Welcome to the Blue, Felix Osorio and Jhoan Calderon!

Today is the start of the MLB International Signing Period.  This is when some of the best teenage prospects throughout the world can sign professional MLB contracts.

Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, this is how it works:

A 16-year-old international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between July 2 through June 15 of next year if the prospect turns 17 before Sept. 1 of this year or by the completion of his first Minor League season. Additionally, any prospect who is already 17 or older and has not previously signed a Major or Minor League contract, resides outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and has not been enrolled in a high school or college in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico within the previous year is eligible to sign during the period.

Check out the rest of Jesse's story for more information about the dollars and cents.

Already, the Dodgers have signed up two kids to join the franchise.  They are Felix Osorio and Johan Calderon; both from the Dominican Republic.  I put together brief reports below on both of them, a fantasy Baseball card that I created and a running checklist of known cards available on the marketplace.

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In honor of Felix's recent signing I made the above fantasy Baseball card for him.  I used a photo grabbed from the Power-Showcase.com prospect page for Osorio and the vintage 1987 Topps Baseball card design.  According to Power-Showcase, Felix stands a tall and lean 6' 4" tall, is 200 lbs. and has some power.

He returns to PS classic after winning the 2012 DPL POWER SHOWCASE in DR. He dazzled the crowd with a total of 22-HR and 2-blast of more than 490ft that crossed the street outside of Temistocles Metz stadium in San Cristobal D.R. He hit 9 in the wood bat round and 13 in the aluminum round. 

Osorio is almost 18-years old (birth date: 11/16/1996), so he is older than some of the blue chip prospects receiving big dollars today.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has a brief report on him; including a video, and Eric Becker at Dodgers-Lowdown has his own report and additional video.

Osorio's signing was originally shared by MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez on twitter:

Source:#Dodgers have agreed to a $205K deal with INF Felix Osorio (DR). @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/JQmQKKuSuk
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 2, 2014

BTW, the kid already has a several Baseball cards available on the market.  Leaf has created several teenage prospect card sets and Osorio is in two of them: 2013 Leaf Power Showcase and 2013 Leaf Perfect Game.  See them all below.

The card directly below is actually of unknown origin to me.  It appears to be a base card to the 2013 Leaf Power Showcase set, but from what I understand that set did not come with base cards.  So, I do not know if they were put into actual packs, come from another product or were given away at Power-Showcase live events.  All of the remaining cards below were placed in their respective packs for collectors to buy.

2013 Leaf Power Showcase World Classic Base Card

2013 Leaf Power Showcase Base Autograph

#PSA-FO1 Felix Osorio

2013 Leaf Power Showcase Relic Auto's

#PA-FO1 Felic Osorio                           #JA-FO1 Felix Osorio

Patch Auto                                               Jersey Auto

2013 Leaf Perfect Game

#74 Felix Osorio                                     #FO1 Felix Osorio

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In honor of Johan's recent signing I made the above fantasy Baseball card for him.  I used a photo grabbed from the Eric's Dodgers-Lowdown blog and the vintage 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

From what I understand, Johan is an outfielder who played in the Dominican Prospect League.  He stands about 6' 3" and is 195 lbs.  According to Ben Badler at Baseball America, he received a $130,000 signing bonus from the Dodgers.  Check out Eric Stephen at True Blue LA who has a brief report on him; including a video, and Eric Becker at Dodgers-Lowdown has his own brief report. Also, there appears to be a slight discrepancy about Calderon's true first name.  A glance at the Dominican Prospect League website and the tweet shown below from Calderon's trainer appear to show his first name as Jhoan. UPDATE:  It's official.  His first name is Jhoan.

Here is a great photo of Calderon with his family, via trainer Franklin Ferreira on twitter:

Felicidades a mi #Prospecto #JhoanCalderon y a su #Familia por su #Firma con los @Dodgers @BBDominicano @DPLBaseball pic.twitter.com/aWQcG43X9D
— Franklin Ferreras JR (@franklinjr23) July 2, 2014

BTW, Johan Calderon does not appear to have any Baseball card already made of him.  Boo!!!

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Check out the 2014 Dodgers Topps 60th Anniversary Team Set

I came across something fantastic a few weeks ago and knew immediately that I had to have it.

This season, Topps decided to start up their old Baseball card printing presses in order to produce several authentically vintage looking cards to sell directly to collectors.  For the most part, they've been making large poster sized cards featuring modern ballplayers on vintage designs.  Check out some of these Dodger poster prints here.  Recently, they started reducing their size to 5" x 7" sized Baseball cards and putting them in classic wax wrappers to enhance their vintage appeal. 

So, having seen this I figured it was time to dive in and try out their newest creation - the 1955 Topps LA Dodgers 60th Anniversary Set.  And, oh boy!  Was I not disappointed.

As I said, they came in a large 5" x 7" sized wax pack... Just like the olden days, but larger.  Check out pics of the unopened pack above and below.  As you can clearly see, they used real wax to seal the pack. 

Peeling it open was awesome!

I felt like I was 10 years old again.  My fingers were feeling waxy like I had just let a candle drip on my fingers.  The only thing missing from the whole experience was the sweet smell of Topps super-stiff bubblegum and that white powdery substance that covered the gum.  Another difference was the inclusion of a blank card to protect from an inevitable wax stain.  All you old timers will remember the horror of seeing the card of your favorite player being ruined by that dark smudge stain.... Man, I hated that!

Within the pack were 5 Dodger cards in the style of the vintage 1955 Topps Baseball card set.  Check them all out below.  Something I didn't expect was that they are all blank-backed... BOOO!  Nevertheless, this is a great little set, and I'm happy to add it to my collection.  BTW, this set is numbered to only 99 copies, so they are somewhat limited.

My set is numbered #22.  Just like Clayton Kershaw.  WooHoo!

The card at the very bottom was the blank card to protect the set from a wax stain.  I'm not sure why I kept it, but I figured why not, eh?

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2014 Bowman Inception Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week, Topps released their 2014 Bowman Inception Baseball card set.  It is filled with the leagues top prospects and future stars; including young future ace Julio Urias.  This set is entirely autograph driven and it's pricey.  A box consist of only 1 pack of 5 autographed cards at a cost of about $90.00 each.  In other words, every card available (with exception of the 1989 Bowman Is Back Silver Diamond Refractors) are autographed.

Check out all of the Dodger cards available below.  Unfortunately, several of the scarcer Urias cards are only available through a redemption card; with exception of the base prospect autographed card directly below. 

Base Prospect Autographs

#PA-AG Alexander Guerrero                       #PA-CA Chris Anderson

#PA-JU Julio Urias

This subset is the only non-autographed cards in the set.  Below is the Clayton Kershaw card.  I do not believe this card counts as a part of the 5 cards in the pack - it's like a free throw in.  These cards are making an appearance in all Bowman branded sets this year.

1989 Bowman is Back Silver Diamond Refractors

#89BIB-CK Clayton Kershaw

This next card is a "1 of 1" card.  Unfortunately, the Joc Pederson (#AFP-JP) card has yet to make an appearance.  Since it's such an fantastic looking card I decided to include a pic of Diamondbacks prospect Archie Bradley card below to help you visualize how great these look.

Autograph ASG Futures Game Patch

Autographed MLB Silhouetted Batter Logo Patch

#ALP-CS Corey Seager

Autograph Letter Patch Book

#ALB-JP Joc Pederson

The next group of card have either not made an appearance yet, or are available only through a redmption.

Inceptioned Autographs

#IBA-JU Julio Urias

Silver Signings Autographs

#SS-JU Julio Urias

Unfortunately, the Alexander Guerrero Bowman Black Collection card (#BBC-AG) has yet to appear, so I do not know if they are seeded into packs or available only through a redemption card.  The Urias is only available through a redemption.

The Bowman Black Collection

#BBC-JU Julio Urias

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Blog Kiosk: 7/2/2014 - Dodger Links - Bid on a Kershaw No-Hit Ball, Humble Robinson and a Replay Triple Play

Josh Beckett is seen chatting it up with his teammates before yesterday evenings game.  Unfortunately, he wasn't his typical self on the mound.  He gave up 5 earned runs in 5 innings of work.  The Dodgers are now a half game behind the Giants.  You didn't think winning the division was going to be a cake walk, did ya?  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Game-used Kershaw no-hitter ball up for auction."  Bidding starts at $10,000.00.  Wow!  BTW, all proceeds go the LA Dodgers Foundation.  See the ball on the right.
• Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo shares a whole bunch of great photos featuring Bobby Castillo - who passed away on Monday.  Go here to check them out.
• Via Jordan Bastian at MLB.com, "Replays in LA lead to Tribe's 7-2-4 triple play." A video is included in the link.

"That was awesome," Indians right fielder David Murphy said. "I don't know if we'll ever see one like that again."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Humble Robinson is Dodgers' unlikeliest hero."

"Everybody wants to talk about being 29 years old and being in the Minor Leagues for eight years and all that, but I really enjoy my job," said Robinson after the Dodgers' 1-0 win over the Indians. "I still get paid to come to the ballpark every day and play baseball. Everybody says it's such a grind in the Minor Leagues, but it's something that I love to do, so just to get to come up here and contribute is icing on the cake for me."

• Panini America's blog shares some early pics from their newest upcoming product, 2014 Golden Age Baseball, here.  The set officially goes live today.  Check out a Steve Yeager autographed card and some base cards below; including a Tommy Lasorda card.

• Ned Colletti recently visited with Jay Mohr on AM570, "Ned Colletti hasn't seen a trade offer yet worthy of making a deal."  Listen to it here.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ prospect Darnell Sweeney quickly becoming a ‘Guy,’ maybe."
• Via Eric Vrsalovich at Dodgers-Lowdown, "Dodgers Acquire First Baseman/Outfielder Brock Peterson From Nationals."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "International signing period: Dodgers sign Felix Osorio, per report."
• Zero Hedge has a great graphic about the cheapest and priciest countries for beer.
• This is just plain awesome.  OYO Sportstoys, which is basically player/team themed Lego's has been making videos showing off their wares.  Last week they released their LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions video and I am smitten.  Watch it below.  BTW, they have Dodger OYO characters.  Go here to check them out.

Video Link:

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The Jeff Torborg Collection at Hunt's MLB FanFest Auction - He Caught Koufax's Perfect Game

As promised, here is a look at some items within the Jeff Torborg Collection currently for sale through Hunt Auctions.  As you may know, Hunt's is running their annual All-Star Game FanFest Auction.  Yesterday, I shared some fun Dodgers related memorabilia that struck my eye.  Below, I pick out some of my favorite Dodgers related goodies from the Torborg Collection.

Jeff Torborg was originally signed by the Dodgers out of Rutgers University in 1963 and quickly rose through the ranks.  By the next year, he was catching backup to Johnny Roseboro in Los Angeles, and remained there for 7 years.  In that time, he had the opportunity to catch some historic Dodgers ballgames; including a no-hitter, a perfect game and a pitching streak that would last 20 years.  At the end of his playing career, Torborg joined the coaching ranks, and managed 5 different clubs from 1977 to 2003. 

Below is a charm bracelet that consist of numerous Torborg Baseball memories.  There are a couple pennant/flag on pole charms that celebrate the Dodgers 1965 World Championship and 1966 NL Pennant, a 1977 All-Star Game charm and a 1978 Yankees World Series press charm.

(Auction Link)

This is the first time I've seen these pins.  Below are 1966 LA Dodgers Goodwill Tour of Japan pins.  Awesome!

(Auction Link)

I guess the Dodgers gave out Rolex's.  Below is a watch celebrating the Dodgers 1966 NL Pennant.  This would look pretty sweet on my wrist.  It's too back I don't wear a watch.  Of course, I don;t think I would spend the thousands of dollars it would take to own this.

(Auction Link)

And now, here's the really good stuff.  As a coach with the Yankees in 1986, Don Sutton gave this to Jeff as a gift.  It is a 300 win game ball from June 18, 1986.  It is inscribed:

"To Jeff, Thanks for the big role you had in my chasing a dream. I really appreciate the friendship we have shared over the years. Good health, happiness, and a warm fire in the winter to you & yours, Don Sutton."

(Auction Link)

On July 20, 1970, Jeff Torborg sat behind the plate as Dodgers hurler Bill Singer threw a no-hitter.  Below is a game ball that Singer inscribed to Torborg.

"Great job Jeff, as usual Many thanks!"

(Auction Link)

Jeff Torborg also caught Don Drysdale's 5th straight shut out.  Below is a ball from that game inscribed by Don to Jeff.

"To Jeff- Thanks for the help. My Best Always, Don Drysdale."

(Auction Link)

And to cap it off, Jeff Torborg caught Sandy Koufax's Perfect game on September 9, 1965.  BTW, Torborg was just 23 years old at the time.  Below is a game ball inscribed by Sandy to Jeff.

"To Jeff, Best wishes + thanks for a good game"

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Leaked Trade Talks and Fire Department Not Happy with Hot Foot Prank

Recent call-up Clint Robinson ripped his first Major League hit last night, and it was a timely one.  With his pinch hit single he drove in Andre Ethier for the Dodgers only run of the evening to help them win the game, 1 to 0.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  We now stand alone in first place in the West by half a game.  Go here to check out Jon SooHoo's pics from the day.

• Via TMZ, "L.A. Dodgers RIPPED BY FIRE OFFICIALS ... Over Hot Foot Prank."  (Hat Tip: Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation)  

The whole thing made national news -- but Captain Jaime Moore from the L.A. City Fire Dept. tells us, "These guys are supposed to be role models and playing with fire is not a joke."

Is TMZ channeling The Onion?  I get that playing with fire is bad, but come on now!

• Via Barry Petchesky at Deadspin, he broke the story regarding leaked communications from the Houston Astros that deal with potential trades.  See that story here.  The Dodgers are mentioned twice, once dated 11/5/2013:

[Stearns] talked with [Dodgers director of baseball contracts] Alex Tamin: LAD is looking to acquire some back end SP depth and up the middle infield depth. They believe they have depth in the pen and would be willing to deal from it (AT mentioned Belisario and Guerra). LAD also has four OF for three spots and would be willing to talk about Crawford

You should note that these communications are straight from the horses mouth, and since they have been verified as real I consider this information rock solid. 

None of the above should be a surprise for Dodger fans.  The team eventually added Dan Haren a few weeks later and Paul Maholm in February to provide SP depth.  They also ended up signing Justin Turner, Chone Figgins, Carlos Triunfel and Erisbel Arruebarrena during the off-season for infield depth after this date.  BTW, both Belisario and Guerra were allowed to leave the club for no compensation, so we were never able to find trading partners for them.  I do not believe that the mention of Belisario and Guerra means the team was confident in their relief situation - this is supported by the subsequent signings of Jamey Wright and Chris Perez that winter.  I just think the Dodgers realized that they both were not in their future plans.

It should also not be a surprise that the only outfielder the team would talk about at that time was Carl Crawford.  (In other words, all that reporter talk about the other outfielders being available might be bunk - which should come as no surprise)

What is strange is a note a week later, 11/13/2013:

[Alex Tamin] told [Stearns] that if we consider trading Barnes this off season we should let them know. They view him as a good reserve OF/depth piece.

Did we really need another outfielder?  Really?  What would be the purpose of adding Barnes as a potential 6th outfielder?  Or, was trading an outfielder closer to reality?  Or, is there that much lack of faith in Scott Van Slyke?

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Dodgers prospect Lindsey Caughel named Cal League Pitcher of the Week."

“Individual accolades are great within a team game,” said Caughel after learning of his award. “But without a doubt the most important thing is that our team has put together some incredible games these past 11 games. People are starting to take notice of the talent that’s on this team. The chemistry on our team is second to none and it’s been so much fun playing with these guys. Hopefully I can keep stringing together good starts to help the team win.”

• Noooo!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Logan White interviews for Padres GM job."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his Sunday getting autographs from some Dodger legends.  Check out his story here.
• Via Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji, "A Perfect Day for Korean Baseball: SK Wyverns Game at Munhak Stadium, Incheon, South Korea."  Ryan shares some great photos from a ballgame in Korea.
• David shares some photos from an LA KISS game he attended (arena football).  Go here to check them out.  It's tough to take the sport seriously, but with ladies dancing in cages how can you not be entertained?

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