2018 Topps Now -- #551 -- 21-Run Outburst Sets Multiple Records

You just knew last night's offensive explosion would garner a Topps Now card. Unfortunately, it only features Justin Turner, Manny Machado and Cody Bellinger -- who had just launched a grand slam -- on the front. If you ask me, a team photo would have been just fine since contributions were had from everyone. Per Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"There's no letdowns one through nine [in the batting order], which makes an offensive team really good," said Dozier, who was acquired from the Twins earlier this week. "Lots of guys who can do a lot of different things. It's not just 'sit back and hit with power' and that kind of thing. It's running the bases right and speed mixed with power."

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night's game wasn't a laugher -- it was a statement. The Dodgers scored 21 runs, breaking a stadium record, to defeat the Brewers, 21-5. This offensive explosion was highlighted by 18 hits and seven Dodger dingers (watch here); including a home run cycle (a solo homer, a 2-run homer, a 3-run homer & grand slam). Now, they will play the Astros in a World Series rematch that could also be a showcase for this upcoming October. Per Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"We'll be ready," Roberts said. "We're excited to play those guys. It's good that there's some offensive energy going into the series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0.
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

Astros Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Houston Astros Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Friday, August 3rd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2018 Topps Now -- #543 & #544 -- Dozier and Grandal's Electric Night

It comes as no surprise that Brian Doziers magnificent first night as a Dodger on the field has earned him a Topps Now card. Check it out above and on the right. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reverse:

Brian Dozier made his debut for the Dodgers after getting traded from the Twins and has made an immediate impact. Dozier went 3-for-4, which included the back end of back-to-back home runs with Yasmani Grandal in the fifth, a single to start a two-run rally in the seventh and a double in the eighth.

2018 Topps Chrome - All the Dodgers Cards

Officially in stores this week is Topps 2018 Chrome Baseball card brand, and as always I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' cards found within packs. Go here for a complete checklist.

These cards are basically very shiny versions of Topps flagship set. Although, there appears to be unique photos used for the base cards of Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Chris Taylor and Kenta Maeda. Also, I am aware of only two Dodger variation cards, so if more pop up I'll be sure to update this post.

Base

#36 Justin Turner                  #39 Alex Wood

#71 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Dozier's Dynamic Debut

Wow! By the looks of it, we should've gotten Dozier a couple of years ago -- 'cause last night was a whirlwind of a debut. He went 3-for-4 with a single, double and a home run that resulted in a curtain call (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider: 

“I love the only 395 to center,” said Dozier, who’s used to it being 404 feet to center field at Minnesota’s Target Field. “That’s a good thing. I’m not used to that. It was cool.”

Of course, the night really belonged to Yasmani Grandal. He walloped two homers; including a walk-off two-run dinger in the 10th to win, 6-4.

“He’s been one of the hottest hitters in the National League for quite some time,” Roberts said.

Photo of Dozier above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!