Blog Kiosk: 12/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Duke Snider gives in to the paparazzi and finally shows them some leg.  Featured above is a vintage 1955 International News press photo of "The Duke" sharing his knee warp after Game 6 of the World Series.  (eBay Auction Link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers' Duke of Swat, Duke Snider, shows his bandaged knee top press photographers in the Dodger dressing room after the sixth World Series game today which the Yankees took 5-1 to even the series 3-3.  Snider told reporters: "It's my left knee that's hurt, the one I pivot on, but I'll play tomorrow of it doesn't stiffen up."  Snider twisted the knee chasing a Skowron fly and left the game after the third inning.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan with the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell.  In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract.  In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, McCarthy, Seager and the Old-Timers Game

Check out this group of motley former Dodgers.  Via Jack Baer at MLB.com:

The former player who drew the most attention in the dugout and on the field was manager Dave Roberts, under immense pressure while playing in front of his players. In the first inning, Roberts hit a leadoff single to center off Valenzuela and advanced to third in the next two at-bats.
...
"Thank goodness this game's only two innings," Roberts said. "I'm going to try to come out of it OK, not end up on the training table. If I do, I'm going to take a lot of grief from the players. That's kind of more important than getting a hit today."

Pics above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon from yesterday; including plenty of photos from the Old Timers Game.  Best yet, Jon also shared a bunch of great pics from Old Timers Games from the 80's.  Go here to check those out.  A video from yesterdays Old Timers Game can be seen here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1958 the Dodgers, in their 35th home game ever in Los Angeles, reached the one million attendance mark.  At Ebbets Field they drew 1,028,258 fans total all season the year prior.  In 1974 Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall appeared in his 13th consecutive game, setting a major league record.  The streak also ended on this day when he didn't make an appearance during the second game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. In 1993 Don Drysdale died of a heart attack in Montreal after broadcasting the Dodgers’ game against the Expos.

Blog Kiosk: 3/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Segedin, Roberts and Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw was sharp and a bit sloppy during his second spring outing yesterday afternoon.  He struck out five Cub batters in three innings of work, but scattering five hits.  Via Carrie Muskat at MLB.com:

"Physically I felt good, the fastball location wasn't great there, especially out of the stretch," Kershaw said. "I threw decent breaking balls, curve could have been better. Slider was good. Just gave up too many hits. All singles, which was good, but five in three innings is too many."

Self criticism is his trademark, and it's the reason he's the best in the game.  Of course, there's no need to worry about this outing.  Spring is for working out the kinks and right now it looks like Clayton is well on his way to getting season-ready.  Photo at the very top via @MLB on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• Drop everything and listen to this now.  A Redditor aptly named r/bryanplayspiano transcribed, composed and plays a musical piece based on Tommy Lasorda's infamous Kurt Bevacqua rant.  Listen to it here.
• Video: Corey Seager talks about his work in Arizona with the Dodgers, getting back into rhythm and more.  (Link Here)
• DodgersGirl10 shares a recent TTM "Through The Mail" autograph she received, and it's a doozy.  (Link Here)
• Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Segedin valuing opportunity with Dodgers."

"Just trying to take advantage of my opportunity, like all of us are trying to do, whether you're a non-roster or have a guaranteed spot," he said.

Segedin came to the Dodgers in a January trade with the Yankees for Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Olson, and he welcomed the new scenery.

"A new team values you more than your previous team," he said. "I'm ready. At 27, if I'm not ready by now, when will I be? I'm confident in my ability."

• Wow!  Here is a GIF database every type of pitch thrown by each MLB pitcher.  Check it out at the Pitcher List (Link Here).
• Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily shares some preview pics from Topps 2016 Triple Threads set; including the Jackie Robinson relic card on the right.  Go here to check out more pics.  This product is slated to be released on September 14th.
• Roberts downplays the starting role.  Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says to expect flexible lineups, even at leadoff hitter."

“We have all been conditioned for routines and consistency,” Roberts said. “But I think that as this game has evolved, we’ve all had to see things in a different way. I’ve had many conversations with the players. There will be some changes. I think that where you hit in the order in years past, in decades past – there is a lot to be said for that. But in this day and age, with the data that we have, sometimes change is good.

“I’m definitely not about reinventing the wheel. There is a lot to be said for consistency, without a doubt. But I also think as important as that is being willing to adapt.”

• Former Dodger Skip Schumaker is planning to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors.

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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".

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Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig and some Little Leaguers, Alexander Guerrero Injury and Uribe Wants a 3-Year Deal

Yasiel Puig hung out with a bunch of youngsters at Dodger Stadium, yesterday.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  See more pics of the day from Jon SooHoo, here.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com tells us all about it - "Puig holds clinic for Little Leaguers at Dodger Stadium".

"I played Little League when I was 9, went through the system, and now I'm grateful that I'm able to do this for these kids," said Puig. "Maybe they'll be able to support me when I get old."

That's Yasiel Puig and today he invited 50 kids from the neighborhood to play at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Qkfycfl39b
— Yvonne Carrasco (@yvonnecarrasco) November 19, 2013

• JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers writes a story about former Dodger coach Matt Martin.
• Via Evan Bladh at Opinion of Kingman's Performance provides an update on Alexander Guerrero - "Alexander Guerrero on Dominican Website - Claims his wrist Injury Is Getting Better, but Dodger Management Is Keeping Him from Returning Until He's 100%".  I had thought he had leg issues, but apparently it's his wrist - (or maybe it's his thigh?  Interpretation help please).

Guerrero:  They tell me to continue but they want me at 100%.  Because the Dodgers will start Spring Training in Arizona 3 weeks earlier because they have some games in Australia.  Since they’ll be in Australia, they’ll want me to be with the team.

• Funny stuff.  For the record, this photo tweeted by MLBcathedrals is an obvious photoshopped image, and I find it hilarious how many folks believed it was real.  Heck, even Diamondbacks VP of Communications Josh Rawitch was compelled to respond.

ICYMI; changes in signage were made to the Arizona Diamondbacks Right Centerfield pool for next year. pic.twitter.com/g07srTBFWi
— Ballpark History (@MLBcathedrals) November 18, 2013

The above tweet has since been deleted because general media started to ask the Diamondbacks why they made the sign - not realizing it was a photoshopped image.  Wow!  Some people are so gullible.  Below is the original photo.

• Via Craig Durham at MLB.com, "Baldwin getting valuable experience in Australia: Outfield prospect building on strong second half while with Great Lakes Loons".

"I went to Panama last year, and this is a great opportunity to come to a different country," said Baldwin, who is ranked the Dodgers' No. 17 prospect by MLB.com. "I'm just thankful for everybody that sent me here, and I'm happy to be here, trying to get better any way I can to try and make it to the big leagues as soon as I can."

• Skip Schumaker will not be a Dodger next season.  Per @Ken_Rosenthal on twitter, he has signed a two year deal with the Reds.
• The Dodgers signed infielder Brendan Harris to a minor league contract and invitation to Spring Training, via Tim Dierkes on twitter.  See his stats at Baseball Reference, here.  He'll likely compete for a reserve/backup infielder position.
• Mike Petriello at FanGraphs writes, "Getting Replay Right The First Time".
• Jon Heyman of CBS reports on twitter that the Dodgers have an interest in retaining Juan Uribe, but that Uribe wants a 3-year deal. 
• Via Mark Whicker of the OC Register, "Hollywood nights on horizon for prospect Seager".

“The pitchers in the Cal League had more of an idea how to execute,” Seager said. “They found a way to attack me and they did. They came inside a lot harder, and then they threw a lot of balls south of the zone, and I was chasing. Everybody has those months. I had mine, and I got through it.”

• Via Helene Elliott at the LA Times, "NHL announces all-access TV series that will include Kings and Ducks".

The seven-part series, called “NHL Revealed: A Season Like No Other,” will begin Jan. 22 on NBC Sports Network and will initially feature the Kings and Ducks as they prepare for their Stadium Series game on Jan. 25 at Dodger Stadium. Episodes will air on NBCSN on Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 27 (two hours), March 5 and March 12.

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2013 Topps Update Baseball - 1971 Mini's & Silk Dodger Insert Cards

Do you want to see some more Dodgers' cards from the 2013 Topps Update set?

Well... I got them for ya.

Shown below are the Dodgers' silk and 1971 Topps mini insert cards from the set.  Go here to see the other Dodger cards from the Update set that I've shown so far.

Silk Collection

#SC233 Yasiel Puig                         #SC277 Nick Punto

#SC281 Skip Schumaker                          #SC282 Juan Uribe

Have I told how great the 1971 Topps set design is?

Well, it's phenomenal.  They have beautiful black borders and a simple framing design that really allows a photograph to "pop".  Better yet, the 2013 incarnation includes Dodger super-rookies Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig.  See them below.

BTW, a checklist tells me that there is Hanley Ramirez game-used relic card inserted into packs, but I have yet to see an example.

1971 Topps Mini

#TM15 Clayton Kershaw                    #TM16 Jackie Robinson

#TM17 Hyun-Jin Ryu                             #TM31 Yasiel Puig

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2013 Topps Update - The Dodgers Base Cards and Short Prints

Topps unveiled the 2013 Topps Update set that includes All-Stars, new rookies and recently traded players.  So, as you can imagine it's fileld with a bunch of Dodgers.  Check out all of the Dodger base cards below.  Next week I'll share pics of the Dodger insert cards.

Notice that Yasiel Puig and Hyun-Jin have a bunch of cards; including more than a handful of short-printed variations.

#US29 Scott Van Slyke                      #US46 Yasiel Puig RCH

#US106 Clayton Kershaw AS

#US109 Jose Dominguez                     US132 Ronald Belisario

#US171 Nick Punto                            #US191 Ricky Nolasco

#US192 Hyun-Jin Ryu RD                             #US208 Juan Uribe

#US250 Yasiel Puig

#US254 Brian Wilson                          #US261 Skip Schumaker

#US308 J.P. Howell                          #US330 Yasiel Puig RD

There are a bunch of Dodger short-printed cards.  First, I wanted to show the Willie Mays card since it also includes Sandy Koufax.  Yasiel Puig has 3 different variations available to chase after.  Hyun Jin Ryu has 2 different variations in the set.

Short Printed Variations

#US73 Willie Mays with Sandy Koufax

#US250 Yasiel Puig

#661 Hyun-Jin Ryu

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Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2013 - Dodgers Links - Adrian "Mickey" Gonzalez, Vin Scully and Don Mattingly on America's Team

Santa Barbara native Skip Schumaker grew up a Dodger fan, and he has a photo to prove.  In the above pic he stands with Orel Hershiser while holding up a boyhood photo signed by the Bulldog.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics of yesterday's game from Jon here.

• Left Field Pavilion creates a great graphic following the the Dodgers victory yesterday.  See it here.
• Jim Baker at Baseball Nation list, "The 10 best songs about baseball players," and the Puig Destroyer's song "One Man, Five Tools" is #9.  A Jackie Robinson song is #6.
• DJ Gallo at Sports Pickle writes a great tongue-'n-cheek story called, "10 Reasons Vin Scully SUCKS and is the WORST Broadcaster in Sports". 
• As always, Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe shares a bunch of postgame videos:  Here's Don Mattingly, Listen to Zack Greinke, and both Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford can bee seen here.
• "Dodgers-Cardinals rivalry intensifies," via Arash Markazi at ESPN.

“The Mickey Mouse ears, I was just having fun with the comment that was made earlier,” (Adrian) Gonzalez said. “Nothing against them or anything; it was just to have fun.”

(gif credit: Dodgers tumblr)

Tim Brown at Yahoo has more choice quotes.

“He has those kinda big ears,” Jerry Hairston said.

Uh-huh. No. Don’t.

“He looks like him,” Hairston insisted. “He does. We were so glad when they called him Mickey Mouse. Now we all do.”

• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Don Mattingly: Dodgers are ‘America’s team’".

They also have the will of the people. All of them. Even the "Best Fans In Baseball," usually partisan for the Cardinals, are pulling for the Dodgers.

"I think if you look at it, now we've kind of become America's team because everyone wants to see a seventh game," Mattingly said. "Probably, even the fans in St. Louis would like to see a seventh game, so I figure that everybody's for us to win on Friday night."

• From yesterday's pregame celebrations, here is Will Ferrell's player introductions.

Video Link:

• This was the best tweet of the day, yesterday.  NASA is back after the shutdown!  Yeah!

We're back, Earth! #WelcomeBackNASA pic.twitter.com/oot9b9QK6c
— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) October 17, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2013 - Dodgers Playoff Edition

The Dodgers took Game 1 of this playoff series.  They face the Braves again this afternoon at 3PM.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• "Co-ace Greinke feeds off Dodgers' success: Righty goes 12-2 in final 19 starts after igniting club's historic 42-8 stretch," via Paul Casella at MLB.com.

"It's not just us two," Greinke said. "I feel like just the whole team has been pitching good. And when you watch other people do good, it makes it easier for you. You start to think that it's normal and not out of the ordinary to pitch that good."

• "Clayton Kershaw: Getting it done," via Daniel Bailey at Gammons Daily.
• Tony Jackson of Dodger Scribe has a bunch of postgame videos:  Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw, Don Mattingly, Kris Medlen, and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.
• JP Hoornstra also has a bunch of postgame videos available for viewing on Tout.  Watch them here.  It inclides Mark Ellis and AJ Ellis.
• "Braves' defense costly in Game 1 loss," via David Schoenfield at ESPN. 
• "Puig is in their heads," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA.

As you might expect, the Braves had advanced scouts following the Dodgers very closely over the course of the season and especially during the final three or four weeks of the season. These scouts were undoubtedly well aware that Yasiel Puig is very fast, but I honestly believe that they failed to realize just how fast he really is.

• "Clayton Kershaw, Don Mattingly on strikeouts, pitch counts," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

"It's the postseason. You can kind of throw pitch counts out the window," Kershaw told Craig Sager on the TBS broadcast after the game. "This is what you get taken out early for earlier in the season, for games like this."

• "Hanley relishes first shot at postseason," via Alyson Footer at MLB.com.

"It's on another level," he said. "The energy from the first pitch, every pitch counts. Every pitch, It's an unbelievable feeling."

• Not that I consider him the authority on the issue.  "Magic says Dodgers won't pursue free agent Cano," via Bob Nightengale at USA Today.

"I can't talk about the other guy,'' Johnson said, "but you already know that guy in New York is going to be paid. Not by us. But he's going to get paid.''

• "Should Scott Van Slyke start Game 2 over Skip Schumaker?" Asks Chad Moriyama.
• Just in case you cared, Dusty Baker has been fired as the Reds manager, via David Brown at Big League Stew.

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Dodgers Show Braves Who's Boss in Game 1

This game was like watching an older brother push aside his younger sibling without a sweat.  Sure, there were a couple moments when thoughts of a Braves rally crept into your mind, but then those ideas quickly dissipated as Dodger dominance came back in to play.

To start, the Braves came out strong as Medlen struck out the side in the 1st inning.  Fortunately, Kershaw was equal to the task as he struck out two in his bottom half.  Then, the Dodger bats got started.  Puig grounded to center for a single, Uribe lined a single to center to send Puig to 3rd, and Schumaker flied to center to score Puig for their first run of the game.  Next up was AJ Ellis. 

Video Link:

Ellis' double scored another run for the Dodgers, making it 2-0.

The very next inning, Adrian Gonzalez came up to bat with Mark Ellis in scoring position.

Video Link:

4-0, Dodgers!

From there, a Dodger win was a near certainty.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

Dodgers when scoring 4 runs in a Clayton Kershaw start this season are 14-1 (Kershaw is 11-0)
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 4, 2013

Clayton Kershaw went 7 innings, striking out 12, walking 3 and allowing just 1 earned run.  What was even better was watching a well balanced Dodgers offense.  Mark Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig and AJ Ellis all had two hits, and five different Dodgers knocked in a run. 

The Dodgers take the first game of the series, 6-1, and look to win again tomorrow with back-up ace Zack Greinke on the mound.

As for some additional highlights, watch Yasiel Puig snag a Chris Johnson's fly ball, then fire to first to complete the double play in the 2nd inning, below.  Watch a video of the play here.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

BJ Upton looked like a frightened deer as Clayton throws a bender to strike him out in the 6th inning.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

If watching one Kershaw strike out isn't enough, here are the 6 straight strike outs he threw from the 5th to 6th innings.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

And here is the final out by Kenley Jansen - fittingly via a strike out.

(.gif link: Dodgers tumblr)

(pic link)

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Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2013 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully, Schumaker and Buss

The final workout before tonight's game.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Vin Scully Tweets collects the 16 best Scully moments of the 2013 season.  Check them all out here.

• Via Tom Hoffarth at Farther Off the Wall writes, "Q and A: Scully, on McCain, champange and, really, when you’re calling games in October, how can you complain?"

I have never, in all my years, have had champagne poured on me. I’m usually on the air, and way back, I would throw it to Jerry Doggett in the clubhouse, and he’d be drowned in all of that.  The closest I’ve ever come to that was the 1963 World Series. 

• Ben Bergman at KPCC writes that Vin may hang it up after next season.

“Right, I’m pretty well sure – and I don’t want to go back and forth with it – but I’m looking to next year and thinking that should be about it,” Scully told KPCC in a recent interview.

• I was a little worried.  "Vin Scully refutes the idea that he'll retire after next season," via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.

“I look at each year as possibly my last,” Scully said. “Next year will be no different. It all boils down to come July or August, how I feel physically. I’ll look at how many mistakes I’ve made and if they’re coming for me yet, and how I feel.”

• "With Dodgers' offense hurting, Carl Crawford could be key in playoffs," via Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue.
• "Dodgers counting on Schumaker," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

“Actually, I thought he was our best outfielder in St. Louis. He definitely has the strong arm. He’s very, very accurate and he battles out his at-bats,” McGwire said. “He does his homework, he does his studying. I’ve just got to keep him relaxed.” 

• Ron's been on a roll.  "Nick Buss – living the dream," via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA.

“Getting an understanding of what it’s like up here and how things are done, there’s something to it,” said Buss. “It’s been a ton of fun up here, it’s a great team to come up with and be a part of.”

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Dodgers Win a Wild One - Magic Number is Now 14

The Dodgers won a wild one today - even with the reliable Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

In five innings of work he gave up five earned runs; including an uncharacteristic 11 hits.  Fortunately, the Dodger bats were up to the task of saving his hide.  They belted out 10 runs on 15 hits to help him win his 14th game of the year.

Andre Ethier had an historic game at the plate.  He hit a 2-run home run in the 6th inning, 2 doubles, and a total of 3 RBI's.  His doubles brought his season total to 30; which marks the first time in Dodger history a player has recorded 7-consecutive 30-double seasons.  Via a Dodger tweet.

Andre Ethier becomes first Dodger in franchise history to reach the 30-double mark in seven consecutive seasons -- no other Dodger with 6.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2013

The Dodgers won the game with a 10-8 score.  It was your typical Coors Field score. 

We now sit 12.5 games ahead of the Diamondbacks, and have a "Magic Number" of 14. 

I  guess you can say that we're a Mike Scioscia away from a playoff berth.

On a side note, Yasiel Puig came out of the game in the 6th inning after mildly straining his right-knee sliding into 3rd base on a single by Adrian Gonzalez.  He was able to score on Hanley Ramirez's sacrifice fly, but was soon replaced by Skip Schumaker in the outfielder in the bottom of the 6th inning. 

According to Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe, Puig will not play in tomorrow's game, and apparently Puig has been having issues with his knee for awhile.

Puig, speaking through his interpreter, says the knee has been bothering him for a while, that he doesn’t remember exactly what he did to it or when, and that he first felt it today as he ran past first base after running hard through the bag when he reached on that error to lead off the sixth inning on a ground ball to third.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/2/2013 - Dodgers Links - 16 is Our Magic Number

Zack Greinke was masterful again, yesterday afternoon.  Pic via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2013.

• In case you were wondering, the Dodgers Magic Number is now 16!  We are a Nomo away from the playoffs.
• "Will Padres' September song have Chase Headley playing Dodgers' tune?," via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times.

"You can't help but see what's going on in L.A. and be impressed," Headley said, "with all the talent they have collected and to see how it all has fit together.

"In the beginning, it didn't seem like it fit together at all. Now it seems like they're playing at — I'm not a baseball historian, but it's been a historic pace."

• "Matt Kemp injury: Dodgers CF to extend minor league rehab assignment," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.

"We both want him to be ready. I want to make sure he's feeling good, and is comfortable out there. I talked to him last night and I know he doesn't feel good yet at the plate," Mattingly said. "He's not pushing us to say 'I want to be there tomorrow' or anything else."

• "Yasiel Puig and Skip Schumaker do something nice for young Dodgers fan with leukemia," via David Brown at Big League Stew.
• Gary Joseph Cieradkowski at the Infinite Baseball Card Set makes an awesome Pete Reiser card.  "158. Pete Reiser: The Heartbreaking Ballad of Pistol Pete"
• Via ND at Baseball Happenings, "Dodgers infielder Bill Russell makes a putout on autograph seekers."  Russell is no longer signing autographs through the mail.  I think it's likely somebody wasn't very nice to him.

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Blog Kioks: 8/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Nolasco, Kemp in Rancho Cucamonga and Puig

Ricky Nolasco was masterful yesterday.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• BTW, the Dodgers "Magic Number" is now 21!
• "Jackie Robinson at the March on Washington, D.C. 50 years ago," via David Brown at Big League Stew.
• "Dodgers' Matt Kemp to play in at least three minor league games," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.
• "Ricky Nolasco trade paying off nicely," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

Since the Dodgers landed Nolasco from the Miami Marlins on July 6, he is 6-1 with a 2.20 ERA. 

• "Ricky Nolasco would like to re-sign with the Dodgers," via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.

“My teammates have been doing a great job of welcoming me here,” Nolasco said after blanking the Cubs. “As far as what the future holds, we’re just going to have to wait and see what happens. I’m from here, and this is where I want to be. We’ll just see what happens.

• "The trouble with Yasiel Puig …," via Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe.

“(Mattingly) told me I need to prepare well for each pitch. It was the right decision. He felt (Skip) Schumaker could come in and did a better job.”

“Everybody on this team, all these guys, are giving 100 percent. Anybody else can come in and do the job. I am not the best one on the team.”

Personally, I find this whole thing to be overblown.  Mattingly appeared to handle it well, Puig responded maturely and appropriately, and the team looks more united than ever.  Remember, the clubhouse has no responsibility to tell us every gritty detail.  They are not a reality tv show!

• "Edwin Jackson, 10 years later," via Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.
• "Dodgers sign Edinson Volquez. Obviously they’re thinking … I don’t know what they’re thinking," via Chad Moriyama.
• Jon Heyman at CBS Sports notes that the Dodgers might not be so cash rich after they put together a big contract for Clayton Kershaw.

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