New Dodger Pics Up

I just posted some new pics in my photo album; including snapshots of my display at home. Above is one of 3 wall displays proudly exhibiting my Dodger wares. Here are my pins, mini pennants and oddball items.

Chasing Luke Hochevar

Inside the Dodgers gives us hints that Luke Hochevar could still be wearing Dodger Blue in the future. Why else would Roy Smith, Vice President of Scouting and Player Development, announce that

"we have monitored Luke all along and have had scouts at the games he has pitched for Fort Worth."

Then to add a little bit of intrigue the signing of the other Boras client is retold.

"As happened with Jered Weaver, who signed at the last minute with the Angels last year before the deadline to reenter the draft, anything is possible."

Luke pitched last week and had 95mph to 97mph heat. He was a bit wild, but that should be expected. I don't think he has pitched a game in awhile. Hochevar pitched 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, 4 walks and 4 strike outs. And these players aren't rookie league kids. As one scout in attendance said,

"He threw fastballs right by guys at the knees. These are 27-year-old guys who have been around. They are more apt to put the balls in play than someone at Vanderbilt."

Luke in Blue. That has a nice ring to it.

Dodgers go North

The Dodgers finish up this homestand with a 4-2 loss to the Astros. As Jon says, "This loss feels more like a flat tire - just fix it and move on." After a week of fearing a ugly summer I am suddenly at ease. Everything will be OK. Lets take one game at a time.

I was invited to go up to San Francisco this weekend to catch a couple games between the Dodgers and Giants. Unfortunately, work got in the way and I will be unable to go, but my friend promises to take plenty of pictures. When I have them they will be posted.

Ebay Oddball win of the Week: WWI BF2

This is one of the most unusual items I've ever won on eBay. Arriving this week was a 1916 Ferguson Bakeries (Roxbury Mass) WWI Allied Hereos mini pennant of US Major General James G. Harbord. Its about 5 5/8" long and has a black & white picture of the General. Its very similar to the baseball BF2 version. I'm not sure how many different pennants exist in the set. If anyone has a clue please let me know.

I know the seller had several different pennants; including a 22 inch long large pennant of Allied Hero flying ace Lieutenant Ed Rickenbacher- famous for fighting the Red Baron, available for sale over a couple week period. Other heroes included: Admiral Mayo, Admiral Gleaves, Admiral Benson, King Victor Emanuel III, of Italy, Secretary of War Baker, General Brewster, General Menoher, General Pershing, Lieutenant Ed Rickenbacher (mini version) and President Woodrow Wilson. The Gleaves and Benson should be arriving in a few days.

Are things starting to come together?

Well, it appears that the season is not all lost. We are in the midst of a 4 game winning streak after a succession of ugly losses. The team seems more confident out there as they start to get some consistent hitting throughout the lineup. Russell Martin is proving why he will be the catcher of the future. Nomar is playing well beyond his expectations. Was he a steal or what? Starting pitching has been surprisingly sharp from the top 3 starters- Penny, Lowe and Tomko. Relief needs some help that, I think, only experience can provide. Broxton, Hamulak, Osoria will be better as they get more opportunities to pitch. Saito is proving to be a reliever we can trust. Baez has turned out to be a fortuitous pick-up.

Seo has been OK, but needs some help. Duaner Sanchez, the top flight reliever we traded for Seo, has been lights out for the Mets. Perez is more inconsistent than ever. Will Sele take over his starting position? Really? I read that Billingsly is expected to grace Dodger Stadium mid-year. So maybe there is something else going on. Trade Perez now for some prospects or experienced relievers (or Sele) with the expectation that Billingsly will have a chance to take a job away from Seo or the other starting pitcher (Sele or Perez). I look forward to seeing this battle.

The rookies are coming to town. Russell Martin will be our future catcher. Broxton and Osoria will solidify our bullpen. Kuo is not far behind as he gains confidence in Las Vegas. Billingsley will come in to show us what a future #1 pitcher looks like. Aybar will arrive and prove he belongs. Repko is already proving he belongs in the lineup. Can Ethier be far behind? How about Guzman or Young? The future is exciting and the present show us the way.

1939 HOF Induction Ceremony

Wow. I found this link on Forum54. It is a audio recording of the 1939 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Hear the greats.


1939 HOF