Here's a special notice for Dodger FanFest attendees, the autograph and VIP experience tickets will go on sale this afternoon, online, at 1:00 PM. Go here. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear they'll be providing a preview of who will be signing or specifics about VIP events.
Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. In 1976 Dodger great Tommy Davis is released by the KC Royals, ending an 18-year MLB career. As a Dodger he played eight seasons; slashing .304/.338/.441/.779 with an 117 OPS+, 16.2 WAR, two batting crowns and two All-Star appearances.
- Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!
- Via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider; "Dodgers announce 2019 minor league coaching staffs."
- Via Bob Nightengale at USA Today; "Inside Dodgers' plan to revolutionize the fan experience: 'This is a show business'"
Think an entertainment district on the vast land surrounding Dodger Stadium. Think about a high-speed underground system tunnel leading to Dodger Stadium before the 2020 All-Star Game. Think about night clubs and sports bars inside Dodger Stadium. Think real-time information on your smart phones where you too have the same analytics at your disposal as manager Dave Roberts. Think about a stadium experience where you can change seats, even move into different sections, every three innings during a game.“He has to find a way furiously to curate new audiences at the young level and connect with them,’’ Guber tells USA TODAY Sports. “He has to go out hunting where the elephants are. He has to speak their language because the new generation of fans consume games in a different way.
- An old friend alert. Per Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors; "Shawn Tolleson Announces Retirement."
- Per Daniel Preciado at Dodgers Nation; "Dodgers Sign Taiwanese Pitcher Lin Huei-Sheng."
- Cardboard Connection has a bunch of preview pics up featuring Topps' 2019 MLB Sticker Collection; including the Jackie Robinson sticker seen on the bottom-right. Go here to check out more. This brand hits store shelves on June 12th.
- Cardboard Connection also has preview pics from Panini's Diamond Kings brand; including a pic of a Kershaw autographed cards on the bottom-left. Go here to check out more pics.
- Per Ramblin Wreck; "(Johnathan) Langley signs as Dodgers Bullpen Catcher."
After spending four years as a pivotal voice in the Yellow Jackets’ bullpen, Langley was signed to the Dodgers’ organization in June 2018 before spending a year with the Arizona League Dodgers, the team’s Rookie Level minor league affiliate. Now in the Major League, Langley will fulfill the same role with the LA pitching staff that includes Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.“I’m really excited to work with the Dodgers,” Langley said. “The players, coaches and staff are all first class and I’m grateful to be a part of such a storied franchise. I’d like to thank God for guiding my steps each day and making this a possibility. Finally, thank you to all my coaches, friends and family for always believing in me.”
- I wouldn't go this far, but he's certainly been very good. Per Matt Provenzano at Beyond the Boxscore; "Russell Martin deserves Hall of Fame discussion: As he moves from the Jays to his original club at the twilight of his career, it’s worth reflecting on one of the better catchers of the modern era."
Yet even before his supposed breakout, where his OPS+ was only a paltry 99, he had accumulated much more of a more representative stat—WARP, which accounts for advanced framing stats as well as normal catcher defense like blocking and stolen base attempts. When he started his first year with the Pirates he had already put up 37.5 WARP, about the same as Thurman Munson in his career.Today, Martin’s WARP is at at a total of 59.8, or seventh all-time and just a bit behind Brian McCann (who I will also discuss briefly) and Gary Carter, who we readily accept as a Hall of Famer. Martin has a higher career WARP than Bill Dickey, Buster Posey, Joe Mauer, and Joe Torre, to name a few.
- Here's some terrible former Dodger news. WTF! Per an AP report at ESPN; "Former MLB pitcher John Wetteland arrested on child sexual abuse charge."
- Locastro is now in the division. Per Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors; "Diamondbacks Acquire Tim Locastro."
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