Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Greinke and Kiké Hernandez

Kiké Hernandez looked fantastic at the plate and on the field last night after spending way too much time rehabbing a hamstring strain he suffered in late-August.  He recorded two singles after coming in late to play centerfield.  Then he made a fantastic grab on a whistling liner that wanted to sail like a salmon evading the clutches of an hungry bear.  Hernandez was electric out there, and I suspect he'll find himself on tonight's starting roster in hopes his enthusiasm is contagious.  No doubt the Dodgers will need his energy to climb over that last bump on the road towards the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers were unable to walk away with a victory last night - having lost in twelve innings on a walkoff sacrifice fly.  Don't fret, though.  I think the Dodgers' state of mind is right where it needs to be.  Via a Mark Saxon report at ESPN:

"We played really good today. We played poor in Colorado, but besides that, I feel like we've played well," Greinke said. "Everyone wants to get another win, but we're playing as well as we can and we're playing really focused baseball. Maybe that's the key."

Mattingly appears to agree:

"I felt like we played a little bit [tight] in Colorado, trying to finish it," Mattingly said. "As this game went on, I felt a little bit better about all that."

The photo above via Jon SooHoo on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers continue reshaping scouting corps."

The Dodgers, who have moved aggressively this year toward video scouting of opponents, have not renewed the contracts of veteran advance scouts Willie Fraser and Gary Pellant, according to a baseball source.

• Via Ron Kroichick at SF Chronicle, "Joc Pederson of the Dodgers inspired by brother’s battles."  (Hat Tip: r/spike021)

Joc is the one hitting home runs in the major leagues, but he finds inspiration in Champ.

“It’s just being around him — how happy and passionate he is, his positive attitude and outlook on life,” Joc said in a recent phone interview. “You don’t get to choose the cards you get.”

• Here is a fantastic read about the MLBAM's recent use of DMCA takedown notices on users of social media, via Matt Goldman at Beyond the Boxscore: "MLBAM strikes out in marketing baseball."

MLBAM does not track down every tweet or every account that posts a gif of something baseball related. That's more than likely because they simply don't have the resources to do so. Yet, they do step in when something becomes incredibly popular. At this point, taking down something popular, something that is spreading enjoyment of the game, is not in MLBAM's best interests.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2015 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodger Base Cards

Last week I commented about the inclusion of a Trevor Cahill Dodger card in Topps newest set - 2015 Heritage High Numbers.  Now, take a look at all the Dodger base cards that are available.  I've included the one known variation (Jimmy Rollins) and several of the parallels.  Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base Set

#585 Yasmani Grandal                                 #595 Trevor Cahill

Branch Rickey's Christmas Message at the End of WWII

Here is an interesting letter I recently discovered when rummaging through eBay.  It features a letter, dated December 20, 1945, from Dodgers President Branch Rickey to a prospective ballplayer named Richard T. Foley. 

The letter is both poignant and reflective; while at the same time self serving - considering Rickey was interested in retaining Foley for the Dodgers.  Nevertheless, I found Rickey's words to be inspiring and heartfelt.  The "war to end all wars" had just concluded months before, so the time for reflection was no doubt high in most people's minds.  He states in the letter:

Surely this Christmas means more to most of us than any Christmas we have ever known.  The war is over and "Peace on Earth, Good will to Men", again becomes something to think about, and to hope for, and to work for, too.

I don't think I could have said it any better.

Unfortunately, I was unable to nail down specific information about this player, but did find two separate references: one of a Trenton fellow who was in the Red Sox organization and served in both WWII and the Korean War (here) and another at Baseball Reference without much information at all (here).  Considering the address referenced in the letter it appears the latter link is the right Foley.  If you happen to have any information about this player please pass it along.  In the meantime, I've reproduced the entire letter below.

Dear Richard,

Surely this Christmas means more to most of us than any Christmas we have ever known.  The war is over and "Peace on Earth, Good will to Men", again becomes something to think about, and to hope for, and to work for, too.

For many who went from the Brooklyn organization into our country's service, Christmas, 1945 means homecoming, a return to families and friends.  For others, still in the service, it holds promise of happier days to come and very soon.

To all of you -- those who have served, and those still serving, -once again on behalf of the entire Brooklyn organization I send my most sincere good wishes.

I am sending a token of our continuing interest and regard, - two tokens, I believe.  One is a copy of Frank Graham's book, "The Brooklyn Dodgers".  The other is a lighter.  If you don't smoke, give it to your dad, or some other member of your family, or a friend who does.

Anyhow, a Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year, and I hope to see you in a baseball uniform this spring.

Cordially yours,
Branch Rickey, President

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Hazing the Rookies

Although the Dodgers were unable to clinch the NL Western Division over the weekend they still found a way to have some fun.  Continuing a tradition that goes back several years, the Dodgers dressed up their rookies in ridiculous outfits as they headed out on their roadtrip to San Francisco.  As you can see they used a professional wrestling theme.  In the photo above, tweeted by Alanna Rizzo, are Corey Seager and Scott Schebler.  Check out Sons of Steve Garvey (here and here) for more pics.  Also, David Vassegh shares a selfie with Seager here.  Below is a group photo as they are about to board the plane, via Dodgers on instagram.

BTW, the Dodgers "Magic Number" remains at 2.  With the Dodger playing San Francisco any win will clinch the division.  Below are more links to check out:

• Brett Anderson channels the ire heard from some fans regarding the rookie hazing event on twitter:

Myself being a major part of it...rookie dress up loses its luster when you get swept by the worst team in your division.

— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) September 28, 2015

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Dodgers eying NLCS for Yasiel Puig's return."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA,"Dodgers new bullpen motto is working."
  

  During a recent one-on-one interview with Dodgers bullpen coach Chuck Crim, he shared a little secret about the Dodgers bullpen – his bullpen – they have adopted a new motto.
  
  “Our motto now in the bullpen is ‘Hey, nobody scores – nobody scores,’” said Crim. “I’ve got Avi (Luis Avilan) to the point where I say ‘Tell it to me… tell it to me.’ When he leaves the pen I’ll tell him ‘Hey man, nobody scores.’ It’s kind of funny but we instill it in their brains, I don’t care if it’s bases loaded and nobody out, nobody scores.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Brett Anderson says he's interested in returning in 2016."
  

  "It's been a good fit," Anderson said a few days ago. "It fits my personality here. With [Clayton] Kershaw the top guy, I can just go about my business and kind of pitch in the shadows. It's been gratifying to stay healthy and help win with these guys."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Josh Byrnes reportedly interviews for Angels GM position."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2015 - Dodger Links - AGon, Seager and Rollins

Relaxed, chillin' and just shooting the breeze.

Check out the boys hangin' out in the dugout before yesterday's opening game in Colorado.  With the division championship within reach, they definitely look like they're having fun.

Case in point, during a game where the Dodgers got shelled for seven runs Jimmy Rollins was still able to have a laugh by doing a Bumgarner on Joe West.  He mocked the Giants starter by staring intently into the eyes of the umpire.  Watch a clip of it below via CBS Sports on twitter:

LOOK: Jimmy Rollins gets in mock staredown with Joe West http://t.co/ktFA3PaKkW pic.twitter.com/9e0tbu7pEX

— CBS Sports MLB  (@CBSSportsMLB) September 26, 2015

The photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to see more photo by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly, Kershaw turn page after exchange."

"That's over," Mattingly said before Friday's 7-4 loss to the Rockies. "I talked to him in the weight room today."

Mattingly reiterated that removing Kershaw was a game decision and was not motivated by trying to limit innings so Kershaw would be stronger during the playoffs.

"I wasn't trying to shave innings," Mattingly said. "I was trying to win a game, period. I told you that [Thusday]. Clayton's awesome. Clayton's the last of my worries."

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Seager’s leg soreness said to be minor."
  

  “I just wanted to be cautious [on Friday]. I’m going to need him to play shortstop in this series,” Mattingly said. “He was just heavy-legged the other day and I’d seen him shaking his legs out. It’s one of those things where I just wanted to stay away from [using] him.”
  
  Although “heavy-legged” is certainly subject to interpretation, Seager gave no indication of any health issues whatsoever when asked how he felt on Thursday afternoon.
  
  “I feel good,” Seager answered.

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Adrian Gonzalez back in Dodgers lineup, wants to stay there for duration."
  

  While categorizing his back problem as "a nick," the All-Star first baseman acknowledged it's been the source of some discomfort over the last week. A disk in the lower part of his back is pinching a nerve, affecting his left leg.
  
  "My whole left side — my hamstring, my calf, my quad — everything feels weak and kind of dead, in a sense," he said. "When I'm hitting, I feel like I have no backside. When I'm running, I feel like I can't really push off my left leg."

• Jared Massey at Dodgers Nation puts together hisDodger Minor League Awards for 2015, "Bellinger, De Leon Receive Top Honors."
• Check out this Fox Sports Quiz: Which MLB Manager are you?  Apparently, I'm like Bruce Bochy - which makes a little sad and happy at the same time.
• Ben Henry at the Baseball Card blog made a fantastic 1965 Topps fantasy card featuring Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.  Check it out here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

WTF - Trevor Cahill has a Baseball Card as a Dodger in the Heritage High Number Set

Why?

I'm scratching my head wondering what was Topps thinking?  The guy never put on Dodger Blue, and didn't look to be very high on the totem pole.

I get that there is a certain amount of lead-time required from when they start planning this set - to when they actually start printing it  - to its release.  Still, there had to be more worthy Dodgers' who should have been considered first.

Just off the top of my head, they should have made a regular issue card for Joc Pederson.  He had to share his card with a Phillies prospect in the March release of the set. For that matter, Carlos Frias and Yimi Garcia could have been considered for the same reason.

Or how about Mike Bolsinger?  He pitched very well for the Dodgers as the 5th starter during the early part of the season.

Chris Hatcher would have also been a good choice.  Although, I'm sure there were some doubts at the Topps offices in New York about whether he'd still be around considering his horrid start to the season.

Heck, I would have been ecstatic if they made a Chin-Hui Tsao card - just because it would have been oddly strange and cool at the same time.

I dunno.  Sometimes the card selection Topps makes just baffles me.

BTW, I'll have pics of the other Dodger cards in this set next week.  So stay tuned.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *