Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Maeda's changeup has been otherworldly. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I've been able to use it effectively and I'm getting a lot of punchouts with it," said Maeda, who struck out nine for the fourth consecutive start, allowing only one first-inning run and limiting the Padres to four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

With the help of Maeda, Dodger starting pitchers lead the NL in ERA and K/9. Maeda struck out eight of the first 14 batters he faced Wednesday, the majority of which went down against a change-up that continues to baffle hitters as it drops down below the zone. 

“It’s been a game-changer for Kenta,” manager Dave Roberts said of the change-up. “Everything just plays up off of that.”

Photo above via Campbell Dunn/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the All-Star Game arrived at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for the first and only time. Furthermore, this was also the first All-Star Game to inlcude black ballplayers -- Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Larry Doby of the Indians. In 1966 Dodger shortstop Maury Wills hit a walk-off single off of Pete Richert of the Senators in the tenth inning of the All-Star Game in St. Louis to help the National League defeat the American League, 2-1. Other Dodger participants include Jim Lefebvre (who went 0-for-2 as the starter at second base) and Sandy Koufax (who made his only career All-Star start, threw three innings, struck out one, gave up one hit and allowed a single run). Dodger hurler Phil Regan did not pitch. 
• This historical event has nothing to do with the Dodgers, but is worth mentioning. On this date in 1979 the Chicago White Sox hosted Disco Demolition Night. As you may know, Chicagoan's had turned on disco by this time and basically rioted on the filed at old Comisky Park. You can watch a little documentary on it here and here.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Pastorious, Ray Mowe, Artie Dede, Al Glossop, Ron Fairly, Mike Munoz, Kelly Wunsch & Howie Kendrick! 
• Congrats, Ross Stripling! As you surely know by now, Ross Stripling has been added to the National League roster for the upcoming All-Star Game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously every year with starters, on their start days that are not available to pitch in the All-Star Game, certain other guys get opportunities,” Roberts said last weekend in Anaheim. “Ross is one of those guys. In our opinion, he’s an All-Star, had an All-Star first half.”

• Podcast: Dave Roberts discusses Matt Kemp, Max Muncy and the MLB All-Star Game with Roggin and Rodney (Podcast Link).
• Congrats to Jesús Aguilar and Jean Segura for their selection as the Final Vote winners to the All-Star Game. Max Muncy gave a good showing. Nevertheless, he'll be in DC to participate in the Home Run Derby. You can check out the derby bracket here.
• This is a weird development. Per Arthur Cribbs at Dodgers Nation; "Dodgers Prospect Abdullah Opts For Early Retirement."
• Next month will feature National Baseball Card Day. To go along with a free pack of exclusive cards given out at local hobby shops Major League teams throughout the league will do the same on different days. The Dodgers are scheduled to give out packs to fans on August 1st. Per jasondeanmartinscc at Steel City Scoop; "2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day." 
• I wish I was closer to Sacramento because this sounds like a must see exhibit. Starting July 29 to the end of the year, the California Museum in Sacramento will host a new exhibit titled "California at Bat: America's Pastime in the Golden State". Go here for more information.   (Hat Tip: David Pinto at Baseball Musings)

Curated and produced by the California Museum, this all-new exhibit features over 200 rarely-seen, Cooperstown-worthy artifacts and photographs. Highlights include uniforms, equipment and ephemera from historic games played by Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Rickey Henderson, Dusty Baker, Tony Gwynn and others. 

In addition, objects from Pacific Coast League teams and from Edmonds Field, home of the Sacramento Solons until 1960, recall the years before Major League Baseball arrived in California. 

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