2018 Panini Elite Extra Edition - All the Dodgers Cards

Now available at your local hobby shop is Panini's 2018 Elite Extra Edition brand, and as always it features many of the top prospects in the game. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below are all of the Dodger players that are available; including our top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz. Also, one of our top sluggers, DJ Peters has five different cards available in this product. Check out all the Dodgers below.

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#24 Diego Cartaya

#125 Keibert Ruiz                   #126 DJ Peters

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Having been out of town the past few days, I was unable to post up this newest Dodgers' 2018 Topps Now card earned on Saturday. As you know, the Dodgers and Padres were locked in extra innings when Justin Turner knocked a 'Texas Leaguer' towards the right field line that scored the winning run in walk-off style, 5-4.

Even more amazing is that the blooper came on the first pitch after a lengthy game-delay from a stadium wide black out. You can watch the blackout as it happens here. Also, here's a fun post by Eric Stephen at SB Nation about the blackout: "Six moments from the power outage at Dodger Stadium." BTW, the Topps Now card sold 246 copies.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by each Dodger teammate. In 2003 Eric Gagne recorded his 44th straight save to establish a new Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - The All-Star Break

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers at Dodger Insider)

After all of the hand-wringing in April, the Dodgers end the first-half of the season in first place. Per Kaelen Jones at MLB.com:

"The one thing that I really like about this team is how we really figured it out," said Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who tied for the NL lead with his 27th save. "That kind of shows you the type of players that we have in this locker [room], that we've got to put stuff behind us and never panic."

The Dodgers have had plenty of reason to panic. A post-World Series hangover lingered into the start of the 2018 season as they opened 16-26. Their starting pitching has been ravaged by injuries. That includes Kershaw, who appears to be back to full health just in time. 

"I think we're playing a little bit more now like what we are," Kershaw said. "I don't think we're a 16-26 ballclub, obviously. Good for us to right the ship; good for us to right the ship that quickly."

For his part, Clayton went 6.2 innings, allowed six hits including a three-run homer, struck out eight and walked four to help the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 5-3. The photo above of our all-stars at the very top via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Brooklyn agrees to a deal with the Giants that releases his manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants. Burt Shotten would take over the managerial position for Brooklyn.
• Happy Birthday, Don Ross, Tommy Tatum, Norm Sherry, John Purdin & Eric Surkamp!

Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you surely know, Matt Kemp and Kenley Jansen have both been selected to be in the 2018 All-Star Game next week -- Kemp chosen through fan-balloting and Jansen via player-balloting. Max Muncy, this seasons surprise slugger, has also been selected as a Final Vote candidate. All you have to do is go here to vote for him.

BTW, I understand that the Dodgers and Yankees have formally teamed-up to rally their fans to send both Max Muncy and Giancarlo Stanton to the game. I am not sure what they plan to do to promote this historically uneasy alliance -- other than a weekend press release and some fancy graphics -- but I do wonder if the ghost of Brooklyn Dodgers past would have a problem with this. I jest, of course.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1996 Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He lead the National League to a 6-0 victory by slugging a solo home run in the 2nd inning and a two-out RBI double in the 3rd inning. You can watch Piazza All-Star highlights and an postgame interview here.
• Happy Birthday, Turner Barber, Fred Johnston & Ray Thomas!

2018 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps' minor league Baseball card brand Pro Debut officially hit store shelves this week, and I've got pics of every Dodger card available to look at below. Go here for a complete checklist.

This set is stacked with some of the best Dodger prospects currently in our system; including the recently called-up pitcher Dennis Santana. Other notables are Keibert Ruiz, Yadier Alvarez , DJ Peters and Mitchell White. Heck, all nine Dodgers' in the base set are all worth paying attention to.

Something notable is a fun mascot card featuring Tremor of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes - a Dodgers Single-A team.

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#9 Mitchell White                 #38 Ibandel Isabel

2018 Bowman - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a final look at the Dodgers' cards found in packs of 2018 Bowman Baseball. This time we take a peek at the Bowman Scouts Top 100 insert set, #BowmanTrending, Sterling Continuity, ROY Favorites and the Talent Pipeline cards.

Bowman Scouts Top 100

#BTP-6 Walker Buehler          #BTP-28 Alex Verdugo

2017 Bowman Chrome Mini - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released a complete factory set of 2017 Bowman Chrome Mini cards, and it includes cardboard of many of the top rookies and prospects in the Dodgers system. Go here for a complete checklist.

None of the Dodger cards found here are new us. We've seen both the designs and photo selections available in either their Bowman or Bowman Chrome sets released earlier this season. The only thing unique about this product is that they are miniaturized versions of those cards. Check out all of the Dodger cards below.

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#55 Rob Segedin

2017 Bowman Draft - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest set to hit store shelves is their 2017 Bowman Draft brand. As always, these cards include some of the very first cards of kids drafted in 2017. Of the seven Dodgers in the base set three were drafted just this past summer -- Morgan Cooper (2nd rd), Connor Wong (3rd rd) and James Marinan (4th rd). Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodgers' cards.

Base & Base Chrome

Normal Base                        Base Chrome
#BD-30 Morgan Cooper      #BDC-30 Morgan Cooper

Blog Kiosk: 11/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic photo tweeted out by Alex Cheremeteff‏. Dated to 5/29/1953, it features several old-tyme Dodgers ushering in a new season for the Uptown Little League at Kennard Field, Pittsburgh. On the top row are (from L-R) Roy Campanella, Gair Allie, Jackie Robinson, Joe Black, Carlos Bernier, Sam Narron, and Ronald Gray holding shoes on left. Photo was taken by Pittsburgh photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris during his 40-year career with the Pittsburgh Courier. I also ran into another photo of Harris' from this day located in the archives of the Carnegie Museum of Art that you can check out on the right.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1979 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher David Goltz to a six-year $3MM contract. The former eight-year Twins veteran went 9-19 with a 4.25 ERA in three season with the team before being release in 1982.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Howell, Red Sheridan, Jim Brewer & Tim Hamulak!

2017 Topps Heritage Minor League - All the Dodgers Cards

Even as the season comes to close, the Baseball card hobby doesn't stop. In fact, this Fall is proving to be one of the busiest. This week alone Topps has released three card sets to keep collectors busy, and next week three more are scheduled to hit the public.

The first set I'll make note of is the 2017 Topps Heritage Minor League brand. It focuses on prospects and soon-to-be Major Leaguers on the vintage 1968 Topps Baseball card design. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are eleven Dodger youngsters in the 220 card base set (including a card for the recently traded Willie Calhoun). Additionally, three Dodgers are also a part of the league leaders subset. Check out all of the Dodger cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Heritage Minor League below.

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#5 Andrew Sopko                #36 Yusniel Diaz

#45 Will Smith             #87 Alex Verdugo

2017 Bowman Chrome - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

I had failed to previously mention that both Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge appear on the boxes of Topps 2017 Bowman Chrome cards. Check out an example on the right.

Below are all of the Dodgers insert cards found in packs. Unfortunately, there are a ton of redemption cards inserted instead of the actual autographed cards. Cody Bellinger and recently traded prospect Willie Calhoun are only available as an redemption.

Also, there are a couple of short printed Calhoun cards available that feature him holding the MVP trophy for the Arizona Fall League Falls Stars Game in 2016. That evening he went 3-for-3, with a two-run homer.

Chrome Prospect Autographs

#CPA-JSB Josh Sborz        #CPA-MW Mitchell White

2017 Bowman Chrome - The Dodgers Base Cards

Last week saw the release of Topps 2017 Bowman Chrome -- which is essential the super-shiny version of their 2017 Bowman set that came out in April. And as you know, Bowman is all about rookies and prospects, so there are plenty of Dodger Blue youngsters to be found here. Go here to see a complete checklist.

Below are all of the Dodgers found in the Base and Prospects set. Notably, Dodger farmhand Yusniel Diaz gets his very first card showing him in Dodger Blue in the Prospects set.

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#25 Corey Seager

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Alex Verdugo is Coming!

A four game losing streak typically isn't something to worry about; especially when you've got a 17 game lead over your next closest competitor. Still, I do feel a certain sense of dread... like, will another shoe drop? Then I remember some wise words from our elder statesman/poet laureate, Vin Scully:

"But in the history of the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers, nothing has ever come easy."

And then I calm down and realize that this is all part of the ride. Per Bill Plunkett on twitter:

Justin Turner: “It’s good for us. Going thru adversity, dealing with stuff we haven’t dealt with in awhile”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Over his last two outings, Rich Hill showed fans the two most extreme ways to lose a game. This past Wesdnesday, he was on the verge of either a perfect game or no-hitter, but came away with a loss instead when he yielded a walk-off homer to end the game. Then last night Rich Hill went to the other side of the losing spectrum when he got shelled in the very first inning -- giving up five runs on six hits. Per Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was terrible," said Hill, who allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings and fell to 9-6. "Everybody did what we were supposed to do, and I was terrible."

Suddenly, we find ourselves with a little three game losing streak -- only the fourth time we've lost as many in-a-row all season long. As much as I want to start feeling dread I know that this team doesn't give in to those kind of trifle insecurities. They are doing fine. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's baseball. It's going to happen," said Taylor, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday. "We're going to continue going about our business the way we have, come to the park looking to get a win tomorrow. I think we ran into good teams that have played us tough and we lost a couple of close games."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident.  He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

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

Thrilling! Remarkable! Unbelievable!

This team just can't lose. Per Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"From Day 1, we knew we were the best club; it's just a matter of going out and playing," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "The Rockies and Diamondbacks were playing good when they came in here, and we wanted to play well and we took care of business. Now we have to continue to do it. But we've shown after big series, we don't let down; we keep going. That's a credit to the guys in the clubhouse."

 Photo above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jill and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Dodgers traded two players to be named later to the Astros for catcher Joe Ferguson. The two players eventually sent to Houston were Rafael Landestoy and Jeffrey Leonard - both of whom had long MLB careers. In 1994 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Adrian Beltre out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. As you may recall, this became a very controversial signing as it was later determined that he was only 15-years old at the time - you must be at least 16-years old to sign with a team. As a result, the Dodgers were fined $50,000, and scout Pablo Peguero and the Dodgers' head of Dominican operations Ralph Avila served one-year suspensions. Go here for further background. In 1998 reliever Jeff Shaw becomes the first player to have ever participated in an All-Star Game representing a team he had not yet played for. Just three days prior he was traded by the Reds to the Dodgers for Paul Konerko and Dennys Reyes. BTW, today is also Jeff Shaw's birthday. 
• Happy Birthday, Billy Herman, Johnny Van Cuyk, Glenn Hoffman, Jeff Shaw, Mike Busch & Brandon McCarthy!

2017 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Base Cards

If you're interested in taking a look at some of the top prospects within the game then Topps Pro Debut Baseball brand is your set. This product is basically Topps flagship card set for the minor leagues, and it officially hits stores today. Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards in the set. Go here for a complete checklist.

As a testament to how productive our farm system has been this set includes ten Dodger youngsters in a base set of 200 players -- 5% of the total cards in the base set.

All of the top prospects are here -- Verdugo, Alvalrez, White and even Bellinger. A name not seen is Julio Urias, but you can easily forgive Topps for believing that his minor league days were over (obviously, they erred in that assumption). Another big prospect missing is Walker Buehler, but I suspect he had yet thrown a pitch (post-Tommy John surgery) when the checklist was put together. So, I'll give Topps a pass for now for not including him.

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#6 Andrew Sopko             #42 Yadier Alvarez

Blog Kiosk: 12/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Diaz, Buehler, Stripling and the Dodgers Holiday Party

The Dodgers and its foundation hosted more than 300 kids from local area schools at their annual Children’s Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday.  Players and alumni in attendance included Joc Pederson, Al Ferrera, Kenny Landreux and Dennis Powell.  Kids in attendance were greeted with Santa, lunch, a snow sled track, photos, toys and more.

Photos above of Pederson, Santa and some kids are via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays party.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1968 Dodgers GM Al Campanis traded his own son, Jim Campanis, to the KC Royals.  In 1987 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Mike Davis to a contract.  He would eventually become a hero for taking a walk and stealing a base ahead of World Series hero Kirk Gibson.  In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Jeff Kent to a three year $21 million contract.  In 2009 the Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two players to be named later - John Ely and Jon Link. 
• Happy Birthday, Aaron Miles & Doug Rau!

2016 Topps Heritage Minor Leagues - All the Dodgers Cards

The newest Topps product to come down the pike is the 2016 Heritage Minor League Baseball card set.  It features most of the up-'n-coming ballplayers within the Dodgers farm system, and also happens to include a couple of prospects who have since been traded.  As you will recall, both Grant Holmes and Jharel Cotton were sent to the Oakland A's as a part of the Rich Hill and Josh Reddick trade on August 1st.  Go here for a complete checklist on this set.

Please note that I will update the photo for the Grant Holmes sticker card when I come across a better pic.  Also, there is a Mike Trout autographed card available with him in a Rancho Cucamonga Quakes uniform.  It is in the Looming Legacy insert set.  For obvious reason, I have not included this card in the below listings (#LLA-MT Mike Trout) even though that team is now a Dodgers affiliate.

Base Cards

#41 Andrew Sopko                             #47 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ethier, Magic and Kershaw

Check out who made it to the LA Coliseum for the Rams first preseason game in Los Angeles since coming back to California, via a pic tweeted by the NFL.  Clayton Kershaw, following an afternoon win at Dodger Stadium over the Pirates, 8-4, was spotted on the sidelines during the Rams victory over Dallas. 

I wonder who he was rooting for.  Being a Texas native it wouldn't be surprise to find out that he's a Cowboys fan.  On the other hand, he did send the LA Rams players, coaches and personnel 200 bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whisky as a welcome gift to the Southland.

BTW, this past Sunday was Magic Johnson's birthday, so the team presented him with his own cake on the field.  Photo directly above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game from Jill and Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1914 Jake Daubert set a NL record with four sacrifices in one game.  In 1926 Babe Herman famously tripled into a double play.  Per a description at Dodgers.com:

With one out and the bases loaded, Herman hit a line drive off the right field wall and Hank DeBerry, the runner on third, scored easily. Dazzy Vance, the runner on second, rounded third, but stopped 30 feet past the bag and started back. Chick Fewster, the runner on first, was coming full steam around second and soon found himself at third with Vance.

Herman, meanwhile, oblivious to what was transpiring at third base, tore around the bases until he also was at third base. Both Fewster and Herman were tagged out, ending the inning.

"Everybody," Herman said years later about the play, "overlooks the fact that the run I knocked in on that play was the winning run."

Blog KIosk: 3/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Sierra, Maeda and Josh Ravin

Good morning, Dodger Fans!

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

• Still unable to participate in any spring activities due to unresolved immigration paperwork, Yaisel Sierra is now in Arizona, via a tweet from Alanna Rizzo:

RHP Yaisel Sierra made a very brief appearance at camp today. Still not officially here. #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 29, 2016

• Several other Cubans have also made it to spring camp, via a tweet by Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

3 of the #Dodgers young Cuban investments -- RHP Yadier Alvarez, OF Yusniel Diaz, IF Omar Estevez - were in minor-league camp today

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 29, 2016

• Amanda McCarthy, wife of Brandon, shared a pic of her husband as a young Dodger fan on Instagram (link here), so I decided to make a fantasy Baseball card using the photo.  Check it out on the right.
• Yasmani Grandal made an interesting comment about pitcher Kenta Maeda after a throwing session yesterday.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Maeda unleashes 4-pitch mix in BP session."

"The reason I compare him to Greinke is that he's got a four-pitch mix," Yasmani Grandal said after catching Maeda's two innings. "Obviously, they are two different pitchers. But you can build a game plan around four pitches and be creative, that's the comparison."

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA puts together some background information on Dodgers catching prospect Kyle Farmer (Link Here).
• Listen to former Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren on the Jonah Keri podcast (dated 2/26/2016 Link Here) where he talks a bit about his time with the Dodgers.  (Hat Tip: r/clarkbarniner on Reddit)
• Dodgers pitcher Josh Ravin was in a car accident this morning, via Alanna Rizzo on twitter:

.@FreshSqueezed22 was in an auto accident yesterday, breaking his left radius (forearm area).  Surgery scheduled for today.  #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 1, 2016

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