Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Jackie Robinson Day!

Chicken Strip was fantastic yesterday afternoon - halting a Dodgers' six game slide that saw them lose their early season lead in the Western Division. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

In the longest outing of Stripling’s Major League career, he needed only 88 pitches to get through eight innings of work Sunday afternoon in a 7–1 win to stop the skid. 

“Just the way that he and Austin (Barnes) were in sync today was as good as I’ve seen any pitcher-catcher combo,” said manager Dave Roberts.

Photo above Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. As I'm sure you know, this series marks the return of Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Woods to Dodger Stadium after having been traded over the winter. Here are some important links:

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

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

Monday, April 15th at 7:10 PM

TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Reds Series Starts on Thursday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. 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 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

It is Alumni Weekend at Dodger Stadium and the club will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1988 World Series championship. This coming Saturday is the Alumi/"Old-Timers" Game, and throughout the weekend numerous former Dodgers' will be greeting fans. In fact, starting on Friday (and through til Sunday), fans can enjoy pregame autograph and photo opportunities with Alumni at Dodger Stadium entrances on the Left Field Plaza, Right Field Plaza, Club Level, Stadium Club and Left Field Reserve.

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

Thursday, May 10th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 4/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I'm still salty about last nights elimination of the Kings at the hands of the upstart Las Vegas Knights. These were some tough hard-fought games, and losing all four of them when it could have easily gone the other way does not ameliorate my grief. Overall, only ten goals were scored collectively and the play of each net-minder was beyond excellent. Unfortunately, the Kings offense could never find a consistent rhythm, and the team and its fans (yes, the crowd was just as frustrated as the players) suffered for it.

I can't say I'm happy with how this season ended, but I will say we did better than I thought we'd do when the season started.

With that all being said, I send out a hearty congratulations to the Las Vegas Knights. They beat us this time. We'll get them back. I sense that an intense rivalry has just begun.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Charles Ebbets, the Dodgers owner and president, dies of an heart attack on the morning of his teams home opener at Ebbets Field. In 1939 Red Barber announces the first ever regular season Dodger game to be broadcast in Brooklyn. In 1946 Jackie Robinson makes his debut as a second baseman for the Montreal Royals. He belts a home runs and records three singles. In 1947 Burt Shotten is named the Dodgers manager - replacing Leo Durocher who was suspended by the league ten days prior. In 1950 Vin Scully calls his very first game as a Dodgers broadcaster. In 1952 Willie Mays is knocked unconscious when he runs in to the Ebbets Field outfield wall while making a game saving catch. In 1958 Los Angeles holds a downtown parade for the the Dodgers before their first home game at the Coliseum. A National League record 78,672 fans crowd the stadium to watch their new team defeat the soon-to-be-hated Giants, 6-5. In 1964 Sandy Koufax throws his second career Immaculate Inning - three strike outs on nine pitches during one inning. In 1966 Maury Wills becomes the first batter to get a hit on artificial grass - a single off of Robin Roberts at the Astrodome. In 2008 the Dodgers announce that Joe Beimel had been selected by fans to get a bobblehead.
• Happy Birthday, Hughie Hearne, Tommy McMillan, Nick Polly, Bobby Castillo, Jim Eisenreich & Brady Clark!

He Can Pitch!

Over the past decade I've shared this particular item within my collection numerous times. Considering todays national holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to share it again. This time, though, I finally have some background information.

Featured above is a circa 1948 ink blotter, measuring 3 1/2" x 6 1/4", that was created by an committee appointed by then Cincinnati mayor Albert Cash. Originally, it was a poster project to promote racial and religious understanding.

Welcome to the Blue, Tony Cingrani!

The second trade of the afternoon was for another left-handed reliever. This time the Dodgers go to Cincy to add 28-year-old lefty Tony Cingrani for catching prospect Hendrik Clementina and former Dodger bench regular Scott Van Slyke. Per a Dodgers press release:

Cingrani, 28, has an 11-20 career record with 17 saves (all in 2016) and a 4.03 ERA in 164 games (30 starts) in six big league seasons with the Reds. Since his debut in 2012, he’s limited the opposition to a career batting average of .231, including a .219 average against left-handed hitters.

Reds Series Starts on Friday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday evening against the Cincinnati Reds.  Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

The Cincinnati Chili Dog Dog will be available for this homestand only against Reds at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an beef bacon wrapped hot dog with Cincinnati 3 bean chili, diced onions topped off with piled high shredded cheese. See it on the right.

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

Friday, June 9th at 7:10 PM
LHP Amir Garrett vs. LHP Rich Hill
TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA
Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Reds Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

(pic via @DodgersDining on twitter)

The next homestand starts on Monday evening against the Cincinnati Reds.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Cincinnati Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Reds at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with Cincinnati chili, diced onion, cheddar cheese and oyster crackers.

The fourth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Chase Utley 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.

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

Monday, May 23rd at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Dodgers Trade Adds Three More Prospects

Adding to the collection of platinum prospects to the Dodger horde just never ends.  This morning news spread quickly that a three-team trade had been finalized between the Dodgers, Reds and White Sox.  The Dodgers received three players with plenty of gloss, while shipping off three others who didn't fit into their plans.  Via a Dodger press release:

The Dodgers today announced the completion of a three-team trade with the Reds and White Sox, with the Dodgers receiving right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, outfielder Trayce Thompson and second baseman Micah Johnson; the Reds receiving Jose Peraza, outfielder Scott Schebler and minor league infielder Brandon Dixon; and the White Sox receiving third baseman Todd Frazier.

Obviously, the big name here is Reds infielder Todd Frazier.  He becomes a White Sox.  For the Dodgers, they essentially traded three prospect for three other prospects they liked better.  The key player in this package for us is fireball right-hander Frankie Montas.  Via Kiley McDaniel at FanGraphs:

Montas has steadily improved, with his average slider taking a big step forward this year to now flashing plus, his changeup is now enough to give him a starter’s repertoire and he still hits 100 mph at times. The question is whether his delivery and command fit as a starter and most think he ends up as a closer, but there’s still a chance he figures out a way to fit as a mid-rotation starter.  

So far, the early consensus is that the Dodgers did great, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal:

Immediate question: Why didn’t #Reds take #WhiteSox’s package instead of #Dodgers’? Rival execs think LAD did much better than CIN.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 16, 2015

Below is more background on the new Dodger players via a press release:

Johnson, 24, appeared in 36 big league games with the White Sox last year after making the club’s Opening Day roster and has a .301 career batting average with 153 stolen bases, 24 home runs and 163 RBI in 385 minor league games in four minor league seasons. He entered the 2015 seasons rated as the White Sox’s No. 4 prospect by Baseball America and combined to hit .316 with 28 steals, eight home runs and 36 RBI in 83 minor league games last year with Triple-A Charlotte and the Rookie-level AZL White Sox. During the course of his professional career, Johnson has exclusively appeared at second base following his selection in the ninth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Indiana.

Montas, 22, appeared in seven games (two starts) with Chicago last year, going 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA, and has posted a 16-25 record with a 3.86 ERA in 92 games (80 starts) in six minor league seasons in the White Sox organization. Montas has limited opponents to a .232 batting average during the course of his minor league career, while averaging more than a strikeout per inning with 390 strikeouts in 382.2 innings. He entered the 2015 season rated as the White Sox’s No. 5 prospect by Baseball America and was honored as a Double-A Southern League All-Star last season, registering a 5-5 record with a 2.97 ERA, a .219 opponents’ batting average and 108 strikeouts in 23 starts with Birmingham. Montas was originally signed by the Red Sox on Dec. 14, 2009 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic.

Thompson, 24, saw his first big league action last season with the White Sox, batting .295 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 44 games. Thompson, who attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, has been selected as an All-Star at nearly every level during his seven-year minor league career, being honored as a 2011 Single-A South Atlantic League All-Star, a 2013 and 2014 Double-A Southern League All-Star and a 2015 Triple-A International League All-Star, while batting a combined .241 with 94 steals, 101 home runs and 395 RBI in 734 games. The son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson and brother of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson was originally selected by the White Sox in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2015 - Dodger Links - A Trade, Kenta Maeda and Going to Cuba

What an event.  Yesterday, several MLB ballplayers, including recent Cuban defectors like Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu, hoped off a plane in Havana.  After risking their lives to flee their homeland, leaving behind countless number of family and friends, they returned.  And like children who move far away from home, they made a pilgrimage that brought emotions and tears.  Initially, though, I think awe was their first thought.  Certainly, they never imagined they'd have an opportunity to come back.  Via Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com:

Puig stepped off the plane, and a smile began to form, his eyes began to water.

Puig boarded the bus, one headed straight for the heart of Cuba, and finally some words spilled out.

"Smell that?" Puig asked, cheerfully. "That's that Cuban aroma!"

The photo above, via a tweet from Los Dodgers, shows an emotional Puig with his Baseball mentor Juan Arrechavaleta Cardenas.  Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

Puig was accompanied on the trip by his father, Omar, and the Dodgers outfielder embraced an old friend in the hotel lobby, the mentor he affectionately refers to as "Tata," and it looked like he didn't want to let go.

I cannot image what this kind of homecoming would be like.  We are no doubt in a changed world, and hopefully the folly of politics doesn't get in the way of allowing families to reunite once again.

Below are more links to check out:

• There is early news of a trade for the Dodgers that includes the Reds and White Sox, via MLB.com:

The White Sox have acquired All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier from the Reds as part of a three-team deal that includes the Dodgers, according to sources.

None of the three clubs has confirmed the deal.

The Reds get prospects Jose Peraza, Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler from the Dodgers in the deal while prospects Frankie Montas, Trayce Thompson and Micah Johnson go from Chicago to Los Angeles. 

• Via One Nación at ESPN, "Wonder if Clayton Kershaw threw the 12-6 curveball in Cuba?"  There's a great interview with Kersahaw worth checking out.

Kershaw told ESPN: "I think for me, just understanding the culture a little bit more. It's so important," Kershaw said. "I have, obviously, a lot of teammates who are Cuban, so just for me to understand what they've been through, some of the hardships that they've gone through, understanding how they grew up."

• Via Cyd Ziegler at OutSports, "Los Angeles Dodgers executive Erik Braverman comes out as gay to inspire youth."

Even with the lingering questions, Braverman is talking about being gay in MLB now so that every LGBT person who might wonder if they can be out and work in professional baseball never again has to ask themselves that question.

"I did not have that when I was growing up," he said. "I think that's part of why I struggled personally. I didn't have any role models or examples or anyone to look up to as a possibility."

• As you may know, Japanese ace Kenta Maeda has recently been posted by his team and is currently soliciting bids from MLB teams for his services this coming season.  Apparently, he had arrived in LA for a meeting with the Dodgers, per a tweet by F.L.:

Japanese RH pitcher Kenta Maeda arrived to Los Angeles a couple of hours ago. #Dodgers #MLB - Thanks @2011MLBASG! pic.twitter.com/9AzIGxWA7h

— F. L. (@dgaijin) December 15, 2015

• If you don't know who Maeda is check out this excellent biography by Steven Sypa at Amazin' Avenue.

In studying Maeda's PITCHf/x data, one can see that Maeken is a cerebral pitcher. Aware of his lack of overpowering stuff, the right-hander uses what he does excel at–mainly his control and pitch repertoire–to keep batters off balance. Maeda keeps the ball away from hitters' power zones, throws pitches in counts you wouldn't expect them to be thrown in, and relies more heavily on his breaking pitches and off-speed offerings than his fastball. This would seem to be a definite plus for Maeda from a scouting perspective. Rather than succeeding against inferior hitters with below-average stuff, only to struggle against superior hitters, he should be able to adapt and continue using the approach with which he is familiar.

• Great stuff.  Albert Flannery at Agate Type takes a close look at a couple photographs of the 1906 Brooklyn Royal Giants.  Check it out here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Reds Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow evening against the Cincinnati Reds, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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

Thursday, August 13th 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.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Sandy Koufax bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Dodger alum Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Bailey Whitlow of Midlothian, TX, and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Carlos Rivera of Oxnard.

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

Friday, August 14th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme will be set to songs chosen by Dodger players with a playlist put together by Scott Van Slyke.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

There will also be a balloon artist in the left-field plaza. DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As part of ThinkCure! weekend, Jacob Lusk will perform the national anthem.

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

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Andy Smirnov of Los Angeles and U.S. Army Sergeant Blake Blaney of San Pedro.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the Club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Zack Greinke autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.
• The Dodgers will also celebrate NeedleArts at the 10th annual Stitch N’ Pitch Night at Dodger Stadium and part of their group outing, hundreds will be in attendance to knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch and needlepoint during the game. Tickets are still available for purchase by visiting www.dodgers.com/stitchnpitch.
• #ThinkCureWeekend 2015 will take place Friday and Saturday at Dodger Stadium and will raise both awareness and funds for ThinkCure!, an official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Throughout the weekend, courageous cancer patients and survivors will be recognized. A tribute will also be paid to the hard-working healthcare workers and researchers that are on the front lines of the fight against cancer.

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

Saturday, August 15th at 6:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:10 PM.  It is Movie Night at Dodger Stadium.  The club will treat fans to “Back to the Future,” and it will be screened for fans following Saturday’s game. Screenings are free with a game-day ticket. Fans sitting in the right field pavilion and left field pavilion will be invited down to the field postgame for a better viewing experience.

It is also Girl Scout Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Girl Scout patch with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

DJ Adam will provide entertainment in the right-field pavilion plaza, DJ Lady Sha will provide music in the left-field reserve plaza and classic rock band, The Trip, will play in the right-field reserve plaza from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fans can take photos with the DeLorean car from “Back to the Future” behind the right-field pavilion from 3:10 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“Back to the Future” star Leah Thompson will throw the ceremonial first pitch. As part of ThinkCure! weekend, Terron Brooks will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Tyler Richards of Temecula.

• #ThinkCureWeekend 2015 will take place Friday and Saturday at Dodger Stadium and will raise both awareness and funds for ThinkCure!, an official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Throughout the weekend, courageous cancer patients and survivors will be recognized. A tribute will also be paid to the hard-working healthcare workers and researchers that are on the front lines of the fight against cancer.

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

Sunday, August 16th at 1:10 PM
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers spray bottle with fan.  See it on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will take place in lot 6 starting at 11:10 a.m. Dodger alum Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs for fans from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mariachi Flor De Toloache and Quitapenas.

Stunt performer, comedian, actor, screenwriter and film producer best known as a co-creator and star of “Jackass” Johnny Knoxville will throw the ceremonial first pitch. The Katinas will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Dodgers will present their annual Christian Faith Day on Sunday. All fans are invited to bring their gently used clothing and shoes to be donated to the Dream Center and stay after the game to celebrate family and fellowship with Dodgers A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke, who will share their personal testimonies on faith. A special postgame performance is scheduled by the Katinas. 

This afternoon is also Carnita Asada Sunday after the game at Dodger Stadium.  Go here for information.  Fans can enjoy an authentic Mexican Carne Asada cookout hosted by Justin Turner and presented by Chef Merito.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Kyle Potter of Newbury Park.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the Club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasiel Puig autographed baseball and Adrian Gonzalez autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 11 / Home Game 5

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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

Cincinnati Reds (5-5-1)  at Los Angeles Dodgers (5-2-3)
Friday, March 13, 2015 – 7:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Jason Marquis (2-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-0, 4.50)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC

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

(Peoria Stadium, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

FRIDAY THE 13TH: The Dodgers and Reds meet for the first and only time this spring in a sold-out contest under the lights at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Los Angeles and Cincinnati won’t meet again until August, when the clubs will play their seven-game season series in the span of two weeks, Aug. 13-16 at Dodger Stadium and Aug. 25-27 at Great American Ball Park.

• Tomorrow’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Indians at Camelback Ranch is also sold out. 

LOOK RYU’S BACK: Hyun-Jin Ryu made his Cactus League debut last night, striking out two in 2.0 hitless, scoreless innings, and combined with seven Dodger relievers (including Will Ferrell) on a two-hit shutout of the Padres in a 1-0 Dodger victory. Joc Pederson blasted his first homer of the spring in the ninth inning for the game’s only run and is batting .353 in seven Cactus League games.

• The Dodgers have committed just three errors through their first 10 Cactus League contests.
• Los Angeles pitchers have combined to post a 3.13 ERA and limit opposing hitters to a .200 batting average this spring, striking out 72 and walking just 20 in 89.0 innings.

(Hyun-Jin Ryu, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

MINOR NEWS: Dodger minor leaguers will hold their first official workout of the spring tomorrow on the back fields at Camelback Ranch. The minor league portion of the Spring Training schedule gets underway for the Triple-A and Double-A rosters on March 20, while the two Single-A clubs have their opening games on March 22.

ON THE MOUND: Right-hander Brandon McCarthy will make his second start of the spring tonight after allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings on Sunday against the Brewers. The 31-year-old, who signed a four-year contract with Los Angeles this offseason, enters 2015 as one of baseball’s hottest pitchers after going 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA (32 ER/103.0 IP) in his final 16 starts last year with the D-backs and Yankees.

• RHP Joel Peralta will make his Dodger debut and his first outing of the spring tonight. Peralta, 39, was acquired this offseason from Tampa Bay and leads MLB relievers with 296 appearances over the last four years from 2011-14. During the course of his career, he’s posted a 3.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio and limited opposing hitters to a .230 batting average.
• RHP Brandon League is expected to make his third appearance of the spring this evening, last pitching on Monday against the Giants.
• RHP Chris Hatcher will make his third appearance of the spring tonight after tossing a scoreless inning on both March 5 against the White Sox and on Monday against the Giants. Hatcher, a converted catcher, was acquired from Miami in a seven-player deal on Dec. 10, 2014.
• RHP Juan Nicasio is expected to make his third appearance of the spring tonight after allowing one run on two hits in 2.0 innings on Sunday against the Brewers. Nicasio was acquired from the Rockies this offseason and, after opening the year in the starting rotation, he made the first 19 relief appearances of his career last year with Colorado, posting a 3.48 ERA in that role.
• LHP Daniel Coulombe has allowed just one hit in 2.0 scoreless appearances this spring, last pitching on Sunday against the Brewers. Coulombe, 25, made his MLB debut as a September call-up last year and pitched in five games with the Dodgers in his first big league action.
• RHP Yimi Garcia is expected to make his third appearance of the spring tonight after tossing a scoreless inning against both the Brewers (March 6) and Giants (Monday).  Garcia saw his first big league action last year as a September call-up and allowed just two runs in 10.0 innings in eight relief appearances with the Dodgers.

AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS: This weekend, former assistant to Tommy Lasorda, Colin Gunderson, returns to Camelback and will sign copies of his new book, Tommy Lasorda: My Way, along with the Hall of Fame skipper himself. There will be two signings in the center-field pavilion at Camelback Ranch, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. tonight and from noon-2:00 p.m. tomorrow

IN MEMORY: The Dodgers join the rest of the Los Angeles sports world in mourning the passing of longtime sports talk radio host Joe McDonnell at the age of 58. The club wishes to pass along its deepest condolences to McDonnell’s family and to all those in the Southern California sports community who lost a colleague and friend. Dodger EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen said, “Joe was all about sports and loved the Dodgers. He was a fixture at Dodger Stadium and will be terribly missed by players, management and fans.”

(The Kershaw's, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2014 - Dodger Links - Snakes on Puig, More Draftees Sign and Billingsley Shut Down

Yasiel Puig visited the Cincinnati Zoo yesterday and made a new friend, pic via the Cincinnati Zoo on instagram.

• The Dodgers 2014 6th Round Draft Pick Brock Stewart has just signed a contract with the Dodgers, via centralilliniosproud.com.  He is already headed to Camelback Ranch.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA tells us that John Richy and Matt Campbell have signed, as well as, Joe Broussard from the 15th round.
• You're right, Eric.  Those hats make my eyes bleed. Via True Blue LA, "Dodgers July 4 caps are terrible."  See it on the right.
• Ah, crap!  Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, " Dodgers' Chad Billingsley shut down, sent to doctor ."

The Dodgers halted Chad Billingsley's minor league rehabilitation assignment and sent him for medical evaluation after he complained of weakness in his surgically repaired right elbow.

• Via Manny Randhawa at MLB.com, "Hanley a late scratch with shoulder irritation."  Will the injuries ever stop?
• From yesterday's game against the Reds, Brandon Phillips shows Puig some respect on the basepaths, gif via Dodgers on tumblr.

• Troy from West Virginia has been arrested in Cincinnati for criminal trespass and obstructing official business.  He had previously been banned from going to that stadium, via Kimball Perry at Cincinnati.com.  Yeah, he's a troubled guy.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Reds Series Starts Tomorrow - Chan Ho Park to Sign Autographs, a Ryu Bobblehead and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow evening with the Cincinnati Reds, 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.

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

Monday, May 26 at 5:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 5:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 2:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 3:00 PM.  It is Memorial Day, and the Dodgers will wear specially-designed caps and jerseys featuring an authentic military digital camouflage design licensed from the United States Marine Corps in honor of Memorial Day.  See the Dodger cap on the right.  BTW, 100% of all net proceeds from the sale of these caps to fans go to Welcome Back Veterans (www.welcomebackveterans.org).


The first 40,000 fans through the gates on Monday will receive BBQ apron from the Dodgers.  Check it out on the left.

Memorial pre-game ceremonies will include flag unveiling in center field along with six stars representing each U.S. military branch, Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard as well as Prisoners of War (POW). Wives of service members who died in service of our nation will officially begin the game with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” and children of these families will be amongst the children who partake in Kids Take the Field Monday.  Former Dodger, Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Roy Gleason will throw the first pitch.  The national anthem and “God Bless America” will be performed by U.S. Coast Guard MK2 Mike Dalager and the U.S. Army will provide the color guard.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Navy Quarterman (QM1) Luis Villegas. Villegas enlisted in 2004 and currently serves onboard the USS Essex. His deployments have been in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and his accolades include four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. In honor Memorial Day, Bank of America will be presenting a special flag and display case to Villegas. Navy Veteran Sean Gass, who serves as Bank of America Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor at Bank of America- Merrill Lynch, will be on hand for the presentation.

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

Tuesday, May 27th at 7:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

It is Korea Night at Dodger Stadium.  The first 50,000 fans through the gates on Tuesday will receive a Hyun-Jin Ryu Bobblehead from the Dodgers.  See it on the right.

Dodgers legend Chan Ho Park will sign autographs for fans in the right field pavilion plaza starting at 5:30 PM.  He will also throw out the first pitch.  Korean pop star Yong-hwa Jung of CNBLUE  will sing the Korean national anthem, and the US national anthem will be sung by South Korean R&B singer Ali.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Sergeant Jose Martinez. Martinez enlisted in 1996 having always dreamed of being a soldier. He serves with the HHC 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Fort Wainwright, Arkansas. Martinez has served deployments three times in Iraq and most recently in Kandahar, Afghanistan and his accolades include multiple Army Commendation Medals and National Defense Service Medals.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed Baseball, Hyun-Jin Ryu autographed LA Dodgers jersey and a Yasiel Puig autographed photo. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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

Wednesday, May 28th at 7:10 PM

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

Rina Cervantes of Norwalk will perform the national anthem and one of Korea’s top superstars, singer and actress SUZY will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  Ryu is scheduled to catch for SUZY.  BTW, Ryu and SUZY co-starred on a Korean reality show called “Runningman” this past winter.  Watch an episode of the show with Ryu at the very bottom.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Senior Airman (SrA) Darien Barrett Foster. Foster enlisted in 2011 and currently serves with the 61st Medical Squadron as a dental technician. Foster is an active member of the L.A. Air Force Base Honor Guard and was recently honored as the 61 Air Base Group Airman of the Year.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 17/Home Game 9

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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

 Cincinnati Reds (4-12) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-7-4)
Thursday, March 13, 2014 – 1:05 p.m. | Glendale
RHP Alfredo Simon (0-1, 5.00) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (0-0, 1.80)
Spring Game 17/Home Game 9
Television/Radio: SNLA/None

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

(Dodger Fans!, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

COLOR WAR: The Dodgers and Reds face off for the second and final time this spring after Los Angeles scored a 10-3 win over Cincinnati in Goodyear on March 5. The Dodgers dropped the 2013 season series to the Reds, 4-3, but hold a 35-19 (.648) advantage over Cincinnati since 2006, which is the second-best mark among NL clubs in that span (Philadelphia, 36-19, .655).

• Los Angeles opens the 2014 season in just nine days against the D-backs in MLB’s Opening Series in Sydney, Australia.
• Outfielder Matt Kemp is scheduled to play in a minor league intrasquad game again today at 12:30 p.m. on the back fields of Camelback Ranch – Glendale. Kemp had six at-bats and played in the field for the first time yesterday in a minor league intrasquad game, playing six outs in center field, and ran the bases.
• Minor league position players suiting up today include RHP Red Patterson (#78), LHP Fu-Te Ni (#83), RHP Juan Gonzalez (#94), C Kyle Farmer (#92), INF Darnell Sweeney (#84), INF Ozzie Martinez (#87), INF Daniel Mayora (#88), INF Jamie Romak (#90), OF Jon Garcia (#89), OF Trayvon Robinson (#91) and OF Aaron Bates (#95).

(Matt Kemp, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

ON THE HILL: Paul Maholm will make his third appearance (second start) of the spring today after allowing one run on three hits in 3.0 innings on Saturday against the Rangers. The 31-year-old has allowed just one run in 5.0 innings (1.80 ERA) this spring, while limiting opposing hitters to a .235 batting average (4-for-17). During the course of his career, Maholm has been especially tough against lefties, holding them to a .225 batting average/.287 on-base percentage/.318 slugging percentage.

• Rule 5 hopeful Seth Rosin will make his fourth appearance today and has not allowed an earned run (one unearned) in 8.0 innings this spring. The 25-year-old last pitched on Saturday against the Rangers, allowing only an unearned run on one hit in 3.0 innings, and has limited opponents to a .161 batting average (5-for-31) this spring.

SPELL CHECK: Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena reported to Camelback Ranch for the first time today and met with the training staff, players, coaches and media on his first day in Dodger blue. Arruebarrena posted a .276 career batting average with 27 homers and 171 RBI in 437 games in six professional seasons for Cienfuegos in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. The 23-year-old was signed as a free agent on Feb. 22 and will wear uniform No. 11.

(Zack Greinke, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

FILLING OUT THE LINEUP CARD: Bench coach Tim Wallach will once again serve as manager today and Special Advisor to the GM Pat Corrales will be the club’s bench coach with Don Mattingly leaving camp due to a death in the family. Mattingly is expected to be back in Glendale tomorrow. Wallach managed the Dodgers’ Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes in 2009 and 2010 and guided them to a 152-135 (.530) record and an American Southern Division title in 2009.

• The Dodgers fell, 9-2, to the D-backs yesterday at Camelback Ranch. Zack Greinke made his second start of the spring and first appearance since throwing only four pitches (right calf injury) in his Cactus League debut on Feb. 27, and allowed three runs on six hits in 2.0 innings in a losing effort. Andre Ethier gave the Dodgers an early lead with his two-run double in the first inning, but that was the only scoring that Los Angeles could muster. Ethier finished the game 2-for-3 to raise his batting average to .357 this spring.
• In the fifth inning yesterday, Wallach issued the Dodgers’ first challenge of the spring under the new replay system. Following replay review, the umpires confirmed the call on the field that Didi Gregorius had kept his foot on second base during a slide on a stolen base attempt. It took 1:48 for the umpires to conduct the replay review. Los Angeles will have two more replay games in Cactus League play, March 15 at Chicago-AL and March 16 vs. Colorado, and the system will also be in place for all three Freeway Series games against the Angels.

ON DISPLAY: Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Hank Greenberg and Joe DiMaggio are among the baseball pioneers featured in a new exhibit that opens to the public today at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Hailed as the first large-scale exhibit focused on the role baseball plays in the lives of immigrant and minority communities seeking to express or challenge American culture, Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American features 130 baseball artifacts. Koufax is the centerpiece of the exhibit, which is open to the public until Oct. 26. The pitcher’s 1963 National League Cy Young Award is on display, as well as scorecards and tickets from his perfect game against the Cubs in '65, the cap he wore during his no-hitter against the Phillies in '64 and a ticket from his first no-hitter against the Mets in '62. There's also a mound where fans can put on a replica Koufax jersey and try to pitch like the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner.

(Pat Corrales and Tommy Lasorda, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2013 - Dodgers Links - An Interview with Jansen, Jeff Kent and Cruz to Japan

Here's a vintage photo of the construction work being done to build Dodger Stadium at Chavez Ravine.  It was posted up by a twitter account called @Dodgers_History.  You should check them out. They've recently put up a bunch of vintage stadium pics from Brooklyn and LA.

• Via Amanda Rykoff at The Outside Corner, "Curaçao Baseball Week 2013: Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen stays humble".  Here's an interview with our closer.

Amanda Rykoff: You switched from catcher to power pitcher. What was the adjustment like for you?

Kenley Jansen: It was a tough decision back then. To me I feel like it was a life learning experience. I almost wanted to quit and I wanted to ask for my release. I was almost suspended. Talking to my family and all these people and I decided to give it a try. And now today -- it took me a year to be in the major leagues -- and today I’m a closer just doing it.

• Via Bryan Hoch at MLB.com, "Mattingly realistic when it comes to Hall chances".

"My first year of eligibility, I pretty much knew I wasn't going to make it or anything," Mattingly told ESPN earlier this year. "I don't pay that much attention to it, to be honest with you. It's to the point now where it comes up and you're like, 'Oh, it's over,' and you go on."

• In other HOF ballot news, Jeff Kent is on the ballot for the first time.  Via Chris Haft at MLB.com, "Team success mattered most to Hall candidate Kent".

"When the bell rang for me, I was fighting to win," said Kent, who hit 377 home runs and captured the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 with the Giants. "All I wanted to do was win. I knew that if I focused on winning, I would be OK. And it worked out that way."

• Panini America is reviving the Donruss Baseball card brand.  Via Chris Olds at Beckett, he shares some preview pics for 2014 Donruss Baseball cards; including the Yasiel Puig card on the right.
• Via Greg Zakwin at Yahoo, "The Biggest Turkey in Los Angeles Dodgers History: Frank McCourt".
• Night Owl Cards proves once again why it's one of the best Baseball card hobby blogs around.  Check out his latest post, "If you can't join 'em count 'em", that ranks Baseball cards sets by highest percentage of mustached ballplayers. 
• Skip Schumaker has signed a 2-year contract to play for the Reds, via USA Today.
• Via AM570, listen to Ned Colletti tell Petros and Money what made this season so tough.
• An old friend alert!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, Luis Cruz goes to Japan - "Luis Cruz Signs With Chiba Lotte Marines".

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *