2014 Topps Update Baseball - All the Dodger Base Cards

Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2014 Topps Update.  This late-season companion set to Topps flagship Baseball card product was release last week and it shows many of the newly acquired Dodgers added at the end of the season.  It also includes All-Star cards and some rookies.  Go here to check out a complete checklist of the set.

Clearly, the best of the bunch is the Justin Turner card.  Check it out directly below.  What a phenomenal photo for arguably the most impactful player on the team.  I have to consider it one of the best Dodger cards of the year.  The Zack Greinke card, on the other hand, might be the goofiest looking card of the year.  Those All-Star caps look hideous.

BTW, there are a bunch of short-printed Dodger cards available; including sparkle and photo variations.  I'll have pics of all of them to share tomorrow.

#US-67 Scott Van Slyke                          #US-68 Justin Turner

Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Martin Lawrence visited the Dodgers yesterday afternoon, and got really chummy with the Blue Crew.  Pic above featuring Yasiel Puig and Lawrence via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to see more pics by Jon from yesterday.

On a side note, it's unfortunate the Dodgers lost the weekend series against the Cubs... And yeah, it sucks.  But ya know, that stuff happens.  Baseball is filled with so many twist and turns it never makes much sense to fret about the minute.  Instead, I prefer the more patient and macro approach to fandom.   Overall, the Dodgers are one of the better run producing teams in the league (4th) and has a pitching staff still regarded as one of the best.  And when you consider that they currently have the best record in the National League, I just feel there's much more to be thankful for than worried about.

Sure, there's plenty of room for improvement, and I suspect the Dodgers will make some moves to improve.  It's just that the constant harping about this guy or that guy, or the lack of an impact deadline trade stinks of irrational sensationalism.  As a Dodger fan I'm in a happy place, the Dodgers are in a happy place, and you should be too.  Come on folks, were in 1st place, and odds are we will continue to compete the rest of the season.  That's something to hang your hat on. 

• ICYMI:  Over the weekend pitcher Paul Maholm was sent to the DL, and reliever Paco Rodriguez was called back up.  Maholm is likely headed for surgery.  He was diagnosed with a right ACL tear
• Via Andy Kamenetzky at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers 'come through in big moments'"

Via Don Mattingly: We’ve got plenty of guys here that have come through in big moments. We didn’t have Adrian. We didn’t have Yasiel. But we do have Matt [Kemp]. We do have Hanley [Ramirez]. We still have Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier. There’s a number of guys that have come through for you, not counting even the [Scott] Van Slykes and J.T.’s [Justin Turners] and the Dee Gordons. 

• There were of couple of big signing events over the weekend at WSS stores in Los Angeles.  It included Dodger greats such as Yeager, Mota, Johnstone, Jarrin, Valenzuela and Cey.  Fortunately, a couple of bloggers shared their experience.  Check out Blue Skinny Fan's post at the event featuring Yeager, Mota and Johnstone, here.  Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy shares his day getting autographs from Jarrin, Valenzuela and Cey, here.
• Apparently, the cat is now out of the bag.  The rumored outdoor NHL hockey game between the Kings and San Jose Sharks next season will be happening on Saturday, February 21st at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, via Harrison Mooney at Puck Daddy.  Ticketmaster briefly had tickets for sale before realizing their mistake.
• The Chronicles of Fuji writes about, "Two Powerful Words."  He explains why being a teacher has been all worthwhile.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2014 - Dodger Links - An Injury Filled Friday with the Dude

The Dude can throw, but he'd rather bowl.  Jeff Bridges started last nights game with the opening pitch, and like the iconoclast character he played in The Big Lebowski he bowled it to home.  The pic above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more photos from yesterday.  Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider has several videos from the entire event.

And let's face it, this was the only real highlight of the evening.  The Dodgers got involved in a laugher, but they were not the ones smiling.  We got hit hard in the 8 to 2 loss, and witnessed a flurry of potential injuries that may have longstanding effects.  Sometimes, I hate Friday's.

(.gif via Dodger Dugout)

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Adrian Gonzalez leaves with right knee contusion."  He hurt his knee sliding into home plate.  Then, Maholm was injured and had an MRI on his right knee.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, he has an ACL tear, and is likely done for the season.  To make matters worse, Yasiel Puig left last nights game early due to left hamestring soreness.  Oy Vey!
• Via Alec Dopp at the Daily Gammons, "Can Matt Kemp Produce Post-Trade Deadline?"  Alec takes a close look at the numbers.

For Kemp, whose line-drive rate has improved some despite actually hitting pitches ‘hard’ less frequently since the beginning of June, this fact bodes well for his current production moving forward if he continues to produce line drive trajectories, coupled with his ability to decipher between balls and strikes on the inner-half of the plate.

• Wow!  This is brilliant.  Kyle Wagner at Deadspin pointed to a graphic designer on Instagram who is named Mark Kenny who redesigned MLB logos as Star Wars characters.  Go here to see his instagram page with all of the pics.  Below is the Dodgers version: The LA Emperor Dodgers.

• Dre at It's Always A Good Dre in L.A. writes a brief tribute to a Dodgers usher, named Daniel Hopkins, who recently passed away.  He manned Section 52 at Dodger Stadium.  RIP, Daniel.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Like a GM, Greinke studies trade deadline."

“I’m sure we were trying to do stuff, but you just can’t be stupid about things. It seemed this year people were giving up a lot more than they usually do for a proven talent, compared to last year or the year before. It seemed like you could give up your eighth-best prospect for a pretty good player, where this year it seemed like that same player would be getting like the third-best prospect. I know we don’t want to give up one of our top three guys, and I think that’s pretty smart. Those guys look pretty good.” 

• Brian Wright at The Sports Daily; "Vin Scully’s 8 greatest calls of all-time."  He includes video, as well.
• Travis Peterson of Punk Rock Paint, in cooperation with the National Pastime Museum, has created a limited 35 card set called "Stars of the Negro Leagues."  It features colorized vintage photos from the museums archives, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the museum.  Go here to order before they sell out.  BTW, I've already ordered mine.  There are only 100 total sets available, so move quickly.  His Old Hoss 100 set was gone in a flash, and I would consider that to the best privately created art-card set made to date.  I expect this new creation will be just as good.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Leaked Trade Talks and Fire Department Not Happy with Hot Foot Prank

Recent call-up Clint Robinson ripped his first Major League hit last night, and it was a timely one.  With his pinch hit single he drove in Andre Ethier for the Dodgers only run of the evening to help them win the game, 1 to 0.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  We now stand alone in first place in the West by half a game.  Go here to check out Jon SooHoo's pics from the day.

• Via TMZ, "L.A. Dodgers RIPPED BY FIRE OFFICIALS ... Over Hot Foot Prank."  (Hat Tip: Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation)  

The whole thing made national news -- but Captain Jaime Moore from the L.A. City Fire Dept. tells us, "These guys are supposed to be role models and playing with fire is not a joke."

Is TMZ channeling The Onion?  I get that playing with fire is bad, but come on now!

• Via Barry Petchesky at Deadspin, he broke the story regarding leaked communications from the Houston Astros that deal with potential trades.  See that story here.  The Dodgers are mentioned twice, once dated 11/5/2013:

[Stearns] talked with [Dodgers director of baseball contracts] Alex Tamin: LAD is looking to acquire some back end SP depth and up the middle infield depth. They believe they have depth in the pen and would be willing to deal from it (AT mentioned Belisario and Guerra). LAD also has four OF for three spots and would be willing to talk about Crawford

You should note that these communications are straight from the horses mouth, and since they have been verified as real I consider this information rock solid. 

None of the above should be a surprise for Dodger fans.  The team eventually added Dan Haren a few weeks later and Paul Maholm in February to provide SP depth.  They also ended up signing Justin Turner, Chone Figgins, Carlos Triunfel and Erisbel Arruebarrena during the off-season for infield depth after this date.  BTW, both Belisario and Guerra were allowed to leave the club for no compensation, so we were never able to find trading partners for them.  I do not believe that the mention of Belisario and Guerra means the team was confident in their relief situation - this is supported by the subsequent signings of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez that winter.  I just think the Dodgers realized that they both were not in their future plans.

It should also not be a surprise that the only outfielder the team would talk about at that time was Carl Crawford.  (In other words, all that reporter talk about the other outfielders being available might be bunk - which should come as no surprise)

What is strange is a note a week later, 11/13/2013:

[Alex Tamin] told [Stearns] that if we consider trading Barnes this off season we should let them know. They view him as a good reserve OF/depth piece.

Did we really need another outfielder?  Really?  What would be the purpose of adding Barnes as a potential 6th outfielder?  Or, was trading an outfielder closer to reality?  Or, is there that much lack of faith in Scott Van Slyke?

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Dodgers prospect Lindsey Caughel named Cal League Pitcher of the Week."

“Individual accolades are great within a team game,” said Caughel after learning of his award. “But without a doubt the most important thing is that our team has put together some incredible games these past 11 games. People are starting to take notice of the talent that’s on this team. The chemistry on our team is second to none and it’s been so much fun playing with these guys. Hopefully I can keep stringing together good starts to help the team win.”

• Noooo!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Logan White interviews for Padres GM job."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his Sunday getting autographs from some Dodger legends.  Check out his story here.
• Via Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji, "A Perfect Day for Korean Baseball: SK Wyverns Game at Munhak Stadium, Incheon, South Korea."  Ryan shares some great photos from a ballgame in Korea.
• David shares some photos from an LA KISS game he attended (arena football).  Go here to check them out.  It's tough to take the sport seriously, but with ladies dancing in cages how can you not be entertained?

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Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Josh Beckett, I Never had any Doubt

I never had any doubt.  Really!  I swear. 

It appears that the ghost that has haunted Josh Beckett the past few years may be gone.  That weight has been lifted, and any pain or discomfort he had felt has vanished.  He is pitching well again, and now you have to wonder if his $15Mil contract is a bargain.  As noted by Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, the old Josh Beckett is back.  Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest concurs.

In his past 6 starts he has thrown 37.2 innings, given up just 7 earned runs, struck out 35 while only walking 14, batters are only hitting .186 against him and OPS'ing only .610.  That's a major turnaround from a player thought to be a lost cause when he went on the disabled list last year. 

Considering that he was more of a salary dump for Boston and a minor burden for LA when the 2012 blockbuster trade happened, his production has become a major boon for the club.

At this point, everything he does for the Dodgers is gravy, and you've got to love that.  Every strike out he throws, every out he records, every win he earns is further proof that that trade may be an all around win-win for everybody.  Now, all we have to do is figure out Carl Crawford's problems.  (Pic at the very top, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Hyun-jin Ryu throws bullpen session, getting closer to return."

"Definitely he has to do something to get ready to be able to pitch here," Mattingly said. "Exactly what that will be, we have a pretty good idea but we want to wait until tomorrow."

• Via Andrew Grant at True Blue LA, "Paul Maholm & the low-risk signing."
• Via Marcia C. Smith at the OC Register, "Newport Sports Museum operator thrown for a loss again."  Apparently, folks broke in and stole some items before the auction unveiling I wrote about last week.  Sadly, fear of theft is a huge reason why several well-known collectors have decided to sell.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Billingsley baffled by proliferation of surgeries."

Billingsley joked that the only solution might be to start throwing underhand.

"Hey, softball players can throw 12 innings in back-to-back days," he said. 

• Best tweet of the week:

Donald Sterling is Sacha Baron Cohen's funniest character yet!
— Matt Oswalt (@Puddinstrip) May 13, 2014

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Kershaw, Kemp and Friday Night Fireworks

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.


PEHS Game Time shares a report on Clayton Kershaw's rehab start in Rancho Cucamonga on Friday; including the Kersahw press conference after the game.

Video Link:

Here's a different perspective of this past Friday's Dodger Fireworks - from behind the pavilions.

Video Link:

Here's a classic.  Rick Monday mimics his Tommy Lasorda in the dugout.

Video Link:

Matt Kemp and Paul Maholm discuss their performances in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Rockies, last night.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Puig's Untold Story, Alex Guerrero has a Big Debut and Eric Smith

The DBacks mascot gave Justin Turner a nice little pat on the rear end on Sunday, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Jesse Katz at LA Magazine, "Escape from Cuba: Yasiel Puig's Untold Journey to the Dodgers."

Once the speedboat navigated the reefs that shield the three-square-mile island and puttered into the docks at Laguna Makáx, the last of Puig’s obstacles should have been cleared. Free of the Cuban security apparatus, free of the American embargo, he could begin shopping for an agent and showing off for scouts. In baseball terms, Mexico was practically the United States. But almost as soon as Puig had showered off the grime of his trek—after his group had toasted their arrival with an unfamiliar beer, its label stamped with two Xs, and tuned the TV to a Mexican sitcom—the celebration came to an end. The smugglers were anxious to get on with things. The job was done. Where was the money?

• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers insert Maholm for series with Giants."

Josh Beckett, Paul Maholm and Hyun-Jin Ryu, in order, will start the three games of the upcoming series in San Francisco, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly announced on Sunday.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Wilson nears return; Beckett on target for Tuesday."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Adrian Gonzalez, Dee Gordon complete Dodgers sweep of Diamondbacks."
• Alexander Guerrero is now playing in Albuquerque, via a tweet from the team.

Transactions: INF Alex Guerrero added to roster. INF Brendan Harris was released.
— Albuquerque Isotopes (@AbqTopes) April 12, 2014

• Guerrerohad a huge first game in Albuquerque.  Via Christopher Jackson at the Examiner.com, "Alexander Guerrero shines but bullpen falters again for Isotopes."

"That wasn't what I was thinking during the game; I just went to the plate looking to make contact," Guerrero said through his translator David Longley.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "The Other Golden Voice of the Dodgers."  Ron writes a great story on our PA announcer.

No, it’s not the golden voice of Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully, it’s the other golden voice of the Dodgers – Eric Smith, the Dodgers longtime Public Address (PA) announcer and he is, hands down, the best in the business.

• Dodger Penguin headed to El Teyepac Cafe for the Jerry Reuss signing and shares his experience.  Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy did the same thing here.  I'm working on a review of Reuss's book that hopefully will be done by the end of the week, and an online interview with him the following week.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 18/Road Game 8

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

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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-8-4) at Chicago Cubs (6-8)
Friday, March 14, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Mesa
RHP Josh Beckett (0-1, 9.00) vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 5.40)
Spring Game 18/Road Game 8
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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(Van Slyke photobombs, Guerrero, Arruebarrena and Puig, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: With just four games remaining on the 2014 Cactus League slate, the Dodgers will face the Cubs at their new facility in Mesa for the first and only time this spring. Los Angeles leads the all-time series against Chicago, 1,034-1,024-14, and won six out of seven meetings in 2013, including a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field.

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just eight days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• After playing in intrasquad minor league games on a back field of Camelback Ranch – Glendale on Wednesday and Thursday, Matt Kemp will have a scheduled off day today. Right-handed pitcher Brandon League will take the hill in a minor league intrasquad game this afternoon.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include IF Brendan Harris (#35), C Chris O’Brien (#70), RHP Steve Edlefsen (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), RHP Justin Souza (#87), OF Jon Garcia (#88), OF Trayvon Robinson (#89), IF Corey Seager (#90), C Jose Capellan (#91), IF O’Koyea Dickson (#95), IF Jamie Romak (#96), RHP Romulo Sanchez (#97).

(Rick Honeycutt, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

KING OF THE HILL: Right-hander Josh Beckett will take the mound and is scheduled to pitch 4.0 innings in his third start of the spring and last since giving up five runs in 3.0 innings on Saturday against Seattle. Beckett enters his third season with the Dodgers and ranks sixth among active pitchers (min. 1,500 IP) with an average of 8.34 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in his 12-year Major League career.

• Also scheduled to pitch today is hard-throwing right-hander Jose Dominguez, who has pitched 6.0 scoreless innings (5 G) in Cactus League play this spring, while walking two and striking out six. Dominguez has allowed only two hits this spring, good for a .100 opponents’ batting average (2-for-20).
• Despite issuing four walks in his four appearances, Paco Rodriguez has struck out four and has not allowed a run in 4.0 innings pitched. Scheduled to pitch today, Rodriguez ranked among the NL’s best relievers in ERA (2.32, 12th), opponents’ batting average .164 (3rd) and WHIP (0.90, 6th) in his first full MLB season in 2013.
• Also scheduled to pitch today is right-hander Javy Guerra, who spent the majority of 2013 with Triple-A Albuquerque. Guerra has posted good numbers in Cactus League play, allowing only one earned run (two runs) in five appearances (6.0 IP) for a 1.50 ERA.
• Right-handers Chris Withrow and Jamey Wright are scheduled to pitch in this afternoon’s game.

(Mounf conference, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

WELCOME BACK: Manager Don Mattingly, who has missed the club’s last two games due to a death in his family, is back in camp today. With four Cactus League games remaining, the Dodgers will play two of their weekend games with the new replay system, tomorrow at Chicago-AL and Sunday vs. Colorado. The system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

• The Dodgers fell, 8-2, to the Reds yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Left-hander Paul Maholm made his second start (third appearance) of the spring and suffered the loss, allowing six runs (5 ER) on six hits in 2.2 innings, while right-hander Seth Rosin allowed his first earned runs in Cactus League play (2 ER) in 3.0 innings. At the plate, Hanley Ramirez hit his second homer of the spring, a solo shot, while Justin Turner plated a run in the fourth inning to account for the Dodgers’ scoring.
• Another bright spot on offense yesterday was infielder Dee Gordon, who went 2-for-4 in the losing effort. The 25-year-old has had quite a spring on the base paths, as he leads all big leaguers in steals with eight (8-for-8 in SB attempts). Despite playing in only 181 games since 2011, Gordon ranks 16th in the NL with 66 steals and has been successful on 77.6% of his stolen base attempts in the big leagues (66-for-85).
• As a team, the Dodgers have been patient at the plate during Cactus League play, drawing 67 walks (T-1st, NL) in 17 spring games.

AUSTRALIAN FOR BASEBALL: The historic Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the site where the Dodgers will face the D-backs in MLB’s 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia, has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its Sunday game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on Tuesday, March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition March 20 and then take on the D-backs March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

• Clayton Kershaw will be the Opening Day starter for the first game against the D-backs in the 2014 Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. This will mark Kershaw’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the club and he has not allowed a run in his three previous outings (19.0 IP). The left-hander has racked up 19 strikeouts in his three Opening Day starts against the Giants (2013 – SHO, 2011 – 7.0 IP) and Padres (2012, 3.0 IP, exited game due to illness). Hyun-Jin Ryu will pitch the second game in Australia.

(Watch out for that ball, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17/Home Game 9

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

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 Cincinnati Reds (4-12) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-7-4)
Thursday, March 13, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Glendale
RHP Alfredo Simon (0-1, 5.00) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 1.80)
Spring Game 17/Home Game 9
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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(Dodger Fans!, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

COLOR WAR: The Dodgers and Reds face off for the second and final time this spring after Los Angeles scored a 10-3 win over Cincinnati in Goodyear on March 5. The Dodgers dropped the 2013 season series to the Reds, 4-3, but hold a 35-19 (.648) advantage over Cincinnati since 2006, which is the second-best mark among NL clubs in that span (Philadelphia, 36-19, .655).

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just nine days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• Outfielder Matt Kemp is scheduled to play in a minor league intrasquad game again today at 12:30 p.m. on the back fields of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Kemp had six at-bats and played in the field for the first time yesterday in a minor league intrasquad game, playing six outs in center field, and ran the bases.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include RHP Red Patterson (#78), LHP Fu-Te Ni (#83), RHP Juan Gonzalez (#94), C Kyle Farmer (#92), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), INF Ozzie Martinez (#87), INF Daniel Mayora (#88), INF Jamie Romak (#90), OF Jon Garcia (#89), OF Trayvon Robinson (#91) and OF Aaron Bates (#95).

(Matt Kemp, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE HILL: Paul Maholm will make his third appearance (second start) of the spring today after allowing one run on three hits in 3.0 innings on Saturday against the Rangers. The 31-year-old has allowed just one run in 5.0 innings (1.80 ERA) this spring, while limiting opposing hitters to a .235 batting average (4-for-17). During the course of his career, Maholm has been especially tough against lefties, holding them to a .225 batting average/.287 on-base percentage/.318 slugging percentage.

• Rule 5 hopeful Seth Rosin will make his fourth appearance today and has not allowed an earned run (one unearned) in 8.0 innings this spring. The 25-year-old last pitched on Saturday against the Rangers, allowing only an unearned run on one hit in 3.0 innings, and has limited opponents to a .161 batting average (5-for-31) this spring.

SPELL CHECK: Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena reported to Camelback Ranch for the first time today and met with the training staff, players, coaches and media on his first day in Dodger blue. Arruebarrena posted a .276 career batting average with 27 homers and 171 RBI in 437 games in six professional seasons for Cienfuegos in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. The 23-year-old was signed as a free agent on Feb. 22 and will wear uniform No. 11.

(Zack Greinke, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

FILLING OUT THE LINEUP CARD: Bench coach Tim Wallach will once again serve as manager today and Special Advisor to the GM Pat Corrales will be the club’s bench coach with Don Mattingly leaving camp due to a death in the family. Mattingly is expected to be back in Glendale tomorrow. Wallach managed the Dodgers’ Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes in 2009 and 2010 and guided them to a 152-135 (.530) record and an American Southern Division title in 2009.

• The Dodgers fell, 9-2, to the D-backs yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Zack Greinke made his second start of the spring and first appearance since throwing only four pitches (right calf injury) in his Cactus League debut on Feb. 27, and allowed three runs on six hits in 2.0 innings in a losing effort. Andre Ethier gave the Dodgers an early lead with his two-run double in the first inning, but that was the only scoring that Los Angeles could muster. Ethier finished the game 2-for-3 to raise his batting average to .357 this spring.
• In the fifth inning yesterday, Wallach issued the Dodgers’ first challenge of the spring under the new replay system. Following replay review, the umpires confirmed the call on the field that Didi Gregorius had kept his foot on second base during a slide on a stolen base attempt. It took 1:48 for the umpires to conduct the replay review. Los Angeles will have two more replay games in Cactus League play, March 15 at Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

ON DISPLAY: Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Hank Greenberg and Joe DiMaggio are among the baseball pioneers featured in a new exhibit that opens to the public today at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Hailed as the first large-scale exhibit focused on the role baseball plays in the lives of immigrant and minority communities seeking to express or challenge American culture, Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American features 130 baseball artifacts. Koufax is the centerpiece of the exhibit, which is open to the public until Oct. 26. The pitcher’s 1963 National League Cy Young Award is on display, as well as scorecards and tickets from his perfect game against the Cubs in '65, the cap he wore during his no-hitter against the Phillies in '64 and a ticket from his first no-hitter against the Mets in '62. There's also a mound where fans can put on a replica Koufax jersey and try to pitch like the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner.

(Pat Corrales and Tommy Lasorda, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Blog Kiosk: 3/10/2014 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw and Ryu to Start in Australia

It's official.  Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu will be our starters for the Australian games against the Diamondbacks.  Pic above via Dodgers tumblr.

• Via Ben Walker (AP Baseball Writer) at Yahoo, "No extra replay for D-backs-Dodgers in Australia".
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw improves in start against Giants".

"The results were a little bit better," Kershaw said, comparing this game to earlier starts. "Still things I need to work on. For the most part, a positive step in the right direction."

• Via David Young at True Blue LA, "Paul Maholm perparing as usual, but for an unknown role".
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Roster cuts looming as Dodgers enter final week of spring training".
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Zack Greinke inching closer to game action".

"Assuming everything goes well the next couple of days, we'll make a decision about where he's going to pitch after that," Mattingly said.

• For your daily laugh.  Watch Hanley Ramirez scare Juan Uribe.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 11/Road Game 6

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

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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (4-4-2) at Texas Rangers (2-6-1)
Saturday, March 8, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise
LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Tanner Scheppers (0-0, 0.00)
Spring Game 11/Road Game 6
Television: None/Radio: KLAC

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(Puig fan, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

THESE GUYS LOOK FAMILIAR: The Dodgers will play a pair of games today and tonight with split-squads playing against Texas in Surprise this afternoon and against the Mariners tonight at Camelback Ranch. Capacity crowds are expected for both Dodger games at The Ranch this weekend with tomorrow’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Giants also approaching a sellout.

• The Dodgers and Rangers met yesterday at Camelback Ranch, with Los Angeles emerging as 2-1 victors. Hanley Ramirez smashed a two-run homer in the first inning off Martin Perez to account for the Dodgers’ scoring. Right-hander Zach Lee made his first appearance of the spring and tossed 2.0 scoreless frames to pick up the victory. Brian Wilson, Kenley Jansen, J.P. Howell and Chris Perez each pitched a scoreless inning of relief and Tom Windle picked up the save with 2.0 scoreless frames to close out the game.
• The two clubs last met in the regular season in 2009 and the Dodgers are 11-9 all-time against the Rangers.
• Six Dodgers are pulling double-duty today and are scheduled to appear in both games; OF Mike Baxter, OF Joc Pederson (starting both games), INF Alex Guerrero, INF Miguel Rojas, INF Clint Robinson and INF Brendan Harris.
• Minor league position players suiting up this afternoon include C Chris O’Brien (#70), C Griff Erickson (#79), IF Ozzie Martinez (#83), IF Darnell Sweeney (#84), IF Jamie Romak (#94), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#89), OF Jon Garcia (#90), OF Scott Schebler (#91).

(Uribe, Beltre and Hanley, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE MOUND: Paul Maholm will make his first start of the spring after allowing just one hit in 2.0 scoreless frames on Sunday in relief against the Padres. Maholm forced the Padres to ground into a double play in that outing and has induced a Major League-leading 184 double play balls since 2006. The 31-year-old, who enters his first season with the Dodgers, went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts with the Braves last year and enters the 2014 season just 50 strikeouts shy of 1,000 Ks for his career.

• Seth Rosin will make his third appearance this afternoon, last pitching on Monday against the Athletics with 3.0 scoreless innings, and has struck out eight without issuing a walk in 5.0 scoreless innings this spring. Rosin, who was acquired from the Mets after he was selected from Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft, appeared in 26 games (23 starts) last season, going 9-6 with a 4.33 ERA. He was originally selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
• Non-roster invitee Carlos Frias will also take the mound for his third appearance of the spring after allowing one run on two hits in 1.0 inning on Thursday against the Angels. The 24-year-old has allowed a run in both of his 1.0-inning appearances this spring and is coming off an impressive stint with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League, going 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA in 15 relief appearances.
• Minor leaguers RHP Steve Edlefsen (#86), RHP Justin Souza (#88), RHP Sam Demel (#38) and RHP Henry Sosa (#95) will suit up for the Dodgers this afternoon. Edlefsen, one of the newest Dodgers, was signed out of the club’s Feb. 27 open tryout and has appeared in 27 big league games during the course of his career with the Giants in 2011-2012, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA. The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Giants in the 16th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska.

(Miguel Rojas, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!: The  Dodgers will open the 2014 season two weeks from today (!) against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia. The historic Sydney Cricket Ground has been undergoing renovations to prepare for the first-ever MLB games to be played Down Under. The club will depart Arizona following its March 16 game against the Rockies and land in Sydney on March 18. Following a few days of workouts and sightseeing, the Dodgers will play Team Australia in an exhibition on March 20 and then take on the D-backs on March 22 and 23 to open the regular season.

GETTING CONNECTED: Following tonight’s game against the Mariners, SportsNet LA will debut “Connected With…Adrian Gonzalez” at 10:00 p.m. PT. Alanna Rizzo conducted the in-depth interview, where Gonzalez discussed growing up in both Mexico and the United States, being the No. 1 draft pick and how living in Los Angeles is a great fit for him.

• Gonzalez is batting .400 (6-for-15) with three runs scored, two doubles, a homer and an RBI through six games this spring. Last year, in his first full season as a Dodger, the 31-year-old batted .293 and led the club in most offensive categories, including hits (171), home runs (22), RBI (100) and games played (157).
• Last year, Gonzalez batted .323 with runners in scoring position (51-for-158), the 13th-best mark in the NL, and ranks fifth among active players with a .328 career batting average with RISP.

ON THE MEND: This morning, Zack Greinke threw approximately 35 pitches in a simulated game to Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp, who is also progressing in his rehab. Kemp took some limited-range flyballs today in the outfield to supplement his running program.

(Orel Hershiser and Charley Steiner, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 6/Road Game 3

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

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 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (2-2-1) at Oakland Athletics (3-1-1)
Monday, March 3, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Phoenix Municipal Stadium
LHP Clayton Kershaw (0-1) vs. RHP A.J. Griffin (0-0)                       
Spring Game 6/Road Game 3
Television: SNLA/Radio: None

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(Puig and Ryu fooling around, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

FEELIN’ ATHLETIC: The Dodgers travel to Phoenix Muni today for their first of two Cactus League meetings with the Athletics. The clubs will meet again for a rematch a week from today back in Glendale. The Dodgers are 9-16 all-time in the regular season against the A’s, last facing them in 2012, and have faced Oakland twice in the World Series, falling in five games in 1974 before downing the A’s, 4-1, in 1988.

• The Dodgers open their “North American” regular season slate against the Padres in San Diego on March 30. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 19 days away from Opening Day in Sydney, Australia vs. the Diamondbacks!

SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: The Dodgers and Padres played to a 3-3 draw yesterday at Camelback Ranch as Josh Beckett and Paul Maholm made their 2014 debuts, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings apiece. Beckett, making his first appearance in a big league game since May 13, allowed just one hit and struck out three. Chone Figgins went 2-for-2 with a stolen base after entering the game as the designated hitter in the seventh inning and also scored a run in the seventh on Dee Gordon’s RBI triple.

(Beckett and Ethier high-five, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw will make his second start of the spring after allowing three runs on five hits in 2.0 innings and taking the loss on Wednesday at Arizona in the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener. Kershaw has made two career starts against Oakland without factoring in a decision, but has allowed just one run on seven hits with 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings (0.66 ERA) against the A’s.

• Brandon League is expected to make his first appearance of the spring today and is familiar with the A’s from his days pitching in Seattle from 2010-12. During the course of his career, League has made 35 appearances against Oakland (4.03 ERA), facing the A’s more than any other club besides the Yankees (42 games).
• Seth Rosin will make his second appearance of the spring after an impressive debut on Wednesday at Arizona, when he struck out five of the seven batters he faced in 2.0 scoreless frames. Rosin was acquired in a trade with the Mets in December after he was selected from Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft.
• Pedro Baez (0 ER/1.0 IP, Thursday vs. Arizona), Carlos Frias (1 ER/1.0 IP, Thursday vs. Arizona) and Jarret Martin (0 ER/1.0 IP, Thursday vs. Arizona) are expected to make their second appearance of the spring today.
• The Dodgers have yet to surrender a home run in 43.0 innings through five games this spring.

NOT SO MINOR: The Dodgers will suit up four minor leaguers today: RHP Justin Souza (#90), OF Jamie Romak (#94), OF Jeremy Hazelbaker (#92) and IF Darnell Sweeney (#87).

• Hazelbaker was acquired from Boston on Oct. 23, 2013 in exchange for Alex Castellanos and batted .257 with 11 homers and 54 RBI in 121 games for the Red Sox’s Triple-A Pawtucket club last season. The 26-year-old was originally selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of Ball State University.
• Romak was signed by the Dodgers as a free agent on Nov. 19, 2013 and has a .248 career batting average with 149 homers and 564 RBI in 1,020 minor league games in 11 professional seasons. The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons in the Cardinals’ system after he was originally selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.
• Souza enters his first season in the Dodger organization and has a 33-27 record with a 4.66 ERA in 302 games (28 starts) in eight minor league seasons. Last year, the 28-year-old went a combined 5-3 with a 4.58 ERA in 50 relief appearances with Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo in the Tigers’ organization.
• Sweeney enters his third professional season after he was selected by the Dodgers in the 13th round of the 2012 draft out of Central Florida. The 23-year-old spent the 2013 campaign with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and ranked among the California League leaders in steals (48, 3rd), hits (152, T-4th), doubles (34, T-4th) and triples (16, 1st), while batting .275 with 11 homers and 77 RBI in 134 games.

(Honeycutt signs for fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

A CUTT ABOVE THE REST: Congratulations are in order for Dodger pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, who tonight will receive the Fred Gregg Jr. Award from the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame at their 48th annual banquet. The Gregg award goes “to an individual who has made major contributions to sports.” Rick’s wife, Debbie, will accept the award in his honor.

TAKING A STAND:  Earlier today, Clayton Kershaw, along with six other MLB players, was named to the Advisory Board of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating North America’s young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs.   The friends and family of Taylor Hooton formed the Foundation in 2004 after his untimely death at 17 years old following his use of anabolic steroids. More information can be found at taylorhooton.org.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 5/Home Game 3

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

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(Some congratulations for Mike Baxter, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SUNDAY FUNDAY: The Dodgers host the Padres today for the first of two meetings in Cactus League play, with the other coming in a split-squad game at Camelback Ranch on March 15. The Dodgers open up their “North American” regular season slate against the Padres in San Diego on March 30. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 20 days away from Opening Day in Sydney, Australia vs. the Diamondbacks!

• The Dodgers rally fell just short yesterday and the club lost, 6-5, against the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. After hitting a home run against the White Sox on Friday, non-roster invitee Clint Robinson had another big game yesterday, going 3-for-3 with a run scored after replacing Scott Van Slyke in the sixth inning.
• First-year Dodger and Southern California native Dan Haren allowed three hits and one earned run in two innings of work in his first Cactus League start of spring. Non-roster invitee LHP Chris Reed allowed four earned runs in 2.0 innings of work.

(Dan Haren, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Right-hander Josh Beckett will make his Dodgers debut this afternoon after going 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight starts last season before undergoing season-ending surgery to relieve pressure on his nerves caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Also appearing in the game today:

• LHP Paul Maholm will make his Dodger debut after posting a 10-11 record with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts with the Braves last season.
• RHP Stephen Fife will make his Cactus League debut after appearing in 12 games (10 starts) in three stints with the team last year.
• Non- roster invitees RHP Sam Demel and LHP Daniel Moskos will be making their second appearances of the spring. Demel and Moskos both tossed a scoreless innings of relief on Thursday in the Dodgers spring home opener against the Diamondbacks. Demel saw action in parts of three seasons with the Diamondbacks from 2010-2012 and Moskos appeared in 31 games with the Pirates in 2011.
• San Diego will counter with LHP Robbie Erlin, RHP Jesse Hahn, RHP Kevin Quackenbush, RHP Leonel Campos, RHP Blaine Boyer and LHP Patrick Schuster.

(Foul ball, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NOTHING MINOR ABOUT IT: The Dodgers will have seven minor leaguers joining the club vs. the Padres today, with pitchers LHP Fu-Ti Ni (#84),  RHP Justin Souza (#88) and RHP Steve Smith (#91), infielders Darnell Sweeney (#87) and Aaron Bates (#97) and outfielder Jon Garcia (#90) all making the trek across the Camelback grounds.

PLAYING IT SAFE: According to Manager Don Mattingly, Dodger right-hander Zack Greinke will have another light day and hold off on throwing his next bullpen session.  In addition, right-hander Ross Stripling is meeting with doctors this afternoon to go over the results of his MRI. Stripling experienced elbow pain last week that worsened with his outing on Wednesday.

PLEASE SIGN HERE: Today the Dodgers agreed to terms with the following players for the 2014 season: Pedro Baez, Nick Buss, Jose Dominguez, Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Onelki Garcia, Yimi Garcia, Javy Guerra,  Matt Magill, Jarrett Martin, Paco Rodriguez, Seth Rosin, Dee Gordon, Scott Van Skyke and Chris Withrow. 

ROSTER MOVE: This morning the Dodgers dealt infielder Justin Sellers to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. Sellers was designated for assignment on Feb. 22 to make room on the roster for Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena.

(The Diamond at Sydney Cricket Ground, pic via @JPMLBPR on twitter)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE:  We are just two weeks away from making an early exit from Arizona as the Dodgers will depart the Valley of the Sun on March 16 for Sydney, Australia. Once Down Under, Los Angeles will battle the D-backs on March 22-23 in Major League Baseball’s Opening Series, which will mark MLB’s first regular-season games ever to be staged in Australia. The Dodgers will return stateside and play three exhibitions against the Angels in the Freeway Series before opening the “North American” portion of their schedule March 30 at San Diego on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

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