Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodger Loss Felt Like Alderaan Being Attacked by the Death Star

The force was strong with Yasiel Puig last night.  He recorded two singles and a double; while driving in two runs and scoring once.  Unfortunately, a bad outing by reliever Jamey Wright turned last nights celebratory Star Wars evening into a rerun of the Star Wars Holiday Special.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

Dee Gordon also had a great evening.  He recorded two singles, two stolen bases and scored twice.  Unfortuantely, he also was caught stealing in the bottom of the seventh inning; which ended up being an omen for what would happen next.   Jamey Wright came into the game in relief of a very effective Pedro Baez to give up three singes, a walk and a double.  All five of those runners would eventually score and seal the Dodgers fate.  The good guys lost the game, 6 to 3.

The Dodgers maintained their lead over the Gianst at 5.5 games.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• ICYMI: Hyun-Jin Ryu has been placed on the 15-day DL due to right hip/butt strain (LOL!).  No... I shouldn't laugh.  He's an important cog on this team and we can't afford to lose him for any extended period of time... But, I just can't help it.  Pedro Baez has been called up in his place.
• And it just keep on pouring.  Via Ken Gurnick and Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Uribe day to day with tight right hamstring."

"His hammy tightened up on him. The same one as before, so we tried to get him out of there," Mattingly said, referring to the injury that caused Uribe to miss 34 games earlier in the year.

• Via Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Clayton Kershaw’s target: Burt Hooton and ‘The Great Arm Robbery’"
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Alex Guerrero Is Right Where He Should Be."

Until he starts hitting again, he’s exactly where he ought to be. For the next three weeks, until the Triple-A season ends, he should be in Albuquerque trying to get his swing back and getting as much defensive time as he can. In September, he’ll almost certainly join the Dodgers, since he’s already on the 40-man roster, and he’ll be a potentially interesting bench option.

• Via Jeff Todd and Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Acquire Justin Germano."  He has been sent to Albuquerque.  You can follow him on twitter at @JustGerm.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Jharel Cotton, not Julio Urias, might be the Quakes’ ace."
• Chaos and Kanji gives us another post at a Baseball game in Korea - "NC Dinos Baseball Game, Masan (Changwon), Korea." 
• Dee Gordon accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge.  Wait for the end.  AJ Ellis shows us the sexy.

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Brewers Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts this evening against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several old-tyme Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

BTW, the Extreme Loaded Dog concession stands will be making the Bratwurst Dog, a bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.  It will be available Friday through Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  Mmmm...  Check out a pic on the right.

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Friday, August 15th at 7:10 PM
RHP Jimmy Nelson vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game.  The theme for the evening will be Star Wars.

Speaking of Star Wars, tonight is the 6th annual Star Wars Night at Dodger Stadium.  The special event ticket package is sold out.  Starting at 5:00 PM Star Wars characters including R2D2 will be amongst Dodger fans in the right-field pavilion, right-field pavilion plaza and left-field pavilion plaza.

Newly appointed Lakers head coach Byron Scott will throw the honorary first pitch. Darth Vader will throw the first ceremonial pitch for Star Wars Night.

Former Dodgers Al Downing (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Tim Leary (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Both will then sign autographs in the Stadium club from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jonathan Chang of Pacific Palisades. Chang completed Officer’s Candidate School in 2008, was commissioned as Second Lieutenant and went onto to become an Artillery Officer. He currently serves with the Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.  As the Company Commander, he is responsible for the training welfare and unit readiness of more than 100 Marines. Chang has served a deployment to Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan and his accolades include a Combat Action Ribbon, Afghan Campaign Medal and Navy Marine Corps Achievement medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Matt Kemp autographed photo and Hyun-Jin Ryu autographed game-used #42 Dodger jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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Saturday, August 16 at 6:10 PM
RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Tonight's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:00 PM.

This evenings game features a postgame Dodger Stadium Movie Series viewing of the Baseball movie classic, "The Natural." All fans in attendance are welcome to stick around after the game to watch the movie.  Fans seated in the pavilion areas are invited to sit in the outfield to view the game. 

Two-time NBA All-Star and current head coach at Cal State Northridge Reggie Theus will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Mark Lindquist will perform the national anthem. Lindquist is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed in 22 countries and 44 states.  He is also a former sergeant in the United States Air Force and an Afghanistan war veteran.

Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Ken Landreaux (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) Juan Sandoval of Glendale. Sandoval enlisted in 1993, serves as an Aviation Machinist with Fleet Squadron 55 and provides maintenance and repairs to C-130 aircrafts. He has served deployments onboard the U.S.S Kitty Hawk and global missions throughout the world, including in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.  His accolades include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one star. Bank of America will present an authenticated flag and display case to Sandoval. The flag has proudly flown over Dodger Stadium and will be presented on behalf of Bank of America by Navy veteran and a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Jesse Smith.
• Kim’s Hapkido Jang Mu Won has been teaching the traditional Korean martial art of Hapkido since 1960 and will be in attendance Saturday. Hapkido incorporates various self-defense techniques such as striking, twisting, throwing techniques and weapon techniques for self-defense situations. A demonstration will take place during pregame ceremonies tomorrow.

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Sunday, August 17th at 1:10 PM
RHP Wily Peralta vs. Dan Haren

This is the busiest Sunday ever!

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:00 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14 years of age or younger will receive an Kids' Luch Box.  Check it out on the right.

Also, today is Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium.  All fans are invited to celebrate family and fellowship at Dodger Stadium and following the game, Dodgers A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke will share their personal testimonies on faith. A special postgame performance is scheduled by former contestant of “The Voice” contestant and gospel singer Anthony Evans and Christian rock artist Dom Liberati.

It is also Cuban Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium.  Cuban-American actor Tony Plana, best known for his role as Betty’s father on “Ugly Betty” will throw the first pitch. Actress Jessica Alba, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. As part of Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium, Anthony Evan will perform the national anthem.

Also, it is Carne Asada Sunday with Andre Ethier.  As part of the event, fans will have the opportunity to eat freshly prepared carne asada seasoned with Chef Merito, hear stories from Andre Ethier and have the opportunity to ask the Dodger outfielder questions. All proceeds will go towards the Union Rescue Mission. This event is sold out.

Former Dodgers Tommy Davis (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

As always, Viva Los Dodgers begins in the Dodger parking lot at 11:00 AM and it will celebrate Cuban Heritage.  The festival will feature an appearance by Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Puig will be on hand to greet fans on stage followed by photos with fans in the Dodger autograph tent (no autographs!). Fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to take their place in line for a chance to take a photo with Puig and Ramirez.  Also, Dodger broadcaster Manny Mota and Dodger scout Mike Brito will sign autographs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

In celebration of Cuban Heritage Day, Levy Restaurants will offer a special extreme loaded dog, the Cuban Dog, an all-beef hot dog served with roasted shredded pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard. I think this is better than the Bratwurst Dog.  See it on the right.  It will be available only on Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels and at Viva Los Dodgers.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is Cuban-American Fernando Rivero of the U.S. Navy Reserve serving with the Joint Public Affairs Support Element. His responsibilities include coordinating and escorting news media aboard naval ship, ashore and in hazardous combat environment.  LCDR Rivero is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 2:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Yasiel Puig autographed baseball, Zack Greinke autographed photo and Kenley Jansen autographed game-used #42 Dodger Jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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2014 Topps Finest Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

On Wednesday Topps released their 2014 Finest Baseball card set.  Go here to see a complete checklist, via Cardboard Connections.

Below are all of the Dodger base cards in the 100 card set. Of special note, super-defensive wizard Erisbel Arruebarrena now has his first official Dodger Baseball card.  BTW, he also has an autographed card in the set.  I'll have a pic of that next week.

I've included photos of both the front and reverse of the Alexander Guerrero card below.

#5 Alex Guerrero

#9 Matt Kemp                                    #25 Clayton Kershaw

#50 Yasiel Puig                                 #76 Erisbel Arruebarrena

#99 Hanley Ramirez

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Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2014 - Dodger Links - And the Dodgers Just Keep on Winning

Roberto Hernandez was a bit more wild in his second start as a Dodger.  He threw 118 pitches in six innings and walked four batters.  Nevertheless, Hernandez pitched well enough to record his second straight quality start and a victory.  He limited the Braves to just three hits and one run on his way to his very first win in Blue.

On the offensive side, catcher Drew Butera hit his third home run of the season.  Also, Adrian Gonzalez continued his hot ways by recording three hits; including a double, and three RBI's.  Even better, Yasiel Puig looks to have gotten out of his mini-slump.  He hit three singles, drove in a run and made a spectacular catch while crashing into the centerfield wall.  Watch it below.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

The walls should start fearing @YasielPuig. http://t.co/BRprwGmYyb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 14, 2014

The Dodgers increased their lead over the Gianst to 5.5 games.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a pic of the Magic Johnson bobblehead the Dodgers will be giving out on September 2nd.  See it on the right.
• Seung Lee at the LA Times provides an interactive timeline on the life and career of "Vin Scully through the years."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Stopping (just) short of calling race for L.A."  It's all about the Dodgers currently being in the driver seat, the pundits worrying about making another bad call and that initial bad call that certainly motivated the Dodgers to get their butt into gear.

“That was funny (of the articles calling the division for the Giants),” catcher A.J. Ellis said. “All I’ll say about that is, I think Drew Butera still has a link to it on his phone. We got a kick out of it.” 

• He just gets better as time moves on.  Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Urias strikes out nine in win for Rancho Cucamonga."  We are easily a couple of years (at a minimum) before he wears Dodger Blue, but I just can't wait.  Something tells me that he'll be worth it.
• I dare you to tell me Puig isn't a fine young man after reading this.  Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Yasiel Puig’s heartwarming gesture to Carl and Jimmy Erskine."
• Awesome!  GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey oddball cards and collectibles.
• Ouch.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Erisbel Arruebarrena placed on Triple-A DL with right shoulder inflammation."
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett we get a first look at Topps 2015 Baseball flagship Baseball card design.  See it below.  So, what do you think?  Do you like it?

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AJ Writes About the Art of Being a Catcher

AJ Ellis wrote another great guest-post at ESPN Insider (no subscription required) that provides some key insight on how they prepare for a game.  Specifically, he details the preparation and outcome from Clayton Kershaw's most recent start against the Angels.

In a pregame meeting AJ writes that they discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the Angel batters (especially right-handed), and decided they would attack their hitters on the outside of the plate; while ignoring Kershaw's strength of "pound(ing) right-handed hitters inside." 

The trouble is the Angels have a bunch of great hitters who feast on pitches on the inner half. So in our pregame meeting, we decided to scrap Kersh’s strength and try to work the outer half of the plate toward those hitters' statistical weaknesses. Three innings and three earned runs later, we both realized we compromised our typical game plan in favor of the numbers our computer spewed out regarding hitters' results versus left-handed pitchers who probably do not own two Cy Young Awards or pitch with the will and ferocity Kersh does.

Realizing the error of our ways, we went back to what Kersh does well, and he cruised the rest of the way. After giving up seven hits and striking out just one batter in his first three innings because of our dumb game plan, Kersh allowed no hits and struck out six in his final four frames. Lesson learned.

As you would recall, Clayton got shelled in the early going of that game.  He allowed seven hits in the first three innings; four of them for extra bases.  However, after their adjustment Kershaw cruised, and the Dodgers would eventually win the game on a walk-off flub (fielders choice) to score Juan Uribe by Andre Ethier.

It's always great to get this kind of information about the process pitchers, along with their catchers, go through for each start.  It's like getting a little glimpse at the "game within the game" that fans rarely have an opportunity to see or experience.

And surprisingly, this wasn't even the best part of the article.  AJ Ellis sings the praises of former Dodger catcher Brad Ausmus for letting him in on a little secret.  Ausmus details for AJ how best to approach each batter with the following checklist:

1. How aggressive is the hitter on the first pitch?
2. Does that change with runners in scoring position?
3. Where exactly does the hitter do his damage?
4. On what types of pitches?
5. In or away?
6. Ahead in the count only?
7. What are the hitter's two-strike chase zones on both fastballs and off-speed pitches?

And he writes that this list is to avoid information overload... Oy Vie!... I think my mind just exploded.

I absolutely suggest taking some time to read the entire thing.  (For the moment, at least, no ESPN subscription is required)  AJ goes into much greater detail on the process he goes through when calling pitches, and some of the specific tendencies of certain pitchers.

In the end, I'll leave you with one quote that I believe encapsulates why I believe AJ is so great behind the plate.

I've learned there has to be a marriage of stats and strengths. I try to find that balance every time I throw a sign down.

Photo at the very top, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu's Butt Hurts, Crawford on Fire and McCartney Damaged the Outfield

The Dodgers lost a close one against the Atlanta Braves yesterday, 3 to 2.  Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched well; going 5.2 innings, striking out seven, allowing six hits and three runs.  Unfortunately, he would have to leave the game early due to an injury.   Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Hyun-Jin Ryu leaves game in fifth inning with strained right gluteus muscle."  So... He pulled a muscle in his butt?  How embarrassing.

Via Joe Morgan at MLB.com:

"There's a little concern because it's a new area that's never bothered me before," Ryu said through a translator. "So right now, the only thing I want to do is sleep through and see how I feel tomorrow morning."

Fortunately, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, he doesn't feel it's anything serious, but is expected to get an MRI or meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache when the teams goes back to LA at the end of the week, via Dylan Hernandez on twitter.

Of special note, Carl Crawford had another great day at the plate.  He recorded two hits, drove in a run and scored a run.  This was his fourth straight multi-hit game.  I think it is safe to say that he is fully recovered from his most recent injury.  Pic at the top via @Dodgers on twitter.

The Dodgers are now 5.0 games ahead of the Giants - who beat the White Sox earlier in the day.  Now, here are some more links to check out.

• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Cooking Channel to feature Dodger Stadium’s Chef Dave."  During my one stay as a faux reporter in the Dodger pressbox, I had the pleasure of enjoying his food.  I had the pork, and was quite satisfied.
• Aaron Dodger at Inside Dodger Baseball writes, "Kershaw's ready for a pitch-off!"  He links to an ESPN video about Little League pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis who has challenged Clayton.  There's a great video there of Clayton accepting the challenge.
• Via JP Hoornstra at the LA Daily News, "Dodgers’ Dee Gordon is still taking pointers from patient Chone Figgins."

“I don’t know how Figgy did it,” Gordon said. “He’d say stuff like … ‘I didn’t ever hit. I walked and got my hits. You hit and get your walks.’ He’s been just showing me how to do that side of it as well.”

BTW, the Dodgers have asked for unconditional release waivers on Chone Figgins, per their twitter.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Brian Wilson still sees a knuckleball in his future."

“That’s a pitch that I’m just letting the league know that in case one day they’re interested in a starter, I can throw a knuckleball,” he said. “Not to be funny or as a joke – it’s a real pitch. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind starting one day, try that routine out at the professional level. I did it in the minors – I mean, it’s similar, not to the stakes of Major League competition.

He's just weird and competitive enough to be an effective knuckleball pitcher in the future.

• Recently DFA'd reliver Colt Hynes has been claimed, per @Dodgers on twitter:

Minor-league reliever Colt Hynes, whom the Dodgers designated for assignment, has been claimed by the Toronto @BlueJays.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• Another one bites the dust.  Stephen Fife will have Tommy John surgery, via @Dodgers on twitter:

Stephen Fife will undergo ulnar collateral ligament (Tommy John) surgery, to be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles today.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2014

• In light of Scott Schebler's huge day at the plate the other day (3 homers), Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs has some insights on what is happening.

Over his most recent two-game stretch with Double-A Chattanooga, Schebler has produced the following line: 7 PA, 1 BB, 0 K, 4 HR, 5 H. Nor has Schebler’s plate-discipline deteriorated, really: since that initial appearance among the Five, Schebler has produced walk and strikeout rates of 8.0% and 14.0%, respectively — i.e. a considerable improvement over his previously established levels.

• "Damn you, Paul McCartney!" As I shake my fist like a madman.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, the McCartney concert did some damage to the centerfield grass at Dodger Stadium.

It seems that the stage on which Sir Paul performed unknowingly damaged the center field grass at Dodger Stadium, prompting stadium grounds crew workers to begin hurried repairs to the field on Wednesday morning for the upcoming homestand with the Brewers, Padres and Mets, which begins on Friday night.

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