Say it Ain't So, Alex Cora!

Alex Cora, I am ashamed of you.

There was a time, not too long ago, when I thought highly of how you played the game. Heck, I still recall fondly your 18-pitch at-bat that one May-day in 2004 when you wowed the Dodger Stadium crowd. You were gamer who exemplified everything that was great - you hustled, you focused on the fundamentals and you certainly didn't cheat.

Now, as a middle aged man, I realize that was all folly.

Are there any heroes in this game anymore?

• Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Red Sox Reportedly Utilized Replay Room To Ascertain Opponents’ Signs In 2018."
• Per Jeff Passan at ESPN -- "Sources: MLB near decision on discipline for Astros."
• Via Chris Cwik at Yahoo Sports -- "Report: Red Sox used video replay room to steal signs during World Series-winning 2018 season."
• Via Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich at The Athletic -- "MLB’s sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018."
• Via Hubbs at Barstool Sports -- "Major League Baseball's Investigation Of The Cheating Houston Astros Is In Its Final Stages And Lengthy Suspensions Are Expected."

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2019 Bowman Heritage -- All the Dodger cards

The 2019 Bowman Heritage cards are finally arriving in collectors' mailboxes. Apparently, there was a several week delay due to the inability of some ballplayers to sign their cards on time. As you can see, this set pays homage to the 1953 Bowman Baseball card design -- which basically consist of a color photo, a white/off-white border and no other identifying marks on the front of the card. So, it's kind-of a boring looking set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Additionally, boxes of this brand were initially pre-sold to 2019-20 Topps 582 Montgomery Club members online, but should now be available at your local hobby shop. Check out all the Dodger cards below.

Base

Veterans / Rookies

#53VR-60 Clayton Kershaw    #53VR-101 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2020 - Dodgers News & Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1947 press photo (eBay link) featuring today's birthday boy, Ralph Branca. Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium, Sept. 30 -- Opposing Pitchers -- Yankees Frank Shea (left) and Dodgers Ralph Branca, World Series opening game pitcher's shake hands before start of game here today.

As you may know, the Dodgers would not prevail. They would lose to the Yankees, 5-3, and eventually lose the series in seven games.

Below are links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley publicly announces that the Dodgers are for sale. The O'Malley family had been in control of the franchise since 1950. As you know, the club would eventually be sold to the Fox Entertainment Group for $311 million -- at the time, the most ever paid for a professional sports franchise.
• Happy Birthday, George Shoch, John Corriden, Lee Walls, Ralph Branca & Marlon Anderson!

Topps Living Set -- #274 -- Kenley Jansen

The 13th Dodger found in Topps Living Set is now available and it is of closer Kenley Jansen. As you know, this is an online exclusive set that has no end and is not tied to any specific season or era. Instead, it's a cross-generational brand that will issue cards on a weekly basis and will include both current and retired ballplayer.  Go here to check it out and order. You can see a complete checklist of the set here. Below is what's written on the reverse of the Jansen card:

Kenley Jansen has been among the best closers in Baseball since taking the reigns as the go-to end-game option for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012. The right-hander has 301 saves and a sterling 2.35 career ERA due, in large part, to an extraordinary 903 strikeouts in 605 career appearances.

Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above vintage spring training press photo, dated Mar 15, 1943, above (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:

DODGER PITCHERS WARM UP.  West Point, N.Y.....Pitchers Freddy Fitzsimmons, Kirby Higbe, Curt Davis and Bob Chipman (l-r) are shown loosening up at their first spring training practice held indoors today, at the Army Field House on the West Point Military Reservation.

As you know, America was embroiled in WWII, so precautions were made to insure the safety of ballplayers and fans by having teams train in more inland locales. After all, nazi submarines were known to cruise the American east coast to sink all ships. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially be consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract.  
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 12/30/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Birthday, Sandy! He turns 84 today.

Featured above is a October 6, 1963 UPI telephoto of Sandy Koufax celebrating the Dodgers World Series sweep of the New York Yankees (eBay auction link). Per the description:

Los Angeles Dodgers star southpaw pitcher Sandy Koufax hoists a champagne toast in dressing room here 10/6, after the Dodgers won the 4th Series game in a row to give them the title. The Dodgers handed New York its first 4-game shutout in 28 trips to the classic.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers officially released soon-to-be Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. He would then become a Dodgers coach for the 1959 season, then enter broadcasting as a color-man for CBS from 1960 to 1965. In 2015 the Dodgers signed free agent starter Scott Kazmir to a three-year, $48 million contract. He would have a decent first season -- going 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts -- but would end the season on the DL due to hip issues and would not pitch again.
• Happy Birthday, Jose Morales & Sandy Koufax!