Welcome to the Blue, Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray!

The trade we all knew was coming finally got done -- and just in time for Christmas. As you surely know by now, the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, Kyle Farmer and $7 million to the Cincinnati Reds for minor league prospects Jeter Downs, Josiah Gray and soon to be released Homer Bailey. Here are Dodger notes on our two new youngsters:

Jeter Downs

Downs, 20, was the Reds’ first-round pick (No. 32 overall) in the 2017 First-Year Player draft and last year spent his entire season at Single-A Dayton, where he hit .257 with 13 homers, 23 doubles, 47 RBI and 37 stolen bases in 120 games. Last season, Downs appeared in 73 games at second base (71 starts) and 43 at shortstop (41 starts). The native of Colombia played his high school baseball in Miami Gardens, FL.    

Josiah Gray

Gray, who turned 21 today, was Cincinnati’s second round selection (No. 72 overall) in last year’s draft. The right-hander spent his first year of professional baseball at Rookie-level Greenville in the Appalachian League and went 2-2 with a 2.58 ERA (15 ER/52.1 IP) in 12 starts. Gray struck out 59 batters and walked just 17 while posting a WHIP of 0.88. The New Rochelle, NY native attended LeMoyne college in Syracuse, NY.

2018 Topps Transcendent Collection - The Dodgers Cards

Topps highest of high-end card brands was released last week. It is called 2018 Topps Transcendent Collection, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' available. Check them out below. Go here for a complete check list.

Base Transcendent Icons (#/83)

#1 Sandy Koufax                #23 Clayton Kershaw

Matt Kemp - Yasiel Puig - Alex Wood - Kyle Farmer -- Thank You!

I think we all expected this kind of trade was coming. Now that it has actually happened I'm in a state of shock. This afternoon the Dodgers paired some salary and some talent for a couple of prospects and a player not likely to be around long. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired minor league infielder Jeter Downs, minor league right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray and right-handed pitcher Homer Bailey from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher/infielder Kyle Farmer, outfielders Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, left-handed pitcher Alex Wood and cash considerations (said to be $7 Million).  

Wow!

For the second time I get to say goodbye, good luck and thank you to Matt Kemp. He's been a great Dodger and I thoroughly enjoyed having him back in Los Angeles this season. As for Puig, I'll miss him. He's been a joy to watch, and I hope he finds continued success in Cincy. Alex Wood is someone I expect will pay off handsomely for the Reds. He'll be a frontline starter for that club. Kyle Farmer is likely to enjoy a long Major League career, and I suspect he'll beat us with a timely pinch hit a time-or-two over the coming years.

 Thank you, Boys! It's been an absolute pleasure!

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Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Folks have been complaining about 'juiced' baseballs for years. Per the descriptor on the reverse of the 1950 press photo above (eBay Auction Link):

Artful Dodgers-- Two of the Brooklyn boys, Campanella and Snider, examine the inside of the controversial pill. Liveliness of the ball is causing more debate on the diamonds than the possibility of flying saucers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 beloved Dodger first baseman Steve Garvey signed a five-year free agent contract to play for the San Diego Padres. In 1989 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Hubie Brooks and reliever Mike Maddux.  In 2001 the Dodgers re-signed free agent starting pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998.  
• Happy Birthday, Buddy Carlyle, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: A Tommy Lasorda Signing

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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Here is one last Dodger autograph event before Christmas. Tommy Lasorda will be at Bobblemania Collectibles in Monterey Park on Saturday, December 22nd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Go here for more information.
Where

Bobblemania Collectibles
2332 S Atlantic Blvd,
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(323)202-3374

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Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During his two terms as President, Dwight D. Eisenhower attended 13 Major League Baseball games -- all of which were at the Senators home field in Washington DC, with exception of just one time. To open the 1956 World Series he gracefully threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Featured above is a Osvaldo Salas photograph of the event, via the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. As you can see managers' Casey Stengel and Walter Alston were by his side.

On a side note, following the series loss for the Dodgers Ike spoke with Don Newcombe, saying:

"I think I know how much you wanted to win a World Series game. I for one was pulling for you, but I suggest that when you think over this past season you think of the twenty-seven games you won that were so important in bringing Brooklyn into the World Series."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Erik Goeddel, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!