Know Our New Reliever - Chris Hatcher did a Q&A on Twitter

Chris Hatcher, our newest right-handed reliever (via a trade with the Marlins) was travelling with some Miami teammates in southwest Asia when he found out about being traded to the Dodgers.  He was with first baseman Justin Bour and announcer Preston Wilson on a Troop Tour and shared some of his adventures on twitter.  You can follow him here: @handlebars41.

While heading back home this past weekend, Hatcher had some downtime between flights so he took to twitter to see if there were any fans interested in a Q&A.  Unsurprisingly, he was flooded with questions.  Below is a small collection of his responses.

Aight tweeps, I've got about 30 min to kill before this flight. I'll do a Q&A if you've got something for me real quick
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Hatcher understands how it's done.  All new Dodgers' must sing the praises of Vin Scully. 

It's not pandering.  It's just the truth.

@JohnnyLauro14 being an east coast guy, never really followed. Assuming u meant all time, so I'll go Scully
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Chris Hatcher has a nice beard, as well.

@sportsbud23 watching kershaw pitch is a work of art. And vanslykes beard.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

I think Hatcher just threw the first stone.  As you know, both Hatcher and Dodger closer Kenley Jansen started out their professional careers as a catcher, so I imagine there will be some healthy discussion about who was better.  We might have the makings of a bullpen rivalry here. 

@coleslawtho haha. I've caught in the big leagues.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Ever gracious and humble.  I think I'm liking this guy more and more.

@edontes15 shaking the hands of soldiers in their own turf
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Again with the beard.

@Keelime_ @DoriMarlin no. My beard has no endorsements. I just dislike shaving.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

And here's my stupid question.  If you don't already know, I posted up a story over the weekend about how Yasiel Puig eats sushi with ketchup.  Gross!  Check that out here. 

@ernestreyes NAY
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Thanks, Chris. 

Aight tweeps, I've enjoyed it. Get back to it after these 20 hours of flying.
— Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) December 13, 2014

Pic at the very top via Chris Hatcher on twitter.

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2014 Bowman Draft Baseball - The Dodger Insert Cards

After taking a look at the Dodger Base cards in Topps 2014 Bowman Draft Baseball set on Friday, let's now check out all of the insert cards below.  Go here to see all my previous post on this set.  Tomorrow I'll have pics of the autograph and relic cards.

Of note, the very first card of Dodger starting pitching prospect Jose De Leon is available in this set.  He was recently named to the Pioneer League All-Star Team and recently wowed scouts in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

1989 Bowman is Back Silver Diamond Refractor

#89BIB-CS Corey Seager                        #89BIB-JU Julio Urias

Blog Kiosk: 12/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kemp Physical Tuesday, Brandon McCarthy and Jay-Z to Buy Dodgers?

There's no better way to get over the doldrums of a dreary winter than to gaze upon a vintage Spring Training press photo.  Featured above is an April 1948 International Press Photo of Leo Durocher providing some instruction on the mound.  You can check this out on eBay, here.

Below are some links to check out:

• Sy Berger, a former executive at Topps and the Father of the Modern Baseball Card, died on Sunday.  RIP, Sy Berger.  Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily has a collection of stories about him, here.  Check out Night Owl Cards writeup here. 
• I hope you get a laugh out of this one.  Via Abe Abrams at Empire News, "Jay-Z Buys LA Dodgers, Plans On Moving Them Back To Brooklyn For 2015 Season."

“It all came together beautifully,” said Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter. ”I already own Washington Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Dodger Stadium suffered just enough damage in a minor November earthquake to make it unsafe, and the Dodgers were a steal at just $2 billion. Washington Park is a little small, but it will be a nice intimate setting until I can build something bigger. I’m going to have my babygirl Beyonce sing the National Anthem on opening day! Hell I may have her sing it every time we’re there. The Brooklyn Dodgers are back home where they belong, it’s a beautiful thing!” 

• Via Matthew Moreno at Dodger Nation, "Yasiel Puig Makes Cousin Jump In Pool After FIFA Loss (VIDEOS)."
• There's no better way to endear yourself to Dodger fans than this.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Brandon McCarthy loves Vin Scully."
• Via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair, "Brandon McCarthy is Nice Addition to Dodger Rotation."
• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "A look back at the 2014 Arizona League Dodgers."
• Deal closing soon?  Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter:

Source: Kemp will take his physical with #Padres on Tuesday. The two teams have until Thursday to complete the deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2014

• David's Autograph Signing shares his day at the, "2nd Annual Barnyard Wiffleball Invitational 12-14-14" in Anaheim. Several ballplayers were there in support the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation; including Justin Turner.
• So this happened.  Domingo Ayala made it to the Winter Meetings in San Diego and has a video report to prove it.  He was seeking a "Big Tyne" contract to play ball.  Follow him as he searches for agents, tries to get TV time, and looks for the perfect deal.  I wonder if he got the huge signing bonus he was seeking.

Video Link:

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Fan Fest is Coming! Date Set for January 31st

Even with all of the recent upheaval in the Dodgers roster, some not liked by fans, I'm sure most everybody remains excited about Fan Fest.  It has become an highly anticipated annual tradition at Dodger Stadium as it helps usher in the new season. There are games for kids, Dodger Dogs for all and autograph sessions with your favorite players.

So, it is with much joy that I let you all know that it appears a date has been set for next seasons Fan Fest. It'll be on Saturday, January 31, 2015.  Check out the Dodger website for more information.  (A Hat Tip to Blue Heaven reader Osmar for the heads up)

There are scant details about the event right now, but I think it's fair to assume that it'll be similar to last year.  There should be plenty of activities for kids; including face painting, carnival rides and games.  Dodger apparel will be for sale and a stage will be set up for interviews with your favorite Dodger players.  Best yet, there should be another autograph session.  Hopefully, they run it like last year.  You were able to purchase autograph tickets online with all proceeds going to the Dodgers Foundation.

On a side note, I hope the Dodgers bring back the vintage museum filled with memorabilia and collectibles.  Noted collector and owner of the Sports Museum of Los Angels, Gary Cypres, brought out a bunch of his stuff to show to fans a couple of years back.  Unfortunately, it was absent last year.

Take a look back at my past post of this event below.  There are plenty of photos to look through.

• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

Here is a video from last years Fan Fest.

Video Link:

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Howie Kendrick, Stan Kasten and Drysdale on 'You Bet Your Life'

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.  First, though, watch SportsNet LA speak with Howie Kendrick about being traded to the Dodgers, here.

Then, listen to Stan Kasten speak about Kendrick.

Video Link:

Think Blue Review: 12/13/14 - TBR goes inside the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.

Video Link:

Now, here is something fun.  Watch 'You Bet Your Life' with Don Drysdale.  Groucho Marx is the host.

Video Link:

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Adrian Gonzalez Spills the Beans - Says Puig Doesn't Eat Right

Gag me with a spoon!

A part of me is dry-heaving at the thought of it.

A few days ago TMZ caught up with Dodger slugger Adrian Gonzalez, with daughter in tow, to ask him an all important question.  What is the weirdest locker room superstition he's ever seen?

Well, Adrian provides a weird answer... not exactly a direct answer to the question, mind you... But a weird one nonetheless.

Adrian lets us know about a strange eating habit that would surely horrify any foodie. 

He claims that Yasiel Puig eats sushi with ketchup... KETCHUP!

Video Link:

Ya know, I love ketchup and I can just about put it on anything... But on sushi?  That's a whole new different level of culinary failure. Next thing you'll tell me is that Puig puts ketchup on those steaks he loves to eat every morning.  Oh wait, that's not that bad, actually.

I can't even imagine trying ketchup on sushi.  I don't think I could ever try it.  How 'bout you?

Pic at the very top via Feel Good Eating.

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