VIN SCULLY IS MY HOMEBOY

Kemp and Kershaw to be honored @ Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's Legacy Awards

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

From the Dodgers -

Dodger All-Star center fielder Matt Kemp and National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw will be honored tomorrow night at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s Legacy Awards ceremony in Kansas City. Kemp will be on hand to receive the Oscar Charleston Award as the National League’s Most Valuable Player, while Kershaw will be recognized as the National League recipient of the Bullet Rogan “Pitcher of the Year” Award.

The Legacy Awards, established by the NLBM in 2000, recognize the best Major League Baseball players, managers and executives with awards given in the name, and spirit, of Negro Leagues legends such as Charleston, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and Buck O’Neil. The Legacy Awards honor both on- and off-the-field achievement and will be presented at 8:00 p.m. tomorrow at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, MO. The event is part of the museum’s yearlong Buck O’Neil Centennial Celebration with proceeds benefitting the NLBM.

Kemp made a serious run at the Triple Crown this past season and wound up leading the National League in home runs (39), RBI (126), runs (115) and total bases (353). The six-year big leaguer also ranked third in the NL with a .324 batting average and tied for second with 40 stolen bases, finishing one home run shy of becoming just the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a single season.

In addition to the Oscar Charleston Award, the 27-year-old was honored with the 2011 Hank Aaron Award, given to the best offensive performer in each league, and won his second Rawlings Gold Glove Award and second Silver Slugger. Additionally, he was selected as Baseball America’s Major League Player of the Year, chosen as a Sporting News All-Star and was named as the National League’s Most Outstanding Player in the Players Choice Award voting. In September, Kemp was chosen as the winner of the sixth annual Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodger player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher and is voted upon by Dodger uniform personnel.

Kershaw has already been recognized this offseason by winning the National League Cy Young Award, earning the Players Choice Award as the National League’s Outstanding Pitcher, capturing a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, being selected as a Sporting News NL All-Star and winning the Warren Spahn Award as the game’s best left-handed pitcher. He was also recently named the 2011 Sportsman of the Year by the Los Angeles Sports Council and was honored in his native Texas as the state’s Professional Baseball Player of the Year. Off the field, Kershaw was a finalist for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet for his charitable endeavors and recently co-authored a book, Arise, with his wife, Ellen, about their charity work together in Africa.

Last season, the 23-year-old became just the 16th National League pitcher to win the league’s Triple Crown since 1900. He led the Majors with a 2.28 ERA, tied with Arizona’s Ian Kennedy for the N.L. lead with 21 wins and ranked first in the league with 248 strikeouts. The left-hander became just the third different Dodger pitcher to achieve the feat, joining Dazzy Vance (1924) and Sandy Koufax (1963, 1965 and 1966).

Bloggers Softball Game Update

2012-01-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

Click here for all the details!

Mike of Left Field Pavilion Blog needs to receive the payment by tomorrow. If you haven't paid, please do so now!

Click here to make payment.

My two teams -

Team # 1

Chris M - Paid
Lawrence C - Paid
Omar L - Paid
Maria H - Paid
Eric E - Paid
Steve Y - Paid
Carlos D - Not Paid
Douglas Q - Not Paid
Linda S - Paid
Veronica R - Paid
Mike G - Paid
Andrew R - Paid

Team #2

Rafael V - Not Paid
Kory P - Paid
Adrian C - Paid
Jose C - Not Paid
Nestor H - Not Paid
Felix M - Not Paid
Vanessa L - Not Paid
Juan D - Paid
Victor M - Paid
Monique Y - Paid
Jimmy J - Not Paid
Liliana R - Paid
Jonathan B - Paid
Jason L - Paid
James L - Paid

Thank you!

Camelback Ranch Fan Fest!

2012-01-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

There will be a Fan Fest at Camelback Ranch this year. I only have few details about this since nothing has been finalized yet. More details will be announced soon. So stay tuned.

This is what I do know -

Camelback Ranch Fan Fest is scheduled for Saturday March 3rd.

The Dodgers and White Sox are not playing any games that day. The first game in Camelback Ranch is Monday March 5 (Dodgers vs White Sox).

During Fan Fest, you will be able to watch the Dodgers take Batting Practice.

Fans will be treated to promo giveaways at the gates and various other giveaways throughout the concourse.

Autograph session with the players after Batting Practice.

More details should be announced by February.

-

Remember that Spring Training tickets are on sale now! {linked here}

Gordon & Kemp checking out Cr8Rec Shoes

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

I prefer the Classic Cesario....

{linked here}

Aybar is more popular than Kemp.... Right?

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was at the Market last night. Checked out the magazines....

The first one just made me giggle. 2012 Lindy's Sports Baseball Preview. Erick Aybar is bigger than Matt Kemp?

NO.

Kemp and Cameron Maybin of the San Diego Padres get the small snapshots.

The 2nd one is the 2012 Major League Baseball Yearbook and Fantasy guide. Albert Pujols on the cover.

I didn't see this one.... {linked here}

Open House this Saturday, free gift to those that attend & Top of the Park will be open!

2012-01-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is the third post about the Dodgers Open House. Not my intention to post the same thing over and over but I got new info.

The Dodgers Open House is this Saturday. It's open to everyone. Mini-Plans and Season Seats are available. Season tickets start at $5 per ticket and $16 per ticket for Field Level seats. There are 10, 15 and 25-game Mini Plans. Mini Plan pricing starts at $8 per seat.

Everyone that attends Open House will get a free gift when they arrive.

The Top of the Park merchandise will be open!

Parking is in Lot G.

Open House hours is from 10am till 3pm.

Click here for more details.

Dodgers were after Prince Fielder

2012-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Really? Who knows if this is true or not.

From Jon Heyman of CBS Sports - {linked here}

Although they managed to stay under the radar all the while, the Los Angeles Dodgers pushed hard for weeks to try to sign Prince Fielder and thought for a while they might have a legitimate shot at their own secret signing. The Dodgers were a surprise entrant in the sweepstakes, making a major push to sign the star slugger with an offer that guaranteed him seven years but provided a sweet four-year opt-out. And for a couple weeks, they looked like a real possibility for Prince.

The Dodgers surely gave a spirited effort to secure Fielder, even flying to meet with him at an undisclosed neutral location a few weeks ago, but somehow managed to keep the entire undertaking under wraps, save for a few internet rumblings from fans speculating that they may have been a mystery team in the mix.

As it turned out, the Dodgers were merely the first mystery team. The second one, the Tigers, jumped in to win Fielder on a $214-million, nine-year deal several days after star hitter Victor Martinez suffered a knee injury that's expected to keep him out for the 2012 season.

The Dodgers' attempt at Fielder, with a high annual salary on the four years Fielder was guaranteed to be a Dodger and the always favorable player opt out, is believed to have put them among the final three teams in on Fielder, who agreed to the Tigers deal on Tuesday that was first reported by CBSSports.com and announced today. The Nationals have said they were in on Fielder until the end, but the Dodgers were at least in the final three. The Dodgers only started to lose hope the final weekend when the Tigers' big bid materialized, people familiar with the negotiations told Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

The Dodgers' offer was said to have called for an average salary of about $26 million for the first four years and something in the low $20-million-range in the next three years. The bid was designed not to discourage Fielder from opting out and possibly moving to the American League where he could DH after the first four years. The total Dodgers deal was believed to have been worth in the low $160 millions.

I guess we will have to wait two years for Joey Votto!

Matt Kemp should have been on this cover

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

Out March 6, 2012.

Adrian Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox is on the cover for MLB 12 The Show.

Trailer was released this week -

ESPN has more details on this video game. {linked here}

Justin Verlander is on the cover for MLB 2K12 {linked here}

Dodgertown Links: Kemp, Soon-Shiong, Macciello, SooHoo

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

News around the web!

The richest man in Los Angeles, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong might be interested in the Dodgers. {Bill Shaikin/L.A. Times}

TV interview with Josh Macciello. {KTLA News}

You need to hear this. "Meet the bidders" {Mason & Ireland}

Bob Daly doesn't have nice things to say about Frank McCourt. {T.J. Simers/L.A. Times}

Art of the steal. {The LFP}

Chad Moriyama answers questions in regards to this upcoming Dodger season. {Giants Nirvana}

Dodgers 2012 Minor League countdown: 100 - 91 {True Blue L.A.}

Jon SooHoo has been posting some excellent pictures. {Dodgers Photog Blog}

So how does Matt Kemp's contract look now? It looks good! {Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness}

Andre Ethier Punks Dustin Pedroia!

2012-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

From SportsRadio Boston WEEI -

Dustin Pedroia joined the Glenn and Michael on the Big Show, and they asked him if they could take a call. Dustin agreed, and the caller then went on to rip the crap out of him. What Dustin didn't know is that the caller was one of his best friends, Andre Ethier.

Watch this at WEEI

Ethier tries the Boston accent! (It reminds when I didn't understand certain questions in Boston)

Matt Kemp on the 2012 MLB Fantasy Preview Mag

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

On sale this Friday!

2012 Official Major League Baseball Fantasy Preview magazine will be available in newsstands January 27th.

Tommy Lasorda, Hulk Hogan & King Kong Bundy @ WrestleMania

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

I stopped watching Wrestling when I was a kid because I found out it was fake. It was a sad day.

Hulk Hogan and Tommy Lasorda at WresleMania 2!

You know what pumps me up? Hulk Hogan's theme music. {linked here}

Found another classic video on YouTube. This was uploaded yesterday. Let me explain the scene:

It's WWF WrestleMania 2. The date is April 7, 1986. The location is at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Characters that you will find in this video is Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, King Kong Bundy and Hulk Hogan.

The guest ring announcer is Tommy Lasorda!

I just had to look it up. Did Tommy Lasorda manage a game that night? Went over to Baseball Reference and yes, he managed a game that night! It was at Dodger Stadium against the San Diego Padres. Fernando Valenzuela pitched a complete game and defeated the Padres 2-1. The game lasted two hours and fifteen minutes. {linked here}

So I'm assuming Lasorda took a limo after that game and arrived at the L.A. Sports Arena by 10pm?

Doesn't make sense...

Just realized it was Opening Day!

Video by MBC76 -

Open House This Saturday!

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

From the Dodgers -

We invite you to join us in celebrating Dodger Stadium's 50th Anniversary. With exciting promotions such as our Dodger Stadium Greats Bobbleheads Series that includes Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax for the first time ever, 2012 is a year you don't want to miss!

Come to Dodger Stadium this Saturday to find the plan that's right for you, and select the seats you've always wanted! Purchase any full season or mini plan ticket package and guarantee your seat to Opening Day; plus receive a Dodger gift just for attending!

With season tickets starting at just $5, and an all-new benefits package, there's no better time to become part of the Dodger Season Ticket Family!

In addition to those seat locations reserved for our Season Ticket Holders, we are also offering a variety of Mini Plans to fit your schedule and budget with plans starting at just $8 per game.

This Saturday from 10am/3pm!

Click here for more info.

Upcoming Appearance: Steve Yeager

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

For those in the East Coast -

Steve Yeager
January 28, 2012
12:30pm
MAB Celebrity Services
Fairfield Crowne Plaza
690 Route 46 East
Fairfield, NJ 07004

{linked here}

For other upcoming signings, scroll down a bit and on the left side of this blog, you will see "Upcoming Appearances". Click the player for more details.

Dodgertown Links: Softball, TV Money, Ethier, Loney, Macciello

2012-01-24T19:30:00.000-08:00

Since the Dodgers didn't get a big bat this off-season, Andre Ethier needs to comeback strong and produce!

News around the web!

For those that signed up for the softball game next month, have you paid? If not, do it now! {The LFP}

TV money could push Dodgers bidding above $1.5 billion. {Bill Shaikin/L.A. Times}

Tony Jackson talks about all the potential bidders. {ESPN L.A.}

Evan Bladh is rooting for Josh Macciello to get the Dodgers. {Opinion of Kingman's Performance}

Steve Dilbeck feels the Dodgers can win the West. {L.A. Times}

James Loney is one of the most frustrating players in the majors. {ESPN}

The great Eric Stephen is going to Camelback Ranch for six weeks! AWESOME. {True Blue L.A.)

Andre Ethier looks forward to return. {ESPN L.A.}

Females will go crazy in 3, 2, 1....

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Remember when Matt Kemp did a photo shoot with Flaunt Magazine last September? If not, click here.

Video of that photo shoot was released this week.

Video -

Matt Kemp: Living for the Moment from jimmy marble on Vimeo.

Fat contract for Prince Fielder!

2012-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! Fat contract for Prince Fielder, who will be signing with the Detroit Tigers pending a physical.

9 years - $214 million!

I'm just glad Fielder has signed so we can stop with the Fielder to Dodgers rumors.

Good luck in Detroit Prince.

2012 Dodgers Promo Video

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - The owner of this video took it down. Maybe it wasn't meant to go public yet?

This video from REP Interactive was created for the 2012 season. REP Interactive is a new-media company that produces innovative online videos and captivating 3D content.

Trying to get the Dodgers/Giants rivalry going?

Video -

Dodgers 2012 Promo from REP Interactive, LLC on Vimeo.

Upcoming Appearance: Don Mattingly

2012-01-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

For those in the East Coast -

Don Mattingly
January 28, 2012
11am
MAB Celebrity Services
Fairfield Crowne Plaza
690 Route 46 East
Fairfield, NJ 07004

{linked here}

For other upcoming signings, scroll down a bit and on the left side of this blog, you will see "Upcoming Appearances". Click the player for more details.

Dodgertown Links: Kershaw, Fielder, Macciello, Piazza, Ellis

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Prince Fielder is still available.

News around the web!

On January 13th, Clayton Kershaw is driving and talking on the phone with a radio station. A cop stops him. {Frank Pastore Show}

Dodgers bidders line up billions. {CNN Money}

Josh Macciello says he probably put the highest bid. {The Sporting News}

Confused over the Dodgers bids? Bill Shaikin has the answers. {L.A. Times}

Jon Weisman says it again, he wants Prince Fielder. {Dodger Thoughts}

Dodgers 2012 Minor League countdown: 110 - 101 {True Blue L.A.}

Mike Piazza wants to go into HOF as a Met. {Mets Blog}

Dodgers assistant GM De Jon Watson stays busy in off-season. {Examiner.com}

Should the Dodgers bat A.J. Ellis at the top of the lineup? {Lasorda's Lair}

Matt Kemp "I should have won MVP"

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Matt Kemp talks to ESPN -

Video -

Ted Lilly Golf Tournament

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

The First Annual Ted Lilly Golf Tournament at the majestic Sierra Meadows Golf Course will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012. Activities include golf tournament, dinner and live auction, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities including one hole of golf played with Ted Lilly. The proceeds from this event will benefit Yosemite Little League, Sierra Mountain Little League and Yosemite Baseball Boosters. This includes funding field upgrades, equipment, uniforms, seasonal operations, and community awards to graduating seniors.

Click here for more info.

Joshua Macciello makes "substantial offer" to Frank McCourt

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Press release:

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Joshua Macciello, the CEO of Los Angeles based ArmItal Sports Inc. has submitted a bid to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 36-year-old Macciello made a substantial offer to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and now eagerly awaits the process for completing the purchase of the historic franchise.

"I made a more than fair and considerable offer to both Frank and Major League Baseball," Macciello said. "I understand the process of deciding upon a new owner will be an extensive one, and I look forward to getting started immediately."

Macciello is a lifelong baseball fan and former college player. His love for baseball and immense desire to return the Dodgers to their rightful stature led him to the decision to seriously bid for the team.

"The Dodgers are an iconic franchise and I have every belief that under the right leadership they will be restored to their former stature."

"If I am fortunate enough to be chosen to lead them, I will devote every asset needed and every bit of my attention to the team. I will not rest until the great Dodgers fans in Los Angeles and around the world get exactly what they deserve, and that is a respected team that competes for the championship on a yearly basis."

Joshua resides in Studio City, California with his wife, his mother and three children. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

Ryan Braun accepts MVP award last night

2012-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America held their annual dinner last night in New York to give out awards. Ryan Braun was there to accept his 2011 National League MVP award. Braun congratulates Matt Kemp for finishing 2nd place.

Video:

Clayton Kershaw was also there to receive his 2011 N.L. Cy Young award. {linked here}

Nice tux!

Loney can't believe JoePa was fired & Hawksworth is against Gay Marriage

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I love Twitter.

James Loney can't believe that Joe Paterno was fired. {linked here} Seriously? You can't believe it?

Oh and how about this one? From earlier last week. Blake Hawksworth wrote the following -

@BlakeHawk425 I'll follow my creators blueprint. #DoNotLegalizeGayMarriage Don't let Lady Gaga have a louder voice than you!!

Apparently, Hawksworth couldn't take the heat from fans so he deleted that tweet. Don't you hate that? Why write something when you are going to delete it a few minutes later? He then wrote this -

World War 3 huh? Check out his timeline where he tries to answer to those that do not agree with him. And apparently he claims that he lost many followers. {linked here}