Blog Kiosk: 2/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

In May of 1941 the Dodgers made a big trade with the Cubs that brought veteran second baseman Billy Herman to Brooklyn. He provided stability to a position that was sorely lacking -- slashing .291/.361/.379/.740 while helping the club win the pennant for the first time in 21 years. The AP press photo above from the Chicago Tribune features the newly acquired infield wearing Dodger Blue for the first time (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

Herman Comes to Flatbush -- Billy Herman practices May 6 to take his place at second base in the Brooklyn Dodger lineup. He came to the Dodgers on a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 three new Jackie Robinson cereal boxes, created by General Mills, were unveiled to an eating and collecting public. He would be the first athlete to be honored on all three varieties of Wheaties: Original Wheaties, Honey Frosted Wheaties, and Crispy Wheaties 'n' Raisins. 
• Happy Birthday, Boyd Bartley & Todd Benzinger!

Welcome to the Blue, Brian Dozier!

Here's a deadline deal no one expected.

At long last the Dodgers have gotten the infielder many fans had wished for a couple of years back. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite have the stock value he had back then. Today, he's an under-performing player who has a track record that suggest he could turn things around. Announced this afternoon is a trade that sends our second baseman Logan "Logie Bear" Forsythe, minor leaguers Luke Raley and Devin Smeltzer to the Twins for second baseman Brian Dozier.

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Minnesota Twins. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 

For this homestand against the Twins only the Dodgers have made the Bacon Cheddar Onion Rings that includes golden rings with smoked bacon, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese and sour cream. See it on the right. It can be found at all Elysian Park Grills Field section 22, 23 and Reserve section 31.

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Monday, July 24th at 7:10 p.m.

RHP Bartolo Colón vs LHP Hyun Jin-Ryu

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020, KMPC 1540

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is Jackie Robinson covering third base during a spring training match against the Yankees.  Dated 3/19/1955, rookie second baseman Bobby Richardson slides in safely. (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Miami, Fla... Yankee second baseman Bob Richardson pushes up a lot of sod as he slides safely into third on Hunter's hit to left field.  Dodgerman Jackie Robinson playing third base seems to be urging the ball to come in faster.  Toss from left field was too late, however.  The Yankees tallied 6 runs in this second inning rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day In Dodger History:  In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

Blog Kiosk: 12/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dashing and Debonair.

Featured here is an original 120mm photo transparency of an photogenic Sandy Koufax in a photoshoot taken in the 60's. (eBay Auction Link)  I believe it was taken by LA theatrical photographer Jay Thompson.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1953 second baseman Jim Gilliam was named Rookie of the Year.  In 1958 the Dodgers received infielder and future Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson from the Phillies for Jim Golden, Rip Pepulski and Gene Snyder.  In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder JD Drew to a five year/$55 million contract; which included an opt-out clause after his second season.  As you know, JD did exercise the opt-out.
• Happy Birthday, Bunny Fabrique, Doc Gessler, Danny Taylor, Tim Leary, Cody Ross & Hanley Ramirez!

Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Happy BDay Vin, Nolasco Signs with Twins and Lilly Retires

Happy 86th Birthday, Vin Scully!  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, he hears from AJ Ellis about his trip to Australia.  AJ even addresses the Kirk Gibson comments.

“I want to leave it and let it go,” Ellis said. “He said what he said. They’re making more … I don’t know what to say. I’m honored the Dodgers thought highly enough of me to let me represent what I think is definitely the best organization in the NL West and the best organization in baseball, in my opinion.”

• Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, Ted Lilly will retire.

"It's principally the pain in my back and shoulder. I'm having problems there. I feel like I can't return to being the pitcher I was a few years ago."

• Jeff Miller at the Thrillist writes, "19 things in LA we're totally thankful for".  Be sure to check out #16.
• The Kersahw's shared their last day in Zambia in support of Kershaw's Challenge.  Read all about it here.
• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "The Dodgers Did It Their Way".  Uhlman explores "The Dodgers Way to Play Baseball", and laments the loss of that tradition today.
• Thank you, Ricky!  You we're great while you were here, and wish you'll the best of luck.  Via Scooby Axson at SI Wire, "Report: Twins, pitcher Ricky Nolasco agree to 4-year, $49 million deal".
• Via Jon Schorah at Baseball Professor, "Alexander Guerrero: 2014 Fantasy Sleeper".
• Via Marc Normandin at Sports on Earth, "Pitch Perfect?"  Normandin takes an in-depth look at the Dodgers pitching staff
• Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "Time Warner wants to charge a lot of money for the new Dodgers channel".

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Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig's Hollywood Reporter Magazine Cover, Hanley to Play Today and Ethier is OK

Check out the newest cover of The Hollywood Reporter featuring Yasiel Puig.  It was tweeted by Janice Min, the Editorial Director of the magazine.  She also shares a couple of photos from the issue.  

• Naver.com shares a bunch of pics from yesterday's game; including photos featuring Hyun-Jin Ryu.
• The Twins and Dodgers complete the "player to be named later" portion of the Drew Butera trade, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.  The Dodgers send pitching prospect Miguel Sulbaran to the Twins.  Chad Moriyama and Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue think we gave up too much.  I think the Dodger scouts don't value him as much as they do.
• Hanley Ramirez is suppose to start today, via a tweet from David Vassegh of AM570.

Don Mattingly said Ramirez will start tomorrow
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 13, 2013

• "A Brian Wilson activation may be imminent," via Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe.
• Andre was sent to the hospital yesterday.  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Dodgers want to rule out compartment syndrome with Andre Ethier".

“All [the tests] came back negative,” Mattingly said. “It’s just this thing keeps hanging on. He may be ready [Wednesday], maybe not, but [he’ll return] Friday for sure.”

• Dodger Penguin tells the tale of how he got a game-used Ryu jersey during Think Cure weekend at Dodger Stadium.  Congrats!
• Zack Hample spent a second day at Dodger Stadium and shares over 50 photos from the day.  This guy gets around.
• Adam Thomas at Beachball Delay writes a funny entry into Juan Uribe's journal: "Juan Annoying Team".

My locker. I still can't believe they did that to me over the weekend. I finally had it organized just the way I like it. Empanadas here, colognes and hot sauces there, jerseys, lobster bibs, my warmup jacket and cape I wear for clubbing were all hanging up neatly. All my equipment, chargers, "Saved By The Bell" DVD's, shoes, shower scrubbies and my deep fryer were neatly arranged.

• If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger... shares a great pic of a young Bobby Fischer playing Baseball.
• Via Sean Leahy at Puck Daddy, "Vote now: Force AHL team (Manchester Monarchs) to wear LA Kings’ infamous Burger King jersey".  Please vote.  It would be hilariously cruel.

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Welcome to the Blue, Drew Butera!

The Dodgers made a minor trade today that involved a back-up catcher for cash (or a player to be named later).  They picked up Drew Butera, who is the son of former Major League catcher Sal Butera, from the Twins.  He will be sent to AAA- Albuquerque.

This is just a depth move by the Dodgers.  He is essentially the back-up to the back-up.  So, if Tim Federowicz were to go down (or AJ Ellis) then Butera may find himself on the roster.  Also, he is on twitter.  You can follow him here: @drewbutera.

Frankly, there really is nothing to see here.  This is a "just in case" move for a guy who hasn't shown much of a "bat" in the majors.

BTW, I made the above fantasy card of Drew using the 1987 Topps card design and a photo grabbed from Zimbio from press photo day (Elsa/Getty Images North America).

From a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Butera, who turns 30 on Aug. 9, 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 and has hit .217 with 24 home runs and 169 RBI in 485 games during seven minor league seasons.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder appeared in two games with the Twins during a brief call-up from July 24-28, but has spent the majority of the 2013 campaign with Triple-A Rochester, batting .229 with two homers and 10 RBI in 26 games with the Red Wings.

Butera, who was originally selected by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Central Florida, is the son of former Major League catcher Sal Butera, who played in nine seasons with the Twins (1980-82, 1987), Tigers (1983), Expos (1984-85), Reds (1986-87) and Blue Jays (1988).

The Dodgers now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.

Below are his stats, via Baseball Reference:

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In other Dodger news.  The Dodgers send down Elian Herrera and bring back up Scott Van Slyke in an ever evolving game of musical chairs.  Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled outfielder/first baseman Scott Van Slyke from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned infielder/outfielder Elian Herrera to Triple-A.

Van Slyke, 27, will be making his third stint with the big league club and has a .241 batting average with six doubles, six homers and 14 RBI in 33 games with the Dodgers this year. Van Slyke appeared in eight games with the Isotopes since he was optioned on July 21, batting .250 (6-for-24) with two doubles, a homer and five RBI, and is batting .355 with 10 homers and 35 RBI in 45 games with Albuquerque this season.

Herrera appeared in just one game during his recall, striking out as a pinch-hitter on Sunday, and has gone 2-for-8 (.250) in four games with the Dodgers this season.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/10/2012

This photo is just plain awesome.  Hey Dusty Baker!  I want that suit.  The photo is from April 6, 1977, and it features the starting lineup for Opening Day against the Giants.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• According to a Sports Illustrated poll of 350 Major Leaguers Matt Kemp has the 11th most dangerous outfield arm.
• Per Mark Saxon at the ESPN Dodgers Report, "Victorino Bugs People and Doesn't Care."

“I want to win. I don’t care if I’m your best friend or not,” Victorino said. “Sometimes in this era, the way the game’s played is more relaxed. If you still play the old-school way, running the bases hard, hustling, taking extra bases, grinding out at-bats, you kind of stand out. I have always said I will never change that. I was taught as a kid to play that way.” 

• Howard Cole shares a 50 year old Dodgers scrapbook.
• On the Tuesday, September 4th home game against the Padres the Dodgers will be giving out 30,000 Matt Kemp replica jerseys.  Take a look at it below.

• Dodger Bobble was at the MVP Sports Foundation's 4th annual All-Star Auction and Dodger Reunion this past weekend and got a bunch of autographs.
• Dodgers Nation takes a look at Dodgers prospect Yasiel Puig.
• Sports Collectors Daily speaks with ToppsVault curator Mike Jasperson.
• This video is just a treat.  Here is a fan made 8mm film from Dodger Stadium of a World Series Game against the Twins in 1965.  There is no sounds, but the scenery had me in awe.  I am always constantly amazed at what fans wore to ballgames back then.

Video Link:

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eBay: a World Series Megaphone

The fluorescent yellow looks very out of place in the 60's. This is a souvenir 1965 World Series megaphone featuring the Dodgers versus the Twins. I can imagine hoards of fans sitting in the stands with this held up to their mouths. They scream taunts and jabs to get the opposition off their game. Unfortunately for Minnesota, it would do no good. The Dodgers were the team of destiny then as they won the series in 7 games.

(eBay Auction Link)

Tommy and TC at FanFest

Here are more pics found on Twitter from the FanFest in Anaheim.

Minnesota Twins mascot TC with Tommy.

(twitpic link: TC_OO)

Repko On the Move

According to Dylan Hernandez, via Twitter, Jason Repko has landed in the Twins organization.  I've always liked his hustle.  I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a role with the big club one of these days.