Blog Kiosk: 6/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I'm just as confused as Dodger coach Jake Pitler in the photo above, taken by Barney Stein (eBay auction link). It features skipper Walter Alston in the midst of digging a hole. Unfortunately, there isn't any background information describing the event.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 (OT) Union army general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform everyone that all people held as slaves in Texas are free. This event is celebrated as Juneteenth -- a celebration of emancipation within the confederacy. In 1938, a day after signing a contract with the club, Babe Ruth puts on a Dodger uniform for the first time. In 1952 Carl Erskine threw a no-hitter against the Cubs in the Dodgers' 5-0 victory at Ebbets Field. This is the first of two no-no's he would throw in his career. The only Cub to get on base was the opposing pitcher, via a walk. In 1973 Dodger outfielder Willie Davis collected his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium when he two-run home run. In 1990 Dodgers catcher Gary Carter broke a National League record for career games caught at 1‚862. He passes former Dodger Al Lopez who set the record in 1946.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Swift, Larry Miller, Bob Aspromonte, Jerry Reuss, Butch Davis, Doug Mientkiewicz & Claudio Vargas!

The Greatest Baseball Fight Ever

I can't believe I forgot all about this.

On this day in 1988 fans were witness to arguably the greatest fight to have ever occurred on a Baseball field. It was a rough and tumble affair that included grand theft, punches thrown to and fro, and a Baseball thrown right at the side of the Philly Phanatic.

That's right, folks!

The fight I speak of involved the weird and silly mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies and his nemesis for the evening was soon-to-be World Series Championship manager Tommy Lasorda.

Before I direct you towards a video -- that is a must watch -- I thought I would share a quote from Lasorda that I came across in a story by Gemma Kaneko at Cut4:

"I was always upset about him always taking my shirt and putting it on some dummy and then running over it. I didn't particularly like that, and I told him. I said, 'I don't want you to do that anymore.' The next time I saw him he still put my shirt on, so I went after him and I bopped him down a little bit. And I said, 'If there weren't all these people here I'd really rip ya.'"

Phillies Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies on Alumni Weekend. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Friday, May 31st at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look of satisfaction on the face of Dodgers manager Walter Alston in the International News press photo above, dated October 6, 1955 (eBay auction link). It was taken following the Dodgers first world championship -- after all the parties and celebration throughout Brooklyn. Per the description attached to the reverse:

Hail and Farewell -- Brooklyn Manager Walkter Alston, carrying his baggage and a few bats, takes a last look over Ebbets Field before leaing for a long vacation. Brooklynites nursed the father of all hangovers as a result of the cataclysmic celebration that followed the Dodgers winning the first World Series in the history of the borough.

I know, one day, I'll know this feeling too. Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

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

The next homestand starts Monday evening, on Memorial Day, against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Monday, May 28th at 5:10 PM

Brock Stewart vs Vince Velasquez

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Phillies Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Friday evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including several Dodger appearance for Viva Los Dodgers Sunday.

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Friday, April 28th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Voodoo Doll to Hex Brooklyn Dodger Pitcher Sal Maglie

Spooky!

Fans will do anything to guarantee a victory. Heck, as evidenced by this thing found on eBay (eBay link), folks will even dabble in the dark arts. 

Dodgers Miracle Matchup by IBM?

What the heck is this all about?

I recently came across an old t-shirt promoting an unusual event that features a computer simulated game between two Dodgers' World Series clubs.  It was dubbed a "Miracle Matchup", and it pitted the 1963 club against the 1981 team. (eBay Auction Link)

As a lover of Dodgers' oddball stuff I had to find out more.  Unfortunately, information is a bit lacking.  From what I can gather, IBM put together a group of simulations for various teams and debut the results during an upcoming game in 1986.  In the Dodgers case it was unveiled during a game between the Dodgers and Reds in early September.  I am uncertain if this was an in-game promotion or a commercials fans could watch on television.  If you happen to know anything about this please pass that knowledge along.

Welcome to the Blue, Carlos Ruiz!

As much as I want to lament to loss of AJ Ellis, I do want to take this moment to welcome veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers family.  As you may have heard, the front office just traded one veteran catcher for another.  AJ Ellis has been sent to Philadelphia for Carlos Ruiz.  Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz and cash considerations from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for catcher A.J. Ellis, minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Utley's Triumphant Return to Philadelphia - 2016 Topps Now Card - #362

To the surprise of no one Topps has issued a 2016 Topps Now card to commemorate Chase Utley's unbelievable game in Philadelphia.  As you know, Chase walloped two home runs against his former team - a solo homer in the fifth and a grand slam in the seventh inning.  His five RBI's on the evening also marks a game where he returned to the place he called home for thirteen Major League seasons.  As you will recall, he was traded to Los Angeles at about this time last year and had yet to return since leaving.  Per Evan Webeck at MLB.com:

The day Utley was dealt -- nearly a year ago to the day -- the Phillies held him out of the lineup as they finalized his move to Los Angeles. There were moving pieces, and the trade didn't get announced until about an hour after the last out of Utley's last game in Philadelphia. He tipped his cap to the fans afterward, but he was robbed of a proper farewell.

"I didn't really have an opportunity to say goodbye," Utley said. "Everything kind of happened pretty quickly last year. If I were to write up a script it would have gone a bit differently."

I think last night's game was a perfect scene to go along with a script of his illustrious career.

Go here to check the card out and order.

UPDATE:  The print run for this card is 4,221. 

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

The next homestand starts Monday evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Philly Cheesesteak Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Phillies at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog topped with griddled steak, caramelized onions with provolone cheese on an Italian roll.

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

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Monday, August 8th at 7:10 PM
RHP Zach Eflin vs. LHP Julio Urías
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2016 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Haren and Scott Kazmir

This is the kind of incentive players got in the 50's.

Featured above is a September 30, 1950 press photo from the Associated Press showing Dodger manager Burt Shotton hand-feeding hurler Erv Palica after a complete game victory against the Phillies.  It was the second to last game of the season, and Brooklyn was two games behind Philadelphia for the National League pennant.  Palica's effort lowered the deficit to just one game, and the last deciding game would be the next day against the Phillies in Brooklyn.  Unfortunately, Don Newcombe couldn't hold off the inevitable.  Newk would lose the game after being bested by Robin Roberts.  Both pitchers went ten innings.  Photo via eBay.

Below are more links to check out:

• Listen to Clayton Kershaw on Game Night with Matt Perrault to talk about his foundation and the Dodgers (link here).  Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue recaps the interview here.

Kershaw: I think expectations are great. I just think you need to know when to celebrate and when to enjoy a moment. For me, that’s the most important thing.

• Dan Haren is a crack up.  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Dan Haren reflects on his career during hilarious Twitter rant."  Cwik points to several tweets, but I think the one below is most pertinent to Dodgers fans:

My threat to retire didn't quite work last offseason

— dan haren (@ithrow88) January 4, 2016

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "Scott Kazmir, the Dodgers, and Health."
• Via an AP story at ESPN, "Scott Kazmir's $48M deal with Dodgers includes payments through 2021."

Los Angeles will defer $8 million of each year's salary without interest, money payable in equal installments each Dec. 15 from 2019-21. Because of the deferred money, Major League Baseball calculates the deal's present-day value at $44,954,652.

• Former Dodger GM is moving on to the gridiron.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Paul DePodesta Leaves Mets For NFL."

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Blog Kiosk: 12/31/2015 - Dodger Links - All About Kazmir

Here's another fantastic vintage International News press photo I ran into on eBay.  It is dated September 23, 1951 and features Phillies outfielder Richie Ashburn, Gil Hodges and the days umpire in the middle.  Via the description on the reverse:

Ump Larry Goetz (center) presents $500 US Bonds Singer Awards (Jack Singer, INP writer killed in WWII) to Ashburn and Hodges their Good Sportsmanship.

BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 6-2, that afternoon.  Dodger starting pitcher Preacher Roe pitched a complete game for the victory.  Also, Roy Campanella hit his 36th home run of the season, and Andy Pafko hit his 26th.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Farhan Zaidi comments briefly on Aroldis Chapman."  The gist:

We did come to an agreement in principle (to acquire Chapman), but as (additional) details came to light, we just weren’t comfortable making the move. 

• Sports Illustrated shares a whole bunch of Sandy Koufax photographs here.  
• BTW, Scott Kamir recently upgraded his twitter profile pic, and it's in line with tradition.  Check it out on the right.
• Via ESPN: "Kazmir's numbers compare to those of baseball's best left-handed starters" (link here)
• Rick Honeycutt speaks with the MLB Network about Kazmir, here.  (link here)
• Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs throws in his two cents; "Dodgers Give Iwakuma Money to Scott Kazmir."

For the Dodgers, this isn’t a major move. That’s a weird thing to say about a $48-million free-agent contract, but Kazmir isn’t going to be one of the stars on the roster. He’s depth, a potential No. 2 starter in a rotation full of No. 2 candidates behind the No. 1. I don’t know if Kazmir is better than Brett Anderson. I don’t know if Kazmir is more dependable than Brett Anderson. I don’t know what Hyun-Jin Ryu is going to do after his shoulder surgery. The most important thing here is a bit of stability. Kazmir comes with his question marks, but his presence removes one question mark from the Dodgers’ list. Others remain, but you can’t address everything. Nor do you need to with the season months away.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers are all right with lefty Kazmir."

Via Farhan Zaidi: “He was really a fastball-breaking guy in the Tampa days,” Zaidi said. “In Oakland, he really evolved into a fastball-changeup guy. His changeup is one of the best in baseball. I think when pitchers have that type of athleticism, that ability to adapt as pitchers … those guys tend to be more successful.”

• Adrian Gonzalez wonders aloud (on twitter) about the implications to him with an all-lefty starting staff:

@BrettAnderson35 @Dodgers @ClaytonKersh22 all right-handed lineups, will I get a ground ball all year?

— Adrian Gonzalez (@AdrianTitan23) December 30, 2015

• Panini America shares a bunch of preview pics of their newest Baseball card set: 2015 Elite Extra Edition.  (Link here) It is now available in stores.  Below are autographed cards of Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Grant Holmes.

• Awesome!  Paul Lukas at UniWatch takes a look at Harlem Globetrotter uniforms throughout the years (link here).
• Via Danny Rockett at Bleed Cubbie Blue, "Buck O'Neil, Unsung Cubs Hero: An Interview With The President Of The Negro Leagues Museum."  I link to this only because of my undying respect for this Baseball legend.

Of particular interest to Cubs fans was Mr. Kendrick's description of Buck O'Neil, who was instrumental in bringing down the walls of segregated baseball, by being hired by the Cubs as the first African-American scout and coach in the Major Leagues. He is credited with bringing Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Lou Brock, among others, to the Cubs and serving as an inspiration and father figure to many of the first black players

"There's no denying Buck O'Neil's influence on Ernie Banks, on Lou Brock, on Billy Williams, all those guys that came up for the Cubs, George Altman, Gene Baker," Mr. Kendrick said. "Buck took Ernie under his wing. Buck O'Neill was like a father figure to Ernie, He taught him how to be a pro."

• Gellman at Sports Cards Uncensored shares his list of the "Best and Worst of 2015."

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Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2015 - Dodger Links - The Utley Slide

Since this is all the rage since the conclusion of Saturday's game I figured I would address it here.  As you all know, Chase Utley attempted an take-out slide on shortstop Ruben Tejada that was clearly overly aggressive and ill-advised.  No doubt, Utley's goal was to disrupt the play and in doing so injured a defenseless ballplayer - who, if I may add, contributed in putting himself in that position.  That's not to say that one act negates the other.  It's just that Tejada's attempt to make a pirouette and throw was also ill-advised.

Still, Utley's act is clearly more egregious and given the severity of the injury is worthy of rebuke.  But is it worthy of suspension?

With everything being equal, yes, Utley's slide is worthy of suspension, but I hesitate because this is a type of penalty that has not been enforced or enacted all season long.  So a suspension would lack any sense of continuity, but maybe that's the point.  Maybe this situation and the ensuing suspension is meant to push the discussion.  Clearly, the league has made moves over the past several years to protect its players from previously accepted "hard plays"; i.e. the Posey rule.  Additionally, they have been wanting to address the differences between an "illegal slide and a legitimate hard play," and impose penalties for the former.  Torre even said the following about this in his statement regarding the 2-game suspension:

“We have been in discussions with the Players Association throughout the year regarding potential rule changes to better protect middle infielders, and we intend to continue those discussions this offseason.”

The game is definitely changing from what I remember as a kid.  The days of "Baseball being something like a war" is dwindling away, and players and fans alike appear to be demanding that it become more gentlemanly.  And in the whole scheme of things, I can learn to accept that.  If there is one good thing this situation creates for Baseball it is that a more defined rule will be enacted over the winter to specifically address and define this.  As it stands, Utley is suspended 2-games, and as you would expect he has appealed Torre's decision.  Since a hearing is unlikely before the start of tonight's game he will be on the bench for the Dodgers.

On a side note, Jon SooHoo shared several photographs from Saturday's game, and one other take-out slide was featured.  As you can see below, Curtis Granderson is attempting his own slide on Howie Kendrick and inadvertently spiked him on the foot.  The old-school fan inside me sees this as more than acceptable, but I wonder if such an action, accidental or not, would fall under the definition of an illegal slide. 

Photos above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Chase Utley apologized to Ruben Tejada by sending David Wright a text."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly stands behind Utley '100 percent.'" 

During his Sunday off-day press conference at Citi Field, Mattingly said, "We're 100-percent behind" Utley.

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "There’s life in the left arm of Brett Anderson."
  

  “It’s another start. I mean, obviously it’s a little more ramifications and more people and a hostile environment … If I woke up and didn’t have anything, I’d be kind of boring,” he said. “So I need to listen to my heavy metal and kind of rage out for a little bit and get some caffeine and Red Bull in me. Once you get out there and start warming up, the playoff adrenaline kind of ramps up. But you try to treat it just like another start. But once you feel the adrenaline, feel the crowd, it’ll kind of kick in and it’ll be fun.”

• Via Michael Beschloss at the NY Times, "The Pitcher Time Forgot" - Dan Bankhead.
• An old friend alert:  Via Sports Illustrated, "Report: Kim Ng among Phillies’ top choices for general manager."
• Via Bodie Dykstra at the Daily Gammons, "Corey Seager: From Prospect to Postseason."

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Welcome to the Blue, Chase Utley!

News came about swiftly this afternoon that the Dodgers and Phillies were talking a trade that would bring veteran infielder Chase Utley to the Dodgers, per Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki.  Then Ken Rosenthal followed up with some details on twitter:

Sources: #Phillies, #Dodgers talking about Utley for two minor leaguers, with LAD assuming ~$2M of Utley’s remaining ~$6M obligation.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 19, 2015

Now we hear that said proposal has been agreed upon but not yet confirmed or official, via Jon Heyman on twitter.  And with that, I'll assume that the great chase is over.  Utley will be a Dodger, and I imagine the Long Beach native is tickled pink... er, Blue.

BTW, as this post goes live Utley is still in a Phillies uniform in Citizen's Bank Park, via a tweet from Phillies beat writter Ryan Lawrence.  He's on field for pregame practice and I would be willing to bet he'll still be in Phillies Red when the game starts in the next hour or so.  Utley has been such an immense fixture within the franchise, assuming this deal goes through, that the only respectful thing to do is to give him his final curtain call in Philadelphia.

Chase Utley is a six-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger and all-around gamer who has been a leader within the Phillies clubhouse for many years.  He brings about experience and a desire to win before the flame goes out in his illustrious career.  Although he has had a tough go of it this season in Philadelphia (batting just .217 and OPS'ing .617) he is sure to provide a needed boost to a club that has found it difficult to score runs.  With Howie Kendrick sitting on the DL he should slot in immediately as the Dodgers everyday second baseman - paired with old friend Jimmy Rollins. This move also allows Kiké Hernandez to sub for Joc Pederson in centerfield more often.

I find this trade to be strangely familiar (kinda).  When the LA Kings were going through their first foray towards a Stanley Cup Championship they too made a series of trades that involved the Philadelphia club.  In fact, many hockey fans started calling the Kings the Flyers West.  Prior to that first championship they traded for a gritty centerman in Mike Richards before the start of the season, then added a offensive juggernaut going through a poor season in Jeff Carter (by way of Columbus - he had been with the Flyers just prior) towards the end of the regular season.  Both players proved to be important cogs during the playoffs.  Hopefully, these moves by the Dodgers does the same thing.

Per Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors:

Utley, 36, has been one of the game’s very best players of the last decade. Over his 6,617 career plate appearances, he has produced at a 124 wRC+ clip. With stellar defense also a key component of his value, Utley has racked up over 60 WAR in 13 seasons.

But that outstanding production slowed somewhat last year and fell off a cliff in 2015 as Utley dealt with nagging ankle issues. He ultimately hit the DL for a stretch as his performance continued to suffer. All told, Utley carries a career-worst .617 OPS on the season.

Things have been trending up, however, since Utley returned from the DL. He’s slashed a robust .484/.485/.742 over 31 plate appearances in the month of August. That’s a small sample, of course, but it does suggest he’s healthy, and Utley obviously has an outstanding and lengthy track record of success.

Check out this great article by Bill Shaikin of the LA Times from 2008 about how he coulda/shoulda been a Dodger, here.  An excerpt is below:

The Dodgers took Utley in the second round in 1997. He said no to the Dodgers, yes to UCLA.

Terry Reynolds, then the Dodgers' scouting director, said Utley had agreed to sign, then took a trip to Mexico. When he returned, Reynolds said, Utley had changed his mind.

Utley said he could not remember the details of his decision to turn down the Dodgers.

"It came down to the opportunity to go to college during college age," he said. "They said I could always go back. I wanted a normal college experience. I figured, if baseball was meant to be, there would still be that opportunity after college."

It is still unknown who the two prospects are, but it is thought that they will be decent players.

In celebration of Utley's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph grabbed from Operation Sports and the 1972 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career stats, via Baseball-Reference:

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Phillies Series Starts Today - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening (tonight) against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Philly Cheesesteak Dog for this series against the Phillies.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog topped with shredded beef sirloin, sautéed onions and cheese whiz.  Check out a pic of it on the right.

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Monday, July 6th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Maury Wills bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Former “The Voice” contestant and current star of “Phantom of the Opera” at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Chris Mann will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is retired U.S. Air Force Major General Marvin Barry.

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Tuesday, July 7th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

World-famous dog trainer Cesar Millan will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Millan will be joined by one of his dogs named Junior.

Dodger alumnus Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps E5 Sergeant Alexander Esquer.

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Wednesday, July 8th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Hello Kitty plush doll.  See it on the left.

It is also Japan Night at Dodger Stadium.  The Nisei Week Court will be on hand and a Taiko Drum performance by LA Matsuri Taiko will take place pregame. Hello Kitty will participate in photo sessions in the right-field plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hello Kitty will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Peter O’Malley, president of the Dodgers from 1970-1998, will receive “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” decoration from Harry H. Horinouchi, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles. The pregame ceremony will mark the official presentation of the decoration, conferred by Emperor Akihito. If not already sold out go here for information.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Nihon Teriyaki Dog for Japan Night, only.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog is dipped in teriyaki sauce, served on sweet Hawaiian bread and topped with a pineapple, cilantro and diced tomato salsa.

Dodger alumnus Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E4 Richard Krykrew, U.S. Navy E4 Benjamin Robles, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Mayo Westbrooks and U.S. Marine Corps Corporal E4 Marlowe Dickerson.

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Thursday, July 9th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

Singer and songwriter Blair Perkins will perform the national anthem. Actress Judy Greer, star of “Jurassic World” and FX Networks’ “Married,” will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant E6 Bert Brescher.

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Welcome to the Blue, Jimmy Rollins!

 

How 'bout that!

A rumor thrown against the wall actually turns out to be true.  I guess a broken clock is right at least twice a day, eh?

The big news reported out of the Winter Meetings this afternoon is that the Dodgers have now supposedly secured a veteran to play shortstop.  Confirmed through various sources online, but not yet ackowledged by the respective ballclubs, is that Philadelphia infielder Jimmy Rollins will now wear Blue.

In return, the Phillies are reported to have received two minor league pitching prospects, but at this time those names have yet to surface.  Those details should be coming along soon.

Jimmy Rollins is a gamer, a winner and one of the best defensively at shortstop.  He has won four Gold Gloves, has been an All-Star three times and is a former NL MVP.  Today, at 36-years old, Rollins has started to show his age.  Still, he remains one of the best at his position and retains much of the speed that allowed him to steal 453 bases over the past 15 seasons with the Phillies.

On a side note, Rollins will rejoin former base-stealing coach Davey Lopes in Los Angeles, so we may very well see a more active Rollins on the base paths.  Also, in 2013 he ranked last in WAR, but rebounded nicely the following season with a 3.9 WAR - for 3rd best in the league.

As for how this deal fits for the Dodgers going forward, Rollins' contract provides the kind of stopgap the Dodgers have been searching for as they wait patiently for Corey Seager to be ready.  He has just one year remaining on his contract that pays him $11Mil.

Overall, I gotta say that I like this deal very much.  Rollins can provide the kind of leadership a disjointed clubhouse oftentimes needs, and he still has the skills on the field to be very useful to the club.  Best yet, we aren't tied to him for an expanded period of time.

You can follow Jimmy Rollins on twitter (@JimmyRollins11) and instagram (jrollins11).  He also has a facebook page that you can follow here.

In celebration of Rollins' arrival to the Dodgers I made the above two fantasy card for him; using both the 1971 and 1987 Topps Baseball card designs.  The card on the right is probably my favorite.  It's of a very young Rollins (provided through mlb.com).

Below are the career stats for Jimmy Rollins, via Baseball-Reference:


UPDATE:  Reports are swirling that it's Zach Eflin (from the Padres trade) and Dodger 2nd round pick from the 2013 Draft Tom Windle for Jimmy Rollins.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2014 - Dodger Links - A Tough Weekend and Kemp's Ice Bucket Challenge

This was a very painful weekend series against the Brewers yesterday afternoon. The Dodgers got swept by our Central Division nemesis; having lost five of the six games we've played them this season.  BTW, this is the first time the Dodgers have been swept this year.  As a result, the Dodger now have just a 3.5 game lead over the Giants.  We are far from settling who will win the West this season.

The afternoon started well enough.  It was Cuban Heritage Day during Viva Los Dodgers, and much of the stadium was in a celebrating mood.  Puig and Hanley Ramirez greeted fans to much excitement, and Jessica Alba showed some great form during her warmups for her ceremonial first pitch.  Unfortunately, things went awry soon afterwards.

Foreshadowing the Dodgers start, Jessica Alba missed the plate during her first pitch, and starting pitcher Dan Haren gave up an first inning two-run homer to start the game.  From there, everything went downhill.  By the time the dust settled, the Brewers lead the Dodgers 7 to 0 at the end of the fourth inning.  The Dodgers wouldn't come close to threatening the Brewers lead the entire game.  Graphic above via @SportsNetLA on twitter.

Oh well.  Thankfully, the Dodgers get a day off today.  They have played twenty straight games, and are due for a rest.  As Vin Scully mentioned yesterday afternoon, Baseball union rules dictate that a team cannot play more than twenty games in a row.  No doubt, we need a little rest.

Now, here are some more links to check out.

• ICYMI: Juan Uribe was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday.  Carlos Triunfel was called up from AAA in his place.  This injury hurts.  For all the criticism Uribe received when he first joined the Dodgers he has since become an important part of the Dodgers offense and defense.  He's a spark plug, and is easily the most underrated player on the team.
• BTW, to complete the Roberto Hernandez trade the Dodgers sent former 2012 1st round draft pick, Jesmuel Valentin, to the Phillies, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.  This completes one-half of the trade.  Another player is still slated to go to Philadelphia.  This might seem like a hefty exchange, but it really isn't.  As an infielder, Valentin appeared to be blocked at every potential position, but likely received a good depth piece in Hernandez for a pennant run.
• You should expect Pederson and Guerrero in Dodger Blue in September, via Jim Bowden on twitter. With the injuries currently hampering the Dodgers, September couldn't come fast enough.

Ned Colletti just told us that we’ll see Joc Pederson and Alex Guerrero on Sept 1st #Dodgers @Dodgers Sirius 209 XM 89
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) August 17, 2014

• Via Bill Shaikin at The LA Times, "Hanley Ramirez returning to Dodgers next season is no sure thing."

"We love Hanley," Kasten said." There is still lots of time this season for him to make a big impact in September, and hopefully in October.

"Both sides have agreed we'll sit down and talk at the end of the season and decide. We both decided that makes the most sense. As difficult a season as he's had physically, there is still lots of time for him to have an enormous impact for us."

Do not be shocked if the Dodgers part way with Hanley this winter.  Considering his injury history, the potential cost and the current minor league depth the club has in the infield, we just might choose to go another direction.  Of course, if Hanley takes a discount then the aforementioned issues might be worth it.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider recaps Carne Asada Sunday with Andre Either.
• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Only female pitcher in Negro Leagues history attended Mo’ne Davis' historic LLWS shutout."
• Matt Kemp accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Watch it below.  BTW, you can watch Don Mattingly and Ned Colletti take the challenge here, via SportsNetLA.

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The Next Homestand Against Phillies - Scheduled Autograph Signings!

The next homestand starts tomorrow with the Phillies, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

BTW, the Extreme Loaded Dog concession stands will be making the Philly Dog, a Super Dodger Dog combined with Philly cheese steak meat, caramelized onions and melted cheese.  Mmmm...  Check out a pic on the right.

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Monday April 21

LHP Cliff Lee vs. LHP Paul Maholm

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  2014 Sochi Olympics luger and La Cañada native Kate Hansen will throw the ceremonial first pitch and officially start the game with “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!”  Meredith, Chris and Cam Jobe, sons of the late pioneering medical surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe, will throw an honorary first pitch. The national anthem will be performed by David Larsen, who portrays Elder Price in the TONY Award winning musical “The Book of Mormon.”  Also, 34 actors from “The Book of Mormon” will lead the crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch.

Former Dodgers Matt Luke (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Mickey Hatcher (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:10 PM. 

From a press release:

The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Specialist Cheyne Gomez of Hacienda Heights. Gomez enlisted in 2008 to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and is assigned to the 1908th Medical Detachment and was deployed to Iraq in 2009. Gomez’s accolades include the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. 

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Tuesday, April 22

RHP A.J. Burnett vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans through the gates will receive a Dodger blanket.  See a pic on the left.  The national anthem will be performed by Los Angeles native Elliot Yamin of “American Idol” fame.

Former Dodgers Tim Leary (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Lee Lacy (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:10 PM.

From a press release:

The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Specialist Candy Gamboa of Los Angeles. Gamboa enlisted in 2011 inspired by September 11 and serves with the HHC 508th Military Police Battalion. Gamboa is currently on a mid-deployment break from her assignment in Afghanistan. Her accolades include two Army Achievement Medals. 

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Wednesday, April 23

LHP Cole Hamels vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. USC alumnus and Laker Nick Young and UCLA alumnus and Laker Jordan Farmar will throw the ceremonial first pitch and officially start the game with “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!” Country recording artist Eric Paslay will perform the national anthem.

Former Dodgers Kenny Landreaux (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Ken McMullen (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:10 PM. 

From a press release:

The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Francisco Demara, Jr. of Victorville. Demara enlisted in 2010 and is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. Demara has served two combat tours to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, proudly displaying a Dodger banner on both deployments. His accolades include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the NATO Defense Medal.  

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Thursday, April 24

RHP Kyle Kendrick vs. RHP Dan Haren

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  This is Clayton Kershaw Bobblehead Night.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance will receive one.  Check out what it looks like on the right.  Max Greenfield, star of “New Girl,” will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box.

Former Dodgers Billy Ashley (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:10 PM. 

From a press release:

The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Marine Corps Captain Vic Sanceda of La Puente. Sanceda enlisted in 2005 and is responsible for source staffing requirements for units deploying overseas and is the Officer In Charge of personnel affairs for Division field exercises. His accolades include a Combat Action Ribbon and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/23/2013 - Dodgers Links - Chris Perez, Beckett and the Dodgers New Minor League Coaching Staffs

Happy Birthday, Hanley Ramirez!  In the above pic Hanley this caught by a surprise Birthday party thrown by his family.  Pic via Hanley's twitter.

• Apparently, we are about to sign another reliever- Chris Perez.  Via MLB Trade Rumors.
• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue writes, "Zach Lee should be the Dodgers' No. 5 starter in 2014 if no Tanaka, Price".
• Mark Saxon at ESPN writes, "Checking in on the Dodgers' check list".
• Daniel Brim at Blog to the Score writes, "Josh Beckett and 2014 Expectations".  Daniel takes a look at Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and how it has affected other pitchers, post surgery.
• Via Evan Bladh at Think Blue LA, "Saying “Goodbye” To That Dump on the Bay".

Candlestick Park will receive a pounding from the wrecking ball after the 49ers play a final game there on Monday night, December 23rd. It marks the end of an era. And though baseball hasn’t been played in the place since 1999, I can’t help but remember that big old garbage dump of a ballpark that left such an indelible mark on us Dodger fans. 

• Sports Illustrated shares their list of the top 113 moments of 2013, and the Dodgers fill two of the spots.  They feature the Dodgers pool party as #44, and Puigmania as #26.
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA writes about George “Shotgun” Shuba.
• Dodger Penguin shares his recent experience from the Dodgers Mall Tour with a Sweet Lou Johnson autographed baseball.
• Yeah... You should go here and watch the video.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Phillie Phanatic stars in MLB spoof of viral video ‘What Does the Fox Say?’"
• The Dodgers recently announced the coaching staff for their minor league system, and it includes brand new managers throughout.  Here is the Dodgers press release, and below a listing of the complete staffs.

Triple-A Albuquerque:
Manager: Damon Berryhill
Pitching Coach: Glenn Dishman
Hitting Coach: Franklin Stubbs

Double-A Chattanooga:
Manager: Razor Shines
Pitching Coach: Scott Radinsky
Hitting Coach: Shawn Wooten

Single-A Rancho Cucamonga:
Manager: P.J. Forbes
Pitching Coach: Matt Herges
Hitting Coach: Mike Eylward

Single-A Great Lakes:
Manager: Bill Haselman
Pitching Coach: Bill Simas
Hitting Coach: Johnny Washington

Rookie-advanced Ogden:
Manager: Lee Tinsley
Pitching Coach: Greg Sabat
Hitting Coach: Leo Garcia

Rookie-level AZL Dodgers:
Manager: John Shoemaker
Pitching Coach: Hector Berrios
Hitting Coach: Henry Cruz

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