Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Wednesday evening the LA Kings held a special ceremony to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, along with the seven other folks who passed away, prior to start of their home game against the Tampa Bay Lightening. As you can see above, Staples Center decided to black-out all of the Lakers banners and retired numbers, except for the two Kobe Bryant retired numbers. I thought it was a very classy move by the stadium.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead in the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't get enough of these guys.

Pic above of Yasiel Puig attempting to land a wet one on Turner Ward via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2012 Frank McCourt agrees to sell the Dodgers to a group headed by Stan Kasten, Guggenheim Partners and Magic Johnson for $2 billion.  He also sold the parking lots to the same group for $150 million (while retaining partial ownership).
• Happy Birthday, George Magoon, Bill Collins, Vince Sherlock, Newt Kimball, Wes Covington, Bill Sudakis & Adam Melhuse!

Thank You, Brandon McCarthy & Scott Kazmir!

I made a few more fantasy Baseball cards of two recently traded Dodgers -- Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir. Check them out above and below.

As you know, both starting pitchers signed significant contracts with the team, but they also both battled injuries while here. McCarthy was unable to stay healthy for a full season after signing his four year contract -- having thrown just 29 starts over three seasons in Los Angeles. Kazmir, on the other hand, signed a three year deal that saw him stay in the starting rotation during his first season in Blue -- recording 26 starts. Unfortunately, he would not pitch again for the team. The following season he suffered a hip injury that lead to a loss of velocity, and that lead to him not only losing a rotation spot but also forced him onto the disabled list. Kazmir would not pitch in 2017.

Regardless, once a Dodgers, always a Dodger.

Blog Kiosk: 12/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

(Via tweet from AGon)

Do you know what happens when you spend all weekend shopping and don't bother lifting a finger to check out any news?

Something big happens, like a blockbuster trade, that you don't discover until a couple days later.

That's what I experienced this morning. I dutifully got up and prepared for work, headed to the office and finally decided to check out my news feed -- something I chosen to ignore all weekend long. To my utter surprise, I discovered that old-friend Matt Kemp is back in LA. (For how long? I dunno.) And just as shockingly, the Dodgers shipped high-priced talent Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, along with utilityman Charlie Culberson and some cash to the Braves in return.

Wow! Stay tuned as I think about some "thank you" and "welcome" post with fantasy Baseball cards.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers traded outfielder Juan Pierre to the White Sox for pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. In 2014 the Dodgers traded Tim Federowicz and Matt Kemp to San Diego for Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Oldfield, Hub Knolls, Jimmy Pattison, Bill Skowron, Gino Cimoli, Zoilo Versalles, Lance Carter & Micah Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the newest issue of Sports Illustrated -- Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig. Best yet, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, the photo used was taken by Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo - a first for him on this magazine. Congrats!

In other news, Adrian Gonzalez recorded his 2,000th hit of his career last night when he doubled in to the right field corner in the sixth inning. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's cool, one of those milestones that just means I have a lot to be grateful for and thankful for," Gonzalez said. "That was really cool, special, seeing the guys in the dugout, the Dodgers fans in the stands. I know there's a lot of people back home smiling as well, especially my wife and my kids and my parents and my brother. It's a cool feeling."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers himself during the game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning.
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

Blog Kiosk: 6/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I guess we can't expect to win them all, but it would've been nice to take the first game of the Freeway Series against the Angels. Per Ken Gurnick and Kaelen Jones at MLB.com:

"That's the great thing about this game, that's why we play," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the flipped script. "Tip your hat to Nolasco, he threw a great baseball game. He's a veteran pitcher who had a really good night."

It figures that a former Dodger would break our ten-game winning streak.

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 1939 the Dodgers and Boston Braves/Bees play a 23 inning game that ends in a 2-2 tie. In 1980 Jerry Reuss throws a no-hitter against the Giants at Cadelstick Park, 8-0. He faces just 28 batters, and missed a perfect game due to an error by Bill Russell in the first inning. In 2011 the Dodgers file for bankruptcy following the leagues refusal to approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal with FoxSports.
• Happy Birthday, Jackie Hayes, Bull Durham, Hank Behrman, Wayne Terwilliger, Daryl Ward & Jim Johnson!

2017 Topps Series 2 - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Series 2. Go here for a complete checklist. But before I show you those cards I thought I would mention that Clayton Kershaw happens to be this products spokesman. His steely-eyed stare is plastered on every single box. Featured above is a pic of an hobby box.

Now here are the Dodgers base cards.

Base

#375 Yasiel Puig

#388 Yasmani Grandal

2017 Honus Bonus Fantasy Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a new Baseball card brand from Rittenhouse Archives - a manufacturer known for their nonsports cards.  It is called 2017 Honus Bonus Fantasy Baseball and it melds collecting with fantasy Baseball.  Each card has a scratch-off code on the reverse can be used to play an online fantasy Baseball game at www.honusbonus.com. Competition and cash prizes are available.  Go here for a complete checklist of cards.

Below are all of the Dodgers' base cards that are available in packs.  I've also included a list of the known (1 of 1) Career Milestone cards.  There are also an unknown number of Dodger sketch cards available, as well (no checklist).

Base Set

#8 Clayton Kershaw            #11 Yasmani Grandal

2017 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodgers Base Cards and Variations

This is a very busy week for Baseball card collectors.  With Opening Day around the corner just about every card manufacturer is using this week to release new card sets.  Panini America released the Diamond King set today.  A new set called Honus Bonus Fantasy Baseball from Rittenhouse Archives (known for non-sports cards) also came out today.  Heck, Topps released two sets today -- Tribute and Gypsy Queen.  Below are the all of the Dodger base and variation cards found within packs of 2017 Gypsy Queen.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, Rob Segedin gets his very first Dodgers card (if you don't count to Topps Now cards).  Also, I really dig the photo selection for the "Capless" variations of Clayton Kershaw.  He's sporting a serious stare.  You can check this card out at the very bottom.

Base Set

#5 Adrian Gonzalez          #56 Yasmani Grandal

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Ryu Earns a Spot on the Rotation

He's on the comeback trail.

Yesterday Hyun-Jin Ryu received fantastic news.  Although he gave up two homers in his most recent spring start he did prove to the Dodger staff that he belongs in the Dodgers starting rotation. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

“He just kind of kept plugging away, and showed he’s healthy. He built his innings up,” Roberts said. “It just gives the confidence that he can give us quality starts when he goes out there.” 

Per Bill Plunkett at the OC Register:

“From how I feel right now, I’m definitely confident that I can pitch every five days for this team. … I’ve always been a starting pitcher so it definitely feels good to be back doing what I expect to do. It has a lot of meaning in that regard.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 the Dodgers released longtime Dodger starter Fernando Valenzuela.  Per an AP article in the Lodi News-Sentinel:

"I will never forget Fernando and all he has done for me and the Los Angeles Dodgers," manager Tom Lasorda said. "It was a privilege and honor to manage him over the years because he was without a doubt a great talent and a great competitor. I want to thank him for all the memories."

Blog Kiosk: 3/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

During the old days ballplayers had to keep various side-gigs during the winter off-season.  Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto sold suits, John McGraw had a vaudeville show for a short time, and Waite Hoyt was a mortician.  Sometimes players spent their winter, especially if they were younger, going to school.  Proof of that is featured in the photo above.  It is a International News Photo taken by Hugh Broderick, dated Monday, October 11, 1947 of Ralph Branca getting back to the books less than a week after losing the 1947 World Series.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

On the Mound for Fair Science
This studious young man engaged in a chemistry experiment in the laboratory of New York University is Ralph Branca.  Who, as pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the recent World Series against the New York Yankees, made his share of headlines.  Branca is a sophomore student at the university, majoring in physical education.

The above photo recently sold at RMY's auction (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1946 the Dodgers and Montreal Royals (with Jackie Robinson in the lineup for the first time) played a spring training game in Daytona Beach.  This marked the first appearance of an integrated club in organization baseball that century.  Four decades later they would rename the field in Daytona Jackie Robinson Ballpark.  In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded pitcher Erv Palica to the Orioles for infielder Frank Kellert.
• Happy Birthday, Whitey Ock, "Pistol" Pete Reiser & Bill Mueller!
  

Blog Kiosk: 3/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Adrian Gonzalez got into his first spring game yesterday and celebrated the occasion by sharing a comic strip featuring himself with Dave Roberts and Justin Turner (see it above).  Batting fourth, Gonzalez grounded out to second base in the first inning and hit a fly-out to left in the fourth.  Per Owen Perkins at MLB.com:

"My swing's fine," Gonzalez said. "I was just trying to get a few at-bats before I head out, and today was a good start. They weren't that great of at-bats, but they were productive, I guess. The fact that everything feels good is all that really matters right now."

Comic graphic above via Adrian Gonzalez on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Doc Scanlan, Dan Griner, Merwin Jacobson, Dick Loftus, Joe Gallagher & Jeff Kent!

2017 Topps Heritage Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards

The second Topps Baseball card set of the new year is now available in stores.  It is the always popular Heritage brand, and this year it celebrates the 1968 Topps Baseball set.  There are 18 Dodgers available; including the very first Topps card of Pedro Baez as a reliever.  He has numerous cards available from when he was an infield prospect a decade ago.  We also see Grant Dayton's very first card as a Dodger.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Below are pics of all 18 Dodger cards; including the three short-printed high number cards.  There are numerous variations also available, but I will wait a few days before sharing pics of them all.  Only a handful of Dodgers' variations are known so far and that list is likely to expand.

#45 Scott Kazmir

#78 Pedro Baez

Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rosters for the various WBC teams were announced yesterday, and eleven Dodgers' will a part of all the fun.  Five players will be a part of Team Mexico:  Adrián González, Vidal Nuno, prospect Alex Verdugo, yet-to-be-officially-signed Sergio Romo and Julio Urias.  Kiké Hernandez will play for Puerto Rico, Rob Segedin and prospect Drew Maggi will represent Italy, non-roster invitee Ike Davis and prospect Dean Kremer will play for Israel and Kenley Jansen will join the Netherlands.  Furthermore, both Urias and Jansen are part of the designated pitcher pool; which makes them inactive for the first round.  On a side note, former Dodger closer Eric Gagné will play for Canada and recently traded pitcher Jose De Leon will join Puerto Rico.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!
  

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jansen, Turner, Seager, Maeda, Roberts and Calhoun

This kid is looking like a big hitter! This past weekend was the Arizona Fall League All-Star game, and Dodger prospect Willie Calhoun was on-hand to show-off his progress.  He went 3-for 3 and walloped a two-run homer to take home MVP honors.  Per William Boor at MLB.com:

"It means so much, being recognized by everyone and being the Most Valuable Player on this field is a blessing for sure," Calhoun said. "Being out here with these guys, and the talent these guys have is unreal. It's a real honor."
...
"He's awesome," Bellinger said of Calhoun. "He's my guy. We've been boys. We're going up the ladder together. I'm not surprised, he can just flat out rake."

Fellow Dodgers prospect Cody Bellinger also hit a two-run home run; going 1-for5 on the evening.  Photo above via the AFL on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1990 Darryl Strawberry signs a five-year free agent contract to play for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Darwin Barney, José Offerman, Nick Punto and Yasmani Grandal!

Blog Kiosk: 9/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Claire, Kazmir, Maeda and Yasiel Puig's Fantastic Day

All Hail Puig!

Wednesday evening Yasiel Puig decided he was going to drive the Dodgers train, and instead of running off the rails he barrelled through the Giants like there weren't even there.  Last night he showcased his magnificent arm (watch it here), made a highlight sprawling catch on the warning track in right field (watch it here) and powered the Blue Crew by hitting an three-run home run in the first inning of the game (watch it here).  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"That's the guy we all know he can be," said third baseman Justin Turner. "He has the potential to be a game-changer. He's an exciting player on both sides of the ball. When he's confident, having fun, playing the game the right way, he makes a big difference. That's why we all wanted him back in September. He can be a key player for us."

He wasn't in the first half of the season, but Puig has responded to an August demotion to Triple-A like it was the wake-up call management intended. Teammates have noticed, and even Puig noticed how they came to his defense Monday night when Bumgarner told Puig not to look at him and the benches cleared.

"I really appreciate the way the team welcomed me since my return, and I try to show I'm grateful for the opportunity," said Puig. "It was nice for them to wait for me after the catch."

As a result of Puig's herculean efforts the Dodgers defeated the Giants 9-3 and increased their lead in the West to six games.  They also dropped their "magic number" to five games.  BTW, his play on the field earned him the teams WWE-styled "player of the game" belt, as evidenced by a photo tweeted by NBC reporter Michael Duarte.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1926 Brooklyn Hall of Famer Zach Wheat hit his last home run as a Dodger.  While near second base he severly pulls a muscle and rest nearly five minutes before completing his obligatory run around the bases.  This marks the longest home run trot in history.  In 1986 Fernando Valenzuela became the first Mexican ballplayer to win twenty games in a season.
• Happy Birthday, Doug Camilli, "Sweet" Lou Johnson and Tommy Lasorda!

2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers - All the Dodgers Base, Variation and Parallel Cards

Officially out today is Topps 2016 Heritage High Numbers Baseball card set, and below is a listing of all the various Dodger base card available; including the known variations (I'll update this is any more are found).  Go here for a checklist.

Of note, Charlie Culberson, Joe Blanton and Bud Norris get their very first cards as a Dodger. 

#528 Scott Kazmir                                #529 Enrique Hernandez

#553 Joe Blanton

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Jansen, Turner and the Champion Loons

Congratulations to the Dodgers Single-A affiliate Great Lakes Loons on their Midwest League Championship series win over the Clinton LumberKings last night.  This achievement marks their first championship in their ten-year history.  The game itself was highlighted by an five-run come-from-behind sixth inning that gave the Loons a lead they never would relinquished.  Per Hugh Bernreuter at MLive:

"I think the tough times in the first half made it possible for us to persevere in games like this," Loons manager Gil Velazquez said. "Winning a championship in the minor leagues means something.

"They learned how to play when the pressure is off the charts. They learned how to come through and play big in tough situations. They played in a playoff situation and succeeded. It shows what they're made of. They carry that for the rest of their lives."

Hopefully, many of them will carry the experience learned there to the Dodgers.  Photo above via Great Lakes Loons on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Haeger, Joe Ferguson and Duke Snider!

Blog Kiosk: 9/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Joe Davis, Kuroda, Buehler and Vin Scully

ICYMI: The Dodgers will be giving out a special commemorative edition of Dodger Insider magazine celebrating the life and career of Vin Scully to the first 50,000 fans in attendance on Sunday, September 25th on Fan Appreciation Day.  You can see it above.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1998 Kevin Malone is named the Dodgers GM, replacing Tommy Lasorda.  Fans old enough will remember this one.  In 1983 RJ Reynolds squeezed home Pedro Guerrero in the ninth for an improbably walk-off victory against the Atlanta Braves.  The Dodgers scored four runs in the ninth to win.  Tommay Lasorda called his decision to call fro the squeeze his most "daring" of his career.

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Reddick, Seager, Garlick and Yasiel Puig

After falling back as far as eight games in late June, I am in awe of what the Dodgers have accomplished.  They were seemingly in disarray.  The Dodgers had everything imaginable thrown their way; including a record number of injuries and clubhouse turmoil surrounding an enigmatic star.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and a plan, no doubt hatched before the start of the season, was allowed to flourish.  Depth has been a key to this season, and along with an improving offense (the teams batting was never as bad as early indicators showed) they now find themselves with a five game lead with just 23 games to go. 

It certainly is good to be a Dodger fan right now, eh?

As for last nights game, it was doubly nice to see Yasiel Puig contribute.  He provided much of the offense needed to pull off the teams teams fifth consecutive win.  Puig hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Dodgers take the lead, and added an insurance run in the sixth inning by homering off Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robin Ray.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"Yasiel … he can do so many great things, but I think the situational at-bat early in the game helped his confidence," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you can start him and have [Josh] Reddick and [Andrew] Toles, we've got some depth."

Photo at the very top via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the pennant; assuring a trip to the World Series.  As you know, they went on to defeat the Yankees that Fall to become champions for the first time in franchise history.  In 1957 the Dodgers and Giants face each other for the last time at the Polo Grounds in New York.  In 1967 the Mets honored Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax at their stadium.