Adrian Gonzalez and Zack Greinke Win 1st Gold Gloves as a Dodger

Coming on the heals of winning his first ever Fielding Bible Award and Mexico's National Sports Award, Adrian Gonzalez has been won his fourth career Gold Glove as a 1st baseman; his first Gold Glove as a Dodger.  He is the first Dodger Gold Glover at 1st base since Steve Garvey in 1977.

This choice is no surprise.  Adrian has been absolutely fantastic at every facet of his defensive game at 1st base. As the Fielding Bible award description said:

"He fields his position well, does a great job with difficult throws, and handles bunts and double plays with the best of them. But he's not flashy. Just consistently excellent.”

In addition, Zack Greinke has been awarded his first ever Gold Glove.  This marks the first Gold Glove at the position for the Dodgers since Clayton Kershaw won it in 2011.  He edged out Kershaw and Adam Wainwright for the honor.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Greinke led all NL pitchers in putouts with 28 and was a narrow second behind Miami’s Henderson Alvarez in range factor. He was also tied for third in defensive runs saved with five (Kershaw led with seven).

Below are some videos featuring the magical glove work of Adrian and Zack.

(graphic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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

Adrian Gonzalez:

Here's a collage of highlights.

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9/18/14: Adrian Gonzalez charges in on a shallow popup from Chris Valaika and makes a great sliding catch, ending the 8th inning

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8/29/14: Adrian Gonzalez leaps to make the grab on a high throw then comes down and makes the tag on the runner to end the inning

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Zack Greinke: (the last one is probably the best one)

7/19/14: With runners on the corners, Zack Greinke jumps to make the stop on a high bouncing ball and throws to first to end the inning

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7/19/14: Joe Kelly pops up on a bunt attempt and Zack Greinke makes the grab, then fires to second base to double off George Kottaras

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7/3/14: Zack Greinke somehow gets his glove on a screaming liner up the middle, knocking it down before getting the out at first

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4/18/14: Zack Greinke reaches across his body to make a fine stop on the comebacker and throws to first to retire Cody Ross

Video Link:

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Orosco's 1988 World Series Trophy at Heritage Auctions

Dallas based Heritage's current sports auction has plenty of goodies for the Dodger fan.  There are vintage tickets like the ornate Dodger Stadium Opening Day ticket from 1962 and the fancy die-cut light bulb ticket from Ebbets Field in 1938.  If team signed Baseball's is your fancy then there's a bunch to choose from; including a 1933 ball with Casey Stengel, Hack Wilson and Al Lopez.  Below are a handful of items that are available that I thought were really great and had to share.

You no doubt know what this trophy below is, and any time I see one for sale I wonder if I should sell my car for it.  Seriously... That always crosses my mind... But just for a split second... 'Cause actually doing that would be insane.

This particular trophy is especially significant for Dodger fans.  Here is Jesse Orosco's 1988 LA Dodgers World Championship trophy.

As you know, Orosco was a key figure on that team.  Not only did he pitch masterfully in relief throughout the season, but he was also the man that caused an explosion and subsequent refocusing in the Dodger clubhouse that spring.  Jesse, known as a prankster, decided to welcome Kirk Gibson to Vero Beach by lining his cap with black shoe polish.  Being a serious no-nonsense type of fellow, Gibson immediately went into a tirade, and made sure his teammates understood that once you get on the field it's all business.  This eventually lead to the season that has not been forgotten by Dodger fans.

(Auction Link)

Below is a fascinating piece of Dodger Stadium memorabilia.  Dated in February of 1959, the winter after the Dodgers first season in Los Angeles, National League President Warren Giles sent the below letter to Assistant General Manager Dick Walsh.

In the letter Giles let's Walsh know about the various Official Rules the Dodgers would need to follow when building the proposed stadium including distances, dugouts, fences and umpire dressing rooms.  As you may know, construction of Dodger Stadium began that year, so this information was no doubt helpful in their planning.

Of note, the letter is a bit ambiguous about the location of the future stadium.  It says in the first sentence:

"Answering your of the 10th respecting dimensions of the playing field proposed for your new stadium (which I hope will be built at Chavez Ravine - and soon).

I didn't realize that even months before officially breaking ground in September it appeared that the Chavez Ravine location was still a little question.

The letter does ends with the following:

"It's a pleasure and surely encouraging to have an inquiry about actual construction on the now famous (by litigation if for no other reason) Chavez Ravine." 

Clearly, the Dodgers felt confident in their position by this time to start working on construction plans.

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 11/4/2014 - Dodger Links - AGon, Billingsley and Farhan Zaidi

Here's a selfie shared yesterday afternoon by actor William Levy with Hanley Ramirez and former Major Leaguers Luis Castillo and Edgar Renteria.

Below are some links to check out:

• For the second time in his career Adrian Gonzalez won Mexico's National Sports Award as a professional athlete, via La Oficion (Spanish).
• This is just another feather to put on his cap.  Via Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, "The 2014 FanGraphs Player of the Year: Clayton Kershaw."  He's gonna need a couple of new trophy cases once the winter is done.
• Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports revealed that a source is saying that A's assistant GM Farhan Zaidi is talking to the Dodgers.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA tells us a bit about him; "Farhan Zaidi reportedly talks with Dodgers about front office job."

Zaidi has been with Oakland for 10 years, with 2014 his first season as assistant general manager. The 37-year-old has a Ph.D in economics from Berkeley and a bachelor of science at MIT. His specialty is statistical analysis, which he used in Oakland to evaluate players in the draft, in free agency as well as trade targets.

He also assists in arbitration cases and minor league contracts, and analyzes data from advance scouts to present to the coaching staff. This is essentially a lot of the duties currently performed by Dodgers assistant GM Alex Tamin.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider writes, "Chad Billingsley’s legacy a dividing line for Dodger fans," and I couldn't agree more with his assessment. 

It’s not definite that Billingsley has played his last game as a Dodger, but if he has, he leaves with a 3.65 ERA, 110 ERA+ and 16.9 WAR in 1,175 1/3 innings, according to Baseball-Reference.com. In 57 seasons of Los Angeles Dodger history, only 10 pitchers have a better adjusted ERA (minimum 1,000 innings), and only 14 accumulated more WAR.

• Jon also tells us that the Dodgers claimed infielder Ryan Jackson off of waivers from the Padres.  Jackson missed most of the 2014 season due to wrist surgery.  He is noted for being a great infielder, but having a weak bat.
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Darwin Barney – A low risk / high reward proposition."
• Here's some minor Dodger news.  Via Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors, "Dodgers Re-Sign Barry Enright."
• Here is AJ Ellis' response to Clayton Kershaw's award filled evening last night:

Clean haircut. Trimmed side burns. Pressed suit! Shoes matching socks AND belt! TIE! @ClaytonKersh22 you've changed! pic.twitter.com/2i7jfBbGbj
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) November 4, 2014

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Clayton Kershaw Hits a Triple - Wins 3 Player's Choice Awards

It's one thing for sports reporters to acknowledge your greatness on the field, but it's quite another when your peers do it.

(pic via @MLBPA Players Choice on twitter)

Announced this evening, Clayton Kersahw has been awarded three different Players Choice Awards for his accomplishments on and off the field during the 2014 season.  As you know, these are honors voted on by Major League ballplayers themselves.

Per a PlayersTrust.org announcement:

Clayton Kershaw on Monday became the first player to ever win three Players Choice Awards in a single year as he was recognized by his fellow players as the NL’s Outstanding Pitcher and the overall Player of the Year as well as the Marvin Miller Man of the Year, which goes to the player in either league who most inspires others through his efforts on and off the field.

Kershaw was also nominated for the Outstanding Player award in the National League, but was edged out by Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.  Clayton had this to say:

“To get something like this that recognizes you not only as a pitcher, but as a player, too, it’s amazing,” stated Kershaw during his Player of the Year acceptance interview. “It’s something that you really got to take a step back and think about. Obviously, all of the other candidates are amazing players and just to be associated with those names is pretty awesome…to have the guys respect not only what you do on the mound, but just as a player is pretty awesome and something that I definitely don’t take lightly.”

I won't bother recounting how good Clayton was on the field.  After all, if you're reading this then you likely already know how good he was.  I will share a bit about what he has done to win the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, though.

In 2011 Clayton and his wife Ellen began Kershaw's Challenge due to a friendship with a HIV-infected girl in Lusaka, Zambia named Hope.  Through that relationship, they built an orphanage in Zambia, called "Arise Home," for children battling the same illness that opened in December 2012.  As the Kershaw's Challenge website states:

The “Challenge” is to use whatever you have been blessed with—talent, passion, or purpose—to give back to others. In 2012, Kershaw’s Challenge expanded to serve children’s charities in Los Angeles and Dallas. The Kershaw's are adamant about serving hands-on throughout the year, and being invested in the non-profits we partner with.

Charity events put together by the Kershaw's include the Ping Pong 4 Purpose event at Dodger Stadium and the inaugural Kershaw's Challenge Live Benefit Concert in Dallas, Texas that is this coming Thursday, November 6th.  Go here information on that event.  It is at The Rustic and features musical artist Emerald Blue and Clay Walker.

(pic via PlayersTrust.org)

Below is a complete list of Finalist and Winners (in bold type):

American League:

• Outstanding Player: Jose Altuve (Houston), Victor Martinez (Detroit), Mike Trout (LA Angels of Anaheim) 
• Outstanding Pitcher: Felix Hernandez (Seattle), Corey Kluber (Cleveland), Chris Sale (Chicago White Sox) 
• Outstanding Rookie: JoseAbreu (Chicago White Sox), Danny Santana (Minnesota), Matt Shoemaker (Angels) 
• Comeback Player: J.D. Martinez (Detroit), Victor Martinez (Detroit), Chris Young (Seattle)

National League:

• Outstanding Player: Josh Harrison (Pittsburgh), Clayton Kershaw (LA Dodgers), Giancarlo Stanton (Miami) 
• Outstanding Pitcher: Johnny Cueto (Cincinnati), Clayton Kershaw (LA Dodgers), Adam Wainwright (St. Louis) 
• Outstanding Rookie: Jacob deGrom (NY Mets), Billy Hamilton (Cincinnati), David Peralta (Arizona) 
• Comeback Player: Tim Hudson (San Francisco), Casey McGehee (Miami), Edinson Volquez (Pittsburgh)

Either League:

• Player of Year: Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles), Giancarlo Stanton (Miami), Mike Trout (LA Angels of Anaheim) 
• Man of the Year: Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles), Adam Laroche (Washington), Anthony Rizzo (Chicago Cubs)

Below are some videos of the announcements:

Kershaw reacts to being named the 2014 Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

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Kershaw talks about winning the Players Choice Award for 2014 National League Outstanding Pitcher.

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Kershaw talks about taking home the Players Choice Award for 2014 Player of the Year.

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Pic at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

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The Ball's in Hanley's Court Now and Other Dodger Developments

The Dodgers have elected to extend an Qualifying Offer to Hanley Ramirez.  (No surprise, eh?)

The Dodgers have extended a qualifying offer to shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

This means that Hanley has until November 10th to decide to take a 1-year $15.3Mil contract to play for the Dodgers in 2015, or he can become a free agent for the first time in his career.  If he decides to stay with the Dodgers (either to boost his potential value the following season or because he really wants to stay in LA), then that immediately solves any issues the team has with filling the short stop position next year.  If Hanley chooses the later, then the Dodgers will receive a compensation draft pick for the 2015 draft should he sign elsewhere.  They would also have to fill the vacancy at short stop.

I am certain that he'll decline the Qualifying Offer since he should be able to find a more lucrative multi-year contract with another club.  Besides, as Jon Weisman noted earlier today, every player given a Qualifying Offer since this process began a couple of years ago has declined.  So why buck that trend?

On the other hand, I believe his professed love of Los Angeles is genuine, so maybe... just maybe he takes it.  BTW, the Dodgers and Hanley could still negotiate a contract.  I just don't think the team is willing to provide the kind of long-term commitment Hanley wants.  They have plenty of options now; including Arruebarrena and Guerrero, while they wait for top-rated prospect Corey Seager to take over the position.

I should note that I do not believe the Dodgers will extend a multi-year contract to any available free agent to play short stop.  They are clearly trying to make room for their youngsters, and putting up a roadblock like that runs counter to what you should expect will happen with the Dodgers going forward.

Hanley Ramirez has been a great LA Dodger, and his leaving really sucks.  I've enjoyed watching him on and off the field, and I believe his departure will prove to be a big loss for that clubhouse.  That being said, times change and I don't think there's any question that this new phase of the Guggenheim ownership will result in a whole new Dodger team.

The pic above was taken the day Hanley first arrived in the Dodger clubhouse after being traded there in late-July 2012, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.  He looked so young, didn't he?

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In another unsurprising move, Brian Wilson has decided to exercise his player option for the 2015 season.

Right-handed pitcher Brian Wilson exercised his option to return to the Dodgers for 2015.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

Brian Wilson has one year remaining on his contract and it's at $9.5Mil.  After a fantastic month and a half as a Dodger in 2013, Wilson's 2014 was sorely disappointing.  He appeared in 61 games with a 4.66 ERA, and recorded a 4.29 FIP.  Having displayed a glaring loss in velocity to his fastball, he was largely ineffective and mistrusted in relief. 

Hopefully, he can do better in 2015. It'll be just under three years since his Tommy John surgery in early 2012, so if his arm is indeed fine then the timing is good for him have a big rebound year.

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Scott Elbert is now a free agent.

Left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert has elected to become a free agent and has been removed from the Dodger roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 3, 2014

The Dodgers had outrighted Elbert for the purposes of reassigning him to the minor leagues.  As is a players option, Scott opted to become a free agent instead.

This is a bit surprising.  Scott had Tommy John Surgery in June 2013 and only just recently got back on the field to pitch.  He was effective, though, so that likely drives his belief that a better Major League option exist for him. 

In seven appearances at the tail-end of the 2014 season he gave up just four hits and one earned run.  He also pitched in the playoffs against the Cardinals, but got shelled.  Scott Elbert gave up the eventual game winning home run to Kolten Wong in Game 3 of that series.

Scott Elbert was the Dodgers 1st round draft pick in the 2004 draft and was considered, at one time, to be one of the best prospects in the Majors.  Unfortunately, arm problems cropped up in 2008 and various other arm issues continued to hamper his development from then on out.

The pic above of Elbert is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012.

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(pic via @MLB on twitter)

Joe Maddon is now the Cubs manager, so it's time to get over the fact that he's not coming to LA.  Besides, it was never going to happen... No matter how much folks screamed about it on social media. 

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2014 Topps Supreme Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their newest high-end Baseball card set.  It is called Supreme Baseball and every card in the set is autographed.  A box will cost you about $60 to $80 each and you get just one pack with two autographed cards in it.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodger autographed cards are available only through a redemption card.  A complete checklist is available below.

There are four Dodgers in the Base Autographed set.  They are Alexander Guerrero, Erisbel Arruebarrena, Johnny Podres and Yasiel Puig.  The Guerrero (#SA-AG) and Puig (#SA-YP) have redemption cards.  They are serial numbered to only 50 copies and have numerous parallels available.  The parallel checklist is as follows: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.

Autographs Set

#SA-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena                   #SA-JPO Johnny Podres

UPDATE: Here is the Puig Autograph card in it's original redemption holder on the left and the Guerrero card on the right.

Yasiel Puig (#SA-YP)                      Guerrero (#SA-AG)

The Autographed Patch Relic cards below are numbered to 25 copies with the following parallels: Platinum Patch #/5, Supreme Patch 1/1.

Autographed Patch Relics 

#APR-AG Adrian Gonzalez

Remaining Redemption Dodger checklist:

• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-AG Guerrero & Arruebarrena (#/25)
• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)
• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PT Trout & Puig (#/25)
• Dual Autographed Jumbo Patch Relic Book - #DAPR-PT Trout & Puig (#/10)
• Triple Autographs - #TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)

UPDATE:  Here is the Kershaw/Puig Dual Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.  Also the Triple Autograph card with Puig,Trout and Harper is below that.

#DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)

#TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)

The Simply Supreme Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SSU-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Snider and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

Simply Supreme Autographs

#SSU-DS Duke Snider               #SSU-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena

UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Simply Supreme Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

Clayton Kershaw (#SSU-CK)

The Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SS-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Koufax and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographs

#SS-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena               #SS-SKO Sandy Koufax

UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

Clayton Kershaw (#SS-CK)

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