Dodgers 2017 NLC Ring on Auction

If you haven't had a chance to see the NL Championship ring the Dodgers created after the 2017 season, well here's you chance. Featured is the very first ring from this season that I've seen for sale. It's at Paragon Auctions and it has an opening bid of $1,000 (Auction Link).

As you can see, the top is a rather plain. There's a diamond encrusted LA logo with 'National League Champions 2017' circling its circumference. The sides are far more interesting. One end includes that season's motto, "This Team!" and their regular season record (104-58). The other side has an aerial view of Dodger Stadium and the name of who this ring once belonged to -- Rafael Ozuna.

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin has been turning heads at the Dodgers camp -- and not just because he fancies cat t-shirts. Rather, he's been lights out during his three appearances this spring, pitching six scoreless innings. Overall, the 25-year old has struck out five, walked none and batters are hitting a paltry .190 off him. Per Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he has a four-pitch mix, he can throw his secondaries for strikes when he needs to, he’s a tough competitor, he’s very intelligent, and the stuff is real,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked for his evaluation of Gonsolin. 

“For me to be able to put eyes on him, our coaching staff, was good. The way he carries himself in the clubhouse is very mature.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Pic on the right via Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going so far as to enter the Dodgers clubhouse following the game. Both players would be suspended five games. Per Mike DiGiovanna at the LA Times:

"Where's Mota?" Piazza screamed, checking the trainer's room. "Where's Mota?" he yelled, walking through the clubhouse. Once he realized Dodger reliever Guillermo Mota had left, Piazza walked out the back door, got into his car and sped off.

• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!