Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best photo I've seen all year, via former Dodger GM Fred Claire on twitter. From L-R: Ron Roenicke, Mike Scioscia, Vin Scully, Fred Claire and Mickey Hatcher.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 closer Eric Gagne is suspended for two games and fined -- even though he was on the disabled list. He had been ejected on April 6th for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn. Per league rules, any player on the DL may not take part in any activity during the game. In 2011 Casey Blake is placed on the DL with a staph infection in his left elbow. He would have surgery and be out of commission for a month.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Deisel & Ron Washington! 

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

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

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

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 12/10/2019 - Dodgers & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just can't wait for Spring, so when I come across a press photo showing some Dodgers' preparing for the upcoming season I have to share it here. Featured above is Brooklyn catcher Bruce Edwards with youngster Tom Tatum, dated 2/24/1947 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Bat Selection. Bruce Edwards (left), Brooklyn Dodger catcher, looks over some bats with rookie Tom Tatum at the Dodger training area at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 21. Tatum came to the Dodgers from Montreal in the International League where he hit .319 in the 1946 season. Edwards' home is in Sacramento, Calif, and Tatum lives in Nashville, Tenn.

BTW, Tom Tatum had a short career in Brooklyn, but made an impact nonetheless -- and it wasn't for his play on the diamond. Instead, he (like George Shuba the year before in Montreal) is recognized for extending a handshake to Jackie Robinson as he crossed home plate following his first career home run on April 18, 1947. You can see a photo of it on the right. Obviously, this kind of action shouldn't seen as unusual or surprising, but such was the times. On another note, both Tatum and Robinson were teammates on the 1946 Montreal Royals, so this wasn't a big deal for either of them.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the National League officially banned the spitball. The American league would follow the next season. Current spitballers would be grandfathered and be allowed to continue throwing the pitch -- including future Dodger Hall of Famer Burleigh Grimes, who would eventually be the last legal spitballer in the game. In 1986 the Dodgers trade first baseman Greg Brock to Milwaukee for reliever Tim Crews and starter Tim Leary -- both of whom would play important roles during their 1988 World Championship run two years later. In 2012 the Dodgers signed free agent starter Zack Greinke to a six-year $147 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after its third season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Johnston, Jake Hehl, Ted Martinez, Gil Reyes & Mel Rojas!

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

Holy Moly!

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

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

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

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

Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda was fantastic in his spring start against the Angels yesterday.  He went 3 2/3 innings and allowed just one hit - a solo homer to Albert Pujols.  Overall, he struck out seven batters.  Per Doug Miller at MLB.com:

"The life of his fastball in the zone, and the conviction he had throwing it, was really good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Maeda. "He's got such good command, but sometimes he tries to be too fine. Today he was down in the zone and he executed all day."

You can also watch Maeda talk about his outing with SportsNet LA here.   BTW, in the video, standing on Kenta's left, is Dodgers Japanese translator Will Ireton, and he has become quite an sensation for the club.  To see what I mean check out these two videos posted up this morning by Alex Wood, here and here.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1932 the Dodgers sent 23-year old future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi and the still very effective Babe Herman to the Reds for Joe Stripp, Tony Cuccinello and Clyde Sukeforth.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Holbert, Jud Daley, John Miller, Mike Strahler, Kevin Brown & Jose Nunez!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It looks like Maury Wills is about to steal a base with Ernie Banks holding him on.

Featured above is a vintage, circa 1960's, Kodachrome 35mm Slide Transparency of in-game action between the Dodgers and Cubs.  (Auction Link Here)  Unfortunately, it is not dated but we do know it was taken at Wrigley Field, and by the looks of it Maury is about to steal one of the 29 bases he stole in Chicago throughout his career.  The photo was taken by noted Chicago area freelance photographer Lee Balterman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2001 the Dodgers traded a couple of minor leaguers for outfielder and future manager Dave Roberts. 
• Happy Birthday, Buster Burrell, Tex Erwin, Al Ferrara, Steve Garvey & Ken Landreaux!

Blog Kiosk: 12/2/2016 - Dodgers Links: Some Odds and Ends

Dodger Stadium now has a new attraction to draw you in this winter.  Starting today and most weekends til early March is a pop-up museum highlighting Dodger history through memorabilia from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the renowned collection of Gary Cypres and the Dodgers own archives.  Go here for more information.  Admission is $10 per person.

In the photo above, via @Dodgers on twitter, Steve Garvey is shown holding up the uniform of his boyhood idol, Gil Hodges.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  He becomes the third consecutive Dodger to win the award -- following Steve Howe (1980) and Rick Sutcliffe (1979).
• Happy Birthday, Chip Hale & Peter Moylan!

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bonds on Joc, Ryu and Clayton Kershaw

That's the look of steely determination.

Clayton Kershaw was a workhorse again last night; going 7.2 innings, giving up four hits, striking out ten and walking none.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"To say it's a luxury (to have him) is an understatement," manager Dave Roberts said of that fifth day, when his ace takes the mound. "I think every time he takes the mound, you're looking at penciling in 10-12 strikeouts, eight innings. The pen is going to get rested. It's something that we don't take for granted around here. We appreciate Clayton."

Unfortunately, the bullpen failed to maintain a win for Kershaw intact.  Nevertheless, he did keep the Dodgers in the game long enough to allow then a chance to win the game.  Adrian Gonzalez drove in the winning run for the Dodgers in the ninth inning.  BTW, we did get a bit of an injury scare to Clayton.  Via Ken Gurnick and Troy Provost-Heron at MLB.com:

Kershaw nearly became the latest Dodgers pitcher injured while batting in the fifth inning. As he grounded out, the bat broke and the barrel struck him on the right side of the neck. He never left the home-plate area while being put out, but was uninjured and continued.

"It just scared me," Kershaw said. "I've never really done that before, it was just shocking. I wanted to make sure I didn't have any stab wounds. It just stunned me."

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit a Baseball that hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard at Ebbets Field.  in 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate in a single game.  It was against the Mets.
• Happy Birthday, Manny Ramirez!

Blog Kiosk: 5/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda, Puig and Russell on Clayton Kershaw

Yasiel Puig has been having an amazing adventure this season, and I don't mean his exploits on the field.  Rather, he's taken every opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of every city he's visited this season. Thankfully, social media has allowed him to shared every minute.

Before the start of yesterdays game, Puig visited Toronto's CN Tower and headed to the top.  He found himself 1,168' above the ground, strapped himself to some wires and cords and walked around the perimeter of the landmark.  Check out a group of photos at the very top, via his Instagram.

I don't know about you, but I would do this in a heartbeat.  That looks like a bunch of fun.

Then later that night, Yasiel made a perfect throw on a lined double along the right field line to get Darwin Barney at second base.  Go here to check it out.  Puig, quite literally, threw a strike to shortstop Corey Seager.  As for the rest of the evening, things did not go as well.  Sure, Maeda was fantastic, once again.  Unfortunately, a lackluster offense and an even worse bullpen gave it away.  The Dodgers lost the first game of the series against the Blue Jays 5-2.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959, the Roy Campanella benefit game is played at the Coliseum in front of 93,103 fans.  In 2009, Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez is suspended 50-games for a PED violation.
• Happy Birthday, James Loney!

Celebrating #NationalHugDay with some Fantasy Baseball Cards

I am constantly amazed by the variety of "National Days" that exist.  It's mind-blowing, and a constant reminder that it's a good thing to take a moment each day to celebrate something... Anything.

So, when I discovered that today is #NationalHugDay I felt compelled to celebrate it the best way I know how - by making a bunch of fantasy Baseball cards.  Featured here are some of the creations I put together this morning

Starting at the very top is the legendary Sandy Koufax in the midst of a hug with Clayton Kershaw after defeating the Braves during the 2013 NLDS.  I'm fairly sure this was a photo taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo.  I was reminded of the pic, though, by DodgersBeat on twitter.

The below card features former skipper Joe Torre embracing Manny Ramirez in a 2007 Topps Baseball card.  I grabbed the pic from an ESPN story focused on "Great Hugs in Baseball History."

BFF's!

Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig hug it out on the bench in the 1959 Topps fantasy Baseball card on the below left.  The photo was found thought a SportsNetLA tweet this morning.  AJ Ellis and Clayton Kershaw did their hugging on the field in the 1979 Topps fantasy card on the bottom right.  This photo was taken from a tweet by @MattDodgerBlue. 

Puig just loves to hug. So much so, I had to capture him hugging in a couple more cards.  On the bottom left is banana aficionado, Kiké Hernandez, getting man-handled by Puig on the 1982 Topps fantasy card.  This photo was from an Kiké tweet.  The card on the bottom right is a little flashback.  It featured Puig giving a bear-hug to former Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez.  This photo was from a post by Matt Monagan at MLB.com that ranks, "10 of the most huggable figures in baseball today."

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Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Colletti and Chad Billingsley

A special guest arrived at the Dodgers clubhouse in Philadelphia yesterday.  Little League Baseball All-Star Mo’ne Davis visited with the team, and even sported Dodger blue; as evidenced by the photo tweeted above by Kiké Hernandez.  

Really liking that jersey, Mo'ne. pic.twitter.com/3B8ASN7zpD

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 5, 2015

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Robert Keaney at ItemLive.com, "Jackie made history in Lynn."
• A boost of confidence from management?  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Don Mattingly: Dodgers will stick with Joc Pederson."

"He's part of what we do. We made a conscious decision to be a better defensive club this year and he's a big part of that up the middle,” Mattingly said. "At some point, if you hit .220 and you don't hit homers, then there are other things you try to do, you have to make organizational decisions, but I don't think there's anybody trying to make those right now. There's nobody who thinks Joc can't hit.”

• THIS might be the best troll article ever.  Via a Fanpost by Scully's Tie at True Blue LA, "The Dodgers Welcome Newest Advertising Partner, Brazzers."  (Hat Tip: r/DrC---Punter on reddit)

Mark Walter, Chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, told a media gathering, "We concluded last year that the best way to give our fans what they want - more Dodger baseball, and a more mature experience at the park - was to launch a long-and-strong integration between two institutions which do it better than the rest. The Dodgers-Brazzers partnership will provide substantial financial resources over the coming years for the Dodgers to continue tricking other teams into giving us their best. Just as we are actively transforming the team and the stadium, we want the Dodgers to be exhibited on the very best adult network in the country - one that will provide an unrivaled fan experience."

• Via Ned Colletti at SportsNet LA, "How two Dodger blockbuster trades came together."  It's nice to get some background on the inner-workings of a trade; especially ones as big as the Manny Ramirez and Adrian Gonzalez trades.  (Hat Tip: r/averagebob_14 on reddit)
• My well wishes and congrats to the Billingsley family.  Via Todd Zolecki at MLB.com, "Billingsley's wife cancer-free, couple thanks Phillies."

The couple happily reported that Tiffany has been clear of cancer since last month. She will finish her final treatments in a few weeks.

"There were so many things that went right in this process," Chad said Tuesday.

• Via Night Owl Cards, "10 phenomenally frightful photoshopped Dodgers."
• Old School reporter Murray Chass writes about the problem with todays reporters, here.

I have long respected Rosenthal for his work, since before he began tweeting, but I disagree with him on two points. I wouldn’t call tweeters journalists, and there’s no need to provide minute-by-minute accounts because that’s when tweeters get in trouble. Trade talks and free-agent negotiations can change by the minute, and by the time a tweeter tweets a development he has learned, it can be three developments old.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw to Pitch Subway and Japan Loves Butera

The legend of Drew Butera has just begun.  He is getting a lot of love in Japan.  Pic above via @TheReal2ryoSS on twitter.  Here is a pic of another sign made by a Japanese Baseball fan extolling their love for Butera.

Below are some links to check out:

• Go here and bid often.  The Negro League Baseball Museum has up a bunch of auctions on eBay featuring MLB game-used negro league commemorative uniforms worn over the past couple of years; including players like Rusty Kuntz, Rafael Soriano and Ed Yost.
• Clayton will be the new Jared.  Via Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, "Kershaw signs on with Subway."

"The key for us is authenticity," Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. "We found out that Clayton would stop by a Subway before going to the ballpark and that meant a lot to us that he was a fan of the brand."

• Uh-oh.  Via Gus Garcia-Roberts at Newsday, "Anthony Bosch told feds that agent Scott Boras tried to cover up Manny Ramirez's PED use, sources say."
• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Garvey mentors son at Dodgertown fantasy camp."

"Just seeing all the pictures in the hallways and the memories you see and you hear, especially being around the locker rooms with all these greats, the stories about Dodgertown, and then it finally comes true when you come here," Ryan (Garvey) said. "You see it and you actually live and see it through their eyes what they've been through and what kind of place they kind of grew up in.

"Like they said, this was like a home away from home for a lot of guys. I feel like deep down inside, it's a home away from home, even just being here three or four days. Just the history here and being with my dad."

• Coming out next week will be Panini's 2014 Classics Baseball.  Check out some preview pics here.  Below are a couple of Dodger cards.

• The fabled Barry Halper Collection auction takes another hit.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Collector Suing over Mays Items in Halper Auction."
• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 MVP award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  These prints uses a different profile pic than the recently issued CY Young award prints.  There are three different versions of the MVP prints; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw Does it All

Clayton Kershaw was very good during the rubber match against the Brewers on Sunday - not great or phenomenal, but very good.  In eight innings of work he scattered six hits, but seemingly had to work hard to get out of innings.  The first batter in five of his eight innings got on base, so he was constantly working from behind.  Nevertheless, he battled and persevered to allow only one run the entire game. Photo above via @MLB on twitter.

The play of the game came in the bottom of the 5th inning.  With a Brewers threatening to tie the game, Rickie Weeks tried to score on a squeeze bunt play with just one out in the inning.  Batter Jean Segura popped it up between the plate and mound, so Kershaw had to make a diving play to catch the ball.  He ended up doubling-up Weeks for the last out of the inning.  This guy just does everything.  Watch the tremendous play below.

Video Link:

BTW, Kershaw won his 14th game and the Dodgers are now 4.5 games up on the Giants.  Now, here are some more Dodger links to check out.

• ICYMI, Hanley Ramirez was placed on the Disabled List on Sunday with a right oblique strain and Darwin Barney has been recalled from Albuquerque.  Since I was bored I decided to make another Barney fantasy Baseball card.  See it on the right.  This time I used a 1970 Topps Baseball card design.
• BTW, to make room for Kevin Correia on the 40-man roster the Dodgers DFA'd Colt Hynes for assignment.  Hynes is a left-handed relief pitcher who has spent a majority of his career in the Padres minor league system and pitched for them last season.  He then came to the Dodgers in a trade earlier this year.  It is not yet known whose place Correia will take on the 24-man roster, but it is expected that he will start tonight's game.
• Watch Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker speak to Alanna Rizzo about Yasiel Puig's strength, Zack Greinke's fishing skills and Vin Scully's impact on the game on a SportsNetLA video.
• Via Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest, "Visualizing Matt Kemp’s revamped stance."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers want Ethier to be an option at first base."

"I've always liked him over there. His actions are good," Mattingly said. "I want to get him more comfortable. I'd like to have that option. If something happens to Adrian, we've only got Scott Van Slyke. I want to get him to do a few more things. It's not just take a few grounders. He has to get the ball out of a bigger glove, the footwork around the bag and getting used to the speed of ground balls."

• Via Doug Padilla at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Crawford Little League support pays off."

For the past year, Crawford has lent financial support to the Jackie Robinson West Little League team from the South Side of Chicago, even though Crawford has no ties to the area. When the team advanced to next week's Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., with a Saturday afternoon victory over Indiana in the Great Lakes Regional final, Crawford was beaming like a proud father. 

• Via Ricky Doyle at NESN, "Manny Ramirez Drawing Rave Reviews For Work With Chicago Cubs Prospects."  Maturing, he must be.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/5/2014 - Dodger Links - RIP, Don Zimmer

Some eager youngsters are captured reaching for some Baseballs by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• RIP, Don Zimmer.  He was a great Baseball man and a great Dodger.  Mark Langill at the Dodger Insider remembers Popeye, here.  Check out a Dodger video featuring Vin Scully remembering Don here.  Marty Noble at MLB.com also put together a great obit on him here.  Left Field Pavilion made a great Zimmer fantasy Baseball card, here. 
• Erin Edwards at Dodger Insider tells us that, "Josh Beckett(s) no-hitter game-used ball up for bid, benefiting Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation."
• The 2014 MLB Draft begins tonight.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Players linked to Dodgers in 1st round."
• Via Ted Berg at USA Today, "Yasiel Puig apologizes to anyone offended by his awesome play."

“I always go out to do my best and to enjoy myself on the field,” Puig said in Spanish. “I don’t do the things I do to bother anyone. If they have been bothered, I apologize again. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and give my best to the fans, who are spending their leisure time coming out to see us.”

• Via Ken Gurnick and Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Mattingly trying to get club to play with singular goal."

"Tommy [Lasorda] says it all the time -- it seems corny at times, but we all have to get on one end of the rope and pull," Mattingly said Wednesday. "Anytime you've heard Tommy say that, it's absolutely true."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Don Mattingly: 'We're just not that good.'"

But Mattingly did get in one more zinger, a profane one, when he was asked about the Dodgers' 13-19 record at Dodger Stadium.

"Well, home, away, whatever, I don’t know that that’s got anything to do with it," Mattingly said. "It’s just being basically s----. We’re just not that good." 

I am increasingly concerned by this.  In one sense, we clearly have the talent, but in another sense Mattingly is right.  Maybe, we just aren't that good and it's time to make some moves to the roster, or maybe it's an issue of motivational leadership at the top.  Maybe,we need to make the kind of change that tells the players to get their rear end in gear.  Maybe, we get rid of some players and change the coach.  It just seems more clear to me that a culture change is needed, and it might be best to cut off the heads of this two-headed dragon.

• Just Manny being Manny.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Manny Ramirez hits 450-foot homer, unleashes big bat flip in first 2014 game."
• Night Owl Cards shares some Dodger oddball Baseball cards.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2014 - Dodger Links - Beckett, Hanley and Manny Ramirez

An elated Josh Beckett is surrounded by his Dodger teammates after throwing his no-hitter yesterday, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Josh Beckett: No such thing as jinxing a no-hitter."
• Via Michael Radano at MLB.com, "Hanley remains on sidelines with leg ailment."

"It didn't sound very good," Mattingly said. "I checked with him this morning and he gave me the 'not good.' I know the [medical staff is] checking him out and giving him some treatment. At this point, I don't have anything on what we are going to do next. I'm assuming -- I don't want to talk [for the training staff] -- that we may go with an MRI or something."

• Via Albert Chen at Sports Illustrated, "Dodgers prospect Joc Pederson could be the next big thing."

If the Dodgers can somehow find room for Pederson on the major league roster, he could be an impact bat in the lineup. The knock against him has always been his struggles against lefthanders, but he's hitting .292/.378/.492 against them this season. "For starters, he's a lot more patient against them," said one scout who saw him this spring. "The change has been night and day."

Said Pederson, "Honestly, it really has been about being more patient. Not being intimidated by that sixth- and eighth-inning lefty specialist, and swinging at bad pitches to get ahead in the count. I'm waiting for my pitch and trusting myself."

• Evan Bladh at Opinion of Kingman's Performance tells us of watching Dodger Baseball from the Republic of Georgia.
• An old friend alert: Via Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors, "Cubs Sign Manny Ramirez As Triple-A Player-Coach."

“While Manny is not and will not be a fit on the Cubs major league roster, we do think at this stage of his life he’s a nice fit as a mentor for some of the young talented hitters we have in the organization,”

• Jared Massey at Dodgers Nation notes, "Dodgers Minor League Players of the Week – Seager Won’t Stop Hitting."
• Via Matthew Glidden at The #5 Baseball Card Type Collection writes "Pittsburgh vs. Brooklyn for the 1900 Base Ball World's Championship!"
• Go Kings Go!!

Here's a huge donut dressed as a puck to support the @LAKings during their playoff run. http://t.co/nOA7WYg5ES pic.twitter.com/wqbveVffxQ
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) May 25, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Face Swaps, Ryu and Manny's Coming Back?

Marlon Wayans had some fun with the Dodger PreGame audience yesterday, gif's via Dodger Dugout.

• Yasiel Puig now has his own official website.  Check it out here: The Yasiel Puig.com.
• This is hilarious and kinda disturbing.  David Lewis at BaseBald face-swaps the Dodger lineup.  I thought this was the best one:

• Ryu gives back, via @Dodgers on twitter:

Today, @HyunJinRyu99 pledged a $100,000 donation to help those affected by the SEWOL ferry disaster in his native South Korea.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 18, 2014

• Ah... What?  Via Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors, "Several Teams Interested In Manny Ramirez."
• Via Earl Bloom at MLB.com, "Ellis getting up to speed after knee surgery."

"I can do everything, baseball-wise, except run," Ellis said Friday, "and that's not a big part of my game."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Tim Federowicz has rough night behind the plate."  He got a ball right to the groin.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2014 - Dodgers Links - Arruebarrena is Here, Billinglsey is Progressing and Manny

Erisbel Arruebarrena has just arrived to the Dodger camp.  As you may recall, Arruebarrena is a recent Cuban signee.  Check out my past story about him here.  And, you pronounce his last name thusly: "Arr-ru-eh-BAHR-ena".  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  BTW, Jon SooHoo shares even more pics focused on his arrival that you can see here.

• Daniel Brim at Dodger Digest shares his Dodger, "All-Forgettable Team".  I think this post earns an early vote for the best Dodger blog post of the year!
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Chad Billingsley to face hitters next week".

“I’ve been fortunate to have a really good rehab,” Billingsley said. “It’s a pretty boring process, so it’s nice to be able to think about getting out there again to face hitters.” 

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Meet Chattanooga Lookouts new hitting coach Shawn Wooten".
• Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports writes, "Manny acknowledges mistakes, chases one last chance".  He finally admits to steroid use.

"I use myself as an example to my son who is in college, playing baseball: 'Look what daddy went through because daddy didn't do things right.' When you do things right, you don't have to look back. You always look forward.

• Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Zach Lee's big league camp adventure".

"With Zach you see more of the old-style kid coming up, who is quiet in the clubhouse, going about his business. He's just working on his game all the time, asking a lot of questions, paying attention and learning. It's what you like about him," manager Don Mattingly said last week. "I just like his composure, and pretty much everything about him."

• Bob Lemke tells us about the day a Texas Leaguer belted 8 home runs in 8 at-bats in one game in 1902.  I kid you not!
• This might not matter to you, but this Kings fan is more than elated.  I'm ecstatic.  Via a tweet from Helene Elliott of the LA Times, Bob Miller will be back for another year.

Kings' voice Bob Miller has agreed to new one-year contract through June 30, 2015. Squeezing that into print/web stuff filed earlier...
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) March 13, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 1/29/2014 - Dodgers Links - Kasten is Best Executive, Puig Charges Dropped and Zach Lee Looks to Earn a Job

Check out Tommy Davis, "Sweet" Lou Johnson, Tim Leary and Derrel Thomas on Day 2 of the Dodgers Community Caravan.  Pic above tweeted by Courtney Jones.  Check out more pics from yesterday from Jon SooHoo, here.

• Via Peter Gammons, the Dodgers are the team to beat in the NL West.
• Via Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest, "Pitcher Hitting – The Dodgers’ Secret Weapon?"
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Stan Kasten named LASC Sports Executive of the Year".  This is no surprise considering the dramatic (and largely positive) changes the Dodgers have undertaken since his leadership.
• Via TMZ, the reckless driving charge against Yasiel Puig in Florida has been dropped.  He is now dealing with just a speeding charge.  This is probably the most apt charge to remain.  In the police video that was release it seemed apparent that he wasn't weaving around like a maniac; just driving way too fast.  From my understanding, a reckless driving charge is always added to speeding tickets over 100 mph (at least that's custom in CA).
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Prospect Lee aims to be ready when called".

"I'm trying to win a job, striving to get here as soon as I can. If I pitch well and control what I can control, the opportunity will present itself not far down the road. There are contractual issues, but if you outperform people, there will be a spot for you."

• Via Bill Plaschke at the LA Times, "Athletes' union movement at Northwestern could have huge implications".
• Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji shares some photos from his day at the, "Nagoya Dome: A Baseball Game with the Chunichi Dragons".
• Hobby veteran Bob Lemke wonders, "Was Ruth's "Called Shot" ball discovered?"

Baseball memorabilia collectors weren’t so hung up on airtight provenance 65+ years ago, so there’s no telling now whether a baseball claimed in a 1947 Sporting News article  to be Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” home run ball was in fact the real McCoy.

• Greatest home run call, EVER!  You gotta watch it.  I cannot stop laughing.  And, it's a Manny Ramirez homer!  (Hat Tip: TheNebuchadnezzar on Reddit)

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/19/2013 - Dodgers Links - Baby Clayton, Headphones from Kemp and a New 16-Year Old Dodger

Baby Clayton Kershaw!  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.  OMG, the Dodgers need to make available more baby pics of our favorite Dodgers!

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes, "International signing period: Dodgers sign Venezuelan SS Moises Perez, per report".  He is 16-years old.
• Here's a 360 degree look at the Vin Scully Bobblehead.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Mike Oz at Big League Stew tells us that "Matt Kemp bought $250 headphones for every player on the Dodgers".
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com writes, "Dodgers' all-time Top 5 in-season trades: Ramirez deal tops list of notable midseason imports for storied franchise".
• Eric Becker at Eric's Dodger Blog writes a piece about the irrational (often racist filled) ranting found online about Marc Anthony singing "God Bless America" during the All-Star game.  BTW, Anthony was born in NY, and the song was written by an immigrant, Irving Berlin.  Funny... A man considered America's greatest song writer was himself an immigrant.  Take that, nativist!
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy relays a news story about a pending lawsuit against Yasiel Puig that appears related to his escape from Cuba.
• What a gimmick!  Via Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest, Lelands Auctions is offering $1Million to anyone who brings to them the 1919 Black Sox confession documents that mysteriously disappeared from the DA's office before their infamous trial.

“The Black Sox confessions are the Dead Sea Scrolls of baseball,” said Josh Evans, founder and chairman of Lelands.com. “Finding them would close the darkest chapter in baseball history.”

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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:

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