A Bunch of Paco's Added to My Collection

I've been absent lately when it comes to sharing any new acquisitions for my collection, so here is something new.  I recently came across a small lot of autographed Paco Rodriguez card on eBay and couldn't resist making a bid.  There were four cards in total; including a chrome variation redemption card (not shown), and put in my number.  A few days later I realized I was the only one to put in a bid. For the price of about $2 a card I took them home.  Yeah! 

Paco has been quite good so far.  He's come into nine games this season, and has allowed just two hits and only one run in 4.2 innings.  Rodriguez has primarily been a situational pitcher, but I suspect he'll be called in to complete a full inning more often as the season goes on.  In the meantime, he is quickly solidifying his place in the bullpen.

At the top is a 2013 Topps Chrome auto'd card (left) and a 2013 Bowman Chrome auto'd card (right).  Below is a 2013 Topps Finest auto/ jumbo relic x-factor parallel card.

Below are the reverse of the cards.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2015 - Dodger Links - Joc Pederson, Needle Nose Wright and Mike Bolsinger

Joc Pederson has just been outstanding.  He's slashing .296/.458/.556 with three home runs and five doubles at the plate.  That's not shabby for a young kid.  Best yet, he has shown that he can more than handle the center field position. 

Case in point, last night he turned a potential run scoring double off the outfield wall into a spectacular over-the-head running catch and double play.  (Watch it here)  Via Earl Bloom and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"He hit it well," Pederson said. "Earlier in the day, we worked on angles, with [coach] Lorenzo Bundy. I kept my eye on the ball, and it worked out pretty well."

Something tells me that his numbers in Albuquerque were not some altitude-aided fluke.  That's not to say he'll be that same home run slugger, but he will certainly impress.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“We just think Joc’s gonna keep improving,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s got a really good eye, and he’s going to strike out less as time goes on as he sees pitchers and knows how they’re attacking him and how to set himself up. I think he’s gonna get better.” 

The photo above of Joc was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via WM Akers at Vice Sports, "The Forgotten Men Who Broke Baseball's Color Line With Jackie Robinson."  Here's a fantastic bio on former Dodger prospect, Negro League ace pitcher and Robinson roommate John "Needle Nose" Wright.
• Thanks for the memories, Xavier!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Rays Acquire Xavier Cedeno From Dodgers."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Brandon McCarthy speaks about torn UCL."

“For the next couple of hours, I’ll keep talking it through and I’ll talk to the doc when he gets here,” McCarthy said this afternoon, “but it certainly (points) in one direction, and I don’t want to be one of those guys who plays out the string for a few months, only to waste everybody’s time.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Carl Crawford leaves game in 3rd with tightness in right side."

"He has some tightness in his right side. We'll just have to see overnight," Mattingly said. "Tightness in the right side usually sounds like [an oblique], but I don't want to be the doctor.

• Via Craig Edwards at Fan Graphs, "Mike Bolsinger to the Rescue."

Bolsinger is not going to provide the production the Dodgers thought they were going to get from Brandon McCarthy, but he could provide above replacement level pitching until reinforcements arrive or perhaps even hold down the fifth spot all season. 

• Kudos to Orioles COO John P. Angelos for stepping up.  Via Cindy Boren at the Washington Post, "Son of Orioles owner Peter Angelos tweets perspective on Freddie Gray protests."  Unfortunately, this all got lost in the ensuing disturbances around Baltimore.

“The innocent working families of all backgrounds whose lives and dreams have been cut short by excessive violence, surveillance, and other abuses of the Bill of Rights by government pay the true price, and ultimate price, and one that far exceeds the importances of any kids’ game played tonight, or ever, at Camden Yards. We need to keep in mind people are suffering and dying around the U.S., and while we are thankful no one was injured at Camden Yards, there is a far bigger picture for poor Americans in Baltimore and everywhere who don’t have jobs and are losing economic civil and legal rights, and this makes inconvenience at a ballgame irrelevant in light of the needless suffering government is inflicting upon ordinary Americans.”

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Brandon McCarthy is Done - Has Torn UCL

Our worst fears have been realized. The most heralded free agent signing of the off-season has just blown back on us.  It has just been reported by Bill Shaikin on twitter that starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy is done.  He has a torn UCL - ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.

McCarthy: UCL tear, out for year
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 27, 2015

Although Mattingly has yet to say if McCarthy will have Tommy John surgery, via Shaikin on twitter.

Mattingly won't say if McCarthy will have Tommy John surgery. If he does, he's out thru mid- to late-2016. #Dodgers
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 27, 2015

Needless to say, this really sucks!

As you'll recall, Brandon signed a four year $48M contract contract in early December.  Overall, his addition to the team was heralded by many; especially the sabermetric set - who saw his potential to be a top line starter.  Unfortunately, his injury prone nature that includes a stress fracture to his shoulder, shoulder surgery a couple of years later and surgery to relieve cranial pressure due to being hit in the head by a batted ball has not abated.  Now, he has to deal with a torn UCL.

As some would say, this guy has some bad luck... And so do we.  I'm so hoping he doesn't become this ownerships version of Jason Schmidt.

In light of this announcement, Brandon McCarthy was rather introspective on twitter.

to be fair, 31 years of use is a lot to ask for from a ligament
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) April 27, 2015

At least Brandon has a good sense of humor.

UPDATE: McCarthy is now officially on the DL, so relief pitcher Adam Liberatore has been called back up.  Via a press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed right-handed pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to April 26) with a right UCL tear and recalled left-handed pitcher Adam Liberatore from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Liberatore, 27, last pitched on Saturday for Oklahoma City, striking out the side in a scoreless inning against Omaha (Royals), and tossed 4.1 scoreless innings in three appearances with the Dodgers during his first stint with the club, April 17-21, allowing just one hit (1-for-13, .077) and striking out four. In three minor league outings this year with Oklahoma City, Liberatore allowed one run on three hits and struck out five in 3.0 innings.

McCarthy picked up the win on Saturday at San Diego, but was removed from the game during the sixth inning with right elbow tightness. In four starts this season, he’s gone 3-0 with a 5.87 ERA (15 ER/23.0 IP).

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

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Getting a Look Inside Puig's Home

As part of a new web series sponsored by Coldwell Banker, a video was just released that provides a glimpse at the new home Puig recently bought for himself near Dodger Stadium.  You get a little peek at his digs, and find out what home means to him.  Check it out below.

Video Link:

One thing of note is that his home has a smaller backyard that what I would've expected.  Another thing is that his reputation as a gamer only grows larger.  I bet that with him now on the DL he'll now find himself in front of that tv more often.

Per a press release provided by Coldwell Banker:

The 14-week series, starting today on the Coldwell Banker® Blue Matter blog, will offer behind-the-scenes videos of more than a dozen baseball stars. Each video will feature an exclusive look at the player’s home along with interviews on what home means to them. The Coldwell Banker Real Estate series leads with a look inside the home and off-the-field life of Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star outfielder, Yasiel Puig.

Shane Victorino's home is next - coming out May 6th.  Go here to check out the other videos.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2015 - Dodger Links - Mattingly, AGon, Ryu and Guerrero

Few realize that a woman once was a co-owner of the Dodgers with Walter O'Malley.  Her name was Mae Smith and by the late 50's she owned about one-quarter of team.  Her husband John L. Smith, a famed executive responsible for the mass production of Penicillin at Pfizer, joined the Dodger ownership den in 1944 when the Ebbets family decided they wanted out.  In 1950 he passed away and his shares naturally transferred to his wife. 

The photo above captures Mrs. Smith with Walt Alston, Carl Erskine and Walter O'Malley on February 25, 1956 in Vero Beach.  It is an Associated Press photo that I saw on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  On a side note, she donated 50 Royal Palm trees in memory of her late husband to Holman Stadium at Dodgertown, Vero Beach.  They were planted along the perimeter of the outfield.

Below are some links from the weekend to check out:

• Via Richard Justice at MLB.com, "Mattingly deftly manages deep Dodgers roster."

Mattingly emphasized that every lineup was one he believed gave the Dodgers the best chance to win that day's game. In the end, nothing else is supposed to matter. The players trusted Mattingly and knew he had no other agenda.

That situation got back to the core of why Mattingly has been successful. To know him is to like him and believe in him. There's a decency and honesty about Mattingly that plays well over a long season. In that way, players want to please him.

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Adrian Gonzalez challenges radio host who called him slow to footrace."
• Via Sarah at We're born again, there's new grass on the field; she shares some pics from a Baseball Reliquary exhibit at the Arcadia Public Library.
• ICYMI: Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers reportedly ink Carp to Minors deal." 
• Gurnick also tells us that, "Ryu takes next step toward recovery from shoulder injury."

"He throws where he wants," Mattingly said. "It's like he hasn't missed a beat. It's a matter of getting him strong. He didn't feel anything, he's had no problem. The process is going good and we'll let it play out."

• Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers Video: Scott Van Slyke Creates Makeshift Umbrella In Dugout."
• Via Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, "The New Alex Guerrero Problem."

Guerrero is forcing the Dodgers to play him more often, and Don Mattingly acknowledged that he’s going to have to put this guy in the line-up more often going forward.

“When a guy’s swinging the bat, you’re going to find playing time for him,” Mattingly said. “That’s just the way this game is.”

• Matt Meltzer at the Thrillist ranks all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.
• I thought I'd pass along a great looking print made by Jeff Suntala.  It features the ballparks the LA Dodgers have played in.  Go here to check it out.  Below is a pic.

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Giants Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening against the San Francisco Giants.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

During this series against the Giants the Think Blue BBQ located in the left-field pavilion plaza will be making Caribbean Sticky Ribs from Monday through Wednesday. The dish features pork spare ribs with pineapple barbeque sauce, ghost pepper and molasses marinade and it will be served with tropical cole slaw.  Yum! 

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Monday, April 27th at 7:10 PM
 
SNLA, MLB Network/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The second of eight Cy Young Collectors' Pin Series giveaways is this night.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Don Drysdale pin.  See it on the right.

(Photo via Jon SooHoo)

Hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Also, to commemorate Drysdale’s collector pin giveaway, Drew Drysdale, Don Drysdale’s daughter, will perform the national anthem. Members of the Drysdale family, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Drew, DJ and Darren will also participate in the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Corporal Anthony Guitron of West Covina.
• As part of their focus on education & literacy, LADF will recognize the 2015 Roy & Roxie Campanella Scholarship recipients from California State University Northridge (CUSN)’s College of Health and Human Development, Department of Physical Therapy. Joni Campanella Roan, the daughter of Dodger great Roy Campanella, will also be recognized. The Roy & Roxie Campanella Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to physical therapist students with outstanding clinical potential as they proceed through the physical therapy program. For more than 20 years, the Campanella family has supported physical therapy scholarships at CSUN, providing financial support to 30 students. In 2014, LADF expanded on Campanella’s legacy by committing to the growth from 10 scholars in 2015 to 25 by 2017.

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Tuesday, April 28th at 7:10 PM
  
SNLA, MLB Network/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is USC Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive USC Dodger T-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

California-born and Nashville country artist Cam will perform the national anthem. Rae Sremmurd, Interscope hip-hop duo Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. AM 570 LA Sports’ Petros and Money show will broadcast live from left-field pavilion from 3:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.

•  The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Duron of Menifee.

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Wednesday, April 29th at 7:10 PM
  
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Clayton Kershaw Fleece Blanket.  See it on the left.

Former Dodger pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Disney Channel star Coco Jones will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. AM 570 LA Sports’ Petros and Money show will broadcast live from left-field pavilion from 3:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Luis Repreza, a native of El Salvador.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Zack Greinke autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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