Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Seven in-a-row, Baby!

Last night Tony Gonsolin not only extended his scoreless innings streak (14.2), he also helped the Dodgers win their seventh consecutive game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m just feeling a lot more comfortable up here,” Gonsolin said. “I’m trying to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Photo above via Tony Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/2/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

LeBron James was seen sporting a Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodgers jersey over the weekend, via a tweet from the Lakers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers sold pitching prospect Tommy Lasorda to the Kansas City A's. In 1976 the Dodgers traded outfielder Willie Crawford to the Cardinals for infielder Ted Sizemore.
• Happy Birthday, William Fischer, Moe Berg, Woody English, Cal Abrams, Chico Fernandez, Jay Gibbons & Bud Norris!

2020 Topps Heritage - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger base cards found in packs of Topps 2020 Heritage Baseball card brand. There are 25 Dodger cards available -- including four "League Leaders" and two "Rookie Stars" cards. Go here for a complete checklist. I've also included pics of all the known variations (up until this point in time), as well, and checklist of all the Chrome, Mini and French parallel cards.

Base

#10 Jedd Gyorko                #14 Matt Beaty

#30 Justin Turner             #36 Kenley Jansen

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch yesterday and fortunately Dodger Insider was kind enough to share a bunch of pics taken by Jon SooHoo. Featured here are David Price, Kiké Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Go here to check out more. Below are some notes about Spring Training, as provided by the Dodgers.

• The Dodgers had 62 players report to camp including 25 infielders/outfielders (10 non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees) and 32 pitchers (10 non-roster invitees).
• The former Vanderbilt Commodore Walker Buehler pitched in live action for the second time this Spring, tossing two simulated innings against teammates Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux, Tyler White, Austin Barnes and Terrance Gore. Joining Buehler in throwing live bullpens today were Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Caleb Ferguson, Jordan Sheffield and Victor González.
• The Los Angeles Sports Council will honor 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger as the Los Angeles co-Sportsman of the Year alongside American League MVP Mike Trout.
• On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Dodger Stadium, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw will host their 8th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose benefiting their charity, Kershaw’s Challenge. Kershaw's Challenge was founded by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011 and has raised over 12 million dollars to support at-risk children and families around the globe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Browns. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

Welcome to the Blue, Brusdar Graterol!

The trade with the Twins is finally official. The Dodgers get a prospect reliever known for throwing 100 mph, while sending the much loved hurler Kenta Maeda to Minnesota -- effectively allowing him to become a regular starter on a competitive team. A win / win, no doubt... but sad since most Dodger fans will miss Maeda's professionalism and guile. Per a Dodgers tweet:

The Dodgers have acquired RHP Brusdar Graterol, minor league OF Luke Raley and the 67th pick in the 2020 First Year Player draft from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for RHP Kenta Maeda, minor league C Jaír Camargo and cash considerations.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 11, 2020

So, who is Brusdar Graterol?

Blog Kiosk: 2/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

In May of 1941 the Dodgers made a big trade with the Cubs that brought veteran second baseman Billy Herman to Brooklyn. He provided stability to a position that was sorely lacking -- slashing .291/.361/.379/.740 while helping the club win the pennant for the first time in 21 years. The AP press photo above from the Chicago Tribune features the newly acquired infield wearing Dodger Blue for the first time (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

Herman Comes to Flatbush -- Billy Herman practices May 6 to take his place at second base in the Brooklyn Dodger lineup. He came to the Dodgers on a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 three new Jackie Robinson cereal boxes, created by General Mills, were unveiled to an eating and collecting public. He would be the first athlete to be honored on all three varieties of Wheaties: Original Wheaties, Honey Frosted Wheaties, and Crispy Wheaties 'n' Raisins. 
• Happy Birthday, Boyd Bartley & Todd Benzinger!

Thank You, Kenta Maeda!

I hate to see Kenta go. He was one of my favorites on the team, and I'm truly saddened that he'll be departing Los Angeles. Hopefully, he'll make his way back into Dodger Blue later on in his career.

As you likely know by now, the Dodgers have finally swung for the fences and made a series of huge trades that includes several moving parts. At first, we thought Maeda would yield a prospect reliever named Brusdar Graterol -- who would go to Boston as a part of a three-team trade involving All-Stars Mookie Betts and David Price. Now we learn that the Red Sox will not be a part of this deal. Instead, the Dodgers will keep Graterol, in a newly structured trade that includes another prospect and cash changing hands between the Dodgers and Minnesota Twins.

2020 Topps Now - First Dodger Cards of the Year - #65 to 69 - Biggest Trade of the Decade

These deals haven't even been officially announced yet. Nevertheless, Topps is making available several 2020 Topps Now cards to celebrate last night madness. As you know, five key players are changing ships, and the Dodgers are heavily involved in all of them.

First, the "big-get" is Mookie Betts. He is moving to Los Angeles to ply his trade in Dodger Blue. Featured above is the Topps Now card announcing the trade. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

The Los Angeles Dodgers staked their claim as super team, acquiring elite outfielder Mookie Betts to add to an already formidable lineup. The 27-year-old star has been a perennial MVP candidate for the past four years, averaging 122 runs scored, 29 home runs and 24 stolen bases per season in that span.

2020 Topps Baseball Flagship, Series 1 -- All the Dodgers Base Cards

If yesterday's trade announcement didn't mark the start of Baseball in the minds of fans, then today's release certainly should.

Today is the official release date of Topps 2020 flagship Baseball card brand, and I've got pics of all of the Dodgers base cards found in the "Series 1" installment of the set. Check them all out below. Go here to see a complete checklist.

As you can see, there are 17 Dodger cards available, and it happens to include cards of three Dodgers who were recently traded -- Alex Verdugo, Kenta Maeda and Joc Pederson. Assuming they don't return to Los Angeles later on in their career, these are likely the last flagship Topps cards we'll see of them.

Also, be sure to check out Kiké Hernández's card below. I think it is easily the best Dodger base card. It features Kiké doing his best "Chorus Line" impression.

Base

#24 Kenley Jansen

#50 Cody Bellinger

Mookie!

Holy Moly!

Are you kidding me?

After weeks and months of speculation the Dodgers appear to have pulled off a trade that only a patient architect could achieve. The Dodgers waited and cajoled, negotiated like this was a leverage buyout and then struck when it was right... And now, we arguably have one of the most dynamic ballplayers in the game coming to Los Angeles.

Exact details are not yet available, but we do know this... The Dodgers get both Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox, and it didn't cost any of our top prospects. We get to keep Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Will Smith, Edwin Rios, Keibert Ruiz, Zach Reks, Kyle Garlick, Kody Hoese, Michael Busch, DJ Peters, Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs. Heck, as it stands right now, the Dodgers did not have to relinquish one player from their top-30 prospects list, via MLB Pipeline. Wow!

Unfortunately, a trade like this does not come without losses... And these losses kinda hurt.

Young outfielder Alex Verdugo will be going to Boston, and this is no surprise. It has been long speculated that any deal involving Betts would, at minimum, require sending Verdugo to the Red Sox. Also gone is sometime starter/sometime reliever Kenta Maeda -- who is now a Twin. Lastly, Joc Pederson is moved to the Angels to make room in the outfield for Betts. All three of these players were well loved by fans, so seeing them in another uniform will take some time getting used to. Nevertheless, this is the trade we've all been waiting for. This is the trade that may ultimately cement the legacy that the Guggenheim ownership has been trying to achieve.

On another note, I am wondering how prescient am I?

A couple of weeks back I ran across the above t-shirt design and knew I had to have it. It features the main protagonist from the Spike Lee classic Do The Right Thing, Mookie, sporting his Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey while holding a Sal's Pizza box and doing his best "Jumpman" impression. It's a classic looking "t" of a classic film that happens to be very timely. I think I'll be wearing this when I go to my first home game.

Stay tuned. I will certainly have numerous fantasy custom baseball cards to share soon.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these Brooklynites celebrating with Carl Erskine in the above UP press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Erskine Does It Again -- Brooklyn, NY: Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine is congratulated by admiring fans, after the trim Indiana righthander hurled the second no-hit game of his career, a brilliant 3-0 win over the New York Giants here May 12th. Erskine's other no-hitter came against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952. Erskine's feat makes him the 17th pitcher in Major League history to have pitched at least two no-hitters, and by coincidence, the Major League's last no-hitter was pitched exactly one year ago on this date by Chicago's Sam Jones in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 5/12/1956. (boxscore)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1861 the Brooklyn Atlantics defeat the Charter Oak Club, 36 - 27, playing Baseball while wearing skates on a frozen Litchfield Pond in South Brooklyn. In 1956 Commissioner Ford Frick introduces the Cy Young Memorial Award in memory of the Hall of Fame pitcher who died the year before. As you know, Dodger hurler Don Newcombe would be the first to win the award later in the season. In 1985 the Dodgers traded 6' 5" righty Pat Zachery to the Phillies for aging slugger Al Oliver. 
• Happy Birthday, Lefty Davis, Eddie Ainsmith, Possum Whitted, Pat Perry & Steve Schmoll!

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Collection Coming to Auction in 2020

Holy Moly!

I had suspected, with the MLB All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium next season, that Hunt Auctions would have something special for collectors to chase. As you may know, Hunt has had an annual MLB All-Star Week auction and it usually includes some historically important memorabilia. For 2020, though they have truly gone above and beyond. According to an announcement this morning, they have secured select items from the personal collection of Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully -- easily the most iconic Dodger personality in its history.

There's no word yet on how many items will be available, but based on the pic in their email it appears he'll be parting with some items from a Dodgers Tour of Japan, his 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring, the 1981 World Series trophy and some personal photographs.

Stay tuned I'll be sure to highlight everything once more information is available. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Dodger first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove award. He would soon retire from the game, shortly after his 33rd birthday, and become a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Cunningham, Gene Bailey, John Wells, Ben Wade, Tony Brewer, Octavio Dotel & Grant Dayton!

2019 Topps Triple Threads - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the 2019 Topps Triple Threads Dodgers' base cards, here's a look at most of the inserts that are available.

As always, the fun thing about this brand are the unusual, and often obtuse, phrases Topps creates with their triple relic cards. For instance, I'm not quite sure what they mean by the phrase "189 ABS, 20 HRS" for the Cody Bellinger card seen directly below. If you have some insight please pass it along. There is also a Joc Pederson autographed relic card that says, "Multi HR, Lid Lifter". As you may, know a Lid Lifter is a sports euphemism for the first game played. So, the Pederson card makes note of his two homer day during their 2019 Opening Day game against the Diamondbacks. BTW, there's another Pederson card that says, "Happy Birthday" -- obviously referencing another of his multi-homer days -- this time against the the Brewers on his birthday, April 21, 2019.

Triple Threads Relics

#TTR-CB Cody Bellinger

#TTR-WB Walker Buehler

2019 Topps Total - Wave 7- All the Dodger Cards

Wave 7 from 2019 Topps Total has been released, so now there are three more Dodger players are available to collect -- Enrique Hernandez, Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, each card has an approximate print run of 366.

Base - Wave 7

#615 Enrique Hernandez

#652 Kenta Maeda                #677 Rich Hill

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Goldin Auctions: Kenta Maeda Rookie Superfractor is Available

Goldin Auction is currently running their October Legends auction and it's got a card that you don't see too often at these established auction houses. Featured here is a modern issue card, and it represents one of the top Kenta Maeda cards in the hobby. It is his 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects rookie card and it's of the highly coveted 'Superfractor' variety -- meaning it's a 'one-of-one' card (Auction Link).

Best yet, this auction might be able to answer a question that I've always wondered about. If you had a card to sell (assuming it's a high-dollar item), would you be better off selling it on your own through eBay, or should you reach out to an auction house?

The reason I can ask this question is that this exact card sold in August on eBay for $749.99 (you can see that listing here). So, it'll be interesting to see if this card will sell for significantly more or less than its sale price of just one month ago.

BTW, arguably the best Maeda card you can get is the autographed version of the above card.... And wouldn't you know it. That card sold last month too. It closed at $1,200.00 (eBay Auction Link). You can see it on the right.

As for other Dodger stuff in Goldin's auction I really like the below painting by artist Greg Gutierrez. He is an Southern California based artist who is probably best known for his book, "Zen and the Art of Surfing."

As you can see, his painting is of Jackie Robinson rounding first base. (Auction Link)

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2019 Topps Now - #822, #827 and the Dodgers Postseason Team Set

There are a bunch of Dodgers' Topps Now cards available today; including some autographed cards featuring rookie Gavin Lux.

As you know, Lux hit hit first home run of his career last night. At the very bottom of this post I share pics of all the auto'd cards. Go here to check out the above card to order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

In a game in which the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West Division title, it was Gavin Lux who impressed with the first home run of his MLB career. The roundtripper was one of the rookie's three hits, as the Dodger scored seven runs and beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-3.

Blog Kiosk: 9/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Seven in a Row!

WooHoo! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“The feeling never gets old,” (Russell) Martin said. “We’ve had a good record for a while, so we kind of felt like this moment would happen at some point. But the thing is, the group that we have, that’s what you think about. You think about the people that we have here. Celebrating this moment with good people is what matters, for me at least.”

Per Eddie Matz at ESPN:

"You got to tip the hat to the front office and the job that they do every year creating so much depth," Justin Turner told Spectrum SportsNet LA after Tuesday's victory. "You look at the guys around this room, I think every single guy had their finger on winning this division for the seventh straight year. So many good players [with] one goal in mind -- that's to win the World Series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Also, you can watch a little bit of the postgame celebration here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the Dodgers defeated reliever Elroy Face and the Pirates, 5-4; thereby, ending Face's consecutive win streak at 22. He finished the season going 18-1 (as a reliever, mind you) with a 2.70 ERA, 2.60 FIP and a 3.2 WAR. In 1983 RJ Reynolds squeezed home Pedro Guerrero in the ninth for an improbable walk-off victory against the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers scored four runs in the ninth to win. Tommy Lasorda called his decision to call for the squeeze the most "daring" of his career. Watch video highlights/footage of the ninth inning, here. In 1998 Kevin Malone is named the Dodgers GM, replacing Tommy Lasorda. 
• Happy Birthday, Con Daily, Frank Kitson & Eddie Miksis!

Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We struggled against the Giants this weekend, but still saw our 'Magic Number' fall to two when they won on Sunday, 5-0 (boxscore). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“On the pitching side, the story was Kenta,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Kenta was really good today. The slider, the fastball, just kind of on the attack all day long. To log four innings put us in a really good spot to win a baseball game.”
...
“With two strikes, he wasn’t relying on the slider as much,” (Russell) Martin said. “In division, the guys have many at-bats against him. They kind of know, they’ve seen the slider, guys tend to sit on it.” 

The slider was still on point, though, getting six swinging strikes and three called strikes.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Dodger righty Rex Barney throws a no-no against the Giants (boxscore) 2-0. He struck out four batters and walked only two, as he had to endure a one-hour rain delay, as well as showers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to finish his gem. In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game and his fourth career no-hitter to defeat the Cubs, (boxscore) 1-0. He struck out 14 Chicago batters and faced the minimum 27 batters. You can listen to the last inning here.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Burch, Waite Hoyt, Charlie Perkins, Todd Zeile, Robinson Checo, Félix Rodríguez, Kaz Ishii, Todd Coffey & Edwin Jackson!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Never count out the old guys.

The story of the season has been the rise of the kids. From Buehler to Bellinger, it is the youngsters who have driven the Dodger bus all season. That said, we've got some wily veterans who don't want you to forget that they've got some heroics left in them too. Last night it was the geezers -- Russell Martin and David Freese -- who got it done. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think we’re going to go to Denny’s after this and get on the 55 and older menu, order some Grand Slams,” Turner joked. “No, but it was a good night. Big swing by Russell, two strikes and gives us a lead. And before we even get done giving him high-fives, Freezer gives us a little cushion.”

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 5-3, last night. The photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers won both ends of a doubleheader against the Boston Braves -- sweeping their fourth doubleheader in four consecutive days. From September 1st to 4th they beat the Phillies twice and the Braves six times. In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team to draw two million fans at home and on the road when they defeated the Reds at Crosley Fields in front of 18,670 patrons, 8-6. In 1969 Willis Davis' Dodger hitting streak comes to an end at 31 consecutive games -- setting a franchise record. It came at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. Dodger Historian Mark Langill wrote a fantastic story about Willie Davis and this record here.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza & Brian Myrow!