2013 Panini Black Friday Dodgers Cards - Ryu & Puig

This Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping weekend was more than just an event at your local supercenter, mall or electronics store.  It's was also a great weekend to visit your favorite sports card hobby shop.

For Black Friday this year, Panini made special trading cards that were giving out at participating hobby stores.  It included cards from all 4 sports, and some great relic/autographed gimmick cards; including player-worn Santa hats.  See some pics of some inserts here.

There are 2 Dodgers found in packs.  Both Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig are in the base set; while Puig has a couple of insert cards available.  Unfortunately, I do not believe there are any Dodger relic cards - at least I haven't seen any.  See them all below; including the front and reverse of each card.

#31 Hyun-Jin Ryu

#42 Yasiel Puig

Rookie Insert

#1  Yasiel Puig

Panini Collection Insert

#1 Yasiel Puig

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Blog Kiosk: 12/2/2013 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Sax and the Dodgers Top 10

Steve Sax spent some time with Dodger fans as a part of their 2013 Blue Friday Mall Tour.  Check out the pic above of him spending some time with Tommy.  Pic via Sax's twitter.

• Tom Hoffarth at the LA Daily News writes, "Vin Scully turns 86 and gives thanks for a dream come true".  It includes a short interview with Scully.  BTW, he'll be the Tournament of Roses Parade's Grand Marshall.

Q: So what are the official duties, other than to be in Pasadena in the middle of the night, find the right car and make sure you have a cup of warm chocolate?
A: Really, the only job qualifications are that you have to be alive and be able to wave. So far, so good.

• Via Daniel Tedford at LA Daily News, "The best 11 tweets wishing Vin Scully a happy birthday".
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "Scott Elbert’s Last Stand".  Elbert has battled numerous injuries the past several years, and will likely find this upcoming season the most import of his career.
• Steven Choi at Arirang News tells us that Hyun-Jin Ryu won a special award from Don-A Sports.  (Hat Tip: MyKBO on twitter)
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA tells us about "The Mysterious Crosschecker".
• Roberto is back.  Check out his recent post at Vin Scully is My Homeboy.  He was at Dodger Stadium on Sunday for the holiday sale and a free autograph from Maury Wills.
• Ben Badler at Baseball America shares his list of Top 10 Dodger prospects. 

1. Joc Pederson, of
2. Corey Seager, ss
3. Julio Urias, lhp
4. Zach Lee, rhp
5. Chris Anderson, rhp
6. Chris Withrow, rhp
7. Alexander Guerrero, 2b
8. Chris Reed, lhp
9. Onelki Garcia, lhp
10. Ross Stripling, rhp

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Sunday Dodger Videos:

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

Here is some great vintage footage featuring Brooklyn Dodger fans in the grandstands.  Unfortunately, there's no sound. 

Video Link:

Below is a vintage video of Sweet Lou Johnson's home run during Game 7 of the 1965 World Series.  His homer in the 4th inning gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the game.  The Dodgers would go on to win the game 2-0; for its 4th World Championship.  Watch the last out of this game here - Sandy Koufax finished the game with a strike out.

Video Link:

ICYMI:  Watch the Dodgers / Diamondbacks press conference from Sydney, Australia.

Video Link:

Did you know that Yasiel Puig hit four of the five longest Dodgers home runs in 2013.  Hanley Ramirez, though, took the crown for longest of the season.
Video Link:

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A Quick Autograph Announcement: Bobby Castillo and Mike Brito in Whittier

I thought I should make this quick post about an autograph opportunity I just found out.  It happens tomorrow afternoon in Whittier.

Former Dodger Bobby Castillo and famed Dodger scout Mike Brito will be at the Radisson Hotel in Whittier on Sunday evening, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

$10 - any item

$5 - inscriptions

This is a part of the Sports Viewing Venue put together by Kenny De Baca.  Go here for more information.

Radisson Hotel

7320 Greenleaf Avenue

Whittier, CA

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

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Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2013 - Dodgers Links - Sax into Sacramento HOF, Cuba and a Hanley Extension?

Steve Garvey, along with Steve Sax, was at the Westfield Topanga Mall yesterday afternoon.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013, and go here to see more photos.  The mall tour continues at the West Covina Mall this afternoon with Steve Garvey and Steve Yeager signing autographs for fans.  Go here for information.

• Via Dionisio Soldevila at ESPNDeportes.com, "Hanley Negotiates Extension with LA".  It's in Spanish.  Below is a poor translation of a quote:

"We are negotiating something, but we go step by step. I have 1 year left, and I want to remain in LA for the rest of my career because they have treated me very well," said Ramírez on having taken part in a celebration of the Classic World cup of Baseball in the National Palace.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers sign Elbert, Baxter, Butera to deals: Pacts for 2014 come ahead of Monday's deadline to tender contracts".
• Steve Sax to be inducted into the 2014 Class of the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame.  Go here for information.  The ceremony will be in January.  He will also be inducted with former Dodger Leron Lee; who currently holds the Japanese record for highest lifetime batting average (4,000 min. at-bats).
• ICYMI.  Listen to this past Wednesday's Dodger Talk with Kevin Kennedy and David Vassegh.  Dan Haren is a special guest.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN writes, "Is the Dodgers starting rotation settled?"

"If something else comes our way, we'll take a look at it. I'm not going to close the door on any more starters," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said during the conference call to announce Haren's deal.

• Via Ron Cervenka  at Think Blue LA, "Could baseball bring an end to Cuba Trade Embargo?"

All of this being said, it was reported on Thursday in an article posted on the National Public Radio (NPR) website that Cuban authorities have lifted a 50-year ban on players signing professional contracts abroad. It does not, however, include the MLB.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Happy BDay Vin, Nolasco Signs with Twins and Lilly Retires

Happy 86th Birthday, Vin Scully!  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, he hears from AJ Ellis about his trip to Australia.  AJ even addresses the Kirk Gibson comments.

“I want to leave it and let it go,” Ellis said. “He said what he said. They’re making more … I don’t know what to say. I’m honored the Dodgers thought highly enough of me to let me represent what I think is definitely the best organization in the NL West and the best organization in baseball, in my opinion.”

• Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, Ted Lilly will retire.

"It's principally the pain in my back and shoulder. I'm having problems there. I feel like I can't return to being the pitcher I was a few years ago."

• Jeff Miller at the Thrillist writes, "19 things in LA we're totally thankful for".  Be sure to check out #16.
• The Kersahw's shared their last day in Zambia in support of Kershaw's Challenge.  Read all about it here.
• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "The Dodgers Did It Their Way".  Uhlman explores "The Dodgers Way to Play Baseball", and laments the loss of that tradition today.
• Thank you, Ricky!  You we're great while you were here, and wish you'll the best of luck.  Via Scooby Axson at SI Wire, "Report: Twins, pitcher Ricky Nolasco agree to 4-year, $49 million deal".
• Via Jon Schorah at Baseball Professor, "Alexander Guerrero: 2014 Fantasy Sleeper".
• Via Marc Normandin at Sports on Earth, "Pitch Perfect?"  Normandin takes an in-depth look at the Dodgers pitching staff
• Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "Time Warner wants to charge a lot of money for the new Dodgers channel".

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