What Was That? President Mondesi?

There are some strange happenings in today's Inside the Dodgers Blog. First we find out that the LA Times erred in writing that Raul Mondesi was "roundly booed." I guess I'm not too surprised by that. On the other hand, I am surprised to read that Raul Mondesi is a full-fledged politician in the Dominican Republic. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect I would read or write that. Wow. Considering some of his on-and-off the field problems late in his career I'm glad to read that things are looking up.

Inside the Dodgers Blog Link:

Finding Gold in the Most Unexpected Places

This is the kind of story that I dream about. A truck driver walks into a "Play It Again Sports" and buys 4 real "game-used" gloves. Not just any gloves, but actual real gloves from Giambi, Karsay and Alex Rodriguez. His $400.00 purchase turns into a $10,000.00+ sale on eBay. Check out the story here. BTW, this guys purchase happened in Southern California. How did these gloves find their way here? Also, this auction closed 5 days ago, click here for the results.

Story Link: LA Daily News:
Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily:
eBay Auction Link: 1, 2, 3, 4

Is It Billingsley's Time Now?

The LA Times notes that Chad Billingsley has "not given up an earned run in his last six appearances spanning 9 2/3 innings" and may be headed out of the bullpen. He is a strong candidate for the next open starting pitching spot. With Tomko's horrible performance yesterday that day may come very soon.

Story Link: LA Times:

eBay: Recent Pick-Ups

Below are two items I recently won on eBay. Below is a 1951 American Nut & Chocolate premium pin of the Brooklyn Dodgers. It measures less than an inch in diameter. Certainly, it is not in the best condition, but it was available at a very affordable $5.00. I couldn't say no, especially since I don't already have one in my collection.
After all of the bickering and whining I did about seeing Gagne leave Dodger Blue for richer pastures in Texas I can't help but maintain a little bit of love for Mr. Game Over. His dominance as closer with his "Welcome to the Jungle" theme song blaring over the loudspeakers are memories I will never forget. He made staying the whole game in Los Angeles fashionable. Below is a 2005 Fleer Showcase Legacy Autographed card that I got for under $3.00. What a steal. The added benefit of seeing Gagne go is that his cards can be purchased at steep discounts.

Dodger Fan Shows He Can Carry Griffey's Jock

This story has been making the rounds, so I'm sure you all have seen it. If you haven't, then you need to check out this story posted on MySpace. A Dodger fan heckles Griffey. Words are exchanged as Griffey declares he couldn't "touch the threads on his jock." Then the unexpected happens. Griffey gives him his jock. Literally! Check out the MySpace link for more of the story.

Thanks to Trolley Dodger for posting the story. SOSG lets us know that it is now a national story. It's on ESPN.

Marlon to have Surgery

Marlon Anderson is expected to be sidelined for at least 2 months. Arthroscopic elbow surgery is the cause. He can be back just in time for the second half of the season.

What this means for the team is a potential open roster spot to allow our blossoming stars still in the minors a chance to come up to the big club. LaRoche currently holds the spot for now, but don't be surprised if others come in to take their turn. Tony Abreu, James Loney or Larry Bigbie may find themselves wearing Blue for short stints over the next two months.

Story Link: Yahoo Sports:

Update: Surgery appears to have done the trick. Marlon Anderson had arthroscopic surgery this past Friday and proclaims, "I feel better." Anderson adds,

"I'm just glad I had it done because I feel so much better already. I can move it around a lot better already."

Story Link: OC Register: