The Joke's on Us, I Guess

I've had a little bit too much fun today at the expense of the Dodgers (and maybe some of you), but not as much fun as the Dodgers, on this April Fools of a day.

Below is the official Dodger lineup for this afternoons game.

(Instagram via Dodgers)

The best part is at the very bottom.

"Follow The Game On SportsNet LA and MLB.TV.  April Fools!

Wait... So, are you saying that the cable wars are over and we can watch the game on our tv like last year, or is that not the joke?  I'm so confused.

BTW, if you currently do not subscribe to a cable/satellite provider that has SportsNet LA (which is basically everyone) then check out this list of establishments (bars) that do have the channel available.  (Hat Tip: Jimmy Bramlett on twitter)

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BREAKING NEWS! Our Problem has Been Solved! Dodgers Launch their Own Satellite!

What an amazing bit of news this is.  On the brink of the very first Dodger game of the regular season to be solely aired on SportsNet LA, the Dodger have announced that, in cooperation with Time Warner Cable, Guggenheim Satellite Systems and Warren Buffet's Liberty Global, they have just put into space their own dedicated satellite.

Not only can the Dodgers be seen in the lower 48, but they can also be seen globally.  In fact, the new venture will be called "Dodger Global".

Via Stan Kasten: "We are excited about this opportunity to take a brand as noteworthy as the Dodgers to the masses.

Warren Buffet: "I like Coca Cola, McDonald's and the Dodgers.  What could be more American that that!  And I'm all about investing in America."

Mark Walter: "This is an excellent opportunity to leverage our core competencies with the leadership of a global thinker.  This marks an opening salvo towards sustainability, the seamless integration of our brand to future global opportunities and a 'business-to-consumer' model that I am sure will appeal to fans the world over."

In order to receive the broadcast all you have to do is go to the Dodger website and order a specially made satellite receiver (that is the size of a breadbox) to be placed on the ceiling of your house.  It cost just $1,999.00 for the device, an installation and hookup fee of $199.00 and a subscription of $49.99 per month (with a 5-year contract).  Season ticket holders get a 10% discount.

And that's a deal folks... Cuz, goodness knows, you won't be able to watch any Dodger games without it.

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BREAKING NEWS! Dodgers Do the Unthinkable!

As unbelievable as it may seem, the Dodger have joined the MLB masses by adding a new entertaining element to their game.  It is something I didn't think would ever happen, but here it is.  We are on the dawn of something wonderful, terrible or frightening - depending on your perspective.

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Today, on this April morn, the Dodgers have announced that they have added a mascot, and considering the teams recent trip 'Down Under' it should come as no surprise who it is.

After all, what would be a better way to celebrate the most hospitable folks of Australia and, at the same time, pay homage to a former stuffed marsupial that used to be an unofficial mascot for the team so many decades ago?  Heck, even our celebrated muse, Vin Scully, had a memorable run-in with the real thing a couple of weeks ago that went viral for all the world to see.

Folks, here is our new Dodger Mascot.  Please say hello to Charlie - Charlie the Dodger Koala!

As you may have already guessed, he is named after the original owner of the Dodgers, Charlie Byrne. (BTW, there's even more fantastic news below, so don't stop reading.)

And, as you can see below, he has already greeted some of our favorite Dodgers. 

It makes perfect sense that 'Uribear' would be overjoyed with Charlie.

As promised, here is some news that is even bigger than Charlie.  To introduce our new furry friend to the masses will be pop star Rebecca Black.  She will debut her very new single called, "I Like Charlie Best," before an Opening Day crowd at Dodger Stadium on Friday, April 4th.  I am wondering if it'll be a duet with Robin Thicke, since he'll also be at Dodger Stadium to entertain the fans.

I can't wait to sing at Dodger Stadium to sing my new hit single "I Like Charlie Best" with the new Dodger mascot!!!! pic.twitter.com/CIoT4uXbhR
— Reb Black (@RBlackRules) April 1, 2014

This post is made with my deepest apologies to Jon SooHoo, TMZ and Ms. Black for commandeering some of their photos.  I am a very bad man.

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2014 Topps Museum Baseball - The Dodgers Canvas Collection Cards

Once again, Topps released a group of Canvas Collection cards that feature drawings of your favorite players.  This year, two Dodgers are a part of the 50 card insert set.  See them below.  Also, Topps inserted over 200 different "1 of 1" original Canvas Collection art drawing cards into packs.  A complete checklist is not available, but I have been able to confirm the existence of at least 3 different cards.  They are at the very bottom. I am sure there are a few more out there to chase.  BTW, the Tommy Lasorda Original Canvas Collection card recently sold on eBay at just $29.00 - a deal in my mind.

Canvas Collection Reprints

#CCR-15 Tommy Lasorda                 #CCR-35 Jackie Robinson

Canvas Collection Originals

UPDATE: Here is another Originals drawing that has been discovered.  Check out a Yasiel Puig drawing below.  It is at this eBay auction, link.

UPDATE II:  Check out this newest Canvas Collection Original art card that has recently been unearthed.  It is of Clayton Kershaw.

UPDATE III:  Here is another Canvas Collection Original art card found on eBay.  This time it's another Yasiel Puig card.

UPDATE IV:  Here's another art card.  This one is of Jackie Robinson.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2014 - Dodgers Links - Even Scully Can't Watch on TV

Dodgers Nation invaded PetCo Park in San Diego on Sunday afternoon, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Ken Fang at Awful Announcing tells us that, "Vin Scully can’t watch the Dodgers on TV in his own home."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Corey Seager, Julio Urias headline 2014 Rancho Cucamonga Opening Day roster."
• Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Ryu adds new twist to his repertoire".

Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis said Ryu was debuting a new curveball grip he worked on all spring. And, indeed, PITCHf/x data tracked on BrooksBaseball.net measured Ryu's curveball as having nearly twice as much vertical movement Sunday night as compared to his two playoff outings last October.

"It was the sharpest curveball I've seen him throw in the last year and two starts," Ellis said.

• Roberto Baly at Vin Scully is My Homeboy shares his pics from the Dodgers private workout at Dodger Stadium they held just before the start of the regular season.
• The Dodgers announced that GRAMMY® award-winning musician Lupe Fiasco will perform prior to the Dodgers' Sunday, April 6th game against the San Francisco Giants.  Check out the press release here.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Hyun-Jin Ryu seems to be reaching a new level."  As Dodger interpreter Martin Kim said, "It was like traveling with The Beatles."

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