Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends - It's Clinch Day!

I missed another Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card. It was issued over the weekend to celebrate AJ Pollock's three-homer game on Friday night against the Giants. It has a print run of 181 cards. Below is what's written on the reverse:

AJ Pollock impressively hit three solo homeruns against the Giants, one of which traveled at least 420 feet. This was the second three homerun game by a Dodger's player this season but unfortunately this feat was not enough to pull through a win, the Giants won 5-4.

BTW, the Dodgers Magic Number now sits at one! Today could be the day they win the National League West Division. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1992 a report came out about a "security check" that revealed serious issues with two members of a buying group interested in purchasing the Giants and moving them to Florida. One of the investors mentioned was Vince Piazza -- father of recently called-up catcher Mike Piazza of the Dodgers. The deal falls apart, and MLB settles with the group for $6MM (which includes a letter of apology to Vince Piazza). In 1996 outfielder Brett Butler breaks his hand on a bunt attempt when he is hit by a pitch. The 39-year-old Butler, who battled back from cancer surgery, is out for the year after playing five games. In 2016 Rich Hill threw seven perfect innings against the Marlins, but is pulled by Dave Roberts because of concern over a previous blister problem (boxscore). He had thrown 89 pitches at this point. The Dodgers won, 5-0, but the relief staff ended up yielding two hits to negate the perfect game and possible no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, High Pockets Kelly, Terry Wells, Danys Baez, Chad Hermansen & Nick Green!

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This must've been a very sad day in Flatbush.

Featured above is an April 18, 1958, AP wirephoto of a lone ballplayer walking the field with his head held down at Ebbets Field. As you know, this date corresponds to the opening week of play for Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, the Brooklyn ballclub moved that winter to warmer digs. They are now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. The headline used in the papers (as indicated on the reverse of photo) says, "Opening Day in Flatbush -- And Nothing But Silence." Written on the side is the following:

Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers for decades, is spic and span as usual this Spring. But the stands remain empty and desolate and the field bare of players during these opening days of the 1958 season, The Dodgers, new based across the continent in Los Angeles, open their home season today in the huge Los Angeles Coliseum.

Photo above grabbed from an eBay auction (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign their newest coach, Babe Ruth, to a contract. He hopes that he'll be installed as manager of the club the following season. As you know, that would not occur. Instead, it becomes clear that he is signed for publicity reasons -- he takes batting practice before the start of each game to guarantee high attendance. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I want to send out a hearty congratulations to the Dodgers Rookie-Level minor club, the Odgen Raptors, for their first ever Pioneer League Championship victory yesterday. Per William Boor at MLB.com; "Uceta helps lift Ogden to first Pioneer League title."

Mitchell Hanson, who had been just 2-for-10 in the postseason, put the Raptors on the board early with a two-run double in the top of the first. Hanson's hit got the offense rolling and the Raptors broke the game open with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings via RBI hits from Brayan Morales, Connor Heady, Luis Paz and Romer Cuadrado. With the offense rolling, it was up to Edwin Uceta and the rest of the Raptors' pitchers to keep the Voyagers' offense in check and that's exactly what happened.

Per Michael Leboff & Andrew Battifarano at MiLB.com:

"We said very little in between games, the players dominated the dialogue," Raptors manager Mark Kertenian said. "They just got ready to get back to work and that's very characteristic of this group."

...
"They were fired up," Kertenian said. "They're happy for each other and they're enjoying each other. These guys understand that they are part of a good baseball team. They cared for each other and challenged each other, everybody feels very involved right now and they're expressing that."

Photo above of the team travelling home after winning via the Raptors on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit with four consecutive home runs by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer to come from behind again to win, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

After a lengthy rain delay the Dodgers continued on their streak of loses -- losing to the Giants late last night, 8-6. Ugh! Per Ken Gurnick and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"I wouldn't say it's demoralizing, but it's disappointing," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "Our guys played hard, I thought we were going to win that game and we were in position to, but we couldn't hold the lead."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1930 Dodger catcher Al Lopez hit the last Major League bounced home run. It was off Ray Kolp at Ebbets Field. Prior to the rule change any hit ball that bounced over the outfield walls was ruled a homer. Now, it'll be a ground-rule double. In 1963 the NY Mets hold a pregame ceremony in honor of Brooklyn favorite Duke Snider - "I look up into the stands, and it looks like Ebbets Field. The Mets are wonderful, but you can’t take the Dodger out of Brooklyn". In 2000 Dave Hanson broke former Dodger Johnny Frederick's record for pinch-hit home runs during a season with his seventh pinch-homer of the year against Curt Schilling of the Diamondbacks.  BTW, Johnny Frederick set his record of six pinch-homers on this exact same date in 1932.
• Happy Birthday, John Gochnaur, Masao Kida & Franquelis Osoria!

Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tommy is looking well.

Last night Tommy Lasorda returned to Dodger Stadium after having surgery on May 25th to replace his pacemaker, and as you can see he looks like the picture of health. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

“He looked good tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said. “To see him out here watching a baseball game is good for all of us.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Brooklyn Dodgers received infielder Eddie Stanky from the Cubs for Bob Chipman. In 1957 the first fog out in major league history occurs during a game at Ebebts Field against the Cubs. After an 86-minute delay the game is halted during the second inning. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent slugger Raul Mondesi out of the Dominican Republic. In 1990 the Dodgers recorded their 8,000th franchise victory as they defeat the Braves, 7-5. In 1994 Mike Piazza hit the longest home run ever recorded at Joe Robbie Stadium in Florida. It was off Mark Gardner and is estimated to have traveled 477 feet. In 2006 the number six plays a huge part in the day. The Dodgers, on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the century score six runs in the sixth inning during the sixth game of the current homestand.
• Happy Birthday, Fresco Thompson, Jeff Williams & Mark Ellis!
  

My Picks for the 10 Best Dodgers' Cards of 2016

With the new year upon us it is now time to share my picks for the ten best Dodgers' cards of 2016.  As you know, this is the fifth consecutive year I've put this together.  Check out my past list in the below links:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015

For this list I've tried stayed away from the glitzy and super-rare relic and autographed cards, and stuck to the more common and easily achievable base and insert cards found in packs.  There are some exceptions, of course, including some online exclusive cards.  Furthermore, at the very bottom I included some "Honorable Mentions" that barely missed the cut.

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

#10

I begin this list by making note of an minor league insert card found in packs of Topps 2016 Pro Debut Baseball.  It is from the "Promo Night Uniform" insert set and it celebrates Hawaiian Shirt Night held by the Ogden Raptors -- a Dodgers Rookie League Affiliate.  As a man who has more of these shirts than I care to count I couldn't help but be drawn to this card. 

2016 Topps Pro Debut

Promo Night Uniform Insert

#PNU-8 Hawaiian Shirt-Ogden Raptors

#9

There's nothing like a Baseball celebration -- except for a card that highlights a Baseball celebration.  Card #9 on my list features Joc Pederson and Adrian Gonzalez with arms entangled on a Topps 2016 Heritage High Numbers "Combo Card" insert card.

2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers

Combo Cards Insert

#CC-6 Adrian Gonzalez & Joc Pederson 
"Dodgers Duo"

Blog Kiosk: 9/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, No Scully for Playoffs and the Loons Advance

The Loons carried the day. 

As you may know, the Dodgers Single-A club Great Lakes Loons were in the midst of a playoff series against the West Michigan White Caps.  The series was tied at one game apiece going into last nights deciding game.  Everything was looking bleak to start for the Loons as they were no-hit through the first six innings.  Then the bats started to come alive.  Per Matt DeVries at MiLB.com; "On to the Midwest League Championship."

The fireworks of the night would come courtesy of second baseman Omar Estevez. With Whitecaps reliever Drew Smith (BS 1, L 2-1) on the mound and (Brendon) Davis already on base after his second single of the game, Estevez smacked a ball over the wall in left field for a two-run home run to give the Loons their first lead of the game.

Insurance runs were on the way in the top of the 9th inning when Gage Green scored on Davis' third hit of the game and Saige Jenco scurried home on a wild pitch by Mark Ecker to push the lead to 5-2 for Great Lakes.

They now earn the right to face the Clinton LumberKings for the Midwest League Championship on Wednesday.  Photo above of the team celebration via DJ Peters on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1945, during an overnight trip between St. Louis and Chicago, the Brooklyn Dodgers train rammed into an gasoline truck, sending flames everywhere.  The train engineer and a firefighter were killed.  The Dodgers survived without serious injury because the momentum of their section carried it through the burning remains.  I had previously written about this incident here.  In 1993 Mike Piazza hit home runs no. 29 and 30 to break the Major League record for homers by a rookie catcher.  In 2002 24-year old Chin-Feng Chen becomes the first Taiwan-born ballplayer to make an appearance in the Major League game.  The first baseman walked as a Dodger pinch-hitter and eventually scored a run.  
• Happy Birthday, Jerry Doggett!  Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider pens a great piece celebrating his 100th birthday today (link here).
  

2016 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Following up on pics of all the Dodgers base cards found in packs of Topps 2016 Pro Debut set, here is a look at the insert cards.  Unfortunately, there are no Dodgers autograph cards available in this set.

Pennant Patches

#PP-GH Grant Holmes                 #PP-JDL Jose De Leon

Blog Kiosk: 6/19/2015 - Dodger Links - A Walk Off Balk

Embraces all around for a tough close game that ended in a surprising way.

Last night the Dodgers won on a walk-off balk.... That's right, they won 'cause a rookie pitcher just a couple months past his 22nd birthday did a little fidget while standing set to deliver his pitch.  What caused it can be attributed to third base runner Kike Hernandez; who did a fake steal for home.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Hernandez, game enough to wear a banana suit if it'll trigger a rally, jumped at the chance for a mock steal of home and Kela flinched.

"He fell for it," said Hernandez. "I used to do them all the time in high school."

And we have third base coach Lorenzo Bundy to thank for coming up with the idea to execute it.

"That's the way we roll in the Minor Leagues sometimes," said Bundy. "I felt after the young pitcher got into trouble [walks to Yasmani Grandal and Andre Ethier], then he gets the double play [on Alberto Callaspo after he failed to bunt] and, in a tight situation, a lot of times they get the two outs and kind of relax. I figured with two strikes on Jimmy, I'd just take a shot."

Wow!  This might be the oddest way to win a game.  Go here to watch a replay of it.  BTW, the last time the Dodgers won in this fashion was in 2010.  Scott Andes at Lasorda's Lair tells us all about it here.  And of course, the ever affable Kike Hernandez shared something funny on twitter:

That. Was. Bananas!!!! 🍌🍌🍌🍌 #DOYERSSSS

— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) June 19, 2015

The above photo via the Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Ogden roster includes 12 new Dodgers draft picks, 3 converted pitchers."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Dodgers meet to discuss hitting woes."

“When we were going good, we were having quality at-bats up and down the lineup. We need to continue to make the guy fight for every out,” Mattingly said. “It’s not that complicated, really, just the mentality of team baseball, getting a good pitch, making him fight for his out, don’t give him any easy ones. If he beats you, then he beats you. We’ve just got to get back to who we are and we feel like we’re a team that is going to have quality at-bats.”

• Via Ron Clements at the Sporting News, "Vin Scully calls Joc Pederson best fielding CF Dodgers have ever had."
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "StewPod #5: Joc Pederson talks 'Call of Duty' and MLB's talented rookie class."
• I just came across this interview, so I thought I would pass it along.  Here is a 2007 interview, via NPR, with Frank Robinson as he speaks about the legacy of Jackie Robinson.  He also tells us about his first meeting with Jackie.  Check it out here.
• In the strange but true bin.  Sports card hobby veteran Bob Lemke writes about a, "Player's "prank" would be child abuse today."

A player's "prank" 50 years ago rated a visit by the sheriff, but today would likely have resulted in child abuse charges, a suspension and a multi-million dollar lawsuit....

In the complaint, Mrs. Doreen Buechler charged that when Seattle had been in town on May 11, a player wearing uniform #40 had given her 13-year-old son a chaw of tobacco that made him ill. Jernigan, the Rainers' manager confirmed, had worn number 40 at that time.

The complaint alleged that young Buechler had asked the player for a baseball. Jernigan told the kid he'd give him a ball if take a chew of tobacco and hold it in his mouth for 10 minutes. The boy was later found lying in the middle of a lavatory floor at the park "violently ill."

I'm a terrible man for laughing, aren't I?

I must admit, though, that the same thing happened to me... kind of... I tried chewing tobacco once in my life, and made the mistake of swallowing some of it... Yeah... I didn't feel very well after that.

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2015 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a glimpse at all of the Dodger prospect insert cards found within packs of 2015 Topps Pro Debut.  Unfortunately, there are no autograph cards available... But there is a cool looking mascot patch card of Oggie the Raptor.  So, there's that.  Go here to see my past post on this set.

Distinguished Debuts

#DD-16 Grant Holmes                      #DD-24 Alex Verdugo

Blog Kiosk: 9/2/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Debut and an Interview with Urias

Roberto Hernandez took the mound for the Dodgers yesterday, but labored as he surrendered four home runs on five hits.  The ball was jumping and carrying off the National bats like they were hitting beach balls in the stands at Dodger Stadium.  Just about any ball hit in the air looked dangerous, and unfortunately for the Dodgers they hit less of them then their counterparts.

The Dodgers offense was anemic once again.  After Kemp's two-run home run in the first inning they didn't record another hit until Kemp singled in the seventh inning.  They did attempt a rally thereafter, but it just wasn't enough.

Of note, the two Dodger newbies came into the game with differing results.  Yimi Garcia pitched two innings in relief, and gave up just a single and struck out one.  He was fantastic.  The photo above is of Yimi, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out a bunch of pics from yesterday.  Joc Pederson had an exciting pinch-hit at-bat in the ninth inning.  There were two runners on base with the Dodgers down two, so he had an opportunity to be a difference maker.  Unfortunately, after working the count full, he struck out looking on an off-speed hanging slider out-and-away.  On this holiday afternoon, mighty Casey struck out.

The Dodgers lost 6 to 4, and maintain 2.0 game lead over the Giants.  Oy Vey!  I feel like I'm having a heart attack.  Now, below are some links to check out.

• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Top prospect Pederson among LA's September callups."

"I'm excited," Pederson said. "It's a dream come true. But it's now time to help the team win."

After last nights game he shared his thoughts about his game ending at-bat.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, " Joc Pederson on his first AB: 'It was pretty special.'"

"That's a thing as a little kid you're chasing in a game, and it came in my first at-bat, so I thought it was pretty special," Pederson said. "Unfortunately it didn't go the way I want."

• I'm super envious.  The Albuquerque Isotopes gave away this cool hat (as seen on the right) to fans during yesterday's last game of the season, pic via Isotopes on twitter.  The Dodgers need to give something like this away.
• Peter Gammons notes that if Hanley doesn't sign with the Dodgers then he'll likely be best suited for the American League.  He can be an occasional DH.  It's also less likely that Matt Kemp gets traded if Hanley leaves the Dodgers.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers extend affiliation with Ogden through 2016."
• Via David Brim at Dodgers Digest, "Investigating The Hyun-Jin Ryu Rest Effect."

One thing that is said often about Ryu, especially during broadcasts, is that he pitches better with long rest than he does with four days of rest. It makes intuitive sense, since the pitching schedule in Korea involves longer gaps between starts. His W-L record is usually the first thing cited, which we know is irrelevant. But looking beyond that, Ryu has a 3.52 ERA while pitching with four days of rest and 2.71 ERA while pitching with five or more days of rest through his young career. There’s some truth to this. Pitching well on regular rest is especially important since Ryu will need to do so during the playoffs.

• Check out this great interview with Julio Urias by Brian Tabije of http://www.ieprosports.com/ about his season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and what helped him to accelerate his strikeout count.  This is from just a few days ago.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/1/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu Returns as Sharp as Ever

Hyun-Jin Ryu made a glorious return from the DL yesterday afternoon.  He went seven strong innings, struck out seven, gave up only four hits and walked none.  At one point he retired 14 straight Padres.  His short stint on the DL may turn out to be fortuitous.  He will likely be depended upon by the Dodger should they go deep into the playoffs, so a well rested Ryu will be important.  The photo above features Ryu preparing for the game with catcher AJ Ellis and translator Martin Kim, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon.

The Dodgers offense finally woke up against the Padres.  They mashed out twelve hits and scored seven runs.  Both Adrian Gonzalez and Matt Kemp continued their hot-hitting ways.  AGon had four hits and Kemp knocked out two; including the eventual winning run in the fifth inning.  Juan Uribe, who also just returned from the DL, was sharp at the plate, as well. He recorded two hits and drove in two runs.

Of note, Matt Kemp made a fantastic slide at home plate to score a run in the eight inning.  On a wild pitch Kemp raced for home and avoided a tag by the pitcher to score.  As Vin would say, "he looked dead to rights."  But with a little bit of quick thinking and fast reflexes, Kemp found a way to touch the plate before getting tagged.  Watch it below.

Video Link:

The Dodgers maintain a 2.5 game lead over the Giants as they enter Labor Day.  Things are starting to get serious.  Now, check out some more links below.

• ICYMI:  Go here to check out homestand information for tonights game against the Nationals.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Haren likely to have next start pushed back."

Dan Haren is still listed as the Dodgers' probable starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals, but there are indications it will instead be rookie right-hander Carlos Frias.

He's likely to start on Friday. Bill Plunket at the LA Register notes that the Dodgers will be going to a six man rotation.  This not only helps keep our big three arms fresh, but also allows us to audition a potential #4 pitcher should one be needed for a playoff run.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Onelki Garcia begins rehab assignment, back on Dodgers' radar."

"I've heard his name. We're running out of games down there, but he's a lefty," manager Don Mattingly said. "A lefty helps us, and Paco's a little bit away."

• The Dodger rookie ball club has made the playoffs.  Via Brandon Hart at the Ogden Raptors, "Raptors Clinch Playoff Berth with Win."  Their AA club also made the playoffs. Via Vince Lennon at WRCBtv.com, "Lookouts Clinch Playoff Berth."
• Check out who won Chucky.  As you may know, Joc Pederson gave away his 1994 Buick Century to one lucky fan on Fan Appreciation Day.

Congrats to Renee on winning @yungjoc650's1994 Buick Century! #GoTopes pic.twitter.com/lHGBQXvCNw
— Albuquerque Isotopes (@AbqTopes) August 30, 2014

• Puig can dance, but if only he could hit right now things would be great.  Doh!

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Another Dodger Prospect Wins an Award - Jose De Leon Named Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year

Prospect Jose De Leon has had a fantastic year in the Dodger organization.  He began the year hoping to improve on a dismal 2013 rookie season, and improve he did.  De Leon has just been named the Pioneer League's Pitcher of the Year.

In ten appearances with the rookie-ball Pioneer League Ogden Raptors he went 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA, struck out 77 in 54.1 innings and batters were hitting a paltry .217 against him.  Then, he was promoted to the Single-A Great Lake Loons ballclub and got better.  In four starts he went 2-0 with a 1.19 ERA, struck out 42 batters in 22.2 innings and batters hit only .171 against him.

In Dustin Nosler's great article about him on Dodgers Digest he said this about his dramatic turnaround:

“I’m feeling more comfortable, my delivery is cleaner this year. Those could be factors.”

De Leon throws a lively mid-90's fastball, a low-80's slider and a changeup that Nosler reports is his favorite pitch to throw.  As he indicated above, he also made some changes to his delivery that has obviously worked out well for him. 

On the season, he was twice named the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week.  He won the awards for the week of June 23-29 and August 4-10.  De Leon then set a Great Lakes Loon club record with fourteen strike outs against Fort Wayne in his second start for the team.  BTW, this was two strike outs better than the previous mark held by Clayton Kershaw. 

In celebration of De Leon's accomplishment I made the above fantasy card for him.  The card uses a photo taken from a Raptors story at MiLB and the vintage 1964 Topps Baseball card design.  Below are his career statistics, via Baseball Reference:


In his last start of the year on Friday, Jose De Leon struck out twelve in 5.2 innings pitched.  You can watch strike out number twelve in the video below.

Video Link:

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