A Very Early Peek at Topps 2014 Baseball Card Design with the Help of Yasiel Puig

Goodness, the 2013 Baseball season isn't even done yet.  

Topps wants to make sure we Baseball card fans stay involved and interested.  With a little less than 2 months remaining in the season they decided to relased a very early look at the 2014 Topps flagship Baseball card design with the help of burgeoning superstar Yasiel Puig.  Take a look at it above. 

Frankly, I don't know if I like the design.  I think it's kinda boring. 

Pic above via twitter @ToppsCards.

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Matt Kemp in New Era “Wear Your Allegiance” Ad

Matt Kemp is working hard to get back into shape and into the Dodgers lineup.  So hard, in fact, that he has mastered the art of whirlpool therapy and eating.

In a New Era advertising spot just released, Kemp is joined by cap enthusiast Lane Carter in a “Wear Your Allegiance” ad campaign.  Watch it below.

Video Link:

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Adding to the Oddball Collection: A Mondesi Figurine

I've just added more goofiness to my Dodger oddball collection.  In fact, I'm fairly certain this item provides proof that I am a geek, through and through.

I recently received the above 1997 Headliners figurine of Raul Mondesi.  This was a part of a lot I purchased on eBay recently that also included a Don Drysdale Club 53 ceramic cup and a Jackie Robinson comic book.

I hadn't intended on having these little statues in my collection, but sometimes you just can't help it.  I had previously received the Hideo Nomo and Mike Piazza figurines from an old lot I purchased many moons ago.  So, now I have 3 Dodger figurines from the set.  All I need now is the Eric Karros to complete the Dodger team set.

BTW, these figurine are very inexpensive.  Even in unopened condition it shouldn't cost more than a few bucks to buy one.  In fact, shipping is likely to cost more the the toy.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kemp, Puig and Brian Wilson

Matt Kemp is working hard to get back into the lineup.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• "Kemp takes batting practice for first time since injury: Dodgers star eligible to return Tuesday, but yet to begin running on left ankle," via Chad Thornburg at MLB.com.

"It felt good to get back out there and hit a little bit," Kemp said. "I felt like a real baseball player. It's been tough. Play a little bit, don't play, out for a while, come back. You know, it's a start. It's better than where I was."

• "Yasiel Puig’s top five moments so far this season — what’s your favorite?  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew.
• "Yasiel Puig, Plate Disciplinarian," via Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts.

His ups were followed by some downs, and his downs have now turned into some ups. The ride will continue, but it’s hard not to be excited by his ability to show power with restraint.

• Puig has just signed an endorsement deal with Italian sunglass maker Rudy Project.  Go here for information.  (Hat Tip: True to the Blue)

“Although Rudy Project is more commonly known in cycling and running sports, having an athlete like Yasiel Puig wear our sunglasses while playing for the Dodgers will allow our brand to be widely recognized as we enter into the baseball market,” remarked Rudy Project North America Co-owner Steve Wagner. “All of us within the company are proud that Puig chose Rudy Project eyewear and sunglasses to be his choice on and off the field. We’ll keep making the best eyewear in the world and hope Puig just keeps everyone in awe of his play.”

• I love reading about how well Hiroki Kuroda is doing.  I only wish he was doing it in Dodger Blue.  "Hiroki Kuroda’s Case for the Cy Young Award," via Matt Klaassen at FanGraphs.
• "Brian Wilson pitches scoreless inning in first minor league rehab game," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Check out a pic of Brian Wilson as he he heads out to the field in preparation of pitching, via DodgersBeat on twitter.

And it begins for @BrianWilson38 as a Dodger. #Dodgers #FearTheBeard pic.twitter.com/AWglS5dOgX
— DodgersBeat (@DodgersBeat) August 8, 2013

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Check Out Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Event

During Clayton Kershaw's recent appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show he mentioned a charity event at Dodger Stadium that he would be hosting.  It would be a ping pong challenge to benefit Kershaw's Challenge.

Well, some information has just come out.  It be held on Thursday, August 29th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at Dodger Stadium.  Go here for more information.

Don't miss out on your chance to compete in this exclusive event. Become a Team Sponsor and play ping pong with Clayton Kershaw, his Dodger teammates and other celebrities. Tickets and more information will be available soon.

Contact Stirling Fiss at stirling@excelsm.com for information on purchasing tickets, a table and other exclusive VIP experiences at Clayton Kershaw's fundraising Event.

Cost for the event is not provided.

As you probably know, Clayton is an avid ping pong player.  In fact, from my understanding he is the team champion.  Heck, he even had a chance to play agianst Neil Patrick Harris recently.

Tune into @JimmyKimmelLive soon to watch me in a pong pong duel with @ActuallyNPH. #PingPong4Purpose pic.twitter.com/gWnmZ1nTlV
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) July 30, 2013

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