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

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

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

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

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway

Check out who came by.

Former Dodgers starter Ismael "Rocket" Valdez was at Dodger Stadium to visit with old friends.  In the photo above (tweeted by Ismael) he is sandwiched by Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yniguez in the pressbox.

 Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home for the first time in his career.  It was in a game against the Pirates and left-hander Fritz Ostermueller was the pitcher.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA; "Dodgers sign Randy Choate to minor league contract."
• Yesterday Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill that would name a portion of the I-210 freeway between State Route 2 and Orange Grove Boulevard the "Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway.”  It is along a commonly used route to Dodger Stadium for fans coming from the Eastern Los Angeles County.  Per a press release:

Victorino Heats Up and Powers Dodgers Past Pirates

Victorino is starting to look pretty good at the top of the order.  Yesterday evening, he went 2 for 4, and blasted his first homer as a Dodger.  His home run was a deep line drive that easily climbed over the tall right field fence.  Click this link to see a video of his homer.  In all, Victorino drove in 3 runs and scored two himself. 

The pitching was also solid.  Aaron Harang went 6 innings and gave up 5 hits and 2 earned runs.  The bullpen held their own, but had several scares as Belisario coughed up 2 runs in his 1 inning of work.  Of special note was an exception defensive play by Randy Choate.  See the video below.

Video Link:

Javy Guerra got in trouble in the 7th inning, so Randy Choate came in to get the final out.  As you can see above, he gave up a hard liner towards his face that could have easily scored a run.  Fortunately, he was able to make a stab at it.

Overall, it was a nice 5 to 4 victory that keeps the Dodgers in the hunt for first place in the Western Division.

Photo Credit Above: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012:

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Welcome to the Blue, Hanley!!!

WooHoo!  I love this trade.

Sure, I liked Nathan Eovaldi and saw him as a potential bottom of the rotation starter in the future, but to get a bat like Hanley Ramirez makes losing him worth it.  Although Hanley has had a poor 2012 season, I think he is bound to come back to his mashing ways. (fingers crossed)

Welcome to the Blue, Hanley! 

Below are his lifetime stats, via Baseball Reference:


From the Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired three-time All-Star infielder Hanley Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga right-hander Scott McGough. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

"The addition of a hitter the caliber of Hanley Ramirez improves our lineup from top to bottom, inserting a proven run producer to go along with Matt and Andre," said Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. "We're excited for Hanley to begin a new chapter in Los Angeles."

Now, let's not forget the about other player coming over to the Dodgers.  Randy Choate is a veteran left handed reliever who should provide from needed help in the bullpen. 

Choate has a 2.49 ERA in 44 relief appearances with the Marlins in his 12th Major League season. The 36-year-old has limited opposing hitters to a .178 batting average this season, including a .150 mark by left-handed hitters. Choate has allowed just three extra-base hits while striking out 27 in 25.1 innings this season.

"Randy Choate is a veteran pitcher that provides depth to our bullpen and gives Don Mattingly another left-handed relief option," said Colletti.

Here are his career stats, via Baseball Reference: