Sunday Dodger Videos: Puig in the FanCave, Pronouncing Arruebarrena and Beckett's No-Hitter

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

The MLB FanCave did some bat flipping with Yasiel Puig while the Dodgers were in New York.

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Then, he visited the FanCave.

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ICYMI:  Here's a look at every out from Josh Beckett's no-hitter, yesterday.

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Carl Crawford, Justin Turner, Scott Van Slyke and Drew Butera try to pronounce their newest teammate's name - Erisbel Arruebarrena.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2013 - Dodgers Links - Ryu, Puig Destroyer and Derek Lowe Retires

Clayton Kershaw waves to the crowd in the pic above.  Photo via Dodgers tumblr.

• Jason Roche at LA Weekly speaks with Puig Destroyer.

"He's a freakish prospect that terrorizes opposing pitchers," Breckenridge says. "He's insanely raw and incredibly talented. He's got all of the tools but he doesn't know how to use all of the tools yet. He plays with a level of energy that is kind of reckless. It fits the style of music that we wanted to play."

• "Unsung First Half Hero: Hyun-jin Ryu," via Mike Petriello at Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness.
• Via Kevin Baxter at the LA Times, "Puig changed clubhouse, but Ramirez changed Dodgers' fortunes".
• Howard Cole at LA Weekly writes, "Meet Aaron Roberts, Dodgers' Representative in the MLB Fan Cave".
• Via Tim Dierkes at MLB Trade Rumors, former Dodger pitcher Derek Lowe has retired.
• Chris Olds at Beckett just released details of their promotional "Beckett Cover Cards" that will be given out at The National, and it includes a mystery card #11.  I'd be willing to bet it will be of Yasiel Puig; considering he's on the cover of their most recent Baseball Beckett guide.
• When politics and Baseball collide.  Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest tells us of a new discovery that was uncovered by former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu.  There are 2 versions of the 1990 George Bush Topps Baseball card.
• Paul Lucas at Uni Watch tells us how to re-lace a Baseball glove.
• I know there isn't a ESPY for "Best Team Mascot", but there should be.  A lion can dream can't he?

Hey @CozmoLAGalaxy look what I won.   @ESPYS for best mascot! pic.twitter.com/PtuMYMA8wZ
— Bailey LA Kings (@BaileyLAKings) July 17, 2013

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A Blue Heaven Chat with Aaron in the MLB FanCave About Yasiel Puig's Visit on Monday

With the Dodgers in New York for a historic match-up against the Yankees, Yasiel Puig decided to take in his day off (Monday) in the big city at the MLB FanCave.  As you probably know, uber-Dodger fan Aaron Roberts resides there, and was on-hand to greet the growing legend.  Thankfully, he was kind enough to sit down with us and share the experience with Blue Heaven.  Check out his what he had to say below.

Q:  Thanks for taking some time to tell me about your day yesterday (Monday).  The buzz around Dodgertown is that the Cuban sensation, Yasiel Puig, visited the FanCave.  What were your initial feelings when you heard he would be coming by for a visit?

(twitter link: @MLBFanCave)

A:  We didn't find out until that morning. You can imagine my excitement waking up to that e-mail! Ha! I was going nuts. I couldn't wait. This guy is a legend in the making from my team, and I get to meet him. I was beyond pumped.

Q:  Tell me a bit about when he arrived.  What did you folks do?

A:  When he first arrived, I had the biggest smile on my face. I had seen him play before at Spring Training this year, but I was still shocked to see how big he was in person. The guy's hands are the size of my head. I was actually pretty nervous to meet him because I was wearing my Dodgers Puig shirt and didn't know if that would make him feel weird or be flattering. After the initial round of introductions, we took him around the Fan Cave and showed him all of the amazing things that we get to see and interact with on a daily basis. He was stoked to see everything and was incredibly energetic. We played ping pong, skee-ball, "MLB The Show," joked around and just generally had an awesome time. He's a super nice and funny guy who really likes being a Dodger. That was the part that really put a smile on my face. The fact that this kid likes and wants to be a Dodger.

Q:  I understand that Yasiel heard the first track to Puig Destroyer and remarked, "that's very good".  Was he rocking out to it?  I'd be surprised if he was familiar with grindcore at all.  Although, with that Mohawk he certainly has the punk look down.

A:  He was jamming to it! Ha! He's definitely got that "rebellious punk" side to him. It was awesome because he had never heard them before and was pumped when we told him that it was a band called "Puig Destroyer."

(twitter link: @MLBFanCave)

Q:  Hey, if Puig were to be in a metal band what instrument do you think he'd play?  How do you think Puig would do if a slam pit started up?

A:  Puig would definitely be either the lead singer who screams into the mic and pumps up the crowd or the drummer who uses a double kick drum and throws in a drum roll at every possible opportunity. And I pity anyone who would ever get into a pit with him! There would definitely be some broken bones that night. The guy is a beast!

Q:  I saw a few pics on twitter of Puig hanging out and noticed that he played some ping pong.  Was he any good?  Did you play him, and if so, who won?

(instagram link: aprilwhitzman)

A:  I did get to play ping pong with him! Definitely one of the many highlights I have while being in the Fan Cave. He was really good too. I fancy myself a fine pong player, but I've got to say that he bested me. It was close, though. We played to five and he beat me 5-to-4. I was a little scared he was going to hit a rocket and my paddle would shatter! Ha ha!

Q:  I also saw him with that huge bat.  Does he plan on taking that out to Yankee Stadium today?

(twitter link @MLBFanCave)

A:  That bat that he was holding is awesome. It's a fixture of the Fan Cave and all the sluggers that come by pick it up. So naturally, Puig went right to it. I'm pretty sure if he used that thing at Yankee Stadium, he'd hit the ball out of Dodger Stadium (get it!? Because it's across the country? I'm so funny!).

Q:  Thanks again for being such a great Dodger FanCave rep.

A:  No, thank you for supporting me and following the MLB Fan Cave! This has seriously been the most amazing experience of my life and I appreciate the questions!

I can't tell you how envious I am of Aaron.  He is immersed in nothing but Baseball and has an opportunity to meet some of the best Baseball players around.  If you're interested in watching a video of Puig's day in the FanCave check out the video they provided below.  It's great.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2013 - Dodger Links - Urias, Puig and a 5th Grade Dodger fan stuck in Giants Country Stands Tall

Check out Yasiel Puig in the MLB FanCave, pic via twitter @YasielpuigPuig.

• Jason Parks at Baseball Prospectus provides a brief look at Dodgers 16-year old prospect Julio Urias.

Listed at 5’11’’, the southpaw is actually closer to 6’1’’, with a projectable frame and a present fastball that routinely touches 95 mph on the gun. From an easy, repeatable delivery, Urias works 91-93 with the heater and has two secondary pitches that he can drop for strikes in any situation. While it’s easy to get excited about a would-be high school sophomore pitching in a full-season league, the real excitement comes from the reality that Urias is a very legit talent on the fast track to prospect fame.

• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Young Dodgers fan ‘stands tall’ against Giants-loving classmates in fifth-grade graduation speech".  This is just awesome! You must watch the video!
• Eric Rodriguez at The Sports Quotient writes, "Delving Into Yasiel Puig’s Unbelievable Debut Week".
• Via Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated, "Yankees and Dodgers give rare spice back to interleague play".
• Ben Reiter at Sports Illustrated writes, "A scout's take on game's big mystery: how to get Yasiel Puig out".

"You've got to go in on him, go in on those hands because big strong guys want to get their arms away from them," says the scout, who was granted anonymity by SI.com so that he could speak freely. "That's where you have to start. He's got to prove to me he can handle that ball. He kind of leans over the plate, maybe you can straighten him up a bit." 

• Gwen Knapp at Sports on Earth writes, "Puig: A Hollywood-style Rookie".

Look into the 22-year-old Puig's future, and you'll see hallucinations. You'll imagine a latter-day Willie Mays, maybe start constructing a Cooperstown plaque from just 13 games in a Dodgers uniform. You'll know it's absurd, but the brain just goes there, on autopilot at the sight of him. Until Puig arrived, it didn't seem possible that an outsider would pity L.A., with its pricey roster sundered by injuries. But the city's joy over him seemed hard-earned, a form of restitution.

• Jon Weisman is back at Dodger Thoughts and shares a interview with Alex Belth of Bronx Banter.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Is an Andre Ethier trade inevitable?".
• Holy Moly!  Gellman at Sportscards Uncensored writes about the Puig effect on the rising prices of 2013 Bowman Baseball cards.  Wow!  Puig really is selling for some unbelievable prices.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2013

Check out the winning photo for the MLB FanCave Dodgers photo contest taken by Despina Kritiko above.  She got a free trip to NYC to the MLBFanCave.  Here is a pic with her there.  Pic provided by twitter @Dodgers.

• Jon Heyman at CBS Sports sits down with Stan Kasten.

 “If we hang on,'' he declared at one point, “we can still have a good season.''

• Via Paul Casella at MLB.com, "(Charley) Steiner living a dream as Dodgers voice."

"This is all I ever wanted to be when I grew up. I grew up in New York, the first game I ever went to was at Ebbets Field, the first voice I listened to and wanted to emulate was Vin Scully," said Steiner, who stopped by the MLB.com headquarters to field questions from fans via social media and a live video stream inside the Edward Jones Chatting Cage. "I always wanted to be the Dodgers' announcer, but then they moved when I was 8 years old and my childhood dreams were dashed.

• It nice to get two wins in a row.  One more and we got a streak!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Mark Ellis Powers Dodgers to 7-2 Win over Mets."
• "Carl Crawford: 'I don't think I smiled' in two years in Boston," via Paul White at USA Today.

"It's been awhile since I had this feeling, no doubt," he says. "Since 2010 with the Rays. It feels good just to feel like my old self again. I'm enjoying every day of it, I'll tell you that."

• Via Phil Wallace at LA Observed,

"With nearly three weeks of the season gone by, I'm convinced that the Dodgers should trade manager Don Mattingly to the Angels for manager Mike Scioscia."

• Via Kim Tong-hyung at the Korea Times, "It's Up to Ryu." 

So the once-mighty Dodgers rotation is suddenly reduced to Kershaw and a number of unproven options. It’s critical for the team that Ryu steps up to the occasion because Boston Red Sox wash-up Josh Beckett and ailing veteran Ted Lilly can’t be described as reliable.

• How rough has our pitching woes been?  Well, Ken Gurnick at MLB.com writes, "Dodgers to Us Eight Starting Pitchers in First 20 Games."

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A FanCave Interview with Dodger Fan, Aaron Roberts

Back in February I ran a series of interviews featuring the three Dodger representatives vying for a chance to reside in the MLB FanCave home in New York City during the 2013 season.  By all accounts, the FanCave is an opportunity to have the kind of job most of us dreamed of as a child.  Participants would spend all day watching, talking and expressing their love for the game.  Better yet, you didn't have to feign impartiality like a reporter sitting in a press box.  Instead, you were expected to be partisan... loud, proud and partisan.

As the initial contest went on they whittled the contestants down to 9, and one Dodger fan made the cut.  His name is Aaron Roberts from Huntington Beach, and he was kind enough to provide another interview for Dodger Blue Heaven readers.  Check out what he said below.  If you want to check out my previous interview with him go here.

Also, since we are on the subject of the FanCave, I thought I would pass along a note about a FanCave contest that you can win.  Right now, the Dodgers and MLB will give one lucky Dodger fan a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City on April 23-24 while the Dodgers are in town! The winner will get a VIP experience, including a visit to the MLB Fan Cave, exclusive access to a Dodgers game at Citi Field and more! Go here for more details.  All you have to do is post a photo on Instagram using #AWholeNewBlue that shows why YOU are the ultimate Dodgers fan!

(twitter link)

Anyway, my interview with Aaron is below:

(twitter link)

Q: Hey, Aaron!  Congratulations on making it to the MLB FanCave.  I can’t tell you how great it is to see a True Blue Dodger fan representing us in New York.  It’s even better knowing that the Giants got shut out.  Unfortunately, other than Kershaw, the Dodgers couldn’t quite do the same on the field during the first series.  That being said, do you have any encouraging words for Dodgers’ fans as we cross our fingers and hope that they can right the ship?

A: I don’t think any encouragement is needed. Dodgers fans are some of the toughest and most faithful in all of Baseball. It’s definitely not time to panic yet. Our pitching was great and our hitting was also very good. I know people will disagree with me on that but Kemp and Adrian were both hitting the ball on the screws. Unfortunately they hit them directly to someone but those balls will start to drop and we’ll get those base runners in. If there are any Blue Bloods out there that are starting to worry, remember It’s only 3 games into the season and we won one of them. Being 1 and 2 is a lot better than being 0 and 3 and as much as it absolutely pains me to use this reference, the Giants started out 0 and 3 last season and we all saw what happened in October. So keep the Faith Dodgers fans, big things are coming.

Congrats Aaron Roberts - You're in the FanCave!

I wanted to extend a Blue Heaven congratulations to Aaron Roberts for being chosen to be one of the final 9 participants in the 2013 MLB FanCave. 

(twitter link)

I expect that you'll represent us as best you can.  In fact, you better give it your all! 

Check out a recent interview I had with Aaron, or is it Tom, Roberts last month, here.  In it, he makes a promise that I absolutely expect him to keep.

Here is an extra question for you.  Will you promise to wear the Dodger cape in cave, if you were to make it, as often as possible (meaning, all of the time)?

ABSOLUTELY! Not only am I a Baseball fanatic, I'm also a huge Comic Book Nerd. The Cape is an integral part of my video, campaign, and me. Wearing a cape is right up my alley!

Check out the other participants below.  Go to the MLB FanCave here.

(pic link)

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2013

Happy Valentines day, Dodger fans!  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Ken Rosenthal at Fox writes a great piece on Zack Greinke- the Baseball Junkie.
• Terence Moore at MLB.com tells us that according to Lasorda's gospel, pennants are won in the Spring.

"Spring Training is where you develop every aspect of the game. You develop unity. You develop hard work. You develop self-confidence. You've got to make them believe they'll finish No. 1.

"You win the pennant in Spring Training."

• Michael Barr at RotoGraphs takes a look at the Dodgers outfield depth.
• Mike Piazza blames Vin Scully for turning the fans against him?  Wha....?  Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times.  I think his ire is misplaced.  He should be angry at News Corp./Fox Sports.  They traded him to gain favor with Florida in order to get a television deal done, then leaked BS rumors to cover their tracks.  Remember, Piazza's trade had nothing to do with his contract demands.  Instead, it had everything to do with non-Baseball field related business.
• Piazza is all over the news lately, eh?  Anyway, he recently spoke with Jay Mohr at AM570 about the steroid issue.  Listen to it here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, writes about the Capuano and Harang starting pitching situation.
• Check out a bunch of photos from Spring Training from Naver.com.  And as always, Jon SooHoo puts up his photos from yesterday, here.
• The FanCave contestants have been whittled down to 30, and 2 of the Dodger fans in the running made it through.  Congratulations to Jeremy Dorn and Thomas Roberts.  Check out my interviews with both of them by clicking their names above.
• Isai Rocha at Dodgers Nation tells us the 5 things that won't be missed in 2013.  I wholeheartedly agree with this list.
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA speaks with Justin Sellers about his recent arrest.  

"It was a big misunderstanding. There was not a helicopter, nothing like that. There were no pedestrians in the area. They did me wrong. It was horrible. I felt, man, this was not good," Sellers said. "There are bigger crimes out there then messing with me on a dirt bike."

•  Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA informs us that they will be using a humidor in Albuquerque.

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MLB FanCave Contestant Interview with Mark Fabrick

This is my final post focused on the 2013 MLB FanCave.  As many of you already know, the MLB FanCave is back for a second season.  Currently, there are 52 Baseball fan contestants remaining, and out of that number there are 3 verified Dodger fans vying for a chance to immerse themselves into the game.  They will eventually whittle it down to a final 9 with the help of fans like you.  Go here to see them all.  Voting ends next week.

Since I am fanatically pro-Dodger, I thought it would be interesting to hear directly from those folks who want to represent us.  The other day, I shared an interview with FanCave contestant Thomas Aaron Roberts.  Check out that interview here.  Yesterday, I featured Jeremy Dorn.  See his interview here.  Today, I have up Mark Fabrick.  See his FanCave voting here.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mark.fabrick

Twitter: @MarkFabrick

Instagram: markfabrick

Contributing writer for dodgersnation.com

Above are his particulars, and below is my informal email interview provided in full.  I asked the same question to all three contestants; with exception of the last one.  So, on to the questions.

Why should this Dodger fan trust you to represent the Dodger faithful at MLB's FanCave?  What would you say are your Dodger fan bona fides?

I am a true blue Dodger fan, I know the roster in and out, I'm a L.A. native and have seen all of their great and not so great moments.  I know all of the teams key players through the years from Ramon Martinez to Raul Mondesi to Shawn Green to Kevin Brown to Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw.  I generally attend a dozen or so games a year, less this year having started grad school.  If there's a game, it is on, and if I'm at work or at class, you better believe I'm checking my phone for score updates.  I also write for DodgersNation.com so I'm always digging for stats to back up my articles.  My love of baseball coincides with my love of movies and TV so I bring kind of the perfect representation of Los Angeles to the Fan Cave.  Much like my video I've alway wanted to do a Wayne's World style talk show from my garage, the Fan Cave allows me to do that and more.  I'll will bring my passion and enthusiasm for Dodgers baseball to the Cave, as well as my affection for comedy and satire, and overall appreciation for all things pop culture.

MLB FanCave Contestant Interview with Jeremy Dorn

This is my second post focused on the 2013 MLB FanCave.  As many of you already know, the MLB FanCave is back for a second season.  Currently, there are 52 Baseball fan contestants remaining, and out of that number there are 3 verified Dodger fans vying for a chance to immerse themselves into the game.  They will eventually whittle it down to a final 9 with the help of fans like you.  Go here to see them all.  Voting ends next week.

Since I am fanatically pro-Dodger, I thought it would be interesting to hear directly from those folks who want to represent us.  Yesterday, I shared an interview with FanCave contestant Thomas Aaron Roberts.  Check out that interview here.  Tomorrow, I'll have up Mark Fabrick.  But, todays special feature interview is with Dodger fan Jeremy Dorn.  See his FanCave voting here.

Twitter: @Jamblinman
Facebook: JeremyDornMLBFanCave
Featured columnist at Bleacher Report: profile
Blog/Podcast: Three Up, Three Down

Above are his particulars, and below is my informal email interview provided in full.  I asked the same question to all three contestants; with exception of the last one (which was meant to be a little fun).  BTW, Jeremy has been extremely active on Reddit.  In fact, later this evening he will be doing a AMA 'Ask Me Anything'.  Go here to check that out.  Anyway, on to the questions.

So, Jeremy why should this Dodger fan trust you to represent the Dodger faithful at MLB's FanCave?  What would you say are your Dodger fan bona fides?

I have a unique back story as a Dodgers fan. My parents were both raised in Southern California and moved up to the San Francisco Bay Area before I was born. But my dad, being a diehard Dodgers fan, was not going to let his firstborn root for the rival Giants he had despised his whole life. So I've been born, raised, and am still living in the enemy's den -- Giants country. Because of that, I have a great perspective on the rivalry itself and have spent most of my baseball fan life explaining why the Dodgers trump the Giants, all while in a hostile environment. If I can survive 24 years here wearing Dodger Blue, I think I can be a great representative in the Fan Cave for this team. Despite the distance, I make multiple road trips down to L.A. to catch game

MLB FanCave Contestant Interview with Tom Roberts

As many of you already know, the MLB FanCave is back for a second season.  Currently, there are 52 Baseball fan contestants remaining, and out of that number there are 3 verified Dodger fans vying for a chance to immerse themselves into the game.  They will eventually whittle it down to a final 9 with the help of fans like you.  Go here to see them all.  Voting ends next week.

Since I am fanatically pro-Dodger, I thought it would be interesting to hear directly from those folks who want to represent us.  Thankfully, the contestants had the same thing in mind.  So, starting today til Friday, I will put up information about all 3 Dodger fans, and share some words they were kind enough to pass along.

First up is Huntington Beach native and super-Dodger-fan-man Thomas Aaron Roberts.  See his FanCave voting here.

Twitter: @BertsBall
Hashtag: #CapeInTheCave
Facebook: BertsBall
Blog:  BertsBall

Above are his particulars, and below is my informal email interview provided in full.  I asked the same question to all three contestants; with exception of the last one (which was meant to be a little fun).

Why should this Dodger fan trust you to represent the Dodger faithful at MLB's FanCave?  What would you say are your Dodger fan bona fides?

I would love to have the support of Dodger fans everywhere. I'm a True Blue believer when it comes to the Dodgers and truly feel that there isn't a bigger fan of the Boys in Blue than me. I know the players, the stats, the traditions and the history. But most of all, I know the game itself. Every March, I drive to Arizona to watch 4 Dodger Spring Training games and get a taste of the upcoming season. I write for two blogs about the Dodgers and also have my own blog chronicling my thoughts on the Dodgers. I bleed blue and will represent the Dodgers with passion, knowledge, personality, respect and excitement. I've had dinner with Tommy Lasorda, met Steve Garvey at the Hall of Fame, been blown off by Kirk Gibson, retweeted by Jerry Hairston Jr., written articles about Vin Scully, and drank beer with Jerry Sands (former Dodger top prospect) Baseball is my heart and the Dodgers are my blood.