Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 4

Matt Kemp signs for fans. Pic via Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers.

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

• THE MEN IN THE ‘PEN: With the majority of the starting rotation throwing yesterday, the Dodger relief corps took to the mounds today with Matt Guerrier, Todd Coffey, Ramon Troncoso, Kenley Jansen, Javy Guerra, Scott Elbert, Ronald Belisario, Josh Wall, John Grabow, Alberto Castillo and Matt Chico throwing bullpens today. Starters Chris Capuano, Stephen Fife and Will Savage joined the relievers for a Saturday throw-day.

• GOOD BREW: Todd Coffey threw his second bullpen session of Spring Training today as he enters his eighth Major League campaign following seasons with the Reds (2005-08), Brewers (2008-10) and Nationals (2011). Since making his debut in 2006, the 31-year-old had been one of the game’s best relievers at inducing ground balls with his 683 ground balls trailing only Chad Qualls (891), Shawn Camp (765), Matt Guerrier (732) and Mariano Rivera (692). In 69 games with the Nationals last season, Coffey posted a career-best .244 opponents’ batting average and ranked seventh in the NL by stranding 80.6% of inherited runners.

(Andre Ethier speaks with the meadia his first day in camp, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

• CLUBHOUSE FILLING UP: Andre Ethier had his first workout of the season today at Camelback Ranch after his 2011 season was shut down early due to September knee surgery. Despite battling the injury all season, Ethier earned his second consecutive All-Star selection, was awarded his first Rawlings Gold Glove and posted the second-longest hitting streak in franchise history with his 30-game run in April and May. Juan Uribe and Ivan De Jesus also joined the group of Dodger position players working out today at Camelback Ranch – Glendale ahead of Monday’s report date for the full squad.

• GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT: Single-game tickets will go on sale a week from today on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. with fans having the opportunity to purchase a limited number of Opening Day tickets and as well as single-game regular season tickets at Dodger Stadium and on Dodgers.com. Prices on advanced individual tickets for the 2012 season after Opening Day – Top Deck, Reserve, Loge, Field, Right and Left Field Pavilions – have been reduced as much as $20 per ticket. Dodger fans are invited to celebrate the start of the 2012 Season in parking Lots B and P and enjoy their first Dodger Dog of the year. The Dodgers’ annual On Sale festivities will include music, trivia and contests and will be hosted by AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles. Additionally, fans that purchase at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium at the On Sale event will receive a Dodger gift.

(Matt Kemp & Juan Uribe, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

• HEY, WHY NOT?: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.

• TROLLEY DODGERS: New for 2012, fans can ride a free trolley from the Westgate City Center to all Dodgers and White Sox games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The trolley stop is located on Westgate Boulevard right across from Yard House and drops off outside the ballpark. The trolley runs every 40 minutes starting at 11:00 a.m. with continuous service throughout and after the game.

Auction Recollection: Baseball is a Funny Game

If you haven't noticed yet, I recently created a new website that features cards and collectibles that I currently have for sale. You can find it through a link in the banner at the top right side of this website titled "Blue Heaven Collectibles." Anyway, I'm pretty happy with how it looks, but am always looking for any advise on how to make it better. Over the coming weeks and months I hope to populate it with more items.

In the meantime, I wanted to fill out the remainder of this post by highlighting a vintage set that I just adore. It is from 1900 and called Mayo T203 "Base Ball Comics" and a complete set of them sold a couple of years ago at Legendary Auctions for over $1,700.00.

The reason I point this set out isn't because it is just a delightfully funny set that is sure to put a smile on your face. Instead, it's because I have a handful of them for sale (see them here), and recently sold a couple of them through my new website.

Frankly, I was sorry to see them go. Heck, I always get a little bit of sellers remorse when I get rid of something. It's just that the set was no longer in my sights for future completion and I figured having some extra dollars in my pocket for other cards made more sense.

Anyway, check out all 25 cards in the set in this post and laugh out loud with me.

Of special note, the fellow I sold the two T203's to is working his way through completing a master set of these. That means that he is trying to get one of each card with each corresponding back advertisement that is available. In this case, there are two different known backs- a Mayo's Cut Plug and Winner's Cut Plug. So, in total he is searching for 50 total cards. I also want to add that he has been working on this master set for 22 years. That's right, he has to be the most patient man in the world.

BTW, if you happen to have any Winner's Cut Plug cards of these let me know. I would be happy to put you in touch with him.

Mailbag: Garrett Gould Bowman Sterling Auto Card

I've had this sitting on my desk for weeks, but am only now getting a chance to post about it. Here is a 2011 Bowman Sterling autographed card of Dodgers prospect Garrett Gould. I got it for a great low price of $1.38. Not too shabby, eh?