"The Time Is Now" - Go Kings Go

Tomorrow is Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I can't wait for the series to start.  I'm more excited than you can imagine.  In preparation for tomorrows 5PM start check out this great fan made Kings video called "The Time is Now," below.

Video Link:

Lilly Placed on DL

Amid all of the speculation it has now been confirmed that Ted Lilly is hurt with a bum shoulder.  From the Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to May 24) with left shoulder inflammation and recalled left-handed pitcher Michael Antonini from Triple-A Albuquerque. 

Michael Antonini makes another return to the Dodgers.  He came up for 2 days in late April (24-25), but didn't get into a game.  So, he has yet to make an official Major League appearance. 


Hopefully, Lilly's shoulder problems doesn't grow to something larger.  He's been very good this year, and has confidently taken over the #2 pitcher spot.  Having him go down leaves a giant hole in our rotation.  As has been reported elsewhere, Nate Eovaldi will be taking over Lilly's starts for the time being.

Check Out Pics of Kemp's Big Day in AAA

I think it's fair to say that Matt Kemp is ready to tear up the National League again.  He went 2 for 3 yesterday with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI's.  Not too shabby, eh? 

Well, the powers of cyberspace wins again as the local blogger, Evan of New Mexico Fan, forwarded along some pics of Kemp that were taken yesterday. Evan mentioned that Matt ran the bases well, so his hammy appears to have healed nicely.  Check Kemp out in all of his camouflaged glory below.

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

 

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

 

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

UPDATE:  Here are more pics from Evan's twitter account @newmexicofan.

(Pic Credit: Twitter @newmexicofan)

(Pic Credit: Twitter @newmexicofan)

Vintage Postcard: They Can't Strike Him Out!

Check out this great vintage postcard from my collection. 

Happy Memorial Day!

I think it's fair to say this postcard is very timely.  It features a slugging President (Abe Lincoln?) at the ballpark while donning a Team USA jersey. 

2012 Topps Archives- Some Dodgers Inserts

Following up my post from a couple of days ago, here are some of the Dodgers inserts found in 2012 Topps Archives.  Stay tuned, I'll feature some of the Dodgers autograph/ relic inserts later on.

Fashioned after the 1958 Topps insert set, two different Classic Combos cards are available.

Classic Combos Inserts

#58-KK Clayton Kershaw - Sandy Koufax

#58-KR Matt Kemp - Jackie Robinson

You can never go wrong with stickers.  I really like these giant floating heads.  Unfortunately, only Kershaw is available.

1967 Topps Stickers Inserts

#67S-CK Clayton Kershaw

In 1968 Topps created a test set called 3-D.  It was never released widely to the public, but surviving samples have gained quite a cult following.  Vintage versions sell for a huge premium today.  These remind me of the old Sportsflics cards from the 80's and the Kellogg sets from the decade before.

1968 Topps 3-D Insert

#683D-MK Matt Kemp

Blog Kiosk/Dodgers Links: 5/27/2012

Panini provides more preview pics of a new card product made just for kids.  It is called 2012 Triple Play Baseball, and it features many MLB stars in animated glory.  It will be affordable (at just 99 cents a pack), and will include inserts like stickers and usable eye black.  Watch out for it in July.  Check more pics at Panini's blog, here.  Of note, I think the Kemp card below more looks like Kobe Bryant than "Bison."

• I know I'm late on this, but it's better late than never.  You gotta send AJ Ellis to the All-Star Game.  He deseres it.  Go here to vote.  There is also a online campaign.  Check out ajellis2kc.com.
• Check out this Isotopes lineup to Sunday's game, via twitter @AbqTopes.
• Eephus Blue came up with a great new Dodgers design and future trending twitter meme- #Gwinning!  Via twitter @EphusBlue.
• That is awesome!

(Twitter Link: @dodgerscribe)

• Could Nathan Eovaldi be Headed Toward Relief Role with Dodgers?  Eric Stephen Via True Blue LA.
• David was at Friday's game and got a bunch of Astro's signatures at the end of the evening.
• Left Field Pavilion makes a great graphic celebrating AJ Ellis.
• Mattingly intends to give Kemp some real rest, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.

But from now on, Mattingly said Kemp has to be prepared to sit out an occasional game. No streak means no pressure to play him every day.

“I think it makes it easier to say, 'Matt, we need to give you a day. It’s the right day. We’re going to take care of you,'" Mattingly said. "At that point, I know he’ll fight me, but at that point I’ll probably play my manager card."

• Watch AJ Ellis' get a face full of shaving cream and a hose down.

Video Link: