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

The next homestand starts this evening against the San Diego Padres, and several olde-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 Surf and Turf Dog, an all-beef hot dog with bay shrimp salad, shredded green cabbage and Kewpie mayonnaise slaw .  It will be available Monday through Wednesday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  Check out a pic on the right. 

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Monday, September 8th at 7:10 PM
RHP Odrisamer Despaigne vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

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 LA Kings Night at the stadium.  Kings mascot Bailey will be making an appearance. Also, 2014 Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings, Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, Martin Jones and Alec Martinez, are scheduled to be on hand for pregame ceremonies, including the ceremonial first pitch. Fan who have come out as a part of a special ticket package will be getting the t-shirt on the right.  This is sold out. 

Former Dodgers Matt Luke (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Lee Lacy (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Dodgers Radio KLAC AM 570’s Petros and Money show will broadcast live from the left-field pavilion plaza.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jeremy Redfern. Redfern joined the Air Force in 2008 and was sent to school to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He is responsible for rendering conventional, chemical, biological, improvised and nuclear weapons that would pose a threat. Redfern is now an EOD Instructor at Elgin Air Force Base. He has served two deployments in Afghanistan and escorted a fallen Air Force EOD warrior home to Dover Air Force Base and to his family. His accolades include the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.  
• The Dodgers will celebrate 75 employees with 25 or more years of service prior to tomorrow’s game. Heading the list of those to be recognized during pregame ceremonies are Hall of Famers Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully, as well as long-time traveling secretary Billy DeLury, all with 65 seasons of service. Pitching great Don Newcombe (57 seasons), Spanish language Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin (56 seasons), pinch-hitting wizard Manny Mota (45 years), 1965 World Series hero Lou Johnson (33 years), All-Star third baseman Ron Cey (30 seasons), All-Star  outfielder and broadcaster Rick Monday (29 seasons) and organist Nancy Bea Hefley (27 seasons) are also among the honorees.

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Tuesday, September 9th at 7:10 PM
RHP Andrew Cashner vs. RHP Roberto Hernandez

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  This is the last Dodger bobblehead day of the season, and they leave the most exotic one for last. The first 50,000 fans will receive a Babe Ruth Bobblehead.  See the bobblehead on the right.

Kelley Jakle, singer and actress of “Pitch Perfect,” “42” and the upcoming “Pitch Perfect 2” will perform the national anthem. Jakle is the great granddaughter of Branch Rickey.

Former Dodgers Derrel Thomas (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al “The Bull” Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Luis Bardales. Bardales enlisted in 1995 and served as an Indirect Fire Infantryman and a personal security detail for the Company Commander while deployed in Iraq. Following his active duty service, Bardales enlisted in the National Guard after the attacks on Sept. 11, where he volunteered for security missions throughout California and Oregon. His last mission with the National Guard was during the Escondido fire where he provided security to protect homes. He was honorably discharged from the National Guard in 2008. Bardales’ accolades include the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while in Iraq and the Army Commendation 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 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Carl Crawford autographed baseball, Juan Uribe autographed photo and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. 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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Wednesday, September 9th at 7:10 PM
RHP Ian Kennedy vs. RHP Dan Haren

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

The Dodgers will play host to the first annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. This special event ticket package includes a ticket to Wednesday’s game and a commemorative Law Enforcement Appreciation Dodger mug (see it on the right). Pregame ceremonies will honor First Responders from throughout Southern California and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.dodgers.com/lawenforcement.

Former Dodgers Ken Landreaux (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Billy Ashley (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is Lieutenant Colonel George Gallagher. Gallagher enlisted in 1956. During the Vietnam War, he flew more than 57 combat sorties including 29 medical evacuation flights involving 60 causalities during a three-day period. Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher’s accolades include the Vietnam Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Bank of America Assistant Vice President Mortgage Servicing Manager Home Loans Rowena McCann will present an authenticated flag and display case to Gallagher. The flag has flown over Dodger Stadium.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodgers Expand Lead in West to Three Games

Adrian Gonzalez was a lightening rod yesterday afternoon.  He rocketed two three-run home runs to power the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks.  Above is a photo of AGon's first home run swing from yesterday, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here for more pics from the day; including a sampling of the breakfast created by Chef Joyce Simonds that the Boys in Blue enjoy in the clubhouse.

Of note, in the seventh inning both Don Mattingly and Clayton Kershaw got thrown out of the game.  Mattingly got thrown out for arguing with an umpire's warning on a hit-by-pitch, and Kershaw was tossed for being unruly from the dugout during the ensuing argument.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has a good rundown of the events (go here). 

"It was a slider, man," said Kemp. "They were just jumping the gun a little too much. It's a pitch that doesn't really hurt too much."

"Dre got hit with a slider, they weren't trying to hit him," said Gonzalez.

BTW, AGon now has 100 RBI's; his fifth straight season.  The Dodgers expanded their lead over the Giants to 3.0 games.  Now, below are some more links to check out:

• Via the Dodgers on tumblr, check out this bubble celebration in the stands.
• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Mattingly: Unfair to hold Kemp to 2011 standard."

"I don't think we should be trying to compare and go back three years," Mattingly said Sunday. "I think it's better off staying right where we're at. Matt's been swinging the bat good, been driving the ball, been driving in runs. As much as anything, he's doing the job now. ... Hopefully this is glimpses of things to come."

• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Juan Uribe Leading Some Fabulous Dodger Third Base Defense."
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes, "The intangibles."

It is commonly referred to in a variety of ways: getting into their head, rattling their cage or simply psyching them out. It is the affect that an individual or a specific incident has on an opposing player, usually a pitcher, in high stress situations and it is a game-changer – and Dee Gordon is the Jedi Master at it.

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "Matt Kemp’s Great and Terrible Year."
• Via Scott Lindholm at Beyond the Boxscore, "Clayton Kershaw's stunning year."
• Dodger Penguin shares his day getting Joc Pederson's autograph at Frank & Sons on Saturday.

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Prospect Interviews with Urias, Walker and Windle

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

Prospect Julio Urias spoke with Brian Tabije of http://www.ieprosports.com/ about his season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and what helped him to accelerate his strikeout count.

Video Link:

This is great.  The Dodgers 2014 5th round draft pick Jared Walker recently went back to his elementary school to visit an old teacher of his, Mrs. Harris.  He was interviewed by one of the students and speaks about his first year as a professional.

Video Link:

Dodgers prospect Tom Windle of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes talks about life in the minors, favorite movies, batting as a pitcher, and what he's learning at this stage of his career.

Video Link

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Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2014 - Dodger Links - Another Dodger Victory

Thank goodness for some good pitching and clutch hitting.  Hyun-Jin Ryu went a strong 6.2 innings last night; giving up just four hits and striking out six.  He also tossed a career high 114 pitches.  Unfortunately, two late runs in the seventh inning caused him to leave the game with a no-decision. No worries, though, the Dodger bats found a way to take home a victory.

After a first inning two-run homer by Adrian Gonzalez, the Dodgers offense remained quiet until the eighth inning.  That's when they were able to string together a few hits to score three runs.  Of note, the recently called up Roger Bernadina came in as a pinch-runner and scored the eventual winning run on Dee Gordon's single.  In the photo above Dee is seen celebrating his run-driving hit, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to see more photos from the day from Jon.  BTW, Dee went 3 for 4 on the evening; driving in a run and scoring twice.  Hanley Ramirez also drove in two runs in the eighth inning with a double to left field.

The Dodgers held on for a 5 to 2 victory over the Diamondbacks, and hold on to a 2.0 game lead over the Giants.  This division is going down to the wire.  Now, below are some links to check out.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Josh Beckett's last hurrah."

Beckett hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since Aug. 3, sidelined with a hip injury that will require surgery. The 34-year-old right-hander confirmed to reporters on Friday that his 2014 season was done, and that he is mulling retirement.

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Selig laments 'regrettable' Dodger TV impasse."

“I’m always an optimist,” said Selig, who will step down as commissioner this winter. “This is in no one’s best interest obviously. I have to hope and believe some way, some day, somehow we will get this done.

• Via Daniel Brim at Dodgers Digest, "Brian Wilson Is Losing Velocity."

Yikes. Wilson’s velocity has been on a steep downward trend for most of the season. In April, Wilson’s four seam fastball was averaging 94.2 mph. He hasn’t thrown the pitch in September, but in August it was averaging 91. His sinker has gone from 93.2 mph average to 89.3 mph average. His cutter, which he throws more than half of the time, has gone from 90.6 mph to 86.7 mph. Wilson has lost four miles per hour velocity average across all of his hard stuff this season alone.

• Sarah at We're Born Again, there's New Grass on the Field tells us about the time Dodger Stadium got flooded.
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his day at Frank & Sons on Saturday getting Joc Pederson's autograph.
• Via Derek Thompson at The Atlantic, "The Simple Technology That Accidentally Ruined Baseball."

The irony is that MLB did everything that an economist or corporate guru would have advised. Baseball embraced emerging technology rather than banish it. It used analytics to improve the work of its elite employees. It used reviews to encourage exceptional performance among umpires. And the league got exactly what they wanted: a more-perfect strike zone.

But is that really baseball's highest goal? A perfect strike zone, at the expense of steadily evaporating offense?

• Watch Mo'ne Davis pitch against Jimmy Fallon.

Video Link:

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Welcome to the Blue, Roger Bernadina!

The Dodgers added another outfielder to their roster.  This afternoon they called up Roger Bernadina from the Albuquerque Isotopes.  He will wear a Dodger uniform for the first time.

Back in early July, the Dodgers signed the recently released veteran outfielder to a minor league contract and assigned him to Albuquerque.  He slashed .246/.380/.351 while there.  In seven Major League season with the Nationals, Reds and Phillies he slashed .236/.306/.352; while stealing 59 bases in 71 attempts.  So, the Dodgers hope Bernadina provides some outfield depth and speed on the basepaths.

Per a Dodger press release:

(pic via @NumbersMLB on twitter)

The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of outfielder Roger Bernadina (#18) from Triple-A Albuquerque and transferred right-hander Josh Beckett to the 60-day disabled list. Los Angeles now has 34 players on its active roster.

Bernadina, 30, opened the season with Cincinnati and was signed by the Dodgers as a minor league free agent on July 8, batting .246 with two doubles, two triples and two RBI in 23 games with the Isotopes. He has a .236 career batting average with 59 steals, 27 home runs and 117 RBI in 539 games in seven big league seasons with the Nationals (2008-13), Phillies (2013) and Reds (2014).

BTW, Bernardino is from Curacao, like Kenley Jansen, and played for the Dutch National Team during the recent World Baseball Classic.  He is 30-years old and bats left-handed.

In celebration of Roger Bernadina's promotion to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photograph grabbed from Wikimedia Commons/UCinternational (along with some photoshopped images from around the web) and the 1964 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career statistics, via Baseball Reference:


Below, watch Bernadina drive in the winning run on a sacrifice fly this past Sunday, August 31st, to help the Isotopes defeat the Las Vegas 51's, 12 to 11.

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Wow!  Bernadina has quite a glove.  Watch this fantastic catch from 2011 for the Nationals.  (And here's another from last year, here)

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Odds and Ends

Here is the 2014 Dodger organization team photograph, via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more photos from Jill, Jon SooHoo and Juan Ocampo from yesterday.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Kenley Jansen 4th Dodgers pitcher with 40 saves in a season."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw shows he's a better ace off the field."  It's all about his Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event held on Thursday.

(via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014)

"And soon Clayton is teaching these kids how to throw and catch a ball, without communicating with words. And that was the moment he realized that God gave him the ability to throw a baseball and it can make a difference to a kid in Africa. And he realized he could do this, even if it was my calling and not his. It was an amazing moment."

You can check out a bunch of great photos taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here.  The photo on the right is of Andre Ethier with his own paddle.  LOL!

• Congrats, Scott Van Slyke!  Via @Dodgers on twitter, he has a new son.

Elijah, that is! RT @Dodgers: Congratulations to Audrey and @ScottVanSlick on the birth of their second son, Eli, who arrived early Thursday
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 5, 2014

• Via Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs, "Clayton Kershaw, Right Down the Pipe."

What you don’t think of ace pitchers as doing is hurling the ball down the middle very often. That’s the danger zone, the area where you find the bulk of the meatballs. Turns out Kershaw’s not afraid of going down the pipe. Turns out Kershaw doesn’t really get hurt there very much.

• Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest shares, "My 2014 Dodgers’ Minor League Players of the Year."

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