Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese could soar like an eagle.

Featured above is a 1957 spring training pic taken by Herb Scharfman of Reese at Dodgertown. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Veteran Captain Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers may not be as young as some of his teammates at the Dodgers spring camp, but he still has plenty of zip and bounce. He is floating over the pitchers batting screen here like a two-year-old.

The above pic is currently available through RMY Auctions (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you know, this weekend Jaime Jarrin received the Pioneer Award at the 16th annual Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation awards dinner, and our very own Justin Turner was on-hand to present it to him. BTW, former Dodger VP of Amateur Scouting, Logan White, was also honored at the scouts dinner - being one of eight scouts honored.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers, with closer Eric Gagne on the DL due to Tommy John surgery, traded starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor league pitcher Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter.
• Happy Birthday, Art Decatur, Derrel Thomas, Terry Forster, Troy Brohawn & Logan Forsythe!

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2014 - Dodger Links - Adrian Gonzalez is a Master with the Glove and Logan White Wanted the Challenge

I just can't stop laughing at this photo shared by @Dodger_History on twitter. Awesome!

Below are some links to check out:

• Adrian Gonzalez has been the named the 2014 Fielding Bible Gold Glove Award winner for 1st baseman in the Major Leagues.  Check out their website with the announcement here.  The Fielding Bible Award has nothing to do with religion.  Instead, it features 10 sabermetrically geared journalist and bloggers voting on the best defensive infielders in the game.  Here is what they said about Gonzalez:

“Adrian Gonzalez has been the best defensive first baseman in baseball over the last six seasons but somehow he has never won a Fielding Bible Award. Until now. Gonzalez wins his first Fielding Bible Award, leading all of baseball's first basemen by saving 11 runs defensively for the Dodgers in 2014. That brings his six-year total to 62 runs saved, 12 more than Albert Pujols’ second-place total of 50. Every aspect of Gonzalez's defensive game is superb. He fields his position well, does a great job with difficult throws, and handles bunts and double plays with the best of them. But he's not flashy. Just consistently excellent.”

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Kershaw, Puig lead as Dodgers grab 15 GIBBY noms."
• Simply awesome!  Mark Langill at Dodger Insider writes, "Vintage Vin."  He shares a new memorabilia find from Gary Cypres' collection and it's a doozy.  Check it out.
• I don't know if this is something I want to know right now.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers co-favorites to win 2015 World Series." 
• Via TheThinGwynn at Gaslamp Ball, "Logan White says he would not have left Dodgers for any other job."

"I couldn't pass it up," White said on Wednesday. "Andrew was such a class act through all of this. As I told him, with the timing, in a different time and a different place, I think that we would have worked great together. And I have so much respect for [Dodgers president and CEO] Stan Kasten. I would not have left the Dodgers for any other job.

So in other words, it came down to Logan wanting to tackle a new challenge.

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Former Dodgers up for Hall of Fame review."  A special committee will look at the candidacy of Maury Wills and Gil Hodges.  Wills is being considered for the first time.  BTW, I almost feel like they should just stop doing this because seeing Hodges get slighted again is just torture.  The Baseball Hall of Fame has a story on this with biographical information on everybody that you can check out here.
• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hanley Ramirez headlines list of Dodgers’ free agents."
• Dodger Blues puts it all into perspective.  Doh!

That's 3 championships for the Giants in 5 years. Another way to say it: Nothing but success since Ned Colletti left their organization.
— Dodger Blues (@dodgerblues) October 30, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Congrats...

There's not much to add to the photo shown above.  It is one of Dodger photographer Barney Stein's greatest pieces of work, and it unmistakably conveys the feeling of loss, pain and sorrow.  This was the picture I had stuck in my mind when I finally came to the realization that the Giants had once again taken home the crown, and that I, like Ralph Branca in the photo above and many thousands of Dodger fans today, have to accept the notion that we have to wait 'til next year.

Fortunately, I know that soon after that fateful home run some 63 years ago a Jesuit Priest was able to put Branca's mind at peace by putting it in the proper perspective, and I take solace in knowing that it applies today.  Our faith is strong enough to endure what we have to face tomorrow.  So with that, I extend my hand in congratulations to this years victors.

Congrats, Giants.  You have no doubt built a dynasty worthy of the most hallowed halls of Baseball.

All I can add at this point is thank goodness that there will be another season - unless the zombies come, in which case I'll be grabbing my red handled machete in hopes of finding that cappuccino sipping hipster lookalike Terminite up north. Oh... And thank goodness for Kings hockey.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "The consolation prize."

But strength and character are not limited to one team per season. it’s not zero-sum. That the Dodgers fell short does not mean they are empty, bereft. Their season was not without meaning. And any idea that the Dodgers couldn’t win because of such and such a person is emphatically ridiculous.

I have no doubt that if you restarted the 2014 MLB playoffs with the same participants, they would yield a different result.

The World Series is absolutely the grand prize, the holy grail. The Dodgers’ goal, from the top of the organization to the bottom, from the clubhouse to the front office, was nothing less. Elimination was, and still is, a gut punch. My acceptance of tonight’s result is simply acceptance of the hole in my stomach.

• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest has, "Offseason Dates To Remember."  Here is a list of important dates to remember this offseason.
• Via Adrian Garcia at Lasorda's Lair, "Logan White's Departure Is Not Insurmountable."
• Sports Card Info gives us a look at the 2014 World Series Press Pins for each club.  They are apparently selling for big bucks.
• Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs takes a look at, "The Top 55 Free Agents."
• What Derek Harvey at Brew Crew Ball says, "Kansas City Royals minor leaguer's admonishment of Yordano Ventura; Update: Apology issued."

As truly horrible parts of American history are, now one of the great things about America is that it's a melting pot of many different cultures. Major League Baseball is a tremendous example of this. You can't find a single team in the MLB that doesn't have a player who originated outside the country. I love that.

To say something like Zeb did is just so completely ignorant it's shocking.

• Via Chris Olds at Beckett.com, "Bloomberg TV talks shop with Topps."
• Via Jon Rosen at LA Kings Insider, "Once again, Darryl Sutter (the Kings coach) shows his baseball love."  Unfortunately, he's a Giants fan.  Boo!
• A great moment captured and shared on twitter by LG Patterson.

A moment tonight that no one else but me and the World Series managers witnessed. pic.twitter.com/jgsfWDjE4k
— LG Patterson (@picturelg) October 30, 2014

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So, Why Did Logan White Leave?

Logan White leaving for the southern pastures of San Diego sure has been a shock to the system.  He had been a wizard in the scouting front office and a legend in the minds of prospect-minded Dodger fans.  So, his departure has been seen as a huge loss for the franchise. 

As I'm sure most had hoped (myself included), the combination of the Dodgers newest hire Andrew Friendman and Logan White working together appeared to be a fantastic 1-2 punch.  After all, continuity within the Dodger ranks was a major theme for Friendman during his recent press conference and one would think that this meant he wanted to retain the experience and know-how of a person like Logan White.

Unfortunately, it takes two to tango and we are left wondering what drove Logan away. 

Was it a potentially diminishing role within the club?  Did Logan find the prospect of a two headed dragon at the scouting helm unappealing?  Was the talk of continuity by Friendman just a smoke screen, and he was actually pushed out?  Or did Logan just want to experience something different - a new challenge maybe?

Only Logan White knows the true answer.  Thankfully, though, through the wonder of twitter we get a slight glimpse at his frame of mind from some established reporters.  Check out what has been shared online since White's announced departure yesterday.  

Dodger Talk host David Vassegh spoke with White and shared that personal relationships within the Padres franchise was a motivating factor:

Just spoke to Logan White...He said biggest reason he left for SD was relationship w/mentor Don Welke and friendship w/GM AJ Preller (cont)
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) October 28, 2014

This sentiment was echoed by OC Register reporter Bill Plunkett:

Talked to Logan White. Said move was about SD opportunity, relationships with Preller/Welke not concern over #Dodgers role under Friedman.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 28, 2014

In fact, Plunkett goes further by commenting that a change in role with the Dodgers was not a major concern. 

White said Friedman had assured him he would have role in restructured #Dodgers front office (though that role might have changed)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 28, 2014

And that both Freidman and Kasten had been stand-up throughout this process, via David Vassegh on twitter:

Welke is now VP of scouting ops for SD. He knew AJ when he worked for LAD..Logan also said Friedman and Kasten treated him "very classy"
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) October 28, 2014

Eric Stephen at True Blue LA on twitter likely got to the gist of the matter.  Logan would have an expanding role with the Padres:

Padres say Logan White will oversee "organization’s professional scouting efforts & player acquisition at the Major & minor league level"
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 27, 2014

While at the same time, Andrew Friendman would have an opportunity to build the club without his interference.  As Bill Plunkett noted, Friedman will now have a chance to make a huge mark on the Dodgers.

Andrew Friedman now has chance to remake #Dodgers front office his way with 3 hires -- GM, scouting director, player development director
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 28, 2014

Ultimately, I guess it was too much to believe that the dream team of White/Friedman could last.  They would eventually butt heads (if they hadn't already), and I'm sure Logan understood that his capacity to exert influence had naturally diminished.  This was Andrew Friedman's team now and he had every right to lead it in the direction that he saw fit.  For better or worse, the Dodgers are no longer the club that existed just a couple of years ago.  They are reborn and all we can do is hope that these changes to the front office lead to success in the future.

Pic at the very top via Ben Platt/LA Dodgers - June 2006

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Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

On this date in 1981 the Dodgers defeated the NY Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series.  They won their 5th franchise championship.  Above is a photo of their celebration, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  As you can see, Steve Howe was on the mound to earn his first save of the series and his only playoff save of his career.  Also shown is eventual World Series co-MVP's Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.  Along with third baseman Ron Cey and outfielder Pedro Guerrero they represented an offensive triumvirate that powered the Dodgers to victory.  BTW, this was the first time ever (and only time) three players were named co-MVP's for a World Series.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Corey Seager an AFL Fall-Star."

Seager has been named to the West Division roster for the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game

• Jarred Massey at Dodgers Nation pens an, "Open Letter To Logan White, Who Left A Lasting Impression."
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Reminder: Logan White was good at his job while with the Dodgers."

I understand that since 2008, the Dodgers’ drafts haven’t produced much in the way of even decent players, but with White’s responsibilities as AGM and McCourt’s refusal to put money into player development and scouting, there was only so much he could do. It’s no coincidence that since 2012 (you know, when Guggenheim took over), the Dodgers have been exceedingly active in the international market and have drafted some players with high ceilings — the way it used to be when White first started with the Dodgers.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Arizona Fall League Week 3: Darnell Sweeney on fire."
• Congratulations to 1,000,000 hits Night Owl Cards.  Check out his most recent post, here.
• Check out who might be available this winter.  Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Get To Know This Year’s Foreign Imports: Korea."

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Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2014 - Dodger Links - Logan White is Leaving Dodgers

Stay tuned.  Puig recently announced on his instagram that newly created Puig signature caps will be soon available on his website.  His website is here.

Below are some links to check out:

• RIP, Oscar Tavares.  Via Charlie Wilmoth at MLB Trade Rumors, "Oscar Taveras Dies In Car Accident" in the Dominican Republic.  Tarvares was a top prospect within the Cardinals organization.
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Can The Dodgers Even Sell Low On Andre Ethier?"

One way or another, a Dodger outfielder is moving. Maybe it’s Van Slyke, though that wouldn’t really free up much room. Maybe it’s Puig in some kind of massive deal, though that seems unlikely. Kemp’s second-half surge probably keeps him in the heart of the lineup. Carl Crawford could go, though he’s only mildly more valuable than Ethier is. Most likely, Ethier is going in a deal that sees the Dodgers A) eat 90% of his contract B) take on someone else’s problem or C) both.

• No!  Via Jon Heyman of CBS Sports on twitter, Scouting Director Logan White is leaving the Dodgers.

Logan White, well-respected dodgers scouting director who picked Kershaw, Kemp and the others, is taking job with Padres.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 27, 2014

• Old friend alert!  Former Dodger infielder Justin Sellers is now a Pirate, via @Pirates on twitter.
• Dodger pitching prospect Danny Coulombe recently celebrated an Avengers birthday, via his twitter.  Happy Birthday, Danny!

Thank you to my beautiful wife (of one week), Lauren Coulombe, for the Avengers birthday breakfast! pic.twitter.com/KomHeh1LVG
— Danny Coulombe (@DPCoulombe) October 26, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodger Loss Hurt Last Night and Dee Collecting Awards

The Dodgers lost a wild one last night against the Pirates, 12 to 7.  There were hit batters, a thrown out pitcher, wild arguments, a bunch of home runs, some timely errors and relievers imploded all around.  For awhile it looked like the Dodgers could pull out a victory, but that was not to be.  If you ask me, the number one thing the Dodgers should to do is improve their bullpen.  This was a winnable game, and they were just not good enough to get the job done.  I think it's about time to have some faith in the kids (i.e. Paco, Dominguez, Garcia, etc.).  Pic above is of Justin Turner getting nailed in the arm, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

BTW, Josh Beckett was hard on himself when discussing the Dodgers loss, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"This loss pretty much falls on me," Beckett said. "I put our guys in a bad situation, having to eat innings up that way. I feel I can do a better job making small adjustments and didn't do it today. That's not competing."

Also, Adrian Gonzalez's home run last night was the 250th of his career.  Congrats, Agon!  Now, below are your daily Dodger Links:

• Here is an early peak at the Zack Greinke bobblehead the Dodgers are giving away to fans on Wednesday, August 20th on the right.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dee Gordon wins Heart and Hustle Award."

“Dee absolutely deserves this award,” said MLBPAA director of communications Nikki Warner. “He embodies all that the award represents, and his passion for the game is unmatched.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers sign 33 of 40 draft picks, plus thoughts from Logan White."

"It's really tough to take 40 rounds of players every year and put them in your system, because you don't have enough places for them to play," White said. "Then what happens is you start releasing players with only a year, a year and a half in the minor leagues, and that's not a good process either."

• I look at this as a good omen.  Via a Dodger press release, the Dodgers RBI Jr. Division team, boys ages 13-15, earned a spot in the RBI World Series this past weekend. The RBI World Series will take place on August 6-17 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.  

Winning pitcher Nolan Martinez threw a complete game four-hitter allowing just one earned run. Catcher Brendan Casillas went 3 for 3 with a single, double and triple. Shortstop John Jackson and center fielder Micah Wallette had two hits apiece for Dodgers RBI. Second baseman Jorge Corrales made momentum changing key defensive plays. Three players on the Dodgers RBI Jr. Division All Star Team are defending RBI World Series champs, CJ Fernandezees, Max Sterner and Micah Wallette along with manager Erikk Aldridge.

• Pedro Guerrero... yes, that guy... made an interesting trade proposal on twitter.  So, what do you think?

I would do Kemp for Colon and Zack Wheeler and lucas Duda and so would the mets I am thinking.  Need to bury the fucking giants. @dodgers
— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) July 22, 2014

• Via Shawn Anderson at the Hall of Very Good, they are adding three new members: Luis Tiant, Tony Oliva and The San Diego Chicken. 
• In memorabilia auction news, Keith Olbermann tells all about the plea bargain Bill Mastro has accepted for mail fraud related to his Baseball auction business.  He's the guy who trimmed the T206 Honus Wagner card into a super-mint specimen.  I've purchased several items through Mastro/Legendary Auctions over the years, so I do have a special interest in this case.  Fortunately, I don't believe I've been harmed by shill bidding; although I'm certain I benefited from it (i.e. I had bid too much for an item and immediately had bidders remorse.  A subsequent shill bid, I think, the day of the auction closing saved me from that embarrassing mistake.). 

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Leaked Trade Talks and Fire Department Not Happy with Hot Foot Prank

Recent call-up Clint Robinson ripped his first Major League hit last night, and it was a timely one.  With his pinch hit single he drove in Andre Ethier for the Dodgers only run of the evening to help them win the game, 1 to 0.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  We now stand alone in first place in the West by half a game.  Go here to check out Jon SooHoo's pics from the day.

• Via TMZ, "L.A. Dodgers RIPPED BY FIRE OFFICIALS ... Over Hot Foot Prank."  (Hat Tip: Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation)  

The whole thing made national news -- but Captain Jaime Moore from the L.A. City Fire Dept. tells us, "These guys are supposed to be role models and playing with fire is not a joke."

Is TMZ channeling The Onion?  I get that playing with fire is bad, but come on now!

• Via Barry Petchesky at Deadspin, he broke the story regarding leaked communications from the Houston Astros that deal with potential trades.  See that story here.  The Dodgers are mentioned twice, once dated 11/5/2013:

[Stearns] talked with [Dodgers director of baseball contracts] Alex Tamin: LAD is looking to acquire some back end SP depth and up the middle infield depth. They believe they have depth in the pen and would be willing to deal from it (AT mentioned Belisario and Guerra). LAD also has four OF for three spots and would be willing to talk about Crawford

You should note that these communications are straight from the horses mouth, and since they have been verified as real I consider this information rock solid. 

None of the above should be a surprise for Dodger fans.  The team eventually added Dan Haren a few weeks later and Paul Maholm in February to provide SP depth.  They also ended up signing Justin Turner, Chone Figgins, Carlos Triunfel and Erisbel Arruebarrena during the off-season for infield depth after this date.  BTW, both Belisario and Guerra were allowed to leave the club for no compensation, so we were never able to find trading partners for them.  I do not believe that the mention of Belisario and Guerra means the team was confident in their relief situation - this is supported by the subsequent signings of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez that winter.  I just think the Dodgers realized that they both were not in their future plans.

It should also not be a surprise that the only outfielder the team would talk about at that time was Carl Crawford.  (In other words, all that reporter talk about the other outfielders being available might be bunk - which should come as no surprise)

What is strange is a note a week later, 11/13/2013:

[Alex Tamin] told [Stearns] that if we consider trading Barnes this off season we should let them know. They view him as a good reserve OF/depth piece.

Did we really need another outfielder?  Really?  What would be the purpose of adding Barnes as a potential 6th outfielder?  Or, was trading an outfielder closer to reality?  Or, is there that much lack of faith in Scott Van Slyke?

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Dodgers prospect Lindsey Caughel named Cal League Pitcher of the Week."

“Individual accolades are great within a team game,” said Caughel after learning of his award. “But without a doubt the most important thing is that our team has put together some incredible games these past 11 games. People are starting to take notice of the talent that’s on this team. The chemistry on our team is second to none and it’s been so much fun playing with these guys. Hopefully I can keep stringing together good starts to help the team win.”

• Noooo!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Logan White interviews for Padres GM job."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his Sunday getting autographs from some Dodger legends.  Check out his story here.
• Via Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji, "A Perfect Day for Korean Baseball: SK Wyverns Game at Munhak Stadium, Incheon, South Korea."  Ryan shares some great photos from a ballgame in Korea.
• David shares some photos from an LA KISS game he attended (arena football).  Go here to check them out.  It's tough to take the sport seriously, but with ladies dancing in cages how can you not be entertained?

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Dodgers Singing the Right Tune - They Sign Roy Clark to Shore Up Front Office

The Dodgers have gone country.

Really... They've gone to the eastern reaches of Virginia to snag away an executive with the Washington Nationals.  His name is Roy Clark, and I hear he's mighty good with a banjo and a fiddle (I jest).

Seemingly with billions of dollars at their disposal, the Dodgers continue to build a strong foundation.  They appear to be using a three-pronged approach that includes adding veterans to help the team win now, shoring up their farm system to create talent for the future, and adding the right personnel to implement their plans. 

As a friend once told me,

Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

The Dodgers look like they've taken that saying to heart.

From a Dodgers press release:

"We are pleased to bring in someone of Roy's experience and his strong track record of evaluating potential Major League players," said Colletti. "He has been an integral part of the success of Atlanta and Washington."

In his role with the Dodgers (as a National Crosschecker), Clark will be helping to scout amateur talent throughout the country as well as evaluating the club's current minor leaguers.

"Roy is an excellent talent evaluator and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dodgers," said Dodger Vice President, Amateur Scouting Logan White. "He's a terrific addition and I'm looking forward to teaming him with Paul Fryer and John Green as National Crosscheckers."

Clark previously was the Nationals' Vice President of Player Personnel and oversaw the club's drafts from 2010-12, which included the selection of Bryce Harper with the first overall pick in 2010. In Washington, Clark was instrumental in overhauling the club's player development system, stocking the organization with talented prospects and earning the Nationals recognition from Baseball America as the best minor league system in baseball in 2012.

On a side note, isn't it weird how much our Roy Clark looks like Roy Clark, the country musician?  It's like the man from Hee Haw found the fountain of youth (he is 80 years old) and decided on a new vocation as a Baseball stud.  Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.  After all, what else would you expect from the man who sang, "Yesterday, When I Was Young".

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Blog Kiosk: 10/2/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Luis Cruz and Andre Ethier

Here is a look at the Dodgers postseason cap, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• "The stuff that legends are made of," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA.

There have been many comparisons drawn between that historic 1988 Dodger team and the playoff-bound 2013 Dodgers, but up until two weeks ago, one of those comparisons did not include the painful truth that what was once four reasonably healthy All-Star caliber outfielders would quickly dwindle down to two – yet this is exactly what has happened.

• Hey!  Do you remember that time Yasiel Puig got busted for reckless driving while still in the minors?  Well, his court date has been pushed, once again. Via Chattanooga.com.
• Luis Cruz sends his well wishes, via twitter:

Good.luck to my old.teamates  goo blue :)
— luis cruz (@CochitoCruz) October 1, 2013

• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com, "How they were built: Los Angeles Dodgers".

"Mark Walter and the new ownership came in and wanted to win," Dodgers assistant general manager and vice president of amateur scouting Logan White said. "They were willing to spend money to be good. We do place a premium on guys with track record and experience, and we've been able to go out and get them."

• "New father Rodriguez to rejoin Dodgers Wednesday," via Ken Gurnick and Austin Laymance at MLB.com.
• "Ethier's status unclear as NLDS approaches,: via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"We're hoping it's a hitting role right now and maybe more as the series progresses," Ethier said after working out with the Dodgers on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. "It's frustrating to be sitting here at this point. We're just trying to figure out a way to have me contribute and help any way I can, especially this first series."

• "Ned Colletti weighs in on Julio Urias and Corey Seager," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA.
• I believe this is a bad omen for the Braves.  Will they suffer the Sports Illustrated curse?  The Upton Brothers join Kate Upton on the cover.  See it on the right.
• Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest writes, "Quotable: Athletes Commenting on Cards, Autographs".

“Any American that doesn’t sign autographs for little kids isn’t an American. He’s a Communist.”
– Rogers Hornsby, HOF player-manager

• Banksy is in New York, via This is Colossal.

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Welcome Up to the Blue, Onelki Garcia!

Another Cuban has joined the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  Instead of the highly anticipated and recent defector Alexander Guerrero, it is current Dodger minor league reliever and one-time teammate of Yasiel Puig, Onelki Garcia.

As you may know, Garcia left Cuba in January 2011, but had to wait over a year before he was allowed to be drafted by a MLB club.  The Dodgers chose him in the 3rd round of the 2012 amateur draft, and he has quickly gone up the ladder ever since then.

Here's a fun fact, in between him leaving Cuba and his eventually drafting; via Jim Shonerd at Baseball America:

He found a temporary landing spot in Southern California, pitching in a local adult league—or a beer league if you prefer. Despite the obvious downgrade in competition, the Dodgers looked past Garcia’s surroundings and the fact he would be 22 by the time the 2012 draft rolled around. They had been interested in Garcia as a prospective international signee, and they stayed with him throughout the process.

“We just treated him like any other player (in the 2012 draft),” Dodgers scouting director Logan White said, “going out and having our area scouts see him and turn him in. Then our crosscheckers and myself went in to see him and see how he progressed. We just ranked him on the draft board like we would any other guy.”

Onelki Garcia throws a fastball from 90-95 MPH, a slider in the low-80's and a rudimentary changeup.  He also has a good ability to change speeds and manipulate both the fastball and slider.

We should expect to see him get a taste of the big leagues by providing some rest to our key left-handers; JP Howell and Paco Rodriguez.  You shouldn't expect him to be seriously considered for the playoff roster unless there is an injury.  Via Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe:

“This will give him a little taste of it,” Donnie says. “Hopefully he can take something positive from it and keep moving forward.”

In celebration of Garcia's promotion to the big club I made the above Dodgers fantasy card of him using a 1987 Topps Baseball card design.  This time, I added a couple of pics from Chatanoogan.com (Tim Evearitt), here and here, to create a little collage.  I couldn't help but add the photo of Puig and Garcia together.

Via a Dodgers Press Release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Onelki Garcia (#98) from Triple-A Albuquerque and, in a corresponding move, transferred right-handed reliever Shawn Tolleson to the 60-day disabled list.

Garcia, who turned 24 on Aug. 2, combined to go 2-4 with a 2.90 ERA (20 ER/62.0 IP) in 35 games (six starts) with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque this season. Overall, Garcia combined to limit opposing hitters to a .209 batting average, including a .149 mark (11-for-74) with 30 strikeouts against left-handers. After opening the season as a starter with the Lookouts, the Guantanamo, Cuba native went 2-0 with one save and a 1.39 ERA (5 ER/32.1 IP), while limiting opponents to a .175 batting average (20-for-114) with 36 strikeouts in 19 relief appearances to earn an Aug. 11 promotion to Albuquerque. Garcia, who was originally selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, tossed scoreless relief in seven of 10 outings as an Isotope, limiting opponents to a .176 average (6-for-34) with 14 strikeouts in 9.2 innings.

Tolleson made just one appearance for the Dodgers this season before going on the DL on April 15 with a low back strain and underwent back surgery on April 25 to repair a herniated disc in his low back.

See his career stats below:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/27/2013 - Dodger Links - Jansen on Twitter, Logan White and Greinke Disappointed in Braun

Hyuim-Jin Ryu and Shin-Soo Choo shake hands during a press conference yesterday.  Today the Korean superstars will face off against each other for the first time.  Pic via @Dodgers twitter.

• Kenley Jansen is now on twitter.  Follow him at @kenleyjansen74.
• "Sarah's Take: Kemp needs to get it together," via Sarah D. Morris at MLB.com.
• Check out Jon SooHoo's great photos from Vin Scully's bobblehead Night.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Investment in farm system paying off for Dodgers".

One year later, the farm system is stirring with signs of life. The Yasiel Puig phenomenon is the quick payoff for what promises to be a reopening of a foreign pipeline of talent the Dodgers originally discovered, then abandoned.

More subtle, but no less important, is a sea-change in Draft approach from high-risk, high-reward high schoolers to more projectable college talent that should allow the Dodgers to more quickly fill more holes from within, which had become a frustration in recent years.

• Yesterday, a Dodger Redditor (kittysparkles) had a couple of Red's players come into his work; including the previous nights winning pitcher Matt Latos.  There are some pics and a funny story about kicking his butt on Call of Duty.
• Via ESPN, listen to Carl Crawford on 'Max & Marcellus Show'
• Dustin Nosler at ChadMoriyama.com shares a recent interview with Dodgers' scouting guru Logan White.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Clayton Kershaw going deeper into games: It has been 24 years since a Dodgers starting pitcher has lasted as deep into games as Clayton Kershaw in 2013".
• "Frank Jobe's Hall of Fame life: The originator of Tommy John surgery has just about done it all," via Doug Miller at MLB.com.
• Via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, "Dodgers' Zack Greinke disappointed in former teammate Ryan Braun".

 "The main thing is, yeah, he lied to us," Greinke said. "He forced us to lie for him, threw people under the bus in order to help himself out and didn't care, blamed others for his mistakes and it’s just a lot of things you don’t expect from people."

• Bob Lemke writes about the 1951 suicide of former Dodger Hugh Casey.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2013 - Dodgers Links - President Stan Kasten Speaks, Another Puig Baseball Card and Dodgers Jersey's Selling Briskly

Last night Adrian Gonzalez's father threw out the first pitch.  Check out a photo of them together, above.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Via the Daily News, "Dodgers President Stan Kasten talks Yasiel Puig, Dodger heritage, kosher hot dogs, stadium Wi-Fi, his 'Yankee' manager and love of the game as he meets fans, answers tough questions".  You must check out the discussion.  It's great.  Below is a small sample.

KM: Did I see you say the Dodgers wouldn't give a contract to a player that would take him beyond what, age 36?
SK: I was misquoted (laughter). What I said was, last year, people in the media went off and had their own theories about what we were doing, including 'oh they've lost their minds; they don't care what they spend on anything,' and I made the point that if you look at who we got last year, none of those players had contracts that lasted beyond the age of 36. It's not like we got guys into their 40s or mid-40s. We were watching what we were doing. I'm not gonna say we will never get a guy beyond the age of 36. We haven't done it yet. It's a useful benchmark. Maybe it should be lower than that. I don't think you mortgage the future by getting guys who are no older than 36 when their contract is up.

KM: Will the time come when we'll be able to walk all the way around the park?
SK: I don't know. That's a really long-term project. You're building another concourse, an exterior concourse right now what we did was renovate, update, modernize. If we really want to build the next generation, the next 50-year Dodger Stadium, we might do an exterior concourse that connects all the way around. That's a very big project, a long-term project. I will say it's on the long term to-do list but we just haven't decided what the long-term is going to be. We set a goal of doing all we could in 26 weeks. We knew that's all we had, 26 weeks. We have more to do. We'll evaluate that right now

• Chris Olds at Beckett provides a sneak peek at Panini Prizm Baseball cards.  Check out the Puig and Piazza cards below.  The set is slated to come out on September 18th.

• Via Christopher Jackson at Examiner.com, "Dodgers' White and his staff adapt to new world of scouting".
• Mathew Orso at New Jersey Baseball Magazine writes about New Jersey's greatest ballplayers.  He starts with starting pitchers, and Don Newcombe is on top of that list.
• Jill Painter at Inside the Dodgers shares a video of Puig speaking with the media.
• If you haven't seen it yet, here is the interview Puig gave to ESPN, yesterday.  And here's a story from ESPN entitled, "Yasiel Puig likes to play 'aggressive'".
• If you don't already know, Puig did not win the fan vote for the All-Star game.  He responds on twitter by thanking the fans.  See it below.

Muchas gracias de todo corazon. Thank you from bottom my heart. Quiero agradecer a la mejor fanaticada del mundo. Thanks best fans in world!
— yasielpuig (@YasielPuig) July 11, 2013

• Unfortunately, some things never change.  Yasiel Puig aggravated a hip injury last night, via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.
• Via Cash Kruth at MLB.com, four Dodgers are ranked in the top 20 for sold jerseys.  That's the most of any club.
• Dan Barry of the NY Times writes about the Jefferson R. Burdick collection of Baseball cards that is having a huge show at the NY Metropolitan Museum.  Burdick is the Godfather of Baseball card collecting.  There's a great slideshow to look through.
• The new LA Kings star?  Via twitter @MettaWorldPeace.

I'm playing for the LA kings
— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) July 12, 2013

  

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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig in the FanCave

Yasiel Puig visited the MLB FanCave today.  Check him out above trying out a new bat, pic via twitter @MLBFanCave.  Check out his reaction to the new band Puig Destoyer, here.

• Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers are nearing a new contract, per Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports.

The Dodgers have made progress on a seven-year extension for Kershaw, and the dollar amount will be above the $180 million the Tigers awarded Verlander, according to major-league sources. The contract would be the largest for a pitcher in baseball history.

• Kershaw is not happy that the above negotiations have gone public.  Per Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Clayton Kershaw upset about report on contract talks with Dodgers".
• It sounds like Puig is here for good.  Via a tweet from Dylan Hernandez.

Even if/when Kemp and Crawford return, Puig will probably remain in major leagues, according to Mattingly.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) June 16, 2013

• The Dodgers organization was involved in another bench-clearing brawl.  This time it was in Albuquerque against the Cardinals AAA club from Memphis.  Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew.
• Joel Sherman at the NY Post writes, "Dodgers gambled big on phenom Puig based on just one BP session".

“I wanted the player,” White remembered during a phone conversation. “And I will tell you how badly I wanted him: I would rather he come to us with the talent I saw and fail to turn those tools into anything than go someplace else and succeed. I couldn’t have lived with that.”

• "Fifty years later, Downing recalls '63 season fondly: Southpaw was key factor in Yanks' pennant, had front-row seat for historic Series," Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com.

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Welcome to the Blue, Chris Anderson & Tom Windle - A Couple Fantasy Baseball Cards For Them

I'm probably jumping the gun here.  After all, the Dodgers still need to sign their two newest draft picks.  Nevertheless, I thought it would be nice to make a couple of homemade Dodgers' Baseball cards for them.  They are fashioned after the 1974 Topps set; complete with yellow background draft pick signage.

Also, I'm obviously late in announcing these two first picks on this blog as I was cheering on the Kings at the Staples Center last night.  Unfortunately, I came home in a unruly mood as the Kings lost a tight one, 3 to 2.

Anyway, the Dodgers selected Chris Anderson with the 18th pick.  He is a right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville University, stands a tall 6' 4", and is said to throw three plus pitches - a fastball, curve and slider.

“We’re extremely excited to have selected a player of Chris’ ability level,” said Dodger Vice President, Amateur Scouting Logan White. “He’s a big physical young man with three quality Major League pitches and a bulldog-competitive makeup to go with it.”

Via Justin Barney at the Florida Times-Union:

“I knew a couple minutes prior. I couldn’t hold back any emotion,” said Anderson, a Lino Lakes, Minn. native, who was watching the draft with friends and family back home. “Soon as the pick was made, it was just … it feels great. I know that it’s just one of those things at the end of the day. My goal isn’t just to be a first-round pick. My goal is to get to the big leagues, and this is just another step to get me to do that. JU’s had a lot of guys have success [in the major leagues], and I want to be one of those guys as well.”

It sounds like he is ready to sign.  BTW, Chris Anderson has a twitter account at @SeeAyy.   Go and check out these links for more background on Anderson.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts has a great rundown of what some experts say about him.
• Chad Moriyama also has some additional information; including video.
• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue has more and another video.
• Here is the Jacksonville University biography page for Anderson.

Tom Windle was the Dodgers' 56th pick in the 2013 Draft.  He is a also 6'4", and a left-handed pitcher from the University of Minnesota - a cold weather Baseball environment.  Hence, the presence of snow in the photo I used above for his fantasy Baseball card. Go ahead and follow Tom on twitter at @tomwindle38.

Proud to be selected by the LA Dodgers!!!
— Tom Windle (@tomwindle38) June 7, 2013

Via Tyler Mason at Fox Sports North:

"I think he has a chance to play the game for a while and has a chance to play at the next level if he stays healthy and continues to develop like he has," Gophers coach John Anderson said earlier this year. "He's got great makeup, great poise on the mound. He's got a quiet confidence to him. I think he's got the intangibles. I think he's got what it takes from the neck up."

Go and check out these links for more background on Windle.

• Chad Moriyama has a nice rundown on what the experts think.
• Mike Rosenbaum at the Bleacher Report has their own analysis.
• Here is John Sickels at Minor League Ball report on Tom Windle.
• Suber10 at the Crawfish Boxes has another great draft report on Windle.
• Here's an interview Windle gave to Twin Cities.com after a game in late May.
• Here is the University of Minnesota biography page for Windle.  BTW, as a sophomore in college he is still has not decided a major.  My guess is that it'll be Baseball.

Tommy's announcement of this pick is a gas.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2013 - Dodgers' Links - Dodgers Sign Young Player, the Dodgers Arborist & an Interview with Mike Brito

This is the best news I've heard all year.  The Dodgers made a surprise signing yesterday.  They signed a young hurler by the name of Michael Douglas to a one-day contract as a part of the Make A Wish Foundation. Pic above via the Dodgers tumblr.

(pic link: twitter @Dodgers)

• Topps knows what's up!  Via their twitter.

(twitter link)

• Howard Cole at LA Weekly introduces us to the Dodgers official arborist.

Always the pioneering organization, perhaps it's no surprise that the Dodgers, who famously gave the world Jackie Robinson, and who currently employ baseball's first female head athletic trainer in Sue Falsone, should be the one and only Major League Baseball club to employ a full-time arborist. Or even a part-time arborist. Perea, who's been with the team since 2009, is closing in on his Bachelor of Science degree in Turf Science from Penn State University Online, has Associate of Science degrees in Pest Management and Ornamental Horticulture from Mt. San Antonio College, and manages a full-time staff or four.

• Congratulations, Paul LoDuca.  He is working his way towards a career in a Baseball broadcast booth.  He'll be broadcasting more collegiate World Series Baseball.

(twitter link)

• I hate having to link to any McCourt related news, but this is interesting since we'll likely get a look at the financial arrangement between the Guggenheim Group and McCourt.  Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Judge orders Dodgers to release details of deal with Frank McCourt".
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA interviews the man who discovered Puig, Mike Brito.
• "Scott Elbert injury: Dodgers LHP needs Tommy John surgery," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Panini just released some preview pics of their upcoming 2013 Golden Age Baseball set.  Check out the autographed cards of former Dodgers Ron cey and Tommy Davis below.  This set comes out on June 26th.  Check out more pics here; including autographed cards from cast members of Happy Days and the Brady Bunch.

• Bob Lemke recounts an old story featuring Satchel Paige that may have some relation to Bill Veeck's gimmick of sending up Eddie Gaedel to bat.
• The Baseball Draft starts today.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has a nice report on the Dodgers plans.

"We definitely dipped into that," said White. "I feel better about our current depth than one might suspect, but I always try to get pitching and that's not going to change. We'll still try to get the highest-ceiling guy."

• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey provides a transcript of Vin Scully telling us who Al Campanis thought was the best player he ever saw.  Although I'm way too young to have ever seen this player, based on stories I've read and analysis from folks I trust, I can't disagree with Campanis.  There's a reason they called him, "El Maestro".

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