Dodgers Blue Heaven

Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

2020-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!
YouTube Video: Locker Tour: Will Smith via What Pros Wear (Video Link).
Per Buster Olney at ESPN/ABC30 -- "'We have a heartbeat': How A.J. and Kate Pollock faced their daughter's premature birth during COVID-19."

A.J. texted friends: Pray for us. Pray for Maddi. Pray for Kate. He told the Dodgers' chaplain, and the chaplain of his former team, the Diamondbacks, and the power of good will was mustered. The avalanche of response moved him. When you're going through something like that, he would say later, you feel the sincerity of others, how genuine they are. "I think that was the time we realized, OK, she's been blanketed in prayer," Kate said. "She's going to be OK.

"I never even really questioned it. I just had this feeling that everything was going to be OK."

Kate was in labor for 16 hours. "When she came out, and they said, 'We have a heartbeat," Kate remembered. "And there's tons of people in the room -- nurses, the doctors, labor and delivery nurses, obviously the whole NICU team. And they all shouted, 'We have a heartbeat.' And everyone's cheering, and obviously, I was crying.'"

Per Chandler Rome at the Houston Chronicle -- "Fans gather outside Dodger Stadium to express disdain for Astros."

Signs ranged from profane to punny. One said “Cheaters never prosper” along with a reminder that the Astros have a 22-23 record. Another simply stated “we hate you.”

Per Mark Townsend at Yahoo Sports -- "Report: MLB has locked in four ballparks that would host games in proposed postseason bubble.' There'll be some games played at Dodger Stadium.
Via Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue -- "Former Dodgers Outfielder Andre Ethier Elected To 2020 Arizona Sports Hall Of Fame Class.'
Via Lauren Campbell at NESN -- "How David Price Continues To Help Dodgers Despite Not Being With Team.'

“I’m watching the games, first pitch to last,” Price said, via Rosenthal. “If I see anything, I try to let our people with the Dodgers know. I have no problem doing it. I enjoy doing it. Even if they don’t ask me to do it, I’m still going to do it. I guess for me it’s kind of a way to feel a part of the team.”

I'm sure most of you have already seen this. Below is the Joe Kelly "Pouty Face" mural, via a tweet from the artist Jonas Never:

I love LA!! Thank you so much Joe Kelly for coming by today, thank you to his amazing wife @ashleynicokelly for making it happen, thank you to my buddy Alex Anam for the pics & @redturn2 for being you. Go Dodgers! #niceswingbitch pic.twitter.com/0siYFAEOzx
— Jonas Never (@never1959) September 10, 2020

Just more riches for the Dodgers. Via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal, we find out who is one of the prospects we received in the Ross Stripling Trade -- RHP Kendall Williams:

Scouts like Dodgers’ Stripling trade better now that it’s known 1 PTBNL to LA is RHP Kendall Williams 20. Some see Williams as potential top-of-the-rotation guy. Stripling wasn’t a fit for LA as he wouldn’t get October IP behind Buehler, Kershaw, May, Urias, Gonsolin.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 4, 2020

Here's a must watch video featuring Vin Scully talking about his personal memorabilia currently available at Hunt Auctions.

Video Link:

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2020 Topps Now - Lux's Multi-Homer Evening - #232

2020-09-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Is this the turning point to Gavin's season?

Lux has had a poor start to 2020 -- first, not making the teams roster and batting below the Mendoza Line when he finally came up to Los Angeles. But last night he put up the kind an results that can lead to something good.

Prior to yesterdays game he was slashing a woeful .148/.258/.222/.480 in just eight games played. Now, after last nights three hit effort he is slashing a much improved .219/.324/.469/.793 while also walloping his first two homers of the season. And those two home runs were the difference in the Dodgers 10-9 extra inning victory over the Diamondbacks. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB,com:

Roberts said Lux is playing “much more like himself, much more free and easy.”

Hopefully, him settling down will lead to the kind of streak we saw him record in the minors just one year ago -- slashing an impressive .347/.421/.607/1.028 in the high minors.

BTW, Lux's two bombs made him the youngest Dodger in its history to have a multi-homer game as a second baseman since 1901. In honor of this Topps created his first 2020 Topps Now card to memorialize it. Check out the card above and to the right. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Gavin was an absolute force at the plate on Tuesday -- crushing home runs in the second and 1-th innings as the Dodgers battled the Diamondbacks in a 10-9, extra-inning win. Lux became the youngest Dodgers second baseman to register a multi-homer game since 1901. Also, this was the first multi-homer game of his Major League career.

Additionally, I've been rather remiss when it comes to posting on this blog, and as a result I missed a couple of Dodgers' Topps Now cads from over the past week. Check those out below. There's one of Clayton Kershaw and another of Mookie Betts with catcher Will Smith.

This Kershaw card, #208, celebrates Clayton recording his 2,500 career strike out. A total of 938 cards were ordered. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Clayton became the 39th member of the 2,500-strikeout club during Thursday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After collecting two whiffs in the opening frame, the 32-year-old struck out Nick Ahmed on a wicked 0-2 curveball to reach the historic mark. Kershaw is the third youngster pitcher to join the club and just the eleventh left-hander. He finished the night with wight strike outs over six innings, improving his record to 5-1 with the 5-1 victory.

This next card celebrates the Dodgers surprising come-from-behind walk-off victory over the Diamond backs earlier this month. It features that evenings heroes -- Mookie Betts and Will Smith. A total 509 cards were created. Below is what's written on the reverse.

Down, 1-0, in the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers were looking for someone to come through in the clutch. Luckily, there were a couple of players in the lineup who were capable of the job. Mookie launched a solo home run to deep center foeld off Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel to send the game into extra innings. Then after D-Backs scored a run in the opt of the 10th, and a Chris Taylor sacrifice bunt re-tied the game in the bottom of the frame, catcher, Will Smith cracked an RBI single to give Los Angeles the 3-2 walk-off victory.

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Topps Project 2020 - Sandy Koufax by Grotesk - #230

2020-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Sandy Koufax Grotesk Project 2020 card is now available through Topps and it follows a similar minimalist design he used for the Jackie Robinson card released just a couple of weeks back -- check out that card on the left.

Grotesk uses a pictograph of two persons holding up a portrait of the ballplayer -- while using a font resembling Hebrew writing. No doubt an homage to Sandy's Jewish heritage.

The graphic design itself is reminiscent of a poster you might see in a bus stop or train/subway station. It's approachable and simple, while at the same time emphasizes that this person is to be honored and respected.

Go here to check the Koufax card out and order the card from Topps online. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here. The reverse of the card is on the right. BTW, you can follow his twitter here: @groteskito; Instagram: @groteskito. His website is here: grotesknyc.com.

Below is a current Sandy Koufax checklist of Topps Project 2020 cards with their corresponding artist and print runs. This is the twelfth Koufax card creation to be released so far:

#2 -- Jacob Rochester -- (link here) 1,135 print run
#36 -- Oldmanalan -- (link here) 2,488 print run
#49 -- Andrew Thiel -- (link here) 2,149 print run
#79 -- Fucci -- (link here) 6,607 print run
#89 -- Naturel -- (link here) 43,147 print run
#99 -- Tyson Beck -- (link here) 21,535 print run
#125 -- Joshua Vides -- (link here) 4,966 print run
#145 -- Ermsy -- (link here) 6,385 print run
#162 -- Keith Shore -- (link here) 4,009 print run
#181 -- King Saladeen -- (link here) 4,369 print run
#204 -- Sophia Chang -- (link here) 3,043 print run

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Thank You, Ross Stripling!

2020-09-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I think we all knew this day was going to come.

Yesterday afternoon came word that the Dodgers had dealt right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays for two players to be named later -- one of which we now know is 20-year old right-handed pitching prospect Kendall Williams (more on him later).

As you'll recall, Stripling had seemingly been traded to the crosstown Angels (along with Joc Pederson) over the winter, but that was thwarted by the Anaheim ownership -- for whatever reason. Now, we get to see a trade that allows us to gain a couple of prospects. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We have a ton of professional and personal respect for Ross and believe that he is a Major League starting pitcher and ultimately didn’t feel comfortable putting him in the bullpen, especially when, as we look out to next Spring Training, we felt like it was going to be difficult then as well,” Friedman said. “So, as much as he’s helped us through the years, we felt like it was in everyone’s best interest with just the depth that we have right now and also caring about him.”

He added:

Friedman said he “had a very open and honest conversation” with Stripling about the move — a decision he described as extremely difficult because of his respect for the Dodger pitcher.

Basically, Stripling deserves a chance to be a starter. Unfortunately, we are so jammed up in the rotation there was no way he was going to be that in a Dodger uniform. Per a Dodger press release:

Stripling, 30, made seven starts for the Dodgers this season, going 3-1 with a 5.61 ERA (21 ER/33.2 IP) and 27 strikeouts. He was tied for the team lead in starts (7), second in wins and third in strikeouts. The Texas native had his best season with the Dodgers in his All-Star campaign in 2018, going 8-6 with a 3.02 ERA (41 ER/122.0 IP) and 136 strikeouts in 33 games (21 starts). The right-hander was with the Dodgers five seasons, going a combined 23-25 with a 3.68 ERA (172 ER/420.2 IP) and 404 strikeouts in 143 games (59 starts) for Los Angeles. He was originally selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2012 First Year Player Draft out of Texas A&M University.

Thank you, Ross. Although you'll be wearing blue for another team I will be sure to root for you and your teammate Hyun-Jin Ryu.

As for our bounty Friedman said this, per Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue:

“We are definitely getting a guy we like and feel like will fit in really well with our next crop of prospects that are coming,” Friedman said. “And then another guy that will come from a bigger list that we’ll just have some time to kind of work through.”

Kendall Williams is a 6' 6" right-handed pitcher out of Olive Banch, MS. Born in 2000, he was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 2nd round in 2019. He currently has just 6 professional games under his belt while in the Gulf Coast League Rookie League last year -- throwing 16 innings, allowing six hits, seven walks and striking out an outstanding 19 batters. Per an MLB Prospect report:

Scouting Grades/Report (20-80 grading scale)

FASTBALL 55 -- CURVEBALL 55 -- SLIDER 45 -- CHANGEUP 50 -- CONTROL 50 -- OVERALL 50

In January 2017, in the middle of his sophomore year of high school, Williams made the decision to relocate from his home in Mississippi to attend IMG Academy in Florida, with the hopes that the instruction plus the challenge of better competition would pay off. That it did, as Williams shot up Draft boards over the next couple of years en route to an above-slot bonus after the Blue Jays made the Vanderbilt commit their second-round pick. In an abbreviated pro debut in 2019, the selection paid early dividends, with the 18-year-old posting a 1.13 ERA over six games – five starts – and 16 innings in the rookie Gulf Coast League, where he walked seven and struck out 19.

At 6-foot-6, Williams is the quintessential projectable high school right-hander, and he’s still maturing. His velocity continues to creep up to the mid-90s and his fastball plays up because of its steep plane and angle. He throws both a slider and a curveball, with success, with some scouts thinking the curve will ultimately work better with its spin and coming from his high-three-quarter slot. He has some feel for a future average changeup.

Despite his size, Williams tends to throw strikes and should have solid command and control, not to mention sharper stuff, once he figures out how to consistently repeat his delivery with his long limbs. There’s a lot to dream on and potentially huge upside, though he’ll need time to develop and refine his craft in the Minors.

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2020 Topps Now - Dodgers Set Home Run Record - #183

2020-08-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

You knew this card was coming.

On Sunday the Dodgers set a new National League record for home runs as a team for the month of August, so Topps issued a new Topps Now card to celebrate the achievement. Check it out above and below. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s just a byproduct of swinging at good pitches,” manager Dave Roberts said after his team’s 7–2 win and another series victory. “I don’t know how well the ball’s carrying compared to the last couple years, but it’s amazing to see the talent we have in our lineup, really.”

Go here to check it out and order. Below is what is says on the reverse:

The best team in Baseball keeps winning and continues to bash the ball out of the park at a record-setting pace. In their 7-2 defeat of the Rangers on Sunday afternoon, Los angeles got home runs in the fist, secdon and third innings. Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger was responsible for the home run in the third and that was the Club's 57th of the month, a new National League record.

Over the weekend Topps released a special Topps Now card that celebrated Kacloe Robinson Day on Friday, and it includes a photo of Mookie Betts. See it above and below. Per Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue:

“Definitely super special,” Betts said of his first Jackie Robinson Day with the Dodgers franchise. “Especially with everything that’s kind of going on now.

“It means so much just to be able to play the game. Everything that he did, obviously huge things, I’ll always remember this Jackie Robinson Day for sure.”

This card sold a total 993 copies. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Players around Baseball honored the legend Jackie Robinson by wearing the number "42" on August 28, since the League was unable to carry out the tradition on April 15. On this date 75 years ago, Dodgers president Branch Rickey informed Robinson he would be the face of integration in Baseball. For Andrew McCutchen, among other MLB players, Robinson is an inspiration. "He always stood fot what he believed in. It's come full circle. Ultimately, I feel like that's what we're doing right not."

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Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-31T11:00:00.001-07:00

It was Jackie Robinson weekend. As you know, ballplayers throughout the league wore #42 to honor the great Dodger. Take a look at the cap the Dodgers wore on the right, via Chris Creamer at Sportslogos.net.

BTW, this weekend was not entirely celebratory. Chadwick Boseman, the fantastic actor who played Jackie in the 2013 film ‘42,’ died of colon cancer at the age of 43 on Friday -- on Jackie Robinson Day.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!
Via a Chadwick Boseman's twitter:

pic.twitter.com/aZ2JzDf5ai
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

Via the @Dodgers on twitter:

From playing legendary figures to becoming one, we’ll never forget your iconic performance as Jackie Robinson and your many inspiring roles. You will be missed, Chadwick Boseman. pic.twitter.com/NY2sKMcJIb
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2020

You must all follow him! Via Jayann Kellogg at Think Blue LA -- "Scully to Join Social Media.'

Beginning on Wednesday, 92-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully is joining Twitter and Instagram (both at @TheVinScully) to interact with fans about baseball and whatever else is on his mind. Reportedly, he will also join Facebook in October (at Vin Scully).

This mornings Baseball America Prospect Report makes note of three Dodger youngsters:

—No. 2 prospect Dustin May turned in his third six-inning start of the season on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits, walking two and striking out three. The 22-year-old righthander averaged 98 mph on his plus-plus sinker and topped out at 100 mph. He mixed in his plus cutter, curveball and changeup to get nine swings and misses. May leads all rookies in ERA (2.83) and innings pitched (35) and is second in WHIP (1.17).

—No. 13 prospect Mitchell White made his major league debut on Friday, striking out one in an inning of work. The 2016 second-rounder from Santa Clara utilized his four-seamer that averaged 93.7 mph, mixing in his plus curveball and plus slider.

—No. 1 prospect Gavin Lux went 2-for-4 with a double in the team’s win over the Rangers on Sunday. The second baseman, who was recalled for the second time this season on Aug. 29, has two hits in 11 at-bats.

ICYMI: The Dodgers broke a record this weekend. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com -- "Dodgers' big August breaks NL homer record."

“We’re having fun, and I think we’re all now used to this season,” Bellinger said. “It took a while for a lot of people to get used to it, but it feels normal now and we’re playing like we thought we would.”

...
“I think it speaks to the mindset, regardless of losing the first game of a series, [that] there’s no panic in the clubhouse,” Roberts said of the series streak. “We really take pride in how we play the game, and with the talent, we’ll win a lot of games.”

Via Bill Plunkett at the LA Daily News -- "Dodgers approach trade deadline eyeing ‘premium talent’: Dodgers exec Andrew Friedman has made big deadline deals in the past, but this year's team has no obvious needs."

“Our mindset is to be opportunistic in that if a really good player becomes available and fits and works, then we’ll be aggressive to pursue. But we feel really good about our roster and also the depth behind it. So we’re mindful not to do something just to do it and block guys that deserve an opportunity.

“Kind of similar to our approach at all the various trading cycles – we don’t want to miss out on a premium talent that gets moved without having a conversation.”

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2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Don C -- #224

2020-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

The twelfth Jackie Robinson Project 2020 cards is now here and it was created by Chicago streetwear designer Don C. He is an active collaborator with Kanye West -- having been his manager and executive at West's G.O.O.D. Music label -- and co-owns a luxury clothing store with Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Victor Abloh. Don C, though is most noted for his work with Nike on redesigning the Jordan 2 (see it on the right) -- which is on my short list for a sneaker I'd like to have.

As for his Jackie Robinson creation, it is one of the more unique card made so far. In fact, one way to describe his work is unconventional. All of his cards are unique and different from not only other artist, but also from one another. Check out what I mean below. Here is a look at five of his other Project 2020 cards

As you can see, they are all different. Don C obviously doesn't conform to any one genre or artistic style. Rather, he seems to fashion something unique to the subject-matter.

For Jackie Robinson, he chose a style that is reminiscent of the kind of graffiti and art that seeks to honor a loved one who has died. In fact, most of us has seen this exact style on the back of cars and truck beds our whole lives -- something I call "In Loving Memory" art.

It is raw and often filled with emotion. Heck, I don't think I'd be off-base to say that this piece of art by Don C may be the most personal of all Project 2020 cards we've seen so far.

Go here to check the card out and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here. The reverse of the card is on the right. BTW, you can follow Don C's Instagram: @chicagodonc. His website is here: Just Don. Below is a current Jackie Robinson checklist of Topps Project 2020 cards with their corresponding artist and print runs:

#3 - Naturel -- (link here) -- 1,302 print run
#31 - Sophia Chang -- (link here) -- 2,741 print run
#42 - Blake Jamieson -- (link here) -- 2,980 print run
#79 - Mister Cartoon -- (link here) -- 11,643 print run
#98 - Joshua Vides -- (link here) -- 20,219 print run
#114 - Efdot -- (link here) -- 14,067 print run
#140 - Tyson Beck -- (link here) -- 6,068 print run
#156 - Matt Taylor -- (link here) -- 4,046 print run
#176 - Fucci -- (link here) -- 3,253 print run
#194 - Oldmanalan -- (link here) -- 3,268 print run
#210 - Grotesk -- (link here) -- 3,415 print run

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2020 Topps Now -- Mookie, Kershaw and More

2020-08-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

I am playing catch-up with some recently released Topps Now cards. First, there are two Dodger cards available right now, following their sweep of the Giants yesterday. After that, three additional cards had been released by Topps over the past week -- that I failed to write about -- so I'll share those at the bottom of this post.

First, Mookie Betts recorded his 1,000th career hit during the first game of yesterdays doubleheader. Check out the Topps Now card created by Topps above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse of the card.

The historic moments keep coming fot eh first-year Dodgers outfielder. Thursday evening saw Betts notch his 1,000th career hit in the midst of his seventh year in the Majors. Mookie singled in the sixth inning off Giants reliever Andrew Suarez during Los Angeles' 7-0 victory. The 27 year-old has collected five straight season of 150-plus hits.

The second Dodger card available today features Dodger ace Clayton Kershaw, and it celebrates him passing Warren Spahn as the winningest lefty the game has ever saw. Go here to check out the card and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Clayton scattered four hits over six scoreless innins on Thursday afternoon, en-route to a 7-0 blanking of the Giants. The victory improved his 2020 record to 4-1 and was career victory 173, moving him ahead of Hall-of-Famer Warren Spahn for best career winning percentage for left-handed pitchers. In 352 career starts, Kershaw sports a 173-75 record, resulting in a .700-win percentage.

Now, on to the cards I failed to write about this week.

On Sunday, August 23rd Mookie Betts became the first Dodger to have ever hit two home runs and steal two bases during the same game. He did this on a day the team cranked out seven homers against the Rockies. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“He’s unbelievable,” Hernández said of Betts. “He’s one of those guys we didn’t get the opportunity to watch too often in a different league. Now you get to see him on a daily basis and you know what all the Mookie Betts hype is all about. There’s really not anything he can’t do. It’s pretty special and we’re pretty fortunate to watch him on a daily basis.”

Check out this card above and below. A total of 632 cards were ordered.

The second Dodger celebrates Cody Bellinger's walk-off home run against the Rockies on Saturday, August 22nd, for a 4-3 victory. As you may recall, he didn't know it was a homer until after the fact. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I thought I hit it to left-center, up in the air, and then I saw the right fielder go back,” said Bellinger. “I was very confused. I thought I hit it up in the air. When I got halfway to second, I thought he caught the ball. I didn’t know what was going on at all.”

The Bellinger card has a print run of 405 cards.

Lastly, Clayton Kershaw was honored with a Topps Now card when he passed Don Drysdale on the Dodgers' All-Time strikeout list at 2,487. It happened on Thursday, August 20th against the Seattle Mariners. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

This card has a print run of 537 cards.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

2020-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates.
Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!
ICYMI: Walker Buehler is on the 10-day injured list with a blister on his right hand, and they have recalled right-handed pitcher Mitch White.
FYI: Today is the last day to bid on game-used jerseys from the Dodgers August 14th, 2020 7-4 win against the Los Angeles Angels. Jerseys include Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor, and Kike Hernandez. Go here to check them out.

This mornings Baseball America Prospect Report makes note of Brusdar Graterol:

—No. 3 prospect Brusdar Graterol made his 12th appearance in the team’s shutout win over the Giants in the second game of a doubleheader, averaging 99 mph on his sinker and allowing a hit in a scoreless inning. The 22-year-old righthander is 0-2, 3.09 with seven strikeouts and one walk in 11.2 innings.

David Price speaks, via a tweet from him:

“I am not an activist.” and “what are we doing this for?” Are the two questions that stuck out in my mind that baseball players said yesterday. How crazy is that? You don’t have to be an activist to speak up for what’s right. You are just a coward.
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) August 27, 2020

This is the most scathing story I've ever read. Good on the Dodgers - Boston Nation should be ashamed of themselves -- via John Tomase at NBC Sports Boston/YahooSports (emphasis mine):

It's hard to imagine Betts regrets leaving Boston and signing long-term in L.A., because the Dodgers showed the power of having a teammates' back. The Red Sox? They can say what they want, but they're more comfortable turning theirs.

Per Kevin Baxter at the LA Times -- "Dodgers announcer Jaime Jarrín: Chicano Moratorium eyewitness.'

“I saw the anger among the people,” he remembered from his home in San Marino. “They were protesting the war. They were protesting the draft. They believed that the government was trying to [prevent] Chicano youth to go into universities.”

...
But the Chicano Moratorium would prove to be among the most memorable — and harrowing — events he covered after Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, responding to a possible disturbance at the Green Mill liquor store, fired tear gas as part of an aggressive move to break up the marchers. Before day turned to night, stores had been burned, more than 200 people had been arrested and journalist Ruben Salazar had been killed. Two others were wounded and died days later.

Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider -- "The son of a civil rights activist, George Lombard proudly tells his story.'

“She was probably arrested close to 10 times during sit-ins and marching and protesting. So, super, super brave, brave woman,” Lombard said. “It’s emotional talking about her and all the things she sacrificed when she didn’t have a dog in the fight. Here’s a white woman that had this life paved out for her to stay in the Northeast where she had a bunch of aunts and uncles who went to Harvard. And she could have easily lived that lifestyle, but instead she went right down to Atlanta, got in the inner-city and just wanted to voice her opinion for equal rights.”

Panini America's blog shared a bunch of preview pics of their 2020 Immaculate Baseball brand. Check them out below. Go here to see more. These cards are now available to collector -- both online and at your local card shops.

Ha Ha! Via a tweet from Alex Pavlovic:

WHO SNUCK THE DODGERS CUTOUT INTO THE SECOND ROW pic.twitter.com/oB452bP1OL
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 29, 2020

Here's a weird story tangentially related to the Dodgers. Per an AP report at NBC4 -- "FBI Reassigns Top LA Agent After 2018 Dodgers Game Buffet."

Despite being among other people at the game, the agent discussed topics sensitive enough for FBI officials to ask for some of them to be deleted from the inspector general's public report. The meeting was initially framed as part of the FBI’s security presence at the game.

WTF! They were in public when discussing matters of national importance.

From noted Baseball artist Graig Kreindler, via his twitter:

pic.twitter.com/Dx1qtRixgU
— Graig Kreindler (@GraigKreindler) August 27, 2020

Check out the newest Jackie Robinson Day spot from @MLB, narrated by Mookie Betts, below:

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the Dodgers honored the memories of Gianna and Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 42nd birthday. In addition to the pregame ceremony, Gianna and Kobe’s uniform numbers were painted on the pitchers mound for today’s game against the Rockies. See it above. Pic via @Dodgers on twitter:

Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game. In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expos to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!
Via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider -- "The stars of a starring Dodger bullpen."

“That credit goes to those guys and obviously the player,” Bard said. “The whole driving down to the city park and throwing it against the net, it seems like that’d be an easy thing but after the third week of it when you’re an elite professional baseball player, sometimes that can get a little monotonous. Kudos to these guys that they kept competing, trying to stay ready. It speaks to the culture Dave built here.”

David Price on Clayton Kershaw, via a tweet from Price:

Congrats to @ClaytonKersh22 for passing Don Drysdale on Dodgers all time strikeout list!! Passing baseball legends and cementing his legendary status!!
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) August 21, 2020

Per Ed Odeven at Japan Forward -- "BASEBALL | Nomomania: Former Dodgers Executive Fred Claire Reminisces About 1995 Joyride."

“So when it came time to meet with Don in my office at Dodger Stadium about a contract for Hideo, and this became very impressive to me about Hideo: I told Don that I wanted to sign Hideo, but it would not be a major league contract. It would be a minor league contract. And he said, ‘Oh, no Fred, it’s gotta be a major league contract.’

“I said, ‘No, Don, I want you to explain to Hideo that major league contracts in the Dodger organization have been earned, and not given. We haven’t given a major league contract to any player. They are earned through our system, and then they have the opportunity.’

“And Hideo, it seemed to resonate with him, in my view, sitting across the room, that he understood that this was something that he was going to have to prove that he was worthy of the major league contract. And then Hideo said through Don to [tell] me, ‘OK, Hideo understands that, and he doesn’t dispute that, but he’s asking one thing: If he does sign, will he be given a chance to make the major league club.’ ”

Per Jen Booton at Sports Techie -- "L.A. Dodgers’ Youth Camps Add Sensor Tech From Diamond Kinetics.

Diamond Kinetics develops small motion-tracking sensors that are embedded into bats, baseballs, and softballs. The sensors track metrics such as a hitter’s launch angle, swing speed, and exit velocity, as well as pitching metrics such as velocity, spin rate, and arm extension on each throw. Players and coaches can view tracked metrics through Diamond Kinetics’ mobile apps.

WTF! Per Eric Stephen at Halos Heaven -- "Mike Trout rookie baseball card sells for a record $3.936 million." Wow! I guess we should not doubt Vegas Dave. He was criticized for buying the card for $400,000 a couple of years back, but I guess he gets the last laugh.
Dumb! Just plain dumb. Via a tweet from Francys Romero:

Sources: Prospect RHP Edwin Uceta broke security protocol at the Dodgers alternate site and flew to the Dominican Republic before being suspended by the team.
— Francys Romero (@FrancysRomero10) August 21, 2020

Dodgers tribute to Kobe Bryant, via a tweet from the Dodgers:

Remembering Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/J9SKfN9etN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 23, 2020

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Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore).
Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!
ICYMI: The Dodgers have recalled right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz and have placed right-handed pitcher Pedro Báez on the 10-day injured list with a right groin strain.
Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register -- "Dodgers’ Dave Roberts says baseball’s unwritten rules ‘have changed, should change’"

“So I see it both ways. I think for me personally I’ve flipped a little bit more about just keep playing to win the game. Teams that are trailing aren’t going to stop trying to score runs. … I might have changed the way I see things from last night’s incident.”

2demeter2 at LA Dodger Talk writes about, "Frank 'Hondo' Howard -- The Gentle Giant"
Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN -- "Clayton Kershaw showing vintage form gives Dodgers huge boost in title quest."

"I've always thought I could compete," Kershaw said. "Your stuff sometimes comes and goes, but your ability to compete and your ability to manipulate through games and figure out different ways to get outs -- ultimately that's what wins games. I'm thankful that my stuff has ticked up a little bit this year, and I'm gonna pitch as long as I'm having fun. I'm having a ton of fun, and I don't see that stopping any time soon. But as far as stuff and getting better and things like that, I honestly don't think about it a whole lot other than just seeing the significant difference this year and trying to keep that as long as I can."

Per Neil Paine at FiveThirtyEight -- "Mookie Betts Is Playing Like An MVP — And The Dodgers Have Needed It."

Strange as it is to say about a team as loaded with talent as L.A., the Dodgers have genuinely needed Betts to replicate his 2018 performance in the early going this year. Almost all of the team’s other superstars have underachieved during the first month of the season — including reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger, who is hitting just .178 with -0.2 WAR, and starting pitcher Walker Buehler, a trendy dark-horse Cy Young pick in the preseason who now carries a 5.21 ERA. Of the 17 members of the Dodgers with an established level of at least 1.0 WAR per 162 games going into 2020, eight of them have underperformed those expectations, with Bellinger, Buehler, Ross Stripling and Joc Pederson serving as the worst offenders.

Ugly. Just plain ugly. Per Andrew Liszewski at Gizmodo -- "2020's Reign of Terror Continues With the Introduction of the Cargo Shorts Hat. Check out the Dodger hat below. Ugh!

Win-Win, Baby! Per TJ Gorsegner at Twinkie Town -- "The Twins and Dodgers are both winning the Maeda-for-Graterol trade right now."
This weeks 2020 Topps Throwback Thursday online exclusive set featured the 1984 Topps Cereal Series card design and includes Dodgers MVP candidate Mookie Betts. Check out his card on the right. Go here to check it out and order. BTW, I recall this design being used for the 1984 Ralston Purina card set.
Right now the MLB Opening Day Auction Supporting The Players Alliance is ongoing and it includes a signed BLM Baseball by Mookie Betts and an Opening Day game-used base. Go here to check them out. A look at the Betts signed ball is below.

Awesome! Per a tweet by MLB Cathedrals:

Earliest concept for a ballpark in Los Angeles for the #Dodgers, 1957. pic.twitter.com/6jlgGpUamK
— MLB Cathedrals ⚾️ (@MLBcathedrals) August 20, 2020

I only wish he wore them. As you likely know, MLB threatened him with suspension if he wore the cleats in a game. Per a tweet from Trevor Bauer:

And the moment you've all been waiting for.....here's a look at my cleats for tonight's start. FREE JOE KELLY! If you want to be eligible for a chance to win these, see next tweet for details. pic.twitter.com/WR0LrNpgCC
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) August 19, 2020

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2020 Bowman Sterling -- All the Dodger Cards

2020-08-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers found in packs of Topps 2020 Bowman Sterling brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

Many of the Dodgers top prospects are a part of this set; including Dustin May and Gavin Lux. It is also notable that Andy Pages, the ballplayers who had been traded to the Angels as part of the Joc Pederson trade that was cancelled, also has an autographed card available here.

As you know, this is a mid to high-end product that will cost you about $300 for a box of five packs. Each pack consist of six cards and you are guaranteed at least five autographs per box.

Base

#BSR-55 Brusdar Graterol #BSR-63 Tony Gonsolin

#BSR-83 Gavin Lux #BSR-87 Dustin May

Prospect Autographs

#BSPA-AP Andy Pages #BSPA-JA Jacob Amaya

#BSPA-MB Michael Busch #BSPA-MV Miguel Vargas

Rookie Autographs

#BSRA-GL Gavin Lux -- Redemption Card

#BSRA-DM Dustin May

Triple Refractor Autographs

#BTA-DRG Jeter Downs, Keibert Ruiz & Josiah Gray

Sterling First Signs

#SFS-CK Clayton Kershaw

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2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Grotesk -- #210

2020-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Grotesk, AKA Kimou Meyer, is a Swiss-born graphic designer who burst onto the New York art scene in 1999. A decade later he would help start a creative art agency, Doubleday & Cartwright, and work with companies like Nike, Apple, EA Sports, ESPN, Red Bull, Mercedes Benz and others. Today, he takes his minimalist sensibility and wood sculpture aesthetic and applies it to Topps Baseball cards. Featured here is his Project 2020 card of Jackie Robinson. Per Zio at The Hundreds:

I think minimalist and efficiency is the Swiss way of communicating. You are surrounded by great design all the time, so I guess it’s a subconscious natural inspiration. It’s obviously a very strong inspiration for me. I always try to cut the BS and just keep the essential.

Go here to check the card out and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here. The reverse of the card is on the right. BTW, you can follow his twitter here: @groteskito; Instagram: @groteskito. His website is here: grotesknyc.com. Below is a current Jackie Robinson checklist of Topps Project 2020 cards with their corresponding artist and print runs:

#3 - Naturel -- (link here) -- 1,302 print run
#31 - Sophia Chang -- (link here) -- 2,741 print run
#42 - Blake Jamieson -- (link here) -- 2,980 print run
#79 - Mister Cartoon -- (link here) -- 11,643 print run
#98 - Joshua Vides -- (link here) -- 20,219 print run
#114 - Efdot -- (link here) -- 14,067 print run
#140 - Tyson Beck -- (link here) -- 6,068 print run
#156 - Matt Taylor -- (link here) -- 4,046 print run
#176 - Fucci -- (link here) -- 3,253 print run
#194 - Oldmanalan -- (link here) -- 3,268 print run

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2020 Topps Chrome -- All the Dodger Cards

2020-08-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks back Topps released their Topps Chrome brand of Baseball cards, and I now have pics of all the Dodgers available in packs. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#13 Max Muncy #77 Cody Bellinger

#91 Brusdar Graterol #95 Edwin Rios

#100 Mookie Betts #104 Walker Buehler

#114 Tony Gonsolin #122 Clayton Kershaw

#148 Gavin Lux #176 Dustin May

#196 Corey Seager

Base SP Image Variations

#77 Cody Bellinger

#148 Gavin Lux

Base Super Short Print SSP Image Variations

#77 Jackie Robinson

Rookie Autographs

#RA-DM Dustin May #RA-GL Gavin Lux

#RA-KG Kyle Garlick

#RA-TG Tony Gonsolin

Dual Rookie Autographs

#DRA-ML Dustin May & Gavin Lux

1985 Topps Baseball Autographs

#85TCA-GL Gavin Lux

Freshman Flash Autographs

#FFA-DM Dustin May #FFA-GL Gavin Lux

Future Stars Autographs

#FSA-WS Will Smith

Retro Rookie Chrome Relics

#RRCR-CB Cody Bellinger #RRCR-CK Clayton Kershaw

1985 Topps Baseball

#85TC-5 Gavin Lux

Decade of Dominance Die-Cut

#DOD-8 Sandy Koufax

Freshman Flash

#FF-4 Dustin May #FF-12 Gavin Lux

Future Stars

#FS-2 Will Smith

Topps Gallery Preview NBCD

#GP-10 Cody Bellinger

Topps Update Preview NBCD

#UP-4 Gavin Lux

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Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Seven in-a-row, Baby!

Last night Tony Gonsolin not only extended his scoreless innings streak (14.2), he also helped the Dodgers win their seventh consecutive game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m just feeling a lot more comfortable up here,” Gonsolin said. “I’m trying to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Photo above via Tony Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!
It was baking... like in an oven. Per a tweet from Pedro Moura:

It was 102 degrees at Dodger Stadium for the 4:10 p.m. first pitch. Per Baseball Reference, that’s the hottest temperature for a regular-season game at Dodger Stadium since at least the turn of the century.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) August 18, 2020

Via Brook Smith at Dodgers Nation -- "Why Mookie Betts Wears That Necklace Every Game: You might have seen the baseball bat and ball necklace around Mookie’s neck by now."
ICYMI: The reason Keibert Ruiz arrived late to camp was that he had contracted COVID-19. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

The Dodger rookie catcher said he had a fever for three days, was sick for seven days and lost his sense of taste, but he never had to go to the hospital. He called it a tough time that he eventually got through.

“I didn’t feel good,” Ruiz said. “But I’m good now.”

More preview cards from Topps 2021 flagship cards set have been released; including a Mookie Betts relic. See it on the right. You can check out more preview pic here, at Cardboard Connection.
This mornings Baseball America Prospect Reports makes note of Dodger hurler Tony Gonsolin:

—No. 5 prospect Tony Gonsolin extended his scoreless inning streak to start the season to 14.2 innings with a six-inning start in the team’s win over the Mariners. The 26-year-old righthander, who allowed two hits and struck out three, has struck out 12 batters, allowed six hits and walked just two.

Via Dylan Hernández at the LA Times/YahooSports -- "Mookie Betts earns every penny he's paid by the Dodgers in ways apparent and obscure."

“It’s more power than I expected,” Roberts said. “You know that there’s the bat-to-ball, you know the defense, the arm strength, the accuracy, the foot speed. You know that he swings at strikes, takes balls. But the way he can leverage a baseball really impresses me.”

...
“When you have a certain talent and perform at a certain level, there's always that kind of natural innateness of, 'I've figured it out, I don't need to be coached,’” Roberts said. “And, really, those two players have said it many times over, if they're not being coached, then something's wrong.”

Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA -- "Speed Kills … And Wins."

“No, he (Mookie Betts) reached out to me, which was pretty cool,” Barnes answered. “He just thought he could help, and he really has. I feel good mentally now, I feel free mentally, and I was a little cloudy before — and it’s hard to hit like that. But when your mechanics are in the right spot, you feel like you can put a swing on the ball, and it makes it a lot easier. Little bit clearer in the headspace.”

It worked.

I am happy to see that he's excelling in Minnesota. Kenta Maeda was fantastic last night for the Twins -- giving up no hits into the ninth inning. He also had a string of eight consecutive strikeouts. You can watch the eight strikeouts below, via a tweet from Fox Sports North:

🔥 8 STRAIGHT STRIKEOUTS 🔥

Kenta Maeda sets a new @Twins record! pic.twitter.com/lzTnzhnqsI
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) August 19, 2020

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2019 Leaf Trinity Baseball - All the Dodger Prospects

2020-08-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I really hate Leaf sometimes, and this set is an example of why. Featured here are cards from their recently released Trinity brand of baseball cards -- except it's not designated as a set from 2020. Instead, Leaf is calling this their 2019 Leaf Trinity baseball set. Considering that we are already in the eighth month of 2020 makes Leaf's dating absurd. Nevertheless, I've got pics of the three Dodger prospects in the set. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Clear Autographs

#CA-GL1 Gavin Lux #CA-GL2 Lux-Alt Image

#CA-KH1 Kody Hoese #CA-MB1 Michael Busch

Patch Autographs

#PA-GL1 Gavin Lux #PA-GL2 Lux-Alt Image

#PA-KH1 Kody Hoese #PA-MB1 Michael Busch

Signature

#A-GL1 Gavin Lux

#A-GL2 Gavin Lux - Alt Image

#A-KH1 Kody Hoese

#A-MB1 Michael Busch

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2020 Topps Now -- Seager Brothers Each Hit Homers in 1st Career Matchup - #119

2020-08-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Last night the Seager brothers trotted out on the field to play each other for the first time in their careers, and their play didn't disappoint. They both had multiple hits, including home runs that no doubt impressed the other. Unfortunately for them, only one team can win the game. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"You're still trying to win a game," (Corey) Seager said Monday, "but when you got around him, it was hard not to see your brother in the opponent."

...
"He only got three [hits] -- that's his fault," said Corey, who was 2-for-4 with a walk. "But we'll take the win."

I love how siblings always tend to jaw at each other, but you know they both enjoyed the day.

"It's really special for me, being the older brother, to get to work out and train in the offseasons with both my brothers," Kyle said. "That's something that I really, really enjoyed. Me being a little bit older, I never got to go to school with them. I never played with them or anything like that. That time that we were spending the winters together, where we would work out every day, where we'd hit in the cage every day, when we had those times, those were really special to me."

To commemorate the day Topps has issued a 2020 Topps Now card. See it out above and below. Go here to check it out and order. To the right is a look at the back of the card. Below is what's written:

Leading up to Monday's game betweet the Mariners and Dodgers, Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager was quoted as saying "I'm pretty excited. Get to see what all the hype is about." The 32-year-old was of course commenting on matching up against his 26-year-old brother Corey, shortstop for the Dodgers. Both Seager boys made some noise in what would be an 11-9 victory for Los Angeles. The younger Seager homered in the second inning and the elder followed up with a longball of his own in the third.

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2020 Topps National Baseball Card Day Cards - All the Dodgers'

2020-08-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends back was Topps annual National Baseball Card Day, and as you know free packs of an exclusive set were handed out to collectors at local card shops. The set consist of a 30-card base set and only one Dodger was included -- Cody Bellinger. There are also randomly inserted autographed cards, of which two are Dodgers'. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#14 Cody Bellinger

Autographs

#AU-GL Gavin Lux #AU-MM Max Muncy

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Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - The Brothers Seager

2020-08-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

As you surely know by now, the Seagers -- Corey and Kyle -- played against each other for the first time in their career last night. Better yet, they both homered in the game -- becoming the first brothers to do so for opposing teams in the same game since 2001. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was hard almost to stay focused with him out there, you want to go talk to him,” said Corey. “And he’s a talker, he wanted me to go over there. You try to be in the moment as much as possible. You’re still trying to win a game. But when you got around him, it was hard to not see your brother in the opponent. Really enjoyed it, one of those things we’ll remember for a long time.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League. The new third Major League never plays a game, though. Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade. In 1977 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton threw his fifth career one-hitter. It was against the hated Giants at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). Sutton recorded seven strikeouts and issued four walks -- on the way to his 11th victory of the season. BTW, he had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning. In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler. This would be his second stint with the team.
Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia!
ICYMI: left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek had been called up and infielder Edwin Ríos has been placed on the injured list (IL) with a left hamstring strain.
Per Jay Jaffe at FanGraphs -- "Mookie Betts Is Building a Case for Cooperstown." By the time his playing days are over, he'll be wearing a Dodger cap at Cooperstown.

The fact that Betts unlocked that achievement while still in his age-27 season, where Mize and Rodriguez needed until their late 30s, for example, testifies not just to his talent but to his precociousness. Consider this: less than a month into his seventh major league season, before he’s reached even the most rudimentary milestones such as 1,000 hits or 200 homers, he’s already surpassed the seven-year peak of the average Hall of Fame right fielder. With 2.0 bWAR in 23 team games — a crisp 14.1-WAR pace over 162 games, by the way, and did I mention that he didn’t even bat in two of those games due to an inflamed middle finger? — he’s totaled 43.8 WAR in his career. The average Hall of Fame right fielder totaled 42.4 WAR in his best seven seasons. In other words, he needed roughly two weeks of this season to get there. By the way, Betts’ rookie season was a 52-gamer that began when he was called up by the Red Sox on June 29, 2014, meaning that two of the seven seasons in that seven-year total cover just 74 games.

Avocado! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider -- "Corey and Kyle Seager are excited to finally face each other in MLB matchup."

“That’s kind of a tough word to just throw in there, dude,” Corey said to his older brother. Minutes later, with the conference underway, the brothers were asked what it’s like to finally play against each other in a Major League game, spawning the following exchange:

COREY: “A, Avocado.”

KYLE: “I said avocado first, for the record. You guys might not have heard it, but I definitely said it first.”
COREY: “The rules were you needed to be recorded, and I don’t think it had started yet. But thank you, Justin, for my $20.”

The Seager's, via a tweet from MLB:

In their first game against each other, BOTH Seager brothers homer.

Can't make it up. pic.twitter.com/DyQatDcENG
— MLB (@MLB) August 18, 2020

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2020 Topps Now - Keibert's Debut and Negro Leagues Anniversary - #114 & #116

2020-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Is Keibert Ruiz the future at catcher for the Dodgers?

Only time will tell, but for the moment he is the cat's meow. Yesterday afternoon he collecting his first career hit by whacking a solo home run in his first career at-bat. Hilariously, his teammates decided to have a little fun with him afterwards. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Dugout ribbing about how “baseball's easy” could barely wait until Ruiz finished his first home run trot.

“They also said it’s downhill from here,” said manager Dave Roberts. “The irony is that the hitting guys have really been working with Keibert on getting backspin from the pull side, and that’s exactly what he did and he’ll have the memory forever.”

Go here to check out the card and order. Below is what's written on the back of the car:

Playing for a Dodger franchise deep rooted in prospect development, Keibert continued to add to that history during his MLB debut Sunday afternoon. The 22-year-old catcher from Valencia, Venezuela, who was catching fellow 22-year-old starter Dustin May, stepped to the plate in the top of the third and with one swing became the fist Dodger player to homer in his first at-bat since Garey Ingram in 1994. Ruiz's solo blast tied the game 1-1 and was one of four LA home runs in what would be a 8-3 win over the Angels.

In addition to the Ruiz card Topps has also released a card celebrating yesterday's 100th anniversary of the formation of Negro Leagues, and it includes Hall of Fame Dodger Jackie Robinson. See it below. Go here to check it out and order.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!
Wow! Per Sarah Langs at MLB.com -- "The wild stat that explains Betts' greatness: He's making contact on 99% of pitches in the strike zone this year."

If Mookie Betts swings at a pitch in the strike zone this year, he's not going to miss. Really. He’s swung at 101 pitches in the zone thus far this season and missed on just one of those swings, a 99.0% contact rate in the zone that leads all players who've swung on at least 100 in-zone pitches.

Nobody should be surprised. Via Brook Smith at Dodgers Nation -- "Frank McCourt is Ruining Another Sports Franchise."
This mornings Baseball America Prospect Report makes note of both Graterol and Keibert Ruiz:

—Righthander Brusdar Graterol, the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect, was at it again on Saturday. The fireballing reliever threw just two pitches below 99 mph in the seventh inning of his team’s win over the Angels: One was a 90 mph slider. The other was a fastball that clocked in at a mere 98 mph.

—No. 4 prospect Keibert Ruiz could not have gotten his big league career off to a quicker start. Called up because of an injury to Will Smith, Ruiz swatted a home run to right field on the first swing of his first at-bat. Ruiz, 22, has long been lauded for his combination of offensive and defensive gifts, posted a .679 OPS primarily at Double-A Tulsa in 2019. He hit six home runs during the season, including two in just nine games after a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He missed a significant chunk of the season with a fractured finger.

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Via Bill Ladson at MLB.com -- "Negro Leagues centennial celebrated by MLB."
Did you notice those patches on Sunday? Via Chris Creamer at SportsLogos.net -- "Baseball Players Celebrating Negro Leagues with Patch Sunday."

The logo, based off the Negro League Baseball Museum’s own 100th anniversary logo (designed free of charge by Adam Rolf of the Kansas City-based firm Global Prairie), includes the silhouette of a player who is not meant to represent one specific individual, though, according to Bob Kendrick, president of the NLBM, it draws heavily on the likeness of Hall of Famer Raleigh “Biz” Mackey.

Former Dodger news. Per George Miller at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Cubs DFA Jharel Cotton, Place Tyler Chatwood On IL."
Just too cute! Via the @Dodgers on twitter:

A special delivery from @Cody_Bellinger to his biggest fan. pic.twitter.com/afu2T6n3Re
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 17, 2020

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Topps Project 2020 - Sandy Koufax by Sophia Chang - #204

2020-08-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

The newest Sandy Koufax Topps Project 2020 card was created by Queens artist Sophia Chang. Per Nick Diunte at Forbes:

“Working on these cards, you're really seeing a piece of American culture,” she said.

BTW, you can watch Sophia chat with fellow Project 2020 artist Blake Jamieson on YouTube here.

Go here to check the Koufax card out and order the card from Topps online. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here. The reverse of the card is on the right. Go here to find her on Instagram: @esymai. Twitter: @esymai. Her website is here: esymai.com.

Below is a current Sandy Koufax checklist of Topps Project 2020 cards with their corresponding artist and print runs. This is the eleventh Koufax card creation to be released so far:

#2 -- Jacob Rochester -- (link here) 1,135 print run
#36 -- Oldmanalan -- (link here) 2,488 print run
#49 -- Andrew Thiel -- (link here) 2,149 print run
#79 -- Fucci -- (link here) 6,607 print run
#89 -- Naturel -- (link here) 43,147 print run
#99 -- Tyson Beck -- (link here) 21,535 print run
#125 -- Joshua Vides -- (link here) 4,966 print run
#145 -- Ermsy -- (link here) 6,385 print run
#162 -- Keith Shore -- (link here) 4,009 print run
#181 -- King Saladeen -- (link here) 4,369 print run

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2020 Topps Now -- Mookie Betts Ties MLB Record - #102

2020-08-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

You knew this card was coming.

Featured here is Mookie's 2020 Topps Now card celebrating his record tying feat last night. As you know, he hit three crushing home runs against the burgeoning Padres to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- joining Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. With it still being so early in his career, Betts will no doubt break this record soon. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Of course. I’m human,” said Betts. “But I work so hard, man, I work so hard to be successful. To see success, it’s a sigh of relief. But I’m hungry to be successful and I have that in my back pocket. I have to learn new pitchers, that will be the hardest part, but I’ll work my butt off to be the best I can be.”

“I didn’t realize, he’s not that big of frame, it’s more power than I expected,” Roberts said. “The way he can leverage a baseball really impresses me. In Summer Camp he said he was struggling, couldn’t put the bat on the ball, and in an intrasquad game he put it in the middle of the left-field pavilion and I just really couldn’t believe it. Fenway has the short left field but to see it in our park at night, it checked me up a bit, excited me.”

Go here to check it out and order. Below is what it says on the reverse:

Mookie joined a very exclusive club on Thursday evening after slugging three home runs in the same game for the sixth time in his career. The Dodgers outfielder joined Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa as the only players in baseball history to have a half-dozen homer games in their careers. Part of a blockbuster trade this past offseason, this was Betts' first time accomplishing this feat in a Dodgers uniform, and after signing a 12-year extension earlier this season, fans are hoping it will be the first of many more.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

2020-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger.
Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!
ICYMI: The National Sports Collectors Convention in rescheduled for December in Atlantic City has been cancelled.
This is something I can absolutely support. That guy does not deserve accolade. Per Zach Dean at USA Today -- "Police chief who forced Jackie Robinson to leave game has name removed from park."

Robinson started the game in Sanford at shortstop and had a pair of hits through two innings before Williams entered the dugout and told Robinson he had to leave or the game would be called off.

...
“It was a bad thing,” City Commissioner Whitey Eckstein said at the time. “We shouldn’t have done it. We need to make it right with the Jackie Robinson family.”

Ben Clemens at FanGraphs writes a bunch of words about Mookie's home run explosion last night -- "Mookie Betts Hit a Home Run."
Good guy, Mookie! The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will support Mookie and Pull Up Neighbor, a community response organization, to host a grab-and-go giveaway in Compton on Sunday. The giveaway will take place at the Compton Town Center (1621 Towne Center Dr, Compton, CA 90220) from 12:00- 3:00 p.m. and will provide free hand sanitizer, reusable face masks, food boxes, and health screenings to the Compton Community to help fight the spread of COVID-19. The event will also offer voter registration services onsite to encourage Compton citizens to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.

“I know people who have had the virus, and hearing different stories we have to do what we can to help. I, along with Pull Up Neighbor, want to help as many as we can with the essentials to stay healthy, as well with opportunities to register to vote,” said Mookie Betts.

Good folk, Dodgers! Per a Dodger press release:

The Dodgers, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, and California Secretary of State’s office today announced that Dodger Stadium will serve as a Vote Center for the Presidential General Election. The site will be accessible with free parking to any registered voter in Los Angeles County over a five-day period with operational details to be announced at a later date. The Dodgers are the first team in Major League Baseball to make their stadium available for voting and the site will follow all CDC and Public Health guidelines regarding social distancing.

“Dodger Stadium is part of the fabric of Los Angeles, and we’re proud to continue to partner with the County to make the property available for the benefit of the community at large,” said Dodger President & CEO Stan Kasten. “Voting is all of our civic duty, and we’re excited to work with More than a Vote to do anything we can to help get out the vote by making this process as easy, accessible and safe for all Angelenos.”

All teams in Baseball -- heck, all sports teams -- should immediately make their facilities available for voting. Don't allow the politicians to shut down polling stations and mail drop boxes.

Joe Kelly cracks me up. Per Buster Olney at ESPN -- "Dodgers' Joe Kelly sounds off on Astros players' handling of sign-stealing investigation."

"The people who took the fall for what happened is nonsense," Kelly said. "Yes, everyone is involved. But the way that [sign-stealing system] was run over there was not from coaching staff. ... They're not the head boss in charge of that thing. It's the players. So now the players get the immunity, and all they do is go snitch like a little b----, and they don't have to get fined, they don't have to lose games."

JOE KELLY POD OUT NOW! https://t.co/9hf67WveAS
— Big Swing Podcast (@bigswingpodcast) August 13, 2020

This mornings Baseball America Prospect Report makes note of two Dodger youngsters -- Dennis Santana and Edwin Rios:

—No. 12 prospect Dennis Santana pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in the team’s win over the Padres. The righthander, who is 1-0, 2.89 with 11 strikeouts in 9.1 innings, allowed a hit and struck out one.

—No. 14 prospect Edwin Rios went 0-for-2 as a substitute for third baseman Justin Turner. Rios has made the most of his scant playing time, hitting three home runs and driving in six in 24 at-bats.

Per Wine Industry Advisor -- "Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines Named Official Wine of the Los Angeles Dodgers."
Ha Ha! This is great stuff, via a retweet from Joe Davis:

Good job, internet. https://t.co/i9xZlAo8OW
— Joe Davis (@Joe_Davis) August 14, 2020

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2020 Topps Now -- Justin Turner's 1,000th Career Hit -- #90

2020-08-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 1,000 hit club, Justin!

As you surely know by now, Justin Turner reached 1,000 hits for his career last night. It came off a double in the second inning of the game. Unfortunately, his personal achievement would not lead to a Dodger victory. Nevertheless, I am sure it's a feat he never imagined accomplishing when he came to the Dodgers spring training came as an unsigned free agent in 2014. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

“That's a big positive from tonight, and something Justin is and should be very proud of,” manager Dave Roberts said. “A lot of people along the way helped him, but no one more than himself. To reach that 1,000-hit milestone, considering where his career started, that's quite an accomplishment.”

To honor this Topps created a 2020 Topps Now card. Check it out above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

As Justin led odd the bottom of the second inning against Padres starter Clayton Richards, all eyes were on the third baseman in hopes he would reach a personal milestone. With the crack of bat and a steady jog into second base, Justin became the newest member of the 1,000-hit club. The Dodgers fan-favorite has had five straight 100-plus hit seasons after just one in the first five years of his career.

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