Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers have now completed their annual Spring move to Camelback Ranch. On Wednesday the club packed up their stuff (see the photo on the top right), and then landed in Arizona and unpacked yesterday (see the photo on the top right). Pics above via @Dodgers and @CamelbackRanch on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jeff Weaver. This is his second go-around with the club; having played for us from 2004 to 2005. 
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Solomon, O'Koyea Dickson, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Liberatore, Hershiser, Dodgers Wrestling and Kershaw

So... What are the Dodgers doing while they await their NLDS this coming weekend against the Nationals?

Watching some wrestling, of course.

Featured above are JP Howell, Justin Turner and Josh Reddick, along with WWE star Seth Rollins, at Monday Night RAW in the Staples Center.  As you can see, they gave Rollins his very own Dodgers jersey.  BTW, Reddick is also seen holding the Dodgers "Player of the Game" belt on his shoulder.  In fact, he would later on show off the belt to the wrestling fans in attendance, via a photo shared by Reddick on Instagram on the right.

Photo at the very top via Justin Turner on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1955 the unbelievable happened.  The Brooklyn Dodgers, behind the brilliant pitching of Johnny Podres, captured their very first World Championship in franchise history.  They defeated the hated NY Yankees in seven games.  In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1.  This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would later on win the World Series in the sixth game four days later.  In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.  You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Mike Sharperson, Stephen Fife and Tony Gwynn Jr.!

Blog Kiosk: 3/30/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Something tells me that the old guy still got it!

Don Newcombe threw out the first pitch before this past Friday's game at Camelback Ranch.  Steve Yeager caught the pitch to the rousing applause from the fans in attendance.  The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics from the evening from Jon here.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via  JP Hoornstra at Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, "Vin Scully is still a baseball fan as he begins 66th season with Dodgers."

“I say in all honesty there are more players that I don’t know on this edition than in many years gone by,” he said. “Of course that’s the nature of the game today, a long way from when we had the same infield for eight and a half years.”

• GCRL (GarveyCeyRussellLopes) Blog tells us a bit about the last time the Dodgers wore a black armband and created some fantastic fantasy cards in commemoration.  It was in honor of the wife of Ken McMullen who had passed away of breast cancer at the age of 30.  Check out the post here.
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Bullpen decisions ‘toughest ones’ for Mattingly."

“Everybody’s done well,” said Dodgers bullpen coach Chuck Crim. “Granted, they’ve all had their one game or two maybe, but as far as stuff-wise goes and the type of human beings we brought in here, it’s going to be a tough decision. Everybody’s done a really good job and on a consistent basis.”

• Via Jared Massey at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers 2015 Top Prospects: Beginning The Countdown From No. 50."
• A fun day shared by the Fife family:

I think the boys would say they had a successful day meeting their favorite players #dodgers #cooluncleaward pic.twitter.com/5ZPPz7y460
— Alyssa Fife (@alyssa_fife) March 29, 2015

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Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this vintage press photo I ran across on eBay last night.  It appears to be a press photo, but doesn't have the type of markings on the reverse you would typically expect to see.  Still, it's a wonderful image of some olde-tyme Brooklyn Dodgers on the steps of their dugout.  Check out the eBay auction here.

The photo is clearly from 1942; as evidenced by the 'Health' patch on the players left shoulder.  From 1942 to 1945 MLB players wore patriotic patches like this for those four years during WWII.  This particular patch was only worn for one season, 1942, then was replaced with a similar looking patch - red stripes replaced the 'Health' lettering.

I'm fairly poor at photo identification, but I am certain that that fellow on the far left is Joe Medwick.  On his left is Billy Herman.  Then, Pee Wee Reese, Pete Reiser, Mickey Owen and Dixie Walker.  Let me know if you think otherwise.

Here are some links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers outright Stephen Fife to Triple-A Oklahoma City." 

Starting pitcher Stephen Fife cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, the team confirmed. Fife is no longer on the 40-man roster.

Fife is likely out for all of 2015 after having Tommy John surgery on Aug. 13 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

• Are you ready for Halloween.  Well, MiLB on twitter is here to help you out.  They posted on a Vin Scully pumpkin template. Print out the PDF and carve your own Scully pumpkin.

"Hi everybody, and a very pleasant #Halloween to you, wherever you may be." The Vin Scully pumpkin template (PDF): http://t.co/xfe4OjZeHX
— MiLB.com (@MiLB) October 13, 2014

• The Topps 2014 Baseball Update Set comes out on Wednesday.  On twitter they have been released preview pics to collectors to check out.  On the right is a Clayton Kershaw All-Star Game Jumbo Patch Relic card.
• BTW, Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter and Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle were named the 2014 Connie Mack Award winners today by the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  The Connie Mack Award recognizes those considered the top manager for the season. Not bad choices, eh?  I, on the other hand, had someone else mind for the NL winner.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu's Butt Hurts, Crawford on Fire and McCartney Damaged the Outfield

The Dodgers lost a close one against the Atlanta Braves yesterday, 3 to 2.  Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched well; going 5.2 innings, striking out seven, allowing six hits and three runs.  Unfortunately, he would have to leave the game early due to an injury.   Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hyun-Jin Ryu leaves game in fifth inning with strained right gluteus muscle."  So... He pulled a muscle in his butt?  How embarrassing.

Via Joe Morgan at MLB.com:

"There's a little concern because it's a new area that's never bothered me before," Ryu said through a translator. "So right now, the only thing I want to do is sleep through and see how I feel tomorrow morning."

Fortunately, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, he doesn't feel it's anything serious, but is expected to get an MRI or meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache when the teams goes back to LA at the end of the week, via Dylan Hernandez on twitter.

Of special note, Carl Crawford had another great day at the plate.  He recorded two hits, drove in a run and scored a run.  This was his fourth straight multi-hit game.  I think it is safe to say that he is fully recovered from his most recent injury.  Pic at the top via @Dodgers on twitter.

The Dodgers are now 5.0 games ahead of the Giants - who beat the White Sox earlier in the day.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Cooking Channel to feature Dodger Stadium’s Chef Dave."  During my one stay as a faux reporter in the Dodger pressbox, I had the pleasure of enjoying his food.  I had the pork, and was quite satisfied.
• Aaron Dodger at Inside Dodger Baseball writes, "Kershaw's ready for a pitch-off!"  He links to an ESPN video about Little League pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis who has challenged Clayton.  There's a great video there of Clayton accepting the challenge.
• Via JP Hoornstra at the LA Daily News, "Dodgers’ Dee Gordon is still taking pointers from patient Chone Figgins."

“I don’t know how Figgy did it,” Gordon said. “He’d say stuff like … ‘I didn’t ever hit. I walked and got my hits. You hit and get your walks.’ He’s been just showing me how to do that side of it as well.”

BTW, the Dodgers have asked for unconditional release waivers on Chone Figgins, per their twitter.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Brian Wilson still sees a knuckleball in his future."

“That’s a pitch that I’m just letting the league know that in case one day they’re interested in a starter, I can throw a knuckleball,” he said. “Not to be funny or as a joke – it’s a real pitch. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind starting one day, try that routine out at the professional level. I did it in the minors – I mean, it’s similar, not to the stakes of Major League competition.

He's just weird and competitive enough to be an effective knuckleball pitcher in the future.

• Recently DFA'd reliver Colt Hynes has been claimed, per @Dodgers on twitter:

Minor-league reliever Colt Hynes, whom the Dodgers designated for assignment, has been claimed by the Toronto @BlueJays.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• Another one bites the dust.  Stephen Fife will have Tommy John surgery, via @Dodgers on twitter:

Stephen Fife will undergo ulnar collateral ligament (Tommy John) surgery, to be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles today.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• In light of Scott Schebler's huge day at the plate the other day (3 homers), Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs has some insights on what is happening.

Over his most recent two-game stretch with Double-A Chattanooga, Schebler has produced the following line: 7 PA, 1 BB, 0 K, 4 HR, 5 H. Nor has Schebler’s plate-discipline deteriorated, really: since that initial appearance among the Five, Schebler has produced walk and strikeout rates of 8.0% and 14.0%, respectively — i.e. a considerable improvement over his previously established levels.

• "Damn you, Paul McCartney!" As I shake my fist like a madman.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, the McCartney concert did some damage to the centerfield grass at Dodger Stadium.

It seems that the stage on which Sir Paul performed unknowingly damaged the center field grass at Dodger Stadium, prompting stadium grounds crew workers to begin hurried repairs to the field on Wednesday morning for the upcoming homestand with the Brewers, Padres and Mets, which begins on Friday night.

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Welcome to the Blue, Pedro Baez!

As you know, the Dodgers have been doing some juggling with the roster lately.  They've especially been moving pitchers in and out at a furious pace.  In the past few weeks we've seen Jose Dominguez, Red Patterson, and now Stephen Fife called up and then sent back down a few days later.

In place of Fife, who was a spot starter for Sunday's game, will be recently converted reliever Pedro Baez.  Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled right-handed pitcher Pedro Baez from Double-A Chattanooga and optioned right-handed pitcher Stephen Fife to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Baez, who will be making his first appearance on the Dodgers’ active roster, has appeared in 11 games for Chattanooga this season, posting a 1-0 record with five saves and a 2.84 ERA (4 ER/12.2 IP). The hard-throwing right-hander last pitched on Friday vs. Tennessee and fired 2.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. The 26-year-old appeared in his first Major League camp this spring after he was added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2013 and pitched in two games for the club, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings. Baez, who converted to a pitcher after spending his first six professional seasons as an infielder, is from Bani, Dominican Republic, which is the same hometown as Dodger infielder Juan Uribe.

Fife was recalled from Albuquerque Sunday to make a spot start at Miami and took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in 6.0+ innings in the Dodgers’ 4-3 defeat.

As you may know, Baez was signed out of the Dominican Republic for $200,000 by the Dodgers in 2007 as a third baseman with lots of potential.  At the time, he was compared to Adrian Beltre.  Unfortunately, that prediction came to pass.  After 6 years of struggling with the bat, the Dodgers decided to leverage his strong right arm and convert him into a pitcher.  This change occurred after the 2012 season, and so far it has paid dividends. 

For the first time in his career, Pedro Baez will find himself wearing Dodger Blue at a real Major League game.  He'll sit in the bullpen, and certainly reflect on his journey.

Hopefully, he'll have an opportunity to showcase how far he has come.  BTW, he will be wearing #52 (per Eric Stephen on twitter).  Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a Dodger prospect video on Baez here.

UPDATE:  I should add that we shouldn't expect Baez to stay with the Dodgers for long.  Any day now, Clayton Kershaw will be coming back from the DL, so I would expect him to take Baez's spot when he is ready.  This may occur as soon as tomorrow.

In celebration of Baez officially becoming a Dodger for the first time today today, I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo grabbed from Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014 from Spring Training and the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are Pedro Baez's minor league career pitching stats, via Baseball Reference:

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 5/Home Game 3

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.

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(Some congratulations for Mike Baxter, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

SUNDAY FUNDAY: The Dodgers host the Padres today for the first of two meetings in Cactus League play, with the other coming in a split-squad game at Camelback Ranch on March 15. The Dodgers open up their “North American” regular season slate against the Padres in San Diego on March 30. In case you’re counting down the days, the Dodgers are just 20 days away from Opening Day in Sydney, Australia vs. the Diamondbacks!

• The Dodgers rally fell just short yesterday and the club lost, 6-5, against the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. After hitting a home run against the White Sox on Friday, non-roster invitee Clint Robinson had another big game yesterday, going 3-for-3 with a run scored after replacing Scott Van Slyke in the sixth inning.
• First-year Dodger and Southern California native Dan Haren allowed three hits and one earned run in two innings of work in his first Cactus League start of spring. Non-roster invitee LHP Chris Reed allowed four earned runs in 2.0 innings of work.

(Dan Haren, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

HILLTOPPERS: Right-hander Josh Beckett will make his Dodgers debut this afternoon after going 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight starts last season before undergoing season-ending surgery to relieve pressure on his nerves caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Also appearing in the game today:

• LHP Paul Maholm will make his Dodger debut after posting a 10-11 record with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts with the Braves last season.
• RHP Stephen Fife will make his Cactus League debut after appearing in 12 games (10 starts) in three stints with the team last year.
• Non- roster invitees RHP Sam Demel and LHP Daniel Moskos will be making their second appearances of the spring. Demel and Moskos both tossed a scoreless innings of relief on Thursday in the Dodgers spring home opener against the Diamondbacks. Demel saw action in parts of three seasons with the Diamondbacks from 2010-2012 and Moskos appeared in 31 games with the Pirates in 2011.
• San Diego will counter with LHP Robbie Erlin, RHP Jesse Hahn, RHP Kevin Quackenbush, RHP Leonel Campos, RHP Blaine Boyer and LHP Patrick Schuster.

(Foul ball, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

NOTHING MINOR ABOUT IT: The Dodgers will have seven minor leaguers joining the club vs. the Padres today, with pitchers LHP Fu-Ti Ni (#84),  RHP Justin Souza (#88) and RHP Steve Smith (#91), infielders Darnell Sweeney (#87) and Aaron Bates (#97) and outfielder Jon Garcia (#90) all making the trek across the Camelback grounds.

PLAYING IT SAFE: According to Manager Don Mattingly, Dodger right-hander Zack Greinke will have another light day and hold off on throwing his next bullpen session.  In addition, right-hander Ross Stripling is meeting with doctors this afternoon to go over the results of his MRI. Stripling experienced elbow pain last week that worsened with his outing on Wednesday.

PLEASE SIGN HERE: Today the Dodgers agreed to terms with the following players for the 2014 season: Pedro Baez, Nick Buss, Jose Dominguez, Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Onelki Garcia, Yimi Garcia, Javy Guerra,  Matt Magill, Jarrett Martin, Paco Rodriguez, Seth Rosin, Dee Gordon, Scott Van Skyke and Chris Withrow. 

ROSTER MOVE: This morning the Dodgers dealt infielder Justin Sellers to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations. Sellers was designated for assignment on Feb. 22 to make room on the roster for Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena.

(The Diamond at Sydney Cricket Ground, pic via @JPMLBPR on twitter)

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE:  We are just two weeks away from making an early exit from Arizona as the Dodgers will depart the Valley of the Sun on March 16 for Sydney, Australia. Once Down Under, Los Angeles will battle the D-backs on March 22-23 in Major League Baseball’s Opening Series, which will mark MLB’s first regular-season games ever to be staged in Australia. The Dodgers will return stateside and play three exhibitions against the Angels in the Freeway Series before opening the “North American” portion of their schedule March 30 at San Diego on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mickey Hatcher, FedX, Stephen Fife and Magic Johnson

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Mickey Hatcher will be signing autographs on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Manuel's El Tepeyac in the City of Industry.

Manuel's El Tepeyac
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746
(626) 488-9432

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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There are three signings at this weekend at Harry's Dugout - on Saturday and Sunday.  See the flyers below.

Harry's Dugout
10715 W Beverly Blvd
Whittier, Ca 90601

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And if you're in Las Vegas, Magic Johnson will there to sign for fans at Tristar Sports Memorabilia in the Miracle Mile Shops, Las Vegas, at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.  Go to their facebook page for information.  This is a pay event

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September Expanding Roster Moves - Dodgers Make Five Additions

In preparation for a strong finish and the playoffs, the Dodgers expand their rosters by five. 

• Drew Butera - C - He'll be our backup to the backup catcher.  As the Dodgers clinch a playoff spot I would expect Butera to get some playing time to give our catchers some rest.  Butera, who was acquired by the Dodgers on July 31 from Minnesota, appeared in 16 games with Triple-A Albuquerque. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder has a .182 career batting average with five home runs and 41 RBI in 186 career big league games with the Twins from 2010-13. Butera will wear uniform number 31.
• Stephen Fife - P - No doubt, he'll just be extra starter - although he had recently moved into the bullpen in preparation for this callup.  Fife has posted a 4-3 record with a 2.47 ERA (14 ER/51.0 IP) in nine starts in two stints with Los Angeles, allowing two runs or less in six of those outings. Since last being optioned on Aug. 5, Fife has appeared in five games (three starts) for the Isotopes and last started on Aug. 29 vs. Round Rock, allowing two runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. Overall, the right-hander is 2-4 with a 6.03 ERA (25 ER/37.1 IP) in 10 games (eight starts) for Albuquerque.
• Dee Gordon - SS -  Can Dee prove his worth?  He's horrible with the glove, but brings some speed to the basepaths.  Maybe he'll be a late-game replacement from time to time.  Gordon has appeared in 25 games in two stints for the Dodgers, batting .208 (16-for-77) with a homer, one triple, six RBI and six stolen bases. In 92 games at Triple-A, the left-handed hitter is batting .297 (111-for-374) with a Pacific Coast League-leading 49 stolen bases, 17 more than any other base stealer. Since Gordon made his Major League debut in 2012, the speedy infielder has 38 stolen bases, which ranks 17th in the National League during that span.
• Peter Moylan - RP - He'll be an extra arm in the 'pen.  Moylan, who has pitched in 16 games for the Dodgers this season, will be appearing in his second stint with the club after posting a 1-0 record with a 6.35 ERA (8 ER/11.1 IP). The right-hander spent the majority of the season with Albuquerque, where he went 4-1 with a 2.74 ERA (14 ER/46.0 IP) and tossed scoreless relief in 28 of his 38 appearances.
• Scott Van Slyke - OF - Our 5th/6th Outfielder.  Van Slyke has appeared in 38 games in four stints with Los Angeles this season, making starts in left field (18), right field (8) and first base (2), while hitting .252 (26-for-103) with six homers and 16 RBI. Of Van Slyke's 26 hits this season, 13 have gone for extra bases (seven doubles, six home runs). In 61 games at Triple-A Albuquerque this season, Van Slyke had a .348 batting average (71-for-204) with 12 homers and 48 RBI.

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Dee is Back!

With the specter of a Hanley Ramirez injury in the forefront of everyone's mind, the Dodgers decide to recall Dee Gordon.  In his place, yesterdays starter Stephen Fife is optioned back to Albuquerque.  Via a Dodgers tweet:

#Dodgers today recalled shortstop @FlashGJr and optioned right-handed pitcher Stephen Fife to @AbqTopes.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 5, 2013

I do not know if he is in St. Louis right now.  Nick Punto is scheduled to start tonights game against the Cardinals.

Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled shortstop Dee Gordon from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned right-handed pitcher Stephen Fife to Albuquerque.

Gordon, 25, has hit safely in his last 17 games with Albuquerque, batting .366 (26-for-71) since July 14, and overall is batting .307 with a Pacific Coast League-leading 44 steals to go along with 16 doubles, eight triples and a .398 on-base percentage in 80 games. With the Isotopes, Gordon has hit .299 (23-for-77) with runners in scoring position. Gordon batted .175 with a home run and five RBI in 19 games during his previous call-up May 4-26.

Fife, 26, was reinstated from the disabled list yesterday (right shoulder bursitis) and picked up the win with 5.1 scoreless innings against the Cubs. Fife has gone 4-3 with a 2.47 ERA in nine big league starts this season.

Now I need to find that Dee Gordon t-shirt I wrote about previously.

Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2013 - Dodgers Links - Ken Howell is Back, League on Waivers and Jackie's ROY Award

Sandy Koufax was in the Dodger clubhouse yesterday.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from Jon here.  BTW, you can listen to Sandy on the Freddie Coleman show talk about pitching in Chicago, right here.

• Stephen Fife has been reinstated to the Dodgers to pitch this afternoon.  Scott Van Slyke has been optioned back to AAA.
• "Dodger Stadium groundskeeper Eric Hanson talks about the field's conversion for soccer," via Adam Serrano at LAGalaxy.com.

HANSON: “We started immediately after the Yankees/Dodgers game on Wednesday at 10:45 p.m.. We spent three hours doing what we needed to do to prep the field for the sod that was installed early on Thursday morning. From that point on, we did detail work and looked at the grass closely, and then attended to anything that we think might help. Now the lines have been painted and the goals have come in, so it is completely set up.”

• "Assistant pitching coach Howell back with Dodgers," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"It was more serious than I thought and it took a while to get my energy back," he said. "But I feel really good now. I just have to monitor it, because with diabetes anything can pop up. I'm getting back on the field today and I'm excited to get to do what I do.

• Paint the Corners goes through many different iterations of Brian Wilson and his facial hair.
• BTW, the Dodgers placed Brandon League on waivers, via Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors.  So, the Dodgers are willing to trade him, but are other teams willing to take on his contract?  I doubt it.  Besides, he's finally pitching well.
• "Chipper, Big Unit, Rip, Pedro, Coach Lou and Yasiel Puig Among Those at NSCC Saturday," via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily.
• The lucky collector who won a Panini VIP pass from Blowout Cards talks about the win and who she most looks forward to meeting.  That's right, she can't wait to meet Yasiel Puig.  See the video here.
• "Jackie Robinson’s Rookie of the Year Award selling for $1 million: Historic prize available at Chicago convention" via By Ted Berg at USA Today.

• There was a nice large crowd last night for some soccer at Dodger Stadium.

40,681 at Dodger Stadium tonight for @IntChampionsCup #ICC2013 #RealMadrid #Everton #LAGalaxy #Juventus
— Dodgers PR (@DodgersPR) August 4, 2013

• Here's a look at the pitch.

Europe's pastime in the home of America's pastime: pic.twitter.com/QpxkgjL5uz
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 4, 2013

• Bill Plunkett of the OC Register has more info on Puig's hand injury on Sulia.

"I'm not really sure how to describe it," Puig said through his translator. "I've felt something like this before when I dove for a ball."

That was during his brief stay with Double-A Chattanooga. Puig dove for a ball in late April and came up with a sprained left thumb. He missed 10 games on the DL with the injury.

This feels "better than it did there," Puig said.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Vin Scully Interview, Magic's Role and Fife's Return

Two legends in one photo.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from Jon right here.

• I thought I would provide this quick notice that the Dodgers will be showing the movie "The Sandlot" after the ballgame on Sunday, September 1st.  More information is available here.
• "Q & A: Magic Johnson happy to be a role player with Dodgers," via Mark Medina at the Daily News.

Q: Has your role with the Dodgers evolved this season compared to last year?

Johnson: No. I'm enjoying my role. I called every player before the season and talked to them on how we didn't have a leader. I talked to (Clayton) Kershaw, (Adrian) Gonzalez and A.J. Ellis recently and I said, 'You guys have really come on as the leaders of this team.' When I recap last season, we didn't have a leader. That hurt us. My role is to look and see what's missing and try to fill the blanks. Wherever they need me to fit in, that's what I'll do. I've tried to teach our players about having a winning mentality.

• On twitter Bowman Scout (a Topps twitter account) shared a early pic of the Yasiel Puig Bowman Platinum Top Prospect card.  See it on the right.  BTW, this product officially went live today.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has the story on an apparent "bait & switch" at Dodger Stadium.  Kids were suppose to get some fancy Dodger sunglasses, but instead received cheap knock-offs.  FOR SHAME!
• "Dodgers weighing options for Fife's return," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"He's making another start, we're just not sure where," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said on Tuesday.

• Here's a minor league update.  Phil Gurnee at True Blue LA writes, "Dodgers minor league report July 30: Matt Magill shines in 2-0 victory".
• "Daily Distractions: How Ned Colletti plans to upgrade the Dodgers’ bench."  Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.
• "Is the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw baseball's most popular pitcher?"  Via Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times.
• Micheal Kay sits down with Vin Scully and reminisces about the legendary broadcaster's career with the Dodgers.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/2/2013 - Dodgers Links - One of Puig's Attempted Defections and Where is Grady Little Now?

Above is a look at July's issue of Dodgers Magazine featuring Adrian Gonzalez, pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue has an interesting report on the International Signing period that starts today.  Apparently, we have our eyes on a kid named Lucas Tirado.
• True to the Blue has the early scoop on the 3 new Nike Yasiel Puig T-Shirts.  They are fabulous.  To the right is one of them.
• All of the talk yesterday was about a potential trade bringing Carlos Mormol, Garza or Utley to the Dodgers.  I refuse to spend any time thinking or writing about these or any "trade rumors".  I've made the mistake in the past in thinking there was merit to the discussion, but at the end of the day most of it is just a useless mental exercise.  Besides, most of it is bunk, anyway.  The above causes me to point to a great article by Bill Shaikin of the LA Times called "Dodgers will spend again to improve, but improving farm system is key".  He shares a quote from team President Stan Kasten.

 "There are no shortcuts. I also think the direction we pursued last year — established veterans, looking at big free agents — we are going to move away from that.

"I know people think we are in this deal, in that deal, and in any deal. That is not what the next phase of this franchise requires."

His way of thinking reminds me of how the Kings established a long term plan 5 to 6 years before they eventually won the cup.  It's all about Prior Proper Planning Preventing Piss Poor Performance.  Clearly, we are still in the early stages, and I look forward to seeing how everything develops.

• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo, "Coast Guard crew reflects on time with Yasiel Puig during attempt to defect to U.S."  This is a must read!

One night, the gravity of the situation depressed Puig. Torres could tell the toll his impending return to Cuba was taking, so he went to his locker and retrieved a pair of tennis balls. He brought them to Puig, along with a Sharpie, and asked him to sign.

Carlos Torres was the first American to get Yasiel Puig's autograph, looped in perfect cursive with his number for Cienfuegos: "Y Puig 14."

• "The way Stephen Fife is going do Dodgers really need a starter?"  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Dodger Penguin recaps the Mike Marshall signing at Harry's Dugout this past Saturday.
• Sports Illustrated has out a "Where are they Now?" feature in their newest issue and they include former Dodger manager Grady Little.  Here is a little taste of it.

“I started to feel the same way after a five-game losing streak as I felt after a five-week winning streak,” he says. “I knew that wasn’t right. I’d been going for a lot of years. And at that time I thought, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

• "Puig's electrifying debut month"  Yasiel Puig had a record-setting first month in the bigs, his 44 hits second in MLB history in that span after Joe DiMaggio.  Check out their video below celebrating it.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2013 - Dodgers' Links - Puig's Big Day

Congratulations, Stephen Fife, on your very first Major League win.  May there be many more.  Pic via twitter @DodgersPR.

• Via Chosun Ilbo, "Dodgers' Ryu Gives Sales of Baseball Merchandise a Boost".
• Scott Elbert's rehab assignment has not gone well.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.

(twitter link)

Eric followed the above up another tweet indicating that Elbert has an appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache tomorrow.  Tommy John surgery looms?  Here's Eric's story at True Blue LA.

• The Jackie Robinson game-used glove auctioned by Steiner Sports just sold at $373,00.00, via Mark Newman at MLB.com.
• Yasiel Puig's 1st Dodger game was definitely memorable.  In addition to recording his first two Major League hits, he nailed a runner on 1st base to end the game.  Wow!  Via Bill Plunkett, let's not forget that Puig isn't the only person responsible for that last out. 

(pic credit: pelon2327)

Yasiel Puig's laser from the RF wall was eye-popping but #Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez said real heroes on the play were middle infielders Luis Cruz and Nick Punto.  Padres baserunner Chris Denorfia was running on the pitch and slid into second base when Cruz and Punto pantomimed a double-play grounder. Denorfia had to scramble to his feet and was called out on a very close play at first base.

“It was an incredible throw. ... But the biggest part of that play is faking him out,” Gonzalez said. “If they don’t do that, he’s standing up at first base.  It was a big throw. It had to be on target which it was. As soon as he let go of it I knew we had a shot because I took a peek and saw where Denorfia was.” 

• If you haven't seen the play, below is the catch and throw to end last nights game.

Video Link:

• Below is a video of Puig's first two Major League hits.

Video Link:

• BTW, if you're interested in picking up a unused ticket from the game to commemorate Puig's first game, check out this eBay auction.
• If you want to check out a bunch of pics from yesterdays game then there is no better place than Jon SooHoo's Photog Blog.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/3/2013 - Dodgers Links

"It's Kersh-Awesome Baby!"  Check out Dick Vitale with Clayton Kershaw, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Stephen Fife is expected to pitch today, in place of ailing Chris Capuano.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

It will be the second consecutive game in which the Dodgers need to promote a Minor Leaguer as an emergency replacement for an injured starting pitcher. On Sunday, Matt Magill took the loss, filling in for Hyun-Jin Ryu, who has a sore foot.

• Congrats, Elian Herrera.  Via a tweet from the Isotopes GM John Traub.

• Via Josie Becker at True Blue LA, "Walter O'Malley's 1957 minor league purchase: A pictorial essay".
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts puts together another must read, entitled "Saviors".

Seven years ago, Kemp was Puig – the raw kid with talent to burn and lessons to learn. Puig, like Kemp did when he hit the majors at age 21 in 2006, has a hugely bright future. But anyone putting their faith in Puig will almost certainly at some point need a level of patience that many fans have denied Kemp whenever he has struggled, no matter how much he has done for his team. 

• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, "10 Degrees: Will Carlos Quentin get comeuppance sooner than later against the Dodgers?"  Stoking those fires, eh?

"We will get him," he said. "It may not be next time we see him. It may not be the time after that. It may not be two times after that. But we will get him. I promise."

Baseball has a very long memory. One former player loves to tell the story about holding a grudge for a decade, letting it fester, exacting his vengeance with a strategic elbow to the groin on a takeout slide and walking away from the doubled-over second baseman saying, "That was for 10 years ago."

• Via Josh Vitale at MLB.com, A 111-year old fan visits Yankee Stadium and chats about Baseball.  This man remembers shaking Babe Ruth's hand.

"I shook his hand and he said, 'My greatest admirer, my youngest admirer,'" LaPallo said. "I remember that like yesterday."

• Here's a funny video.  During a Collegiate NCAA Baseball tournament game in Fullerton this weekend a big husky invaded the field for his 15 minutes of fame.  Check it out here at Beer Mug Sports.  Oh... And, Go Titans!!!  CSU, Fullerton won that game, 1 to 0.
• Wow.  Via Tony Mangia at The Other Paper we find out that Pete Rose pulls $1Mil a year signing his autograph in Las Vegas.

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Kemp to DL as Expected - Dodgers Fool Us All with Who Gets Called Up

Ever since Matt Kemp came out of the last night's game due to a hamstring strain the internet has been buzzing with prognostications predicting the eventual call-up of either Joc Pederson or Yasiel Puig to Los Angeles.  It seemed like the entire chatting masses were certain of this event. 

Well, the Dodgers just threw everyone a curveball.  Announced just a moment ago, Matt Kemp is indeed being sent to the 15-Day Disabled List, and in his stead will be Tim Federowicz.  Via the Dodgers Press Release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed outfielder Matt Kemp on the 15-day disabled list with a mild right hamstring strain and recalled catcher Tim Federowicz from Triple-A Albuquerque. Federowicz, who is in his fourth stint with the Dodgers this season, was batting .418 with eight doubles, a triple, eight homers and 25 RBI in 21 games with the Isotopes. With Albuquerque, the 25-year-old posted a 1.348 OPS (.500 on-base percentage, .848 slugging percentage) and batted .417 (10-for-24) with runners in scoring position. Federowicz has gone 3-for-17 (.176) in 10 big league games this season.

How's that, folks?  The Dodgers obviously don't care what we want. 

I jest, of course.  It's just kinda exciting to know we have a couple of kids in the minors who have a chance to be really good, and I can be a very impatient man.

BTW, the same press release indicates that Stephen Fife is now off the DL, and has been sent to Albuquerque.

The Dodgers also reinstated right-hander Stephen Fife from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. Fife made 70 pitches in a rehab start on Tuesday for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in 4.0 innings, while walking one and striking out three in a loss. He made his only start for the Dodgers on April 21 at Baltimore before retroactively going on the DL the next day with right shoulder bursitis. In three starts for the Isotopes this season, Fife has gone 1-1 with a 4.61 ERA.

Something tells me that we haven't seen the last of him.

Pic Credit Above: Jon SooHoo / LA Dodgers 2013.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2013

Check out some more great pics from yesterdays game here, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Another injury.  Stephen Fife is on the 15 day DL with right shoulder bursitis, and Matt Magill has been called up to replace him.

Magill will start and wear No. 36 in his Major League debut tonight vs. Milwaukee.

Magill has posted a 2.84 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 19.0 innings in four starts for the Isotopes this season. The Simi Valley native has held the opposition to a .206 average on the year and last pitched on Monday, making 71 pitches and fanning seven while allowing one run on one hit in 4.0 innings. The 23-year-old was selected by the Dodgers in the 31st round of the 2008 First-Year Draft. He was signed out of Royal High School by then scout and current Dodger bullpen coach Chuck Crim. 

Fife started Sunday’s game in Baltimore after being recalled on the same day, allowing four runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings in the no-decision. In three starts with the Isotopes this season, the 26-year-old is 1-1 with a 4.61 ERA (7 ER/13.2 IP) and 14 strikeouts. 

• "Hanley to start rehab assignment on Saturday," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"He's worked really hard on his defense and I don't really want him to come back just to be back," Mattingly said. "I want him to be ready to play, and be able to play at a level that is natural, not where he has to think about throwing and how he's going to grip the ball and things like that. As soon as he's ready for that, we're ready for him."

• Are you kidding me?  Mark Ellis strained his right quad and will have a MRI, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Vin Scully hates paper airplanes, via Cut4.

I tell you, it seems like a childish thing, a paper airplane. You're out there hitting and a guy's throwing in the mid-90s, and a little white something might distract you? Whoa.

• Kershaw's Challenge has a new video up.  Go here to check it out.
• Stealing Home at All Trade Bait, All the Time recently visited Dodger Stadium and shares some nice pics.
• OK.  This is just awesome.  via Reddit, here are 66 photos chronicling the making of The Empire Strikes Back.
• Check out this great new shirt that was recently put together by Erin.  She used to run a Dodgers blog called Beantown West (and its many different iterations), and was a part of the original crew of Dodger bloggers that were invited to the teams Blogger Night festivites many moons ago.  Well, she's kinda retired from blogging, but that hasn't stopped her from loving the Dodgers.  Check out her creation here and please consider dropping some dough if you are so inclined.  Go here.

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