Showing posts with label Mets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mets. Show all posts

Friday, October 04, 2019

MLB Goes Hypebeast -- A Mitchell & Ness / BAPE Collab Includes Dodger Goodies


A Bathing Ape, otherwise known as BAPE, has just joined forces with Mitchell & Ness for a MLB inspired collaboration that features logo-heavy varsity jackets, baseball jerseys and a T-shirts. Four teams have been chosen -- Yankees, Mets, Angels and the Dodgers (locations where BAPE has their only US stores) --  and they are now available. Per Sophia Caraan at Hypebeast:
The BAPE x Mitchell & Ness MLB collection will be pre-released at BAPE STORE NEW YORK and BAPE STORE LOS ANGELES on September 28, and will be available globally at A BATHING APE locations, US.BAPE.COM, BAPE.COM WEB STORE and ZOZOTOWN on October 5.
I guess the kids would say that this stuff is fire.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Mets Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Monday against the New York Mets. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:
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Monday, May 27th at 5:10 PM
Clayton Kershaw vs Jacob deGrom
TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Sunday, September 02, 2018

Mets Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Monday against the New York Mets. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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Monday, September 3rd at 5:10 PM
Alex Wood vs Jacob deGrom
TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Monday, August 21, 2017

Welcome to the Blue, Curtis Granderson!


This recent move came out of nowhere. I had thought, like many others, that the Dodgers were done with their shopping. Instead, they prove once again that you should never take a nap on this team. Not only can they score runs in bunches, but the front office is always looking for ways to improve the ballclub and will make a move at any time. Case in point, following Friday evenings game against the Tigers the Dodgers traded for one-time Detroit star and current Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for pitching prospect Jacob Rhame. You can follow Granderson here on twitter: @cgrand3. Per a Dodgers press release:
Granderson, 36, has a .254 career batting average with 312 home runs and 853 RBI in 1,760 games in 14 Major League seasons with the Tigers (2004-09), Yankees (2010-13) and Mets (2014-17). The three-time All-Star (2009, ’11, ’12) and 2011 Silver Slugger also won the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award for his community work. Defensively, Granderson has appeared 1,246 games in center field, 445 games in right field and 59 games in left field during the course of his career. He’s also played in 51 postseason games, tied for the 14th most among active players.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Mets Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts this coming Monday against the New York Mets.  Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:
The Big City Dog will be available for this homestand only against Mets at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all beef hot dog with sauerkraut, green apples topped with drizzled whole grain Dijon mustard. See it on the right.
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Monday, June 19th at 7:10 PM
TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA
Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Monday, May 30, 2016

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 2016Go 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!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

The Anniversary of when Steve Garvey Ended the Baseball Career of Chico Escuela


Some anniversaries are heartfelt.  Others denote an important benchmark.  This anniversary is neither of those things.  Instead, the anniversary I speak of today should hopefully tug at your funny bone.

On this date 37 years ago, Bill Murray, then an newscaster on Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update", revealed to the world that lovable and English-deficient All-Star second baseman Chico Escuela, played by Garrett Morris, would hang-them-up and end his quixotic comeback to the Major Leagues.  As we came to understand, a screamer off the bat of Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey struck Escuela below the belt.  That batted ball had rendered him irreversibly infertile.

On that day, Baseball was not very (berry, berry) good to Chico.

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Mets Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Monday against the New York Mets.  Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. 

The New York Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Mets at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with Sabrett’s onions in sauce, sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.

The third 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Kenta Maeda on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left.  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.

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Monday, May 9th at 7:10 PM
LHP Steven Matz vs. LHP Scott Kazmir
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive the first pin in the Dodgers Retired Number Series featuring #1 Pee Wee Reese.  See it on the left.

Actress Kelly Packard, known for her role on the popular television series “Baywatch” and “California Dreams” and also the co-host of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” will perform the national anthem. Country music star and four-time Grammy Award Winner Keith Urban, will serve as the honorary PA announcer and will present the starting lineup. Urban’s new album, “Ripcord,” will be on sale in the left field plaza Team Store.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

It's About Time - Undercover Cops Will be Everywhere at Dodger Stadium


I'm getting sick and tired of reading about idiot fans - not only at Dodger Stadium, but elsewhere - committing acts of violence at games.  It's crazy, stupid and has no place in the world today.  So, I am happy to read that the police will be more proactive in rooting out the bad guys.  Via a story at the NY Daily News by Leonard Greene, "LAPD officers to don Mets jerseys at Dodger Stadium as ‘hundreds’ of undercover cops patrol crowd to prevent another brutal playoff beating."

That's right folks.  That guy sitting next to you or roaming the parking lot in Mets 'blue and orange' just might be an undercover cop.
"Literally hundreds of Los Angeles police will be out there, both in uniform and undercover," said LAPD Commander Andrew Smith.

"We have them dressed in undercover gear so they look just like a fan of one or another team's, so people will never know whether the person standing next to them with a Mets jersey is an LAPD officer or not," he said.
It's sad that it has to come to this, but after last weeks disgraceful incident this has to be done.

Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Game 5 of NLDS on Thursday - Batting Practice, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


Game 5 of the NLDS is Thursday evening against the New York Mets.  Below are various odds and ends for this game.  Go here for information about purchasing parking passes and alternative transportation choices to the game.  GET THERE EARLY!

Extreme Loaded Dog
  • Inferno Bacon Wrapped All-Beef Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with jalapeño relish, tomatoes, sport peppers with ghost chili aioli. It will be available at three Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels. 
  • Half Jidori Chicken with jalapeño cornbread, smoked baked beans, charred corn kernels served on a special pressed palm platter will be available at the Think Blue BBQ at the left-field pavilion plaza. 
  • A Steakhouse Stuffed Smoked Gouda Burger on a potato bun with dijonnaise and fries will be available at the Elysian Park Grill on the field level section 22.
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Game 5
Thursday, October 15th at 5:07 PM
RHP Jacob DeGrom vs. RHP Zack Greinke
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Friday's game starts at 5:07 PM.  Auto gates open at 2:00 PM, and stadium gates open at 2:30 PM.  Dodger Stadium Express service from Union Station begins at 2:30 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 2:05 PM to 3:05 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 4:45 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance tomorrow will receive a rally towel.  The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 2:30 PM to 3:05 PM.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Actor, director, singer and star of “Heroes Reborn,” Zachary Levi will perform the national anthem.  SportsNet LA broadcaster Orel Hershiser will throw the ceremonial first pitch tomorrow.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Antonio Maldonado of Pacoima. Maldonado has served two tours since his enlistment, one in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in Okinawa, Japan. Maldonado currently serves at the Recruiting Station Los Angeles and Recruiting Sub-Station Eagle Rock as a station commander.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items for auction tomorrow include a Zack Greinke autographed baseball, Orel Hershiser autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 6:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, October 09, 2015

Here are the Dodgers and Mets Rosters for NLDS


Just announced, here are the Dodgers and Mets NLDS postseason roster.  There are no real surprises for the Dodgers.  We had already found out in the days leading up to today that Peralta, Puig and Ruggiano would be on the team.  Notable exclusions include Scott Van Slyke (hampered by a sore wrist), Alex Guerrero, Carlos Frias and Juan Nicasio.  Notable excluded Mets include Eric Campbell, Dilson Herrera and reliever Sean Gilmartin.


DODGERS: METS:
Starting Pitching:
RHP Zack Greinke RHP Jacob deGrom
LHP Clayton Kershaw RHP Noah Syndergaard
LHP Brett Anderson RHP Matt Harvey
LHP Alex Wood LHP Steven Matz


Relievers:
LHP Luis Avilan LHP Jonathon Niese
LHP J.P. Howell RHP Tyler Clippard
RHP Pedro Baez RHP Addison Reed
RHP Yimi Garcia RHP Hansel Robles
RHP Chris Hatcher RHP Erik Goeddel
RHP Kenley Jansen RHP Bartolo Colon
RHP Joel Peralta RHP Jeurys Familia


Catchers:
C A.J. Ellis C Kevin Plawecki
C Yasmani Grandal (S) C Travis d'Arnaud


Infielders:
1B Adrian Gonzalez (L) 1B Lucas Duda (L)
2B Howie Kendrick SS Wilmer Flores
SS Jimmy Rollins (S) 3B David Wright
IF Corey Seager (L) 2B Daniel Murphy (L)
IF Justin Turner IF Ruben Tejada
IF Chase Utley (L)


Super Utility:
OF/IF Kiké Hernandez OF/IF Kelly Johnson (L)


Outfielders:
OF Carl Crawford (L) OF Yoenis Cespedes
OF Andre Ethier (L) OF Michael Conforto (L)
OF Joc Pederson (L) OF Michael Cuddyer
OF Yasiel Puig OF Curtis Granderson (L)
OF Justin Ruggiano OF Juan Lagares

OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (L)



* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, October 08, 2015

NLDS Series Against Mets Starts Friday - Batting Practice, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The NLDS starts tomorrow evening against the New York Mets.  Below are various odds and ends for these upcoming two home games.

It is recommended that fans going to the game get their parking tickets in advance.  It will no doubt be a madhouse.  Go here for information.  For the NLDS, parking is $15 if purchased in advance and $25 at the gate.  Premium parking is available in advance for $40 in advance and $60 at the gate.  Parking at Lots 13 and 14 on Stadium Way costs $10 in advance and $15 at the gate for the Division Series.  You should also plan on arriving early... Like really early.

BTW Dodger Stadium Express, a dedicated bus lane on Sunset Boulevard from Union Station to Elysian Park Avenue, is free with a game ticket.  It begins operating 90 minutes before the game and continues for 45 minutes after the game. Fans can also park at Union Station for $6 and take the Dodger Stadium Express free with a ticket, with dropoff points behind the pavilions and the Top Deck (Lot P). 

South Bay fans can board the Dodger Express from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center (731 W. 182nd St., Gardena) located next to the 110 Freeway or two miles from where the 110 Freeway meets the 405.  Service from the South Bay starts two hours before game time and runs every 15 minutes thereafter.  South Bay stops include the following stations:  Slauson, Manchester, Harbor Freeway, Rosecrans and the Harbor Gateway Transit Center.  Go here for information on Dodger Stadium Express.

 Extreme Loaded Dog

  • Inferno Bacon Wrapped All-Beef Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with jalapeño relish, tomatoes, sport peppers with ghost chili aioli. It will be available at three Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels. 
  • Half Jidori Chicken with jalapeño cornbread, smoked baked beans, charred corn kernels served on a special pressed palm platter will be available at the Think Blue BBQ at the left-field pavilion plaza. 
  • A Steakhouse Stuffed Smoked Gouda Burger on a potato bun with dijonnaise and fries will be available at the Elysian Park Grill on the field level section 22.

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Game 1
Friday, October 9th at 6:45 PM
RHP Jacob DeGrom vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Friday's game starts at 6:45 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:45 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:15 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 3:50 PM to 4:50 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 5:00 PM to 5:50 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 6:30 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance tomorrow will receive a rally towel.  The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM.

The Umpire crew for this game will be Alan Porter at home plate, Jim Wolf at first base, Greg Gibson at second base, Chris Guccione at third base, Gary Cederstrom in left field (Crew Chief), and Chad Fairchild in right field.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes a nice roundup of how the Dodgers did for each umpire at home plate, here.

Four-year-old Ella Mason Annear, who has battled cancer for the past two years, will throw the honorary first pitch.  Annear, who also goes by “Ella The Great,” is the daughter of Dodgers Vice-President of Merchandising and Retail Allister Annear and his wife, Amanda.  Ella was diagnosed with Heptoblastoma and a lung tumor seven months ago.  After surgery on April 20th and seven rounds of chemotherapy, the youngster was cleared of cancer and pronounced NED (no visible disease).  Ella has a website, where fans can check her journey--http://ella-the-great.tumblr.com.

All-4-One, Grammy Award-winning ‘90s pop stars, will perform the national anthem. The U.S. Air Force will provide its Blue Eagles Honor Guard.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Victor Mexicano of Jalisco, Sonora, Mexico. Mexicano has been deployed to Iraq in support of three missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served a deployment to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is currently serving at a recruiting station in Los Angeles.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Vin Scully autographed baseball, Orel Hershiser autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:15 p.m.

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Game 2
Saturday, October 10th at 6:07 PM
RHP Noah Syndergaard vs. RHP Zach Greinke
TBS / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.), AM 1540 (Korean)

Saturday's game starts at 6:07 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:00 PM, and stadium gates open at 3:30 PM.  Dodger batting practice is from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM.  Mets batting practice is from 4:25 PM to 5:15 PM.  Pregame ceremonies begin at 5:45 PM.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance Saturday will receive a rally towel. The left-field plaza will be open to fans to enter and watch batting practice from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

The Umpire crew for this game will be Jim Wolf behind the plate, Greg Gibson at first, Chris Guccione at second, Gary Cederstrom at third (Crew Chief), Chad Fairchild in left and Alan Porter in right.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes a nice roundup of how the Dodgers did for each umpire at home plate, here.

Tommy Lasorda have been named to throw the honorary first pitch.  The Hall of Fame skipper, who is the special advisor to the chairman, is baseball’s greatest ambassador.  Lasorda is currently in his 66th season in the Dodger organization.  He managed the club for 20 seasons before retiring to the front office in 1996.  Lasorda won two world championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles.  He recently celebrated his 88th birthday.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez will perform on the field pregame and also present the national anthem.

Face painters will be on hand in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Major Robert Daugherty of Barstow. Daugherty enlisted in 1994 and has served as a basic Military Training Instructor and trained as a Flight Navigator and a Combat Systems Operator. He deployed to Afghanistan nine times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and will retire from 21 years of military service in January.
  • LADF conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Saturday include a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Kirk Gibson autographed 1988 World Series baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 7:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 10/7/2015 - Dodger Links - No Uribe, Ryu on the Mend and Andre Ethier


Andre Ethier knows it's all about the right frame of mind... and a playoff beard.

BTW, it's now official.  Clayton Kershaw will pitch Game 1 and Zach Greinke will pitch Game 2.  Also, the Game 3 pitcher for the Dodgers will be Brett Anderson.  The remaining games, if needed, have yet to be determined.

The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • Ummm.... What?  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "By Jiminy, cricket coming to Dodger Stadium in November."  My first thought was... "those games can take days!"  Then I found out that they'll be playing an abbreviated form of the game called T20.  I have absolutely no idea how this game is played, but I just might take a moment to learn.
  • This is actually good news for the Dodgers.  I was really afraid that Uribe would perform his usual heroics and win a game off the bench.  Now, we don't have to worry about that.  Via Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation, "NLDS News: Juan Uribe Won’t Face Dodgers In First Round."
  • This is good news.  Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Ryu has started throwing again:

  • Steiner Sports recently released their 2015 Playoff Collection that includes the below 10" x 20" collage with game-used dirt from Dodger Stadium.  Go here to check that out. They also have individual player plaques with game dirt for seven different players.
  • I'm not a particularly big fan of the Topps Bunt program, but I figure this was worth mentioning.  Topps Bunt is an app where fans collect virtual Baseball cards, and Topps recently released 20 different 2015 postseason digital cards; including the Clayton Kershaw on the right.  Ryan Cracknell at Beckett has more information here.  I'm hoping that they eventually put this on real cardboard.
  • Jane Wells of CNBC spoke with Dodger President Stan Kasten to talk playoffs, fantasy sports betting and their new Accelerator program.  Watch the video here.  On a side note, the Accelerator program is just further proof of how brilliant this Dodger ownership is.  They are leveraging their brand as a leader in the game and in sports in general to invest in start-ups that could very well lead to giant returns.  What an incredible idea - the Dodgers doing some angel investing.
  • For info on how to legally watch the MLB Playoffs online without cable go here
  • defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown, tears apart an Hanley Ramirez card - just for the giggles.  Check it out here.
  • I guess I'll take whoever wants to root for the Dodgers - for whatever reason.  Via Big Red Fury, "Why Husker Fans Need the Dodgers to Win the World Series."
Feel free to pshaw and call this idea cockamamie all you want, but if you do the research, you’ll see I’m not yanking your chain. Every time the Huskers have played in a title game or made a National Championship run, the Dodgers preceded those appearances with a World Series victory.
  • I have no doubt that the Rangers want their fans to die.  Via Kyle Newport at the Bleacher Report, "Texas Rangers Introduce Wild New Concession-Stand Items for 2015 Playoffs."  They will offering concoctions like a cotton candy dog and a large bag of Cheetos filled with meat, cheese and other taco-like fillings.
  • A must see!  In honor of Back to the Future here is Jaws 19.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 10/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke, Seager and Zaidi on Don Mattingly


I just want to have good thoughts.  So in that vein I thought I would share the above photo originally found on the Baseball Hall of Fame twitter account.  It features a young and eager to teach Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn club demonstrating the proper way to "choke up" on the bat to a bunch of even younger fledgling Dodger hopefuls.  Some of them are even paying close attention, so I wonder if they made it to the pros.  After all, Brooklyn was a Baseball hotbed back then.  Heck, as I look closely I swear that kid on the far left is a young Fernando... No? 

Below are more links to check out:
  • Here is the complete postseason schedule.  It includes all the dates for every potential game and the channels you can watch them at.  For the Dodgers, Game 1 will be at 6:45 PST and Game 2 is at 6:07 PST.  Both games will be aired on TBS.
  • Via Daniel Starkand at Dodgers Nation, "Zack Greinke Reflects On Career Season, 200 Strikeouts."
    “This year I didn’t pay attention to strikeouts at all,” Greinke said. “In year’s past it would be a big deal, but I didn’t really pay attention to it this year. I just was trying to get outs, that’s all I really paid attention to.”
  • Via Darren Rovell at ESPN, Clayton Kershaw was the #4 selling jersey during the regular season in all of Baseball.
  • Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Corey Seager goes from prospect to key to Dodgers' playoff hopes."
    “It got to the point where we kind of needed him here,” was how Dodgers vice president for baseball operations Josh Byrnes put it at the time.
  • For just a moment relive the time the Dodgers and Mets faced each other in the playoffs in 1988 through the words of those who were there.  Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Oral history of epic Mets-Dodgers 1988 NLCS."
Mike Scioscia (Dodgers catcher): We felt like we didn't have anything to lose. One thing about that club was that we weren't intimidated, and [we] played free and relaxed. We weren't worried about making a mistake. As far as star power, we didn't have a lot. But as far as a team, we had a great team from one through 25. Everyone knew their role. All of us could do what the situation called for.
MLB.com: Have you been pleased with the work of manager Don Mattingly?
Zaidi: I think he's done a great job. We've had, again, one of the biggest themes we've had is roster turnover with the injuries and having a lot of young players with options and trying to make maximum use of the 25-man roster. That definitely puts added stress on a manager and staff, not just to deal with the logistics of those moves, but also to deal with managing personnel turnover. From an on-field standpoint, every time you move a player in or out, you have to sort of recalibrate yourself on how to use everybody. So, I think he's done a real nice job with that and mixed and matched in some platoon situations, tried to navigate through some of the issues we've had in our bullpen. There certainly have been challenges with our roster that he's had to navigate and I think he's done a nice job.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Monday, October 05, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 10/5/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke the Comedian, Seager the Starter and Rollins as Lasorda


The Dodgers finished off the season on a grand note.  They sweeped the Padres to record their best home record in LA Dodger history, going 55-26.  Clayton Kershaw threw seven strike outs to become the first pitcher in thirteen years to reach 300 - he finished with 301.  And, to top off the last game of the season Jimmy Rollins was named the surprise manager of the game - going so far as to wear Lasorda's #2 uniform and sporting a portly belly in his honor.  Check out the great photo above, tweeted out by the Dodgers, showing Rollins and the guest pitching coach Kenley Jansen - who wore #40 in honor of Rick Honeycutt.  Rollins talks about it hereGo here to check out some great photos from Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo of the last game.

Below, Yasiel Puig takes on final moment to get a photograph with Nancy Bea Hefley and her husband.  Photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

Below are more links to check out:

Jacob deGrom will start Friday's opener at Dodger Stadium, likely against Clayton Kershaw. Noah Syndergaard then gets Game 2 in Los Angeles, followed by Matt Harvey in Game 3 when the series shifts to Citi Field, manager Terry Collins said Sunday.
"They're going to play him," Rollins said. "We had a conversation and that's the way it was said: 'We're going to go with the kid. That's the lineup we feel is best.'"
  • Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "A.J. Ellis Values Consistency Heading Into Postseason."
    “We got to pitch to our strengths, pitch to our game plan and at this stage in the game, it’s about execution.” While Mattingly has used various lineups throughout the season, the one in Friday’s game resembled what may take the field in the postseason.

    “It’s important. I think it shows the importance everybody is putting home-field advantage in the first round,” Ellis said of regular starters still playing throughout the weekend. “To play here, where we’ve played so well this season. To have Clayton and Zack here would be huge for us.”
  • Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Turner’s power surge couldn’t come at a better time."
  • Nick Diunte at Examiner.com writes a book review on "Clem Labine: Always a Dodger" Richard Ellott.
  • This is terrible news.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "(Josh) Ravin's brother shot, in stable condition."  Amy Powell at ABC7 has a report, as well.  He had this to say on twitter, and I don't necessarily disagree:

  • Congrats to Dee Gordon for winning the NL Batting crown.  He also become the first person to lead the league in batting and stolen bases since Jackie Robinson in 1949.  Below is a tweet from the Marlins celebrating his achievement.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, July 02, 2015

Mets Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts tomorrow against the New York Mets, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

Tommy Lasorda’s Trattoria will be offering the BLT Pizza during this homestand.  It features a fresh dough pizza slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and drizzled with creamy Ranch dressing.  Check out a pic of it on the left.

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Friday, July 3rd at 7:10 PM
RHP Noah Syndergaard vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
ESPN / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme will be Country Rock Music featuring classic country songs covered by rock artists: Buck Owens covered by The Beatles, Merle Haggard covered by The Grateful Dead, Marty Robbins covered by Old 97’s, Dolly Parton covered by The White Stripes and Johnny Cash covered by Social Distortion.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

Dodger alumnus Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Kris Preston. 
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Joc Pederson autographed photo, Zack Greinke autographed baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, July 4th at 4:15 PM
RHP Matt Harvey vs. RHP Zack Greinke
 FOX / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 4:15 PM.  Auto gates open at 1:45 PM, and stadium gates open at 2:15 PM.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Independence Day Dog on the 4th of July, only.  It consists of a quarter pound all beef Super Dodger Dog served with Applewood smoked bacon, pickled chips, potato salad and pickled red onions.  Check out a pic of it on the left.

A 4th of July Postgame Musical Performance and Fireworks Show will be presented by Kurios From Cirque Du Soleil.  Fans are invited to enjoy both a patriotic musical performance by the USO Show Troupe and 4th of July fireworks spectacular.

U.S. Coast Guard Second Class Petty Officer Mike Dalager, accompanied by Grand Folk Railroad guitarist Bruce Kulick, will perform the national anthem. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Maria Guerra of Chino Hills and U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samara Arias of Van Nuys will both throw a ceremonial first pitch. A color guard unit will be on hand and a giant flag will be unfurled in center field by more than 100 members of all branches of the military – U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard.

Dodger alumnus Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy E4 Bobby Prevost and U.S. Navy E4 Kelly Prevost.

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Sunday, July 5th at 1:10 PM
LHP Steven Matz vs. RHP Mike Bolsinger
 SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  It is Photo Day and fans are invited to take photos of their favorite Dodgers on the field prior to the game. Fans can enter the field through center field and photos opportunities will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fans can take photos of players, but are asked not to ask for photos with players. Autographs will also not be permitted.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will feature musical entertainment by DJ Raul Campos and Ballet Folklorico Otomi. Dodger broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela will make a special appearance from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Valenzuela will take photos with fans and fans will receive a complimentary photo printout courtesy of Blue Print.

Former Miss Nevada, Ellie Smith, will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Kenny Landreaux will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Justin Lits.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include an Andre Ethier autographed photo, Adrian Gonzalez autographed baseball and Yasiel Puig autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw Named Player of the Year by Baseball America


Andrew McCutchen, Joey Porter and Matt Kemp were at Heinz Field last night to enojoy some pregame banter at last night's Monday Night Football game in Pittsburgh, pic above via @steelers on twitter.  The Steelers defeated the Texans, 30 - 23, largely due to a huge offensive explosion in the second quarter of the game; they scored 24 of their 30 points then.

Below are some links to check out:
  • Continuity, baby!  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Source: Scouts returning for 2015."
  • Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Davises, Strawberry to enter L.A. City Section Hall of Fame."
  • Via TMZ, "Dodgers Star Hanley Ramirez My Lambo Spits FIRE!"  Check out the TMZ article to see it breath fire.
(pic via Hanley in instagram)
TMZ Sports has learned ... Hanley dropped around $550k for a white 2014 Lamborghini Aventador -- but wanted to make it stand out ... so he went to The Auto Firm in Miami and upgraded the exhaust to one that spits flames. 
My attachment to the Kansas City Royals doesn't come from living in the Midwest or because their colors are similar to the Dodgers or because I want the Giants to lose when the World Series starts. It's not even because I remember the Royals' victory in the '85 Series. No, my attachment began in 1976 when the Royals took on the Yankees and were demoralized by Chris Chambliss' home run off of Mark Littell.
  • Via Scott Andes at Lasorda Lair, "Schebler, Sweeney Heating Up, Seager Off to Slow Start in Arizona Fall League."
  • The Awards for Clayton Kershaw are only beginning to start.  Via Bill Shaikin at Baseball America he was named the PLayer of the Year: "Major League Player Of The Year: Baseball’s Best Pitcher Keeps Looking Ahead."
(cover via @BenBadler on twitter)
  • BTW, for the fourth season in a row Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and newcomer Yankees reliever Dellin Betances were named the 2014 Goose Gosage Award winners yesterday by the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  The Goose Gosage Award recognizes the best reliever in each league. I had picked Kimbrel on my National League ballot.  Furthermore, late last week, White Sox Jose Abreau and NY Met Jacob deGrom were named the Willie Mays Award winners for their respective league.  This award recognizes this past season rookie of the year.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Monday, August 25, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 8/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends from the Weekend


Kevin Correia served up some beachballs yesterday afternoon before finally getting pulled from the game after just three innings of work.  Overall, he served up three home runs and seven runs total.  What disaster!

Adding insult to injury, the Mets recorded a triple play against the Dodgers in the sixth inning - all thanks to a far too aggressive Yasiel Puig.  Watch it below

Video Link:

This is the second triple play against the Dodgers this season.  The Cleveland Indians did it against us in July.  You would think this would be a bad omen, but as Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider explains it isn't.  The last time this happened to the Dodgers was in 1955; when they won their first World Series in franchise history.

BTW, Correia is expected to go to the bullpen once Ryu comes back, so we won't have to (hopefully) witness that again.  Also, I should note that Adrian Gonzalez continues his hot ways.  After leading the Dodgers with two hits, a home run and five RBI's in Saturday's victory, he recorded another three hits on Sunday; including a double.  The photo at the very top of Adrian was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014Go here to check out more photos from yesterday.

Fortunately, this recent loss did not hurt us in the standings.  The Dodgers are 4.5 games ahead of the Giants.  Now, below are some links to check out:
  • ICYMI:  Hanley Ramirez was reinstated to the Dodgers roster.  Erisbel Arruebarrena was optioned to Rancho Cucamonga.  Arruebarrena should only be down for a short while.  He will definately be back up when the rosters expand.
  • Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Chris Anderson’s late-season improvement reason for optimism."
The Dodgers made some mechanical changes with Anderson’s delivery a couple months ago, which could account for the improvement. One thing that hasn’t changed is his velocity. When I saw him in person, he was sitting at 93-96 MPH and topped out at 99 MPH. Friday night, Anderson hit 97 MPH a few times. As a pitcher who will live off his fastball, this is encouraging. He also has improved his off-speed pitches as the season has progressed. His slider will always be his go-to secondary offering, but his changeup has improved to the point where it could be a usable third pitch.
Campbell joined the Loons on June 20th and soon made his mark with the Dodgers affiliate. In his first five games, he had six scoreless innings giving up three hits while walking one and striking out five. On the season he has now pitched 29 innings over 22 appearances with an ERA of 1.55 and a WHIP of 1.00. He has struck out 36 and walked 8. He has yet to serve up a home run.
  • Via KUNR public radio, "Bob Motley, Last Surviving Negro League Ump, Recalls Baseball History."  Listen and learn.
  • Watch a talk about the Negro Leagues and Kansas City Monarchs via Phil Dixon on CSPAN.  He speaks about the history of the Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues. Mr. Dixon talks about the significance of the Kansas City Monarchs to the baseball world, fielding a number of future Hall of Fame players and inspiring several new innovations to the game, including the use of lights for night games. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum hosted this event.  Video here.
  • BTW, before the start of Sunday's game, Clayton Kershaw was presented with the trophy for the Warren Spahn Award for the 2013 season.  This award is given to the best left-handed pitcher in MLB by the Oklahoma Sports Museum.  Below is a photo of him holding it.  This is the second time he has won the Warren Spahn Award.  He also won it during his first Cy Young season in 2011.
(pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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