Opening Day is around the corner.
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season.
- Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!
- Congrats, Doc. Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA -- "Dave Roberts inducted into UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame."
- Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com -- "Dodgers 'In This Together' for social justice."
“For centuries, the Black community has lived in a different America. Instead of addressing racism, inequality and injustice, many of us simply look away,” said Kershaw. “Silence is no longer an option. I’m fighting for my teammates, their families and their communities. That’s why we must unapologetically say that Black Lives Matter.”
- WooHoo! OMG! Keep Mookie a Dodger! Per a tweet from SportsCenter:
Breaking: Mookie Betts and the Dodgers are finalizing an agreement that is expected be for 13 years at more than $380 million, sources tell @JeffPassan. pic.twitter.com/NUEKWVloge— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 22, 2020
- Per Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Dodgers Reportedly In Serious Extension Talks With Mookie Betts."
- Baseball America's MLB Prospect Summer Camp Roundup: July 21 --
—RHP Josiah Gray started against the Angels and pitched 3.2 innings, gave up three hits and two runs, walked one and struck out two. The Dodgers No. 6 prospect held Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Albert Pujols hitless in six combined plate appearances.—INF/OF Zach McKinstry homered in his lone at-bat against the Angels The Dodgers No. 21 prospect hit well in spring training before camps shut down and has carried it over to summer camp as he moves closer to his ML debut.
- Per Bob Nightengale at USA Today -- "Giants' Gabe Kapler responds to President Trump: 'Nothing more patriotic than peaceful protests'"
“My response is I don’t see it as disrespect at all,’’ he said. “I see nothing more American than standing up for what you believe in. I see nothing more patriotic than peaceful protests when things are frustrating and upsetting.“And finally, there’s nobody that should make us stop doing the right thing. It doesn’t matter what leader says that they’re not going to be following a game. What matters the most is that we’re unwavering in trying to do what’s right.
- Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Dodgers Sign Jake McGee."
It’d certainly sting for the Rox to see McGee thrive in Los Angeles, but the southpaw will need to figure things out to make that happen. Soon to turn 34, McGee is coming off of a messy 2019 campaign in which he was likely fortunate to carry a 4.35 ERA despite permitting 2.4 home runs per nine innings.McGee’s swinging-strike rate dropped to 8.6% as he continued to surrender fastball velocity to the hands of time. It’ll be interesting to see what the Dodgers have in mind to prolong McGee’s career, now that he’s no longer bringing the elite speed he once did. He turned increasingly to his slider last year with some success, but still went to his trusty heater in four of every five deliveries.
Per Dodger Press Release:
The Dodgers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with left-handed pitcher Jake McGee. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have transferred right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson to the 45-day injured list. McGee will join the Dodgers roster today.McGee, 33, was placed on waivers by the Colorado Rockies on Friday after four seasons with club. In four years with the Rockies, he went 4-11 with a 4.78 ERA (104 ER/195.2 IP) in 225 games, including an 0-2 mark with a 4.35 ERA (20 ER/41.1 IP) in 45 games in 2019. In his 10-year Major League career, he is combined 25-22 with a 3.64 ERA (184 ER/455.1 IP) and 497 strikeouts in 522 games. The southpaw was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.
- BTW, Gavin Lux was option and is not likely to be on the roster coming Opening Day. Tony Gonsolin was also optioned on Saturday.
- Some good news on the collecting front. Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily -- "2020 Topps National Baseball Card Day Returns in August."
The annual promotion is set for August 8....
Customers who make a $10 purchase will receive a free Pete Alonso card that’s exclusive to the promotion. The following Saturday, August 15, another $10 purchase will mean a free Yordan Alvarez card.
- Panini America's blog recently shared some preview pics from their 2020 Donruss Optic Baseball. Check out the Mookie Betts card on the right. Go here to check out more pics. This product officially releases today.
- Via Gabriel Burns at AJC -- "Charlie Culberson enjoyed Yasiel Puig as person, teammate with Dodgers." Unfortunately, Puig won't be a Brave. He tested positive for Covid and is now in quarantine.
“I really enjoyed Yasiel,” Culberson said. “Good person. Good heart. He means well. He has so much ability, so much talent. For me, parts of two seasons in L.A., I had a locker beside him, so I really got to know him as who he was. A lot of people, I guess, are rubbed a little differently if he’s on the opposing team. And I can see that. That’s just his style of play.
- Via Matt Monagan at MLB.com -- "The legend of Chico, explained: A clubhouse attendant is stealing the show at Dodgers camp."
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MOOOOOOOOOOOOKIE
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