Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Crawford, Urias and Corey Seager

Corey Seager is making it look easy.

Yesterday afternoon he continued his hot-hitting ways by launching a couple more homers.  Overall, he recorded six hits, five of which were home runs, six RBI's and a walk against the Braves this weekend.  Per Mike DiGiovanna at the LA Times:

“It’s kind of déjà vu,” Roberts said. “It keeps happening every day, and I could get used to it. He’s got a very sound, short swing and power to all fields. He can hit any pitch to any part of the ballpark. It’s special. There’s only a few guys who can do that. But it starts with his pitch recognition.”

Seager had this to add, via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation:

“I was putting good swings on balls, getting lucky, elevating them and they’re going out,” Seager said on Sunday. “It’s just one of those things that you try to do every day but it’s working right now.”

BTW, the Seager's very first  2016 Topps Now card that was available over the weekend sold 1,900 copies.  Go here to see my original post on this.  The photo above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to see more pics by Jill Weisleder and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 Casey Stengel came up to bat for the first time at Ebbets Field after being traded that past winter.  While at the plate he called for time, lifted his hat and had a bird fly out.  The entire stadium was in laughter.  This is absolutely true!  In 1957 the first fog-out in Major League history happens at Ebbets Field.  In 1990 the Dodgers recorded their 8,000 National League victory.  They defeated Atlanta 8-5.  In 2006 (being the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the century) the Dodgers score six runs in the sixth inning during the sixth game of the homestand.  Also, on this day in 2006 the Dodgers drafted Clayton Kershaw with the seventh overall pic in the amateur draft.  Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider wrote a bit about this day here.
• Happy Birthday, Mark Ellis!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full –Squad Workout #2

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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

(Koufax signing autographs for fans today, pic via David Vassegh on twitter)

IT’S BLACK/BLUE, END OF DISCUSSION: The Dodgers held their second full-squad workout of the spring today, with hitters facing live batting practice for the first time from pitchers Erik Bedard, Sergio Santos, Juan Nicasio, Adam Liberatore, Carlos Frias and Josh Ravin. Chad Gaudin, Ben Rowan and Brandon League also threw bullpens today.

• The Dodgers are still five days away from their first Cactus League game, March 4 against the White Sox, whereas last year at this time, the club had already played two contests.

THE NEXT CHAPTER: In the past few days, two classy former Dodgers hung up their spikes with Mark Ellis and Juan Pierre announcing their retirement. The Dodgers would like to thank both for their contributions to the game and wish them well in their future endeavors.

(Juan Pierre, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SAY CHEESE: The Dodgers will hold their annual Photo Day tomorrow, beginning at 7:00 a.m., with players showing off their pearly whites for the Dodger team photographers, MLB Photos, MLB.com, ESPN the Magazine, Topps, USA Today, Getty Images, Baseball Digest and the Associated Press.

SUNDAY CONVERSATION(S): On Sunday, ESPN’s SportsCenter will broadcast live from Camelback Ranch – Glendale, featuring interviews with Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw, Jimmy Rollins, Don Mattingly and more. Jay Crawford, Aaron Boone and Tim Kurkjian will anchor the network’s coverage.

A BAKERS DOZEN: During the past three days, Dodger players and their wives were fitted with suits/dresses and casual clothing by Ted Baker London to wear to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s inaugural Blue Diamond Gala honoring the Jackie Robinson Foundation, The Los Angeles Fund for Public Education and the LA84 Foundation. The Gala will take place on Thursday, April 16 at Dodger Stadium and features a cocktail reception in center field, dinner, awards, a Ted Baker London fashion show featuring Dodger players and a performance by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc. For tickets and information on the Blue Diamond Gala sponsorships, please visit www.dodgers.com/gala.

TAG ME: As Cactus League opening day approaches, many news elements at Camelback will continue to be unveiled with a life-size Tommy Lasorda bobblehead, a new scoreboard on the Dodger replica field, All-Star panels on the legends walk, a LA logo sculpture and large, autographed baseballs paying tribute to the club’s MVPs. With so many photogenic locations, there’s no reason that #CamelbackRanch won’t be trending on social media this spring along with Dodger Stadium, which ranked as the second-most Instagrammed place in the world last year, behind only Disneyland.

(Howie Kendrick signing for fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/27/2015 - Dodger Links - Koufax, Anderson and I See "White and Gold"

It looks like the Dodgers, up and down the entire system, will be eating well from now on.  Gabe Kapler, the new Director of Player Development, has brought along his passion for healthy eating and living.  From what I understand, ballplayers will now be served meals similar to the menu shown above from Los Angeles to every minor league team in the franchise.  BTW, the photo above was tweeted out by Jon Weisman at Dodger insider yesterday afternoon, and it shows that days lunch menu.

Below are some more links to check out:

• As you know Sandy Koufax has made it out to Camelback Ranch and Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares some quotes from him from his first day.  Check them out here.  On Julio Urias:

“He’s impressive. He’s very impressive. This is the first time I’ve seen him throw. It’s a long way from the driving range to the golf course, and it’s a long way from side sessions to the game. He has all the requisites — we just have to see what happens. Physically, he’s very impressive.”

• Brett Anderson shares his first "real" Dodger moment on twitter:

First real "Dodger" moment having Sandy Koufax have nothing but positive things to say after watching me throw a bullpen.
— Brett Anderson (@BAnderson_30) February 26, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers confident Joel Peralta will be ready for opening day."
• Just another example of the kind of wacky things that happen during Spring Training.  Apparently the entire Dodger clubhouse was debating the color of that ugly dress that hit the interwebs like a flash flood yesterday.  Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers, MLB Players Join ‘What Colors Are The Dress?’ Twitter Debate."  For the record, i see "white and gold."
• Following on Ellis' recent retirement, Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair writes; "Remembering Mark Ellis's Biggest Dodger Moments."
• I guess some folks are having a difficult time with Enrique "Kike" Hernandez's nickname, via his twitter (what a bunch of dolts!):

To whom it may concern: pic.twitter.com/BahrpCqSqR
— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) February 27, 2015

• Matt F at Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius shares a bunch of fantastic cards and collectibles of former Brooklyn Dodger and Chicago Cub great Andy Pafko.
• If you are heading over to Arizona for Spring Training you should look out for this.  Panini America will be hosting their Second Annual Panini Spring Training Road Trip in late March.  Go here for information.
• What Dale Hansen said.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2015 - Dodger Links - Koufax, Pederson and Grandal

If autograph hounds are commonly known as "graphers" then what do you call folks who only want a selfie?  Selfers?  Photo above via Camelback Ranch on twitter . 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Koufax is in the house!  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Koufax, Lasorda to greet Dodgers at camp."  They'll be at Camelback Ranch today!
• Via Joseph Werner at Beyond the Boxscore, "Joc Pederson's troubling trend."

Pederson offers up gobs of potential – above-average power and speed, a career walk rate north of 14%, the ability to man center field effectively – but he isn’t a certainty for stardom. In fact, it could be just the opposite. As the Dodgers’ front office aggressively pushed the burgeoning big leaguer quickly through the minor leagues, it appeared that Pederson handled each promotion with aplomb. But his once modest strikeout rate has become increasingly concerning with each stop.

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "An Attempt to Explain Yasiel Puig’s BABIP."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Yasmani Grandal and the art of stealing strikes."

“I’m trying to make the umpire’s job easier. The better lane I give them to see the ball, the better relationship I’m going to have with them, the more they’re going to trust me,” Grandal said. “I’m always talking to them, trying to see, ‘Hey, do you have a good lane to see? Am I cutting you off? Are you seeing this pitch?’ The relationship between the catcher and pitcher is pretty important, but you also have to have a relationship with the umpire.” 

• An old friend alert!  Mark Ellis has retired, via Susan Slusser at SFGate.com.
• Apparently, the ever cautious Dodgers had Hyun-Jin Ryu get a MRI.  No worries though, Ken Gurnick reports it's fine.

Ryu MRI negative, no workout.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 26, 2015

• Via Mike OZ at Big League Stew, "California stars are dominating MLB merchandise sales."
• AWESOME!  John Thorn, the MLB official historian, put together "A Long and Winding Quiz."
• David Seiderman at Forbes provides a recap of the recently closed Heritage Sports auction, "Sandy Koufax Dodgers Jersey Sells for 580K And Other Highlights From Biggest Sports Auction Ever."

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2014 Topps Baseball Series 1 - The Dodgers' Base Cards

There are now Baseball cards available to usher in the new year, and I've got pics of all the Dodgers' base cards to prove it.  

There are 13 Dodger cards in the 331 card base set; two of which are League Leaders cards featuring Clayton Kershaw.  Also of note are the Topps All-Star Rookie Cups emblazoned on the Ryu and Puig cards.

As you may already know, there are a whole bunch of short-printed variations in the set.  In fact, I count at least 11 different Dodger variations, and there may be more yet to be uncovered.  I'll have pics of all known available Dodger variations up soon.

In the meantime, check out the base set below.

#6 Josh Beckett                                  #40 Hyun-Jin Ryu

#72 Michael Young                                 #111 Mark Ellis

#113 League Leaders (Kershaw, Fernandez, Harvey)   

#142 Zack Greinke                              #173 Brandon League

#193 Ricky Nolasco

#197 Onelki Garcia                           #204 Adrian Gonzalez

#294 League Leaders (Wainwright, Zimmerman, Kershaw)

#314 Hanley Ramirez                                  #331 Yasiel Puig

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Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2013 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers Big Winners at First Ever Social Media Awards

Check out Lee Lacy at the Echo Park Parade, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings shares his thoughts and experiences with former Brooklyn Dodger Don Lund.  As you may know, Don Lund recently passed away.

Within minutes of our meeting, Don made me feel like we were old pals from yesteryear. He introduced me to all of his old teammates as his friend. I watched as he signed away at all of the items the promoters put in front of him, and then as he happily met with the many fans that traveled from far and near to spend some precious moments with the living members of New York's bygone team.

• Via Adrian Garcia at Lasorda's Lair, "Dodgers Already Have Left Handed Relievers".
• Voa Adam Berry at MLB.com, "Dodgers clean up at inaugural Social Media Awards".

MLB Network's first-ever Social Media Awards were handed out Sunday night, with the Dodgers taking five of the honors back to Los Angeles. Rookie sensation Yasiel Puig was responsible for two of them, winning the Socially Savvy Rookie and #SAW (Stop-And-Watch) awards.

• This was probably the most memorable of all Dodgers Social Media Events this past season.  The Dodgers won the Best Team Promotion for the Vin Scully "Vin Cast" on twitter.  Go to my post from June that captures the glorious event.
• BTW, the Dodgers won the Snapshot of the Year Award during the Social Media Awards.  Below is the winning pic.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Mark Ellis reportedly agrees to 1-year deal with Cardinals".
• Chad Moriyama writes, "Hyun Jin Ryu is apparently going to sing now … at least it’s for charity".

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Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2013 - Dodgers Links - Podres, Capuano, Mark Ellis and Happy Birthday Fernando

Happy Birthday!  El Toro turns 53 today.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.

• Via Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest, "One Collector Still Honoring Dodgers Pitcher Johnny Podres".

“When I was in Little League, Johnny came to our games and would watch me pitch,” said Salerno, of Port Henry, N.Y. “That was a great thrill. I started collecting because he was so nice to me. He helped me get a lot of stuff and then signed everything for me.”

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers lead NL with 16 GIBBY nominations".
• Ken also provides some news on Capuano and Mark Ellis, via twitter.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Ellis stay with the Dodgers in a back-up role.  Capuano, on the other hand, is likely to go elsewhere.

• Nick Diunte at Examiner.com put together a great obituary on Bill Sharman; including nice details and quotes from former Baseball teammates.
• FYI, here is the schedule for the announcements of the various BBWAA awards; such as MVP, Cy Youngs, etc.

(twitter link)

• This is a clear sign of the lack of respect in our society today.  Via Bob Lemke, "Attempt made to steal (Lou) Gehrig's ashes".  Wha.....?
• Howard Foxx at Gunaxin Sports has put together a collection of photographs of athletes in their Halloween costumes.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Seager & Garcia in Fall Star Game, Kershaw to be Honored this Saturday and Gold Gloves Announced Tonight

Check out Fernando Valenzuela 'behind the scenes' at Nacion ESPN, pic via twitter @DodgersPR.

• Just to let you know, the Gold Glove Awards announcement will be later this afternoon on ESPN, per a ESPN press release.  Five Dodgers are in the running for an award: AJ Ellis, Zack Greinke, Adrian Gonzalez, Juan Uribe and Mark Ellis.
• BTW, DodgerTalk starts up again this coming Wednesday (and every Wednesday this winter) on AM570 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe writes, "The continuing baseball education of Corey Seager".

“One of the best things my brother told me was just to treat every stop like your own major leagues, and just kind of be in the moment, that way you’re not always looking up at all the levels you still have to go through,” he said. “It’s hard to do sometimes, but it was great advice.”

• BTW, Seager and Yimi Garcia will be in the AZ Fall League Falls-Star Game, via a tweet from @Dodgers.

#Dodgers prospects Yimi Garcia and Corey Seager have been selected to play in the @MLBazFallLeague Fall Stars Game.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 28, 2013

• Greg Zakwin at Chad Moriyama's site tells us more about some more Dodger prospects on the farm.
• If you are free this coming Saturday then you might want to check this out, via a tweet from Kershaw's Challenge.  Sharefest is recognizing Clayton Kershaw as its Honorary Chair.

Clayton & Ellen are excited to join @Sharefestinc on Nov 2nd in LA for their charity event! Tickets still on sale at http://t.co/2idNaPDdZg
— Kershaw's Challenge (@KershsChallenge) October 29, 2013

• Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "Doomsayers be damned: Baseball is healthy and ratings are strong".
• Chris Olds at Beckett writes, "Behind the Scenes: Where the magic happens in the sports card industry — outtakes & more".
• A twitter account named @BestFansStLouis does its level best to show that Cardinals fans are far from being the best fans in the league - that's such an overused phrase.  Heck, he just proves that their fans are just as dumb and vile as fans from any other team.
• Philip Van der Vossen at Gunaxin Sports shares some great photos of NFL Cheerleaders celebrating Halloween.  Va-va-voom!
• As a former marching band geek, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Ohio State Marching Band's routine this past weekend.  It's impressive. 

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2013 - Dodgers Links - 5 Dodger Gold Glove Finalist, Puig Practices with Little League Kids and Dodgers Triple Threads

The always popular 2013 Topps Triple Threads set comes out today.  Check out a couple of preview images of a Jackie Robinson and Yasiel Puig card provided by Topps on twitter.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA tells us that, "Clayton Kershaw tied for 4th in Sporting News Player of the Year voting".
• "Yasiel Puig Surprises Little League Practice ... Pitches to 8-Year-Olds," via TMZ Sports.

The team of 8-year-olds were getting ready for their usual 5pm practice when Yasiel unexpectedly dropped by the little league fields at Elysian Park, right next to Dodger Stadium, and asked if he could hang out. 

• Dodgers Nation put up a great article yesterday about the 1956 Dodgers Goodwill Tour in Japan.  I had written about this tour in the past.  Check out my story on a vintage Japanese magazine featuring the tour here.  Here's my story on the Walter O'Malley exhibit featuring memorabilia from the tour at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo. Here's a great photo of Duke, Campy and Jackie signing autographs for Japanese fans during the tour.  Take a look at some vintage 1956 Tour of Japan ticket stubs here.  In this last post, I share what might be Jackie Robinson's very last home run ball that he hit during the 1956 Tour of Japan.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders, "How badly does Ricky Nolasco really want to be a Dodger?"
• Five Dodgers are finalist for a 2013 Gold Glove Award.  Check out the graphic below, via the Dodgers on tumblr, to see who they are.

• Tracy Hackler at Panini America tells us a little bit about the on their Fall Heroes Baseball card set that includes a chance to win an autographed Yasiel Puig bat.  See the bat below.

• Via Collector Perspectives, "Collecting Halloween: The history of Halloween postcards and costumes".

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So, Is Alexander Guerrero Finally a Dodger? ... It Sure Looks Like It

At least the week after the Dodger NLCS loss starts off with a bang.

As you may recall, from July to September there was news that indicated that Alexander Guerrero, a Cuban defector and hard-hitting infielder, had signed a contract to play for the Dodgers.  See my original story about it here.

Then, everything hit a wall.  The signing could not be confirmed.  He was not a Dodger.  In fact, we soon found out that he couldn't sign a contract if he wanted to.  His agent, at the time, was not certified with MLB, so everything had to be put on hold.  Soon after, word spread that super-agent Scott Boras was now his representative, and after some typical jockeying by him Guerrero came back on the market for every team to bid on.

Now, after many months of waiting the bidding process appears to be over.  Per a tweet from Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com this morning, the Dodgers are 'again' the big winners.

Sources: #Dodgers agreed to terms on 4-yr, $28M deal with Cuban prospect Alexander Guerrero. Potential value is $32M. http://t.co/mkcBseoZWQ
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) October 21, 2013

If this number is correct it is a nice little raise from the previous numbers disclosed many months ago.  Previous reports put the contract at approximately $32Million for 5 to 7 years.  Jesse's new story on MLB.com has more details on this new contract.

Performance bonuses of $1 million per year increase the potential value of the contract to $32 million. The 26-year-old Guerrero will be eligible for free agency after his age-30 season upon the completion of the deal.

Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times adds even more details.

Alexander Guerrero's deal with the #Dodgers includes a $10 million signing bonus.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 21, 2013

I was a little hesitant to post up this story since I felt a bit foolish prematurely announcing his signing many months ago.  But, since more confirmation has now come from JP Hoornstra at the Daily News, Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, and Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports, I have a higher level of confidence in saying this is basically a done deal (crossing my fingers). 

Alexander Guerrero is likely to be our everyday 2nd baseman, and I suspect he'll be playing Winter Ball somewhere.  Furthermore, this news probably means that Mark Ellis will not be returning to the Dodgers.  The Dodgers hold a team option with Ellis at $5.75Mil and a contract buyout of $1Mil. On the other hand, he could come back into the fold as a backup.

In honor of this signing I made a new fantasy card for Guerrero.  See it at the very top.  I used the classic 1959 Topps Baseball card design.  Also, I also added the fantasy card I made of him back in September at the very bottom.

Below are some workout videos of Guerrero found on youtube and MLB.com.

Video Link:

Alexander Guerrero works out as his former agent Rudy Santin describes his skill set as a player.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 10/15/2013 - Dodgers Links - Adrian, Ryu and a Rally Bear?

Carl Crawfod came in to score the third run of the game in the photo above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more of his incredible photos from the game here.

• Ahhh... Rally Bear?  (Hat Tip: Nate Scott at USA Today)

No... The Dodgers do not have a mascot - Thank Goodness.  It was just a fan living out his/her furry fantasy at Dodger Stadium.  (I can't believe I just wrote that.)  From my understand, the bear was kicked out of the stadium.  Mike Oz at Big League Stew has more.  On a side note, I would be very unhappy if this was some planned stunt, and someone like Johnny Knoxville was in that bear suit.

• Adam Wainwright is a whiny little child.  Per Larry Brown Sports, "Adam Wainwright: Adrian Gonzalez was doing Mickey Mouse stuff".
• Tony Jackson has up some postgame video from the game.  Check out Hyun-Jin Ryu here.  Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig are in the same video here.  A Mark Ellis video is here.  Then, watch Don Mattingly here.
• "Stoic Ryu silences doubts with stellar NLCS outing," via Anthony DiComo at MLB.com.

"His emotions have been consistent the entire season," Ellis said. "That's a credit to him and the way he was raised and the way he was developed as a baseball player. You'd never know what the score is by his body language and the way he handles himself on the mound. That's the mark of a really mature pitcher who understands what his job is to do."

• ICYMI:  Yesterday I shared some pics from Super Dodger Fan Fred from Florida of his incredible Dodger room and his Garage of Dreams.  See that post here.  You won't regret it.
• Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness tells us that there might be a change to the Dodgers caps next season.
• Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs writes, "Calling a Pitch to Adrian Gonzalez".  He discusses the pitch sequence that lead to Adrian's run scoring double in the 4th inning.
• "Adrian's biggest fan? His 2-year-old daughter," via Joey Nowak at MLB.com.

"She comes to the games," Gonzalez said. "She's very active, from what I hear. She loves 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame,' she loves the wave. For the most part, she didn't cry when the crowd got excited, the loud noises, and she didn't fall asleep until after the game, so she enjoyed the whole time."

• Craig Muder at Cooperstown Chatter writes a great piece about MLB umpire Wally Bell, who passed away recently.  RIP, Wally Bell.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2013 - Dodgers Playoff Edition

The Dodgers took Game 1 of this playoff series.  They face the Braves again this afternoon at 3PM.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• "Co-ace Greinke feeds off Dodgers' success: Righty goes 12-2 in final 19 starts after igniting club's historic 42-8 stretch," via Paul Casella at MLB.com.

"It's not just us two," Greinke said. "I feel like just the whole team has been pitching good. And when you watch other people do good, it makes it easier for you. You start to think that it's normal and not out of the ordinary to pitch that good."

• "Clayton Kershaw: Getting it done," via Daniel Bailey at Gammons Daily.
• Tony Jackson of Dodger Scribe has a bunch of postgame videos:  Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw, Don Mattingly, Kris Medlen, and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.
• JP Hoornstra also has a bunch of postgame videos available for viewing on Tout.  Watch them here.  It inclides Mark Ellis and AJ Ellis.
• "Braves' defense costly in Game 1 loss," via David Schoenfield at ESPN. 
• "Puig is in their heads," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA.

As you might expect, the Braves had advanced scouts following the Dodgers very closely over the course of the season and especially during the final three or four weeks of the season. These scouts were undoubtedly well aware that Yasiel Puig is very fast, but I honestly believe that they failed to realize just how fast he really is.

• "Clayton Kershaw, Don Mattingly on strikeouts, pitch counts," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

"It's the postseason. You can kind of throw pitch counts out the window," Kershaw told Craig Sager on the TBS broadcast after the game. "This is what you get taken out early for earlier in the season, for games like this."

• "Hanley relishes first shot at postseason," via Alyson Footer at MLB.com.

"It's on another level," he said. "The energy from the first pitch, every pitch counts. Every pitch, It's an unbelievable feeling."

• Not that I consider him the authority on the issue.  "Magic says Dodgers won't pursue free agent Cano," via Bob Nightengale at USA Today.

"I can't talk about the other guy,'' Johnson said, "but you already know that guy in New York is going to be paid. Not by us. But he's going to get paid.''

• "Should Scott Van Slyke start Game 2 over Skip Schumaker?" Asks Chad Moriyama.
• Just in case you cared, Dusty Baker has been fired as the Reds manager, via David Brown at Big League Stew.

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Dodgers Show Braves Who's Boss in Game 1

This game was like watching an older brother push aside his younger sibling without a sweat.  Sure, there were a couple moments when thoughts of a Braves rally crept into your mind, but then those ideas quickly dissipated as Dodger dominance came back in to play.

To start, the Braves came out strong as Medlen struck out the side in the 1st inning.  Fortunately, Kershaw was equal to the task as he struck out two in his bottom half.  Then, the Dodger bats got started.  Puig grounded to center for a single, Uribe lined a single to center to send Puig to 3rd, and Schumaker flied to center to score Puig for their first run of the game.  Next up was AJ Ellis. 

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Ellis' double scored another run for the Dodgers, making it 2-0.

The very next inning, Adrian Gonzalez came up to bat with Mark Ellis in scoring position.

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4-0, Dodgers!

From there, a Dodger win was a near certainty.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

Dodgers when scoring 4 runs in a Clayton Kershaw start this season are 14-1 (Kershaw is 11-0)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 4, 2013

Clayton Kershaw went 7 innings, striking out 12, walking 3 and allowing just 1 earned run.  What was even better was watching a well balanced Dodgers offense.  Mark Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig and AJ Ellis all had two hits, and five different Dodgers knocked in a run. 

The Dodgers take the first game of the series, 6-1, and look to win again tomorrow with back-up ace Zack Greinke on the mound.

As for some additional highlights, watch Yasiel Puig snag a Chris Johnson's fly ball, then fire to first to complete the double play in the 2nd inning, below.  Watch a video of the play here.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

BJ Upton looked like a frightened deer as Clayton throws a bender to strike him out in the 6th inning.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

If watching one Kershaw strike out isn't enough, here are the 6 straight strike outs he threw from the 5th to 6th innings.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

And here is the final out by Kenley Jansen - fittingly via a strike out.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

(pic link)

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Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Postseason Rally, Ethier and Numata

Tim Wallach is hitting some balls during infield practice in the photo above.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Dodger postseason rally Sunday following final regular season game of the year.  Per a Dodgers press release:

  The Los Angeles Dodgers will hold a Postseason Rally following this Sunday's 1:10 p.m. regular-season finale against the Colorado Rockies in order to offer fans the opportunity to wish the Dodgers well prior to the start of postseason play. The Postseason Rally is free with a ticket for Sunday's game, which also is Fan Appreciation Day.

Dodger players, manager Don Mattingly and Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda will partake in the Postseason Rally, which will be hosted by television talk show host Arsenio Hall. The Postseason Rally will include musical entertainment and a 2013 season highlights video that will be played on Dodger Vision.

In addition, immediately following Sunday's game, two of the final prizes on Fan Appreciation Day will be awarded-two Dodger season tickets for 2014 as well as an all-expenses paid trip to Australia for two to join the Dodgers for their season opening games with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

• Uh-Oh!  "Dodgers 'worried' over Ethier's playoff status," via Jorge Ortiz at USA Today.

The Los Angeles Dodgers manager said outfielder Andre Ethier has been sent back to L.A. for further tests on his sprained left ankle, which has sidelined him for all but one of the last 10 games.

• "When Blue Is Thicker Than Blood," via Lee Jenkins at Sports Illustrated. 
• "Value of Mark Ellis difficult to track," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

Ellis is the least-flashy, least-obtrusive, lowest-maintenance everyday player on the Dodgers and, without many people knowing it, he's among the most valuable. On a team of brilliant athletes, $20 million-per-year salaries and puffed-out chests, Ellis falls under none of those categories. He's just a good player in all the ways most people don't bother to track. 

• "Capuano ready to return after fielding test," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey Shares a pic of a deep-fried bacon Dodger Dog... Mmmm.
• Chad Moriyama has more information about the recent Takumi Numata signing from Japan and the problems it's causing.
• Please stop this.  "2 Arrested In Fatal Stabbing Of Dodgers Fan Following Giants Game," via CBS SF Bay Area.
• I love Sesame Street.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2013 - Dodgers Links - Ryu's Next Start Delayed

Dodger players getting prepared for last nights game - the mile high stretch.  BTW, the Dodgers are off tonight.  Their magic number sits at 12.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• "M. Ellis and wife helping make baseball safer," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• "Report: Dodger Stadium has nearly $4 million worth of liens against it," via Mike Oz at Big League Stew.  This sounds like a case of irrational screaming by the best gossip hounds in the business (TMZ) for the sake of getting hits.  I'm not worried about the Dodger finances, and I suspect this issue is just a little disagreement between the team and some contractors on the final bill.
• "Koufax on "Mister Ed," Big D with Greg Brady, and Hollywood's Love Affair with the Dodgers," via Howard Cole at LA Weekly.  He put together a great list of vintage Dodger players who have appeared on television.  It's a mighty long list.
• Hyun-Jin Ryu's next start has been pushed back.  Via @Dodgers & @KenGurnick on twitter:

Chris Capuano will start on Friday. RT @kengurnick: Ryu has a middle back stiffness after last start.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 4, 2013

• Take a listen to Joe McDonnell's podcast with GM Ned Colletti, here.
• Gellman at Sports Cards Uncensored writes about the various Yasiel Puig autographed cards showing up on eBay.
• David Pinto at Baseball Musings explores the "Dodgers Turnaround".

In the second half, the hitters maintained their overall averages, while the pitchers simply shutdown the opposition with runners in scoring position. Due to their situational stats, the Dodgers looked worse through June 21st than their talent level, and they’ve looked better than their talent level since. This has to be one of the greatest examples of luck turning around in a short time frame that I’ve seen.

• Here's a cat... awwww!

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Welcome to the Blue, Michael Young!

This news came right out of left field.  Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter:

BREAKING: #Dodgers get Michael Young from #Phillies
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 1, 2013

So, the Dodgers pick up an infielder (2nd, SS & 3rd) from the Philadelphia Phillies.  Details about who we gave up has yet to leak, but it isn't much.  Via Bill Shaikin on twitter:

Return for Michael Young described as a non-prospect minor leaguer. #Dodgers
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 1, 2013

UPDATE:  We now know that the Dodgers traded AA lefty pitching prospect Rob Rasmussen, via Bill Shaikin on twitter.

#Dodgers confirm trade: Michael Young and cash for Rob Rasmussen.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 1, 2013

As you'll remember, Rasmussen originally came to the Dodgers late last year in a trade with Houston for John Ely.

Young has had a decent season (and an even better career), but I just don't think he comes in to supplant any of our current starters. He's basically on par with Juan Uribe and Mark Ellis with the bat, but is much poorer with the glove.  Maybe he comes in to be a bat off the bench with an occasional start to rest our regulars.

What this also does is give us another in-house option for a third baseman next season.  Since Uribe is a free agent in 2014, Young provides another option since he is also a free agent.  Maybe, he gets a month to wow us and the Dodgers staff.

Below are Michael Young's career stats, via Baseball Reference.


From the Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired third baseman Michael Young and cash considerations from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred Josh Beckett to the 60-day disabled list.

Young, 36, is a seven-time All-Star and won the 2005 American League batting title with the Texas Rangers, who he played for from 2000-2012. Young twice led the American League in hits (2005 & 2011) and his 2,359 career hits rank seventh among active players. Young owns a .300 career average in 1,949 games, while posting six 200-hit seasons in his career. The Covina native is a career .321 hitter with runners in scoring position.

Defensively, the 2008 AL Gold Glove winner at shortstop has appeared in 155 or more games in 10 of his 14 seasons and has posted a career .959 fielding percentage at third base.

In 126 games this season, his first with Philadelphia, the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder led the Phillies in hits and batted .276 (129-for-468) with eight home runs, 24 doubles and 41 RBI. On June 19 vs. Washington, Young eclipsed the 1,000-career RBI mark with a two-run home run.

Young has appeared in the postseason three times, including reaching the World Series in 2010 and 2011 as a member of the Rangers. In 34 career postseason games, he is batting .248 with three home runs and 19 RBI, including a five-RBI performance in Game 6 of the 2011 ALCS-clinching victory at Detroit. Young was also the 2006 All-Star Game MVP in Pittsburgh.

A graduate of both Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente and UC Santa Barbara, Young was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft.

Since 2006, the Dodgers have made a number of key late August deals, acquiring such players as Marlon Anderson (2006 -.375 in 25 games), Ronnie Belliard (2009 - .351 in 24 games), Jon Garland (2009 -2.72 ERA in 6 starts) and Hall of Famers Greg Maddux (2009) and Jim Thome (2009).

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