Welcome to the Blue, Dylan Baker!

The first Dodger move of 2018 is exactly what you'd expect. It is being reported, via Chris Cotillo on twitter, that we have claimed right-handed pitcher Dylan Baker from the Milwaukee Brewers:

Source: Dodgers claim RHP Dylan Baker off waivers from Milwaukee.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 2, 2018

After spending the past five years as an Cleveland Indians prospect, Baker was DFA'd and claimed by the Brewers in late November. Then in late December he was DFA's again when Milwaukee signed a couple free agents. Now, he joins the Dodgers as the 40th member of our roster -- which makes me wonder if he'll also be DFA'd again should the Dodgers make a significant roster move. Regardless, Dylan Baker is a Dodger now.  Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired right-handed pitcher Dylan Baker from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

Blog Kiosk: 1/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kiké Hernandez spent his New Years Day in Pasadena -- joining his father and former Dodgers GM Fred Claire on the City of Hope float at the Rose Parade on Monday. Above is a pic of Hernandez with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, via Garcetti on twitter. Pic on the right is of Fred Claire, via the City of Hope on twitter. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"For us, we get to see our patients participate in a big event, normal activities away from the hospital, and it gives us a sense of accomplishment," (Dr. Stephen J.) Forman said. "Having Kiké on the float is extra special because City of Hope is Dodgertown. There are a lot of fans among the patients and staff, and it gives us a lot of pride that he honored us by being on the float with his dad. To see father and son on the float together is what it's all about. We wanted them to have this special occasion."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1911 Dodgers president Charles Ebbets announces that he has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn to build a new concrete and steel stadium. In 1935 the Dodgers selected Cubs catcher Babe Phelps off of waivers. He would go on to play seven seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing .315/.368/.477/.845 and attended three All-Star games. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder and pinch-hit savant Olmedo Sáenz. All hail the "Killer Tomato".
• Happy Birthday, George Boehler, Bobby Reis, Cliff Dapper, Bill Madlock, Greg Heydeman, Mike Metcalfe & Scott Proctor!

Thank You, Brandon McCarthy & Scott Kazmir!

I made a few more fantasy Baseball cards of two recently traded Dodgers -- Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir. Check them out above and below.

As you know, both starting pitchers signed significant contracts with the team, but they also both battled injuries while here. McCarthy was unable to stay healthy for a full season after signing his four year contract -- having thrown just 29 starts over three seasons in Los Angeles. Kazmir, on the other hand, signed a three year deal that saw him stay in the starting rotation during his first season in Blue -- recording 26 starts. Unfortunately, he would not pitch again for the team. The following season he suffered a hip injury that lead to a loss of velocity, and that lead to him not only losing a rotation spot but also forced him onto the disabled list. Kazmir would not pitch in 2017.

Regardless, once a Dodgers, always a Dodger.

Blog Kiosk: 12/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a great look at the Brooklyn Dodgers dugout at Ebbets Field just prior to a game. The undated photo, likely from the 1940's, recently sold at RMY Auctions at a very reasonable $45 (auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2016 the Dodgers signed free agent minor league reliever Fabio Castillo. He made his Major League debut with the team last season -- pitching in two games, allowing two earned runs, three hits and a walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings. Castillo had been designated for assignment and is currently a free agent.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Brubaker, Rod Nichols, Hank DeBerry & Devon White!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We really should be calling this team the 'Bridegrooms'.

Featured above is a pre-wedding pic shared by the gushing couple before their planned wedding next week. As you may know, Ryu Hyun-jin is marrying sports broadcaster Bae Ji-hyun on January 5th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes! I'd also like to extend a special birthday shout-out to Bill "Spaceman" Lee.

Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.

Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!