Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Welcome to the Blue, Matt Beaty!


As you all know, AJ Pollock is headed towards to Injured List due to right elbow inflammation, so speculation all morning centered around who would be called up to take his place on the roster.

Top prospect Edwin Rios was a possibility, but he hasn't exactly been tearing it up in Oklahoma -- slashing a measly .221/.256/.349/.604 so far. Another name to consider is outfielder Kyle Garlick. He's been a consist bat since being drafted by the club in 2015, and is currently slashing a modest .254/.375/.493/.868 in Triple-A. For out of the box thinkers, the name Will Smith comes to mind. He's one of our top catching prospects, who happens to also play a little bit of the infield. Although he doesn't appear to have much outfield experience, maybe a 'cup of coffee' for the youngster would be warranted.

As it turns out, though none of the three above were chosen. It is outfielder/infielder Matt Beaty who will be joining the Dodgers. Per a Dodgers press release:
Beaty, 26, was the 12th round selection by the Dodgers in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Belmont University. The former Belmont Bruin has been with the Dodger organization for five seasons and this will be his first Major League promotion after being added to the 40-man roster on November 20, 2018. In five minor league seasons, he is a .307 (427-for-1390) hitter with 33 homers and 209 RBI across five different levels. Prior to the promotion, Beaty was batting .277 (23-for-83) with two homers and 10 RBI in 22 games for Oklahoma City.

2019 Topps Now - #150 & #154 - Bellinger's 6th and 7th Cards


Cody Bellinger is so 'hot' right now, he has either tied or overtaken three records over the past five days. It all began on Friday when he eclipsed Chase Utleys record of 85 Total Bases before May 1st -- for which he received his 5th 2019 Topps Now card (see it here). Then on Sunday Cody belted his 14th homer of the season to tie a record held by three other players. For this he received his 6th Topps Now card -- which sold a total of 301 copies. You can see this new card above and to the right. Below is what's written on the reverse:
Cody Bellinger joined Christian Yelich as the second player in 2019 to tie Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez for the most home runs before May 1. Bellinger's 14th home run was a solo shot in the fourth inning off of Trevor Williams and brought the Los Angeles Dodgers within three runs in an eventual 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Cody Bellinger just keeps rolling along. Last night he went two-for-three, recorded his fourth outfield assist of the season and drove in his 37th run -- a new Major League record for RBI's before May 1st. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough as the Giants ended the Dodgers four game winning streak last night, 3-2.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later on go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
  • Happy BirthdayPaul WachtelPhil GarnerJeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

Monday, April 29, 2019

2019 Topps Now - #139 - Bellinger's Record Breaking Start to the Season


Bellinger's first month to the season has been otherworldly. Through 29 games so far Cody is leading the league in Runs (30), Hits (44), Home Runs (14), RBI's (36), Batting Average (.427), OBP (.500), OPS (.913), WAR (3.3), Sacrafice Fly's (3) and Total Bases (94). And as you can imagine, he's breaking records left and right. Last night he recorded his 44th hit of the season to break a Dodgers franchise record for hits before May 1st, but it is his efforts from Friday that is the subject of this post.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Pirates Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info, Autographs and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:
-----------------------
Friday, April 26th at 7:10 PM
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


All it takes is one inning to ruin a good outing.

For five innings Walker Buehler was rolling along just fine. He had allowed only a single and a walk in what looked like a certain win for the Blue Crew. Then the sixth came around and everything just fell apart. He would go on to yield three runs before being replaced by Scott Alexander -- who fared no better.  By the time the dust settled, the Dodgers had lost their lead and was now facing a three-run deficit. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“When you can’t put guys away or you give them free passes or you make a mistake in the hitting zone, those guys are going to take advantage,” Roberts said. “Just like our guys.”
The Dodgers did mount a comeback, but it fell one-run short. They would lose 7-6. Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1976 Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, in an act that will be remembered and celebrated throughout the country, snatched and rescued an American flag from two protesters who were in the midst of setting it on fire. You can watch it here.
"He got down on his knees and I could tell he wasn't throwing holy water on it," Monday said of one of the perpetrators. "If he's going to burn a flag, he better do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it. I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough with their legs blown off defending that flag."

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Check Out this Dodgers Themed Trophy Truck


I don't know anything about racing, but what I do know is that this 'trophy truck' (Is that the right term?) is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

Featured is a recently built Jimco trophy truck dubbed 'Fastball' that is owned by one of the Dodger owners -- Bobby Patton. Per Jonathon Klein at The Drive:
Built ahead of the 2019 season, the Jimco trophy truck is affectionately known as “Fastball” and sports (get it) a Dodgers-themed blue livery with white Dodgers lettering. The Jimco-built machine was finished last November, but has only recently seen action in the San Felipe 250 earlier this month. The chassis was built in-house by Jimco and features a 125-inch wheelbase and a 92-inch track width. Powering the 5,100-pound machine is a Score Spec Chevrolet Performance LS3 worked over by Danzio Performance and backed by a 3-speed Turbo 400 built by Gearworks.

Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Kenta Maeda got roughed up early yesterday afternoon, as he yielded six runs during his first two innings on the mound. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“I wasn’t able to locate my pitches very well. I kept struggling throughout the entire inning and the walks piled up,” Maeda told Rizzo. “I was able to get to an 0–2 count (on Contreras), but my pitch obviously caught too much of the plate.”
Contreras had hit a double with the bases loaded to drive in three during the first inning. The Dodgers would then lose to the Cubs, 7-2. Photo above via Darren Georgia/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Jackie Robinson Foundation Auction at Goldin's


Following on the heals of the nationally celebrated Baseball holiday, Jackie Robinson Day, comes Goldin's Spring Premium Auction that features numerous collectibles that will directly benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The coolest item, without a shadow of a doubt, is the above 1951 game-used Brooklyn Dodger home jersey. (Auction Link) Per the auction description:
1951 was an excellent season for Jackie, as he had his second-highest career batting average of .338, which only trailed Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Richie Ashburn at seasons end. Robinson also had solid power numbers that included 19 home runs and 88 RBI as he helped the Brooklyn Dodgers to a 97-60 record. The Dodgers and Giants both finished with a 96-58 record, which forced a best-of-three series to decide the National League pennant and was ultimately won on the Giants’ Bobby Thomson’s famous “Shot Heard Round The World” walk-off home run in the deciding third game.

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out this fantastic, circa 1950's, photograph taken by Barney Stein of the Brooklyn Dodgers "Sym-Phony" Band that is currently available at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
  • Happy BirthdayJames MulveyDolph CamilliBob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Monday, April 22, 2019

2019 Topps Now - #107 & #120 - Kiké's Big Friday then Belli's Bigger Sunday


What a weekend for the Dodgers. Although they were unable to extend their winning streak by sweeping the Brewers, they were able to show that they are the alpha-males of the National League. On Friday evening, Kiké Hernandez walloped a game-winning three-run homer off of the usually unhittable Josh Hader to drive the Dodgers towards victory, 5-3. For his efforts he was given a 2019 Topps Now card that sold over the weekend and has a print run of 223 copies. Per the description on the reverse of the card.

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Kershaw was great... Joc was outstanding... But its Belli who stole the show. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“He’s just playing incredible baseball,” Roberts said of Bellinger. “All the way, across the board — today with the bat, with the glove — he just impacts the game so many ways.”
Cody knocked in three runs -- on two singles and a solo homer -- to lead the Dodgers offense in their 6-5 (boxscore) victory over Milwaukee. He also made a game-saving catch to steal a home run from the equally impressive Christian Yelich.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

Friday, April 19, 2019

2019 Bowman Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Thirty years ago Topps brought back their Bowman brand from the dustbin of collecting history and quickly re-branded it as its premier prospect set. Every year collectors open up box and box chasing after the 'next-big-thing' and this year is sure to be no different.

Earlier this week 2019 Bowman hit store shelves and it's filled with several Dodger farmhands who could make waves in LA soon. In fact, it includes the very first Dodger card of recently acquired infielder (courtesy of the Puig/Kemp trade) Jeter Downs. Also, you can find the very first officially licensed cards of prized catcher Diego Cartaya (which is autographed), Christian Santana and James Outman. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#2 Cody Bellinger           #15 Clayton Kershaw


Base Paper Prospects    Base Chrome Prospects
#BP-80 Dustin May          #BCP-80 Dustin May

2019 Topps Heritage Chrome Mega Box - All the Dodgers Cards

I just realized that I skipped over a Walmart exclusive product put out by Topps. It was their Heritage Chrome Mega Box and it came out mid-March. Each $39.99 box included 15 regular Topps Heritage packs and one Chrome pack with three exclusive Chrome parallels enclosed. Go here for a complete checklist. Take a look at the Mega Box on the right. I am uncertain if these boxes can still be found in stores.

There are four Dodgers in the Chrome Exclusives and a Kershaw relic that uses a different photo than what's found in the regular Heritage packs.

Base Chrome Exclusives

#THC-34 Cody Bellinger        #THC-341 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


The Dodgers decided to celebrate National High Five Day by defeating the Brewers for their fifth consecutive victory last night. Best yet, it all came about as a result of the clubs fifth straight quality start -- this time by Julio Urias, who went 6 innings of scoreless one-hit ball. He also struck out a career high nine batters. (boxscore) Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“When your fastball is working, when it’s being placed well, the batter has to think about three pitches to worry about,” said Urías, who also got five swinging strikes with his changeup. “When you throw it with conviction, things go well.”
Photo above via Joo SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 Dodgers outfielder Ernie Koy hit a home run in his first major league at-bat. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was also the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
  • Happy BirthdayBill GreenwoodRJ ReynoldsBrett MayneJose CruzDennys ReyesGeorge SherrillJoe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Brooklyn Dodgers Moyer Pottery Bank at Hunt Auctions


Here's something new to add to my mental database. Featured above is a circa 1940's Brooklyn Dodgers coin bank made by Moyer Pottery that is currently available through Hunt Auctions (auction link). It has an amazing shiny paint gloss on it that is original, and is currently commanding premium value at the auction -- currently sitting at $188.00.

I understand that Moyer Pottery made several similar coin banks featuring subject matters like a bowler, cowboy and football player. This is the first time I've ever seen a Brooklyn Dodger figurine.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Panini Diamond Kings - Dodgers' Inserts Part 2

Here is a last look at some of the Dodger inserts found in packs of Panini's 2019 Diamond Kings brand. Unfortunately, there are quite a few inserts cards that I do not yet have pics of. I will do my best to update this post when those photos become available.

Jersey Kings

#10 Max Muncy                          #19 Pee Wee Reese

Blog Kiosk: 4/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Sweep!


Four great starts in a row has fueled the Dodgers four-game winning streak. Last Night was Walker Buehlers turn to turn it on... And what a bright light be was. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“He was getting into a groove,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He’s been kind of tinkering with his delivery, but today he had a lot of good feel. He’s kind of like that sports car. If there’s anything just not right, then he’s off. So he kind of worked through it, and we needed that.”
Walker went 6.1 innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, while striking out eight Reds batters to defeat Cincinnati, 3-2 (boxscore). Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1925 Charles Ebbets, the Dodgers owner and president, dies of an heart attack on the morning of his teams home opener at Ebbets Field. In 1939 Red Barber announces the first ever regular season Dodger game to be broadcast in Brooklyn. In 1946 Jackie Robinson makes his debut as a second baseman for the Montreal Royals. He belts a home runs and records three singles. In 1947 Burt Shotten is named the Dodgers manager - replacing Leo Durocher who was suspended by the league ten days prior. In 1950 Vin Scully calls his very first game as a Dodgers broadcaster. In 1952 Willie Mays is knocked unconscious when he runs in to the Ebbets Field outfield wall while making a game saving catch. In 1958 Los Angeles holds a downtown parade for the the Dodgers before their first home game at the Coliseum. A National League record 78,672 fans crowd the stadium to watch their new team defeat the soon-to-be-hated Giants, 6-5In 1964 Sandy Koufax throws his second career Immaculate Inning - three strike outs on nine pitches during one inning. In 1966 Maury Wills becomes the first batter to get a hit on artificial grass - a single off of Robin Roberts at the Astrodome. In 2008 the Dodgers announce that Joe Beimel had been selected by fans to get a bobblehead. You can see that bobble on the right.
  • Happy BirthdayHughie HearneTommy McMillanNick PollyBobby CastilloJim Eisenreich & Brady Clark!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Welcome to the Blue, Chris Nunn!


I doubt there is another team more active than the Dodgers when it comes to pursuing seemingly unknown or over-the-hill ballplayers. Their willingness to take risk is the reason they've been able to find 'diamonds in the rough' -- like Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Charlie Culberson and Brandon Morrow. So, this unheralded announcement discovered earlier today should come as no surprise. We have found out, through a tweet by the ballplayer himself, that the Dodgers have signed 28-year old lefty hurler Chris Nunn.
Nunn is a former 24th-round draft pick of the Padres in 2012 and a recent employ of the Independent St. Paul Saints of the American Association. He is also a ballplayer who was originally noticed due to the efforts of a 'Pitching Ninja' name Rob Friedman. BTW, you can follow Chris on twitter here: @thenatural515.

2019 Topps Utz - All the Dodger Cards

Following on the heals of Topps RBI Baseball cards and Upper Deck's Michael Jordan Hanes promotional cards comes another brand promo in products of Utz. So, what the heck is that?

Being a west coast denizen you wouldn't be faulted for having no idea. Utz is a regional chip brand found in grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the east coast, and now you can find Topps Baseball cards in packages.

There are 100 cards in the base set -- including three Dodger players -- and there doesn't appear to be any parallels or inserts found within packs. The cards use the Topps flagship design. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base 

#32 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - "That's Called a Winning Streak"


Winning is infectious.

Last night Kenta Maeda continued the parade by going a solid 6.2 innings to help the Dodgers win their third consecutive game (boxscore). Since Stripling's start on Sunday Dodger starters have given up just 13 hits in 21.2 innings -- yielding just four earned runs, four walks while striking out 14 batters. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“That’s what our guys are capable of,” Roberts said. “It’s one of those things where I think Ross started that and the momentum sort of builds from there and the next guy wants to do the same thing.”
Photo above Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Casey Stengel made his managerial debut as the Dodgers skipper as Brooklyn defeated the Boston Braves, 8-7In 1947 Jackie Robinson recorded his first major league hit -- a bunt single down the third base line off of Boston Braves hurler Glenn ElliottIn 1955 Roberto Clemente, who started out as a Dodger prospect, singles off of Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres for his first major league hit. In 1956 future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale pitched in his very first game. He threw one inning of hitless relief in the ninth inning of a losing game. In 1994 the Dodgers belted 19 runs against the hapless Pirates to tie a club record for most runs in a game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw struck out his 1,000th batter of his career -- the victim was Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso.
  • Happy BirthdayAd YaleJake DaubertStan AndrewsMarquis Grissom & Gary Bennett!

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

2019 Topps Now - #92 - Joc Pederson's Walk-Off and a Look at Puig's Card


What an electrifying evening Jackie Robinson Day turned out to be. Along with all of the 'pomp and circumstance' that goes with this Baseball holiday, we got to witness a thrilling ballgame.

First of all, our staff ace, Clayton Kershaw, got on the mound for the first time this season. Unfortunately, his presence was no match for the recently traded Yasiel Puig. He promptly hit a first inning homer to give his new club an early lead. Then, with the game tied up in the eighth inning, Matt Kemp -- the other piece traded this winter -- knocked in the go-ahead run for the Reds on a single off of Kenley Jansen. Lastly, Joc Pederson came up to bat in the ninth inning to slam a game-winning two-run walk-off home run to win the game in grand fashion. Wowzers!

2019 Panini Diamond Kings -- Dodgers' Inserts Part 1

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards, here are some of the inserts you can find in packs. Featured below are many of the Diamond King signature and relic cards. Notably, this set includes a Vin Scully autographed card -- his first signed card available since 2016.

DK Signatures

#4 Caleb Ferguson            #15 Dennis Santana

Welcome to the Blue, Josh Sborz!


Over the weekend the Dodgers made a change to their bullpen -- no doubt worried that their six-game losing streak had taxed their relief corps. They called-up right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana to Oklahoma City on Sunday. Per a Dodger Press release:
Sborz, 25, was the 74th overall pick by the Dodgers in the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Virginia. The former Cavalier has been with the Dodger organization five seasons and this will his first Major League promotion after he was added to the 40-man roster on November 20, 2018. On the season, he has made two appearances for Oklahoma City, going 4.0 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts against one walk.

Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Robinson Day Walk-Off Magic


Above is the only photo that matters. Vin Scully was on-hand at Dodger Stadium to help celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with Rachel Robinson. Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.

The photo on the right comes a close second. As you surely know, Joc Pederson belted a two-run walk-off homer to help defeat the Reds, 3-2. Pic on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“He just comes up big in big moments,” Roberts said. “This closer, Iglesias, is one of the best in the game. Joc got a hanging breaking ball, stayed in there and walked him off. We kind of stole it from them.”
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1945 the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three Negro League ballplayers at Fenway Park -- Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. None are signed by the club. Their loss is our gain. In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
  • Happy BirthdayNed ColletiPaul WanerBabe PhelpsSergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

Monday, April 15, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Jackie Robinson Day!


Chicken Strip was fantastic yesterday afternoon - halting a Dodgers' six game slide that saw them lose their early season lead in the Western Division. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
In the longest outing of Stripling’s Major League career, he needed only 88 pitches to get through eight innings of work Sunday afternoon in a 7–1 win to stop the skid. 
“Just the way that he and Austin (Barnes) were in sync today was as good as I’ve seen any pitcher-catcher combo,” said manager Dave Roberts.
Photo above Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser WilhelmIn 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
  • Happy Birthday, Hub CollinsJack SheehanTed Sizemore, Willie DavisJeremy BurnitzMilton Bradley!