Game 3 Preview - The Rubber Match

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 

Tim Lincecum vs. Josh Beckett

Game Start: 7:10 p.m., April 3
TV: KCAL, ESPN 2
Radio: 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish)

BTW, the game is sold out, so if you want the game give-away hooded Dodgers' sweater they are passing out to fans then I suggest getting there early.  Only 40,000 will be available and Dodger Stadium holds more than that, so figure on them running out.  Below is what the sweater will look like, and they will be available in both Medium and XL sizes.

*Notice:  Juan Uribe is making his first start of the season, tonight.  Oy Vey!
*Skip Schumaker also gets a start at 2nd Base.   It's likely that these moves are just a way to allow the bench players some playing time at the start of the year.  You really don't want these guy sitting on the bench, night after night, at the start of the season without a little bit of playing time under their belts. 

Dodgers Lineup:

(twitter link)

  
Giants Lineup:

(twitter link)

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2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Baseball - Dodgers' Inserts

With the 2013 Baseball season now in full swing, Baseball card sets will begin flowing like rapids on the Columbia River.

Officially released today is Topps 2013 Gypsy Queen set.  As you may know, this set was created in homage to the vintage late-19th century card set of the same name.  It has been quite vogue to take old and long since forgotten sets, and make them new again.

Over the next few days I'll feature as many of the Dodgers' card as I can find to share with you.  So, starting today I feature the only non-relic Dodgers' insert cards available in the set.  I'll have the base cards, unique variations and other relics up soon.

No Hitter Inserts

#NH-SK Sandy Koufax

Dealing Aces Inserts

#DA-CK Clayton Kershaw

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Ryu Underwhelming, Dodger Bats Quelled by Bumgarner

Well... That was disappointing. 

I was hopeful for a lights out performance by our newest import, but instead we got something more akin to a "ho-hum" lunch at a highway rest stop.  Sure, I knew he was far from a fire-baller, but his inability to consistently use his fastball and curve to setup batters for his change-up did not work out so well.  Still, you gotta love his poise.  Ryu gave up 10 hits in just over 6 innings of work, and he didn't look like he broke a sweat.  He definitely is unlike most rookies, in that he can take a less than stellar outing and not get too disturbed by it on the mound.

Heck, if not for the terrible plays by Justin Sellers that lead to two unearned runs, we'd be talking (no marveling) at his ability to get out of tough situations.  Even as he gave up hit after hit, he still looked composed.

Of course, the pitching was not the entire Dodgers story from last night.  The defensive meltdown by Justin Sellers really put a damper on the night.  Still, it's hard to say that Sellers' misplays was the cause for the loss.  After all, you've gotta score at least one run to win a game, and unfortunately Giants' pitcher Madison Bumgarner was up to the task.  He shut us down, and there is no shame in acknowledging his phenomenal night on the mound.


So, on a evening that saw Yu Darvish almost pitch a perfect game, all we can hope for is that the Dodgers have a perfect night at the plate against Tim Lincecum in the rubber match tonight.

Pic Credit: Photo at very top: Jon SooHoo/2013 LA Dodgers

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Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2013 - Dodgers Magazine, Hanley's Bobble and Jackie Robinson's Last Game-Used Glove

Above is a copy of the current Dodgers Magazine available at Dodger Stadium.

• Ellen Kershaw, wife of Clayton, is doing some blogging of her own at Kershaw's Challenge.  Check out what she had to say.
• Here's a look at the Hanley Ramirez bobblehead the Dodgers are giving away on 4/30.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.
• Christopher Hawthorne the Los Angeles Times Architecture Critic, writes a report on the Dodger Stadium renovations.
• Dan Devine at Ball Don't Lie pens a great piece on Magic Johnson's son, and the strong level of support he receives from his parents.  I must say that although it is hardly newsworthy to note a gay son, it is noteworthy when an parent is of such a high stature within the often homophobic sports world.

"Cookie and I love E.J. and support him in every way," Magic Johnson told TMZ in a statement. "We're very proud of him."

• Check out who just signed some cards for Topps Tribute- Nomar Garciaparra.  Unfortunately, the cards show him wearing red, so it doesn't seem likely he'll be wearing Dodger Blue on them.

(twitter link: @ToppsCards)

• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has pics up of the new Clayton Kershaw McFarlane figurine that is currently available for sale.
• Check out "21 Insane and Terrifying Pitcher Faces," via Jack Moore at BuzzFeed Sports.
• This is remarkable.  Next month, Steiner Sports will have for auction the actual game-used glove Jackie Robinson used his last 2 years in the Majors, via Sports Collectors Daily.

• John Kinsey at Busted Coverage takes a look at the best new foods available at Major League ballparks this season.
• Here's a great video of Yasiel Puig in Chattanooga talking a bit about the comparison folks have been making of him to Bo Jackson.

Video Link:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tim Wallach, Magic Johnson and the Famous Dodgers Infield

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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Dodgers coach Tim Wallach will be in Whittier on Saturday.  Get more information here.

Harry's Dugout 
10701 W Beverly Blvd 
Whittier, Ca 90601 
(310) 606-1548

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This Saturday is also the Spring Open House at fronk & Sons in the City of Industry.  Joining them as signature guest are Magic Johnson, Clipper Caron Butler, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Steve Garvey and Davey Lopes.  Get more infomration here.

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

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