In Case You Missed It: BBTN Hot Stove Dodgers Preview

Here is ESPN's January 7, 2009 episode where they discuss the Dodgers.

Blog Kiosk 1/18/2009

Spring is just around the corner. Baseball is almost here.

• Our best wishes to Don Zimmer. He recently had a stroke, but expects to be back on the field this Spring. It looks like a quick recovery. Thanks to True Blue LA for the news.
  
• I look forward to reading more from this new Dodger/ Vin Scully blog called "Listening to Vin."
• Check out the Trolley Dodgers post featuring the very first pitch made at the Brooklyn Dodgers old digs at Ebbets Field.
  
• The Fiendish Observational Comedian discusses the Jason Repko's arbitration.
• Reflections of Blue responds sarcastically to the rumor that 8 teams have called Boras about Andruw Jones.
• You must all read Roberto's blog- Vinny is My Homeboy.
  
• This is a phenomenal read. "A Journey from Ebbets Field to the Steps of the Capitol."

  I did not ask Newcombe what he thought of Obama. But a year ago, I asked Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie, and the prime force in the Jackie Robinson Foundation, how she felt about Obama’s candidacy.

  “George, that is a political question,” she said, putting her hand on my shoulder and giving me her beautiful, resolute smile. “And I’m not going to answer it.” But I think she did.

• The European version of a hobby gimmick. A Beckham sticker from Panini drives collectors in Italy crazy. Hat Tip: Chuck's Used Cards.
• Bad Wax has become a McFarlane sports figurine collector.
• Jo Anna is so ready for some Dodger Baseball.
  
• What a great card. The Garvey Cey Russell Lopes Card blog finds a very timely card. Whoever put these guys on adjacent panels had a eye for the future.
• When all you can do is laugh, play The Bailout Game! Hat Tip: The Big Picture:
  
• Former Kansas City Royal Amos Otis is a collector too.

  “I think people still remember my career, so I still sign quite a few autograph requests,” he said. “Going to shows such as The National gives me the opportunity to see players who I played with and against, yet have not seen them in quite a few years; that’s always nice.
  
  “Plus, I can get some autographs, too.”
  
  Otis collects autographs from sports and entertainment personalities. One of his prized pieces is a signed item featuring cast members from “The Andy Griffith Show,” including Gomer Pyle.

• On June 23rd the Brooklyn Cyclones will transform into the Baracklyn Cyclones with jazzy new uniforms and a free bobblehead given to fans in honor of our new President. Other exciting give-aways that day include 2 free tickets to anyone named Joe and is actually a plumber, a bi-partisan consolation prize of free tickets in the bleachers for anyone named McCain or Palin and a clear-cut exit strategy where fans receive an American flag as they leave the game. Go to the teams website for more info.
• Do you remember Ricky Wright. The 1983 Fleer projects showcases another autographed Dodger card.
• The Fifth Outfielder ranks the best Baseball sites.
• Wow. I Love This Game runs into a great Koufax painting and its painter. It was done with spray paint.
• This is the best video that I've seen so far that best encapsulates 2008. Enjoy.

YouTube Link: calecse:
Hat Tip: Extra Mustard:

eBay: More Fun Dodger Stuff

Here are some more Dodger related eBay items I came across.

Below is a circa 1950's Brooklyn Dodgers transfer decal features the famous "Bum." It was made by Goldfarb Novelty Co. and measures 4 inches square. The manufactures stamp and directions for use are on the reverse. It sold for an incredible $130.52.

eBay Link: 1950's Dodger Decal Transfer:

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings! Here is a vintage 1950's Brooklyn Dodgers team issued greeting card. It sold for $53.55.

eBay Link: Brooklyn Dodgers Holiday Card:

The Topps Vault regularly pulls some great treasures from their archives to sell on eBay. Below is the original die-cut production art of the 1964 Sandy Koufax Stand-Up card. One of a kind. It sold for $565.00.

eBay Link: 1964 Topps Koufax Stand-Up Original Production Art:

Below is a seldom seen 1969 Tasco poster of Don Drysdale. It measure 16 x 11 1/2 inches. It's available for an affordable $9.99.

eBay Link: 1969 Drysdale Tasco Poster:

A Vero Beach Spring Training in the 1950's. Here is a vintage NY Post press/wire photo featuring the entire Spring contingent. It sold for $49.99.

eBay Link: Dodgers Photo:

Andruw Jones is a Tool

Diamond Leung points to an interview Andruw gave yesterday to some morning guys in Atlanta.

Asked to explain why numbers with the Dodgers were what they were, Jones said, "I think I was just not in good shape, I think."

Ya think?

Go check out Diamonds brief story and then listen to the interview. Of course, if you still want to keep you hair (since you'll probably want to pull yours out) then ignore the interview. Sometimes it's best to be blissfully ignorant because I'm starting to think it might have been better not to listen to this sorry bum speak.

Sign Martin Long Term

After reading on several occasions last year that Russell Martin was content with one year contracts we now find that he is changing his tune.

"I'm always interested in a long-term deal," Martin said. "Who wouldn't be?"

Unfortunately, Colletti has yet to get the word.

General Manager Ned Colletti said the Dodgers are "concentrating on a one-year [contract] at the moment."

Maybe it's time to start thinking long term, eh. On the positive side, Russell signals that he will be realistic.

"I just want to get treated fairly," he said. "I'm not trying to steal the bank."

In other news several other Dodgers, including Martin, filed for arbitration yesterday- they include Jonathon Broxton, Andre Ethier and Jason Repko.

Bye Bye Andruw!

Pic Link: Wikipedia:

Today is the day the Dodgers are obligated to give our portly and troubled outfielder, Andruw Jones, his walking papers. Is it time to celebrate?

We've known for a couple of weeks that the Dodgers and Andruw Jones were working toward an amicable split, and as part of the agreement to re-work his contract,Thursday is officially his last day as a Dodger.