Dodgers Blue Heaven

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

No Arbitration For You

Diamond Leung lets us know that both Jon Broxton and Russell Martin have agreed to one year contracts.

The Dodgers avoided arbitration with catcher Russell Martin and reliever Jonathan Broxton signing them to one-year contracts on Tuesday before the deadline to exchange salary arbitration figures.

Martin will make $3.9 million as a two-time All-Star who turns 26 next month. He hit .280 with 13 home runs and 69 RBI while catching 149 games to tie for the major league lead, and he led all National League catchers with 87 runs scored and 18 stolen bases.

Broxton, 24, will make $1.825 million plus incentives during a season in which he is expected to become the team's closer. He had 14 saves filling in for an injured Takashi Saito in 2008, going 3-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 70 appearances.

What ever happened to a long term deal for Russell? Hopefully, this move was to just get a contract out of the way so they can spend more time hammering out a long term deal.

Blog Bat Around: Speaking to the Card Companies

The 3rd edition of the Blog Bat Around is here. Go to the Fielder's Choice blog for details.

This time around he ask a question that I will have a hard time answering. What would I say to today's card manufacturers. What kind of cards would I suggest they make in order to keep this hobby vibrant? What brands should stay and what brands must go?

To be honest with you, I do not have a clue what I would tell them. In fact, I have not been an active collector of modern issued cards for a long time- save certified autographed cards that I usually find on eBay.

Once upon a time, many moons ago, I would buy pack after pack, box after box, of Baseball cards to rip open as quickly as a gift received on Christmas morn. I was addicted. Today, I can barely lift a finger to buy a box to open.

Sure, I've stumbled into a Target and stood at the card aisle wondering if I should take a flyer on one of those mini boxes. Usually I just stand and stare, then stamper on to do my shopping. On occasion I have dipped my hand in the cookie jar and drove home with a box only to be disappointed. So, it's hard for me to believe I can lend a helpful voice to this Blog Bat Around. On the other hand, maybe I'm the perfect voice. I am the customer these manufacturers want to get back- no, need to get back.

So, considering that, I have an answer. My advice to the hobby masters is to please keep it simple.

There are far too many brands made by each manufacturer. Narrow the field down to a core handful of sets. In fact, this is one of the reason I have not been a very active modern card collector. It is too damn confusing. For instance, Topps Company made well over 10 different Baseball sets in 2008. Heck, I think it's closer to 20 different sets.

I still don't understand the whole parallel thing. If I'm putting together a set should I be chasing those too?

I love the certified autograph card inserted into packs. As I wrote previously, they are really the only cards I find myself chasing when I search eBay for modern issues. I don't see much of a difference between "on-card" or "auto-on-sticker" cards, but I do care about legible and clean autographs. What's with athletes today? Most signatures look like a 2 year old scribbled it.

Brands I do enjoy seeing are the card sets that borrow vintage card designs, like the Allen & Ginters and Cracker Jacks. Please continue to marry the past with the present.

Obamacon The Dodgers

In honor of today's historic event, enjoy the Obamanized Dodgers. You can do your own version here at Obamacon.Me.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

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.