Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2013 - Dodgers Links - An Interview with Jansen, Jeff Kent and Cruz to Japan

Here's a vintage photo of the construction work being done to build Dodger Stadium at Chavez Ravine.  It was posted up by a twitter account called @Dodgers_History.  You should check them out. They've recently put up a bunch of vintage stadium pics from Brooklyn and LA.

• Via Amanda Rykoff at The Outside Corner, "Curaçao Baseball Week 2013: Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen stays humble".  Here's an interview with our closer.

Amanda Rykoff: You switched from catcher to power pitcher. What was the adjustment like for you?

Kenley Jansen: It was a tough decision back then. To me I feel like it was a life learning experience. I almost wanted to quit and I wanted to ask for my release. I was almost suspended. Talking to my family and all these people and I decided to give it a try. And now today -- it took me a year to be in the major leagues -- and today I’m a closer just doing it.

• Via Bryan Hoch at MLB.com, "Mattingly realistic when it comes to Hall chances".

"My first year of eligibility, I pretty much knew I wasn't going to make it or anything," Mattingly told ESPN earlier this year. "I don't pay that much attention to it, to be honest with you. It's to the point now where it comes up and you're like, 'Oh, it's over,' and you go on."

• In other HOF ballot news, Jeff Kent is on the ballot for the first time.  Via Chris Haft at MLB.com, "Team success mattered most to Hall candidate Kent".

"When the bell rang for me, I was fighting to win," said Kent, who hit 377 home runs and captured the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 with the Giants. "All I wanted to do was win. I knew that if I focused on winning, I would be OK. And it worked out that way."

• Panini America is reviving the Donruss Baseball card brand.  Via Chris Olds at Beckett, he shares some preview pics for 2014 Donruss Baseball cards; including the Yasiel Puig card on the right.
• Via Greg Zakwin at Yahoo, "The Biggest Turkey in Los Angeles Dodgers History: Frank McCourt".
• Night Owl Cards proves once again why it's one of the best Baseball card hobby blogs around.  Check out his latest post, "If you can't join 'em count 'em", that ranks Baseball cards sets by highest percentage of mustached ballplayers. 
• Skip Schumaker has signed a 2-year contract to play for the Reds, via USA Today.
• Via AM570, listen to Ned Colletti tell Petros and Money what made this season so tough.
• An old friend alert!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, Luis Cruz goes to Japan - "Luis Cruz Signs With Chiba Lotte Marines".

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2013 - Dodgers Links -

I get that Don Mattingly made an ill advised decision to pinch run for Adrian Gonzalez, but I don't believe last nights loss rested solely on that.  The fact remains that the Dodgers left 24 runners on base; including early game rallies that should have yielded more than 2 runs.  Pic above of Mattingly via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Clayton Kershaw has another award for his mantel place.  The Spahn Award is presented annually to the best left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and is based on a pitcher’s wins, strikeouts and earned run average.

Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw for winning the 2013 The Warren Spahn Award... http://t.co/NycNYfmMGm
— Warren Spahn Award (@SpahnAward) October 11, 2013

This is the second time he has won the Spahn Award.  Kershaw won it in 2011.

“It is such an honor to represent Warren Spahn and his many accomplishments on the mound,” Kershaw said. “Thank you to the Bricktown Rotary Club for awarding me this prestigious honor. I'm ever so grateful for your ongoing support. Lord willing, I look forward to being a good steward of all this award embodies.”

• "Zack Greinke does his job in Dodgers’ Game 1 loss," via David Brown at Big League Stew.

"That was maybe the best game that I've ever caught in my life back there, as far as what I was receiving from him," Ellis said. "He was in complete command on everything. He had both sides of the plate working, and that was the best curveball's probably been all season long. For me personally, that's what hurts the most about walking out without a win."

• "Mattingly doesn't regret gamble of pulling Adrian: Removing slugger for pinch-runner twice takes bat out of Hanley's hands," via Phil Rogers at MLB.com.

"It's part of the game," he said. "You know, unfortunately it didn't pan out."

• "Ethier sits Game 2 after playing 13 innings in opener," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.  Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe tells us that Ethier has a sore ankle.
• Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA writes, "AFL 10/11/13 recap: Desert Dogs come out of top".
• Luis Cruz still believes.

It was a good game tonight  no.pasa nada pa delante dodgers
— luis cruz (@CochitoCruz) October 12, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Current and Former Dodgers Mouth off on Twitter

With all of the hoopla that naturally comes from a come-from-behind victory during the playoffs, it's only natural that Dodgers brethren, both current and old, would express their joy for all to hear.  Thankfully, twitter provides an avenue for us to hear their screams.  Below is a collection of some of the best yells.

From Alex "the best at-bat in Dodger history" Cora:

Pool Party?
— Alex Cora (@ac13alex) October 8, 2013

I was thinking the same thing.  It would have been hilarious if the Dodgers pulled out a little plastic kiddie pool to play in.

It's not a parking lot anymore. Good Night, happy for LA. It's home for us, we love LA.
— Alex Cora (@ac13alex) October 8, 2013

Luis Cruz will always be a Dodger to me.

Grate game very happy for all.the dodgers org     happy for my man juan.uribe @ClaytonKersh22 @CarlCrawford_ @AdrianTitan23 @MagicJohnson
— luis cruz (@CochitoCruz) October 8, 2013

Thanks, Blake!

@AJEllis17 @ClaytonKersh22 congrats fellas! keep goin
— Blake Hawksworth (@BlakeHawk425) October 8, 2013

Now we hear from some current Boys in Blue.

What a night! So thankful to be apart of this ride with the greatest teammates I could ever ask for! #uribeisajoke
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) October 8, 2013

WooHoo!  Thank you Mr. Cy Young.

Happy people. #NLDSchamps pic.twitter.com/4glYMq4Lo9
— Ellen Kershaw (@ellenkershaw) October 8, 2013

Is this the cutest couple in Baseball?

Proud of my boys! Let's keep this ride going! #DemBoysInBlue hungry! #LA #postseason #NLDS
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) October 8, 2013

I wish I could get a piggy-back ride!

Great win... Our fans were electric tonight!!! #StadiumRockin
— Carl Crawford (@CarlCrawford_) October 8, 2013

You were fantastic tonight, Carl!

Amazing series win! Thanks to all Dodger fans for incredible support!
— Adrian Gonzalez (@AdrianTitan23) October 8, 2013

Thanks #dodgers fans for your amazing energy at the Ravine tonight!
— Nick Punto (@Shredderpunto) October 8, 2013

And Punto's wife had a wild time yesterday.

Nicks going to the NLCS and this baby is headed to the shop.. #thisishowiroll pic.twitter.com/0N6J73N2pc
— Natalie Punto (@MsShredderpunto) October 8, 2013

AJ Ellis cracks me up!

.@ClaytonKersh22 start/Uribe's HR/Kenleys save barley trumps Grenkie's Fantasy Football finally winning a game as biggest win of the day.
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) October 8, 2013

Seriously though our fans brought and energy that we needed to close it out. Thanks to you all for your support and can't wait till NLCS
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) October 8, 2013

Unfortunately, Steve Garvey had his own automotive issues last night.

Cracked windshield complements of @Braves fan @Dodgers stadium last night. My son was really disappointed. pic.twitter.com/MkkufiGFHF
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) October 8, 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

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.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2013 - Dodgers Links - Juan Uribe's Big Day and a Newly Released Willard Mullin Book

Juan Uribe's big day means a big crowd at his locker.  Pic vis @Dodgers on twitter.  Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe has video of the postgame activities surrounding Uribe.  As always, Jon SooHoo has a bunch of great photos from last night, here.

• "Uribe, amazingly, is center of attention," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

"The one thing about Juan: He always, always, always played quality third base,” Mattingly said. “The thing that opened our eyes was how good a teammate he was last year. Luis was here tearing it up and the darling of L.A. last year for a period of time, and Juan was a really good teammate. He gained a lot of respect in that clubhouse.” 

• "Dodgers near deal with Cuban infielder Guerrero," via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com.
• "Michael Young supplies qualities that stat sheets can't measure," via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times.
• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe tells us that Don Mattingly doesn't appear overly concerned with getting home field advantage.

“It would be nice (to have it),” Mattingly said. “It depends on what we do. If we get to that point, we’ll talk about the risk-reward of that. If you have a guy whose leg is sore or whose hammy is a little tight, do you keep playing him, or do you give him a breather and try to keep him healthy?”

• Dan Bulla at Team Marketing Report ask, "MLB 2013: How Much Does Each Team Charge for One Ounce of Beer?"  (Hat Tip: Sons of Steve Garvey)
• "Snapshot: Yasiel Puig Monthly Offense," via Daniel Bailey at the Daily Gammons.
• Paul Lukas at UniWatch tells us about a book that features the work of noted sports cartoonist and Dodger "Bum" creator Willard Mullin.  It is called "Williard Mullin's Golden Age of Baseball 1934-1972".  He's got a ton of great scans of his artwork.  This might be the must-have book of the year.

• Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji shares some photos from a Baseball game in Taiwan - "Baseball in Taiwan: A CPBL Game in Tainan".
• Former Dodger Talk host Ken Levine remembers the late, great Cal Worthington.  RIP.

As corny and goofy as these techniques were, he sold more cars than anybody. Make no mistake, he was a smart cookie. He understood the value of advertising, showmanship, and sound business practices. He was also a decorated war hero in WWII.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/4/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Cruz and Last Nights Homer Parade

Yasiel Puig was named National League Player and Rookie of the Month of June.  See the Dodgers press release here.  Pic above via twitter @Dodgers.

• Cards That Never Were produces a fantasy 1962 Topps NL Stolen Base Leaders card featuring Maury Wills.  Awesome!
• In a somewhat surprising move, the Yankees have signed Luis Cruz.

The @Yankees sign INF Luis Cruz.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 3, 2013

• Check out Cruz in Yankees pinstripes, via twitter Marly Rivera of ESPN.  BTW, he went 0 for 3 with a throwing error in his debut.

• Wait... What?  Via Evan Grant at Sports Day DFW tells us that Manny Ramirez has just signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Yasiel Puig injury: Dodgers OF hits Coors Field wall, leaves game".  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com reports that Puig is day-to-day.
• Via Ken Gurnick on twitter:

Marmol has cleared outright waivers and has accepted a minor league assignment.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 4, 2013

• 7/3/13: Dodgers slug four home runs amidst their 17 hits, getting long balls from Juan Uribe, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2013 - Dodgers Links -

Topps is releasing a new set called WBC Tribute today.  Check out the preview pic of a Adrian Gonzalez WBC patch card above, via twitter.

• The Kershaw's are good folk.  Check out Ellen Kershaw's great essay at Kershaw's Challenge about a girl name Hope entitled, "To our Dearest Hope".  

I built relationships with the same sweet group of girls for 4 years at camp. So when they climbed off the bus, each of them came sprinting across campgrounds and leapt into my arms. They weren’t afraid of me. They knew I was on their side, and that I fiercely loved each of them. I later found out that you had been sitting on the side of the road when the bus that was hauling kids to camp pulled over to pick you up. Never have I believed that was a coincidence. It was divine intervention, and the Lord’s will at work that would forever change my life.

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Dodger legend Don Newcombe puts Yasiel Puig in great company".  He gets a great interview with Newcombe.
• The 9th annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Bowling Extravaganza will be hosted by A.J. Ellis and Josh Beckett this year.  It will take place on Monday, July 29th at Lucky Strike Lanes LA LIVE.  Get more information here.  Don Mattingly, Steve Yeager, Chris Capuano, Mark Ellis, Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Adrian Gonzalez, J.P. Howell, Nick Punto, Paco Rodriguez and Scott Van Slyke will also be attending.

• I absolutely love the LA Kings mascot "Bailey" twitter account.  It's oftentimes hilarious, as Larry Brown Sports points out in "LA Kings mascot cautions Dodgers against Carlos Marmol trade".  Check it out here.
• For the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago Leaf Trading Cards will be giving out a 7-card VIP set that includes Yasiel Puig.  See at at right.  Via Sports Cards Info.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Joc Pederson, Zach Lee lead Chattanooga contingent on Southern League All-Star team".
• Good luck Cochito.  Eric at True Blue LA also tells us that Luis Cruz has refused the assignment to AAA and is now a free agent.
• Via ABC News, former Dodger Milton Bradley has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years for domestic abuse, and is currently out on appeal.  
• This is for the Jackie Robinson collector.  Baseball Pinback Button blog does a full post on every Jackie pin in the hobby. It includes many pins I was not aware of, as well as dates of issue.  awesome!
• Dodger Films shares the aftermath of the Ryu bat that flew into the crowd during the last homestand.  The kid is fine and they got some great gifts from the team.  Check out the video below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Luis Cruz has Been DFA'd - Thank You, Cruz!

It has just been announced that the man who made 2012 so bearable has just been Designated For Assignment.  Luis Cruz is being sent down, and it is with some anguish that I relay the news.

#Dodgers today reinstated Scott Van Slyke from the 15-day disabled list and designated Luis Cruz for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 28, 2013

Cruz was one of the few bright spots for the Dodgers last season.  He seemingly came out of nowhere to wrestle away the 3rd base job, and gave some measure of hope that we may have found a solution to a position on the infield that had been left so barren.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in Baseball, longevity is fleeting.  I do want to add that this post is in no way an indication that he will never again see MLB play.  No... Not at all... I believe this is just another bump on the road for Cruz, and I suspect he'll find a way to contribute - whether it's with us in the future or with another team - I do not know.

Luis Cruz toiled, fought and scraped.  He also had the kind of infectious joy we love to see in an underdog.  At the age of 17 he joined the Red Sox and for the next 11 years slowly rose up the circuit with various teams before finally being able to show the world that he had some tools.  When given the opportunity, he thrived, and this fan truly appreciates the effort he gave both on and off the field.

Once again, Thank You, Luis.

BTW, in his place, Scott Van Slyke has been reinstated to the team and will be joining the Dodgers once again.

I thought I would finish by passing along a highlight video reel I just saw on youtube that shares many of the great Cruz moments from last year.  Watch it below.

Video Link:

UPDATE:  I want to add that I'm sure there will be plenty of folks who will express a high level of joy with this announcement.  To those folks, all I can say is that schadenfreude does not become you. 

Pic Credit at Very Top: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Guerrier, AGon, Kenley, Mike Marshall and a Dodger Fest at Frank & Sons (Puig, Kemp and More)

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

This is a very busy Saturday for Dodger Autograph collectors.  There are 4 different events happening on Saturday, and 2 of them are free for fans!  There are 12 different current and former Dodgers' signing.  On top of that, Kenley Jansen is signing this afternoon on La Cienega.  Wow!

---------------------------

Kenley Jansen will be at a T-Mobile store on La Cienega in Los Angeles on this afternoon, Wednesday, June 26th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.

T-Mobile store
350 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, 90048

---------------------------

Adrian Gonzalez will be at a T-Mobile store in Huntington Park on Saturday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  This is a free event for fans. 

T-Mobile store 

6900 Pacific Blvd.

Huntington Park, 90255

 ---------------------------

Matt Guerrier will be meeting with fans and signing autographs at the Sports Authority in Burbank on Saturday, June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.

Sports Authority
1900 W. Empire Ave. Ste R12 
Burbank, CA 91504 

---------------------------

Former Dodger Mike Marshall will be in Whitter on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harry's Dugout.  Go here for more information.  This is a pay event.

Harry's Dugout
10701 W Beverly Blvd
Whittier, Ca 90601

---------------------------

This weekend is a Dodger weekend at Frank & Sons.  Nine Dodgers will be in attendance to sign for fans.  Check out the below flyers for information, or go here.  Click on any flyer to embiggen.

Scott Van Slyke is on rehab assignments in Albuquerque, but is expected to be back in LA before the weekend.  I suspect if those plans change and he remains on rehab with the Isotopes, then his appearance at Frank & Sons will be postponed.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2013 Topps Baseball Series 2 - Check out the Dodgers' Base Cards

Series 2 of the 2013 Topps flagship set is now out, and I've collected images of most of the Dodgers' cards in the set.  To see the images I've shared so far, go here.  Yesterday, I shared the short printed Dodger variation cards.  Below are the Dodger base cards to the set.  There are only 6 subjects.  BTW, there doesn't appear to be Yasiel Puig card in this set at all.  I imagine, he came into the league way too late in the production process to be included.  Oh well!  I guess we'll have to wait for the Update set.

#487 Hanley Ramirez

#519 Zack Greinke                                #594 Carl Crawford

#615 Mark Ellis

#645 Luis Cruz

#661 Hyun-Jin Ryu RC

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday Dodger Videos: Puig, 16-Year Old Urias and Billy Crystal

Here are this Sunday's Dodger Videos.

Here are the Dodgers Vine Videos from the past week compiled into 1 Video.  Check out Uribe, Ryu, Puig, Cruz and Hanley.

Video Link:

Check out the fireworks from Friday night.

Video Link:

This is too cute for words.  Watch a vintage video of Billy Crystal who brings a young child into the Dodger broadcast booth.  The kid names everyone on the Los Angeles Dodgers including Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, Raul Mondesi, etc. Crystal would give the first name, and the kid would always answer correctly!

Video Link:

Here is a brief video of 16-year old Dodger prospect Julio Urias warming up in the bullpen before a start against the West Michigan Whitecaps in a Class A game on June 6, 2013.

Video Link:

Yasiel Puig becomes only the second Major Leaguer in the modern era with four homers in his first five games.  Watch all 4 home runs below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2013 - Dodgers' Links - Puig's Big Day

Congratulations, Stephen Fife, on your very first Major League win.  May there be many more.  Pic via twitter @DodgersPR.

• Via Chosun Ilbo, "Dodgers' Ryu Gives Sales of Baseball Merchandise a Boost".
• Scott Elbert's rehab assignment has not gone well.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.

(twitter link)

Eric followed the above up another tweet indicating that Elbert has an appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache tomorrow.  Tommy John surgery looms?  Here's Eric's story at True Blue LA.

• The Jackie Robinson game-used glove auctioned by Steiner Sports just sold at $373,00.00, via Mark Newman at MLB.com.
• Yasiel Puig's 1st Dodger game was definitely memorable.  In addition to recording his first two Major League hits, he nailed a runner on 1st base to end the game.  Wow!  Via Bill Plunkett, let's not forget that Puig isn't the only person responsible for that last out. 

(pic credit: pelon2327)

Yasiel Puig's laser from the RF wall was eye-popping but #Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez said real heroes on the play were middle infielders Luis Cruz and Nick Punto.  Padres baserunner Chris Denorfia was running on the pitch and slid into second base when Cruz and Punto pantomimed a double-play grounder. Denorfia had to scramble to his feet and was called out on a very close play at first base.

“It was an incredible throw. ... But the biggest part of that play is faking him out,” Gonzalez said. “If they don’t do that, he’s standing up at first base.  It was a big throw. It had to be on target which it was. As soon as he let go of it I knew we had a shot because I took a peek and saw where Denorfia was.” 

• If you haven't seen the play, below is the catch and throw to end last nights game.

Video Link:

• Below is a video of Puig's first two Major League hits.

Video Link:

• BTW, if you're interested in picking up a unused ticket from the game to commemorate Puig's first game, check out this eBay auction.
• If you want to check out a bunch of pics from yesterdays game then there is no better place than Jon SooHoo's Photog Blog.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/24/2013

The 5th edition of the Dodgers Playbill debuts with Dodger Hall of Fame Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín on the cover. See it above.  Fans receive the playbill when they enter the Dodger Stadium parking gates.

• "Appreciating the greatness of Clayton Kershaw," via Alex Kienholz at Beyond the Boxscore.
• Via Greg Zakwin on Yahoo, he makes the case for demoting Luis Cruz.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA we learn that former pitching prospect Aaron Miller has been moved to the outfield.
• Panini shares even more pictures from the Father's Day set that will be give away at local card shops throughout the country.

• Ken Rosenthal on twitter shares some comments from Dodgers President Stan Kasten on Mattingly's recent comments.  Interesting. 

• Via David Lauterbach at True Blue LA, "Dodgers links: Mattingly receives support from Kasten and Colletti."
• I think Stealing Home of All Trade Bait, All the Time gets deep down to the crux of the issue when it comes to Andre Ethier in his piece entitled, "Mattingly vs. Ethier Round One".

Mattingly didn't bench Ethier because he doesn't have any fire, it's because Andre internalizes and misdirects it.  All athletes feel the emotion of the game; it's how they handle it that separates the great ones from the Milton Bradleys.

This is exactly how I feel.

• This is excellent.  This Scott Bradlee guy is a great musical composer/ arranger.  Here is a 1920's style cover of PSY's song "Gentleman"

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2013

I ran into this great vintage photo of the 1912 Brooklyn Dodgers as they take a team photo during Spring Training.  Check out a whole album of other great Baseball vintage pics here.

• "Don Mattingly isn’t going to use Kenley Jansen in the closer role, but it’s probably for the best," via Chad Moriyama.

Basically, Mattingly’s plan is to use Kenley as an ace reliever of old, a move which is only bolstered by the fact that Kenley has a history of being able to go multiple innings. Another reason it works is because the Dodger bullpen has been hit by injuries and ineffectiveness like the rest of the team, so despite League’s struggles, he’s still projected to get late-inning outs even if he’s removed as closer. And since blowing a lead in the eighth sucks just as much as in the ninth (or more since the closer doesn’t even get used then), simply stripping League of the overhyped title accomplishes little to solve the root problem.

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Dodgers' scouts deserve credit as Hyun-Jin Ryu pays dividends."

“He knows how to pitch to win, which is so refreshing,” said catcher A.J. Ellis. “He’s not just out there throwing to throw. He dials it up when he has to. He adds and subtracts to all his pitches.

“He’s a sneaky, really good athlete. He has amazing feel. He can field his position, hold runners, handle the bat. He’s a guy who just knows how to win baseball games.”

• "The Rise and Fall of Luis Cruz," via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair.
• Via Aaron at Inside Dodger Baseball writes, "Van Slyke's big night goes to waste."
• "Van Slyke's emergence creates questions for Cruz," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

Luis Cruz and Scott Van Slyke were in the Dodgers' lineup Friday night, but their careers are suddenly headed in opposite directions.

• Joc Pederson may be the first callup from the minors, not Yasiel Puig, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"He just does everything better than everybody else," said Corrales. "He makes adjustments at bat and in the field. He's an outstanding center fielder. He has a knack for seeing the ball off the bat: He lowers his head and he's off to get the ball. He's hitting home runs, he's hitting with men on base. There's nothing he isn't doing."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2013 - Ethier in GQ

Dodgers finally get to celebrate a win yesterday against the Orioles, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Yasiel Puig injures thumb, placed on 7-day DL, via Eric Stephen at Trule Blue LA.
• Mark Simon at ESPN takes an in depth look at the troubles Matt Kemp has been having at the plate.

Though Kemp is known for hitting the ball with power to all fields, through the first three weeks of the season, Kemp has done little against the pitches on the inner half of the plate, or that jammed him off the inside corner. 

(Photo Credit: Cass Bird / GQ)

• Via Deadspin, Justin Sellers was up to no good in the Dodgers dugout during yesterdays game.  They've got video.
• Andre Ethier is featured along with several Major Leaguers in the current issue of GQ.  Check out his interview here with Nathaniel Penn of GQ.  To the right is Andre sporting some designer-styled clothing.

Andre Ethier on his favorite L.A. restaurant: “It would have to be Osteria Mozza. In fact, after I first found out about Mozza I begged my wife to live near that area so I could strategically place the stadium and our house on opposite ends of the restaurant and just stop in late at night. I like to believe I am the only one who gets takeout from the restaurant; the restaurant doesn't do takeout. It's a nice little text to [the chef or owner]: "Hey, I'm on the way, can I get some stuff?"—and they'll let me slip in the back alleyway and have some [food] for me.”

• Mike Petriello at MSTI, writes that "The Luis Cruz Experiment Just Isn't Working Out."  I still think it's too early to tell.  The season is way too young.  On the other hand, I am known by friends to be an extremely patient person.
• Greg Zakwin at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle snagged a couple of Drysdale auto's; of both husband and wife.
• GCRL continues on with Part 2 of the evolution of Dodger 3rd Basemen with Baseball cards.
• This coming Sunday, kids at the Dodgers game will receive the below batting helmet.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Clayton Richer at Baseball Hot Corner shares an interview with the grand-daughter of Babe Ruth: Linda Ruth Tosetti.

He loved to hunt.  I can attest from my Mom, Dorothy, her and Babe ate everything he shot! Babe loved to try all sports.  He loved to play basketball, bowling, swimming, handball, football at Notre Dame, with “Wild” Bill Kelly.  In his earlier days, he loved to box.  His friend Jack Dempsey told him that baseball paid better.  He tried Tennis, Cricket, Pool, swimming, and he loved to horseback ride and did it every chance he could.  Of course we can not forget his golfing!

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2013

So... Can I take one of these home?  Above is a pic tweeted by the @Dodgers of one of the giant bobbleheads that have been installed at Dodger Stadium.  Can you say Conan O'Brien?

• Is it too early to say that Dodger Thoughts is back?  Jon Weisman pens a great piece focused on the often unappreciated greatness of Burt Hooton.
• Lyle Spencer at MLB.com tells us that Chan Ho Park believes in Ryu's skills.

 "Wait until May, June," said Park, who was a big brother figure for Ryu in 2012 on the staff of the Hanwha Eagles of South Korea and has been in the Dodgers' camp late this spring. "He's going to get better. That's how he is. He gets stronger and sharper as the season goes on. As long as he stays comfortable, he'll be fine."

• Vincent Bonsignore at the Daily News writes a great piece on the rise of Luis Cruz.

"I was hungry to be in the big leagues and I knew I could play here. I just never had a real chance to play," Cruz said. "But you just keep waiting and waiting for that chance and then try to take advantage of it when it comes." 

• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue lets us know that both Billingsley and Lilly are likely to start season on the DL.
• You should check this out if you're artistically inclined.  Via the Baseball Hall of Fame, the US Mint will have a coin design competition for a 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame Coin that will be made.

• Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs explores the consequences of the new balk rule.
• MLB and the Players Union recently released PED test results going back to the start of the 2011 season to the end of the 2012 playoffs.  See the press release here.

A total of 5,136 samples -- 3,955 urine tests and 1,181 blood tests -- were collected and analyzed during the time period. Eighteen of the results were positive and resulted in discipline. Seven were for performance-enhancing substances, including four for testosterone and one each for Clenbuterol, Clostebol and Tamoxifen. Eleven were for stimulants, 10 for Adderall and one for d-amphetamine.

There were 119 Therapeutic Use Exemptions granted for Attention Deficit Disorder (116), Hypertension (2) and Hypogonadism (1).

• As you probably know, the LA Kings visited the White House the other day in honor of their Stanley Cup victory last season.  Go to the LA Kings Insider official team blog to see some photos from their visit.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *