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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Top Dodger Prospect Joc Pederson's MRI Could have been Worse


Dodger fans with a keen eye towards our most promising youngsters were thrown for a loop when top prospect Joc Pederson came up lame yesterday.  The centerfielder attempted to make an ill-advised diving grab for a bloop single off the bat of Cubs prospect Josh Vitters, and landed hard on his right shoulder (he throws left).  Watch it below:

Video Link:

As you can see, he fell far short of the ball.  Heck, it was almost Puig-like.

Dodger management was optimistic about the injury.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:
"It didn't sound like it was anything major, but it would be hard for [Conte] to really say. I'm assuming he didn't break his arm or tear his shoulder out of the socket," Mattingly said. "I guess you have to watch out when you get a guy like Joc, but it didn't sound like it was a major, major thing."
Earlier today, more succinct information on Pederson's injury was released.  Based on an MRI, we find out that Joc should be ready to go in a couple of weeks.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen:


This is probably the best outcome we could have hoped for. 

A Grade 1 AC Joint Separation, as indicated on Cedars-Sinai's website, is typically just a slight displacement of the joint.  Furthermore the ligament may either be badly stretched or partly torn.  I'll cross my fingers for the former.  Check out this great graphic I saw at injuryfix.com to visualize what's going on.
(graphic via injuryfix.com)

The downside is that an injury like this could push back his development.  He'll likely need more time than a couple of weeks to build up his shoulder strength, since it's probable that he'll have his arm in a sling. 

Either way, considering how awkward he looked in that dive, I think we lucked out.  This injury could have been far worse.

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Welcome to the Blue, Clint Robinson!


The game of musical chairs continues for the Dodgers.  Announced just a moment ago, hot hitting first baseman Clint Robinson is coming up to the Dodgers, and Jamie Romak has been DFA'd.  As Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider noted, if Robinson gets into a game he'll be the 40th Dodger to play a game this season.

Nicknamed the "Alabama Hammer" (I swear I read that somewhere), it appears that Robinson's role will be as a left-handed bat off the bench.  As a first baseman, he may also provide some rest for Adrian Gonzalez.  BTW, we should expect Juan Uribe to be recalled back to Los Angeles at any time, so unless Clint creates some fireworks with the big-club I suspect he'll be with us for only a short time.  Hopefully, he'll have a chance to take an at-bat.  In 2012, Clint Robinson got a "cup of coffee" with the Royals, but did not get a hit in 4 tries.

You can follow Clint Robinson on twitter at @BatHoarder.  As Vin Scully would say, "he is a tall glass of milk."  He stands 6' 5" and weighs 225 lbs.  He originally came by way of Troy University in Alabama, and was a standout on the diamond.  In his senior year (2007) he batted .364 with 1.110 OPS, 17 HR, and a .973 fielding percentage.  Soon thereafter, he was drafted by the Royals in the 25th round and immediately stood out.  Robinson was a Pioneer League MVP, a Texas League All-Star and winner of the Mike Sweeney Award in 2009 (player that best represents the Royals organization both on and off the field).  Left off the Royals 40-man roster in 2012, he was soon traded to Pittsburgh, then claimed off of waivers by the Blue Jays in 2013 before signing as a free agent by the Dodgers this past November.

In celebration of Robinson officially becoming a Dodger today, I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo originally taken by Jon SooHoo during Spring Training, a portrait from the MLB.com website and used the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Per a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of first baseman Clint Robinson from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated infielder/outfielder Jamie Romak for assignment.

The left-handed Robinson batted .309 with 17 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs (T-6th, Pacific Coast League) and 56 RBI (4th, PCL) in 77 games with the Isotopes, including a .402 on-base percentage (7th, PCL) and a .523 slugging percentage. Robinson has been swinging a hot bat of late, batting .469 (15-for-32) with a double, two homers and 12 RBI in his last nine games since June 16 and hitting .357 (30-for-84) with five doubles, six homers and 21 RBI in 23 June games. Overall, the 29-year-old posted a .355/.466/.639 slashline against right-handed pitchers this season.

Robinson was a non-roster invitee at Dodger Spring Training after signing as a free agent on Nov. 18, 2013 and was originally selected by Kansas City in the 25th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, appearing in four games with the Royals in 2012 (last: June 13, 2012 vs. Milwaukee) in his only Major League action.
Here are his professional stats, via Baseball Reference:


Watch Clint Robinson go big with an opposite field home run just a couple of weeks ago in the video below.

Video Link:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Jay Johnstone and a Couple of Boxers

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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Former Dodger and Baseball jester Jay Johnstone will be at Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe in the City of Industry on Saturday, June 28th.  Appearance time not yet released.  Information available here.  Autograph Pricing: $5 Baseball Cards; $10 Any Other Item; $5 per inscription.
Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe #2
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746
(562) 695-2277
Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy 
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Boxer Rafael and Gabriel Ruelas will be signing autographs at Harry's Dugout in Whittier on Sunday, June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Go here for more information.  
Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Blvd
Whittier, CA 90601

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Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Guerrero to Return Soon, Pederson Hurt and so is Hanley


Clayton Kershaw is seen warming up for his start yesterday against Kansas City in the photo below, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.  He didn't have a Vander Meer moment, but he was masterful in the 8 innings he pitched.  Kershaw struck out 8, gave up 6 hits and walked only 1; as the Dodgers won 2 to 0.  With the Giants losing to the Padres last night, the Dodgers now find themselves only 3 games back.
Alexander Guerrero, the victim in a ugly ear-biting incident with his former minor-league teammate, will not lose his ear after surgery and some anxious times and is close to resuming his Dodgers career, Guerrero's agent Scott Boras said.

"The ear is going to make it," Boras told CBSSports.com by phone. "The surgery was a success, and he won't need another surgery."
  • Congrats!  I can't wait to see these two kids at Dodger Stadium a couple of years down the road.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Seager and Urias named to 2014 Futures Game." 
  • Nooooooo!  Joc Pederson has apparently hurt his shoulder, via Danny Wild at MiLB.com.  I wonder if this will have any bearing on any potential Dodger moves to trade an outfielder.  After all, it's likely Joc would have been called up if we ever did trade somebody.  Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com shares a quote from Mattingly:
“It didn’t sound like it was anything major, but it would be hard for [Conte] to really say. I’m assuming he didn’t break his arm or tear his shoulder out of the socket,” Mattingly said. “I guess you have to watch out when you get a guy like Joc, but it didn’t sound like it was a major, major thing.”
  • Can this man every stay healthy?  Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Hanley Ramirez removed from lineup due to shoulder irritation."  I just do not know if it makes much sense for the Dodgers to sign him to a large long-term contract considering his recent history.  On the other hand, I do admire his apparent willingness to battle and play.
On Ramirez's shoulder pain, Mattingly said "no true injury, more the shoulder thing, felt it a little bit in San Diego."  Mattingly added that why they made the decision to take Ramirez out of tonight's lineup was because "[Ramirez] felt a little bit swinging yesterday and [Ramirez] had never not felt that all [before]."
  • Look who visited the Negro League Baseball Museum yesterday:


“This story is a cross between ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘American Hustle,’” said Werner, referring to the Operation Bullpen saga in which a dysfunctional family of con artists, led by a conniving grandma and her pot-smoking son, fooled the FBI for years and ripped off a gullible American public for a cool $100 million. “It’s a great story. It’s very cinematic with broad appeal.”
  • Via Aaron Mansfield at The Buffalo News, "(Grant) ‘Home Run’ Johnson gets plaque at forgotten grave in Hamburg."  Johnson is one of the great relatively unknown Negro League legends.
  • Wow!  During both Stanley Cup Championships Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was battling a serious injury.  In 2012 it was a painful back issue that resulted in surgery.  Now, we find out that he just had emergency wrist surgery from an injury he originally sustained during the series with the Ducks.   Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has the story. BTW, we also know that Kings centerman Jarret Stoll had a serious limp during the teams recent visit to Dodger Stadium.  I only mention these items because I always find it fascinating what ailments hockey players play through during the playoffs. 

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