Welcome to the Blue, Manny Machado!

News is spreading fast that the deal is now done. Manny Machado is a Dodger.

In return the Dodgers had to give up some talent, but it appears the damage is not as bad as I initially feared. Going to Baltimore is outfielder Yusniel Diaz, third baseman Rylan Bannon, right-hander Dean Kremer, righty Zach Pop and second baseman Breyvic Valera. Diaz is the key prospect in this trade. He had walloped two home runs during the recent All-Star Futures Game this past weekend, and you should expect him to be very good going forward. Bannon and Kremer are ranked as the clubs #27th and #28th best prospects in the system, per MLB Pipeline. Pop could be a serviceable reliever in the future and you know Valera from his recent stints in LA.

Overall, I think the Dodger did very well here. After all, most of their top-end guys are still with us.

On another note, Manny Machado has an instagram account: @machados13.

2018 Allen & Ginter - The Dodgers Base Cards

It's Allen & Ginter day!

Featured below are the Dodger base cards to the 2018 Allen & Ginter set. This brand officially hits stores today. Go here for a complete checklist. The below listing does not include the Mini Exclusives found only in RIP cards. These cards are numbered as part of the base set, but are far more difficult to find. So, I'll share pics of those once they are all unearthed.

Notably, Joc's older brother, Champ, has his own Allen & Ginter card to call his own. It is my understanding thet the reverse of the card indicates that he's an "advocate and motivational speaker". There is also a mini autographed Champ Pederson card available, and I've included a pic of it on the right.

Base

#6 Chris Taylor                #31 Joc Pederson

#42 Jackie Robinson              #43 Champ Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Machado!

Is he, or is he not coming westward?

According to numerous scribes and prognosticators, the Manny Machado sweepstakes has been won by the Dodgers. He will be changing from the horrid orange to majestic Blue, and this Dodger fan cannot be more excited. Of course, it has yet to be confirmed by the league and the respective teams. Nevertheless, I'll take last night's "Selfie" moment as a sign. He's coming!

BTW, you should check out this fantastic photoshopped pic of the Selfie -- showing Machado in Blue -- here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then current Boston shortstop Joe Cronin purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!