Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Blog Kiosk: 5/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Justin Marks, Wood, Urias and Austin Barnes


Austin Barnes was more than happy to take a celebration on-field bath after last nights game. As you surely know, Barnes came off the bench in the 10th inning of a 3-3 tie to drive in pinch-runner Ross Stripling for the wining run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“You have to be ready to hit right away,” Barnes said in that situation. “Giving away strikes, taking at-bats like you would if you were starting, it’s a little tough. It’s one AB, so being ready to hit everything in the strike zone is kind of important.”
On another note, Julio Urias was a beast. He had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning, but left the game soon thereafter with a no-decision. Overall, he recorded five strike outs, issued two walks, gave up only a double to McCutchen on 95 pitches. Per Ken Gurnick and Steve Dilbeck at MLB.com:
"Very efficient," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle of Urias. "He kept his fastball velocity up all night. His changeup is a very effective pitch, and he threw it on both sides of the plate. Impressive."
The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Don Newcombe threw a complete game shutout against the Cubs while facing the minimum of 27 batters. He allowed just one hit, to second baseman Gene Baker, who would subsequently be caught stealing. In 1966 the Dodgers sent 1955 World Series hero Johnny Podres to the Tigers as part of an conditional deal. In 1968 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ken Boyer. At the age of 37 the aging All-Star would slash .271/.317/.403/.720 with 60 hits, six home runs and 41 RBI's that season. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda managed his 3,000th major league game. It was against the Cardinals, and the Dodgers defeated them in twelve innings, 3-2. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Óscar Robles. He would go on to have a good season in Blue; slashing .272/.332/.368/.700 with 99 hits, five homers and 34 RBI's.
  • Happy Birthday, Bill Davidson, Jim Hickman & John Cummings!
  • Video: Dave Roberts speaks to the media about beating the Pirates in extra innings, Julio Urias' performance and Andrew Toles' injury. (video link
  • Video: Austin Barnes speaks to Alanna Rizzo after a pinch-hit walk-off to lead the Dodgers to a victory against Pirates in extra innings. (video link)
  • Video: Yasiel Puig joins Intentional Talk for the first time to show off his dance moves and break some bad news to Kevin Millar about his "humor". (video link)
  • Via Bob Timmerman at LA Observed; "Tracking the distant signals of the Dodgers."
The biggest difference between being a Dodgers fan now and one from just five years ago is intensity. When I could easily see the Dodgers on TV, I would be thinking about the team a lot. I would be very much invested in the daily ups and downs of the team. I would block out time at home to make sure to watch a game. Now, the Dodgers are something I can just check in on to see how they're doing without investing as much mental energy. 
And so, for the first time in a Dodger uniform, Alex Wood looks like the guy Atlanta had at the beginning of his career. He’s mixing a mid-90s fastball with a mid-80s curve and a high-80s change-up, and getting both whiffs and groundballs with all three pitches.
  • This is just more of the same. The Dodgers just continue to build depth. ICYMI, the Dodgers claimed left-handed pitcher Justin Marks from the Tampa Bay Rays and sent him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Per a Dodgers press release:
    Marks, 29, appeared in one game for the Rays this season (1 ER/1.1 IP) after having his contract selected by the club on May 5 from Triple-A Durham. In nine games (one start) with the Durham Bulls this year, he has gone 4-1 with a 4.60 ERA (8 ER/15.2 IP) and has held hitters to a .182 average (10-for-55).

    The Owensboro, KY, native has posted a 3.65 ERA (5 ER/12.1 IP) in six career big league games with Kansas City (2014) and Tampa Bay (2016-17), while going 44-66 with a 4.56 ERA in 185 games (134 starts) in nine minor league seasons in the Athletics’ (2009-10, ‘14), Royals’ (2011-14), Rangers’ (2014), Diamondbacks’ (2015) and Rays’ (2016-17) organizations. Marks was originally selected by the Athletics in the third round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Louisville.
  • Wow! Per Zach Braziller at the NY Post; "Paul Lo Duca: The time a Dodgers security guard nearly ODed on greenies."
One of the team’s security guards face had turned beat-red. He had drank a full cup of the Dodgers’ loaded coffee — full of amphetamines, also known as “greenies.” Most players would take a shot of the coffee to get going. The security guard was unaware it was filled with drugs.
Bailey, 79, has spent a lifetime swinging a bat, first at Advance High School, then with the American Legion and Pfeiffer University, and, to put the cherry on top, seven seasons as a minor leaguer for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    • The 10th mystery Dodger bobblehead will be of Julio Urias.


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