Welcome to the Blue, Mark Prior!

As you know by now, the Dodgers are filling their open bullpen coach position with former Cubs phenom Mark Prior. He would be replacing Josh Bard -- who has moved to New York to be the bench coach for Aaron Boone's Yankees. Per Tim Brown at Yahoo Sports:

Prior, 37, retired from pitching in 2013. He was then hired by his hometown San Diego Padres, working as the club’s minor-league pitching coordinator for the past three years, where he frequently was praised for his work ethic and insights

Blog Kiosk: 1/4/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out Sal "The Barber" Maglie getting a big smooch from his catcher, Roy Campanella, in the above September 25, 1956 United Press photo. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

MAGLIE NO-HITS PHILS, 5-0, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella plants a big kiss on the cheek of pitcher Sal Maglie in the dressing room here Sept. 25, after the 39-year-old Giant cast-off hurled a no-hit, no-run game against the Phils to move the Brooks to within a half game of the league-leading Milwaukee Braves.  The 5-0 win was the first no-hitter in Sal's long career, and he is the oldest hurler since Cy Young to pitch a hitless game."

Photo above via eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers, Walter O'Malley, purchased a 44-passenger twin engine airplane for $775,000. They would be the first team to own their own plane. In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Giovanni Carrara. In 2006 the Dodgers received Tim Hamulack and Jae Weong Seo from the Mets in exchange for Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Zimmerman, Herman Franks, Tommy Corcoran, Bart Shirley, Charlie Manuel & Ted Lilly!

Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun, dated Apr 6, 1943, International News press photo featuring Brooklyn Dodger first baseman Dolph Camilli getting all gussied-up. A couple weeks prior to the start of the season, Camilli along with Leo Durocher, Arky Vaughan, Mickey Owen, Bobo Newsom, and Billy Herman played parts in a movie called "Whistling in Brooklyn". There was even a short appearance made by Dodgers super-fan Hilda Chester.

"MAKING DOLF PURTY FOR THE MOVIES" --  New York...Dolph Camilli, Brooklyn first baseman, has some makeup applied as he works out with the Dodgers.  He was photographed by a movie camera for a part in a new Red Skelton movie."

Pic above via eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

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.