Blog Kiosk: 6/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

As you surely know by now, the first round of the amateur draft was last night, and both the Dodgers and Angels chose highly-touted pitchers from the University of Louisville. The Dodgers snagged righty Bobby Miller at 29th and the Angels picked lefty Reid Detmers at 10th.

Photo above via Louisville Baseball on twitter. To the right is a custom fantasy baseball cad I made of Bobby Miller. Stay tuned, I'll have more soon. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Dodgers won their 6th game in a row, defeating the Cubs 4-3, to increase their lead in the National League by 10 1/2 games. They would not see their double-digit lead shrink below 10 games for the remainder of the season. In 1957 Roy Campanella hit his 237th career home run as a catcher to set a new NL record. In 1969 the Dodgers traded Ron Fairly and Paul Popovich to the Montreal Expos for Maury Wills and Manny Mota. In 1972 both Willie Davis and Manny Mota would both hit inside-the-park home runs in a losing effort against the Pirates, 7-5, at Dodger Stadium. In 2013 the Dodgers and Diamondbacks have a little tussle on the field. It begins with Yasiel Puig getting beaned in the head. Then, Dodgers starter Zack Greinke immediately pelted the first batter he saw to spark hostilities on the field -- but no punches are thrown. Soon thereafter Ian Kennedy of Arizona throws at Greinke's head and a brawl begins. Eight players are suspended and 12 receive fines. Watch highlights here.
• Happy Birthday, Wheezer Dell, Horace Allen, Tom Baker, Yhency Brazobán, Mike Davis and Odalis Perez!

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Mookie!

Holy Moly!

Are you kidding me?

After weeks and months of speculation the Dodgers appear to have pulled off a trade that only a patient architect could achieve. The Dodgers waited and cajoled, negotiated like this was a leverage buyout and then struck when it was right... And now, we arguably have one of the most dynamic ballplayers in the game coming to Los Angeles.

Exact details are not yet available, but we do know this... The Dodgers get both Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox, and it didn't cost any of our top prospects. We get to keep Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Will Smith, Edwin Rios, Keibert Ruiz, Zach Reks, Kyle Garlick, Kody Hoese, Michael Busch, DJ Peters, Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs. Heck, as it stands right now, the Dodgers did not have to relinquish one player from their top-30 prospects list, via MLB Pipeline. Wow!

Unfortunately, a trade like this does not come without losses... And these losses kinda hurt.

Young outfielder Alex Verdugo will be going to Boston, and this is no surprise. It has been long speculated that any deal involving Betts would, at minimum, require sending Verdugo to the Red Sox. Also gone is sometime starter/sometime reliever Kenta Maeda -- who is now a Twin. Lastly, Joc Pederson is moved to the Angels to make room in the outfield for Betts. All three of these players were well loved by fans, so seeing them in another uniform will take some time getting used to. Nevertheless, this is the trade we've all been waiting for. This is the trade that may ultimately cement the legacy that the Guggenheim ownership has been trying to achieve.

On another note, I am wondering how prescient am I?

A couple of weeks back I ran across the above t-shirt design and knew I had to have it. It features the main protagonist from the Spike Lee classic Do The Right Thing, Mookie, sporting his Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey while holding a Sal's Pizza box and doing his best "Jumpman" impression. It's a classic looking "t" of a classic film that happens to be very timely. I think I'll be wearing this when I go to my first home game.

Stay tuned. I will certainly have numerous fantasy custom baseball cards to share soon.

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Say it Ain't So, Alex Cora!

Alex Cora, I am ashamed of you.

There was a time, not too long ago, when I thought highly of how you played the game. Heck, I still recall fondly your 18-pitch at-bat that one May-day in 2004 when you wowed the Dodger Stadium crowd. You were gamer who exemplified everything that was great - you hustled, you focused on the fundamentals and you certainly didn't cheat.

Now, as a middle aged man, I realize that was all folly.

Are there any heroes in this game anymore?

• Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Red Sox Reportedly Utilized Replay Room To Ascertain Opponents’ Signs In 2018."
• Per Jeff Passan at ESPN -- "Sources: MLB near decision on discipline for Astros."
• Via Chris Cwik at Yahoo Sports -- "Report: Red Sox used video replay room to steal signs during World Series-winning 2018 season."
• Via Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich at The Athletic -- "MLB’s sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018."
• Via Hubbs at Barstool Sports -- "Major League Baseball's Investigation Of The Cheating Houston Astros Is In Its Final Stages And Lengthy Suspensions Are Expected."

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Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Kreshaw Decision is Delayed

As you surely know by now, the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw mutually decided to extend the deadline for the option decision to tomorrow, Friday at 4:00 PM ET. Clearly, this is because they are talking about something, and it's got to be related to some sort of extension. I feel fairly confident in saying that Kershaw will be staying Blue.

On top of that, the Dodgers and David Freese decided to extend their option decision, as well. This tells me that Freese is likely to be our new Chase Utley in the clubhouse. He provides excellent veteran depth on the infield and a solid bat off the bench. I look forward to him continuing his career in Los Angeles.

BTW, the photo above of Brooklyn Dodger outfielder Gene Hermanski posing for a pic is undated (auction link), but is likely from spring training in the late-40's. As you know, he is famous for commenting that the team should all wear Jackie Robinson's number so as to confuse a potential sniper in the stands during a series in St. Louis in 1948. His comment got huge laughs in the clubhouse and broke a lot of tension that had been built up.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 Roy Campanella is named the National League MVP -- his first of three MVP's he would win. In 1966 Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second-straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both leagues. In 2000 Jim Tracy is named manager of the Dodgers. In 2005 the Brooklyn Cyclones, a Mets Single-A farmclub, unveiled their Jackie Robinson/Pee Wee Reese bronze sculpture at their stadium -- then known as KeySpan Park. See it on the right. In 2007 Joe Torre is named the new Dodgers manager.
• Happy Birthday, Red Owens, Larry French, Art Parks, Fernando Valenzuela& Eddie Williams!

Memorabilia from the 1916 World Series - Dodgers vs. Red Sox

It's been 102 year since these two teams squared off in the Fall Classic, so naturally this memorabilia centered blog had to search around for some souvenir goodies from those games to share. BTW, if you want a great rundown on the play during the 1916 World Series I would suggest checking out John Thorn's piece at Our Game.

As you can imagine, there isn't a whole bunch of memorabilia out there to gawk out -- not only due to the passage of time, but also because the fan souvenir market had not yet been fully realized. Heck, it wasn't until Danny Goodman, the Vice President and Director of Advertising and Promotion for the Dodgers in Los Angeles, arrived in the late 50's did clubs understand that there were other ways to line their pocketbooks.

Fortunately, there are some things for us to look at. Featured at the very top is the Ebbets Field program for the series, and it features beloved Dodgers manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson on the cover. It says at the very bottom, (under "Robbie") "A regular manager, a regular fellow and a credit to the national game."

UPDATED: World Series Starts on Tuesday -- A Homestand Preview - Pregame Info and Other Stuff

The World Series starts on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  
• Dodgers Postseason Information
• Red Sox Postseason Information 

Unfortunately, I haven't found much information yet on the Dodger or Red Sox home games. I will update this post as more information becomes available.

Red Sox Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Boston Red Sox.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand

The Boston Baked Bean Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Red Sox at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog topped with baked beans, crispy bacon pieces and yellow mustard.

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.  

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

Friday, August 5th at 7:10 PM
RHP Steven Wright vs. LHP Scott Kazmir
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Hanley Ramirez got Some Revenge for Us All - Attacks Joe Kelly

Oh how I miss the jovial and playful nature of Hanley Ramirez.  Few players had as much fun, and I'm sure he's missed by many within the Dodger clubhouse.

Still, with him moving on to Boston it provided a great opportunity for the former Dodger slugger to air a grievance for himself and Dodger Nation.  As you may know, a teammate of his at the Red Sox is former Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly, and you should remember him as the fellow who effectively knocked Ramirez out of the 2013 NLCS.  Watch the video below to recall the gory details.

Video Link:

Yeah, I hate that guy. 

Well, I'm happy to report that Hanley got his revenge for that cracked rib by forcefully putting Kelly in a headlock at the Red Sox Spring home in Fort Myers, FL.  See the photo at the very top.

OK.  Maybe not forcefully... And certainly not with any malice.  I do like the sentiment, though, so thank you Hanley!

I finally got him back @JosephKellyJr #2013NLCS #MyRibStillHurtsBro pic.twitter.com/KI08UKvt3s
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) February 24, 2015

As you can imagine, Ramirez has made himself at home with the Red Sox.  He's definitely enjoying himself.  Below is another photo of himself goofing around with Joe Kelly and Pablo Sandoval.

Joe Kelly and I, perfecting our #PandaPose LOL @RedSox @RedSoxBeisbol #RedSoxNation #2015GonnaBeFun pic.twitter.com/b8IM3HPXtB
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) February 20, 2015

Hat Tip: u/UpnUpvote on Reddit.

Pic above via Hanley Ramirez on twitter.

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Jerry Hairston to Stay Blue After Hangin' it Up

This is really no surprise.  It is now being reported that Jerry Hairston Jr. will retire from the game after 16 Big League seasons and 1 World Championship with the 2009 Yankees.  In his career he was known for his versatility on the field and his clubhouse personality.  In fact, it is those latter skills, his "gift of gab", that will propel him towards a new future.

Reporter Bruce Levine out of Chicago tweeted this morning that Hairston will join the Dodgers in a new capacity.

Congrats to Jerry Hairston on new deal as pre and post game analyst on the Dodgers TV games. 14 years and a ring is a pretty good career.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 11, 2013

Anyone who has watched Hairston perform on video knows this is a perfect role for him.  No one in the Dodger clubhouse was more comfortable with a mic, and no one relished the opportunity to be in front of the camera more then him.  I wouldn't be surprised if he excelled in his new profession, and I suspect we'll be seeing a new Dodger-centric show hosted by him in the near future.

Congrats, Jerry!

In celebration, I made the above fantasy Baseball card of him using the 1987 Topps card design and a photo taken by Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2013.

This new hire helps solidify an already vastly improved Dodgers broadcast crew.  Hairston will join new hires Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra in the booth.

I also decided to track down a couple of his more notable videos to give you a glimpse of what he will bring to Dodger TV.  First, Hairston tell us everything we need to know about him in this MLB Minute.

Video Link:

Jerry interviews Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes before their game at Dodger Stadium.

Video Link:

This one cracks me up.  Magician Jason Latimer shows Jerry Hairston Jr. and Juan Uribe a new hidden-ball trick.

Video Link:

Also, below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference:


UPDATE:  Here's an official message from Hairston on twitter:

After 16 seasons decided retiring is my best opportunity. Game will not miss me but I will miss it and teammates immensely! #NextChapter
— Jerry Hairston, Jr.  (@Therealjhair) December 11, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2013 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Pederson, Ryu and Puig

The Red Sox had their parade this past weekend.  Above is my favorite photo from the event.  It's the World Series trophy at the Boston Marathon finishing line.  Pic via twitter @basciobroadcasting.

• Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe recaps the Arizona League Fall-Stars Game played on Saturday that included Dodger prospects Corey Seager and Yimi Garcia.
• Former Dodger Brad Ausmus to be named the new manager of the Detroit Tigers, via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew.
• Via Quinn Roberts and Andrew Simon at MLB.com, "Winter League roundup: Pederson shows off power".
• Via Allkpop, "'Running Man' releases preview with Ryu Hyun Jin, EXO and Yoon Suk Min!"  There's a video of some sort of Korean game show with Ryu.  A video of the episode can also be found here at Daily Motion.
• The 2013 Toronto Fall expo card show is coming up this weekend and Panini shared some preview pics of their promo cards that they will be giving away.  This show typically featured hockey collectibles, but Panini has included a Yasiel Puig card for fans to gawg over.  Check out a pic below, and see the other cards here.

• JG Preston notes that Bill Sharman wasn't actually ejected from that infamous 1951 ballgame.  Instead he, and his other Dodger teammates, were merely kicked out of the dugout.
• Baseball Pinback Buttons shares a rare Brooklyn Brown Dodgers pin - a Negro League team once owned by O'Malley.
• Tim Dierkes at MLB Trade Rumors shares his, "2014 Top 50 Free Agents With Predictions".  He has the Dodgers getting Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka.
• Via Dusty at Sons of Steve Garvey, "Dia de Los Dodgers".
• Bob Lemke shares a fascinating article about Jackie Robinson, "Sobriety, decorum urged on Robinson's fans".

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Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2013 - Dodgers Links - DodgerTalk Podcast, Free Agency and Dee Gordon

Congrats, Red Sox!  Pic above via twitter @MLB.

• Did you miss DodgerTalk - the offseason edition - last night?  No worries.  Go here to listen to a podcast of the show at AM570.
• Via Greg Johns at MLB.com, "Wallach set to interview for Mariners' managerial job".  He was also reported to have interviewed for the Cubs job.
• We are now in the free agency period.  Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA explains how it all works.
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com writes about the Dodgers prospects playing this offseason and makes note that Dee Gordon is going through the process of converting to an outfielder.
• GCRL shares his awesome 2012 Triple Threads relic book card featuring 6 Dodgers.  Awesome!
• Via William C. Rhoden at the New York Times, "Jackie Robinson’s Legacy Recedes on Baseball Rosters".

When Boston and St. Louis first faced each other in the World Series, in 1946, there wasn’t a single African-American in either dugout. As the Red Sox and the Cardinals meet again 67 years later, there is one.

• Via Matt Snyder at CBS, "Vegas odds: Dodgers are favorites to win 2014 World Series".  Wow, we are 5 to 1 favorites. 
• BTW, the MLB FanCave is coming for the 2014 season.  You must apply by November 8th.  Go here!
• This is your must read of the day.  Via Adrian Cardenas at The New Yorker, "Why I Quit Major League Baseball".

It was only after I quit that I wished I hadn’t always kept my head down, relentlessly climbing to reach the top of the game, to fulfill an American dream. I wish I had looked up more often, even at the cost some of my success. 

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Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2013 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero, Pederson and the Essence of Baseball

In honor of the World Series here's a great pic of the Fenway Park crowd at the 1912 World Series.  Pic via Michael Beschloss on twitter.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes, "Dodgers winter league update: Joc Pederson on fire in Venezuela".
• Via Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors, "Offseason Outlook: Los Angeles Dodgers".
• Alexander Guerrero heading to the Dominican Winter Leage, via JP Hoornstra on twitter.

Am told #Dodgers Alexander Guerrero plans to play in the Dominican Winter League; contract hasn't been approved by league's commissioner yet
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 27, 2013

• Masahiro Tanaka is considered the top Japanese ballplayer expected to sign with a MLB team this winter, and many believe the Dodgers are in the hunt.  Via a tweet from Bill Shaikin of the LA Times.

Just did interview with Japanese TV reporter who believes that Tanaka's top choices would be #Dodgers or #Yankees. Too soon to say for sure.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 27, 2013

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders, "Where does Chris Capuano go from here?" 
• Baseball America names Yasiel Puig and Hyun-Jin Ryu to their 2013 All-Rookie Team.
• This is excellent.  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "The obstruction play provides a glimpse of the essence of baseball".

And what is baseball? A decidedly 19th century construct shaped by all manner of rules and conventions. A construct In which, unlike its 19th century contemporaries such as boxing, weightlifting or horse racing, physical prowess is nowhere as nearly close to everything. Rather, it’s about physical prowess being channeled alongside a set of ground rules and formalities that require the mind and discipline to work hand-in-hand with the body and its fast-twitch muscles. It’s a pursuit in which force being applied via instinct rather than calculation is almost always punished rather than rewarded.

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew writes about the, "Dancing Royals fan featured in spoof baseball ad on 'Tonight Show'".

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Blog Kiosk: 10/16/2013 - Dodgers Links -

I remain a huge fan of Raffy.  The above pic is of Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from Jon here.  BTW, the the Dodgers are on the brink of elimination today.  Game 5 is at 1:07 PM.

• ICYMI: My post yesterday on 1961 MLB letters regarding housing segregation during Spring Training; including Dodger GM Bavasi writing, "NOW GET LOST!"
• Dayn Perry at CBS shares an hilarious photoshopped photo featuring the Red Sox, Puig and rally bear.
• "Why Don't The St. Louis Cardinals Respect The Game?"  Via Tom Ley at Deadspin.  Just brilliant!
• Keith Good at Bugs & Cranks introduces us to Puiging.
• Dennis Eckersley is all class.  On the anniversary of Kirk Gibson's monumental 1988 World Series walk-off homer, Eck posted this on his twitter:

Happy Anniversary Kirk Gibson! #postseason #athletics #dodgers
— Dennis Eckersley (@Eck43) October 15, 2013

• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, they share some preview pics of the Topps Update set that's out today.  Check out the Puig and Ryu cards below.

• "Fractured rib forces early exit for Hanley," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"He's feeling a little something," Mattingly said. "I think we're seeing it at the plate. It looks for me a little bit back-sided. When guys can really hit, they're going to use that front side. It looks like he's kind of favoring, going to that back side. He says he's OK. We'll keep hanging in there with him. We'll see where we're at."

But, he expects to play this afternoon, per Laymance at MLB.com.

• "One wrong pitch the difference for Nolasco," via Chris Haft at MLB.com.

"When you see an executed pitch, like Ricky threw, hit out of the ballpark, it makes you know right away it was the wrong pitch call," Ellis said.

• "Dodgers’ TV Network Will Be Approved, Baseball COO Manfred Says," via Scott Soshnick & Peter Schwartz at Bloomberg.com.
• "Revealed: The Story Behind the Dodgers’ Red Numbers," via Paul Lukas at Uni Watch.

In other words, the Dodgers had created a new set of jerseys with the red numbers in anticipation of appearing in the 1951 World Series. But as we all know, Bobby Thomson and the Giants had something to say about that, and the Dodgers never got to appear in the ’51 Fall Classic. So they decided to use the number-clad jerseys as their standard home design the following year.

• I am not the least bit surprised.  "Court Papers: Fake Jerseys Ran Rampant at Card Companies", via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily.

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An Infographic to Tell You What You Didn't know about Some Baseball Fans

I found this infographic to be both hilarious and disturbing at the same time.  See it below.  For a more detailed view, go here.

A personalization firm called Gravity created an infographic that compares the interest graphs (an online representation of the specific things in which an individual is interested) of Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox and Yankees fans. It provides some interesting results.  See their write up here, as well as, a much more legible pic.

Some of the things I learned is:

• We apparently love Kate Upton, and NASCAR.  
• Dodger fans love the movie Twilight.  I know that sounds bad, but check this out.  Giants fans love Justin Bieber.  Ha!!  And get this, Red Sox fans are absolutely obsessed with My Little Pony.  
• Here is something else that cracks me up, Giants fans love illegal drugs and thievery, but abhor adult entertainment; such as exotic dancers. 

Below is the Infographic.

(see larger view here)

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Blog Kiosk: 8/5/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig at the National, Lilly Released and Hanley Injured

Hanley Ramirez took a tumble into the stands yesterday afternoon, and had to leave the game early.  There is no word yet on his condition.  Hopefully it isn't serious.  According to Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, he will have an MRI today.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• "Phenomenal bullpen key to Dodgers’ revival," via Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.

But when you look at how the Dodgers have been playing .811 ball since June 22, winning games like they were free throws, much of it comes down to this – the bullpen simply just keeps getting guys out.

• Gabe Kapler at the Daily Gammons writes, "The Face of MLB: Yasiel Puig".

In my own career, I literally fought back smiles after a big double and stuffed anger down after a strikeout with the bases loaded. The voice of my college coach rang in my ears, “Act like you’ve been there before.” he told us. This behavior stripped me of personality on the baseball field but enabled me to appear professional, in chorus with Charlie’s sentiment. If I could do it all over again, I’d maintain my humility but release a bit more joy. I always experienced envy when watching other players authentically express pleasure during competition.

• Peter Gammons at the Daily Gammons writes, "Revisiting the Red Sox - Dodgers deal".
• Dodger Penguin recaps the Jack Morris autograph session at Harry's Dugout.
• The Dodgers release Ted Lilly, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• The Panini VIP event that featured Puig was a big hit.  Tracy Hackler at Panini's blog shares some pics here.

• Yasiel Puig shares the below photo from his appearance at the Panini's VIP party at the National.  He stands with Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon.

• I love this kind of stuff.  Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji writes, "Taipei's Coolest Museum: The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan".

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Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2013 - Kershaw Named Player of the Week

Clayton Kershaw has been named National League Player of the Week.  Pic via twitter @Dodger.  From a Dodgers press release:

Kershaw went 2-0 in two starts last week and did not allow a single earned run in a Major League-high 16.0 innings of work. His 0.00 ERA ranked tied for first among Major League starters. His two victories ranked tied for first in the Majors and were tops in the N.L., while his 16 strikeouts were good for third-most in the Senior Circuit.

Furthermore, Kershaw walloped a home run on Opening Day to help his own cause.

• BTW, Jon Heyman at CBS passed along a tidbit that although a new long term deal for Kershaw doesn't appear imminent, it is likely already over the $200 Million mark.
• Just awesome!  GCRL shares the completion of his 1978 Fleer grand slam hi-gloss baseball stickers reverse poster of Dodger Stadium.
• "He interviewed Jackie Robinson near the end," via Ron Rapoport at LA Observed Native Intelligence.  Hat Tip: Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.  Jon is right.  This is a must read for anyone interested in Jackie Robinson.
• "Carl Crawford is loving the fresh breezes of L.A.," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

“You see how loose Matt is right now going through it. That’s how I was,” Crawford said. “I’m like, ‘I’m going to hit.’ I was exactly the same way. He’s not stressing or worried, but if he was in Boston right now, they’d probably be ready to trade him, you know? “

• "Ramon Hernandez ready for new role with Dodgers," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

"This is one of the best pitching staffs in the major leagues. You have Kershaw, Greinke, Beckett. You're talking about number ones and number twos," Hernandez said. "They have so many good pitchers I forgot to name a few."

• LA Times reporter and Hockey Hall of Fame member Helene Elliott has more details about the proposed hockey game at Dodger Stadium in 2014.

The game would be played at night to avoid sun on the ice. The rink could be in place a week before and a week afterward to stage community events, minor league games or alumni games with Dodger Stadium as a stunning backdrop. The Kings are considering designing a special commemorative uniform that would be worn only for that game.

• This does not make me happy.  Red Sox President Larry Lucchino at WEEI recently remarked:

On last summer’s trade with the Dodgers: “We got a lot of what we wanted. Ben [Cherington] did an excellent job with the pitchers [Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa], and holding out for both of them. We would have been happy I think to get one. We were really pleased to get two.”

So, are you telling me that we could have gotten away with just trading one of those guys?  Son of a ....!

• Kenny Shulsen at Lasorda's Lair shares a talk he recently had with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti.
• Steve Wulf at ESPN writes about how Topps has kept the magic of Baseball cards alive for 62 years.
• Mike Oz at Big League Stew writes: ‘The Sandlot’ turns 20: Stories from the cast on the film’s 20th anniversary.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/7/2012 - Apply for the Baseball Hall of Fame Summer Internship Program

Orel Hershiser, Ramon Martinez, Kevin Gross, Pedro Astacio and Tom Candiotti - March 1994.  Photo by Jon SooHoo/©LA Dodgers.

• Are you a student looking for an internship this summer?  Are you a huge Baseball fan?  Well, if you answered yes to those two questions then I suggest heading over to the Baseball Hall of Fame website to check out their summer internship program.  They are currently taking applications, due no later than January 31st.  Go here to check it out.
• Read up on Day #5 in Zambia for Clayton Kershaw and friends in support of Hope's Home at Kershaw's Challenge.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN interviews Don Mattingly about the Hall of Fame.

Q. Was there ever a time when you felt like you would be a Hall of Famer?
A. When I retired, I was 34. If I had kept playing another five years, I may have ended up with 3,000 hits and reached some other milestones and gotten in. I made the decision for my boys because I wanted to be around. When you do that type of thing, you know what you’re doing, you know you’re not going to make the Hall of Fame. If I was worried about making the Hall of Fame, I wouldn’t have retired. 

• The Dodgers add another player to their minor league roster.  They just signed Alfredo Amezaga, via Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors.
• Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness writes of JP Howell's unusual pregame meal.
• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein likes the Adrian Gonzalez trade for the Sox.

“I really like the trade because I’m a big fan of the talent they got back,” he said.

Epstein values the young arms of starters Ruby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, and also appreciated the Red Sox being able to unload salaries over a quarter of a billion dollars in the deal.

“The payroll they freed up was remarkable in its own right,” he said.

• Larry Granillo at Baseball Prospectus takes a look at the career of Mike Piazza.
• Yeah!  The NHL lockout is over!  Check out Luc Robitaille's official statement from the Kings, here.
• So, this is what I miss by not living in snow.  Check out this colored ice igloo that was shared on reddit.  Thread is here.
• The Outside Corner puts together their version of the Team USA Dream Team for the World Baseball Classic, and it includes one Dodger player.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2012

Even with all of the controversy surrounding game-used relics in cards, I still find this card really cool.  Found on ebay is this "1 of 1" 2012 Triple Threads All-Star booklet card of Matt Kemp.  It appears to include game-used apparel from the 2011 All-Star game.

• GCRL shares a whole bunch of his Ron Cey autographed cards.  Then, he comes up with a great post about a new trending meme called "Suttoning".
• The Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach is expected to interview for the open Boston Red Sox managerial position, via the Boston Herald.
• Howard Cole grades the 2012 Dodgers.
• I would like to extend a big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Ellis' on the recent birth of Audrey!

(Twitter Link)

• The Dodgers continue to search for talent internationally.  As has been reported widely, the Dodgers spoke with 18 year old Japanese right-handed pitcher Shohei Otani, via WEEI.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA,   Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness, and Chad Moriyama go into it deeper.
• For you aspiring journalism professionals this should be an interesting read.  Tom Hoffarth at the Daily News reports that LA Kings Insider blog reporter Rich Hammond left his job as an independent reporter employed by the Kings because the NHL was unhappy with an interview he wrote with Kings winger (enforcer) and team player representative Kevin Westgarth about the lockout.  His position was always rife with peril.  It's a difficult balance between being an objective report and being paid by those he reports on.  It seems that he did not feel comfortable with the notion that the Kings could safeguard his work, even as the Kings promised that they could.  So, having the kind of integrity his readers have come to appreciate, Hammond's chose to resign and work elsewhere.  Niesy at Jewels from the Crown has more.
• I miss hockey.  
• Yeah!  Cheerleaders in a house of horrors, via Terez Owens.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 10/5/2012

Ya know, this photo doesn't make me feel better about the off-season.  The above photo tweeted by @Dodgers features Vin Scully and Duke Snider taking in a round of golf.

• Best tweet ever!  From AJ Ellis.  BTW, if you haven't seen his card yet, go here.

• Ramona Shelburne at ESPN writes an excellent piece on Dodgers owner Mark Walter.

"What I don't think people got about that trade is we wouldn't just throw money away to make the team slightly better. It's gotta make sense," he said.

"I feel like the people we got are people we should be able to count on as a core group of players for a long time. We got a good young first baseman who happens to be about the same age as the guy in right field, and shortstop, and center field."

• Alex Pavlovic at Giants Extra shares a story about Vin Scully from the last game of the year.

But I’ll never say anything bad about Vin Scully, especially after what I saw Wednesday. Scully walked over to the Giants clubhouse in the afternoon to congratulate Bruce Bochy and wish him luck in the postseason. Bochy was on the phone and Scully, a legend, waited patiently in a corner as a few coaches came over to shake his hand. He left before getting a chance to talk to Bochy, but made sure to stop by and leave a message with one of the coaches.

“Please congratulate him, and tell him that I wish you guys the best of luck in the postseason,” Scully said.

That’s some serious class.

• Check out Mike Petriello's Dodgers Fan Guide to the Playoffs.  Then, check out his piece at RotoGraphs about why Andre Ethier didn't live up to expectations.
• This is probably the most irrelevant piece of Dodger news to come out the past few days.  The Dodgers completed their trade with the Red Sox by sending Rubby De La Rosa and Jerry Sands to Boston, via a Dodgers press release.
• Now with the 2012 season over it is time to show your Dodger Blue support by voting for Clayton Kershaw.  Go here.

• I want to hate Sergio Romo right now (after all, he's a Giant), but I just can't.  Via Reddit, Romo earned the respect of many Dodger fans with a gesture towards a child battling cancer.

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