Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day In Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers sign free agent future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. The Dodgers are 49-44 at the time, but languish in third place in the NL West -- 7.5 games behind the Giants. Unfortunately, Rickey cannot change the Dodgers fortunes. He gets into only 30 games, batting .208 with one double, two home runs and five RBI's. In 1995 Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez no-hits the Marlins at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). He was perfect for 7 1/3 innings before walking Tommy Gregg. It is the 22nd no-no in franchise history. You can watch the final out here.
• Happy Birthday, Tim Locastro, Ed Hug, Happy Smith, Max West, Gene Schott, Danny Walton, Pepe Frias, Darren Hall, Robin Ventura & Jose Hernandez!

Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these Brooklynites celebrating with Carl Erskine in the above UP press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Erskine Does It Again -- Brooklyn, NY: Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine is congratulated by admiring fans, after the trim Indiana righthander hurled the second no-hit game of his career, a brilliant 3-0 win over the New York Giants here May 12th. Erskine's other no-hitter came against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952. Erskine's feat makes him the 17th pitcher in Major League history to have pitched at least two no-hitters, and by coincidence, the Major League's last no-hitter was pitched exactly one year ago on this date by Chicago's Sam Jones in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 5/12/1956. (boxscore)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1861 the Brooklyn Atlantics defeat the Charter Oak Club, 36 - 27, playing Baseball while wearing skates on a frozen Litchfield Pond in South Brooklyn. In 1956 Commissioner Ford Frick introduces the Cy Young Memorial Award in memory of the Hall of Fame pitcher who died the year before. As you know, Dodger hurler Don Newcombe would be the first to win the award later in the season. In 1985 the Dodgers traded 6' 5" righty Pat Zachery to the Phillies for aging slugger Al Oliver. 
• Happy Birthday, Lefty Davis, Eddie Ainsmith, Possum Whitted, Pat Perry & Steve Schmoll!

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thank you, Andre!

You can watch the pregame video honoring Ethier, here. Watch the fun little pregame Q&A between Andre and Jason Bateman, here. Andre then spoke with the Dodgers broadcast booth during the game, here. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"It's flattering and humbling to have all this fuss for a guy who was just another player in a long line of great Dodgers," Ethier said, his two sons, Dreson and Retton, seated to his right. "It meant a lot to me to play in L.A. for 12 years and play in front of these fans."
...
"If I could do one more thing," Ethier said, "it would be to play one more game with Matt."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season.
• Happy Birthday, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - First Place!

(Pic via Campbell Dunn/MLB.com)

The Dodgers now sit alone in first place in the NL West after they defeated the Padres last night, 3-2. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Beats being in second place," said manager Dave Roberts, who promised when his club was at its lowest that it would rebound as it has.

"Beats being in fourth place. This is what we expected. Made it a little tough on ourselves early, but we righted the ship. We've got a long way to go." 

The Dodgers are 8-3 in July and 35-17 since May 24. Their .676 winning percentage since June 1 is the best in the National League.

BTW, I made the above Cody Bellinger fantasy Baseball card after seeing his Moms Instagram post celebrating her son's 23rd birthday today. She posted a Cody toddler photo and I knew I had to do something with it. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 Brooklyn's rookie manager Walter Alston makes the first of a record nine appearances as National League manager in the annual All-Star Game. Unfortunately, the National League would lose this game to the American League, 11-9.
• Happy Birthday, John O'Brien, Daryl Spencer & Cody Bellinger!

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic spring photo of a Dodger signing for fans.

Photo above via Camelback Ranch on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

Cody Bellinger Named to 2017 Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Cup Team

For most folks this honor bestowed by Topps is but a small highlight. For a collector like myself it's the ultimate sign of respect.

This morning Topps announced, through the MLB Network (twitter video link here), their All-Star Rookie Cup Team, and one Dodger made the cut.

Can you guess who it was?

Vote For Kershaw!

This blog officially endorses Clayton Kershaw as your best choice for card #1.

Once again Topps is reaching out to fans and collectors for their vote on who should be card #1 in next years flagship Baseball card set. As you know, being the first card in this brand is an honor indeed. Some of the greats to be placed into that position include Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays (twice), Ted Williams (3 times), Nolan Ryan (3 times) and Mike Trout (twice). You can go here to vote.

For Dodger fans I think it's important to note that only three Dodger players (Pafko, Robinson & Piazza) have had the honor of having their own card as #1, and it been over twenty years since that's happened. So, ain't it about time we see a Dodger there?

Dodgers Promo's from the 2017 NSCC -- Beckett, Topps and Panini

The 38th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, dubbed "The National", closed its doors a week ago in Chicago, and it included its fair-share of promotional cards for folks to chase after. First of all, there was a VIP program attendees could join that provided each member exclusive promo cards just for going through the door. Notably, Leaf Trading cards VIP promo featured Vin Scully (you can see that here). Other promo's were available at individual booths -- either as wrapper redemption's, a sale incentive or just for free (if you ask). Below are most of the Dodger promos given out by Beckett, Topps and Panini America that I've been able to track down

First of all, Beckett ran a sort-of scavenger hunt at The National. They produced ten different promos fashioned after their magazine covers, and partnered up with nine different retailers at the show to give them away. Only one of the cards had a Dodger on it, and it happened to also include Aaron Judge as well. See it below. It was handed out by Blowout Cards at the convention. Go here for a complete Beckett promo checklist.

Beckett

Beckett Cover Promos

#4 Aaron Judge / Cody Bellinger (on reverse)

Blog Kiosk: 7/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've seen numerous captions to photos similar to the one above; including "Hail Orange Jesus", but I prefer using "The Orange Justinian".

Now, hear me out. It's like mixing Orange Julius (one of my favorite all-time mall drinks) with the Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great (known for trying to revive and unite an aging empire and setting up a basis of laws still relevant today).

Okay, so that's a stretch and a bit dumb. But, do you know what isn't dumb? Hear these words from the man who has been an important leader for the club, via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We just don’t go away,” Turner said, drenched in Gatorade. “It doesn’t matter how big a hole we get in.”

Those are definitely the words that we of the Dodgers Empire can live by.

Photo above of Yasiel Puig giving Justin Turner an Orange shower is via Jon Soohoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 Robins (Dodgers) starter Harry Heitman, in his major league debut, gave up four consecutive hits (all of whom eventually scored) and is then pulled for a reliever. He would never pitch in the majors again -- effectively ending his career with a career ERA of infinity.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Robinson, Jack Doscher, Zach Taylor, Jim Faulkner, Leo Durocher, Bill Sayles, Tom Goodwin & Shea Hillenbrand!

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Sunday was not the best day. First Clayton Kershaw left the game early due to back tightness issues. Then, Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season when he yielded a three run home run that tied the game. Fortunately, this Dodger team doesn't give up. They fight... And they claw... And they never surrender. So, they eventually rallied in the 10th inning and won the game on a walk-off single by Logan Forsythe. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a good series for us, to battle back from two losses to start,” Forsythe said. “To see the depth of our bench, to see the bullpen come in and do a good job and for us to grind out at-bats and have quality at-bats and get a split in that series I think was good to see.”

On a side note: Unlike many, I am not worried that the season will be lost due to the recent injury to Kershaw. Instead, I see this as just another hill that these Dodgers are eager to climb. There is no barrier too high, no roadblock too perilous, and no injury too great that will sway their belief that this season is theirs.

The above photo of Yasiel Puig dousing Logan Forsythe via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn; slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 former Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 17-year old amateur free agent infielder José Offerman out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleads guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - McCarthy, Scully and Chase Utley

Yesterdays game had it all.  There was an opening inning homer by Justin Turner to give the Dodgers an early lead.  The opposition mounted a vigorous comeback that included several big hits from former Angel Mark Trumbo.  Although starting pitching was lackluster for both team, they ended up combining for a total of 36 strike outs on the day.  BTW, nine innings was not enough to decide the game.  They had to go to extras.  All the while, Chase Utley, an aging 37-year old shortstop, thought to be already over the hill, hammered out six hits throughout the day.  A feat last accomplished by Shawn Green in 2002.  Per Jack Baer and Brittany Ghiroli at MLB.com:

"Just found some open ground out there," Utley said. "Overall it was a good game. Obviously, we're disappointed with the outcome, but we battled. Our relievers did a great job keeping us in the game. Had a lot of guys on base, a few big hits, could have used a couple more."

Via Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Chase has been great," manager Dave Roberts said. "He finds a way to compete, put the barrel on the ball, and he found some outfield grass today. He's just a pro. The way he conducts his at-bats, I think he got three two-strike hits. Just used the whole field today."

Unfortunately, the exploits of Mr. Greybeard was not enough.  In 14 innings the Orioles outlasted the Dodgers and won, 6-4.  Go here to watch Dave Roberts talk about the game with Alanna Rizzo.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1959 Don Drysdale pitches a perfect three innings during the All-Star game in Pittsburgh.  In 2004 Kazuhisa Ishii tosses a one-hitter against the Diamondbacks to defeat Arizona 11-0.
• Happy Birthday, Jeff Shaw, Glenn Hoffmann and Brandon McCarthy!

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was the third annual Dodgers RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) PlayerFest at Dodger Stadium, and as you can see it was packed with happy kids everywhere.  The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from the event.

 Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game.  The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0.  Check out what I wrote about it here.
• Happy Birthday, Babe Herman!

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #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.

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

(Puig and Maeda, pic via Jon SooHoo on the Dodgers twitter)

GOING LIVE: The Dodgers held their third full-squad workout of Spring Training today, with PFP and bullpen sessions, along with their first live batting practice of the spring in preparation for Opening Day, April 4 at San Diego. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play on Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

• Pitchers who faced live hitters today were Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Chris Hatcher, Yimi Garcia, Joe Blanton, J.P. Howell, Luis Avilan, Carlos Frias, Matt West and Adam Liberatore
• Brett Anderson, Zach Lee, Ross Stripling, Chase De Jong and Josh Ravin all threw regular bullpens.

(Kershaw on Photo Day, pic via Dodgers on twitter)

SAY CHEESE: The Dodgers held their annual Photo Day this morning, with players showing off their pearly whites for the Dodger team photographers, SNLA, MLB Photos, MLB.com, MLB International, ESPN the Magazine, Topps, USA Today, Getty Images, Baseball Magazine Sha, the LA Times, the Associated Press and ICON Sportswire.

ONE MORE TURNER: While plenty of the familiar faces of the Dodger players are back from last year’s division title, the coaching staff is almost entirely new, with the exception of 11-year pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. The new hitting coach in Los Angeles is Turner Ward, who spent the past eight seasons in the Arizona organization, including three years on the Diamondbacks’ Major League staff as hitting coach (2014-15) and assistant hitting coach (2013). Under Ward’s coaching, last season, Arizona produced two Silver Sluggers (first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and center fielder A.J. Pollock) and led the NL in hits (1,494), while ranking among the Major League best in runs (720, 2nd), extra-base hits (491, 2nd), batting average (.264, 3rd), on-base percentage (.324, 3rd) and slugging percentage (.414, 2nd). Ward began his coaching career with two seasons in the Pirates’ organization in 2006-07 and has compiled a 216-190 record (.532) during four seasons managing in the minors: 2006 (Rookie-level GCL Pirates), 2007 (Single-A State College) and 2011-12, when he led Double-A Mobile to back-to-back Southern League championships and was named the league’s 2011 Manager of the Year. Welcome Turner!

(Turner posing for Topps on photo day, pic via Topps on twitter)

AUTHOGRAPH SESH: During the past two days, Dodger players have signed hundreds of bats, balls, photos and jerseys, primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. The signed items will be used for fundraising purposes organized by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the money raised will be donated to over 200 non-profit organizations and schools in the greater Los Angeles area. For more information, please visit www.dodgers.com/ladf or www.dodgers.com/donations.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Roberts, Blanton and Hyun-Jin Ryu

Spring training isn't only about Baseball.  During their Vero Beach days it was also about the fishing.

Featured above is a vintage press photo (via Bettman/CORBIS at SI) of Don Newcombe, Steve Lembo, Roy Campanella, Tommy Brown, and Jim Romano showing off their their booty from an afternoon at sea.  The photograph is undated, but likely dates to the late-40's to early-50's.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Henry Shulman at the San Francisco Chronicle, "Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans to steal from Giants’ Bruce Bochy." (subscription req.)

“I’ve definitely got a few things up my sleeve that he’s taught me, whether he knows it or not,” [manager Dave] Roberts said with a smile at a press availability Monday for all 15 Cactus League managers and general managers.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Blanton embracing new role as reliever."

“I think being a veteran and having been around a lot makes it easier because I’m not real stressed on when I’m gonna go in the game,” said Blanton. “I know once I get out there I’ll be ready – I’m not so stressed – which makes that role easier because it’s all over the board. Some guys who say ‘Hey, I’m the seventh-inning guy’ or when like ‘Alright these lefties come up I know I need to be ready at that time of the game,’ or ‘I’m the closer or the eighth-inning guy.'”

• Here's a preview pic of the Dodger Stadium replica being given out to fans on Saturday, May 14th against the Cardinals on the right.  Go here to check out the Dodgers promotional schedule.
• Via an AP story at ESPN, "Infielder Jimmy Rollins reaches minor league deal with White Sox."
• Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Dodgers' Hyun-Jin Ryu set up for slow-motion spring training."

“And that’s kind of by design with how we put together this roster,” (Dave Roberts) said. “We’ve added depth and to expect him to throw 200 innings coming off surgery is unrealistic. Now we have the luxury that whenever he is ready then he can contribute to the end of the season. That is a luxury we have and for all of us, talking to Ryu, takes some of the anxiety out of it.”

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Alex Wood confident about his status in Dodgers' deep rotation."

“I’ve never shied away from competition in any way, shape or form. … In this game at this level, once you establish yourself, you get a little bit of a comfort level. But you come to an organization like this - I don’t want to say money is no object. But when you can bring in the type of talent you can here, that competition level is always going to be there unless you’re a guy like Kershaw.”

• I thought I would note that there are a couple of very rare vintage Dodgers bobbleheads currently on auction on eBay (here and here).  They are a part of the 1960's era "Weirdo's" series and often sell in the thousands.  In fact, both bobbles are currently over a thousand dollars a piece right now.  For some background on these rarities check out my brief story about them from 2014, here.
• Beckett shares their live blog from Topps presentation at the 2016 Industry Summit in Hawaii yesterday.  Check it out here.  One notable announcement is that they will host a nationwide National Baseball Card Day this year for the first time since 2008 - date has not yet been determined.  There was also mention of some sort of deal between Topps and Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda, but details were scarce.  I think it's likely to be an exclusive autograph deal with the company.

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Topps Made Real All-Star Rookie Trophy Bowls - Here's Garvey's

Just about every kid who has collected Baseball cards knows exactly what this is.  Since 1959 Topps has awarded a group of the brightest young stars in the game with an "All-Star Rookie" trophy logo on their subsequent Baseball card.  What I didn't know is that they apparently awarded a similar distinction to up-'n-coming prospects in the Minor Leagues; as evidenced by the trophy above.  Check out the auction listing here on eBay.

Featured is an Topps National Association All-Star Rookie Team trophy cup that was given to fast rising prospect Steve Garvey for his excellent play during his freshman campaign with the Ogden Dodgers in 1968 as a third baseman.  In fact, this might very well be the first professional trophy he had ever received.  Garvey had just been drafted and signed by the club that June, and immediately joined the rookie level team in the Pioneer League.  That season he hit 20 home runs, drove in 59 RBI's and slashed an impressive .338/.421/.699/1.120 in just 254 plate appearances.  So, it's not surprising he would be recognized like this. 

As you can see the trophy looks just like the logo that was awarded to the Major League rookies since the 70's (see the pic on the right).  This trophy has a rather rough looking patina to it, so I'd suggest buffing that out.  It's time to make it shiny and new again. 

BTW, this award was originally sold by SCP Auctions back in the Spring of 2013.  It has sold for $472.00 then.

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Roy Campanella Original Drawing by Bob Parker - A Former Topps Cartoonist

Just take a look at those little generic Baseball men in the drawing above.  Don't they look familiar?

Featured is an cartoon drawn by Bob Parker, and he is known to be one of an handful of artist, like MAD Magazine co-founder Jack Davis, to have his work grace the back of Topps sportscards during it's heyday.  

The drawing above is actually the original artwork for an self-produced slightly larger than postcard sized (3 3/8" x 5 1/2") set he sold at collector shows throughout the 1970's to the early 1980's.  It is commonly known as the 1977-81 Bob Parker Hall of Fame set, and as you can see the drawing above is of former Dodger Roy Campanella.  I ran into this on eBay, so check out the auction here.  You can also see what the original card he sold looks like on the right.  The postcard set was produced from 1977 to 1981 in three series.  There are a total number of 103 postcards.  The first series, of which the drawing above comes from, consist of 54 cards.

Considering how little Topps paid for their drawings back then, as low as $3.00 each, it's not surprising that Parker decided to market his artwork on his own... and thank goodness for that.  Otherwise, we wouldn't have these fantastic illustrations to enjoy.

The above drawing measures 7 1/2" x 11", and it highlights much of Campanella's career.  He mentions Campanella's three MVP awards along with a caricature of a ballplayer hammering an MVP sign on the wall.  The bottom cartoon of a swinging batter goes along with Parker's mention of Campy's mighty home run swing.  Click on the above pic to embiggen.

BTW, while doing some research for this post I ran into one of Parker's card show display boards from 1981.  It is for the last (third) series of the set and includes examples of five other cards - Roberto Clemente, Al Kaline, Sandy Koufax, Yogi Berra and Lefty Gomez.  Check out the display below.  The eBay auction for this item can be found here.

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2015 Panini America & Topps National Convention Promos - The Dodger Cards

With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago having concluded last weekend I figured it would be a good time to take a look at some of the Dodger cards available through various wrapper redemption and VIP card giveaways at both Panini America and Topps.  Check them all out below.  BTW, this might not be a complete listing.

Below I take a look at the Panini cards that are available.  Unfortunately, a complete checklist isn't available, but Cardboard Connection does it's best to catalog everything they know about.  Here is a checklist for the wrapper redemption cards, and here is a checklist for the VIP Party cards.

Panini VIP Promo Set

Panini gave a limited 6-card set to all attendees who were a part of the conventions VIP program.  The set includes Kris Bryant, Marcus Mariota, Jahlil Okafor, Karl Anthony Towns, Jameis Winston and Joc Pederson.

#2 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 8/5/2015 - Dodger Links - Wood, Pederson and Jimmy Rollins

Alex Wood had a very good start with the Dodgers yesterday evening, and if not for a 7th inning snafu we might be focused on only that.  Unfortunately, the balk happened.  Then, the wheels fell off the Dodgers wagon.  Not that it's Wood's fault.  He pitched great.  It's just that his balk lead to an unfortunate outcome.

If you haven't seen Wood's pitch (Come on, really? It's only become the web's most recent sensation) check it out here at Cut 4.  As you can see, during mid-windup the ball slipped out of his hand and headed towards first base.  That put runners on second and third base.  The batter then walked to load the bases for Maikel Franco; who proceeded to hit a grand slam.  A game that was once tied at one was now a 5-1 Phillies advantage.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's been a weird eight days, for sure," said Wood, who also singled in his first at-bat. "I put us in a bad situation in the seventh, they ended up capitalizing. That's not the way I envisioned the first one going."

A game that looked like it would be remembered as an outstanding beginning for the former Braves pitcher would now become an viral internet sensation. 

The pic above is via @SportsNetLA on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers sticking with Pederson despite slump."

"I think really now is not the time to start messing with the club and getting away from playing great defense in the middle of the field," he said. "Right now we have Joc sitting in the eight-hole, where there's really no pressure. We're not asking for a lot of offense. Really, there's been no talk of anything different."

• They still love Jimmy Rollins in Philly.  Via Ryan Lawrence at Philly.com:

"It was cool," said Rollins, who had to step out and raise his helmet a second time. "It was greatly appreciated. It went longer than I thought . I came out, they clapped, I nodded and got back in the box. And they just kept going. I was like,'Geez, we do have a game to play.' But it was a great moment for them to show their appreciation. I'm glad it was that way."

• Walker Buehler, the Dodgers 2016 1st round draft pick, has an inauspicious start to his Dodger career, via a tweet from Dodger broadcaster Alanna Rizzo.

1st round selection, Walker Buehler, will undergo Tommy John surgery tomorrow. His expected return is 12-18 months. #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 4, 2015

• JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers shares a quote from Farhan Zaidi regarding Buehler and his surgery:

“As far as signing him, we still think he is one of the top pitching talents in the draft,” Zaidi said. “We have the luxury of being able to play the long game. Even if it puts him a year behind, we think when he comes back he’s going to justify where we selected him. Obviously we signed him for a reduced number that allowed us to do some other things in the draft.”

• Via George Vrechek at Sports Collectors Digest, "Former Employee Butch Jacobs Explains How Topps Picked the Pictures."

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Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2014 - Dodger Links - Seager, Haren and Puig

Clayton Kershaw and AJ Ellis visited the Toros del Este of the Dominican Winter Leagues yesterday.  In the photo above they are standing with Luis Dorante and Amaury Telemaco.  Kershaw threw out the first pitch.  Photo above via @DodgersPR on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Doubles king Corey Seager completes tremendous season."

During the minor league regular season, Seager led all players with 50 doubles. It was the first time a minor leaguer reached the 50-double mark since 2011 (Toronto farmhand David Cooper had 51 for Triple-A Las Vegas). There have only been four occurrences where a minor leaguer has had 50 doubles in a season since the turn of the century.

• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "2015 top Dodgers prospects overview."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Other than LA, retirement for Haren?"  I absolutely respect his viewpoint.

"My signing with the Dodgers last year and my decision to exercise my player option were based on my desire to play in Southern California near my family," Haren told ESPN in an email. "I had other opportunities but at this point in my career I have no interest in playing in a city away from my family."

• Via David Venn at MLB.com, "Puig reflects on first Japan Series experience."

"All of the discipline they have," he said. "Everything is about respect, almost as if [the players] are apologizing. And the fans are great. They support their team from the first inning to the ninth. That's a nice thing."

• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Wills hopeful for induction into Hall of Fame."
• Check out some unique player themed apparel from Topps, here.  Below is a Jackie Robinson shirt that they call a 3-button henley.  There are other t-shirts featuring vintage Baseball cards of stars like Nolan Ryan, Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, etc.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Car Sold and Valenzuela's Statue

Check out Fernando Valenzuela gazing upon a statue of himself that was erected this past weekend at Charros de Jalisco's ballpark in Guadalajara.  Photo via @charrosbeisbol on twitter.  As you can see, it features him looking to the heavens as he prepares his pitch.

Below are some links to check out:

• Mark Townsend at Big League Stew has more on Joc Pederson's car.  It has been sold on eBay for $1,200.00.  He also tells us a bit about the seller, who had purchased it from the winner on fan appreciation day in Albuquerque.
• Via Adam Berry at MLB.com, "Puig comes up big in Tokyo."  You can also check out a bunch of pics from the game at Tokyo, here, from Dodger Insider Jon Weisman.

"The way they were attacking Yasiel in the first three games and really not giving him too much to hit, to put him in front of [Rockies first baseman Justin] Morneau was an opportunity for him to see some pitches. It worked out," MLB manager John Farrell said. "They threw the ball in the strike zone, and he responded with three hits tonight.

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers senior VP Josh Byrnes on Billy Gasparino, Ryan Jackson."

“Billy’s great,” Byrnes said. “Great resume as a player, scout; crosschecked for a long time. I think the skills we’re looking for — a good evaluator, running a draft. using all that information to make that decision.”

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez on the offseason, Julio Urias, baseball in Mexico and Canelo Alvarez."

“Julio is a young man who is an excellent pitcher. He pitches about 95 mph. He has a great curve as well. A lot of people feel that he has the potential of being one of the greatest pitchers in the Major Leagues,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a great guy, simple and very attentive. Even though I’ve known him for a short time, I hope we can start a great friendship. Our team expects a lot from Julio.”

• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com puts together a team-by-team breakdown of top performers in the 2014 Arizona Fall League

Best Prospect: After a rough AFL performance in 2013, shortstop Corey Seager played much better the second time around, batting .281/.354/.472 with a league-best 10 doubles. The 2014 Minor League leader in hitting (.349) and doubles (50), he'll produce for average and power but will likely have to move to third base. .

• Via TheThinGwynn at Gaslamp Ball, Topps is issueing a Johnny Manziel San Diego Padres autographed Baseball card.

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