Welcome Back to the Blue, Franklin Gutierrez!

This was something I didn't expect.  According to Manolo Hernandez on twitter, veteran outfielder and one-time Dodger prospect Franklin Gutierrez will be signing a one-year free agent contract with Los Angeles.  As you may know, Franklin had originally signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2000, then quickly became the teams top prospect, and was eventually traded to Cleveland in 2004 to get Milton Bradley. 

OF Franklin Gutiérrez is returning to his roots as he’s agreed to a deal with the @Dodgers: a very solid source to @beisbolporgotas.

— manolo hernandez d. (@beisbolporgotas) February 11, 2017

Welcome Back to the Blue, Chase Utley!

Some might argue that Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw or Justin Turner are the Dodgers' leader in the clubhouse.  Given this recent signing, Chase Utley clearly is that person.  Per Peter Gammons on his blog:

It was clearly peer driven, respect from teammates, young and old, that even with the acquisition of Logan Forsythe—which was universally applauded by the Dodger players—the players lobbied Friedman and Zaidi for the return of Utley and his impact on what at times seemed to be a disjointed culture. And the powers that be listened, especially since Utley made it clear that the Dodgers were the team for whom he wanted to play.

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We are days away from the official start of Spring Training.  This coming Wednesday Dodger pitchers and catcher must report to Camelback Ranch.

BTW, I thought I would also put up a fantastic aerial pic of the Coliseum that was taken during the Dodgers very first home game there in 1958.  A crowd of 78,682 attended.

Pic at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  The pic on the right is via Cut4 on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ernie Rudolph, Eddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!

Some Dodgers Memorabilia at Heritage Auction

Here is another vintage sports auction from Heritage Auctions, and it includes several fantastic Dodger memorabilia items.  My favorite might be the above 1957 Brooklyn game-used road jersey of Pee Wee Reese.  (Auction Link)  This is from the Dodgers last year at Ebbets Field.

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rosters for the various WBC teams were announced yesterday, and eleven Dodgers' will a part of all the fun.  Five players will be a part of Team Mexico:  Adrián González, Vidal Nuno, prospect Alex Verdugo, yet-to-be-officially-signed Sergio Romo and Julio Urias.  Kiké Hernandez will play for Puerto Rico, Rob Segedin and prospect Drew Maggi will represent Italy, non-roster invitee Ike Davis and prospect Dean Kremer will play for Israel and Kenley Jansen will join the Netherlands.  Furthermore, both Urias and Jansen are part of the designated pitcher pool; which makes them inactive for the first round.  On a side note, former Dodger closer Eric Gagné will play for Canada and recently traded pitcher Jose De Leon will join Puerto Rico.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!