Game 7 - Go Kings Go!

Oh, Boy! 

Tonight's Game 7 is going to be a doozy.

There are all kinds of predictions around the 'net, so I'm not going to bore you with mine.  Besides, I'm sure you know were my allegiance is.  All I will do is say that you'd better be sure to hold on tight 'cause this game is gonna be like a 'coaster riding the rails on the tips of its wheels.  It'll be bouncin' and jivin', skippin' and runnin', screamin' and hollerin' like a wild dog lost in a fire strewn desert oasis. 

I will, once again, be visiting the Anaheim hole called The Pond.  I'll be screaming loudly, and chanting obnoxiously with several thousand of my closest Kings-clad friends. 

If I seem unusually amped it's because my emotions the past couple of weeks has been tied up in knots.  All I can think about is playoff hockey, and how badly I want to see victory.

To help you feel what I feel, check out the video below.  BTW, the puck drops at 6:00 PM tonight, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2014 - Dodger Links - A Huge Hanley Contract, Greinke's Approach and a Sneak Peek at Some Dodger Bobbleheads

There had been an online campaign for fans to vote for their favorite Dodger t-shirt to be given away at Dodger Stadium on May 29th.  The winning t-shirt is above, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS, "Dodgers love Hanley and are talking about big deal, but work remains."

Ramirez, eligible for free agency after this season, is seeking a contract in excess of $100 million, and probably well north of that figure. While no exact numbers have gotten out, it is thought that he is actually seeking something in excess of $130 million. 

• Via Tim Brown at Yahoo Sports, "How Zack Greinke changed his approach to protect his elbow."

Greinke, being Greinke, was perhaps just self-aware enough to change. He still throws plenty of sliders, but hopes to cap them at 15, maybe 20, per start, thereby balancing his desire to win with the hope to pitch again in five days. Perhaps the ulnar collateral ligament goes a thread at a time, he doesn't really know, but if so, he was going to budget his threads, and not pitch straight through his elbow by the time he was 30 and then be no good to himself or his team for a year.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers who missed Australia are hitting their marks."

"If I had gone, Australia would have been a mess for me," Greinke said. "Technically, I would have had enough starts to be ready to open the season. But it would have been very tough. Staying back helped me catch up with the workouts."

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA notes that, "David Price is coming to L.A."  He'll be at the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton on Saturday.
• Here is an early peek at the Tommy Lasorda (June 14th) and Hello Kitty (June 3rd) bobbleheads the Dodgers are giving out next month.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Donation Drive Tonight at Dodger Stadium

Meet our newest reliever, Drew Butera.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) are leading an online donation effort now through May 19 and a collection of items at Dodger Stadium Thursday, May 15 in support of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. The Mission experienced a devastating fire earlier this month. Damage sustained included the destruction of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter, vehicle fleet, clothing warehouse and food pantry which were vital in aiding those of need in the San Fernando Valley. The Dodgers and LADF invite fans to donate monetary gifts now by visiting www.dodgers.com/ladf. All donations received this week will go directly to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. Fans are also invited to drive through Dodger Stadium Thursday, May 15 from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Lot 1 to drop off donations.
• Via Jen Heger at Rador Online, "Poor Sports? DirectTV Customers Upset About Increase In Sports Channel Fee, Despite Not Offering Dodger Channel."

However, another customer we talked to put the situation in perspective, “So in one breath, DirectTV is saying they don’t want to pass along added costs to us, but increased the regional sports fee and still aren’t offering the Dodgers!

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, " Has Dee Gordon made Alex Guerrero a $28-million problem?"
• Dodger Penguin shares his day at Dodger Stadium.  He received a Mickey Hatcher autograph and a Puig Bobblehead.
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, " Hearing postponed in lawsuit against Dodgers' Yasiel Puig."  As Puig's attorney moves to have the lawsuit dismissed, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Via Earl Bloom and Alyson Footer at MLB.com, "Catcher Butera takes mound for Dodgers."

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Welcome Back, AJ!

The captain behind the dish is back.  There were various reports this afternoon indicating that AJ Ellis was at Dodger Stadium readying for this evenings game.  Now we hear that the speculation is true.

AJ Ellis has returned to the Dodgers after undergoing knee surgery just over a month ago.  That's a heck of a turnaround, don't ya know. 

Furthermore, he has been inserted into tonight's Dodger lineup.

In celebration of AJ's return I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo grabbed from twitter from Cindy Ellis and the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Via a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today reinstated catcher A.J. Ellis from the 15-day disabled list and optioned catcher Miguel Olivo to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Ellis has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 6 after undergoing left knee surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on April 8. The seven-year Major League veteran appeared in the Dodgers’ first seven games of the season and played in two rehab games for Triple-A Albuquerque, batting .400 (2-for-5) with a homer, two RBI and a walk, last playing on Monday at El Paso (San Diego).

Olivo appeared in eight games for Los Angeles, batting .217 (5-for-23) with two RBI.

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Go Kings Go!

I thought it would be about time to put together a post for the Kings. 

You haven't heard from me about them since they climbed Shark Mountain and conquered the ravenous beast of the sea. 

They had fought and persevered to come back from a 3 to 0 deficit. Now, they find themselves at another crossroads.  They are down 3 games to 2 to the Ducks down south, and find themselves at another do or die situation.

Will the Kings muster up the will (and enough goals) to force a Game 7?  Only time will tell.

What I do know is that I believe they have the ability to get the job done.  I believe that they have yet to play their best game.  And, I believe we'll get their best game tonight.

The game starts at 6:30 this evening, and I'll be there with my voice ready to go coarse - either that or I'll be coarse, depending on the outcome. 

The Kings are not expected to make any dramatic changes to their lineup; although there have been reports of a possible defensive change.  Frankly, I don't think it would be wise to use a younger blueliner or the hobbled Mitchell. 

All the Kings have to do is stick to their game.  They were the best defensive team in the league this past season, so they need to continue playing their brand of tough-checking, corner-grinding, puck-cycling and crease-clearing hockey that they are best known for.  Forget trying to skate with the Ducks.  Instead, they need to stymie them, and make them pay for coming into the slot.

Below is a good pregame preview put together by the NHL.  Take a look.

Video Link:

And, here is an excellent playoff series montage to get your heart racing.

Video Link:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

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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Apparently, Mickey Hatcher is appearing this is signing at a Tilted Kilt in the City of Orange on Friday and Paul LoDuca is signing in Whitter on Sunday.  I don't have much information on them, but Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy does.  Go here for that: Mickey Hatcher & Paul LoDuca.

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Famed boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. will be signing autographed at Harry's Dugout in Whittier this coming Sunday.  Go here for more information.

Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Boulevard
Whittier, CA

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