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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Ryu's Karate Kick


Ryu started off a bit shaky on the mound tonight, and I think I know why.

Last night, after Scott Van Slyke's walk-off home run to win the game, Ryu celebrated the moment by showing off his best Chan Ho Park impression.

Ouch!  That to hurt.  Obviously, he overextended himself.

Bobby Crosby of DodgerFilms captured the moment on video, too.  See it below.  It starts at about the 0:35 second mark.

Video Link:

Hat Tip & Pic above via Reddit:


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Welcome Up to the Blue, Onelki Garcia!


Another Cuban has joined the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  Instead of the highly anticipated and recent defector Alexander Guerrero, it is current Dodger minor league reliever and one-time teammate of Yasiel Puig, Onelki Garcia.

As you may know, Garcia left Cuba in January 2011, but had to wait over a year before he was allowed to be drafted by a MLB club.  The Dodgers chose him in the 3rd round of the 2012 amateur draft, and he has quickly gone up the ladder ever since then.

Here's a fun fact, in between him leaving Cuba and his eventually drafting; via Jim Shonerd at Baseball America:
He found a temporary landing spot in Southern California, pitching in a local adult league—or a beer league if you prefer. Despite the obvious downgrade in competition, the Dodgers looked past Garcia’s surroundings and the fact he would be 22 by the time the 2012 draft rolled around. They had been interested in Garcia as a prospective international signee, and they stayed with him throughout the process.

“We just treated him like any other player (in the 2012 draft),” Dodgers scouting director Logan White said, “going out and having our area scouts see him and turn him in. Then our crosscheckers and myself went in to see him and see how he progressed. We just ranked him on the draft board like we would any other guy.”
Onelki Garcia throws a fastball from 90-95 MPH, a slider in the low-80's and a rudimentary changeup.  He also has a good ability to change speeds and manipulate both the fastball and slider.

We should expect to see him get a taste of the big leagues by providing some rest to our key left-handers; JP Howell and Paco Rodriguez.  You shouldn't expect him to be seriously considered for the playoff roster unless there is an injury.  Via Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe:
“This will give him a little taste of it,” Donnie says. “Hopefully he can take something positive from it and keep moving forward.”

In celebration of Garcia's promotion to the big club I made the above Dodgers fantasy card of him using a 1987 Topps Baseball card design.  This time, I added a couple of pics from Chatanoogan.com (Tim Evearitt), here and here, to create a little collage.  I couldn't help but add the photo of Puig and Garcia together.

Via a Dodgers Press Release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Onelki Garcia (#98) from Triple-A Albuquerque and, in a corresponding move, transferred right-handed reliever Shawn Tolleson to the 60-day disabled list.

Garcia, who turned 24 on Aug. 2, combined to go 2-4 with a 2.90 ERA (20 ER/62.0 IP) in 35 games (six starts) with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque this season. Overall, Garcia combined to limit opposing hitters to a .209 batting average, including a .149 mark (11-for-74) with 30 strikeouts against left-handers. After opening the season as a starter with the Lookouts, the Guantanamo, Cuba native went 2-0 with one save and a 1.39 ERA (5 ER/32.1 IP), while limiting opponents to a .175 batting average (20-for-114) with 36 strikeouts in 19 relief appearances to earn an Aug. 11 promotion to Albuquerque. Garcia, who was originally selected by the Dodgers in the third round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, tossed scoreless relief in seven of 10 outings as an Isotope, limiting opponents to a .176 average (6-for-34) with 14 strikeouts in 9.2 innings.

Tolleson made just one appearance for the Dodgers this season before going on the DL on April 15 with a low back strain and underwent back surgery on April 25 to repair a herniated disc in his low back.
See his career stats below:


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Check out Ryu's Official Game Entrance Song


With Hyun-Jin Ryu starting today, I figured it would be a good time to post up his game entrance song.  Watch it below.  It is called "Korean Monster".  It starts off with a short piano/orchestral ballad, then turns into pop music.  I have no idea who sings the song, so if you know please pass that along.

Video Link:

Hat Tip: Reddit

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mickey Hatcher, FedX, Stephen Fife and Magic Johnson

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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Mickey Hatcher will be signing autographs on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Manuel's El Tepeyac in the City of Industry.
Manuel's El Tepeyac
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746
(626) 488-9432
Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy
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There are three signings at this weekend at Harry's Dugout - on Saturday and Sunday.  See the flyers below.
Harry's Dugout
10715 W Beverly Blvd
Whittier, Ca 90601
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And if you're in Las Vegas, Magic Johnson will there to sign for fans at Tristar Sports Memorabilia in the Miracle Mile Shops, Las Vegas, at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.  Go to their facebook page for information.  This is a pay event


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LA Kings Night as Seen Through Twitter


Last night was LA Kings Night at Dodger Stadium, and I can't help but think that the team provided a bit of good luck for our boys in blue.  Several Kings players were on hand to throw out the first pitch and hang out with fans in the right field pavilion area.  I was unable to attend, so I couldn't enjoy the festivities.  Thankfully, twitter provided a close up view. 

Check out a bunch of pics I gathered up below.  Also, Jon SooHoo shared his photos from the day here.  Another album filled with photographs can be found here, via looksitskelvin on imgur.

Here is Kings mascot Bailey with Magic Johnson.


Then, Magic joins several of the Kings players.  Notice the Kings player on the right, Matt Greene.  His cap has faded a bit.  That's a sign of a true fan.  He is known to come out to games, often.


Brian Wilson, sporting a playoff beard, stands with Jeff Carter, Matt Greene and Dan Carcillo.


A fan named Susan A shows of her Dodgers hockey jersey that the team used for a pregame skate last season.  I'm so envious.  Those jersey's are awesome!


Kings announcer Jimmy Fox shows us his Stanley Cup ring on home plate.


Here, several Dodger players hang out with the Kings Ice Crew.  And see, Scott Van Slyke is there.  There is now no doubt that he got some mojo from the Kings.


Here is the first pitch.


"It's Time For Dodger Baseball"

Finally, here are several Kings players hanging out in a suite.  From left to right: Matt Greene, Jake Muzzin, Drew Doughty, Jeff Carter, Dan Carcillo and Trevor Lewis (at the very bottom).


Check out a video from LA Kings Night below.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/11/2013 - Dodgers Links - Alexander Guerrero, Zack Greinke and Dee Gordon


The Dodgers honored 86 employees yesterday who had over 25 years of service to the team.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.  A full list of the Dodger crew who work behind the scenes can be found here.
"Hey Zack, you're throwing the ball great," Koufax said. "It's fun to watch. And hitting it, too."

"Thanks," Greinke said stone-faced, "especially hitting those left-handers. Matter of fact, I woulda crushed you back when you pitched."

Koufax looked at him. Greinke stared back. Greinke grinned finally, and Koufax did, too.

"I'm sure you woulda, too," Koufax said, laughing.
  • Panini America released a whole bunch of preview pics for their 2013 Prizm Baseball card set.  See the photos here.  Below are some Puig and Ryu cards.
"There's a possibility as the season goes on that we would see him somewhere other than short," manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday. "I think we could see him play somewhere different."

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