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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2012

Above is a 2012 Bowman Platinum "Purely Platinum Autographed " preview pic of the Clayton Kershaw card.  This is a "1 of 1" card that is made of an actual metal.  Pic via twitter @Topps.  There is also a MAtt Kemp version seeded in packs.  BTW, this set has recently been released, so I'll have pics of the Dodgers cards soon.
Bill Mastro, who owned the former business that once billed itself as the “world’s leading sports and Americana auction house,” together with Doug Allen and Mark Theotikos, both former executives of the company, were indicted on fraud charges for allegedly rigging auctions through a series of deceptive practices, including so-called “shill-bidding,” designed to inflate prices paid by bidders and to protect the interests of consignors and sellers at the expense of unwitting bidders.  Allen currently runs Legendary Auctions.
  • Dodgers prospect Tae-Hyeok Nam hit for the cycle for the Ogden Raptors. Nam was signed by the Dodgers out of high school in South Korea in 2009.
"He's been battling, trying to get his timing right," Raptors hitting coach Doug Mientkiewicz said. "Usually when he sits for a couple of nights, he gets back to what he normally does. Tonight was one of those nights where everything he hit fell; he picked it up big-time tonight. He's a big right-handed hitter with a lot of pop and we're trying to find a way to get him to be more consistent and get the barrel on the ball." 
  • Wow.  A minor league hockey team is planing to play all of their home games outdoors in Williamsport, PA at a minor league Baseball field.  Via Puck Daddy.
  • Thou Shall Not Bear False Witness, via Gizmodo.
  • Tim Yount at the Upper Deck blog recounts his own adventures in purchasing a tampered blaster box in a retail store.  Remember, when buying a box at Target or Walmart make sure the shrink wrap has the appropriate logo from the manufacturer on it.
  • I thought this was funny.  Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly speaks with reporters and says "I never really like the Dodgers," via 101ESPN.  It's at about the 1:50 mark.  By the way, I kinda hate the Cardinals, too.  Jack Clark can bite me!

Video Link:

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Bobble Belly and a Couple of Angels

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities 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.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

UPDATE:  It has just been announced by the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes that former Dodger Jay Johnstone will be signing free autographs for fans this coming Sunday.
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Get your Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Tremor Bobble Belly right here!

What's a bobble belly, you ask?  Beats me!  All I know is that its got to be hilarious.

This give-away will be on Friday, July 27 against the Lake Elsinore Storm. The first 1,500 fans through the gates of The Epicenter will get one.  Here is a link to the Quakes promotional schedule.

Then, on Sunday, July 29th the Quakes are hosting Dodger Fun in the SUN-Day.  They will be hosting a former Dodger player to sign free autographs before that afternoons game.  At this time the name of the Dodger player has yet to be announced.  I will be sure to update this post once I find out who it is.

UPDATEThey have just announced that Jay Johnstone will be at the game on Sunday to sign free autographs for fans.

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Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos will be signing free autographs at the Westfield West Covina mall.  Some details can be found here on the Angels community events website.  This event will happen on July 28th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Westfield West Covina
112 Plaza Drive
West Covina, CA 91790
(located at the lower level wing in front of playspace)

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Anaheim Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri will be signing autographs at the OC Dugout on Saturday, July 28th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Autographs are $30.00 each and inscriptions are an additional $10.00.  Pre-order details are here.
The OC Dugout 
1238 S. Beach Blvd. Ste. J 
Anaheim, California 92804

Welcome to the Blue, Hanley!!!


WooHoo!  I love this trade.

Sure, I liked Nathan Eovaldi and saw him as a potential bottom of the rotation starter in the future, but to get a bat like Hanley Ramirez makes losing him worth it.  Although Hanley has had a poor 2012 season, I think he is bound to come back to his mashing ways. (fingers crossed)

Welcome to the Blue, Hanley! 

Below are his lifetime stats, via Baseball Reference:


From the Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired three-time All-Star infielder Hanley Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga right-hander Scott McGough. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

"The addition of a hitter the caliber of Hanley Ramirez improves our lineup from top to bottom, inserting a proven run producer to go along with Matt and Andre," said Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. "We're excited for Hanley to begin a new chapter in Los Angeles."

Now, let's not forget the about other player coming over to the Dodgers.  Randy Choate is a veteran left handed reliever who should provide from needed help in the bullpen. 
Choate has a 2.49 ERA in 44 relief appearances with the Marlins in his 12th Major League season. The 36-year-old has limited opposing hitters to a .178 batting average this season, including a .150 mark by left-handed hitters. Choate has allowed just three extra-base hits while striking out 27 in 25.1 innings this season.

"Randy Choate is a veteran pitcher that provides depth to our bullpen and gives Don Mattingly another left-handed relief option," said Colletti.
Here are his career stats, via Baseball Reference: