Proof that You're Not as Cool as Juan Uribe's Son

There are so many highlights from last night's celebration it's tough to just pick one, but I think it's fair to say that this might be on top of the list. 

Juan Uribe, who was so vilified during his first season with the Dodgers, has proven to be an important cog to the Dodger machine the past two season.  He's been explosive with the bat and a Jedi on the field, so it should be no wonder that the boy who calls him "Dad" would be every bit as wondrous as him. 

The photo above is of his family, who were in attendance last night, and was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  The little tyke in red in the middle is the young man I am talking about, and the video below is all the proof needed to prove my point.  That lad is cooler that either you or I.  Watch it below.

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The video was taken by ESPN reporter Arash Markazi, so we have him to thank for capturing this for all to see.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Bring on the Cards!

Winning sure can be exhausting.  Last night I was full of joy as the Dodgers captured their second NL West Division crown in a row.  This morning I am tired from the release of a season long built up of angst, worry and fear.

No more do I have to hear the rabble rousing screams of the chattering class declaring our teams lack of class, will or chemistry.  Instead, I bask in the glory of Dodger Blue as I await the start of Baseball's second season. 

You see, the reason we go through this entire exercise, a season filled with 162 maddening games, is to have a chance to compete for the crown.  And the only way to get there is to earn an opportunity.  This Dodger team has done just that, and this Dodger fan is eternally grateful for their work.

So, on to the part of the season that REALLY matters.  On to the pageantry and majesty of a national spotlight on national television.  On to having an opportunity to watch the "Boys in Blue" compete with the best in the land.  On to taking that next step on the road to the World Series.  You've done us proud, and I am certain you will not disappoint.

There are three games remaining in the season and as you know there is nothing left to chase after.  We are the National League Western Division Champions and with the Nationals solidly ahead by two games for the leagues best record, I think it's fair to say that we'll be facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs.  BTW, the gif above of the last out of last night's game is via the Dodgers on tumblr.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "After grind of season, Dodgers let loose in celebration."

"Let me tell you, this team always has fun -- it's one of those types of teams," said left fielder Carl Crawford, interrupted briefly by Puig throwing ice chips at his face. "You've got to be loose, man. You can't be uptight all the time."

...

"A lot of guys had individual issues throughout the year, but we got here as a team, and that's what the most important thing is," catcher A.J. Ellis said. "Now we're in the tournament, we're all healthy and we're ready to go."

• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest has up an celebration post including gifs, dancing and moonshine.  I kid you not.
• Via Aaron Gleeman at Hardball Talk, "Matt Kemp is playing like a superstar again."
• Via Chris Moran at Beyond the Boxscore, "The Dodgers deep lineup will be tough to beat."

The point is that Dodgers are healthy, and they can beat you in a myriad of ways. They have speed, power, and on-base skills. Also, with Hanley Ramirez rounding into shape and Matt Kemp recovering his old form at the plate, they are healthier than they've been all year.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Diamondbacks set to offer pitching great Dave Stewart the GM job."
• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest also notes that Dodger VP of Player Development DeJon Watson likely appears headed to Arizona also.  Boo!  He's one of the stars of the Dodger front office.
• Here's a report by Ron Shah of FanGraphs on Dodger prospect James Baldwin.

James Baldwin is one of the most intriguing prospects in the California League. The outfielder checks off all the boxes with his graceful athleticism, tools across the board, and major league bloodlines. But the 23-year-old is currently facing an uphill battle due to his struggles in the batter’s box, which may ultimately deter him from reaching his tools-based ceiling.

• True to the Blue shares his day with Joc Pederson - at his autograph appearance a couple of weeks ago.
• Via Cody Ulm at MLB.com, "(Roberto) Hernandez hopes to beat Rox, earn playoff role."

Hernandez showed enough promise with three quality starts in his first four tries for the Dodgers after the team acquired him from the Phillies in early August. But since then, he's failed to last longer than 4 1/3 innings in his four most recent starts, surrendering 11 runs in 15 innings.

I'd be surprised, but good luck.

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They Dun It! Dodgers Win NL West Title!

WooHoo!

This was the game we'd all been waiting for.  With the potential of champagne showers and a kind of revelry only a long 162 game season can provide, we had an opportunity to nail down the top spot in the National League Western Division tonight.  Best yet, we had a chance to do it in front of our most hated rival.

So, please take a moment to relive the evening with some replay videos below.

The Giants got on the board first in the third inning due to a balk, that moved runners to second and third base, and a well-placed grounder to score a run.  But before we get there, though, let's watch an amazing defensive play by Clayton Kershaw to record the first out of the inning.


Video Link:

That was some backhand magic, wasn't it?

Anyway, the Giants soon loaded the bases in the inning against our Cy Young candidate to bring up Buster Posey with the bases loaded and one out.  Watch what happened next below.

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6-4-3, Baby!

From here, things were a little quiet until the Dodgers half of the fifth inning.  With a man on second base Clayton Kershaw came up to the plate and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Video Link:

Then in the sixth inning the Dodger bats decided to follow Clayton's lead.  First, Yasiel Puig came up to start the inning.

Video Link:

Thereafter, Kemp doubled to center and Hanley Ramirez walked to give the Dodgers two men on base for Carl Crawford.  He proceeded to double them both in to give the Dodgers a 4 to 1 lead (Video Link).  Next up was Juan Uribe who drove in Crawford to give the Dodgers another run (Video Link).  So, at the end of the sixth inning the Dodger lead grew to 5 to 1.

In the seventh inning the Giants were threatening.  A runner was on first base as pinch-hitter Duffy came to the plate.  Watch watch happened next.

Video Link:

You just don't run on Puig.  Don't they know that yet?

In the eigth inning the floodgates opened up for the Dodgers.  Juan Uribe drove in a couple more runs with a single to right.  AJ Ellis then grounded in another run.  A few batters latter Yasiel Puig took a walk to drive in another.  Amazingly, the Dodgers brought 10 batters up to the plate, scored four runs, but had only one hit.  When it was all said and done, the Dodgers staked themselves to a 9-1 lead that they would not relinquish.

This game had everything.  There was intrigue.  There was suspense.  And best of all, there was celebration.

Make no mistake, this game wasn't easy, not by a long shot, but it was thoroughly enjoyeable to watch.

Photo at the very top via Dodgers on twitter:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Miguel Rojas, Tyler Toffoli and Some Laker Greats

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Miguel Rojas will be at The Shops at Montebello for a signing photo event on Thursday, September 25th (tomorrow) from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Go here for information.  (I was recently notified that this is a photo event)

The first 100 LA Dodger fans in line in Center Court at 4:00 p.m. will receive a Dodger blue Shops at Montebello mini fan.

The Shops at Montebello - Center Court
2134 Montebello Town Center
Montebello, CA, 90640

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Current King and Stanley Cup standout Tyler Toffoli will be at Harry's Dugout in Whitter to sign autographs for fans.  Go here for information.

Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Boulevard
Whittier, CA

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Laker greats Byron Scott, Elgin Baylor and Magic Johnson will be at Frank & Son's on Saturday.  Go here for information or here.  Click on any flyer below to embiggen.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Ave
City of Industry, CA

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Best Kiss Cam Ever!

Lost in the excitement of last night's fantastic victory was an hilarious act I wish I could have seen live.

Two friends were seated next to each other.  One male the other female.  The Man is a Dodger fan and the woman is a Giants fan, as evidenced by their caps.  Both of them are clenching almost completely full cups of beer.  It looks like a dark ale; likely a premium offering sold at a steep price.

Unbeknownst to the Dodger video middle-innings producer, these two folks made a promise.  A promise that is sure to get laughs throughout the stadium - although, there are some who will grumble at the wastefulness of it all.

So, what was that promise?  We don't exactly know, but we do know the outcome.

When these two showed up in last night's "Kiss Cam" the lady turned to her male companion and could be seen saying, "we have to do it."  They then poured their expensive beers on one another.

Watch it below. 

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What I find amazing is that they somehow were able to give each other a sudsy shower while at the same time not soaking their adjacent neighbors.  Amazing!

UPDATE:  The fine folks over at Big League Stew seem to think this might all just be a gigantic set-up, and I say "Nay" to that.  Why do haters want to ruin everything?

Is it too cynical to think it's fishy they both happened to have full cups of beer when the "kiss cam" came around? It's possible to envision a couple, legitimately split by the Dodgers and Giants, talking about appearing on kiss cam hypothetically and, as a gag, pouring beer over each other's heads. But it just seems like they were too prepared for the moment, as if the Dodgers gave them a head's up.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2014 - Dodger Links - One Game Away

All hail Justin Turner!

The man initially thought to be a lesser version of Nick Punto has proven he is more than just that.  He is a beast, a monster in his own right, a sparkplug who can lead the team to victory.

Last night he started the game with a home run to left, then finished off Giants starting pitcher Bumgarner with his second home run of the evening in the eight inning.  Ole!  The Dodger win!

BTW, birthday boy Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run, as well. As for the pitching, Zack Greinke threw an eight inning gem; allowing just two runs while striking out five and scattering six hits.  Kenley Jansen recorded his 44th save of the year.

Watch the last out below.

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We are now a game away from clinching our second straight National League West Division Championship, and with Clayton Kershaw scheduled to be on the mound tonight you have to like our chances for a champagne celebration this evening.  BTW, the photo at the very top was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out some more great pics by him; including a shot of Dodger Elvis.  Below are some links to check out:

• I won't be writing anything about the Puig/Bumgarner fracas in the first inning (other than this).  I find it to be a waste of time and ultimately meaningless.  The only thing that matters to the Dodgers is winning the next game.  Anything else is just dumb.
• Via Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Ryu unlikely to start before postseason."

"We're notching off-days here," Mattingly said. "I think we're pleased with the progress with Hyun-Jin and how he's doing, and he's moving forward and not having any complaints afterward. I'm happy with his progress."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Matt Kemp reflects on turning 30."

"The last two years have been pretty freaky. Everything happens for a reason. I'm pretty happy with where I am. Just got to stay healthy and on the field."

• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider put together a pop quiz on the Dodgers vs. Giants rivalry.  You should take it to see how well you know the rivalry.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "De Jon Watson discusses Dodger moves in Triple-A, Double-A."

“Some pitchers have pitched fine (in Albuquerque). Other pitchers have struggled to a certain degree. Yet they make adjustments,” Watson said. “The key is executing quality pitches. It doesn’t matter what ballpark you’re pitching in —whether you’re pitching in Dodger Stadium or Colorado, you still have to execute quality pitches. The ultimate guidelines for us what we’re trying to teach and preach internally stay the same. (But) moving to Oklahoma gives us a better chance to assess our guys and where they are, and what areas we need to address with them.”

• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers likely to pay Chris Perez $4.3 million."
• Whiny Giants are Whiny.  Via Kevin Draper at Deadspin, "Reports: San Francisco Giants Boycotting Long-Time Beat Reporter."  Frick'n babies... All of them!
• The LA Register has now closed, via Hillel Aron at LA Weekly.  At least my favorite sports reporter there, Rich Hammond who covers the Kings, was spared from the chopping block.

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