2014 Donruss Baseball Factory Set - All the Dodger Cards

I recently became aware of two factory sets recently released by Panini's brand Donruss, and discovered that there are several new and unique Dodger cards within them.  There is the complete Donruss Factory set and the Rookies Factory set.

The Donruss Factory set consist of all the base cards previously released during the season as Series 1 & 2 cards (for a total of 355 cards) plus either a newly created relic or autograph card.  There are two new Dodger autographed cards available (but no new relic cards).  They are cards autographed by Alex Guerrero or Erisbel Arruebarrena.  Check them out below.  Unfortunately, I have yet to run across the Guerrero card at this time.  Go here for a complete checklist.  BTW, these two new cards can also be founded randomly inserted into the Rookies Factory set detailed below.

The Rookies Signatures

#19 Alex Guerrero

(card not yet seen)

#80 Erisbel Arruebarrena

The Rookies factory set includes a 100-card "The Rookies" complete set plus one autographed card (the Guerrero and Arruebarrena cards above can be found).  The first 41 cards of the 100-card base set are repeats of the insert cards found in Series 1 & 2 boxes.  The remaining 59 cards are brand new.  Of those new created cards are two new Dodger players (Withrow and Arruebarrena).  Below is a complete look at all the Dodgers that are found in the 100-card set.  Go here for a complete checklist. 

The Rookies Set

#19 Alex Guerrero                                #34 Onelki Garcia

#60 Chris Withrow                               #80 Erisbel Arruebarrena

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Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee sure could fly!

Above is a vintage International News press photo taken by Sam Goldstein of Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese turning a double play against the Pirates at Ebbets Field on June 10, 1951.  The first inning double header was hit by outfielder Rocky Nelson to Jackie Robinson; who quickly flipped the ball to Pee Wee to get the lead runner - George Metkovich.  And as you can see, Reese sailed above the runner like a geese chasing a flock.  I found the photo on eBay.  Go here to check it out.

Below are some links to check out:

• Have you always wanted to work for the Dodgers?  Now here's your chance.  Check out this job listing for an Administrative Assistant here.  It looks like a great opportunity for a recent graduate. 
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA takes, "A look back at the 2014 Ogden Raptors."

The timing of a winning streak was a testament to the patience and determination of Ogden manager Jack. McDowell. The Raptors lost two of their best players by mid-season promotions to the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League. Despite losing outfielder Devan Ahart and pitcher Jose De Leon to the Loons McDowell managed to keep the team believing. Two days after both players were gone from the roster, Ogden began a streak by winning 12 of 14 games helping them to gain a playoff berth.

• Via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair, "Could Corey Seager Make His Dodger Debut in 2015?"
• Panini America released more preview pics of their upcoming 2014 National Treasures Baseball card set.  Go here to check out those pics.  Below are bat barrel cards of Hanley Ramirez, Gil Hodges and Jake Daubert.  All of them are "1 of 1's."  BTW, this set comes out next week.

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

My best wishes to you and yours!  Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Now, relax by the fire and listen to Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda read "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Video Link:

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2014 Panini Classics Baseball - The Dodger Autograph, Relic and Insert Cards

Several weeks ago I introduced Panini America's 2014 Classics Baseball card set by sharing the Dodger base cards.  Unfortunately, I never got around to sharing photos from the rest of the set, so I will do that now.

There are a ton of old-tyme Dodgers in the set; including players you hardly ever see on cardboard nowadays, like George Kelly, Hack Wilson, Paul Waner, Eddie Stanky, Jim Gilliam and Billy Herman.

Check out all of the Dodger insert, relic and autograph cards below.  There are a bunch of them.  As you'll notice, I do not yet have pics of all of them yet.  So, if you happen to have a pic of an unseen card please pass that along to me.

Champion Materials & Bats

#3 Carl Furillo (#/99)                             #3 Carl Furillo (#/99)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: CANCELLED-Tommy Lasorda

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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CANCELLED

Hall of Fame Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda will be signing autographs this coming Saturday at Manuel's El Tepeyac in the City of Industry from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  This is a fee event.  He will be signing your memorabilia with a photo opportunity for a $50 fee. For info, call Marcus Loya @ 310-251-3620, or check out their facebook page.  (Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy)

Manuel's El Tepeyac
13131 Crossroads Pkwy S
City of Industry, CA 91746

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Blog Kiosk: 12/24/2014 - Dodger Links - Puig, Kapler and Dodgers Always Looking to Upgrade Bullpen

Yasiel Puig has begun his winter workout routine; as evidenced by a series of photos and videos he posted up on his instagram.  In the above photo he takes batting practice for the first time at the Cuban Missile Baseball Academy in Florida.  Go here to check out the video of him hitting.

Below are some links to check out:

• Panini shared preview photos of their upcoming 2014 National Treasures Baseball set; including the autographed Clayton Kershaw patch card above and the Adrian Gonzalez nickname card on the right.  Go here to check out some photos, or here for even more pics.
• Via Bill Plunkett at Baseball America, "Kapler Takes Charge For Dodgers."

Kapler fits the profile of the people Friedman has surrounded himself with this offseason since taking over as president of baseball operations—bright, energetic and open-minded to new ways of doing things.

But Kapler is hardly your typical farm director. He earned almost $10 million during a 12-year big league career. Kapler did spend a year managing in the Red Sox system and coached for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. But he had segued smoothly into a career in the media since his retirement in 2011 as the rare former player who had a sophisticated understanding of statistical analysis in player evaluation and team building.

• Holy Moly!  Musical chairs has not stopped for Ryan Lavarnway.  Via Jeff Told at MLB Trade Rumors, he has now been claimed by the Baltimore Orioles.  He started this winter as a Red Sox, was then claimed by the Dodgers, then the Cubs and now the Orioles.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers send outfielder Jensen to Triple-A." 
• Via Cat Belanger at Dodger Insider, "True Hollywood Stories: Behind the scenes with celebrities at Dodger Stadium in 2014."

Bryan and Vin: Bryan Cranston, besides being one of the coolest guys in Hollywood, is a huge Dodger fan. According to him and his wife, Robin, the No. 1 thing on his Bucket List has always been to meet Vin Scully. This year was Bryan and Robin’s 25^th wedding anniversary, so she and I plotted to make this happen. She brought him to a game for their anniversary in August, and we brought him up to Vin’s booth. His reaction to meeting Vin was so humbled, and they shared a really nice conversation. But the real surprise was when we had Vin ask Bryan to be the public-address announcer for the game. Bryan accepted and was a fabulous PA announcer — and the two had an adorable anniversary at their favorite ballpark.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers still searching for bullpen help."

“I don’t think we’re ever going to get to a point where we go, ‘OK, let’s sit back and put our feet on the desk,’ “Friedman said. “We’re always going to be looking at different areas, whether it be on the margins or more significant. I think any time you ask me this question, the bullpen will always be an answer I’ll give. It has to be my nature never to feel comfortable with a bullpen in the offseason.” 

• Chris Harris at Stale Gum may have found the greatest card since the Billy Ripken '*uck Face' card.  Check it out here.
• Guess who's excited about getting his first Topps/Bowman Baseball card?

My 1st @BowmanCards just got here. #BowmanChrome #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/pWQn2Y4GgZ
— Jose De Leon (@JoseDeLeon35) December 23, 2014

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