2020 Topps Chrome -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their Topps Chrome brand of Baseball cards, and I now have pics of all the Dodgers available in packs. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#13 Max Muncy            #77 Cody Bellinger

2020 Topps Series 2 Baseball -- The Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Last week Topps released their second series of cards for their flagship Baseball card brand and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. Check them out below. I've also included all the known variations available. Go here for a complete checklist of the set.

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#381 Kyle Garlick           #416 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 2/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Betts is looking like a happy camper. Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are some notes from a Dodger press release regarding the Dodgers Spring.

• Right-handed pitcher, Brusdar Graterol, threw his first bullpen session (on Monday), making his Dodger Spring Training debut. The Venezuelan born pitcher was a combined 19-6 with a 2.48 ERA (59 ER/214.0 IP) in 51 minor league games in the Twins’ organization last season. After making his Major League debut on Sept. 1, 2019, the 21-year old made 10 relief appearances for Minnesota to record a 1-1 record with a 4.66 ERA (5 ER/9.2 IP) with 10 strikeouts against two walks.
• The Dodgers would like to welcome non-roster invitee Terrance Gore to camp. The outfielder spent last season between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Kansas City. With Kansas City, he appeared in 37 games for a .275/.362/.353 slash line with two doubles and a triple. 
• The first live batting practices of camp were thrown Monday by Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Walter O'Malley and the Dodgers completed their purchase of Chavez Ravine by paying $494,000 for the property that was valued at $92,000. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 18-year old free agent Dominican infielder José Vizcaíno. He would go on to have an 18 year career in the Majors -- playing five seasons for the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers re-signed Chase "Dad" Utley to a one-year $2 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Sherry Smith, Manny Mota, Bob Miller, Kevin Tapani, Jamey Carroll & Chad Moeller!

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!

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! What a photo.

Here's a great action shot of a play at home featuring Johnny Roseboro. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold on to the throw. (eBay auction link) From a June 3, 1962 game. Via the description on the reverse:

Bobby Wine, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop, is safe on this play at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday at Philadelphia. Wine had to jar the ball from the grasp of Dodger catcher John Roseboro on a hard slide. Wine scored from first base on John Callison's double to rightfield in the third inning. He had to slide to beat the relay throw from first baseman Ron Fairly on a peg from rightfielder Duke Snider. The Phillies handed the Dodgers their second straight loss 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 Dodger skipper Leo Durocher signed a new contract to remain with the club. The contract provides a $20,000 base salary plus an additional $5,000 for every 100,000 fans over 600,000 attendance. In 1981, Game 5 of the World Series, the Dodgers win their third straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead. Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitches a 2-1 complete game for the victory. 
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Hughes, Jack Doyle, Weldon Henley, Russ Meyer, Pete Mikkelsen, Tito Landrum, Mike Harkey & Pedro Martinez!

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“It was as good of a night as we’ve had all year,” said manager Dave Roberts.

When you've got the best pitching coach in the game and some of the best youngsters the league can produce, it should come as no surprise that games like last nights happen. Last night we absolutely decimated the lowly Marlins, 15-1, and even witnessed the beauty of Russell Martin as a reliever for the third time this season. BTW, Dustin May is the real deal. He showed us his curve ball and it was very good. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

On Tuesday, May’s sinker-cutter combo stayed as trusted as it has all year, getting a combined seven swinging strikes and 17 called strikes. But he also more frequently incorporated the curveball, throwing it 17 times. 

“The more comfortable I feel with it, the more I’m going to throw it,” said May, who recorded a second straight outing allowing just one run.

Photo above via JC Ruiz/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays blowout game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger. 
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

Blog Kiosk: 6/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

ACE!

Ryu was fantastic, once again. He spun seven innings of shutout ball against the Diamondbacks, recorded only two strikeouts and walked none to earn his ninth victory of the season, 9-0. Per Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

“Baseball is never easy, but I’m executing my game plan and things are working out for me,” Ryu said. “There’s always a challenge, especially when commanding my pitches. I’m trying to make sure that I throw each and every pitch in a very competitive fashion.”
...
“He’s just in complete control,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s front and back, it’s all quadrants, it’s changing speeds and mixing up the sequence.”

Photo above via Joe Cortez/MLB.com 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 1957 Don Drysdale recorded the first shutout of his career against the Cubs at Roosevelt Stadium in New Jersey, 4-0. In 1977 the Dodgers retired former manager Walter Alston's uniform number #24 at Dodger Stadium. He compiled a 2040-1613 (.558) record for the franchise. It was also Old-Timer's Day as the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 4-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Maloney, Fred Mitchell, Duke Sims & Russ Ortiz!

Welcome to the Blue, Kyle Garlick!

The Dodgers have once again shuffled their roster. Along with both Caleb Ferguson and Matt Beaty, the Dodgers are bringing up 27-year old Kyle Garlick for his first stint of Major League ball.

The Dodgers today recalled IF Matt Beaty and selected the contract of OF Kyle Garlick. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Dodgers placed RHP Kenta Maeda on the 10-day injured list with a left adductor contusion.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2019

He is a southern California kid (La Habra) who plays the outfield, and bats and throws right-handed. This season at Oklahoma City he is slashing .280/.375/.627/1.002 in 35 games, and has exhibited some pop. He has ten homers so far, to go along with 20 RBI and 20 runs scored. Over five minor league seasons (covering 418 games) he is slashing a more than respectable .283/.341/.519/.860 with 78 career homers. Per Baseball Prospectus:

A 28th-round senior sign in 2015, Garlick is old for the level. He shows natural bat-to-ball skills and raw strength that translates into game power despite an unorthodox swing that doesn't incorporate much lower half. That swing has undergone some overhaul since last summer, specifically in the setup and launch, and his production hasn't missed a beat. He wants to hit in the box, though he has exhibited improvement in his command of the zone against hard stuff in particular this spring. The successful adjustments are a good sign, though the path is narrow. Poor foot speed limits his ceiling on the bases and in the field, so the bat will need to carry him to a 25-man cameo or three.

Blog Kiosk: 5/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic vintage press photo (eBay link) -- this time it's of a successful steal of third, dated 9/29/1938. Per the descriptor on the reverse.

Can't Catch This Thief
Boston Braves catcher Al Lopez slides safely into third with one of his two stolen bases in yesterdays game with the Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In the fourth inning of the first game Lopez swiped third as Dodgers third sacker Cookie Lavagetto turns with catcher Greek George's late throw. The Bees won the opener 2-1, with the Dodgers taking the nightcap 8-6 before 2,822 paying patrons.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 then Pirates slugger Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie Robinson during a game at Forbes Field. While standing on first base he asked Jackie if he was hurt during a collision with him earlier in the game and then says, "Stick in there. You're doing fine. Keep your chin up." Knowing that Greenberg knew first hand the difficulties he had been facing, due to his own Jewish heritage, Jackie would later name him his "diamond hero." In 1978 Dodger slugger Lee Lacy hit his third consecutive home run as a pinch-hitter -- becoming the first player to have ever done so.
• Happy Birthday, Al Mays, Rube Vickers, Elmer Steele, Harry Riconda & Dick Smith!

Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is Curtis Granderson presenting an nominee award to Justin Turner for being selected the Dodgers representative for the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1889 the most controversial game in American Association history is held in Brooklyn. The St. Louis Browns hold a 4-2 lead in the ninth over the Bridegrooms and claim it is too dark to continue. The lighted candles in front of their bench make umpire Fred Goldsmith determined to finish the game no matter what. Several St. Louis players are hit with bottles as they leave the grounds. The Browns will forfeit the game the next day because they fear for their safety. In 1903 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and the NY Giants play a two-stadium, same-day doubleheader.  The first game began at 10:30 AM at Brooklyn's Washington Park (Giants won, 6-4), and the second game got underway later that afternoon at the Polo Grounds (Brooklyn won, 3-0). In 1924 the pennant race between the Dodgers and Giants got crazy. So much so, a calvacade of fans with crowbars stormed the Ebbets Field gates to watch the already sold out game. 200 officers were called, but an estimated 7,000 fans got in anyway. In 1962 Maury Wills stole four bases against the Pirates to break the modern National League record for stolen bases at 82. In 2001 Shawn Green hit two homers against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium to eclipse a Dodgers franchise record for home runs in a season. Green would finish the season with 49 home runs.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Wallace, Dave Foutz, Ed Poole, Lew Ritter, Curt Davis, Eddie Wilson, Willie Crawford & Brent Cookson!

2016 Elite Extra Edition Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger cards found in packs of Panini's 2016 Elite Extra Edition Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist. 

This set was released last week and focuses solely on top prospects from throughout the minor leagues, college and the Team USA Baseball team.  So, it's likely there are a few more Dodger players in this set who are still playing prep ball.  In the meantime, we have the Dodgers 2016 first round pick (Gavin Lux) and several other high-flying prospects to chase after. 

#20 Gavin Lux                                        #32 Will Smith

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Reddick, Seager, Garlick and Yasiel Puig

After falling back as far as eight games in late June, I am in awe of what the Dodgers have accomplished.  They were seemingly in disarray.  The Dodgers had everything imaginable thrown their way; including a record number of injuries and clubhouse turmoil surrounding an enigmatic star.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and a plan, no doubt hatched before the start of the season, was allowed to flourish.  Depth has been a key to this season, and along with an improving offense (the teams batting was never as bad as early indicators showed) they now find themselves with a five game lead with just 23 games to go. 

It certainly is good to be a Dodger fan right now, eh?

As for last nights game, it was doubly nice to see Yasiel Puig contribute.  He provided much of the offense needed to pull off the teams teams fifth consecutive win.  Puig hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Dodgers take the lead, and added an insurance run in the sixth inning by homering off Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robin Ray.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"Yasiel … he can do so many great things, but I think the situational at-bat early in the game helped his confidence," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you can start him and have [Josh] Reddick and [Andrew] Toles, we've got some depth."

Photo at the very top via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the pennant; assuring a trip to the World Series.  As you know, they went on to defeat the Yankees that Fall to become champions for the first time in franchise history.  In 1957 the Dodgers and Giants face each other for the last time at the Polo Grounds in New York.  In 1967 the Mets honored Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax at their stadium. 

Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Maeda and the Draft

Kenta Maeda was outstanding.  Through the first six innings he was pitching shutout ball.  Maeda had only allowed three hits, walked one and struck out nine Rockies batters.  Then a couple of well-placed hits in the seventh inning drove in the evenings only run.  The Dodgers lost last night, 1-0.  Per Jack Baer and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com: 

"The way Maeda pitched, we have to win that game," said Roberts. "I think our hitters are trying too hard."

I think it's more like the Dodgers offense decided to take a nap.  Doug Padilla at ESPN adds more:

“I think that guys are, again, trying to do too much,” Roberts said. “There are some empty at-bats and some tentativeness to the swings when you get into a good hitter’s count. We’re missing fastballs, whether we’re swinging through them, fouling them off or we’re late on them. We’re putting extra pressure on ourselves.”

The photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  BTW, today is the first two rounds of the MLB Amateur Draft.  It all begins at 4:00 PM, and the Dodgers have four picks (#20, #32, #36 & #65).  Their bonus pool money is at $9,336,500.  Check out Ken Gurnick's story at MLB.com about the draft and the Dodgers strategy this evening (link here).

"I know everyone judges on the first five picks and they're probably not as strong as people would like," (Billy Gasparino) said. "For us in the middle portion of the first round and on, it's really strong. Player 10 to 50, we feel really good about that group. Better, I think a whole grade higher than last year in depth and talent."

Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Dodgers starter Rube Marquard breaks his leg running the bases during the game against Cincinnati.  In 1990 Eddie Murray hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the game against the Padres in San Diego.  Having done this for the tenth time in his career, he ties a MLB record with Mickey Mantle.