Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We really should be calling this team the 'Bridegrooms'.

Featured above is a pre-wedding pic shared by the gushing couple before their planned wedding next week. As you may know, Ryu Hyun-jin is marrying sports broadcaster Bae Ji-hyun on January 5th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes! I'd also like to extend a special birthday shout-out to Bill "Spaceman" Lee.

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - Emirates, SportsNet LA and Andre Ethier

Fast Friends!

Both Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kenta Maeda reported to Camelback Ranch for "Catchers and Pitchers Day" in Glendale.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016 on @Dodgers twitter.  Go here to check out more photos taken by Jon from the day.

BTW, Ryu's rehab appears to be on track.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"It was coming out easy. The effort was low intensity. I asked how he felt today and he was pretty optimistic," (Dave) Roberts said. "Just a normal soreness kind of thing but pain free.

"We don’t want to put a timeline on anything. We just want him to continue to progress and pass the markers which he is doing."

Below are more links to check out:

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA puts together a great report on the recently released Spring televised game schedule for the Dodgers, and concludes that things are greatly reduced.

SportsNet LA covered nearly every spring game in their first two years televising Dodgers games, missing out only on the occasional split squad games. But this year, only 13 will be televised by the network, including one game every Saturday and Sunday during the Cactus League schedule.

BTW, below is the schedule of televised Spring games, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

• For Opening Day against the Padres in San Diego on April 4th the Dodgers will face starter Tyson Ross, via Bernie Wilson (AP) on Yahoo Sports.  James Shields and Andrew Cashner will follow.

''Tyson is ready and eager to take that ball on Day One, and we're excited to have him as our ace,'' new manager Andy Green said Friday. ''It's definitely an affirmation of who Tyson is and a belief in him and where he's headed. I think it's just the right choice as an organization.''

• The Dodgers join such illustrious sports clubs and organizations like Arsenal FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Rugby World Cup, US Open (tennis), Rogers Cup, and the Formula One Group to be sponsored by Emirates airlines.  Via Jon Wesiman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers’ global profile underscored by new deal with Emirates."

“Over the last year, we have become the most heavily attended sports venue in the world,” Kasten said. “But another important part of our history is the outreach we have had globally and internationally, and at a time when globalization is such an important thing for baseball.”

Dodger owner Peter Guber tied a nice bow around the new, multiyear partnership.

“The Dodgers provide emotional transportation for (their) fans, and of course Emirates provides physical transportation,” Guber said.

Included in the arrangement for Emirates will be sponsorship behind home plate and on the Dodger Stadium foul poles. In addition, Emirates will also appear on the stadium scoreboard to commemorate every Dodger home run.

• Juan Uribe is now an Indian, via Jordan Bastian at MLB.com.
• Some Grandal news via Ken Gurnick on twitter:

Yasmani Grandal's left shoulder has healed from surgery and he said he's under no limitations in camp.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 19, 2016

• The Arizona Sun Devils Opening Day was last night.  As a part of the festivities they retired the number of alumnus Andre Ethier, #14.  They also gave out the below poster to fans in attendance, via @ASU_Baseball on twitter.  BTW, they also retired the number of Dustin Pedroia, #2.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2014 - Dodger Links - Howard for Hodges, Tommy Davis and GO ROYALS!

Lexi knows what's up!  If she can do it twice, so can you.  This photo was shared on twitter by @MLBFanCave and came via @kc85wilson on twitter, and it's the greatest thing I've seen on twitter in a long time.  Go Royals Go!

As you know Game 7 of the World Series is tonight, and if your not paying attention to it then you're missing out.  This is the kind of event all sports fans dream of.  After 162 game season, a wild card game, two playoff league series and six games in the finals we are down to just one more game.  It's THE final game of the year and I suspect both teams will leave everything they've got on the field. 

Mike Oz at Big League Stew tells us about the "Seven of the most memorable World Series Game 7s in baseball history" that is definitely worth checking out before tonight's game.  If I had to choose the best of the seven I'd go with the Sandy Koufax's shutout against the Twins in the 1965 series - obviously. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings (and a writer for Examiner.com) shares a video where, "Frank Howard emphatically endorses Gil Hodges Hall of Fame candidacy."  You can also check out Nick's story at Examiner.com here.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Tommy Davis’ 1962 — thou shalt not pass."  This winter they'll be taking a look back at some of the greatest individual seasons in Dodger history.

“I tell everybody I was a Bible hitter,” Davis said. “When they say, ‘What does that mean, I’d say, ‘Thou shalt not pass. The first pitch is coming, I’m swinging.’”

• Cary also tells us about the historical connections between the Dodgers and the Lakers/NBA.  I'm surprised to learn how many NBA players were once a part of the Dodger system.
• Dodger owner/partner Peter Gruber shares a video on twitter that tells us a bit about the value of player analytics to the Dodgers:

alex tamin head of #baseball research contracts & operations @dodgers explains the value of player analytics http://t.co/Vv19m0hzzq
— Peter Guber (@PeterGuber) October 28, 2014

• Topps is now getting into limited edition apparel.  They are now offering a 1988 Dodgers 'Miracle Men' Orel Hershiser patch Baseball cap limited to just 99copies for $39.99.  Check it out here.  See a pic of it on the right.  Limited edition patch caps also exist for Reggie Jackson, Alan Trammel, Willie Stargell, Gary Carter, Rollie Fingers and Ryne Sandberg.
• I've got mad respect for Blazer's Edge.  (Hat Tip via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA)
• Via Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports, "Vanguard after the Revolution: Bill James sparked a baseball insurrection, but he has regrets about the world he wrought." 

He groans whenever he hears people discount leadership or team chemistry or heart because they cannot find such things in the data. He has done this himself in the past … and regrets it.

“I have to take my share of responsibility for promoting skepticism about things that I didn’t understand as well as I might have,” he says. “What I would say NOW is that skepticism should be directed at things that are actually untrue rather than things that are difficult to measure.

“Leadership is one player having an effect on his teammates. There is nothing about that that should invite skepticism. People have an effect on one another in every area of life. … We all affect another’s work. You just can’t really measure that in an individual-accounting framework.”

• BTW, for the third season in a row Anaheim Angels slugger Mike Trout won the 2014 Stan Musial Award from the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  In the National League Clayton Kershaw won the award.  The Stan Musial Award recognizes the MVP in each league. I had picked Kershaw on my National League ballot.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Take a Deep Breath, It's Just the First Game of Spring - Same Can be Said for SportsNet LA

After spending a little bit of time reading various comments on twitter during this afternoons inaugural game, I am reminded that way too many folks take these early Spring contest way too seriously.

You'll need to take a breather and realize that anything you witness in the early goin' must be taken with a grain of salt.  It's very easy to take for granted that nearly every ballplayers that is a cinch to make the Opening Day roster are not necessarily working on getting outs or hitting for average.  They are preparing for when the games count, and at this moment we are many weeks away from that.  So, I would expect pitchers to be working on getting a feel for pitches they haven't thrown competitively in months, and for batters to become more comfortable with a swing they haven't used in ages.  Remember, getting muscle memory in tune with your desired performance level will take time.

I am always reminded of this when I think back to my own visits to Vero Beach for Spring Training many moons ago.  I recall sitting nearly behind the catcher and realizing that the days starting pitcher threw nothing but fastballs.  Not only that, he wasn't varying the speeds all that much.  Instead, it was clear that the pitcher was testing out his feel for the pitch and his ability to locate it where he wanted.

It was an early Spring game, and that pitcher, along with nearly every pitcher that followed, couldn't care less about the results.  They were more interested in making that slow and steady climb towards competitive performance, and not being perfect right out of the gate.

So, with that being said, these early Spring stats are meaningless; whether they be negative or positive.  Case in point, Clayton Kershaw threw his first Spring game this afternoon and he got shelled.  Via a tweet from Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:

Kershaw's line: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 SOs. 42 pitches, 26 strikes. #Dodgers
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 26, 2014

Not a great start, eh?  Fortunately, Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider adds some perspective:

Kershaw gave up hard-hit balls to all three OF spots in first inning. Nothing new: Last year at ST, he had 4.18 ERA, 1.36 WHIP #Dodgers
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) February 26, 2014

Jon also wrote more about Kershaw's day at Dodger Insider.  Check out his post here.

BTW, the same can be said for Rule 5 Draft pickup Seth Rosin.  Via @Dodgers on twitter:

.@SethDanielRosin strikes out four #Dbacks in a row and five in two innings. That's pretty good. #Dodgers down 3-1 through 5.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 26, 2014

I don't want to rain on everyone's parade, but this is just the first game of Spring.  I do, on the other hand, agree with what Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest said on twitter:

Seth Rosin just whiffed five guys in two innings.  That includes Hill and Goldschmidt. Way to make an impression.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) February 26, 2014

I believe it's safe to say that Rosin is earning hard looks by everyone in the front office and coaching staffs.  He could be a diamond in the rough, or he a flash in the pan - only time will tell.

*Pic at the very top via @Dbacks on twitter.

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

(Vin Scully at SportsNet LA launch, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

I also wanted to take a moment to briefly comment about last night's opening SportsNet LA broadcast. 

In one word, it was "AWESOME".  There is nothing like knowing that there will be Dodger Baseball available to me 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  I especially loved the opening montage to begin their broadcast that featured a brilliant monolgue by Vin Scully.  You can watch that online here. 

If you missed it (likely due to issues out of your control - more on that later), I shared one of the stories Vin Scully spoke about during his interview on Access SportsNet: Dodgers.  Go here to see that post.  In that interview, Vin regaled us about a game when he actually wore the Dodgers uniform.  It was hilarious and perfect.

As for many of you folks who could not watch last nights broadcast, all I can suggest is please be patient.  Believe me, the wait is worth it.

We've seen this song and dance many times over the years - whether it be over the recent battles with AMC Networks or ESPN.  In retrospect, this carriage dispute should have been expected, and I suspect it will not be resolved until the very last moment.

In the meantime, hopefully the fine folks from throughout social media (myself included) will share whatever they can to bridge the divide.

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

Earlier today, Time Warner's PR group sent along some photos from last night's show, so I figured I should pass them along here.  Check them out below.

(Hershiser and Magic on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(Magic as a guest on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(Hershiser and Hartung on Access SportsNet: Dodgers, photo credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(SVP TWC Sports, News and Local Programming Dan Finnerty, SVP/GM TWC Sports Regional Networks Mark Shuken, EVP, Los Angeles Dodgers Bob Wolfe, Owner/Partner, Los Angeles Dodgers Peter Guber and President, TWC Sports, News and Local Programming David Rone celebrate the launch of SportsNet LA. Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

(SportsNet LA and Dodger executives watched the SportsNet LA’s ‘Go Live’ moment in El Segundo. 
Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/4/2013

Check out Matt Kemp with his Bobblehead that the Dodgers will be giving away on May 14th.  Pic via Dodgers' photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Mark Saxon at ESPN spoke with Matt Kemp, who insist he is healthy.

"It's three games," Kemp said. "It won't be the last time I have a bad series, I promise you that. It's baseball."

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts makes note of how loud it is at Dodger Stadium.
• Will Cohen at ESPN pens, "Giants quash Kemp by pitching him away."

In fact, the Giants have actually held Kemp to 0-21 at the plate in his last six games against them. After Kemp raked against the Giants in 2011, they held him in check last season and have done so through the first two games of this season. 

• Dan Loumena at the LA Times lets us know that Mike Piazza is about to make his debut in a ballet... Ballet!  I remember seeing a ballet in high school.  I was a high school band geek, and our teacher gifted some of us tickets.  Needless to say, he never did that again.  My buddies and I couldn't stop laughing (in the way high school teens laugh), and we had to leave.
• I hear that teenage Dodgers prospect and recent signee Dennis Santana has started working out in the Dominican Summer League for the Dodgers.  Below is a pic tweeted out recently.

(twitter link)

• Watch the other Dodgers' owner Peter Gruber talk with Bloomberg TV about his investment in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the future of regional sports networks.  Watch it here.
• Magic Johnson, ever the optimist.  Via twitter @MagicJohnson.

(twitter link)

• Magic was also extremely generous to the Dodgers' players and coaches, yesterday; via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.  A photo of the gifts was put on instagram by Hanley Ramirez, here.

"I think last year he gave us two jerseys," manager Don Mattingly said. "One was for us and one was to give to charity. I think with Magic and the whole [ownership] group, part of their message was to be involved in the community and help out. I think the Dodgers have always been great in that way."

• I love this!  Sports Illustrated shares 55 photos of athletes with their dogs.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2013

Dodgers rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu poses with the other Dodger owner, Peter Gruber, in the photo above.  Pic was tweeted by Gruber. BTW, on the heals of todays release of 2013 Topps, I unhappily announce that there is no Ryu card in Topps Series 1.  Boo!

• Here's a quick look at the 17 Dodger base cards in 2013 Topps Series 1.  I'll have more detailed pics of both the front and reverse in a few days.

• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, a Dodger fan had Mark McGwire sign his prosthetic leg.
• Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times wonders if 8 Dodger starting pitchers is a good idea.
• David Schoenfield at ESPN make some predictions on Zach Greinke. 
• 3 Dodgers are on MLB.com top 100 prospects list, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• The Pack Prodigy has the news on Topps 2013 wrapper redemption program.  Turn in 50 hobby/retail wrappers or 10 jumbo wrapper for a silver slate redemption pack.  Only 10 silver slate packs per household.
• Blowout Cards has information about the 2013 Topps Ultimate Chase cards.
• Watch Mint Condition on ESPN: How is Topps Impacted by A-Rod?

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2012

Dodgers reliever Brandon League shares his newest tattoo, pic via twitter @LOYLOYctac.

• Huell Howser, you are one of my favorite TV personalities.  He is retiring, via Scott Collins of the LA Times.
• Bob Nightengale at USA Today shares a choice quote from Stan Kasten.

"I am focusing on building the best team we can be,'' Dodgers President Stan Kasten told USA TODAY Sports, "and where exactly the payroll will be, we'll worry about that later. This particular phase we're in is building and returning the Dodgers to greatness.

"Eventually we want to return to the Dodger roots of (player development), but we're not there yet.''

I certainly can't dislike this approach. The Dodgers want to win now by using cash while building a future with even more cash.

• Wendy Thurm at FanGraphs takes a look at the recent news about the Dodgers new television contract and how is compares to other clubs.
• Hilarious!  I had missed this.  On twitter, the Dodgers responded to Piers Morgan.  Hat Tip: Hiban90 on Reddit.

(twitter link)

• The Angels appear to be out of the Zach Grienke sweepstakes according to Danny Knobler at CBS Sports.
• BTW, the MLB Network coverage of the Winter Meetings start with their preview this coming Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST.  The Hall of Fame Pre-Integration voting results will also be aired live on Monday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM EST.  Be sure to cross your fingers for former Dodger Bill Dahlen- he deserves to be in the Hall.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has up a video from the panel discussion last night featuring Ron Cey, Dodgers historian Mark Langill, owner Peter Gruber, and others at UCLA speaking about the impact the Dodgers have had on Los Angeles over the past 50 years.  It is long, but worth your time.
• Ryan at Chaos and Kanji shares his experience at a Fukuoka Softbank Hawks Baseball game in Japan.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2012

Representin' in the Bay Area.  Pic via instagram 1pacman.

• Hey.  At least the Dodgers farm club in Ogden is playing well.  They are in the finals.  Per Sam Dykstra in a MiLB report.

"It feels to great to win this," said Smith, the Dodgers' 12th-round pick in the 2012 Draft. "This is something we've all been working towards since we got here. After winning both divisions this year, this was what we all thought we'd be capable of. Every time we stepped on the field, it was to work toward the opportunity to play for the league title." 

• Bob Timmerman is writing at Dodger Thoughts and points to the inadequacy of the Dodgers to finish the job.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN shares a great quote from Andre Ethier that expresses the Dodgers troubles.

"I don't know if it's pressing too hard or not caring enough or what," Andre Ethier said. "You try to go out there and relax, it doesn't work. You try to go out there and care, and nothing works. Maybe somebody needs to come on and give us all a good shake or something. I don't know."

• Via Gideon Rubin at the Daily News, Dodgers owner Peter Gruber compares the Dodger fall to some Hollywood flops.

That's according to minority Dodgers owner and renowned film producer Peter Guber, who said his experience in the business of media entertainment and sports have taught him assembling star power does not guarantee success at the box office or the standings.

Guber, who was at AT&T Park on Friday for the start of a crucial series with the Giants, cited "Bonfire of the Vanities," a 1990 cinematic flop he produced, as an example of a talented lineup that included Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks and Morgan Freeman.

• Left Field Pavilion makes the call.  Dodgers dying.
• Sports Collectors Daily unveils a new lawsuit against Upper Deck.  Boy! Considering how they have conducted business with various sports leagues, I'm not surprised by this. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *