Welcome to the Blue, Maximiliano Gooding! A Fantasy Baseball Card

I just couldn't help myself.  I received word this afternoon that the Dodgers had made another signing in the international market and I knew I had to celebrate it.  After all, we've gone through years of hearing ownership promise to build through prospects, so it's refreshing to see it actually happen.  I'm really starting to love these Guggenheim folks.  They say what they mean, and actually follow through.

Via a tweet this afternoon from JP Hoornstra.

The Dodgers signed another international prospect, 17-year-old LHP Maximiliano Gooding out of Panama City, Panama.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 26, 2013

Naturally, I had to make my very own fantasy card for our newest Dodger.  I grabbed a photo of Maximiliano from TVN Noticias and used the 1987 Topps Baseball design.

Based on a report from Tu Beisbol, he is 17 years old, 5'11", and roughly 160 lbs.  He throws a 4-seamer and a 12-6 curveball.  In another article, it noted that he worked 24 2/3 innings in a 2012 youth championship series.  He allowed 13 hits, five runs and recorded a 1.82 ERA.  Maximiliano also had 25 strike outs and 4 walks.

Unfortunately, that's where the trail ends.  The slot dollars used has not been announced by the Dodgers.

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2013 Panini Pinnacle Baseball - Dodgers Clear Vision Insert Cards

Following up on my posts last week featuring Panini's newest Baseball card set, 2013 Pinnacle, I now share with you the Clear Vision Dodgers insert cards.  Check out my past post here.

The Clear Vision cards have a transparent window that denotes either a pitching or hitting outcome.  There are 5 different variations available for each player. 

For the Clayton Kershaw Clear Vision cards there is a win, complete game, shutout, no hitter and perfect game variations.  Unfortunately, I have yet to see the no hitter and perfect game variations.  They are extremely scarce.  In fact, the perfect game variation is a "1 of 1".

Clear Vision Inserts Cards: #17 Clayton Kershaw

Win                                                     Complete Game

Shutout

Three Dodger hitters have Clear Vision cards - Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez.  The variations available are single, double, triple, home run and cycle.  Like the Kershaw's above, I have yet to see two of the variations - home run and cycle.  The cycle variation is a "1 of 1".

Clear Vision Single Inserts

#17 Matt Kemp                                  #22 Adrian Gonzalez

#47 Hanley Ramirez

Clear Vision Double Inserts

#17 Matt Kemp                          #22 Adrian Gonzalez

#47 Hanley Ramirez

Unfortunately, I have yet to see an Adrian Gonzalez Triple Clear Vision card.

Clear Vision Triple Inserts

#17 Matt Kemp                                  #47 Hanley Ramirez

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Vin Scully as an Advertisement Pitchman

Still feeling the glow of Vin Scully's recent announcement that he'll be coming back for the 2014 season, I thought it would be fun to share an old advertisement featuring our favorite broadcaster.  See it below.

From the pages of an old magazine from 1979 is the below fullpage ad featuring Brent Musburger and Vin Scully pitching the All-Star game.  I guess they worked the radio waves for this game.

(eBay Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, AGon and Kemp

The Boston / Dodgers series concluded with the first series loss for the Dodgers in months.  I'm sure there are those who think this means it's time to panic, but I think it's best to take a deep breath.  Rest, Relax and Realize that this team is doing fine.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• It seems like everybody was talking about a report about a potential contract extension for Clayton Kershaw that fell apart.  Here is Ken Rosenthal of FoxSorts initial story.  I think, like many, that a deal will eventually get done.  After all, we still control Kershaw's rights for an additional season, and ownership would be skewered alive if they ever let him go.  After the kind of season we've been seeing, I think it's fair to say that he deserves the richest contract in Baseball
• "Dodgers see a consistent Adrian Gonzalez in full L.A. bloom," via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.

“He goes up there with a great plan at the plate,” said A.J. Ellis. “He spends more time in the video room checking out the guy we’re going to face than anybody we have on the team. He’s a student of the game.

“He hits in situations extremely well. He knows when it’s time for a base hit, he knows when it’s time to go for an extra-base hit. You feel really comfortable when Adrian’s up anytime, but especially when you have runners there in scoring position.”

• "Beckett has high praise for dominant Kershaw," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"I know he hasn't been doing it that long, but he could possibly be the best pitcher ever -- he's that good," Beckett said. "Coming over here last year, I knew he was good. But he exceeded my expectations."

• "Dodgers' Matt Kemp could play in minor league games this week," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.

“If we can’t do that, I’m sure we’ll have guys in instructional league, things like that, being able to set up some sim games,” said Manager Don Mattingly. “I want him to be sharp when he comes. Give him the best chance to have success.”

• Jim Baker at the Hot Corner shares a drawing by former Dodger hurler Carl Erskine on eBay.

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