Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(AGon in Dubai, via his twitter)

Once again, the Dodgers prove that they are willing and able to spread the gospel of Baseball to far off places.  This weekend, both Adrian Gonzalez and Dave Roberts are in Dubai visiting the Dubai Little League.  They will inaugurate the Emirates Airline Dubai Little League Park, hold a players clinic, sign autographs and watch a friendly match between the Dubai Dodgers and another local club.  Per an Emirates press release:

John Fekete, President of the Dubai Little League commented: “The objective of the Dubai Little League is teach our 500 players the fundamentals of baseball and foster a team environment that gives them the opportunity practice good sportsmanship and we have no better partners than the Los Angeles Dodgers and Emirates Airline to help us achieve these goals. We are thrilled that our youth will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through the mentorship of some of the most respected players in Major League Baseball and we are looking forward to more visits from the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2007 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a three year/$35.3 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four year/$48 million contract.  In 2015 the Dodgers received Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson in exchange for Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler in a three way trade with the Reds and White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Paul DePodesta, Pete Hotaling & Sammy Strang!

2016 Topps Dynasty Baseball - Kershaw's "On This Day" Autographed Patch Card

I've always been a bit dismissive of cards with a relic or game-used uniform pieces inserted within them.  Sure, they look cool sometimes, but how do you know if the uniform piece is real?  Fakes are unfortunately everywhere, and recent news detailing the FBI's continued prosecution of the scammers only emboldens my view that this stuff isn't worth the premium they sell for.

Then, Baseball started their MLB Authentication program, and suddenly fans/collectors had a means of receiving and verifying the legitimacy of various memorabilia items.  Soon thereafter, Topps joined the train and started to include MLB Authentication stickers on several of their higher-end cards.  Suddenly, doubt no longer is an issue, and I find myself singing a different tune.

Blog Kiosk: 12/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Diaz, Buehler, Stripling and the Dodgers Holiday Party

The Dodgers and its foundation hosted more than 300 kids from local area schools at their annual Children’s Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday.  Players and alumni in attendance included Joc Pederson, Al Ferrera, Kenny Landreux and Dennis Powell.  Kids in attendance were greeted with Santa, lunch, a snow sled track, photos, toys and more.

Photos above of Pederson, Santa and some kids are via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays party.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1968 Dodgers GM Al Campanis traded his own son, Jim Campanis, to the KC Royals.  In 1987 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Mike Davis to a contract.  He would eventually become a hero for taking a walk and stealing a base ahead of World Series hero Kirk Gibson.  In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Jeff Kent to a three year $21 million contract.  In 2009 the Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two players to be named later - John Ely and Jon Link. 
• Happy Birthday, Aaron Miles & Doug Rau!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mike Singletary and the Dodger Holiday Sale

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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Football great Mike Singletary will be signing autographs at Sports Authentics in the Puente Hills Mall.  Go here for more information.

Sports Authentics
Puente Hills Mall 
1600 South Azusa Avenue, Suite 518
City of Industry, CA 91748626.581.2016

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This coming Saturday will also be the last 2016 Dodger Holiday Sales Event of the year at the "Top of the Park" store at Dodger Stadium.  It will include merchandise discounts, player autographs, photo ops and more.  Go here for more information.  Unfortunately, a player signing schedule is not available yet, so stay tuned.  I'll be sure to update this post once it has been announced. 

Saturday, December 17
Autograph Schedule

10:00am-12:00pm: Derrel Thomas
12:00pm-2:00pm: Kenny Landreaux
2:00pm-4:00pm: TBD

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Blog Kiosk: 12/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - Holt, Anderson and Jansen's Wedding

I am not sure if I've ever seen what the scoreboard looked like during Dodger games at the LA Coliseum.  So, when I came across the above pic I knew I had to make note of it.  Featured above is the Dodgers scoreboard from Game 5 of the 1959 World Series.  (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus.  This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years.  As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals.  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner!

Thanks for Staying Blue, Justin Turner!

Oh, boy!  What a way to start a week.

Just when you thought the Dodgers flubbed the winter meetings they go ahead and make some waves.  It only goes to show you that all you need is a little patience.

It appears this past weekend was a turning point for two Dodger free agents, and I can't help but think that a little private gathering in Curaçao had something to do with it.  As you likely know, free agent reliever Kenley Jansen got hitched over the weekend, and among the Dodgers' in attendance was fellow free agent Justin Tuner (as evidenced by the photo tweeted by Turner on right). Now, both of them are expected to stay in Los Angeles.

As you know, we got news that Kenley Jansen had inked a five year/$80 million contract to stay in Los Angeles on Monday - although, still unconfirmed.  Then, almost immediately afterward, rumors spread that the Dodgers had also agreed to basic terms with Justin Turner, most noticeably via a tweet by Ken Rosenthal (btw, Jon Heyman tweets similar numbers):