Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero DFA'd, Urias Called Back Up and Kazmir's Fantastic Start

Has he figured it out?

Last night was the second great start for Scott Kazmir.  He threw six strong innings, recorded seven strike outs and allowed only one hit all evening to the Cubs.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's back," manager Dave Roberts said. "The ball has life and the changeup, he's getting extension with the change and the fastball. The deception is there. He's just really excited about the place he's at. Even when he's giving up runs, he's throwing the ball well, so I think he's been back and it's exciting for us."

...
"It's kind of just getting everything in sync," (Scott Kazmir) said. "That's where I'm at right now."

You can watch Dave Roberts speak more about Kazmir's start with Alanna Rizzo on SportsNet LA here (Video Link Here). 

Photo above of Kazmir and AGon via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Don Drysdale beat the Phillies for his 13th victory without a loss over the past 15 starts against them.  He would then go 0-9 in his next 12 starts against Philadelphia.  In 1997 Wilton Guerrero is ejected (and later suspended) for using a corked bat in that days game.  He had broken his bat while at the plate and immediately scrambled to pick up the broken pieces.  The umpire, a bit curious at Guerrero's actions, decided to investigate, and found cork strewn on the grass.
• Happy Birthday, Derek Lowe!

eBay Unearths some Pics of the 1997 Dodgers

I was window shopping on eBay this afternoon when I came across a series of photographs that I thought I'd share here.  These aren't exactly vintage in nature, but they do elicit some old memories.

Featured are a bunch of scans from original 35mm color slides that were taken by a photographer named Thearon Henderson - who was on assignment for the Upper Deck Company at the time.  From what I understand, he is currently with Getty.  All of the pics where taken during the 1997 season, and it includes several players you hardly ever see.

Collection: Wilton Guerrero Donruss Signatures

Here is another one of those card sets from the 90's that I know nothing about. This is a 1998 Donruss Signature Series autographed card of former Dodgers hot prospect Wilton Guerrero. I know this is a signature heavy set with numerous parallel versions of the autographed cards available.

Wilton Guerrero is an older brother (by one year) of slugger Vladimir Guerrero. Originally signed as undrafted free agents by Dodgers scout Ralph Avila and Pablo Peguero, he was suppose to be our solution at second base after the failed experiment that brought Delino DeShileds to Los Angeles in exchange for a future Hall of Famer. Wilton could field the position just fine and hit for a decent average, but couldn't do much more. Soon he would be relegated to utility work as Eric Young supplanted him as our everyday second baseman. In 1998 he was traded to Montreal and had an opportunity to play along side his brother, Vladimir. While with the Expos they became the eighth set of brothers to homer in the same game.

Collection: Wilton Guerrero 1997 Bowmans Best Auto

Wilton Guerrero is the eldest brother of slugger Vladamir, but considering his tiny frame was not anywhere near the same kind of hitter. Sure, he showed small glimpses of being able to handle the bat competently, but defense was really his forte. Unfortunately, his career was uneventful save one incident that wikipedia provides an account for:

Guerrero was 21 years old when he made his major league debut September 3, 1996, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. On June 1, 1997, the Dodgers rookie led off against the Cardinals in St. Louis by grounding out. His broken bat shattered, and when he scrambled to pick up the pieces instead of running it out, the umpires became suspicious. The bat had been corked. Guerrero was ejected, suspended for eight games, and fined $1,000.

I had forgotten all about this.

Here I show my 1997 Bowmans Best certified autographed card from my collection.