Thursday, March 31, 2011

Oh Crap... There's That Stupid Banner

Just so you can get a big smile at the inanity that is Giants fans, check out this twitpic photo of the banner flying over Dodger Stadium that is meant to make the Blue Nation squirm. Frankly, all it makes me do is laugh.
(Pic Link: TwitPic MelissaMArtin_)

Early Look at Opening Day

Here are some pics and other things I ran into as we approach game time.

Below is the memorial patch that Dodgers will be wearing.
(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)

From USCLibraries, Opening Day at the Coliseum, 1958, against the Giants.
(Pic Link: TwitPic DylanHernandez)

At the gates to heaven.
(Pic Link: TwitPic Trish37)

Some Axe models at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day.
(Pic LInk: TwitPic DevStaff)

I can't wait to hear these words.

YouTube Link:

OPENING DAY!

WooHoo! The season is finally here. Before I get on with whatever I was planning to write here I want to start out with a great little tune that is sure to put a smile on your face. Here is John Fogerty's "Centerfield."

YouTube Link:

How about some Opening Day data to keep your mind sharp. FlipFlopFlyBall put together some great Opening Day stats, see here. I didn't realize that the Reds have opened the season at home every year since 1991. Wow!

For the 2011 season Baseball Musings records some of the 1st from the young 2011 Baseball season.
  • First pitch was a called strike.
  • CC Sabathia records the first strike out.
  • Chipper Jones has the first hit.
  • Brian McCann has the first RBI
Now for some Dodger related Opening Day festivities.
  • Placido Domingo will sing the National Anthem and Davis Gaines will sing God Bless America.
  • Auto and stadium gates will both open early on Opening Day and fans are encouraged to carpool and arrive early, as auto gates will open at 1:00 p.m. and stadium gates will open at 1:30 p.m. Fans can also take the free Dodgertown Express Bus Service from Union Station to Dodger Stadium, as they can for every game this season.
  • Bill Russell will sign autographs for fans in Autograph Alley.
  • Don't be late. The first 50,000 fans at Thursday’s game will receive the below Magnet Schedule.

  • If you are at the game be sure to get a copy of Dodgers Magazine. For the first time ever, it will feature a unique Opening Day cover of Kershaw and "The Freak."

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2011


  • Dodger prospect Greg Wilborn has a twitter account. Check it out here.
  • Here is a great post from Tommy Lasorda's blog talking about Hall of Fame umpire Doug Harvey.

    I go to the ballpark and when I got there Doug told me not to bring that paper with me or you’re gone!

    Umpires……….

  • Here is something fun. Find out your 19th Century Baltimore Orioles Nickname here! As you may know, this team was a little bit Yankees with the demeanor of the Raiders. They stand as one of the great teams in the game and the toughest mofo's around. From the developer at fangraphs:
    "As you are no doubt aware, the Orioles of that vintage were a tough bunch of men. They drank all the liquor in America, they went decades without sleeping, they brawled against Norse gods, and they saw all of their children killed gruesomely by primitive farming equipment. All of these things are facts."
    Here is my name.
    "Murder Mittens"

YouTube Link:

Auto Collection: Tommy Lasorda Sweet Spot

Here is a Tommy Lasorda 2002 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classics autograph card from my collection. Man-O-Live, I really love these cards.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Day 42 Spring Training Report

Here is todays Dodger lineup against the Mariners:
1) Rafael Furcal (S) SS
2) Jamey Carroll (R) 2B
3) Andre Ethier (L) RF
4) Matt Kemp (R) CF
5) Juan Uribe (R) 3B
6) James Loney (L) 1B
7) Marcus Thames (R) LF
9) Rubby De La Rosa (R) P

Below are some Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • LAST NIGHT’S ACTION: Rod Barajas powered his third Spring Training home run last night, but the Dodgers managed just five hits and lost 5-1 to the Angels in Anaheim. Hiroki Kuroda tossed 4.0 innings in his final tuneup before his 2011 debut on Sunday against the Giants and Lance Cormier fired a scoreless inning of relief to lower his spring ERA to 2.00 (2 ER/9.0 IP) in nine appearances. Minor leaguer Michael Antonini, who was acquired in the Chin-lung Hu trade with the Mets, closed out the game with 2.0 scoreless frames for the Dodgers.

  • LEADERS OF THE PACK: As the spring season winds down, Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp still leads the club with 19 hits, five homers, 15 RBI and 41 total bases. Infielder Juan Uribe’s seven doubles edge out fellow newcomer Marcus Thames six for the team lead in two-base hits, while non-roster invitee Aaron Miles has crossed the plate a team-best 10 times. On the mound, Mike MacDougal has not allowed an earned run (one unearned) in 10.0 innings over 11 appearances this spring. Clayton Kershaw has fanned a team-best 20 batters and is tied with John Ely for the club lead with two wins apiece. Hiroki Kuroda’s 4.0 innings last night gave him a team-high 26.0 over his six Cactus League starts.

(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)
  • RUBBY SLIPPERS: Dodger right-hander Rubby De La Rosa will make his third start and sixth appearance of the spring tonight after allowing three runs over 4.0 innings of relief on Friday against the Diamondbacks in Tucson. The 22-year-old was the Dodgers’ 2010 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and has limited opposing hitters to a .182 batting average with 10 strikeouts in 14.0 innings this spring.

(Pic Link: Plixi Debra Levi)
  • YOUNG GUNS: Congratulations to Rubby De La Rosa and Jerry Sands for winning the 2011 Jim and Dearie Mulvey Award, given to the top rookie in Dodger camp as voted on by the Dodger coaches. The Mulvey family was part owners of the Dodgers from 1938-1975. This season marks the first tie in the history of the award as the coaching staff opted for a split decision on the power hitting infielder/outfielder Sands, who batted .300 with one home run and two RBI in 21 games, and the hard-throwing De La Rosa. Right-handed pitcher Josh Lindblom won the award last year and Dodger outfielder Xavier Paul took home the honor in 2009. Other winners on the current roster are Hong-Chih Kuo and James Loney.

  • ROLL OUT THE BUNTING: The Dodgers will celebrate the 30th anniversary of 1981 Opening Day during tomorrow’s festivities to kick off the 2011 season. Grammy Award-winning singer Plácido Domingo will perform the National Anthem and Broadway actor and singer Davis Gaines will perform God Bless America. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and can meet 1981 World Series champion Bill Russell in Autograph Alley from 2:30-4:00 p.m.

  • SOMETHING IN THE AIR TONIGHT: MLB Network will also be joining the Dodgers in celebrating the 30th anniversary of 1981 Opening Day with a special feature on Fernando Valenzuela, which will debut tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. PT on the network. The show will feature interviews with Valenzuela, Steve Garvey and Tommy Lasorda on the impact Fernandomania and his remarkable 1981 season.

Kershaw's Challenge

Are you up for Kershaw's Challenge?

Clayton Kershaw and his wife have teamed up with Arise Africa to raise funds to build an orphanage in Zambia, but they need your help. They plan on donating $100.00 per strike out Kershaw throws this season in the hopes of raising $70,000.00. Based on last years stats that would be only be a bit over $20,000.00. Certainly, they might need assistance from someone with a social work degree to raise funds and help make a difference for the kids. On the other hand, the Dodger Dream Foundation also plans on helping out in the cause. Unfortunately, they will still be a little short. So, this is where you can help.

Check out their website (www.kershawschallenge.com) to make a donation. There are all kinds of gifts available based on how large a donation you make. Check it out here.
“It’s one thing traveling around the United States playing in different cities, even going to different parts of the world,” Kershaw told Dodgers Magazine in an April cover story. “But when you go to a third-world country and see how other cultures live, it’s very different. You think it’s something that happened way back in the day, but plenty of people are living in houses that would be considered shacks here without running water or electricity. It makes you thankful for what you have.”
Ellen Kershaw has been to Zambia 5 times.
I always say the first time you’ve hugged a Zam­bian orphan it’ll change your life,” she told Dodgers Magazine. “It’s because that whole blanket of poverty becomes very personal, and you see the one life that you can impact and what a difference you can make… Going to Zambia really broadened both of our perspectives. I think we’re just trying to leave a legacy, leave a mark.”

Auto Collection: Duke Snider Sweet Spot

In honor of todays announcement regarding a memorial patch to be worn by the Dodgers here is my 2003 Upper Deck Sweet Spot of Duke Snider.

Dodgers to Honor Duke Snider

Sometimes simple is best. The Dodgers will be honoring and celebrating the life and career of Duke Snider with a patch to be worn at every game this season. See it above. It features Duke's retired uniform number within a black circle. If I'm not mistaken, this has been the traditional way the Dodgers have honored a fellow player. From the press release:
The last time the Dodgers wore a memorial patch on the team’s uniforms was in 2000 in memory of Snider’s teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. Other memorial patches worn by the Dodgers were done so in tribute to Jim Gilliam (1978), coach Don McMahon (1987), Tim Crews (1993) and a combination patch for Hall of Famers Don Drysdale and Roy Campanella, who passed away within a week of one another in 1993.
The Dodgers will begin wearing it on Opening Night.

Also, fans will receive a special treat in the August 9th game against the Phillies. The first 50,000 fans will receive a Duke Snider bobblehead. Snider's family will be in attendance and will participate in a special pregame ceremony honoring him. This will be the 6th bobblehead give-away of the season.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day 41 Spring Training Report

Here is todays lineup: Furcal SS, De Jesus 2nd, Ethier RF, Kemp CF, Uribe 3rd, Loney 1st, Thames DH, Barajas C, Kapler LF.

Below are Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • ON THE MOUND: Dodger right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will make his sixth and final spring start tonight and he is still searching for his first 2011 victory. Kuroda is slated to take the mound for the first time in the regular season on Sunday afternoon against the Giants opposing LHP Barry Zito. Following Kuroda to the mound this evening are LHP Scott Elbert and RHP Lance Cormier. The Angeles will counter with left-hander Scott Kazmir.

  • FREEWAY FOLLIE: The Dodgers allowed two runs in the ninth inning and dropped yesterday’s Freeway Series opener to the Angeles, 5-4, at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles made two errors in a contest that saw five errors combined. On the mound, a trio of relievers looked ready for the season as Mike MacDougal (1.0), Matt Guerrier (1.1) and Hong-Chih Kuo (1.0) allowed just one baserunner between them. At the plate, Andre Ethier, Juan Uribe and Rod Barajas collected run-scoring hits.
  • CHAD’S GOING TO HANG: This afternoon, the Dodgers announced that right-handed pitcher Chad Billingsley signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Dodger Blue through the 2014 season. Billingsley, 26, has posted a winning record in each of his five Major League seasons and all eight of his professional campaigns. As a Los Angeles Dodger, the right-hander is 59-41 (.590) with a 3.55 ERA in 160 career games (131 starts). His winning percentage since his 2006 debut ranks 12th in the NL over that time and his 52 victories since 2007 are tied for eighth among current NL hurlers.
(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)
  • DONNIE’S 11: Once again, the Dodgers will dress 11 minor leaguers for tonight’s game, including their past two Minor League Players of the Year, Dee Gordon (70) and Jerry Sands (68). Corey Smith (98) has made an impact in his nine games with the big league club and is batting .600 (6-for-10) with two homers and six RBI in limited game action. Allen Webster (88) has thrown 2.0 scoreless innings already for the Dodgers this spring and enters the season rated as the club’s No. 5 prospect by Baseball America. Randy Keisler (91), Justin Sellers (72), Matt Wallach (87), Michael Antonini (92), Steven Ames (93), Jon Huber (71) and Merkin Valdez (97) are also available for Don Mattingly tonight.

  • BIRTHDAY BONANZA: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to broadcaster Pepe Yñiguez and Physical Therapist Nancy Patterson. Yñiguez is entering his 13th full season with the club while Patterson is beginning her first. The duo share their big day with Hall of Famer Cy Young, former British Prime Minister John Major and tennis player Jennifer Capriati.

(Pic Link: Yfrog c_c_k)

  • LATIN AMERICAN CONFIDENTIAL: In a recent ESPN Magazine survey, active Latino players were asked, “Which team scouts Latin America the best?” The Dodgers were named most often (19.7%) followed by the Yankees (9.5%) and Rangers (8.3%). “The Dodgers were pioneers,” one Dominican position player told the publication. “I remember how important their academy was when I was a kid. Everybody wanted to grow up and be a Dodger.”

Auto Collection: Steve Garvey Sweet Spot

Here is my Steve Garvey 2002 Upper Deck Sweet Spot autographed card.

Just Another Reason to Dislike Brian Wilson

Courtesy of the Giants twitter account I ran into another reason why we must hate Brian Wilson.

When asked about the "Best and Worst" things about travel within the division, Wilson remarked that the worst food spread was in,
"Los Angeles, The Dodgers Dogs, that's why."
Although I don't take kindly to his obvious disrespect for that culinary delight, I must say that I find it hilarious that the clubhouse food spread for the opposing team in LA includes Dodger Dogs. That's pretty awesome.

Some Dodger Related Videos

Here are some Dodger videos to get you excited about the season.

Below, Nick Garner of SportsTalk4Kids visits with Clayton Kershaw in Glendale, Arizona.

YouTube Link:

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" from last nights game.

YouTube Link:

Here is a short video of the LA Dodgers playing a preseason exhibition game against the Tokyo Giants during Spring Training, 1967.

YouTube Link:

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2011

Baseball on the mind.
  • Even after the loss of the Kings top 2 scorers for the season, I still BELIEVE- and so do the guys at Surly & Scribe.
  • GCRL writes about the very first "In-Action" Topps Baseball card of a Dodger.
  • This is going to be a consistent theme all season long. From the Militant Angeleno.
  • 30 Year Old Cardboard does his top 10 wrestlers of the '80's.
  • A friend pointed me to a album that is all about Baseball. It is called "The Baseball Project," and includes REM guitarist Peter Buck. Below is their song 'Harvey Haddix.'


And the song 'Sometimes I Dream of Willie Mays.'

Find more artists like The Baseball Project at Myspace Music


YouTube Link:

Monday, March 28, 2011

Day 40 Spring Training Report

Here is todays Dodger lineup: Furcal SS, Gwynn LF, Ethier RF, Kemp CF, Loney 1st, Uribe 3rd, Barajas C, Carroll 2nd, Lilly SP.

Below are Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • HIT THE ROAD: The Dodgers dropped their Camelback Ranch finale yesterday to the Indians by a 6-1 margin as many of the club’s regulars departed for Los Angeles after just one at-bat. Chad Billingsley allowed two runs over 3.0 innings in his final tuneup before his first start of the regular season on Friday. Blake Hawksworth concluded his impressive spring with a 2.61 ERA after striking out three in 2.0 scoreless frames.

  • I CAN SEE FOR MILES: Non-roster infielder Aaron Miles went 2-for-2 yesterday to raise his batting average to .347 in 23 Spring Training games. The switch-hitter’s 17 hits tie for second on the club with Ivan de Jesus, one behind Matt Kemp’s team-leading 18 knocks.

  • ON THE MOUND: Ted Lilly will make his fourth and final spring start tonight after striking out five over 6.0 innings of two-run ball in Wednesday’s 6-2 victory over the White Sox. Lilly is expected to throw around 60 pitches and will be followed by Jonathan Broxton, Matt Guerrier, Hong-Chih Kuo, Mike MacDougal and Kenley Jansen. The Angels will counter with right-hander Ervin Santana.

  • HANG 10: The Dodgers will dress 10 minor leaguers for tonight’s game, including their past two Minor League Players of the Year, Dee Gordon (70) and Jerry Sands (68). Corey Smith (98) has made an impact in his nine games with the big league club and is batting .600 (6-for-10) with two homers and six RBI in limited game action. Allen Webster (88) has thrown 2.0 scoreless innings already for the Dodgers this spring and enters the season rated as the club’s No. 5 prospect by Baseball America. Randy Keisler (91), Justin Sellers (72), Matt Wallach (87), Michael Antonini (92), Steven Ames (93), Jon Huber (71) and Merkin Valdez (97) are also available for Don Mattingly tonight.

  • LATIN AMERICAN CONFIDENTIAL: In a recent ESPN Magazine survey, active Latino players were asked, “Which team scouts Latin America the best?” The Dodgers were named most often (19.7%) followed by the Yankees (9.5%) and Rangers (8.3%). “The Dodgers were pioneers,” one Dominican position player told the publication. “I remember how important their academy was when I was a kid. Everybody wanted to grow up and be a Dodger.”

  • LEADERBOARD: Matt Kemp’s five Spring Training home runs are the most for a Dodger during the spring slate since Andre Ethier slugged six in 2008. Kemp is tied for third in the Cactus League in homers and is also tied for ninth on the circuit with 15 RBI. Not to be outdone, Tony Gwynn Jr. is tied for third in the league with six stolen bases and Clayton Kershaw finds his name among the leaders in ERA (2.49, T-5th) and innings (25.1, 5th). After firing 3.0 innings yesterday, Chad Billingsley moved into an eighth place tie with 24.0 innings in Cactus League play.

Watch MLB Network Tomorrow Tonight

Especially if you are a collector, you should be watching tomorrow nights show on the MLB Network called "Cardboard Treasure" at 10 PM EST (7 PM PST). It is a feature about the Baseball card hobby and includes behind the scenes looks at beckett and "a 60-year history of Topps and how it has been the epicenter of the baseball card industry." I've got my DVR set and ready to go.

Below is a preview:

YouTube Link:

Auto Collection: Eric Gagne Sweet Spot

Oh! I sure do love these Sweet Spot signature cards. Here is a 2006 Upper Deck Sweet Spot signature card of Eric Gagne from my collection, numbered to 99.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Day 39 Spring Training Report

Here is todays Dodger lineup: Miles 3rd, De Jesus 2nd, Ethier RF, Kemp CF, Loney 1st, Paul LF, Ellis C, Carroll SS, Billingsley SP.

Here are some Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • YOU ARE LOOKING LIVE: For just the second time this spring, three Dodger media partners will be in action as today’s game will be broadcast on KCAL, KABC and KTNQ. Charley Steiner will call the game on KCAL 9 by himself while Rick Monday will go the solo route over on KABC 790. A few doors down, Jaime Jarrín, Pepe Yňiguez and Fernando Valenzuela will have the call on Univision’s KTNQ 1020.

  • GETTING THERE: Following the game yesterday, the Dodgers optioned right-handed pitcher Travis Schlichting to minor league camp. This morning, the club did the same with RHP Ramon Troncoso and is now down to 36 players in big league camp, including 16 pitchers and 20 position players.

  • HANGING ON: The Dodgers nearly blew a five-run lead in the last 2.0 innings, but held on yesterday in Peoria for a 5-4 victory over the Padres. New Dodger infielder Juan Uribe looked ready to go as he belted a two-run homer in the fourth frame and then followed that up with a two-run double in the fifth. For the spring, Uribe is hitting .317 with 11 RBI, which ranks second on the club. Elsewhere, James Loney and Jamey Carroll each scored two runs apiece. On the mound, Opening Night starter Clayton Kershaw threw just 39 pitches, but was dominant, allowing just one Padre to reach base and that came on an error.

  • BILLS THRILLS: Dodger right-hander Chad Billingsley will make his final appearance of the spring season today as he gets ready to start the second game of the season against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. Billingsley is 0-1 with a 3.42 ERA (8 ER/21.0 IP) over five Cactus League starts. The Ohio native is about to enter his fifth full season in the big leagues and sixth overall. He was called up to Los Angeles on June 15, 2006 and went on to go 7-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 18 games (16 starts). Billingsley was an All-Star in 2009 and has never had a losing record in his eight-year professional career.

  • SOME MINOR RELIEF: Following Chad Billingsley to the hill will be four minor league pitchers, including three of the club’s top pitching prospects. Expected to see action are right-handed pitcher Nate Eovaldi (No. 83), who was selected in the 11th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft and became a Midseason All-Star for Single-A Inland Empire last season; RHP Allen Webster (92), who went 12-9 with a 2.88 ERA (3rd, Midwest League) for Single-A Great Lakes last season and was named a Midseason All-Star; and RHP Josh Lindblom (97), who set career highs with 40 games (10 starts) and 84 strikeouts last season while pitching for Triple-A Albuquerque. RHP Merkin Valdez could also see the mound this afternoon.

  • TRUE COLORS: Today is Military Appreciation Day at Camelback Ranch. Prior to the game, several recently deployed officers from nearby Luke Air Force Base will be recognized on the field and the National Anthem will be performed by Senior Airman Ivan Velezquez. Additionally, two Vietnam veterans will throw out ceremonial first pitches.

  • LEADERBOARD: Matt Kemp’s five Spring Training home runs are the most for a Dodger during the spring slate since Andre Ethier slugged six in 2008. Kemp is tied for second in the Cactus League lead in homers and is also tied for seventh on the circuit with 15 RBI. Not to be outdone, Tony Gwynn Jr. is tied for third in the league with six stolen bases and Clayton Kershaw finds his name among the leaders in ERA (2.49, T-6th) and innings (25.1, 3rd).

  • END OF THE LINE: The Dodgers’ Cactus League odyssey comes to a close this afternoon with their 33rd and final contest. The Indians will visit Camelback Ranch today, completing a 14-game home schedule for the Dodgers. Los Angeles lost to Cleveland, 2-1, all the way back on March 1 in Goodyear. The exhibition season rolls on tomorrow when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles to take on the Angels at Dodger Stadium in the first of a two-game home and home Freeway Series.

(PicLink: Plixi Dodgers)
(Bags packed and headed to LA...Opening Day just over 100 hours away)
  • MORE HISTORY: Thursday marks the first time in Los Angeles Dodger history that the club will begin the season against the defending World Champions. In 1996, the Dodgers hosted the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves for the club’s home opener, but they began that season a week earlier in Houston. Since the World Series began in 1903, the only other time the Dodgers faced a defending World Series winner on Opening Day was April 12, 1922 when the Brooklyn Robins started the season at the Polo Grounds, facing the New York Giants.

Mailbag: eBay Win- Aaron Miller Auto

Here is a recent eBay pick-up. It is of our 1st round draft pick in the 2009 draft-Aaron Miller.

Auto Collection: Edwin Jackson Bat Barrel

This guy had such promise when he first came up to the Dodgers in 2003. He had a wicked fastball, and with some time it could have developed into something special. I think, unfortunately, at 19 it was too soon. He often looked overwhelmed and ill-prepared. Eventually he was traded a few years later for Dany Baez.

Here is a 2004 Upper Deck Signature Barrel Sweet Spot card of Dodger hurler Edwin Jackson. I love the idea of putting a real piece of lumber in a Baseball card.

Friday, March 25, 2011

I Now Officially Hate the X-Men

As shown through the Giants TwitPic account, this is a Uncanny X-Men No. 534 variant that will be sold at WonderCon SF.

Wolverine! Say it ain't so!

Day 37 Spring Training Report

Here is todays Dodger lineup: Tucson: Gwynn CF, Carroll SS, Ethier RF, Gibbons LF, Loney 1B, Miles 2B, Ellis C, Sellers 3B, Redding P

Below are Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • HEAVY HEARTS: The Dodgers and Diamondbacks square off today in a very special game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tucson. The contest is a benefit game for the Tucson Together Fund, which is the only officially sanctioned fund established to assist victims, families, and witnesses of the Jan. 8 tragedy in Tucson. One of the victims was a member of the Dodger family as Christina-Taylor Green, the nine-year old daughter of Dodger scout John Green, lost her life in the tragedy. Individuals interested in making a donation can visit www.tucsontogetheraz.com
  • START THE COUNTDOWN: The start of the 2011 campaign is only six days away and Thursday’s contest will mark the tenth time in L.A. Dodger history that the club will open the season against the Giants, and the seventh at Dodger Stadium. Included in those previous nine games, is the first game in Los Angeles Dodger history (4/15/58) and the first game of Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda’s managerial career (4/7/77).

  • CARDIAC KIDS: Yesterday, the Dodgers continued their hot streak by coming from behind to beat the Rockies 7-5, with a wild seven-run ninth inning capped by A.J. Ellis' three-run walk-off homer. Los Angeles trailed 5-4 with two outs in the home half of the ninth when Ellis belted a 2-1 pitch over the left field wall to give the Dodgers their second walk-off win in three days. On the mound, starter Hiroki Kuroda went 6.0 innings, while relievers Matt Guerrier, Jonathan Broxton and Mike MacDougal all tossed a scoreless frame. In their last nine contests, the club has posted a 7-1-1 record in Cactus League play.

  • ON THE MOUND: Dodger right-hander Tim Redding will make his fourth start of the Cactus League campaign today at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium (formerly Tucson Electric Park). Redding was supposed to make the start Monday night at Talking Stick against the D’backs, but an afternoon rainout at Camelback Ranch bumped Clayton Kershaw to that spot. In 2010, Redding combined to go 8-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 18 games (17 starts) with Triple-A Colorado Springs and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. The right-hander also pitched in Korea for the Samsung Lions for a couple of months last year. Redding is known for having surrendered Barry Bonds’ 756th career home run on Aug. 8, 2007. Following Redding to the hill will be RHP Rubby De La Rosa, a non-roster invitee who has impressed the club by posting a 1.80 ERA (2 ER/10.0 IP) in his four Cactus League outings (two starts). De La Rosa has yielded just four hits this spring. The Diamondbacks will counter with RHP Armando Galarraga.

Blog Kiosk: 3/25/2011

  • Here's a Dodger collector blog you should check out called Nomo's Sushi Platter.
  • Check out Summer Anne Burton's drawing of Brooklyn Dodger Manager Wilbert Robinson, at Every Hall of Famer.
  • True to the Blue has some pics from Spring Training; including Andre Ethier signing some items for them.
  • Here is a pretty great gif image of James Loney in a Dodger snuggie, via wassupperry.
  • Murray Chass writes about Stan Musial- he may not have been quite "The Man" we thought he was.
  • You must watch LA Dodger Talk interview Logan White; Part 1 & Part 2.
  • Indians closer, Chris Perez, is now the proud owner of the Topps 1927 Yankee autograph booklet, via The Infield Dirt. He paid $20,000 for it.
  • Check out these 7 Immutable Laws of Investing, via The Big Picture.
  • Captain Macho Mike from the 987FM Locker Room as he journeys to Glendale for some Dodger Spring Training games.

YouTube Link:

Mailbag: eBay Win - Hollandsworth Auto

Todd Hollandsworth had such promise. He came to the Dodgers out of Bellevue, WA as a 3rd round pick in the 1991 draft. After several years of seasoning in the minors he came up to the big leagues in 1995. At that time he was ranked as high as the 13th best prospect by Baseball America. By the next year he was in LA to stay. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1996 with a .291 batting average and 12 home runs. Unfortunately, he never produced the consistent power we had all hoped to see. He started to struggle at the plate and saw his playing time fall as a result. Nagging leg injuries certainly didn't help. Eventually he was traded to Colorado for Tom Goodwin in 2000. Todd would go on to have a 12 year major league career with a lifetime .273 batting average. BTW, he is a brother-in-law to former Dodger Matt Herges.

Here is a recent eBay auction win of a pre-rookie minor league autographed card of Todd Hollandsworth made in 1994 by Signature Rookies.. It was super cheap- less than a buck. On a side note, he signed 8,650 of these cards which make wonder how long could something like that take?

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Day 36 Spring Training Report

Here is todays Dodger lineup: Paul 7, De Jesus 4, Ethier 9, Kemp 8, Loney 3, Navarro 2, Miles 5, Carroll 6, Kuroda 1.

Below are the Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:
  • LIKE A ROCK: The Dodgers look for a two-game spring sweep of the Rockies this afternoon after defeating Colorado 7-1 on March 31 at Talking Stick. Los Angeles will look to win its fourth-straight season series against its division rival in 2011 after going 11-7 against Colorado last year when the clubs kick off their 18-game season slate with a brief two-game set at Coors Field on April 5-6.

  • START THE COUNTDOWN: The start of the 2011 campaign is only a week away and next Thursday’s contest will mark the tenth time in L.A. Dodger history that the club will open the season against the Giants, and the seventh at Dodger Stadium. Included in those previous nine games, is the first game in Los Angeles Dodger history (4/15/58), the first game of Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda’s managerial career (4/7/77), and the first game of the 1988 season (4/4/88), when Los Angeles went on to win its sixth World Championship in franchise history.

(PickLink: TwitPic LegitlyKAR)
  • CHALK UP ANOTHER - Yesterday, the Dodgers continued with their winning ways with a 6-2 victory over the White Sox at Camelback Ranch - Glendale. Los Angeles has won six of its last eight games, posting a record of 6-1-1 since March 15. Southpaw Ted Lilly earned his first victory of the spring, allowing two earned runs and striking out five over 6.0 frames. The Dodgers' offense was firing on all cylinders with 13 hits as Matt Kemp, James Loney, Juan Uribe, Aaron Miles and Ivan de Jesus registered multi-hit games.

  • GOOD WOOD: The Dodgers have pounded out 11 or more hits in seven of their last eight games and are batting .314 (90-for-287) during their recent 6-1-1 stretch. Los Angeles’ team batting average has risen 22 points to .261 since March 14 and eight Dodgers in camp are hitting over the .300 mark: Juan Castro (.379), Ivan de Jesus (.317), Tony Gwynn Jr. (.308), Matt Kemp (.320), James Loney (.317), Aaron Miles (.350), Trent Oeltjen (.400) and Marcus Thames (.324).
  • CARROLL-ING AGAIN: Jamey Carroll pinch hit in the eighth inning yesterday in his first game action since March 14 after being sidelined with a bruised finger. Carroll served as the designated hitter in several minor league games over the past week to keep his timing and will return to the field today as the starting shortstop against the Rockies.

(Tommy with Elizabeth Taylor)
  • ON THE HILL: Right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will make his fifth Spring Training start this afternoon after allowing three runs over 5.2 innings on Saturday against the Brewers. Kuroda recently donated $50,000 to the Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund and spearheaded a team autograph signing on Saturday, which raised additional funds for the recovery efforts in his native country. The 36-year-old is entering his fourth season with the Dodgers after setting career bests with 11 wins, 196.1 innings and a 3.39 ERA in 31 starts last season. Jonathan Broxton, who has tossed scoreless relief in five of his six spring outings, Matt Guerrier, Mike MacDougal and Ramon Troncoso are also expected to pitch for Los Angeles. The Rockies will counter with 23-year-old right-hander Jhoulys Chacin, who went 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA in six starts against the Dodgers last season.
  • DREAM TEAM: Prior to today’s game, the Dream Team, a collection of some of the best 13-and-under female baseball players in the country, will be presenting a team jersey to Tommy Lasorda and the Dodgers in memory of Christina-Taylor Green. The team, touched by Christina’s story, will be wearing a patch honoring her memory during their upcoming tournament in Gilbert, Arizona.

  • IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Assistant Director, Public Relations Yvonne Carrasco! Yvonne shares her big day with NFL quarterback Peyton Manning (35) and the great magician Harry Houdini, who would have celebrated his 137th birthday today.

Auto Collection: Garvey Sweet Spot

Oh, I loved Upper Deck Sweet Spot autograph cards. They were such a brilliant concept. Put autographed pieces of an actual Baseball in a card. Here is my 2002 Sweet Spot autograph card of Steve Garvey.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Oh, Man! I Forgot About That Auction!

The perils of being a collector means missing out an an item you really wanted to add to your collection. We've all done it, and as a collector we never forget about it. Heck, the Buyers regret of not buying something can be just as strong as the regret we face when overpaying for an item. Recently, I lost out on an auction that has me kicking myself in the rear end.

It wasn't that it was a good deal. It wasn't, it closed within a price range I though was appropriate- maybe a little high considering the condition. It's just that, as Jackie Robinson collector, it would have been a nice complement to what I already have.

Recently closed is the below circa 1950's leather pencil case featuring a cartoon drawing of Jackie Robinson. Even better, the artwork was done by noted cartoonist Willard Mullin. It closed for $161.49. Several years ago I had picked up a leather keychain that must have come with the below pencil case when originally sold in stores. If I'm not mistaken, a leather wallet also exist.

2011 Heritage: Some Other Dodger Inserts

I'm enjoying the Dodger love within 2011 Topps Heritage product. From the Koufax auto to Babe as a Dodger, this years Heritage set is looking like a big winner in my book. After the base set and a handful of inserts here are a bunch of other Dodger cards to wet your whistle.

A part of the News Flashbacks insert set, there are 2 Dodger themes cards; one featuring Jackie's induction into the Hall of Fame and the opening of Dodger Stadium.

NF-10 Jackie Robinson Inducted HOF

NF-6 1st Game in Dodger Stadium

This is a box topper featuring stamps of Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp.

Here are some of the Topps Stamp that can be found in packs.

Here is a Clubhouse Collections Relic Game-Used insert card.

CCR-CK Clayton Kershaw