Welcome to the Blue, Dan Johnson!

The Dodgers have just made an under-the-radar signing this afternoon.  Per a press release from the independent league ballclub St. Paul Saints, the Dodgers have purchased the contract of former Cardinals first baseman, ten-year major league veteran and recently converted pitcher Dan Johnson:

Dan Johnson has worked hard to reinvent himself this season as a knuckleball pitcher.  The former Major League hitter has made great strides this season, in a short amount of time, as a pitcher with the St. Paul Saints.  He will now get the chance to get back to the Major League’s as a hurler.  His contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and he is headed to Double-A Tulsa.

The 37-year-old Johnson has been an incredible two-way player for the Saints.  On the mound he was 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts.  In 40.0 innings he has walked 20 and struck out 27 while opponents are hitting just .231 against him.  Over three straight starts from July 28-August 13 Johnson allowed just one run over 18.2 innings pitched.

Giants Series Starts Tuesday - Dodgers Autographs, Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Tuesday evening against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Castro Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Gints at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and seared with pickled carrots, pickled jalapeños and pickled red onions and garnished with fresh cilantro.

The tenth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Yasmani Grandal on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Tuesday, August 23rd at 7:10 PM
LHP Madison Bumgarner vs. RHP Kenta Maeda
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

2016 Topps The Mint - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps unveiled a new Baseball card brand called "The Mint," and as the name suggest it is a super high-end product for collectors with money to burn.  The pricey cards will cost collectors roughly $800 a box for only five cards - all of which are autographed (on-card).  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodger cards that are available can only be found as a redemption card - Kenta Maeda and Sandy Koufax are the lone exceptions.  Nevertheless, it is notable that there is a Vin Scully autographed card inserted into these packs.  An example of what the Scully redemption card looks like is on the right.  I suspect this card will prove to be the most sought after card in the set.  One of these cards has recently sold on eBay at $1,999.99 (auction link here).  Other notable cards include game-used batting glove relics from both AJ Ellis and Chase Utley.

Gem 10 Autographs

• #G10A-VS Vin Scully - redemption card

UPDATE:  Here is is:

#G10A-VS Vin Scully

Arrivals Autographs

• #AA-CS Corey Seager - redemption card
• #AA-JU Julio Urias - redemption card 
• #AA-KM Kenta Maeda

#AA-KM Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This past Saturday Fernando Valenzuela joined the LA Dodgers Foundation in Inglewood as part of a RBI Dodger Day event.  Hundreds of kids came out to enjoy an afternoon of Baseball, a carnival and gifts.   Per a Dodgers press release:

"This is our first year participating in the Dodgers RBI Program," said City of Inglewood Director of Parks, Recreation and Library Services Sabrina Barnes. "I am looking forward to a long and lasting relationship as we work together to uplift our youth and revive baseball in inner cities. Go Dodgers!"

This event will serve as the culmination to the inaugural Dodgers RBI season in Inglewood launched this summer for more than 300 players. Darby Park will be the home to the 45th and 46th Dodger Dreamfields. LADF will break ground later this year.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.  Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base.  In 1965 was the infamous game between the Dodgers and Giants; where Juan Marichal attacks Johnny Roseboro with his bat.  In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning.  It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday: Ned Hanlon, Randy Wolf and Jeff Weaver!