Dodgers Promo's from the 2017 NSCC -- Beckett, Topps and Panini

The 38th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, dubbed "The National", closed its doors a week ago in Chicago, and it included its fair-share of promotional cards for folks to chase after. First of all, there was a VIP program attendees could join that provided each member exclusive promo cards just for going through the door. Notably, Leaf Trading cards VIP promo featured Vin Scully (you can see that here). Other promo's were available at individual booths -- either as wrapper redemption's, a sale incentive or just for free (if you ask). Below are most of the Dodger promos given out by Beckett, Topps and Panini America that I've been able to track down

First of all, Beckett ran a sort-of scavenger hunt at The National. They produced ten different promos fashioned after their magazine covers, and partnered up with nine different retailers at the show to give them away. Only one of the cards had a Dodger on it, and it happened to also include Aaron Judge as well. See it below. It was handed out by Blowout Cards at the convention. Go here for a complete Beckett promo checklist.

Beckett

Beckett Cover Promos

#4 Aaron Judge / Cody Bellinger (on reverse)

Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thrilling! Remarkable! Unbelievable!

This team just can't lose. Per Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"From Day 1, we knew we were the best club; it's just a matter of going out and playing," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "The Rockies and Diamondbacks were playing good when they came in here, and we wanted to play well and we took care of business. Now we have to continue to do it. But we've shown after big series, we don't let down; we keep going. That's a credit to the guys in the clubhouse."

 Photo above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jill and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Dodgers traded two players to be named later to the Astros for catcher Joe Ferguson. The two players eventually sent to Houston were Rafael Landestoy and Jeffrey Leonard - both of whom had long MLB careers. In 1994 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Adrian Beltre out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. As you may recall, this became a very controversial signing as it was later determined that he was only 15-years old at the time - you must be at least 16-years old to sign with a team. As a result, the Dodgers were fined $50,000, and scout Pablo Peguero and the Dodgers' head of Dominican operations Ralph Avila served one-year suspensions. Go here for further background. In 1998 reliever Jeff Shaw becomes the first player to have ever participated in an All-Star Game representing a team he had not yet played for. Just three days prior he was traded by the Reds to the Dodgers for Paul Konerko and Dennys Reyes. BTW, today is also Jeff Shaw's birthday. 
• Happy Birthday, Billy Herman, Johnny Van Cuyk, Glenn Hoffman, Jeff Shaw, Mike Busch & Brandon McCarthy!

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Maddux and Hyun-Jin Ryu

After months of waiting the Korean "Monster" finally got back onto the Dodgers mound.  In late May, nearly 14 months ago, Ryu underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum.  Since that time he's worked tirelessly to get back to Los Angeles, and I think it's fair to say that the Dodgers are pleased.  Regardless of the lackluster results they received last night. Per Sarah Wexler at Dodgers Digest:

“Getting him back out there was a victory in itself,” Dave Roberts said. “I think the bigger answer will be how he feels tomorrow and the next day going forward. But to see Ryu take the mound tonight was great.” 

Ryu could only go 4 2/3 innings; having given up eight hits, six earned runs, two walks and four strike outs on 89 total pitches thrown.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

But the Dodgers were realistic and not expecting total domination, just a baseline from which to move forward. They got that, seeing Ryu work through an opponent with a fastball that ranged from 89-92 mph, and offspeed pitches that sometimes dipped into the upper 60s.

"That's how he was before, pitching in all spectrums of velocity when he was so dominate for us in 2013, 2014," said catcher A.J. Ellis, who was pleased to see his old battery-mate make a return to the mound. "He knows how to pitch. He's such an amazing athlete out there on the mound, he has such an amazing feel and great body control. He adds and subtracts really well. I'm just really excited to see him out there today."

Dodgers lost to the Padres, 6-0, and are now 6.5 games behind the Giants.  They are also effectively ties with the Mets for the Wild Card spot.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate; marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history.  In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium.  The National League wins for the ninth consecutive time.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!
  

Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - McCarthy, Scully and Chase Utley

Yesterdays game had it all.  There was an opening inning homer by Justin Turner to give the Dodgers an early lead.  The opposition mounted a vigorous comeback that included several big hits from former Angel Mark Trumbo.  Although starting pitching was lackluster for both team, they ended up combining for a total of 36 strike outs on the day.  BTW, nine innings was not enough to decide the game.  They had to go to extras.  All the while, Chase Utley, an aging 37-year old shortstop, thought to be already over the hill, hammered out six hits throughout the day.  A feat last accomplished by Shawn Green in 2002.  Per Jack Baer and Brittany Ghiroli at MLB.com:

"Just found some open ground out there," Utley said. "Overall it was a good game. Obviously, we're disappointed with the outcome, but we battled. Our relievers did a great job keeping us in the game. Had a lot of guys on base, a few big hits, could have used a couple more."

Via Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Chase has been great," manager Dave Roberts said. "He finds a way to compete, put the barrel on the ball, and he found some outfield grass today. He's just a pro. The way he conducts his at-bats, I think he got three two-strike hits. Just used the whole field today."

Unfortunately, the exploits of Mr. Greybeard was not enough.  In 14 innings the Orioles outlasted the Dodgers and won, 6-4.  Go here to watch Dave Roberts talk about the game with Alanna Rizzo.

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1959 Don Drysdale pitches a perfect three innings during the All-Star game in Pittsburgh.  In 2004 Kazuhisa Ishii tosses a one-hitter against the Diamondbacks to defeat Arizona 11-0.
• Happy Birthday, Jeff Shaw, Glenn Hoffmann and Brandon McCarthy!

Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Grandal, Wills and Vin Scully

Hey, Vin!

Yesterday afternoon Vin Scully headed out to Camelback Ranch in style, and Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo was there to capture the moment.  He was kind enough to share a pic on twitter. 

Below are more links to check out:

• FYI:  Tonight is Dodger Pride Night at the LA Kings game against the Oilers.  If you are going be sure to get there early.  As has been tradition, the team will come out before the game for pregame warmups wearing some fantastic Dodgers themed hockey jersey's that they will auction for charity during the game.  Also, Eric Karros is scheduled to drop the opening puck to start the game.  You can check out my past stories on this event here: (2012-13) (2013-14) (2014-15)
• Along with Vin Scully, this year will be Maury Wills last as a Dodgers instructor.  He will be retiring, via Lindsey Thiry at the LA Times:

"I'm a very spiritual person and I feel like I've received the message that it's about that time," Wills said.

2015 Panini America & Topps National Convention Promos - The Dodger Cards

With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago having concluded last weekend I figured it would be a good time to take a look at some of the Dodger cards available through various wrapper redemption and VIP card giveaways at both Panini America and Topps.  Check them all out below.  BTW, this might not be a complete listing.

Below I take a look at the Panini cards that are available.  Unfortunately, a complete checklist isn't available, but Cardboard Connection does it's best to catalog everything they know about.  Here is a checklist for the wrapper redemption cards, and here is a checklist for the VIP Party cards.

Panini VIP Promo Set

Panini gave a limited 6-card set to all attendees who were a part of the conventions VIP program.  The set includes Kris Bryant, Marcus Mariota, Jahlil Okafor, Karl Anthony Towns, Jameis Winston and Joc Pederson.

#2 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Olivera and Farhan Zaidi

I think with the silly season in full gear it is important to note that a vast majority of rumors you hear are just a bunch of bunk.  You've got competing interest at play; from agents looking to position their clients, to GM's trying to outplay their competitors, to reporters looking to create buzz and pageviews.  So, you should take everything you hear and read with a grain of salt.  Heck, the most likely trade to happen are the ones you don't hear about.  (Case in point, were there any rumors about Tulo getting traded before he was?)

That being said, I can totally envision the Dodgers trading Yasiel Puig should the right offer come along.  The thing is, I highly doubt that kind of offer comes.  He is an economic asset (look at his contract) and a player with the ability to put up huge numbers.  In order for a trade to make sense we would have to get premium value with cost certainty for a good amount of time, and no amount of rumors focused on any clubhouse antics should play a part in subsequent discussions.  Nevertheless, with all of the talk focused on him he had to respond, via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times:

If Puig had a say, he would go nowhere.

"Players never want to be traded from their first team," he said. "But that's not our decision."
Puig raised the example of Dee Gordon, the All-Star second baseman who was traded to the Miami Marlins over the winter.

"Dee Gordon didn't want to be traded from here and they traded him," he said.

Puig said that if he is traded, he would like to respond the way Gordon did. Gordon, who was sidelined by a thumb injury earlier this month, is second in the National League with a .338 batting average.

"I'll play anywhere," Puig said. "I came to the United States [from Cuba] to play baseball. Baseball is the same anywhere. If they want to trade me, that's their decision. I can't do anything about that."

I hope the Dodgers keep him in the outfield.  He's still young and learning as he navigates the world he lives in now, and I'd hate for his numbers to explode in another uniform when maturity sets in.

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are some links to check out:

• Take a look at the upcoming August issue of Dodger Insider magazine on the right.  It features Yasmani Grandal on the cover and in-depth articles on Yasiel Puig and Rick Honeycutt.  It goes on sale at Dodger Stadium on Saturday.  Click on the pic to embiggen.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Olivera 'doing great,' Frias healthy after rehab start."

"Hector is doing great," said Kapler. "He's recovering beautifully, running to increase speed and stride length. Working his tail off. Taking swings off the tee and looks strong and fluid."

• PETA declares that Dodger Stadium is the #1 most vegetarian friendly Baseball stadium in the league.  Check out their top-10 list here.
• GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey cards in his collection - all of his book "fold-out" cards.
• I hate hearing stuff like this - even when the victim is a Giants fan.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "(Willie) Mays Rookie Stolen from Rob Schneider’s Home."
• With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago is just days away Panini shares even more cards from their wrapper redemption program at the show; including the Joc Pederson jersey button cards below.  Go here to see even more photos of the cards available.
  
  

• Check out this recent interview (this past weekend) from the DOHA conference between Molly Knight and Farhan Zaidi below.  (Hat Tip: r/thedude596 on reddit)

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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Ethier and McCarthy

Country star Toby Keith visited with Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers prior to yesterday's game in Texas, and as you can see he has his Baseball allegiance set right.  The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics taken bu Jon from yesterday's game.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Kershaw's trip home brief but enjoyable."

"It's fun to be home, see your friends and family," Kershaw said. "Usually you don't get to do this until the offseason, so it's a little bit weird, but it's fun for 24 hours or so."

• Via Frank Cesare at the Gammons Daily, "Andre Ethier is Reviving His Career."

Ethier isn’t being fooled by off-speed stuff this year, and he’s shortened his stroke enough to capitalize on pitches inside that may have jammed him in the past. His ability to recognize strikes more efficiently has the lefty making more contact and allowing him to be more aggressive at the dish without swinging recklessly at pitches out of the zone.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chris Anderson, Jeremy Horst named Texas League All-Stars."
• Brandon McCarthy is a funny dude, via his twitter:

in keeping with baseball tradition, a Houston exec should walk into the STL offices and hit their best front office guy with a fastball

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) June 16, 2015

• Panini America provides a first-look at some of the cards that'll be handed out at participating hobby stores on Father's day; including the Corey Seager card on the right.  Go here to check them out.
• Lol!  Via  J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hector Olivera dealing with an “elevation issue” in Colorado Springs."
• Drei at It's Always A Good Dre in L.A. tells us about Filipino Night at Dodger Stadium; including a review of the Filipino Dog that was served.
• This is amazingly cool.  Via Sal Barry at Punk Junk, "Patrick Kane’s “First” Hockey Card."  The Chicago Blackhawks star was shown in the stands on a hockey card 12 years before be began his professional career.  I wonder if there are ballplayers who found their way onto a Baseball card as a kid?

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Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Pederson and Kenley Jansen

Today is the 51st anniversary of Sandy Koufax's third career no-hitter against the Phillies.  He became only the second pitcher in the modern era to throw three no-no's - Bob Feller was the first.  Photo above via @sportsphotos on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Check out a new Dodger blog called "From Duke to Joc, All Things Dodgers" here.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Yasiel Puig will start rehab assignment Thursday with Rancho Cucamonga."   BTW, Eric also tells us that Hector Olivera will make his debut in Tula today, as well (here)
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Paco Rodriguez MRI shows no new elbow damage."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Joc Pederson's power continues to blossom."

“I still think the best is yet to come for Joc,” Mattingly said. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to hit 60 homers or anything, but I think just the consistency of at-bats will get better and better.”

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "A new voice for a critical 2015 Dodger draft."

“The power of the group together and more minds is better than one mind,” (Billy Gasparino) said. “It worked every draft I’ve been a part of. The best drafts, the best outcomes have been a group reflection of the board and the players we take, not just one person.

“We emphasized that in San Diego. We’ve had some success. We’re going to emphasize it here. Josh, Andrew and Farhan have all had their own success in places they’ve come from and we’re just trying to combine it all together.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Mystery surrounds Kenley Jansen's absence."

"I don't know who wants to talk about it. I'm not the one who wants to talk about it, though," said Mattingly, clearly perturbed. "He was unavailable."

Former Major League pitcher Rick Sutcliffe tweeted this out; which only adds to the mystery.  BTW, you may recall that a couple of years ago he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat - atrial fibrillation:

Sending my prayers to #Dodgers and closer @kenleyjansen74

— Rick Sutcliffe (@Sut_ESPN) June 4, 2015

• Panini will once again create special Father's Day cards that will be available at participating hobby stores, and they shared a bunch of pics online.  Go here to check out a whole bunch of preview photos.  Below are the Yasiel Puig, Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson cards.

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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.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2014 - Dodger Links - Pitching Duel Goes Our Way and Hanley Returning Soon

What a game.  We were witness to an amazing pitching duel between 27-year old Padres hurler Tyson Ross and two-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.  It was great to watch.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

At one point, Ross retired twelve straight Dodgers before giving up a fluke infield single off his glove to Carl Crawford in the eighth inning.  Kershaw, on the other hand, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning until the Padres pitcher broke it up with a single.

Speaking of Ross' twelve straight Dodger outs into the eighth inning, the very next batter, Justin Turner, did this.

Video Link:

Wow!  And that's why you stay to watch the whole game.

The Dodgers would hold on for a 2 to 1 win, and increase their lead over the Giants to 3.5 games.  The Giants won their regular game, but lost their appeal game against the Cubs earlier yesterday afternoon.  Here are some more links to check out below.

• Justin Turner had this to say after last nights win, via Eric Stephen in his game report at True Blue LA:

"We just try to pull together. Carl takes a good at-bat, and we get a break, bouncing off his glove. Then I caught a mistake off Ross. It's a pretty good feeling."

• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Ryu progressing well; Hanley to return Sunday."

"I don't think he did much, just a little bit throwing downhill. It wasn't like a bullpen. It sounds like that went pretty well. So we're happy with where he's at and feeling pretty good about what's going on with him."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers comeback struggles real, but overblown."  He puts it all into perspective.
• Panini America has a couple of new Baseball card sets coming out on September and they just shared some preview photos of them on their blog.  Check that out here.  First come 2014 Immaculate Baseball, then a week later is 2014 Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary Baseball.  See a couple of the Dodger cards below - Steve Garvey (Immaculate) and Tommy Lasorda (Hall of Fame).

• Columbia Business School Professor Reviews Data of Nearly 800K MLB Pitches and Finds ‘Star-Struck’ Umpires Show Bias in Favor of All-Star Pitchers.  Check out the report here.
• Via Hugh Bernreuter at mlive.com, "Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Jose De Leon breaks Clayton Kershaw's Great Lakes Loons strikeout record."

De Leon struck out 14 Fort Wayne TinCap batters in just six innings, breaking Kershaw's record of 12 set in the Loons' first season. The record of 12 has been tied twice by Victor Garate in 2008 and Greg Wilborn in 2010.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2014 - Dodger Links - Beast Mode Does it Again, Barney to AAA and Vin Scully

I think it's safe to say that Beast Mode is back - Big Time!  Matt Kemp was explosive at the plate for the second straight game. He belted his 3rd home in two games, and knocked in the winning run in extra innings with a walk-off base hit.

All of the sudden, Matt Kemp is looking like the slugger of old.  He's driving the ball with authority and looks absolutely unbeatable at the plate.  Just when I thought we should be fortunate to see him finally hitting for average, he decides to prove me wrong by hitting for power too.  Wow!  With him back in the saddle there's no telling how far this team could go.

The Dodgers have now won five straight and lead the National League West by three games.  The pic at the very top is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game and Vin Scully's press conference prior to the game here.

• Collectors from throughout the country have descended on the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland.  Panini is running a wrapper redemption program there that is filled with scarce promos and autographs; including the Clayton Kershaw autographed card on the right.  Check out more photos of what they are giving away here.
• Huh?  So, the Dodgers completed their trade with the Cubs by sending Class-A pitcher Jonathan Martinez to Chicago for infielder Darwin Barney.  Then, they optioned Barney to Albuquerque.  Apparently, he's not coming to Los Angeles right away, but will likely be here when the rosters expand later in the season.
• Via Steve Dilbeck at The LA Times, "Vin Scully will never understand how deeply he's touched us."

“In all honesty, I don’t ever feel I’ve done anything,” he said. “Somebody will say, 'You’ve done 19 no-hitters and three perfect games.’ And I think I just happened to be there. It’s not something I can take any pride in. I am humbled, believe me, for being given the honor of working the games all these years.

• Via Jill Painter at the LA Daily News, "Vin Scully couldn’t say goodbye to another year with Los Angeles Dodgers."

“I couldn’t say goodbye,” Scully said. “I say that in all honesty. When I come to the ballpark, I’m so happy to see Marie and Rita running the elevator. And to see James and Robert in the press box. I walk in and see most of you (reporters). Most of you are friends. I just feel like (I’m) home.

“Then I walk into the booth with Boyd and Robbie, and of course there’s Charley (Steiner) and Rick (Monday), my good pals I see every day. It’s all part of me. That’s why it will be so difficult to say goodbye.”

• Now, listen to Vin Scully on the AM570 Petros and Money show, here.
• The Sports Dude on Power106 speaks to Matt Kemp about the trade rumors & more.  Listen to it here.
• Via Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs, "The Fringe Five: Baseball’s Most Compelling Fringe Prospects;" includes Dodger outfielder Scott Schebler.

While not uniformly celebrated for his tools, Schebler has demonstrated enough both of power (21 HR per 600 PA) and speed (14 SB per 600 PA) as a professional to warrant some attention.

• Via the AP on NESN, "Player Attacked With Bat By Jose Offerman Wins Nearly $1M In Lawsuit."  Do you remember when this happened in 2007?
• Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Photos, Video from 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention."
• I just discovered a fun YouTube web series called "The Breaks" and it is made especially for card collectors.  Watch episode #1 below. 

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/29/2014 - Dodger Links - TWC Accepts Binding Arbitration in Cable Dispute

Dork!  Clayton Kersahw was on the Jimmy Kimmel Show last night, pic above via @JimmyKimmelLive on twitter.  You can watch much of Clayton's interview on YouTube here and here.

• The 35th annual National Sports Collectors Convention ("The National") opens tomorrow in Cleveland, and I plan on posting up and sharing as many great photos as I can find on social media.  In the meantime, check out the Yasiel Puig Panini America wrapper promo card on the right.
• Blowout Cards has put up some behind-the-scene photos from their setup at "The National" in Cleveland here.  I wish so much I was going.  Heck, I wish they would bring the big show out west.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, Stan Kasten supports binding arbitration to solve distribution of SportsNet LA.

“We’ve heard a lot of things on both sides of this equation,” Kasten added. “This is a way to cut through all that. We’ll let an arbitrator decide who’s right and who’s wrong, and we can move on. And we don’t need to wait for the outcome of the arbitration. Once both sides agree to submit, we can turn the games on right away and they can figure out the price later.”

This is very interesting.  It's obvious that the Dodgers/TWC are trying to add some political pressure to the equation;  i.e. doing some heavy lobbying.  Will it work?  Who knows?  Time Warner has already indicated that they will accept arbitration, but it remains to be seen if the other providers will fold under the pressure.  

• Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Ryu adding pitches to his repertoire."  

Thirty-one times, the 27-year-old Korean made use of an updated slider he learned from Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, inducing swinging strikes galore from the San Francisco Giants.

• I definitely approve.  Orel at the Sons of Steve Garvey salutes all of the broom-wielding fans at AT&T Park on Sunday. 
• Via Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs, "The Cost of Moving Matt Kemp."
• Danny Santana at Danny's Dodgers shares a Dodger memory on his blog: "A day at the ballpark with Dad."  This is one of the newer Dodger fan blog's I've run across.  Go ahead and say hello.

But most of the time, it wasn't really about the game itself. It was about a genuine and mutual love for the Dodger organization. The players. The coaches. Vin Scully. That beautiful stadium on top of the hill with a great view of downtown. It was something that brought us closer even though we didn't always have time together. 

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers sign Barry Enright to minor league deal."  Who?
• Daniel Wilson at It's like having my own Card Shop shares his photos from the National Ballpark Museum in Denver.  Check them out here.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "6 Isotopes suspended for brawl with Reno."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2014 - Dodger Links - An All-Star Video, Crawford and a Couple National Convention Dodger Promo Cards

The Dodgers maintained their 1st place standing in the National League West Division with an 8 to 2 win over the Rockies yesterday afternoon.  Matt Kemp had a great game as he collected 4 hits and drove in 2 runs.  Also, Josh Beckett continues to be impressive.  In 5 innings of work he didn't allow a run and walked only 3 batters.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• ICYMI:  Carlos Triunfel has been recalled and Erisbel Arruebarrenahas been put on the 15-day DL.  Via a Dodgers press release:

Triunfel appeared in two games with the Isotopes, going 2-for-7 with three RBI, since being optioned on Thursday, and has a .213 batting average with one home run and 17 RBI in 54 games with Albuquerque this season. The 24-year-old has appeared in 10 games with Los Angeles this year, going 2-for-13 with a home run and an RBI.

Arruebarrena was recalled on Thursday and has gone 5-for-16 with a double and two RBI in eight games with Los Angeles this year.

• Via Brent W. New at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Mattingly mum on Crawford plans."

“I’m not that worried about it, honestly, right now,” Mattingly said about the impending return of Crawford, who has been on the DL since May 28 with a sprained left ankle. “I’ll just kind of deal with it when it gets here. We’re playing pretty good, (and) we don’t expect to make a bunch of changes and mess with what’s going on.” 

• The annual National Sports Collectors Convention is happening later this month in Cleveland and card manufaturers have been unveiling the promotional cards attendees will be receiving.  Panini Amirica's set includes cards for Clayton Kershaw and Yasiel Puig.  Check out the rest of the set here.
  
  

• Paul Post at Troy Record writes about a, "Collector’s quest leads far and wide."  (Hat Tip: Rich Mueller at SCD) 

The Springfield, Ill. resident has a cardboard poster signed by every member of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers right after they beat the Yankees to win their first and only World Championship.

“The story that went with the poster is that it was made with cardboard and a laundry marker right in the locker room,” Rooney said. “I’ve always imagined that it was the first thing that group of players signed as the official World Champs.”

The makeshift article was no doubt made in a hurry, in the midst of the Dodgers’ celebration. The words “Brooklyn Dodgers World Champs” are spelled out in large dark letters, no doubt made with a marker. Individual autographs are all in pencil.

• Watch Yasiel Puig, Clayton Kershaw and Dee Gordon being congratulated for being named to the 2014 NL All-Star team in the video below:

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2014 - Dodger Links - Rename the Ford Frick Award, the Garvey's and Puig

Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo captures Justin Turner in the midst of goofing on Hyun-Jin Ryu.  Check out more pics from yesterdays game here.  On a side note, considering the Dodgers recent slide maybe they are having a little bit too much fun.

• This is something I can get behind.  Via Bill Chuck at the Daily Gammons, "It’s time to rename the Ford Frick Award – The campaign to #HonorVinceNow."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chris Reed, Scott Schebler among 5 Chattanooga Southern League All-Stars."
• Via Mark Newman at MLB.com, "For the Garvey's, home is all about family."

"We've always felt that the first impression is very important," Steve Garvey said. "When people come up to our home, just as maybe you did, and you went, 'Wow, this is something special.' Well, she's created that. I'm very, very happy to defer. I'm not a pitcher for a reason. I was a hitter for a reason. She's a designer and a renovator for a reason."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Yasiel Puig simply can't do it alone."

In the old days, they used to call that "carrying a team," but where has it gotten this team? The Dodgers are 18-19 and have lost 6½ games in the standings since that date.

• Pnini America will once again sponsor a Father's Day promotion at numerous hobby shops throughout the country.  Go here to find out more.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/2/2014 - Dodgers Links - Wilson to DL, Hanley Contract Talks Continue and a New Jackie Robinson Shirt from Tommy Bahama

The newest issue of the Dodger Insider features Clayton Kershaw on the cover.  Jon Weisman at the Dodger Insider blog tells us all about it here.

• Emma at Dodger Blue World shares a chance meeting with Yasiel Puig during breakfast on Monday. 

Like I said, we found him to be very friendly, personable, funny and witty.  We did not bother him asking him for a picture.  We thought it was not appropriate but we loved the chat.    Oh yeah, I forgot to say when he was talking about stadiums, he said to me “No me gusta Dodger Stadium.”   He sounded serious but when I looked at him with a sad face he laughed and I knew he was joking.  

• Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider tells us, "Where the Dodgers’ top prospects begin 2014."
• Pedro, I love you!  Via his twitter (NSFW)
• Chris Olds at Beckett shares some preview images from 2014 Topps Stadium Club here.  It is expected to be in stores on October 1st.  Below is a 3-piece insert card that features Hanley Ramirez, Clayton Kershaw and Yasiel Puig.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Clayton Kershaw could need rehab start before return to Dodgers."  He may potentially be out for the entire month of April, per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"We're still a little bit on hold with Clayton," manager Don Mattingly said before Tuesday afternoon's game against the Padres. "In general the throwing is not meant to test him, but to keep his shoulder moving while he's not able to pitch."

• Via Enrique Rojas at ESPNDeportes.com, "Ramírez, Dodgers siguen negociando."  It's in Spanish.  The gist of the story is that contract extension negotiations are ongoing, and that Hanley has asked his agent to not provide him with any progress reports.  Instead, he trust him enough to just tell him when it's done
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Wilson absent from pregame workout."  Uh-Oh! And... The shoe has dropped.  Via Gurnick on twitter, Brain Wilson has been placed on the DL for nerve irritation.  Fortunately, an MRI did not show any ligament damage, via Eric Stephen on twitter.

Brian Wilson placed on DL. Elbow problems. Nerve irritation.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 2, 2014

• Tracy Hackler at the Panini America blog shares some pics of the card set they made for the Lakers as a part of their game giveaway.  I wish the Dodgers would do something like this.  Hint!  Hint!
• Tommy Bahama just released a phenomenal Jackie Robinson shirt that is now available in their stores.  Go here to check it out.  They are rather expensive at $250.00 a piece, but gorgeous looking.  From a press release:

Embroidered elements include Mr. Robinson’s retired number “42” on the right sleeve and front, along with his signature and the Tommy Bahama logo on the back. It also features his career highlights printed on the back.  The shirt comes packaged inside a custom designed garment bag, with one of Mr. Robinson’s favorite quotes, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” printed on it. Only a limited quantity of shirts will be produced and each one will be numbered.  Shirt #42 within the collection will be signed by the members of Robinson family and auctioned to benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation. 

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Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2013 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Pederson, Ryu and Puig

The Red Sox had their parade this past weekend.  Above is my favorite photo from the event.  It's the World Series trophy at the Boston Marathon finishing line.  Pic via twitter @basciobroadcasting.

• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe recaps the Arizona League Fall-Stars Game played on Saturday that included Dodger prospects Corey Seager and Yimi Garcia.
• Former Dodger Brad Ausmus to be named the new manager of the Detroit Tigers, via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew.
• Via Quinn Roberts and Andrew Simon at MLB.com, "Winter League roundup: Pederson shows off power".
• Via Allkpop, "'Running Man' releases preview with Ryu Hyun Jin, EXO and Yoon Suk Min!"  There's a video of some sort of Korean game show with Ryu.  A video of the episode can also be found here at Daily Motion.
• The 2013 Toronto Fall expo card show is coming up this weekend and Panini shared some preview pics of their promo cards that they will be giving away.  This show typically featured hockey collectibles, but Panini has included a Yasiel Puig card for fans to gawg over.  Check out a pic below, and see the other cards here.

• JG Preston notes that Bill Sharman wasn't actually ejected from that infamous 1951 ballgame.  Instead he, and his other Dodger teammates, were merely kicked out of the dugout.
• Baseball Pinback Buttons shares a rare Brooklyn Brown Dodgers pin - a Negro League team once owned by O'Malley.
• Tim Dierkes at MLB Trade Rumors shares his, "2014 Top 50 Free Agents With Predictions".  He has the Dodgers getting Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka.
• Via Dusty at Sons of Steve Garvey, "Dia de Los Dodgers".
• Bob Lemke shares a fascinating article about Jackie Robinson, "Sobriety, decorum urged on Robinson's fans".

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Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2013 - Dodgers Links - Greinke, Nolasco, and Wilson to be Activated Soon

Ryu and Puig greet a couple of kids in the visitors clubroom in Philadelphia.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from yesterday here.

• ICYMI: "Are Skunks the Dodgers Good Luck Charm"
• "Zack Greinke Getting By Without His Best Pitch," via Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness.
• Dodgers on Rampage through West," via Murray Chass.

“We had guys who started slowly,” Kasten said. “We also had injuries. That’s not an excuse; everyone has injuries. But we had a carousel of injuries. Every week we had a guy injured and we lost him for a week or two. Once we hit a rhythm with most of our guys on the field we played the way we thought we could play. We finally had a steady, stable lineup on the field.”

• Josh Suchon writes on his blog (Out of Ink) about the PCL realignment and how it affects the Isotopes and Dodgers.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com tells us that Ricky Nolasco was named after Rick Monday.

"So when I got traded to the Dodgers, my dad got all crazy," said Nolasco, who starts for Los Angeles on Sunday. "It was kind of surreal. And cool. My first day with the team, I got interviewed by Rick, and I sent my dad pictures. He was excited. My dad always talked about Rick Monday."

• "Brian Wilson will be activated “in a day or two”, via Drew Silva at Harball Talk.
• Left Field Pavilion shares a bunch of pics he took while attending a Dodgers/Phillies game in Philadephia.
• Dodger Penguin had a very busy Saturday.  He travelled all over the Southland to get some Baseball autographs.  Here he gets Jose Altulve, then Dennis Martinez, and finally Steve Yeager at the Sports Authority. 
• Via Bill Plaschke at the LA Times, "The setup men for a gimpy Gibson’s immortal World Series homer: A grown batboy, a lost slugger and an old scout remember their roles in Kirk Gibson’s game-winning homer in the 1988 World Series."
• "Panini America Previews the On-Card Autos Coming to 2013 Hometown Heroes Baseball," via Tracy Hackler at The Knights Lance (Panini's blog).  Check out the Davey Lopes card below.

• Via Maury Brown at the Daily Gammons, "The Blame for PEDs in Baseball Begins with You".

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Blog Kiosk: 8/5/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig at the National, Lilly Released and Hanley Injured

Hanley Ramirez took a tumble into the stands yesterday afternoon, and had to leave the game early.  There is no word yet on his condition.  Hopefully it isn't serious.  According to Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, he will have an MRI today.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• "Phenomenal bullpen key to Dodgers’ revival," via Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.

But when you look at how the Dodgers have been playing .811 ball since June 22, winning games like they were free throws, much of it comes down to this – the bullpen simply just keeps getting guys out.

• Gabe Kapler at the Daily Gammons writes, "The Face of MLB: Yasiel Puig".

In my own career, I literally fought back smiles after a big double and stuffed anger down after a strikeout with the bases loaded. The voice of my college coach rang in my ears, “Act like you’ve been there before.” he told us. This behavior stripped me of personality on the baseball field but enabled me to appear professional, in chorus with Charlie’s sentiment. If I could do it all over again, I’d maintain my humility but release a bit more joy. I always experienced envy when watching other players authentically express pleasure during competition.

• Peter Gammons at the Daily Gammons writes, "Revisiting the Red Sox - Dodgers deal".
• Dodger Penguin recaps the Jack Morris autograph session at Harry's Dugout.
• The Dodgers release Ted Lilly, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• The Panini VIP event that featured Puig was a big hit.  Tracy Hackler at Panini's blog shares some pics here.

• Yasiel Puig shares the below photo from his appearance at the Panini's VIP party at the National.  He stands with Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon.

• I love this kind of stuff.  Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji writes, "Taipei's Coolest Museum: The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan".

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