eBay: A-Okay

A happy and cheerful Tommy Lasorda expresses his approval in Pittsburgh as the Dodgers extend their lead in the West to 8.5 games. Unfortunately, they wouldn't finish strong as they finished 2nd to the Reds by the end of the season. Other than that, doesn't Tommy look quite dapper?

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Real Hair?? Ewwwwww!

I love a bobblehead just as much as anyone else, but this is a little extreme. In fact, I am more than a little disturbed. (Hat Tip: Walkoff Walk)

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UPDATE:  A Giant Fail!!

Via Big League Stew we find out that it won't actually have real hair.  It'll be fake hair.  How ever did we get confused?

Card of the Week: Corked Manny

Manny has always been a prolific hitter. He has belted long balls with regularity throughout his career. In fact, his achievements were so unbelievable some questioned the tools of his trade. Early in the 1999 season he was accused by Yankee players and officials of using a doctored bat after hitting a long home run against Orlando Hernandez at Yankee Stadium.

Of course, it was all speculation then. On the other hand, the "Card of Week" showcased above appears to show otherwise.

Above is the 2000 Pacific Manny Ramirez game-used bat card that has a "Corked Bat" piece embedded within it.

Understandably, Manny was beside himself- so was the players union. Major League Baseball investigated and Pacific card company admitted that they neither received the bat from Manny himself, nor was it supplied directly to the dealer who sold it to Pacific. Per Evan Kaplan, category manager of trading cards and memorabilia for the MLBPA,

"There's no evidence it came directly from Manny. At this point we have no evidence that it was his bat."

Today, it is common hobby knowledge that this card was a gimmick made to bolster the fortunes of the fledgling card company. Unfortunately for Pacific, it eventually cost them their Baseball license and they would soon shutter their doors forever.

eBay: The Miracle Catch

A great event happened in Game 5 of the 1947 World Series for Dodger fans. Dodger outfielder, Al Gionfriddo, made a "miracle catch" of a sure game winning home run off the bat of Joe DiMaggio. It sailed 550 feet before being caught by the outstretched hand of Gionfriddo. Famously, this led Joltin' Joe, uncharacteristically, to kick up some dirt in frustration.

Dodger announcer Red Barber uttered these words:

"Belted (by Joe DiMaggio)! It's a long one, deep into left center. Back goes (Al) Gionfriddo, back, back, back, back... He makes a one-handed catch in front of the bullpen! Oooooh, doctor!"

Below is a news service photo found on eBay that celebrates this moment. It was originally taken by the Dodgers official photographer Barney Stein. It features Al Gionfriddo sitting on an outfield wall during spring training a few months later in the Dominican Republic. Symbolically, 550 is significantly displayed on the wall as a reminder of that incredible catch.

Attached to the back of this photo is the written caption for the pic from International News Photo. It is titled, "Rubbing Salt into DiMagg Wound."

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SI Suggest Hu

Although, I think it is clear that Blake DeWitt has sewn up the second base job, maybe this suggestion by SI's Pablo Torre is worth a thought.

“Hu is an excellent defensive shortstop who has been blocked in Los Angeles by Rafael Furcal, and while Hu didn’t hit while replacing the injured Furcal in 2008 (he had a .181 average and .252 OBP in 65 games), he has since put up good numbers at Triple A. The Dodgers’ pitching staff throws so many ground balls that maximizing the infield defense is a worthwhile goal, even at a cost of some runs scored. By playing Hu at second, the Dodgers can get the benefits of his range while evaluating him as a successor to Furcal in 2011.”

Maybe not.

I can see the argument. After all, Hu is great with the glove. On the other hand, I just think that DeWitt's bat is far superior and his defense will be more than adequate.

Anyway, click here to see the team preview for the Dodgers from SI. This issue hits the stands tomorrow, and it includes a nice little write-up about Chad Billingsley.

Turning Japanese

As has been widely reported already, Eric Stults is going to pitch in Japan. My best wishes and luck to the longtime Dodger farmhand. I know the passion for the game in Japan will excite you at ever turn.

In honor of this event check out and dance to this 80's classic from The Vapors, Turning Japanese. Since I read the news I have not been able to get this out of my head.
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