Blog Kiosk: 5/25/2015 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Rally Banana's and AJ Ellis

I love how sometimes social media can do some good - instead of being the terrible one-headed monster it always seems to be.  Above is the veritable "Dancing Man," also known as Sean O'Brien, and he threw out the first pitch before yesterday's game.  Go here to learn a little bit about him.

The above pic is via the @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Harry Pavlidis at ESPN, "Measuring MLB's best game-callers."  It's always been tough finding a metric that appropriately values the defensive part of a catchers job.  Sure, there's "pitch-framing," but that's just one small part of what a field general is suppose to do.  Another skill, something I would argue is the most important, is "game-calling."  

Most experienced catchers will work closely with a starting pitcher in coming up with a game plan, and will be the principal person in charge of decided what pitches to throw at any time.  So, identifying those who are best at this is an important metric to develop.  Apparently, that metric has been found and it shows that AJ Ellis is the best "game-caller" in the league.

That Ellis is one of the best at this should not come as a surprise.  Dodger pitchers for years have been singing his graces. BTW, you can find out more about the methodology and math behind this new metric here and here.  Apparently, it's derived from their DRA metric.

4. The guide to the best game caller of them all: little-known 34-year-old Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis

A.J. Ellis, in a vacuum, is a below-average catcher. His career batting average is .240. His career OPS is .689. He's made 396 starts in eight seasons. The Dodgers, of course, know all this. But they also know that two of the game's best hurlers, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, absolutely love pitching to him. Why? Because Ellis is the best game caller in the business, and now we can actually prove it. His game-calling alone saved the Dodgers 38 runs from 2012 to 2014, though he gave back 19 of those runs with everything else he did behind the plate . Does it hurt to be Ellis? At times, perhaps. But at least now, when that ninth foul tip slaps his once-unheralded (but now-appreciated) inner thigh, it might not sting quite so much.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu had pitched through shoulder issue since '12."

But Ryu, his left arm in a sling during a Dodger Stadium news conference, said he was always able to pitch with it and figured he'd be able to again after it flared up in Spring Training.

"I wanted to try to do it without surgery. That was my main intention," said the 28-year-old left-hander, who said he now intends to be healthy by next Spring Training, as doctors have indicated.

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "'Rally banana' does wonders for Dodgers."  Kike Hernandez sure is a crazy guy.

"I said, 'I'm on the bench, I've got to help my team somehow, we've got to come up with something,'" Hernandez said. "So I look around and the first thing I see is a banana and I said, 'This banana is going to be a rally banana.'"

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Derrel Thomas, true emergency catcher extraordinaire."

Despite his objective struggles behind the plate, the Dodgers adored Thomas’ effort.

“Show me another guy who could do what he did today,” Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda told Littwin. “I’ve been in baseball nearly all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m so grateful to him. He’s a great athlete, but more than that, he’s courageous.”

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Welcome to LA, Austin Barnes!

As you surely know by now, the final player involved in the Dee Gordon trade is in the midst of his Dodger/Major League debut this afternoon.  Unfortunately, he hasn't exactly been given a warm welcome by the Padres.  As I write this little blurb, the Dodgers are currently behind 9-0 to San Diego, and it doesn't appear it'll get any better.  So, instead of wasting away in front of the boob-tube I figured I'd formerly welcome Austin Barnes to Los Angeles by making a new fantasy Baseball card and sharing it here.  Check it out above.  I used a photograph taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015 during spring training and the 1974 Topps Baseball card design.  BTW, in today's game Austin Barnes is wearing number #65.

As you'll recall, I had previously written about Barnes when the December trade sending Dee Gordon to Miami was originally made.  You can check that out here.  At the time, Austin was a multi-positional player, but it quickly became clear that he would be concentrating most of his efforts behind the dish for the Dodgers. 

Per a Dodger press release:

Barnes, 25, is making his first appearance on an active Major League roster after batting .290 with five doubles, three home runs and 13 RBI in 29 games at Triple-A. Barnes has drawn more walks (14) than strikeouts (13) this season, with a .390 on-base percentage, and has hit safely in his last eight games with Oklahoma City, including going 1-for-3 last night at Las Vegas. The Riverside native was acquired by the Dodgers in a seven-player trade with Miami on Dec. 10, 2014 and was originally selected by the Marlins in the ninth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Arizona State University.

He was called up due to Yasmani Grandal's recent concussion-related injury.  Hopefully Grandal will be OK, and it's been suggested that he should be back with the Dodger shortly.  Unfortunately, as a hockey fan I've come to understand that you can't put a timetable on concussion issues.  I am glad to know, though, that the Dodgers are taking this kind of injury seriously.  It wasn't too long ago when Grandal would've been expected to get back out there right away. 

Back to Barnes, Gabe Kapler posted up an interesting comment on twitter earlier today:

Austin Barnes is about to make his ML debut for the @Dodgers. You don't know him yet. You will...and you'll like it.

— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) May 24, 2015

I hope he can become a solid backstop for the Dodgers, and I think this early cup-of-coffee for him can only add to his experience.  Heck, I think the shellacking he's experiencing in today's game will help build character.  It is now 10-0 Padres as I prepare to put up this post.

Below are the career stats for Austin Barnes, via Baseball-Reference:

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

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Monday, May 25th at 5:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 5:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 2:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 3:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Tommy Lasorda Garden Gnome.  See it on the left.

Monday is Memorial Day and the Dodgers, along with all of MLB, will again participate in the National Moment of Remembrance during Memorial Day Weekend.  The Dodgers will wear specially-designed caps and jerseys Monday. All of MLB’s net proceeds from the sale of these caps and jerseys will be donated to the Welcome Back Veterans program, which provides grants to university hospitals throughout the country to treat veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Memorial pre-game ceremonies will include a flyover by three heritage planes, a P15D Mustang, P63 Cobra and T28 Trojan, from the Palm Springs Air Museum. The U.S. Army will provide a color guard. Five representatives from each military branch of service, 25 Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy service men and women, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Tuskegee Airman 95 year-old Lieutenant Colonel Robert Friend will officially start the game with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” The U.S. Department of Defense will also have a Memorial Day PSA that will play on DodgerVision prior to the game. A POW/MIA chair dedication will take place and 300 military families from various military branches will be in attendance. Eight youngsters from military families will partake in Kids Take the Field Monday. The national anthem and will be performed by U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Vicki Goulding, former U.S. Army Sergeant Victor Hurtado and Lisa Pratt, Operation Rising Star winner and military spouse.  Bank of America Executive Director of New Directions Gregory Scott will throw a first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Captain Christopher Kahn of Clovis. Kahn enlisted in the Army 16 years ago, has served a deployment to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Spring and to Baghdad, Iraq as part of Operation Thunder Run and with the 82nd Airborne Division as part of the OIF and Operation New Dawn. Kahn has served in South Korea the past two years where he was selected by the Army’s ACS program to attend graduate school.

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Tuesday, May 26th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

Jerry Vivino, saxophonist in the house band for the Conan O’Brien show, will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant E5 Ladarrius Robinson of Minden, Louisiana. Robinson attended Grambling State University in 2003 and enlisted in the Marines after graduation. He served a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III and served as part of the largest combat deployed battalion in Marine Corps history, 3rd Batallion 4th Marines. He also served deployments to Al-Qa’im, Iraqui and Anah Iraq with Weapons company mobile assault Platoons, Scout Snipers and Lima company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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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 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Dodgers coaster set.  See it on the left.

Saxophonist Michael Lington will perform the national anthem.  Los Angeles Chief of Police Charlie Beck and L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell will throw the ceremonial first pitch and will join the Dodgers in announcing the re-launch of a fan-favorite program where officers will distribute Dodger baseball cards to children and families while on patrol. In 2015, the program returns with the addition of L.A. County Sheriffs. In total, nearly 10,000 LAPD officers and 10,000 sheriff’s deputies will carry Dodgers baseball cards with them while on patrol this season.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Manuel Lopez of Compton. Lopez enlisted in 1998, served as an assault man for six years before being deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served in Operation Noble Eagle, an anti-terrorist force assigned to the west coast of the U.S. after September 11.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/23/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Pederson and Brandon Beachy

When I came across this photo on eBay I knew I had to share it - watermark and all.  Featured above is former Dodger skipper Walter Alston playing a game of pool with his father at his Ohio home in 1962.  He had just signed a new contract to coach the club for another season, and was no doubt celebrating with a leisurely game.

On the other hand, knowing Alton's reputation as a pool shark, it may not have been so laid-back.  After all, Alston had said on numerous occasions that he put himself through college playing pool, and it's well known he would happily take your wad should you meet him at the table.

Some say he was the best billiard player in the game, and when he teamed up with Jim Gilliam and Leo Durocher (all fantastic pool players in their own right) they formed a fantastic cabal that stormed through the league.

I often wonder how much money they hustled off of opposing teams.  Did they come into a city with thoughts of victory and wealth?  Would they meet with the opposing players/coach's at a local hall hoping to demoralize them on the green felt after doing so on the green grass?  What kind of shtick would Alston use when facing someone who didn't know him?

I can imagine it now.  He plays some country bumpkin, wheeling in an unsuspecting mark, before setting off a volley of game-winning shots.  

Below are some more links to check out:

• Yasiel Puig looks to be ready to restart his rehab program, via a tweet from Jon Heyman:

Puig said to be feeling much better. May not be that much longer. #dodgers

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) May 22, 2015

• Via Ryan Parker at Baseball Prospectus, "Going Yard: The Near Perfection of Pederson."

Pederson’s swing is just that: A blend of old and new school that is beautiful to watch and has created impressive results. Pederson has the loose, relaxed upper body reminiscent of hitters of yesteryear with the big leg kick, and the aggressive lower body movements favored by the best modern hitters. This movement pattern isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it’s an efficient way to deliver the bat with force. The coach in me loves his swing because the movements are so big and clear; Pederson provides a great template to show young hitters how to move with intent at the plate. 

• Just another depth move for the Dodgers.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Acquire Eric Surkamp From White Sox."  Apparently, Blake Smith was sent to the White Sox.
• Brandon Beachy, signed over the winter, pitched a three-inning simulated game/live batting practice yesterday in preparation for a possible rehab assignment.  He would certainly be in the starting pitching mix should he prove to be ready in the minors.  Via a tweet from @Think_BlueLA:

Brandon Beachy throwing live BP to Kike Hernandez and Joc Pederson. pic.twitter.com/zjW6SSDOwo

— ThinkBlueLA (@Think_BlueLA) May 22, 2015

• This is really cool.  Via Thomas Duffy at the Bleacher Report, "Father Surprises Daughter at Wedding with a Game of Catch During 1st Dance."
• Here's a video I came across of Clayton Kershaw doing some painting by throwing balls for MTV.  Best yet, he spent some time throwing right-handed.

Video Link:

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Bid Now on Some Dodgers' Mother's Day Game-Used Gear

Are you looking to add some unique memorabilia to your Dodger collection?

Then look no further than to MLB's own auction of Mother's Day game-used goodies from the Dodgers.  Currently, there are game-used bats and shoes/cleats available for sale of three Dodger players: Joc Pederson, Alex Guerrero and Yasmani Grandal.  Check out a listing below.  BTW, Major League Baseball Charities, Inc. will equally distribute its proceeds from the auction of MLB Pink Ribbon Products to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and Entertainment Industry Foundation, for breast cancer initiatives.

Joc Pederson

There are two Pederson game-used bats from the Mother's Day game the Dodgers played against the Rockies currently on auction.  You can see a photo of them at his locker in Colorado above. 

• The Marucci Bat (as seen above) is available here (link).
• Joc's Louisville Slugger Bat is available here (link).
• His cleats from the evening can be found here (link).  A photo of them is directly below.  So far Joc's shoes are at $355 with 11 bids.

(Auction Link)

Alexander Guerrero

Guerrero's bat can be found here (link), and his cleats (as seen below) can be found here (link).

(Auction Link)

Yasmani Grandal

Check out the game bat from our hit-hitting catcher here (link).  It's a Louisville Slugger.  Check out the cleats he wore here (link).  A photo of them is below.

(Auction Link)

Photo at the very top and the very bottom via @Dodgers on twitter.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Ryu and Arruebarrena

Clayton has had a rough go of it recently.  Sure, he's still striking out batters at a healthy clip, but for whatever reason the opposition is getting on base more often and scoring more runs.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Kershaw, his fastball several ticks slower than usual, conceded his pitches "just weren't coming out, for some reason." He said he felt fine -- "You're going to have those days," -- and he tipped his cap to Bumgarner, who stunned him by slugging a third-inning home run with two outs.

"Fastball down the middle," he said. "I should have a little more respect for him."

This is the first I've read that his velocity is down; which is a bit disconcerting.  Worse yet, he conceded that he was running on empty, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

Kershaw’s velocity was down a little bit on Thursday, and he admitted he didn’t “have a whole lot in the tank, honestly.”

“It just wasn’t coming out for whatever reason,” Kershaw said. “It’s tough. Madison pitched really well, and you just tip your cap, again.”

What is clear is that the Giants are no laughing matter, Bumgarner is a proven champion ace and their manager Bruce Bochy might be the best in the business.  The Giants are riding high with a six game winning streak, and you have to figure we'll be battling them for a playoff spot all season long. 

Photo above via the @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Check out this great graphic of "40 Ways The World Makes Awesome Hot Dogs," via Jess Kapadia and Mike Houston at the Food Republic.  They include the world famous Dodger Dog on their list - the only one not related to a geographical area.  (Hat Tip: u/Isai76 on Reddit)
• J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers has some background on Ryu's surgery yesterday and what they found.

The left-hander needed a repair of his left labrum and will not pitch again until 2016.

• I'm not surprised one bit.  Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers place infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena on suspended list."

Erisbel Arruebarrena has not played a game at any level this season and has been placed on the suspended list by the Dodgers, apparently for disciplinary reasons.

• Via Jake Seiner at MiLB.com, "Stock Watch: De Leon's great deception."

"Part of his success is that he hides the ball really well," said Rancho Cucamonga pitching coach Bill Simas. "Some people have a knack for that. It's hard to explain. He hides it behind his body until that release."

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