Blog Kiosk: 10/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out Sandy's new ride, via an eBay auction.

Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Sandy Koufax takes possession 10/18/65 of Sport Magazine's Corvette award for his World Series heroics. Koufax won the award in 1963, too. He's the only player to win twice.

This season, like in 1963, Koufax was named the World Series MVP. He started three games, won two of them (both complete game shutouts), struck out 29 batters and allowed only two runners to score (one earned) the entire series.

On another note, please ignore the rumors that claim to link this free agent or that free agent to the Dodgers. It's a load of BS. We hear this kind of crap all year long, and I assure you that it's nothing more than an agent marketing their client or a reporter trying to stir the pot. There's no truth to any of it, and blogs that report it are doing a disservice to Dodger fans. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the Brooklyn Dodgers elect to not renew the contract of Dodger President Branch Rickey. He would soon join the Pirates the following season. In 1985 Jack Clark of the Cardinals created one of my worst memories as a Dodger fan. He belted a come-from-behind two-out, three-run home run in the ninth inning off of Dodger reliever Tom Niedenfuer to take the National League pennant. Watch it here if you must. 
• Happy Birthday, Nick Cullop & Boom-Boom Beck!

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rookie coffee run continues for the Dodgers -- even during spring training.  This morning it appears that several of the young kids were tasked with getting coffee for the team, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by Kyle Farmer.  From L-R: Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Kyle Farmer?, Jharel Cotton, Caleb Dirks and Jacob Rhame.

Below are more links to check out:

• It's always a pleasure to work with Daniel at C70 At the Bat, so when he asked me to participate in his "Playing Pepper" question and answer session I was happy to oblige.  This series explores my, and several other Dodger bloggers', thoughts on the upcoming Dodger season.  Check out what I wrote, along with Alex Campos at Dodgers Way and Scott Andes at the LA Dodger Report, here.
• Via Richard Kagan at Baseball Magazine, "Brooklyn Dodgers’ World Series Comet: Al Gionfriddo."
• Via Barry M. Bloom at MLB.com, "Injured Guerrero progressing, nearing return."

"He's taking batting practice, taking grounders, but as far as our comfort level of him playing in a Major League game, we're not there yet," Roberts said.

• Via Fox Sports, "MLB Commish Manfred talks Snapchat, Dodgers and PEDs in wide-ranging interview."

Despite the league's wider access in many markets, Manfred did express his concern regarding the Dodgers ongoing TV troubles in which a large percentage of Dodgers' fans have been unable to watch their team in the local market due to limited access to the team's new cable channel. Calling the team one of the league's historic franchises, the commissioner said the league had no problem getting involved in discussions between the team and cable providers but was quick to point out they were limited in their influence.

In other words, there is no change in the situation, and ultimately there really isn't much the league can do.

• Former Dodger Randy Wolf to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders aloud, "Is Scott Schebler the next Paul Konerko, etc?"
• The ever popular Kiké Hernandez now has his very own store.  Go here to check it out.

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My First 2010 Topps Cards

I've been so preoccupied with watching and enjoying the competition of Olympic hockey lately I've found myself neglecting this blog. Fortunately, the tournament ends this weekend, so I'll be able to focus my attention over here, come Monday. In the meantime, I did a little bit of shopping at my local Target recently, and found myself staring at the aisle filled with new 2010 Baseball card product. So, I grabbed a couple of rack packs of 2010 Topps. See what I found below.

First, I am going to start with a non-Dodger, Omar Vizquel. Not because he's a great player- he is. Not because he's a future Hall of Famer- he is. I am starting with his card because it uses such a great photo. Omar is doing what he does best- leaping into the sky to complete a double play. This card, of all the ones I picked up, makes me yearn more deeply for Baseball to begin anew.
A Jackie card! Below is a Tales of the Game insert card of Jackie Robinson stealing home during the 1955 World Series. This is a play Yogi Berra still claims was called wrong. Of course, we all know that Jackie was safe- even some retired umpires I saw on the MLB network recently said so!
Here is the back of the card with a helpful explanation of the event.The first Dodger I pulled in my rack pack was Andre Ethier. I thought the photo above was a little bland, but the back of the card is great. It brings back some great memories about Andre's clutch hitting last season.
Here are some more Dodgers I pulled, including the Dodger franchise card of a colorized Ebbets Field facade. Below is the back of that card.
Here are some Peak Performance insert cards of a couple of Hall of Famers. Walter Johnson was a local boy who once pitched for Fullerton High School in his youth.
This Nolan Ryan insert below brings back some memories. It is a "The Cards Your Mom Threw Out" subset, and I can honestly say that my Mom did throw out this card. How funny is that?
I was also fortunate enough to pull one of those Topps Million Card Give-Away inserts to unlock the below card online. Unfortunately, it's a damn Yankee. Anyone want to trade for a Dodger?

The Celebration

Beto Duran of ESPN was on hand at the game and shared some pics on Twitter from the celebration in the clubhouse. First, though, take a look at the championship shirt.

(pic link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

(pic Link: Duran LA TweetPhoto)

(Pic Link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

(pic link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

(Pic Link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

(Pic Link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

(Pic Link: DuranLA TweetPhoto)

Wolf, Garland or Looper?

ESPN tells us that the Dodgers are chasing three starting pitchers with the desire to sign one of them. They are former Dodger Randy Wolf, former White Sox and Angel Jon Garland and converted reliever Braden Looper.

The rumors that the Dodgers and Randy Wolf were getting close to a deal appear to be wrong.

Last weekend, it appeared that conversations had heated up between Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti and Wolf's agent, Arn Tellem. But indications Friday were that the two sides hadn't spoken in several days.

I don't really see much of a difference between the three pitchers. So, I would be fine with any of them as our end of the rotation guy. Although, I always thought Jon Garland had some good stuff with the White Sox. He may be the best bet since he isn't too far removed from his 18 win seasons in 2005 and 2006.

Wolf Redux?

Pic Link: eBay:

Is Randy Wolf in our sights?

"The Dodgers have not made an offer," Wolf said in an e-mail. "If the Dodgers want to come forward, I would be open to the possibility."

Looks like Randy is doing some campaigning.

Considering he was an "innings eater" last season he just might do.

Wolf, 32, went 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 190 1/3 innings for the Padres and Astros after the Dodgers declined his $9 million option for 2008 when shoulder surgery derailed his previous season.

He may be the perfect bridge until something more exciting develops.

LA Dodger Talk thinks about the numbers.

Wolf could probably be signed for a one -year deal with an option year, probably for $6 to $8 million per year. That makes more sense to me than signing a pitcher long term.

Yup, I agree. At those prices he might just be a perfect fit for now.

Truckin'

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me;
Other times, I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me ...
What a long, strange trip it's been.

What an exasperating year this has been. From injuries to triumphs, the ups and downs, the Dodgers seemed doomed from the start, but hopeful that everything would turn out o.k.

Everything did start well enough. Free agency brought us Jason Schmidt, Randy Wolf and Luis Gonzales. Nomar re-signed for another term. JD Drew left for Boston to the claps and cheers of the Dodger faithful. Our rookies where looking better than anyone imagined.

Then, a dark cloud popped out from behind the shadows. Repko and Furcal were injured on the same freak play that resulted in Jason sitting the entire year and Rafael hobbling and limping at shortstop. Worries about Schmidt's velocity during the Spring ballooned into a season ending injury. Loney was sent back to the minors at the start of the season that caused some grumbling. Pierre had a difficult start to the season in centerfield. It took him a long time to traverse the expansive terrain of Chavez Ravine. Sometimes it looked like he could not see the ball off the bat at Dodger Stadium. Nomar was not entirely healthy. Betemit couldn't buy a hit. The year was not starting out on the right foot.

Somehow... Somehow, the Dodgers found a way to be competitive anyway. Billingsley showed that he is ready to be a full-time starter. Penny and Lowe proved to be a solid pitching tandem. Saito was not a one year wonder, and Broxton matured into a more reliable set-up man (the past couple of weeks notwithstanding). Kent continues to prove why he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Our rookies on the field continued to progress beyond our wildest expectations. James Loney, the disgruntled Texan, earned a full-time starting job at firstbase. Along with Russell, Ethier and Kemp they provide a solid foundation for the future.

Unfortunately, the future might have to wait for next year.

We started the day having lost a crushing doubleheader to the Rockies yesterday. Billingsley pitched an outstanding 5+ innings, having given up just two runs on 4 hits. Nevertheless, the Dodgers offense provided little help as the Blue Crew fell 3 to 1. Then the nightcap became a hitting bonanza. The Dodgers got 13 hits and scored 8 runs; including homers by Gonzales, Loney and Martin. They led going into the later innings, but saw their once solid bullpen give up 4 runs. The final nail the coffin was a walk-off two-run homer by Helton of Saito. It was a bad ending to a hopeful day.

Yesterday morning had so many opportunities. The Dodgers were 4 games back of the Diamondbacks in the division race, and only 3 games back of the Padres in the wild card race. Our playoff hopes were looking dim, but there was more than enough time to make it all up. Now, everything seems different. That glimmer of light is slowly burning out. The Dodgers are now 5.5 games behind Arizona and 4.5 games behind San Diego. There are 11 games left to go.

Is there still a chance of a late season revival? Of course there is! Baseball is a funny game where just about anything can happen. Is it likely or plausible that we will find the "Boys in Blue" playing in October? No, at this point we are probably done.

Truckin', I'm a goin' home.
whoa whoa baby, back where I belong,
Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin' on.
Hey now get back truckin' home.

Pic Link: Agony & Ivy:
Lyrics above are from the Grateful Dead song Truckin', written by Robert Hunter.

The Word on Wolf from Will Carroll

The guru of Baseball injuries provides his thoughts on the recovering Randy Wolf.

Luckily, that shoulder responded well to a cortisone injection. Wolf reports that the spike removed most of the pain—most, not all, which is a key takeaway. Wolf should be back for his next start, and he may well look good, but over the longer term, the quick fix and incomplete cure has to worry the Dodgers. Don't be surprised if he needs another cortisone shot before the season ends.

Story Link: Under the Knife:

A Video of the Pierre/ Wolf Press Conference

Below is a video by LAobserved Jacob Soboroff at the press conference introducing Randy Wolf and Juan Pierre.

Randy talks about coming home and Juan picks the Clippers. In other news, Juan Pierre looks forward to LA traffic. My advice- leave for your destination as early as possible.



YouTube Link: JacobSoboroff:

Busy Week

Wow. Just when I thought I should take a breather during the holiday week the Dodgers get busy and get down to business.

Juan Pierre- Welcome to the Blue. Randy Wolf- Welcome home!

I don't really have anything negative to say about Juan Pierre. Considering how tight the free agent market is and the lack of high-powered outfielders available I am quite happy with his addition to the team. I think this creates a formidable 1,2 punch at the top of the order. I hope that Furcal continues as the lead-off man with Pierre and his high contact/ball in play abilities batting second.

Randy Wolf is local player who has decided to take less to play in front of his home crowd. His one year contract will probably be considered the best bargain this winter.

I'm starting to love Colletti's approach. Sign players who want to play in Los Angeles.

We now have the following players on the team who have professed their childhood love of the Dodgers:

Jeff Kent
Nomar Garciaparra
Randy Wolf

Is Mike Lieberthal next?