Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Welcome to the Blue, Daniel Hudson!


I guess you ride the hot hand while you can.

Last night Walker Buehler wowed the Dodgers and its fans with an impressive five-inning scoreless starting pitching debut. Now, he's been sent back down to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and in his place is reliever Daniel Hudson -- who has given hitters fits so far this season. Per a Dodger press release:
Hudson, 31, who signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on March 30, has made five relief appearances with the OKC Dodgers this season and has yet to allow a hit in 4.2 innings, while striking out five batters. The veteran right-hander, who was traded to Tampa Bay from Pittsburgh on February 22, appeared in seven games with the Rays during Spring Training, allowing nine runs in 5.1 innings with six strikeouts.

Golden Auctions: A Koufax Gamer and an 1988 Trophy


It's always worth making note when something like this pops up in an auction. Featured above is an extremely scarce game-used Sandy Koufax jersey. (Auction Link) It dates to his unbelievable 1963 season when he recorded 25 wins and won both the Cy Young and league MVP awards. Per the auction description:
Rarely does a game-worn Koufax jersey appear at auction. His 1955 jersey recently sold for $667,000. Although that jersey was significant for it being worn during his rookie year, this 1963 jersey was donned by the Dodgers ace during one of the greatest single-season pitching performances in the history of the game. This is only the eighth Sandy Koufax jersey we can recall having ever seen at public auction. Its rarity is underlined by the fact that it is one of just three Sandy Koufax jerseys fully authenticated and listed in the Mears census, not to mention the highest-graded example as well.

Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


“Walker threw well, but I think tonight was Kike’s night.”

As much as I want to praise Walker on his phenomenal performance last night -- deserving as he is -- Dave Robert's isn't wrong to point out the obvious. Kiké overshadowed everyone on the field in the same way that R. Lee Ermey stole the show in the movie Full Metal Jacket. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“It’s a huge value for us, the versatility and what he can do on a baseball field,” Roberts said. “He’s certainly valued. I know myself, I try to figure out ways to get him in every single night, because he just has a way to impact the game.”
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

Monday, April 23, 2018

Dodgers Artwork - Pee Wee Reese 1953 Topps Original Drawing at REA


This is absolutely gorgeous.

Currently ongoing is REA's spring auction, and one of the items that I came across there is the above original drawing of Pee Wee Reese that was used for his 1953 Topps Baseball card. (Auction Link) It had originally sold in 2010 and came directly from the personal collection of Topps legend Sy Berger -- considered "The Father of the Bubble Gum Card." 

Check out what Reese's card from 1953 looks like on the right.

With just 12 days remaining this item is already $3,500, and I suspect it'll close for significantly higher than that.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Far from his best outing, Kenley Jansen recorded his second consecutive scoreless inning to record only his third save of the season last night. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"It's testing my patience right now, it's annoying," said Jansen, who allowed a soft single to pinch-hitter Matt Adams and a liner by Wilmer Difo, then struck out Andrew Stevenson and Trea Turner before former Dodger Howie Kendrick flied out to center to end the game. 
"I wanted to watch that video right away. It was a perfect pitch to Matt Adams right there, but he's strong enough. He opened up because he's looking in and he finds the green right there," Jansen said. "Then I hung a slider to Difo and he put it on the green. I had to calm myself, even though I was angry, and got out of it. It's good to be angry. All this is making me push and push to get where I want to be."
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
  • Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Marlins Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


Cuban Torta
The next homestand starts on Monday against the Miami Marlins. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:
Ropa Vieja
There are two new food items being made available for this homestand only, and they are available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, you can get the Cuban Torta which features Smoked Pork, Thin sliced Deli Ham, Dill Pickles, Swiss Cheese, Yellow Mustard, stacked on Telera Bread and pressed.

Also available is the Ropa Vieja. This features Braised Beef with Pepper, Onions, and Olives, mounded on Steamed Basmati Rice, Black Beans and topped with Pico de Gallo.

A holdover from the last series, you can also get the Chorizo Torta that features a Chorizo sausage split in half, ranchero bean spread, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, queso fresco, and smoke jalapeno aioli.
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Monday, April 23rd at 7:10 PM
Walker Buehler vs Jarlin Garcia
TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020