Blog Kiosk: 1/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kiké Hernandez spent his New Years Day in Pasadena -- joining his father and former Dodgers GM Fred Claire on the City of Hope float at the Rose Parade on Monday. Above is a pic of Hernandez with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, via Garcetti on twitter. Pic on the right is of Fred Claire, via the City of Hope on twitter. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"For us, we get to see our patients participate in a big event, normal activities away from the hospital, and it gives us a sense of accomplishment," (Dr. Stephen J.) Forman said. "Having Kiké on the float is extra special because City of Hope is Dodgertown. There are a lot of fans among the patients and staff, and it gives us a lot of pride that he honored us by being on the float with his dad. To see father and son on the float together is what it's all about. We wanted them to have this special occasion."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1911 Dodgers president Charles Ebbets announces that he has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn to build a new concrete and steel stadium. In 1935 the Dodgers selected Cubs catcher Babe Phelps off of waivers. He would go on to play seven seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing .315/.368/.477/.845 and attended three All-Star games. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder and pinch-hit savant Olmedo Sáenz. All hail the "Killer Tomato".
• Happy Birthday, George Boehler, Bobby Reis, Cliff Dapper, Bill Madlock, Greg Heydeman, Mike Metcalfe & Scott Proctor!

Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.

Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

100 wins never felt so good.

Last night the Dodgers, for the first time since 1974, won their 100th contest of the season -- reaching the mark for the seventh time in franchise history. Furthermore, for just the fourth time in their history they have recorded more than 300 doubles as a team, and are just seven double short of tying a club record. Per AJ Cassavell and Josh Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's quite an accomplishment," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about 100 wins. "The guys have done some great things, the coaching, the training staff. It's been a great team effort and it's taken a lot of players to get to this point. We haven't accomplished our ultimate goal, but to step back and say we won 100 baseball games is quite a feat."

Better yet, the victory over the Padres saw Yu Darvish's best outing in Blue. He went seven innings, struck out nine San Diego batters, walked none, allowed just two hits and one earned run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m in a really good position, physically and mentally,” Darvish said Monday through a translator.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Burt Hooton set a Dodgers record for starters when he won his 12th consecutive game. In 1981 the Dodgers were no-hit by legendary fireballer Nolan Ryan of the Astros in Houston, 5-0. It would be the fifth no-no of his career. You can watch the last out of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Neis & Brian Traxler!

Giants Series Starts Friday - Autographs, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

The Brunch At The Park will be available for this homestand only against Giants available Field section 22 and 23 and Loge section 136. It features Kings Hawaiian bun dipped in French toast batter stuffed with Farmer John’s breakfast sausage, fresh berries, maple syrup and powdered sugar. See it on the right.

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Friday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I want to send out a hearty congratulations to the Dodgers Rookie-Level minor club, the Odgen Raptors, for their first ever Pioneer League Championship victory yesterday. Per William Boor at MLB.com; "Uceta helps lift Ogden to first Pioneer League title."

Mitchell Hanson, who had been just 2-for-10 in the postseason, put the Raptors on the board early with a two-run double in the top of the first. Hanson's hit got the offense rolling and the Raptors broke the game open with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings via RBI hits from Brayan Morales, Connor Heady, Luis Paz and Romer Cuadrado. With the offense rolling, it was up to Edwin Uceta and the rest of the Raptors' pitchers to keep the Voyagers' offense in check and that's exactly what happened.

Per Michael Leboff & Andrew Battifarano at MiLB.com:

"We said very little in between games, the players dominated the dialogue," Raptors manager Mark Kertenian said. "They just got ready to get back to work and that's very characteristic of this group."

...
"They were fired up," Kertenian said. "They're happy for each other and they're enjoying each other. These guys understand that they are part of a good baseball team. They cared for each other and challenged each other, everybody feels very involved right now and they're expressing that."

Photo above of the team travelling home after winning via the Raptors on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit with four consecutive home runs by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer to come from behind again to win, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Welcome to the Blue, O’Koyea Dickson!

Along with top prospect Alex Verdugo and useful utilityman Rob Segedin, outfielder O'Koyea Dickson has been called up to the Dodgers as a part of their September roster expansion. In fact, this will mark his debut as a Major League ballplayer. After seven years of toiling in the minors Dickson finally has an opportunity to enter the big show. Per a Dodgers press release:

Dickson, 27, is also being called up to the Majors for the first time in his career after hitting .246 with 70 runs, 22 doubles, one triple, 24 homers and 76 RBI in 116 games with Oklahoma City this season. He appeared in left field the majority of the season (59 games), but has also seen time in right field (23 games) and first base (seven games), posting a combined .990 fielding percentage. The San Francisco native was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Sonoma State and spent seven seasons in the minors (2011-17), slashing .279/.349/.491 with 182 doubles, 12 triples, 117 homers and 437 RBI in 736 career games. Dickson has received multiple honors during his seven-year career, including two Player of the Week honors (2014 and 2016), two-time mid-season all-star (2012 and 2014) and the MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2014.

Blog Kiosk: 1/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love this photo.

Featured is some in-game action on an International News press photo taken by Arthur Sasse (known for his pic of Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out), dated October 4, 1952.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Yankee left fielder Gene Woodling scrambles safely back to seconf as Dodger Billy Cox's throw to Hodges beats Hank Bauer in the second inning of the fourth World Series Game.  Cox took Bauer's grounder, bluffed Woodling back to second and the nipped Bauer.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 2-0, and eventually lose the series in seven games to the Yanks.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Bill Schardt, Bill Zimmerman & Cecil Espy!

Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ethier, Seager, Oklahoma City and Some Dodger Hazing

As you no doubt heard, the Dodgers held their annual "rookie hazing" spectacle on Sunday evening - after their shutout loss to the Marlins.  Above is one of many pics of the guys that are circulating around the 'net.  In years past this event was held during their roadtrip to San Francisco.  This time, however, they decided to have fun with the rookies during their trip to New York.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  You can go here, here, here, here, here or here to see even more pics.  Best yet, Yasiel's charm came back in classic style.  He borrowed someone's Dodgers cheerleader outfit and did a little dance for the Dodgers and LA's newest team the Rams.  Heck, he even tweeted the gif to Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff.  To the right is a screengrab, and you can go here to see the gif.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers Baseball:  In 1930 Dodger catcher Al Lopez hit the Major Leagues last bounced home run.  Before this day "ground-rule doubles" were recorded as home runs.  In 2000 Dave Hanson broke former Dodger Johnny Frederick's record for pinch-hit home runs during a season with his seventh homer of the year against Curt Schilling of the Diamondbacks.  BTW, Johnny Frederick set his record of six homers on this exact same date in 1932.

Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Minor League Playoff Updates and Clayton Kershaw Day

It is now officially Kershaw Day.  He'll be stepping back on the mound for the first time since going down on the DL over two months ago.  I'd like to think Clayton would return just as good as when he left, but let's get real.  We should not expect him to be a Cy Young pitcher right out of the gate.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com: 

"To be off two months and not be in a competitive situation, everybody has to be conscious that he's not in midseason form," said Honeycutt. "He wouldn't be going out there unless he felt well enough to do it. At the same time, he still has not been in a competitive situation at the big league level, using all of his pitches. At that time in '14, it was the curveball that was not as good as it can be. That's not only a control pitch, it's a feel pitch and a release point."

For purposes of managing expectations, recall that Kershaw threw seven scoreless innings in his first start off the disabled list in 2014, but he then lost three of his next four starts -- including a seven-run, 1 2/3-inning disaster in Arizona -- before rewriting the record books.

I'm just happy to have him back.

Photo above was tweeted by Kiké Hernández.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers starting pitcher Rex Barney throws a no-hitter against the Gaints at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw his perfect game at Dodger Stadium against the Cubs, 1-0.  You can listen to Vin Scully's call of the ninth inning here. 
• Happy Birthday, Kaz Ishii!

Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - AJ Ellis, De Leon, Ethier and the Vin Scully Coin

ICYMI:  The Dodgers recently added a new game giveaway to their schedule, and it commemorates the career of retiring legend Vin Scully.  It will be given out on Saturday, September 24th against the Colorado Rockies, and that is the second to last home game of the regular season.  Check out what it looks like in the graphic above, via @Dodgers on twitter. 

As for the game, the Dodgers won their fourth game in row by taking advantage of Diamondback starting pitcher Shelby Miller, 5-2.  They recorded eleven hits and scored five runs in the 4.1 innings he pitched.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"We put some at-bats together and got a lot of hits out there, got a lot of baserunners," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I thought it was really good. Jumped on Miller early, stressed him early. It was just a well-played baseball game."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1903 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and the NY Giants play a two-stadium, same-day doubleheader.  The first game began at 10:30 AM at Washington Park (Giants won, 6-4), and the second game got underway later that afternoon (Brooklyn won, 3-0).  In 1962 Maury Wills stole four bases against the Pirates to break the modern National League record for stolen bases at 82.  In 2001 Shawn Green broke the Dodger record for home runs in a season at 44.
• Happy Birthday, Willie Crawford!

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2015 - Dodger Links - Grandal, Guerrero and the Kids

You've got to love what the kids are doing in camp. Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Corey Seager, Scott Schebler, O'Koyea Dickson lead first-week youth movement for Dodgers."

"It's been interesting for us in this camp because we've got a lot of our own prospects that have been climbing the ladder that all of a sudden seem to be right here knocking on the door," manager Don Mattingly said on Tuesday. "We've also made some trades for some guys that have come from other organizations who have been fun to watch.

Photo above of Scott Schebler from yesterday's game is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon from yesterday here.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Baseball prognosticator Peter Gammons declared that the Dodgers are his 2015 off-season winner.  Check out what he had to say here.

We get all of them. But, for me, there was one clear winner. The Dodgers. No media-driven hype signings and acquisitions. No Miami Heat-type player introductions at a FanFest. No exercises in usage of the first person singular.

Just a restructuring and reorganization to what might be called the 21^st Century Branch Rickey model. So non-Hollywood.

• My biggest worry about Yasmani Grandal is slowly coming into focus.  He may pitch-frame well, but he has to learn to recognize which pitches are worth trying to frame for a strike and which pitches require him to catch and block at all cost.  BTW, his lack of mobility due to knee issues is a worrying factory, and may mean that he is just not physically able to stop pitches in the dirt.  Sure, he can hit, but how much are you willing to give up when it comes to pitching?  That's a questions that will get answered as the season goes on.  Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest has a rundown on some of these defensive issues, "Yasmani Grandal May Want To Put the ‘Catch’ In Catcher."
• Reddit user u/kittysparkles shares some fantastic photos taken during the first two games of Spring Training at Camelback Ranch.  Check them out here.
• Watch out for this event during tomorrow's spring Dodger game.  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Will Ferrell has a wacky plan to play all nine baseball positions in one day."
• Pedro Guerrero cracks me up.  Via his twitter:

No Dodger World Series in 25 years and 3 for the Giants in 5 years.  No wonder my brain started bleeding.  Enough of this shit cmon @dodgers
— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) March 11, 2015

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Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Dickson and AJ Ellis

Clayton Kershaw looked great in his first official spring outing.  He went a scheduled two innings and was perfect with only 20 pitches.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I felt good. For the first [start], it was good to get out there and make sure you feel good physically," said Kershaw, who threw 16 strikes and only four balls. "I made adjustments when I needed to. Overall, it was a good first day."

His outing was especially notable for an 'Uncle Charlie' he threw to Rookie of the Year winner Jose Abreu.  You can check out that here.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  You can see more photos from Jon from yesterday here.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "The guy swinging the powerful bat: O’Koyea Dickson."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Juan Uribe gives great Hyun-jin Ryu impression."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "A Q&A with A.J. Ellis."

There was a lot of doubt and a lot of anxiety about whether I was going to be a Dodger again, with the way the season went. My entire career I’ve wanted to win a world championship. I feel like that will determine whether my career is a success or not. Did I reach the pinnacle of what it takes to be a team player and win a team championship? And, obviously, I want to do it with these guys, who I’ve come up with and been a part of. At that point last year, it was not about, ‘Man, I hope I come back so I can be the starter and I can play X number of games and I can redeem this last season or make this much money.’ No, I want to win a World Series and the window could start to be closing on that for me here with the Dodgers. I’m going to do everything I can to keep that pried open. 

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers eye Starling Heredia as potential big July 2 signing."
• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Joc Pederson is center of attention for Dodgers this spring."  Justin Turner and Pederson have built quite a relationship:

"He loves to talk hitting," Turner said. "He's not afraid to ask questions, which I love. One of my pet peeves is when you're around guys who have a lot of valuable information and you don't ask them anything. When I'm around guys, I ask questions. I want to know what they're doing, what they're thinking, because I want to learn."

• I guess the Dodgers won't be charging hard to try to sign him.  Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, "Sources: Cuban Hector Olivera could have damaged UCL in throwing arm."  I suppose they could still try to add him to the roster, but it'll come a greatly reduced price. 
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA tells us a bit about a minor league Dodger pitcher who impressed yesterday: "Jeremy Kehrt – Thursday’s other Kid-K,"

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

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Here are July's Dodger Pride Award Winners - Minor League Players of the Month for July

The Dodgers just announced their July Dodger Pride Award Winners.  This award celebrates the franchises best performers in the Minor Leagues for the month of July.  

Check them out below.

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Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

Pitcher - RHP Matt Magill posted a 3-2 record with a 4.63 ERA (6 ER/11.2 IP), striking out 10 batters against four walks in nine July appearances. The right-hander held opposing batters to a .227 batting average (10-for-45), while not allowing a home run in the month. The 24-year-old Simi Valley native is in his seventh professional season with the Dodgers after being selected by the club in the 31^st round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

(pic via MiLB)

Player - 1B Brock Peterson batted .379 (36-for-95) in 27 July games for the Isotopes. During the month, Peterson ranked among Pacific Coast League leaders in doubles (10, 4^th), batting average (.379, 5^th), hits (36, T-8^th), RBI (22, T-8^th), on-base percentage (.454, 3^rd) and recorded 11 multi-hit games. Peterson was acquired by the Dodgers on July 1 from Washington for cash considerations. The Washington State native was originally drafted by the Twins in the 49^th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

(pic via MiLB)

Pitcher - LHP Jarret Martin posted a 3.57 ERA (7 ER/17.2 IP), fanning 17 batters against eight walks in 11 July appearances. The Bakersfield native did not allow a home run in the month, while holding the opposition to a .190 batting average (12-for-63). On the season, the left-hander has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.40 ERA (18 ER/47.2 IP) in 39 relief appearances and also has four saves. Martin was originally acquired by the Dodgers in a three-player trade with Baltimore on Dec. 8, 2011.

(pic via MiLB)

Player - 1B O'Koyea Dickson posted a .326 batting average (30-for-92) with a .398 on-base percentage in 26 July games to earn the Dodger Pride Award for Chattanooga. During the month of July, Dickson led the team in doubles (9), hits (30), home runs (4), and RBI (16), while earning Southern League Player of the Week honors for the period ending July 28. The Bay Area native went to school at Sonoma State University and was a 12^th-round selection by the Dodgers in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

Player - RHP Lindsey Caughel went 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA (8 ER/32.0 IP) and 32 strikeouts in four July starts (five games). The 23-year-old had opened the month with consecutive starts without allowing an earned run, totaling 13.0 innings with 15 strikeouts. On the year, Caughel is limiting opponents to a .172 (15-for-87) clip with runners in scoring position. Caughel was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 23^rd round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

(pic via MiLB)

Player - OF Jeremy Rathjen batted .363 (37-for-102) in 26 July games, while leading the team in runs (20), doubles (9), home runs (6) and RBI (20). The Houston, Texas native recorded his first multi-homer game of the year on July 24 with a season-high five RBI and on the year, he is hitting .283 (71-for-251) with 11 home runs and 36 RBI in 68 games for the Quakes. The 24-year-old was selected by the Dodgers in the 11^th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

(pic via MiLB)

Player - RHP Jacob Rhame went 1-0 without allowing a run in 12 July appearances (18.1 IP) to go along with one save. Rhame limited opposing hitters to a .086 average (5-for-58) with 27 strikeouts against five walks. On July 19 against Kane County, Rhame struck out five of the six batters he faced in his two perfect frames. On the season, Rhame is 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA (14 ER/53.1 IP) in 40 relief appearances and has also notched four saves. The 21-year-old was a sixth-round selection of the Dodgers in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

(pic via MiLB)

Player - INF Paul Hoenecke powered three home runs and plated 16 runs in 26 games in July for the Loons. The 6-2, 205-pounder had his most productive game of the season on July 20, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI in a Great Lakes 9-5 victory over Kane County. On the season, the 24-year-old is batting .253 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI. The Wisconsin native, who attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, was selected in the 24^th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

Rookie-level Ogden Raptors

(pic via MiLB)

Pitcher - RHP Jose DeLeon posted a 3-0 record with a 1.38 ERA (4 ER/26.0 IP) in his five July appearances for the Raptors, leading the Pioneer League in wins, ERA, strikeouts (35), opponents' batting average (.189) and WHIP (1.08). The Puerto Rico native struck out at least seven in four of his five appearances in the month. Overall, DeLeon is 4-0 with a 3.04 ERA (16 ER/ 47.1 IP) in seven starts and two relief appearances. He has been dominant against right-handed batters, limiting opponents to a .194 batting average (21-for-108). The 21-year-old was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 24^th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

(pic via MiLB)

Player - C Julian Leon batted .370 (34-for-92) with five homers, a triple, eight doubles and 23 RBI in 24 games in July, while stringing together a 12-game hitting streak (July 14-31) and recording a trio of three-RBI games. He ranked among Pioneer League leaders with a .627 slugging percentage (6^th) in July. On the season, the Mexico native is performing well in clutch situations, hitting .400 (2-for-5) when the bases are loaded and .375 (18-for-48) with runners in scoring position. The 18-year-old was signed by Los Angeles as a non-drafted free agent on July 10, 2012.

Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers

Pitcher- RHP Kevin Guzman went 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA (6 ER/25.0 IP) in five starts in July for the Arizona League Dodgers. The Venezuela native limited opposing batters to a .217 batting average (20-for-92) with 22 strikeouts, while allowing only three walks in the month. In his last start during the month of July, he allowed only one hit and one unearned run in 6.0 innings, while striking out four and issuing only one walk against the AZL Reds. On the season, Guzman is 1-1 in seven starts with a 4.02 ERA (14 ER/31.1 IP) and has three starts without allowing an earned run. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 29, 2013.

Player- OF Alex Verdugo batted .324 (24-for-74) with six doubles, a home run and 11 RBI in 21 games during the month of July, leading the team in hits (24), batting average (.324) and walks (12) in the month. The 18-year-old is batting .305 (32-for-105) with nine doubles, two homers and 18 RBI in 29 games this season for the AZL Dodgers. He currently leads the team in hits (32), doubles (9), RBI (18) and runs (18). The Tucson, Arizona native was selected by the Dodgers in the second round of June's First-Year Player Draft.

Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Dodgers

Pitcher- RHP Hector Rodriguez went 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA (3 ER/31.0 IP) in six starts in July, while limiting opposing batters to a .159 batting average (17-for-107) and striking out 20. On July 24, he threw 6.0 hitless and scoreless innings while striking out five. Rodriguez shined in his last three July starts, recording consecutive wins and limiting batters to a .111 batting average (6-for-54) during that time. Overall, the Venezuela native is 4-3 on the season with a 1.63 ERA (10 ER/55.1 IP) in 11 games and has limited batters to a .173 batting average (34-for-197), which is the fifth lowest in the Dominican Summer League. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on December 6, 2012.

Player- OF Johan Mieses batted .378 (28-for-74) with four home runs, a triple, four doubles and 11 RBI in July. The Dominican Republic native led the DSL Dodgers in batting average, homers and stolen bases (12) during the month. On the season, he is batting .300 (48-for-160) and leads the team in home runs (5), triples (7), doubles (10), RBI (21) and stolen bases (23). Mieses is clutch when runners are in scoring position with two outs, batting .348 (8-for-23) with two triples, two doubles and six RBI this season. The 19-year-old was signed by the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 31, 2013.

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Here are April's Dodger Pride Award Winners - Minor League Players of the Month for April

The future of the Dodgers rest with the players in the minor leagues.  So, if you want to get a glimpse at how the Dodgers might perform down the road it's best to look there.  Fortunately, the Dodgers make note of who are the best young studs by awarding their best players every month, called the Dodger Pride Awards.  Here are April's award winners, via a Dodgers press release:

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes

(credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers)

Pitcher - RHP Chris Withrow did not allow a run in eight relief appearances for the Isotopes in April, going 2-0 while striking out 14 and walking five in 9.2 innings. The 24-year-old limited opponents to a .125 batting average and did not allow a hit in three road appearances (3.1 IP). Overall, the Odessa, Texas, native is holding right-handers to a .160 batting average (4-for-25) and has excelled with runners in scoring position, limiting the opposition to a .188 average (3-for-16). Withrow was selected by the Dodgers in the first round (20^th overall) of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

(credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers)

Player - 1B/OF Scott Van Slyke's eight homers led the Pacific Coast League during April and he also ranked among the league leaders in nearly every offensive category during the month, including batting average (.419, 3^rd), runs (24, T-3^rd), hits (39, 2^nd), extra-base hits (16, T-1^st), total bases (72, 1^st), RBI (26, 4^th), on-base percentage (.477, 5^th), slugging percentage (.774, 2^nd) and OPS (1.251, 2^nd). To start the month, the slugger strung together a 10-game hitting streak from April 4-13, hitting .559 (19-for-34) during that span and recorded 13 multi-hit performances in April, including six games with three or more hits. Van Slyke made his Major League debut last year after being drafted by the Dodgers in the 14^th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
UPDATE: BTW, recent rumors suggest that Van Slyke is about to brought up to the Dodgers.  If this is the case it is likely Adrian Gonzalez will go on the DL due to his aggravated neck.

Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts

(credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers)

Player - OF Joc Pederson ranked tied for seventh in the Southern League with a .304 batting average while hitting a Southern League-leading six home runs in 24 games in the month of April. Pederson also ranked among the league's best in several other offensive categories, including RBI (16, 6^th), hits (28, T-3^rd), doubles (7, T-5^th) and stolen bases (7, T-6^th) while leading the league in both slugging percentage (.620) and OPS (1.001). The 21-year-old posted a 17-game hitting streak from April 7-24 and hit safely in 19 of 24 April games. Pederson was named the Southern League Offensive Player of the Week for April 15-21, batting .407 (11-for-27) with five RBI in seven games during the stretch. The Palo Alto native was selected by the Dodgers in the 11^th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

(credit: Jon SooHoo0/LA Dodgers)

Pitcher - RHP Zach Lee posted a 2-1 record with 2.42 ERA, striking out 23 against seven walks in five April starts. Lee posted quality starts in three out of five April games, allowing just one earned run or less in four of those starts. On the year, Lee ranks sixth in the Southern League in ERA (2.15), ninth in innings (37.2) and 10^th in strikeouts (30). The 21-year-old was selected 28^th overall by the Dodgers in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

(Ogden Raptors)

Player - 1B O'Koyea Dickson batted .305 (29-for-95) with three home runs and 16 RBI in 25 April games. Dickson ranked among the best in the California League in both doubles (9, T-3^rd) and hits (29, T-5^th) last month. The 23-year-old is in his third professional season after being selected by the Dodgers in the 12^th round the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Pitcher - LHP Michael Thomas led the California league with eight saves in the month of April, going a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities. The left-handed reliever posted a 0.87 ERA (1 ER/10.1 IP) while limiting opposing batters to a .184 batting average and striking out 15 without surrendering a walk in 10.1 innings. The Maryland native is in his third professional season after being selected in the 35^th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Single-A Great Lakes Loons

Player - C Tyler Ogle batted .338 (22-for-65) with four homers and 15 RBI in 22 April games, leading the Great Lakes Loons in all three categories. Overall, the 22-year-old ranks fifth in the Midwest League with a .463 on-base percentage and is hitting .309 in 30 games, including a .296 mark with runners in scoring position (8-for-27). The Portland, Maine native is in his third professional season after being selected in the ninth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oklahoma.

Pitcher - RHP Carlos Frias posted a 3-0 record with a 1.14 ERA (3 ER/23.2 IP) and 21 strikeouts in four April starts, tying for the most wins in the Midwest League. Overall, the 23-year-old has posted a 0.91 ERA (1^st, Midwest League) and is limiting opposing hitters to a .210 batting average, having yet to allow a home run in 29.2 innings this season. Frias is in his seventh professional season after signing with the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on Jan. 3, 2007.

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2012 Bowman Chrome Baseball Cards- Dodgers Base Cards

Another week, another new Baseball card set.

I'm not sure what the purpose of this new set is.  It's like deja vu.

Officially released yesterday, Topps unveiled their 2012 Bowman Chrome card set.  It is very similar to their normal Bowman set they released in May of this year.  Go here to see the base cards from the normal 2012 Bowman set, here.

In fact, for the base cards it uses the exact same checklist (except Loney is not included in this new set) and photographs (except the Kershaw appears to be cropped in a little closer).  Significant differences include a couple of new rookies (Elian Herrera and O'Koyea Dickson) and a new numbering system for the cards.

Check out the Dodgers base cards to the set below.  I'll have the handful of Dodgers inserts posted up later on.

45 Clayton Kershaw

97 Matt Kemp

Below is the Dee Gordon card, but as you can see it is a green parallel that can only be found in retail packs.  As always, there are numerous parallel versions of each base card in the set.

123 Dee Gordon

177 Elian Herrera RC

186 Ted Lilly

Below is the only Dodgers Bowman Chrome Prospect card in the set (at least I didn't recognize any of the other names in the published checklist).  Similar to the Dee Gordon card above, this Dickson rookie card is a parallel card.  It is a orange border version and is numbered to #25.

BP172 O'Koyea Dickson

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2012

The Dodgers recently released the second Dodger Stadium collector cup to certain concessions (so be sure to ask), pic via twitter @DodgersManny58.  It features some pitching greats. 

• Get well soon, Roberto.
• I don't know how much of this really matters, but since Dodger Stadium is running up against the Brewers Miller Park I thought a little mention was in order.  ESPN has a "Battle of the Parks" contest right now, so be sure to go here to vote for Dodger Stadium.
• Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair recaps the recent AJ Ellis signing at All Star Collectibles.
• Save the Dodgers briefly speaks with AJ Ellis about everything from his season to Between Two Palm Trees.
• Orbit has been named the best mascot in Minor League Baseball, via the Isotopes Twitter.

• A little bit of cross-promotion never hurt anybody.  The Dodgers team up with Nickelback ... no, I mean Linkin Park in a ticket package that includes a game ticket (June 29 vs. NYM, 7:10 p.m.) and a digital copy of the band’s fifth studio album “LIVING THINGS."  It will cost $23.00 and will include an Infield Reserve ticket and a redemption code for a digital copy of “LIVING THINGS” that will be available for download on the June 26th. Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda will be at the game.  Go here for details.
• LA Blue Crew has photos from the recent Manny Mota signing at El Tepeyac, and from the James Worthy signing at Living Spaces.

(2012 Topps Pro Debut)

• Dodgers prospect O'Koyea Dickson makes an impression at the Midwest League All-Star Game, via Patrick Brown at MLB.com.

Dickson helped lead the charge as the East Division scored 13 times over the first two innings and coasted to an 18-2 thumping of the West Division All-Stars in front of 7,528 fans at Kane County's Fifth Third Field.

Dickson went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and two runs scored and was named Most Valuable Player.

• I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.  Harry at Eye on LA Sports has a great rundown; including plenty of photos from several games and his autograph "gets," from the Brewers series a few weeks ago.

2012 Topps Pro Debut- Dodgers Base Cards

If you love the Minor Leagues then this set is for you.  Last week Topps released their 2012 Pro Debut set that features prospects for every team.  There are 6 Dodger farmhands in the set.  Check them all out below.

#29, Allen Webster

Chattanooga Lookouts

#125, Justin Boudreaux

Ogden Raptors

#131, O'Keyea Dickson

Ogden Raptors

#208, Joc Pederson

Ogden Raptors

#212, Devin Shines

Ogden Raptors

#217, Alfredo Silverio

Chattanooga Lookouts