Welcome to the Blue, Turner Ward!

With Mark McGwire moving down to the southern pastures of San Diego the Dodgers found themselves in need of a new hitting coach. Apparently, they have located their man.  Via a tweet from Buster Olney and an article by OC Register report Bill Plunkett, Turner Ward will now man the position. 

Sources: Turner Ward will be the Dodgers' new hitting coach.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 2, 2015

Ward was an twelve-year Major League veteran outfielder, the most recent hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks and an inductee to the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in Alabama.  He began his post playing career as a manager for an Pirates Class-A team.  Then, he managed the Mobile BayBears, the Diamondbacks Double-A club, in 2011 and eventually earned Southern League Manager of the Year honors.  In 2013 he became Arizona's assistant hitting coach and quickly transitioned to the head hitting coach position the following year.  In his second season as the Diamondback's hitting coach (2015) the team ranked second in runs and slugging percentage, third in batting average, on-base percentage and OPS.

He was only made available due to what appears to be an contract dispute with the club.  Via Craig Calcaterra at NBC Sports:

Ward was the Dbacks’ hitting coach for three years but left last month after a disagreement over the contract the club tendered him for 2016. Some have reported that Ward was lowballed by the Dbacks on his renewal.

Those of you with long memories will remember Ward as the fellow who got into a bit of a scrap with Dodger reliever JP Howell during a melee in 2013.  Zack Greinke had gotten hit with a pitch by Ian Kennedy, benches cleared and a raucous brawl ensued.  At one point, JP Howell and Turner Ward faced-off; with Ward getting the worst of it.  Howell was throwing right-handed upper-cut blows to Ward's midsection and eventually bent him over a railing.  Watch it below.

Howell vs Ward, 2013 pic.twitter.com/vPHMXa5UFv

— Vincent Samperio (@VinceSamperio) December 2, 2015

Yeah, that was one vicious scrap.  For his part in it he was ejected from the game, but not suspended.

In celebration of his hiring I made the above two fantasy cards of him.  On the left, the photograph by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports and I used the 1986 Topps Baseball card design.  On the right, the photograph is by 2015 USA TODAY Sports Images and I used the 2015 Topps Baseball card design. 

Below are his career statistics as a player, via Baseball-Reference:

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Blog Kiosk: 12/3/2015 - Dodger Links - McGwire, Rizzo and AJ Ellis the Hunk

Talk 'bout breakin' up the play.

Check out this fantastic vintage "United Press" press photo, dated August 28, 1956, of Cubs outfielder Pete Whisenant with an aggressive slide against Dodger second baseman Charlie Neal.  To use hockey parlance, it looks like Whisenant hip-checked Neal off the base.  Fortunately, the missed opportunity to get the extra out didn't lead to a run, but the Dodgers did lose the game, 4-3.  Photo above via an eBay auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• I'm a huge AJ Ellis fan, so this is welcomed news. Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Catcher A.J. Ellis will return to Dodgers in 2016."

They retained one of the most popular players in the clubhouse, agreeing to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with catcher A.J. Ellis on Wednesday.

• BTW, AJ Ellis isn't just a catcher and positive clubhouse presence.  He is also a reality tv actor.  Via Robin Reed at Yahoo TV, "Dodger A.J. Ellis Makes House Call to Lisa Vanderpump on ‘RHOBH’"  There's a video to gawk at, and plenty of material to make you smile.  The best line of all was:

"The LA Dodgers have sent over this gorgeous hunk.  AJ Ellis who, ya know, let me play with his balls... or practice, at least."

• Via Bernie Wilson at Yahoo Sports, "Padres manager Andy Green names McGwire bench coach."

''As a player I pretty much went through anything a player could ever wish upon as far as success, and all the failures,'' he said. ''You learn how to be a man through adversity and failure. The game is built on failure. I know how to bust through that. ... I'm ecstatic about this new role. It's a great challenge for me, moving up in the game.''

• Wow!  According to Erika Owen at Travel + Leisure, Dodger Stadium is the 5th most Instagrammed place in the world.
• SportsNet LA/Dodgers Broadcaster Alanna Rizzo is the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) “HOPE Rising” honoree at their 26th annual awards dinner tonight.  Adrian Gonzalez is expected to introduce her to the masses.  Go here for more information about this event.  Per a Dodger press release:

“I am truly honored to be receiving the HOPE Rising Award,” said Rizzo. “When an organization like HOPE, that for 26 years has been working to advance and amplify the voice of Latinas, notices your work and the impact it has on others, it only elevates my commitment to continue to work harder to open the doors for young Latinas that follow in my footsteps.”

• This is a head-scratcher.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers part ways with Juan Nicasio."

Nicasio led all Dodger relievers in 2015 in innings pitched, finishing the year with a 3.86 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings. He had a 2.92 ERA through August 30, before allowing nine runs in his final nine innings and ending up off the Dodgers’ playoff roster.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers reportedly hire Neil Rampe, Nate Lucero as new athletic trainers."

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Welcome to the Blue, Bob Geren!

Right on the heals of the Dave Roberts press conference we are getting word that the Dodgers have made another addition to the teams coaching staff.  Via Ken Rosenthal on twitter and seemingly confirmed everywhere, the Dodgers have hired Bob Geren to be the bench coach.

Sources: Bob Geren leaving #Mets to become #Dodgers’ bench coach.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2015

As you may recall, Geren was one of nine candidates interviewed by the front office for the manager position.  He had previously managed in the minors for the Red Sox and A's.  Then transitioned to a bench coach position with Oakland in 2003.  In 2007 he became the A's manager until his firing during the 2011 season.  That following year he joined the Mets organization as their bench coach until this past season.  It is notable that he worked with current Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi while with the A's.

As for style and tendencies, he is apparently strong in sabermetrics.  Via Beth Harris at the Washington Times:

“He has been invaluable for me,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “Statistically, he’s off the charts. … I think Bob would be a great candidate. I hope he gets it.”

Based on the above, I suppose he'll be tasked with passing along relevant numbers and analysis to Dave Roberts.  On the other hand, he might be lacking in other skills.  Via John Shea at the SF Gate, regarding his time as the Oakland A's manager:

Fuentes had cited Geren's "unorthodox managing" and said he was handled "pretty poorly," thanks to "zero" communication. Former A's reliever Huston Street took it a step further Tuesday by calling Geren the "least favorite person I have ever encountered in sports."

BTW, A's owner Lew Wolff had a different opinion, via John Shea at the SF Gate:

“I personally love the way he deals with everybody,” Wolff said. “It’s a long season. He’s had some long seasons. I love the guy. He’s a good teacher. I love everything about him. He’s a very solid person, and I like the way he deals with everything all year long. This is a hard job.”

I would suggest that the anecdotal stuff above should be taken with a grain of salt.  Bob Geren is capable and smart.  He has the ear of the Dodgers front office and has a background in statistical analysis that is clearly coveted.  Geren might be the perfect "yin" to the "yang" that Dave Roberts brings to the table.

In celebration of his hiring I made the above two fantasy cards of him.  On the left, the photograph was taken by Howard Simmons/New York Daily News and I used the 1971 Topps Baseball card design.  On the right, the photograph was taken by the AP and I used the 1982 Topps Baseball card design.

Below are his career statistics as a player and a manager, via Baseball-Reference:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Busy! - 14 Past, Current and Future Dodger Players

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.

This might be the busiest weekend for Dodger autographs ever!  Holy Moly!

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Dodger Stadium will again be hosting a holiday sale at the Top of the Park store and three former players will be there to sign autographs for you - FOR FREE!  Remember   Go here for more information.

Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                      Dennis Powell
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.                        Tim Leary
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.                          Eric Karros

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If you're up near Santa Maria on Friday I'd suggest checking this out.  For a $20 donation you can get an Steve Sax autograph at Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria.  Go here for information.

Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria
230 E Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455

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A ton of Dodgers will be at Frank & Sons on Saturday.  Go here or here for information.

• FREE Autograph available of Jim "Mudcat" Grant.  He will also be selling his book and selling a statue of himself.  ($30. paperback - $40. hardcover - autograph included) (Jim will also be selling a statue of himself @ $40.) Please note that free autographs for Mr. Grant are limited to as many as he can sign in one hour.  stage time:  9:30am - 10:30am 
• Don Newcombe stage time:  11:30am - 1:00pm  NOTE:  Mr. Newcombe will no longer sign bobbleheads and figurines 
• Todd Hollandsworth stage time:  12:30pm - 1:30pm 
• Steve Garvey stage time:  1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Danny Heep stage time:  12noon - 1:00pm
• "Sweet" Lou Johnson  stage time:  10:30am - 11:30am
• Tommy Davis stage time:  10:30am - 11:30am
• Paul LoDuca stage time:  1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Jerry Reuss.  He will also be selling his popular book "Bring in the Right Hander!" stage time:  11:00am - 12noon

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Ave
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Dodgers catching and infield prospect Austin Barnes will be signing at Bobblemania on Sunday.  Go here for information.
Bobblemania
2334 South Atlantic Boulevard, Suite A
Monterey Park, CA 91754

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Check Out Dave Roberts on the Tweet Seat

In between the press conference, photo shoot and countless number of interviews Dave Roberts took to social media for just a moment to interact with fans.  Typically known as the #TweetSeat, check out what fans wanted to know and what he had to say below.

(Tweet Link)

(Tweet Link)

(Tweet Link)

Blog Kiosk: 12/2/2015 - Dodger Links - Roberts, Kershaw and Puig

It's great to have you back, Dave!  Via Joey Nowak at MLB.com:

"To be able to put this hat and this jersey on again, it'll never be mistaken and forgotten, how impactful these people [have been] and the legacy they created," Roberts said. "I look at it as a responsibility to continue forward and do things the right way."

Photo above via @MLB on twitter.  You can check out more photo's from yesterday's press conference from Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider live blogged the Dave Roberts press conference.  Check it out here.  Below is an excerpt:

A word that I like, I like “grit.” I wasn’t a great baseball player, and so I had to do a lot of things and grind and try to create opportunities for myself. And I think grit is something I believe in — it’s an unrelenting passion and desire for a common goal.”

“I’m always trying to learn. I’m always trying to grow. I want to be the best that I can be. That’s kind of my goal for staff, for people in the organization, for players. I think if we can shoot for that, everything else takes care of itself.”

• Just to clear things up.  Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Kershaw never said those things about Puig:

Friedman denies Kershaw told him to trade Puig.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 1, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Impressive first interview gave Dave Roberts inside track to Dodgers manager job."

"After our first-round interview, it was like he had our answer key. He had all the answers we wanted to hear going through it," said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "It was incredibly impressive."

"We went into it with a completely open mind," general manager Farhan Zaidi said. "There's no way Dave walked out of that interview without thinking 'I totally nailed that,' because that's what we all thought."

• Via Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue, "Being Genuine Is Key To Connecting With Yasiel Puig, Says Adrian Gonzalez." 

“From my experience, Puig responds well to genuine people; when he understands there’s no agenda and people really just care for him,” Gonzalez said.

“I think that’s one reason why he’s really responded well to me. I told him from day one I don’t want anything from you. When I tell you something it’s for your own good. I’m not doing it because I’m trying to get something out of you or I’m trying to get something for myself.”

• This is good news.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Don Newcombe resting at home after fainting at Dodger Stadium press conference."
• Topps recently announced, via instagram, that a Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) of Bull Durham fame autographed card will be inserted into packs of 2016 Topps Archives.  Check it out on the right.
• Holy mackerel!  Are we about to have another reason to loudly boo Barry Bonds? Apparently, he will be a hitting coach for the Miami Marlins, via Mike Oz at Big League Stew.

The coaching hierarchy as it's been reported has Bonds as a second hitting coach alongside Frank Menechino, who has been with the Marlins since 2013. New Miami manager Don Mattingly and Menechino are said to be "all in" on the idea, according to Peter Gammons.

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