Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was quite a day for our retired poet laureate. Not only did Vin Scully turn the emerald age of 90, but he celebrated it by dedicating a brand new statue in Jackie Robinson's honor at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The statue was gifted by Alba and Thomas Tull’s Tull Family Foundation, who produced the film "42". Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I believe, in retrospect, he was the most courageous athlete I’ve ever met,” Scully said. 

Scully said he’ll never forget how kindly Robinson treated him from the first time he met him, and Scully always felt after that he could go up and talk to Robinson at any time, day or night. He added that Robinson never had a fear of failure, and he still marvels at the fact that Robinson stole home 19 times. 

“He will live forever,” Scully said.

On his own longevity, per Tom Hoffarth at the OC Register:

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had any profound wisdom to give to the world at any time,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just been wonderful and I’ve really enjoyed my life and all the blessings God has given, as well as the pain that comes with it. It all makes for your life, right?”

Photos above via the Rose Bowl on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952, on a local NBC TV program called "Youth Wants to Know," Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up a black players. George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Uribe to a three-year $21 Million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Tacks Latimer, Win Ballou, Gary Wayne, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino! 
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com; "Joc, Champ accept award for Pujols Foundation: Pedersons honored to help celebrate slugger's charitable contributions."
• Per Kevin Diaz at Chron.com; "California Democrat Kamala Harris makes good on World Series bet with wine delivery to Ted Cruz."

California Democrat Kamala Harris, new to the U.S. Senate this year, felt the full impact Tuesday when she had to knock on the door of Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz with a delivery of California wine (one white; one red).

"This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," she said as reporters crowded around.

•  Per Matt Eddy at Baseball America, the Dodgers have signed minor league outfielder Travis Taijeron and pitcher Jesen Therrien. Both of whom made their MLB debuts this past season.  

On Taijeron:

Spent the past three seasons at Triple-A Las Vegas in the Mets system as perhaps the True Three Outcomes star of the Pacific Coast League. He hit .272/.383/.525 with 25 home runs this season, and since 2015 has averaged 25 bombs, 74 walks and 169 strikeouts per 140 games in the minors. 

On Therrien: 

A two-year minor league deal because he will spend 2018 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery he had in September. The 24-year-old Montreal-born righthander made his big league debut with the Phillies after a breakthrough season at Double-A and Triple-A in which he recorded a 1.41 ERA in 39 appearances with 10.2 strikeouts and 1.4 walks per nine innings.

• Topps newest On-Demand online exclusive set features the 2017 Topps Rookie Class in a brand new 20 card offerning. For $25 you get a 28 card pack that includes a 20-card base set, five random Aaron Judge or Cody Bellinger "ROY" inserts, and three parallels. Unfortunately, they do not share a pic of a Bellinger card, so here's a peek at a Judge card on the right. Go here to check it out and order.
• Via Manny Randhawa at MLB.com; "Grandal might be an appealing trade chip: Dodgers said to be open to dealing veteran catcher."

"Rival clubs say #Dodgers are willing to trade catcher Yasmani Grandal, who is entering his final season of arbitration eligibility," Morosi tweeted on Wednesday night. The Dodgers have not confirmed the report.

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