Mattingly. “I’ve enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization’s staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me. We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties. I’m still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, I want to thank the Dodger organization, the city and our fans for the opportunity and wish the club well going forward.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke, Seager and Zaidi on Don Mattingly

I just want to have good thoughts.  So in that vein I thought I would share the above photo originally found on the Baseball Hall of Fame twitter account.  It features a young and eager to teach Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn club demonstrating the proper way to "choke up" on the bat to a bunch of even younger fledgling Dodger hopefuls.  Some of them are even paying close attention, so I wonder if they made it to the pros.  After all, Brooklyn was a Baseball hotbed back then.  Heck, as I look closely I swear that kid on the far left is a young Fernando... No? 

Below are more links to check out:

• Here is the complete postseason schedule.  It includes all the dates for every potential game and the channels you can watch them at.  For the Dodgers, Game 1 will be at 6:45 PST and Game 2 is at 6:07 PST.  Both games will be aired on TBS.
• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodgers Nation, "Zack Greinke Reflects On Career Season, 200 Strikeouts."
  

  “This year I didn’t pay attention to strikeouts at all,” Greinke said. “In year’s past it would be a big deal, but I didn’t really pay attention to it this year. I just was trying to get outs, that’s all I really paid attention to.”

• Via Darren Rovell at ESPN, Clayton Kershaw was the #4 selling jersey during the regular season in all of Baseball.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Corey Seager goes from prospect to key to Dodgers' playoff hopes."
  

  “It got to the point where we kind of needed him here,” was how Dodgers vice president for baseball operations Josh Byrnes put it at the time.

• For just a moment relive the time the Dodgers and Mets faced each other in the playoffs in 1988 through the words of those who were there.  Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Oral history of epic Mets-Dodgers 1988 NLCS."

Mike Scioscia (Dodgers catcher): We felt like we didn't have anything to lose. One thing about that club was that we weren't intimidated, and [we] played free and relaxed. We weren't worried about making a mistake. As far as star power, we didn't have a lot. But as far as a team, we had a great team from one through 25. Everyone knew their role. All of us could do what the situation called for.

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com interviews Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi, "Zaidi: Mattingly has done a 'great job'." 

MLB.com: Have you been pleased with the work of manager Don Mattingly?
Zaidi: I think he's done a great job. We've had, again, one of the biggest themes we've had is roster turnover with the injuries and having a lot of young players with options and trying to make maximum use of the 25-man roster. That definitely puts added stress on a manager and staff, not just to deal with the logistics of those moves, but also to deal with managing personnel turnover. From an on-field standpoint, every time you move a player in or out, you have to sort of recalibrate yourself on how to use everybody. So, I think he's done a real nice job with that and mixed and matched in some platoon situations, tried to navigate through some of the issues we've had in our bullpen. There certainly have been challenges with our roster that he's had to navigate and I think he's done a nice job.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez nominated for Hank Aaron Award."
• Greg Zakwin at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares his newest Roy Campanella collectible, and it's awesome.  Check out his 1956 Dairy Queen figurine.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Hazing the Rookies

Although the Dodgers were unable to clinch the NL Western Division over the weekend they still found a way to have some fun.  Continuing a tradition that goes back several years, the Dodgers dressed up their rookies in ridiculous outfits as they headed out on their roadtrip to San Francisco.  As you can see they used a professional wrestling theme.  In the photo above, tweeted by Alanna Rizzo, are Corey Seager and Scott Schebler.  Check out Sons of Steve Garvey (here and here) for more pics.  Also, David Vassegh shares a selfie with Seager here.  Below is a group photo as they are about to board the plane, via Dodgers on instagram.

BTW, the Dodgers "Magic Number" remains at 2.  With the Dodger playing San Francisco any win will clinch the division.  Below are more links to check out:

• Brett Anderson channels the ire heard from some fans regarding the rookie hazing event on twitter:

Myself being a major part of it...rookie dress up loses its luster when you get swept by the worst team in your division.

— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) September 28, 2015

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Dodgers eying NLCS for Yasiel Puig's return."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA,"Dodgers new bullpen motto is working."
  

  During a recent one-on-one interview with Dodgers bullpen coach Chuck Crim, he shared a little secret about the Dodgers bullpen – his bullpen – they have adopted a new motto.
  
  “Our motto now in the bullpen is ‘Hey, nobody scores – nobody scores,’” said Crim. “I’ve got Avi (Luis Avilan) to the point where I say ‘Tell it to me… tell it to me.’ When he leaves the pen I’ll tell him ‘Hey man, nobody scores.’ It’s kind of funny but we instill it in their brains, I don’t care if it’s bases loaded and nobody out, nobody scores.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Brett Anderson says he's interested in returning in 2016."
  

  "It's been a good fit," Anderson said a few days ago. "It fits my personality here. With [Clayton] Kershaw the top guy, I can just go about my business and kind of pitch in the shadows. It's been gratifying to stay healthy and help win with these guys."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Josh Byrnes reportedly interviews for Angels GM position."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2015 - Dodger Links - 14 New Dodgers Added to the Franchise Yesterday

With the All-Star Game just around the corner I though this AP press wire photo of the 1962 All-Star Game starting pitchers would be a good way to start this Independence Day weekend.  Featured above is Don Drysdale and Jim Bunning.  Pic via eBay.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Brandon League closing out rehab stint, designated for assignment."
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider tells us a bit more about the nine international prospects the Dodger signed yesterday: "Dodgers sign nine international prospects, led by Yadier Alvarez, Starling Heredia."  Jon also spoke with Dodger senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes here: "Teenagers are no wasteland for Dodger international scouts."

On Alvarez: “He’s one of the more talented teenage right-handed pitchers who a lot of us who have been doing this a long time have seen,” said Byrnes, who added that Alvarez throws 97 mph, “occasionally touching 99-100, with very little effort and some pretty good feel for secondary pitches.”

On Heredia: “That is rare,” Byrnes said. “I don’t think it’s fair to comp him, but at least the physique (compares) to Kirby Puckett. Fireplug body, nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’ down there, and a real strength-speed combination. Very strong body, but even with that build, he can really run. In any arena, finding a good combination of strength and speed is really rare.”

• Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Chase DeJong and infielder Tim Locastro from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for three international signing slots: 27, 57 and 117. DeJong and Locastro have been assigned to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

DeJong, 21, was recently promoted to the Blue Jays’ Single-A Dunedin affiliate in the Florida State League, but only appeared in games with Single-A Lansing of the Midwest League this year, where he was 7-4 with a 3.13 ERA, a .231 opponents’ batting average and a 1.08 WHIP in 14 starts. The Long Beach native is in his fourth year of pro ball and has an 11-13 record with a 3.69 ERA in 56 career games (45 starts). He was originally selected by Toronto in the second round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Woodrow Wilson High School.

Locastro, 22, had a .310/.409/.421 slashline this year with Lansing, hitting five home runs and driving in 25 runs in 70 games. He has a .305 career batting average and a .399 on-base percentage in 180 minor league games in three professional seasons, earning selections as a 2014 MiLB.com Toronto organization All-Star and also a 2014 Single-A Northwest League All-Star. The New York native was originally selected by the Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2013 First-Year Player draft out of Ithaca College.

• And here's another Dodger press release on an acquisition of a couple more players-this time from the Braves:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Caleb Dirks and outfielder Jordan Paroubeck from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for international signing slot No. 87. Dirks has been assigned to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Paroubeck will head to Arizona and continue rehabbing a minor quad injury.

Dirks, 22, made 17 combined relief appearances for the Braves’ Single-A Rome and Single-A Advanced Carolina affiliates, going 1-2 with three saves and posting a 0.68 ERA (2 ER/26.2 IP). Since being promoted to Single-A Advanced Carolina on May 8, he has pitched 16.2 scoreless innings in 11 relief appearances and was limiting hitters to a .148 average (8-for-54). The Riverside, CA native is in his second professional season and has a 2-2 record with a 1.53 ERA in 38 career games. He was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 15th round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft from California Baptist University.

Paroubeck, 20, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the second round (69th overall) of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Serra High School in San Mateo, CA. The switch-hitter batted .286 with four homers, 24 RBI and 26 runs scored in 34 games (all in left field) for San Diego’s Arizona League squad last season. In 2015, the 6’2 Paroubeck was dealt from San Diego to Atlanta in the Craig Kimbrel trade and played in 25 extended spring training games this year. 

• We have apparently signed another pitcher, via a tweet from Matt Eddy:

#Dodgers sign RHP Trevor Cahill, 27-year-old groundball machine whom #Braves released on June 20.

— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) July 2, 2015

Per Eric Stephens it's a minor league contract (link)

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Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2015 - Dodger Links - AGon had a Huge Day

Adrian Gonzalez, along with fellow Gold Glove winner Zack Greinke, started the evening off in the best of ways - by taking home the award to add to their mantel place.  AGon did one better, though.  He also received his Silver Slugger award, and did his best to show the world why he deserves another this year.  The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out even more great pics from yesterday by Jon.

Gonzalez had a heck of a game.  He accomplished a feat never achieved before in Baseball.  By walloping three dingers last night he became the first player in MLB history to slug five home runs in his team's first three games.  He also became only the third Dodger (joining Carl Furillo and Jimmy Wynn) to homer in each of the first three games of the season, and the 23rd player ever to homer in four consecutive at-bats (he also homered in his last at-bat on Tuesday).  Needless to say, Adrian Gonzalez is dialed in.

With regards to his fourth at-bat on the evening he said this, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

"I definitely wasn't thinking of hitting another [home run] against the lefty, just thinking, 'Hit something hard up the middle,'" Gonzalez said. "I told myself, 'Don't try to do too much.'"

He hit a single to drive in an insurance run in the sixth inning.  Overall, he hit three home runs, had four hits total and recorded four RBI's.  Gonzalez is also the early favorite for the MVP.  OK, I'm getting way ahead of myself... I know... But I can't contain my excitement. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via David Armstrong at Bloomberg, "How an Insurer Is Taking Money From the Fan Beaten at Dodger Stadium."  Bryan Stow continues to get shafted.

It’s all because Stow’s health insurer is entitled to a huge slice of the settlement, even before Stow is paid. A growing body of federal law, including a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, gives insurers power to recoup medical costs caused by a third party—in the face of state laws that specifically prohibit it. “This is what people pay premiums for,” says Stow’s ex-wife, Jacqueline Kain. “To worry about some insurance company taking what is his is absurd.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers trade for Jorge De Leon, another position player turned pitcher."
• Good luck Clayton, via a tweet from Ken Gurnick:

Kershaw having root canal Monday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 8, 2015

• Excellent!  Via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.com, "Los Angeles Dodgers' front office think tank is a force to be reckoned with."

"The mindset in everything we do is to be the casino," (Andrew) Friedman said. "We want to be the house. We're going to make a lot of decisions. It's a high-volume business. We can't be afraid of making mistakes. The key is to be right more than we're wrong and ... trust that it will work out well."

More interesting is this quote about the Heaney for Kendrick trade:

"That's a trade -- in a vacuum -- that you wouldn't make in a small market," (Josh) Byrnes said. "A guy like Heaney, a six-year [club-controlled] pitcher, for a one-year player? Even though Kendrick is a really good player, that's the one that went against our traditional instincts."

• Via Dylan Goforth at Tulsa World.com, "New players, new promotions and new food items await Drillers fans heading to ONEOK field this year."

Other new items include an Asian-inspired "Far East dog," a "Gyro dog" and a hamburger with sliced ham and coleslaw on it named after Dodgers pitching ace Clayton Kershaw.

• I love the Mother's Cookies sets.  GCRL takes, "an abbreviated run through the 1997 mother's cookies dodger set."
• Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports wrote a fantastic piece about Earl Weaver and the enigma that was Steve Dalkowski: "How do you solve a problem like Dalkowski?"

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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: 11/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Car Sold and Valenzuela's Statue

Check out Fernando Valenzuela gazing upon a statue of himself that was erected this past weekend at Charros de Jalisco's ballpark in Guadalajara.  Photo via @charrosbeisbol on twitter.  As you can see, it features him looking to the heavens as he prepares his pitch.

Below are some links to check out:

• Mark Townsend at Big League Stew has more on Joc Pederson's car.  It has been sold on eBay for $1,200.00.  He also tells us a bit about the seller, who had purchased it from the winner on fan appreciation day in Albuquerque.
• Via Adam Berry at MLB.com, "Puig comes up big in Tokyo."  You can also check out a bunch of pics from the game at Tokyo, here, from Dodger Insider Jon Weisman.

"The way they were attacking Yasiel in the first three games and really not giving him too much to hit, to put him in front of [Rockies first baseman Justin] Morneau was an opportunity for him to see some pitches. It worked out," MLB manager John Farrell said. "They threw the ball in the strike zone, and he responded with three hits tonight.

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers senior VP Josh Byrnes on Billy Gasparino, Ryan Jackson."

“Billy’s great,” Byrnes said. “Great resume as a player, scout; crosschecked for a long time. I think the skills we’re looking for — a good evaluator, running a draft. using all that information to make that decision.”

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez on the offseason, Julio Urias, baseball in Mexico and Canelo Alvarez."

“Julio is a young man who is an excellent pitcher. He pitches about 95 mph. He has a great curve as well. A lot of people feel that he has the potential of being one of the greatest pitchers in the Major Leagues,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a great guy, simple and very attentive. Even though I’ve known him for a short time, I hope we can start a great friendship. Our team expects a lot from Julio.”

• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com puts together a team-by-team breakdown of top performers in the 2014 Arizona Fall League

Best Prospect: After a rough AFL performance in 2013, shortstop Corey Seager played much better the second time around, batting .281/.354/.472 with a league-best 10 doubles. The 2014 Minor League leader in hitting (.349) and doubles (50), he'll produce for average and power but will likely have to move to third base. .

• Via TheThinGwynn at Gaslamp Ball, Topps is issueing a Johnny Manziel San Diego Padres autographed Baseball card.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Farhan Zaidi, Yasiel Puig and Chad Billingsley

The Dodgers introduced their new General Manager, Farhan Zaidi, yesterday to a handful of local press people, and by most accounts it was a successful event.  He had an opportunity to address his analytical background and philosophy in such a way that even LA Times reporter Steve Dilbeck could understand it.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

Still, I so wanted to hear the gallery chant the demeaning phrase 'NERD, NERD' like that lovable oaf named Ogre from that mid-80's movie classic that spawned three unwatchable sequels.

Yesterday could have been the prologue before the opening credits scrolled on the television screen.  Then, mad hazing would ensue as a wild and wacky crew of old-school Baseball defenders, lead by Ryan Theriot, enact their cruel yet hilarious forms of justice.  Soon, an unlikely romance is born before the plot climaxes with a rousing speech about how Baseball has always been about statistical analysis - heck, read about Allan Roth to understand how the Dodgers were one of the early vanguards.

At the end of the movie, the camera would pan across a cheering fanbase spread throughout Dodger Stadium.  Seated right in front, in the area usually occupied by Tommy Lasorda, is a motley collection of former rivals.  Hand in hand, stats folks and non-stats folks would rejoice in a happy bliss.

It coulda happened.

Below are some links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares numerous quotes from yesterdays press conference regarding the recent hiring of Farhan Zaidi and Josh Byrnes, with Andrew Friendman.  Check it out.

“Both guys are going to touch everything. It’s a massive operation, and our vision is to be as good as we possibly can be in every facet. The development side, international, scouting, the way we use information, the way we prepare at the Major League level — all of those are incredibly important. To have all of touching those not only puts us in the best position we can be but allows us to do so as quickly as we can.

• Jon then shares numerous quotes from new GM Farhan Zaidi, "Quotebook: New Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi discusses his approach."  Check that out here.

“The hard question isn’t just evaluating how good players are, it’s how good players are going to be. And that’s another thing that you’re never going to be able to build, is some model that’s going to project and tell exactly what someone’s going to do next year. … That’s why you need this holistic approach to baseball operations, otherwise you’re going to miss out on a whole swath of opportunities.

• Via Aaron Gleeman at Hardball Talk, "Dodgers’ new GM Farhan Zaidi has a good sense of humor."
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Puig, Butera heading to Japan for All-Star Series."
• In case you were wondering, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA on twitter, the Kevin Correia trade has been completed:

Dodgers sent cash (no player) to the Twins to complete the Kevin Correia trade
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) November 7, 2014

• Via Jayson Stark at ESPN, "Kershaw or Bumgarner?"
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, "Judge rejects Yasiel Puig's second attempt to dismiss lawsuit."

For the second time this year, a federal judge has rejected an attempt by Yasiel Puig to dismiss a lawsuit blaming the Dodgers outfielder for the imprisonment and alleged torture of a Cuban man.

• Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter, Chad Billingsley has changed agents.  There is no guarantee that he'll remain a Dodger.  There is bound to be a team out there willing to take a flyer on him.  Call it a high risk/high reward scenario.

Free-agent RHP Chad Billingsley has changed agents, joining Steve Hilliard of Octagon. Billingsley previously was repped by Dave Stewart.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 5, 2014

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Welcome to the Blue, Josh Byrnes!

It is now official.  Not only did the Dodgers hire A's Assistant GM Farhan Zaidi to be their General Manager, but they also hired former Padres and Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes to be the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations.  Check out my previous 'Welcome' post for Zaidi here.

Per a Dodgers press release:

"It is very exciting for us to be able to add two exceptional, veteran baseball executives like Farhan and Josh," said Dodger President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. "Farhan's primary focus will be the Major League team and player acquisitions while Josh will concentrate on the oversight of scouting and player development. However, they will both work closely with me on all aspects of baseball operations in our efforts to make the Dodgers' front office and team the best it can possibly be."

As the GM of the Padres he made some key trades that hasn't really turned out so well; including trading away Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs for starting pitcher Andrew Cashner.  Although, Cashner is a very good pitcher.  It's just that Rizzo may prove to be much more of an impact player.  He also dealt Mat Latos to the Reds for infielder Yasmani Grandal, catcher Yonder Alonso, and right-handers Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger. 

As a GM for the Diamondbacks I suggest taking a look at a series of post by Dan Strittmatter at the AZ Snake Pit blog.  He put together 2 part post (Part 1 & Part 2) focused on, "A Retrospective Look at the Trade History of Josh Byrnes."  Also, Brendan Bianowicz at MLB Trade Runors shares a spreadsheet featuring a history of trades, signings and draft picks under Byrnes as the DBacks GM, here.  As you'll notice, he traded future-ace starting pitcher Max Scherzer (who he drafted) for a Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy.

I guess you can say that I'm happy we're getting a smart front office guy with significant experience, but weary about his past trades.  Who am I kidding though, getting another brain is never a bad thing, so I'm happy to have him as a part of the team.  If Friedman and Zaidi can really foster a free-wheeling collaborate approach to management, then Byrnes addition should be a net positive.

In celebration of Byrne's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph grabbed from a photo from an SI article (Photo: Lenny Ignelzi/AP) and the 1962 Topps Baseball card design.

More from the Dodgers press release:

Byrnes, 44, will supervise the Dodgers' scouting and player development operations after previously serving as executive vice president/general manager for two of the Dodgers' NL West rivals, the Diamondbacks (Oct. 2005-July 2010) and Padres (Oct. 2011-June 2014).

He began his front office career in 1994 with the Indians, working as an advance scout in 1995 and 1996 before being promoted to Director of Scouting in June 1998. In the fall of 1999, Byrnes became assistant general manager of the Rockies and moved to the Red Sox in the same role for the 2003-05 seasons, helping Boston to the 2004 World Series title.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Byrnes attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he established school career records in home runs and RBI. He and his wife, Charity, have two daughters, Avery and Darby.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Kershaw and Crawford

Joc Pederson is having a fun winter league Baseball vacation, pic via Pederson on Instagram.

Below are some links to check out:

• RIP, Mary Froning O'Meara.  She was an outfielder for the Battle Creek Belles and South Bend Blue Sox of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.  She was 80 years old.  This was initially announced on reddit r/Baseball by her grandchild r/SOTGidon.  Her wikipedia page can be found here.
• Farhan Zaidi, it is!  Via a tweet from Ken Gurnick:

Dodgers will name Oakland's Farhan Zaidi the new general manager later this week, according to baseball source.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) November 5, 2014

• BTW, former Padres GM Josh Byrnes is expected to also join the Dodgers front office, via Mark Saxon at ESPN.
• As expected, the BBWAA announced that Clayton Kershaw is a finalist for the National League MVP and CY Young awards yesterday.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Kershaw is competing with fellow finalists Adam Wainwright and Johnny Cueto for the Cy Young Award, which would be Kershaw’s third in four years if he wins. That award wll be revealed at 3 p.m. November 12 on MLB Network.

In his bid for his first MVP trophy, to be announced at 3 p.m. November 13 on MLB Network, Kershaw is up against Andrew McCutchen and Giancarlo Stanton.

(pic via @LosDodgers on twitter)

• Via William Boor at MLB.com, "Crawford inducted into AFL Hall of Fame."

"It feels good," Crawford said. "You're inducted in the Hall of Fame in a league where a lot of other good players played. To be picked as one of the inductees is really, really special."

• Via Wayne Stewart at Call to the Pen, "Profiling Adrian Gonzalez."

Gonzalez recalled, “All our conversations were usually baseball when we were young.  It was all about baseball—that was our whole life.”  Once the sons and father all played on the same amateur team in a league in Mexico. Adrian was 15 and his father, a first baseman, was in his 40s.

• These historical/biographic pieces being put out by Dodger Insider are fantastic.  This time Cary Osborne writes, "Seasons: Mike Marshall’s 1974 — the ultimate workhorse."

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Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2014 - Dodger Links - Mattingly, Seager and Josh Byrnes

Here is another vintage press photo, dated in early June 1942 on the reverse, and it features Dodger skipper Leo Durocher on the dugout steps at Wrigley Field.  Although the photo has numerous dates on the reverse it is June 8th that sticks out to me.  This was the day the photograph was likely developed and printed.  The Dodgers and Cubs had just finished up a five game weekend series over three days that included two doubleheaders, and the 8th was the first free day.

I'd like to think the photo itself was taken the day before, though.  The second doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs played on that Sunday, and by the looks of Leo's knowing grin you figure the boys did well.  In fact, the Dodgers won both games of the doubleheader that day.  Overall, the Dodgers won four out of the five games; having split the doubleheader that past Friday.  Go here to check out the photo on eBay.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly embraces big picture of recent shakeup."

"I always remember Mark [Walter, chairman], Magic [Johnson, partner] and Stan [Kasten, president] in the very beginning saying they wanted to put a team together quick with a chance to win so the fans wouldn't have to wait five years while the kids on the farm matured, while at the same time, build the Minor League system to sustain the success year in and year out without bringing in a bunch of guys from somewhere else," he said.

"So it's part of what they were talking about from the very beginning. Everything they said -- upgrading the stadium, the locker rooms -- everything they said they are continuing to do and this just seems like part of it."

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Could Andrew Friedman be Corey Seager’s ticket to the big leagues?"

It probably safe to say that even though Friedman is the new kid on the block in the hierarchy of the Dodgers front office, he is (or will soon be) well schooled on Dodgers top infield prospect (and 2014 Co-Minor League Player of the Year) Corey Seager who, as we speak, is absolutely tearing it up in the Arizona Fall League – this in spite of his tender 20 years of age. Whereas Ned Colletti was always reluctant to bring kids like Seager up early regardless of how well they were doing in the minors, Andrew Friedman has a history of doing exactly that and his track record is very good in doing so.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp is less than three weeks away."
• Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter, Josh Byrnes is getting cozy with the Stan Kasten and is expected to join front office.  Although, it appears unclear what position it will be.  It could very well be that he joins the Dodgers in some capacity other than GM.  In fact, there are several high-end executive positions open at the Dodgers; including DeJon Watson's old job as head of player development.  Considering the location of this meeting in Arizona I think this is looking like the most likely scenario. 

Josh Byrnes with #Dodgers' Kasten at Fall League game at Camelback Ranch. Byrnes expected to join front office; position not yet specified.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 21, 2014

• No!  Wait?  What?  It's real?  Holy Moly!  The hoverboard is coming.  Check out the video below of the Hendo Hoverboard and then go to their kickstarter campaign, here.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 10/20/2014 - Dodger Links - The Ethier's Inducted into Collegiate Hall of Fame

This past Friday the ASU Sun Devils inducted six new members to their Athletics Hall of Fame and it included both Andre and Maggie Ethier.  Check out the photo above of the group being honored during the schools game against Stanford on Saturday, via @TheSunDevils on twitter.

As you may know, Andre was a two-time All-PAC 10 player at ASU.  He finished up his collegiate career hitting .371 with 113 runs, 27 doubles, seven triples, 14 home runs, and 118 RBIs.  Maggie Ethier (wife of Andre) was an accomplished gymnast at ASU.  Per an ASU press release:

Maggie (Germaine) Ethier was one of the most successful gymnasts in ASU history.  She achieved All-American status in 2001 on the vault and again in 2003 for floor exercise.  She also received first-team All-Pac-10 Conference accolades on the floor and in the all-around in 2003.  She scored nine perfect 10.0s in her career, the most in Arizona State history—including two on the vault, one on the beam, and six on the floor.  In 2004 alone, she recorded five perfect scores.  In 2003, Ethier posted the second-highest all-around score in ASU history, a 39.775 versus UCLA.  She was also a three-time Pac-10 All-Academic honoree.  Overall, Ethier posted seven of the top-18 all-time all-around scores in Sun Devil history. 

They are the first husband and wife team ever inducted into the Sun Devils Hall of Fame.

Below are some links to check out:

• As you know, the big news of the weekend was the official press conference and introduction of new Dodger executive Andrew Friedman.  Also, as you might expect, there wasn't much substance to it.  He supposedly said some controversial things, but did he really?  Did he say anything worthy of deep discussion?  I don't think so.

Friedman said that Don Mattingly is his guy behind the bench for 2015, and guess what?  There's nothing earth-shattering about that announcement.  Management (Kasten and the boys) have given Donnie their approval and no amount of screaming from the gallery changes that position.  For better or worse he is our manager, and believe it or not Donnie was better behind the bench than most fans give him credit for. 

Do I think Joe Maddon will come to the Dodgers?  No, I do not.  Not that I don't like the guy.  I think he'd make a fine manager in Blue.  I just don't believe Friedman would actively lobby for him; thereby destroying his relationships in Tampa Bay and breaking league rules for tampering.

The Dodgers will focus on the farm system and Friedman is an ideal candidate to head that process.  This part of the grand Dodger plan is nothing new.  Stan Kasten has spoken frequently about this phase of the Dodgers rebuild, so anybody who is surprised that the Dodgers will effectively cease being a free agent buyer hasn't been paying attention.  Also, anyone who thinks we should trade our young farmhands for aging veterans isn't paying attention either. 

We are about to embark on a new Dodger era, and I am excited to see what happens.  I am excited to see how our prospects do, and I look forward to see how they transition the old with the new.  These next few months and years are going to be fascinating.

• BTW, the most interesting part of the Friedman press conference was the surprise appearance of Adrian Gonzalez.  Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA tells us all about it.
• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider checked in with former Dodger World Series hero Carl Erskine to find out his top-5 World Series memories.  Go here to to check that out.
• Via Roger Mooney with the Tampa Tribune writes, "(Andrew) Friedman’s best, worst moves with Rays."  Here's a little look at his track record.
• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Josh Byrnes seen as a leader for job under Dodgers president Friedman."

Byrnes is viewed as a strong possibility to get the coveted job, as sources familiar with the situation say his experience is viewed as a plus for a storied, big-market team with heavy media coverage and add that his philosophy aligns with that of Friedman. The pair are also said to be fairly close, though a prior relationship had been less than obvious.

• Adrian Gonzalez works year-round, via a tweet from David Vassegh.

Fans want players that work. They r all working, got to see w/my own eyes. Adrian Gonzalez working out in the Dodger Stadium gym right now.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) October 17, 2014

• Bianca Barragan at LA Curbed writes, "Looking Back at Five of Los Angeles's Long-Gone Old Stadiums."  Hat Tip: Alex at Sons of Steve Garvey.

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