A blog about the Dodgers and Baseball. My thoughts on everything that has to do with the old game, autographs, baseball cards, bobbleheads, upcoming appearances, shoes, books, etc. Enjoy the pictures, videos and opinions. Bookmark it! Peace!
DATE: Friday, February 5, 2010 TIME: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. VENUE:Cabrillo Arts Pavilion DONATION REQUIRED: Donations for A Night With Tommy are $1,000 for one, $1,500 for two, and $4,200 for an exclusive table of six. Donations are tax deductible and benefit the UCSB baseball stadium project. Donations can be made by check or credit card. Checks should be made out to UC Regents. Space is extremely limited. A deposit can secure your space with the remainder payable the night of the event.
Tommy Lasorda will be a special guest speaker at the 22nd annual Bakersfield College Baseball Hot Stove Dinner on January 23, 2010. Click here and here for more details.
Well not where I'm located. But it looks like Matt Kemp had a true White Christmas in Oklahoma! I hope everyone had a good weekend and were able to receive some gifts from Santa :)
I have a couple more videos of the Celebrity Basketball game that I haven't uploaded but it's not really worthy to post. But I thought this one was funny. Matt Kemp showing his Dance moves to his teammates. Coco Crisp is the one with the Clippers shirt.
I uploaded a couple more videos of Matt Kemp showcasing his Basketball skills.
Video 1 - I shot this one when not many people were inside the gym. It was a warm-up. Slam Dunk!
Video 2 - This is game footage. Kemp pushes his opponent away and easily scores.
Video 3 - Kemp was on fire. Within the first 3 minutes, he had 10 points. Check out this video where he grabs a rebound and scores.
I believe there is a couple more videos. Not while playing Basketball though. I'll try to upload them tomorrow. I do want to mention that Kemp was playing as if he was a little kid on the playground. It was really fun watching him do something that wasn't Baseball.
UPDATE: More Videos by clicking here. If you're on Twitter, you know what's up! Matt Kemp tweeted a upcoming Celebrity Basketball Game. I had to check this out since Kemp is always bragging that he could be in the NBA if he had continued playing Basketball instead of Baseball.
Everything happened last night. It was held in Westchester High School in Los Angeles. This event was done by the Watson Brothers. Marcus and Brandon do this every year to help out the community with a toy drive. Brandon is currently in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Their mission is to raise money to give out Toys to the community. The entry fee was $ 10 or a new toy.
The Gym was packed. I'm sure the event was a success. They brought a bunch of actors that to be honest I have no idea who they are. Maybe it was the B list. Besides the no name actors, a couple of Athletes were in the house. As mentioned, Kemp was there. Coco Crisp, who just signed with the Oakland A's was present. But the biggest star was Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder. He of course did not play. I'm sure his team wouldn't allow him to play a pick up game.
On to the game...
I took my Brother in law. Erik is fifteen years old so he was excited by all this. Before the actual game, the celebrities were warming up. This included Kemp, who shot easy lay-ups, Slam Dunks and three pointers. No joke, he can play.
Slam Dunk! I shot a couple more videos. I'll post them later on.
Kemp sat in the side lines after his warm up and I told Erik to go up to him so he can meet him. He was nervous, it was funny. I told him to relax, that Kemp is a good guy. After he met him, he told me "Oh yeah, you were right, Matt Kemp is a cool guy!" Funny.
Erik & Matt I told Kemp I shot his Slam Dunk and it was going to YouTube and he said "Tell everyone 'bout my skilllzzz!"
Just did.
The actual game was fun. Matt's team lost 90-89. High scoring game with no defense and that includes Kemp! No one really played much defense. But who can blame them? No one wants to see these guys hurt, especially the Dodgers front office. I know a couple of Twitter buddies that went. I'll ask them if they want to post their pictures here. Peace!
Roberto, Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year. Can't wait for the 2010 season to start. -Charles
Thanks Charles! These seats look great. Thanks to everyone for sending in their pictures. I think it's cool that the Dodgers sent these out to season ticket holders. Very cool that you get the replica seats where you sit during the season.
I posted a picture of the Left Field Pavilion Bench yesterday that season ticket holder Alex got. Now check out Ben's picture. He has season tickets tickets in the Top Deck, so he gets a replica of the Top Deck seats. Nice!
Now we need to see the Field Seats, Loge and Reserve! I guess the Right Field Bench will be similar to the LFP, no? Or maybe it comes with All you can eat Food? :)
Check out this picture. Dodgers Season ticket holders are getting a gift. They are not the same gift for everyone, it all depends where you sit. Alex sends me a e-mail of his gift. He sits in the Left Field Pavilion, hence the replica LFP bench. This is really cool.
ESPN Los Angeles is launching this Monday. If the rumors are true, the lineup is going to be a good one. The Big Lead is reporting that the following writers will be joining....
Tony Jackson Ramona Shelburne Jon Weisman Arash Markazi J.A. Adande
Click the top link for the other writers.
Looks great. I'm really surprised that Weisman is going to ESPN. I wonder what Dodger Thoughts will become? I'm happy for Jackson and Shelburne, always enjoyed their work. It's too bad Diamond Leung is not part of this group but was happy to learn he got a gig with ESPN as a College Basketball blogger.
The Lakers will be a major focus on this site but I'm hoping the Dodgers can get some great coverage. Jackson will be covering the Dodgers for ESPNLA. Not sure what Weisman will be doing. Maybe another blog?
In another example of how the National League team in Chavez Ravine is rapidly become the West Covina Dodgers of Los Angeles, Juan Pierre is headed for the White Sox in exchange for two minor leaguers, supposedly pitchers who can help L.A. next year.
Pierre’s departure gives the White Sox the leadoff presence that everyone thought they’d get from Chone Figgins, who instead signed with the Mariners.
Reports indicate the Dodgers will pay $10.5 million of the $18.5 million remaining on Pierre’s deal.
So who bails out the Dodgers this year if Manny Ramirez goes south?
Maybe minor leaguer Xavier Paul. The Dodgers just lost Jamie Hoffmann to the Yankees in the Rule V draft.
Juan Pierre should be fine playing for the White Sox. The Dodgers needed to make this move and Pierre needed to play somewhere else. Dodgers are paying about half of his remaining salary. No word on what the Dodgers will be doing with the money that they will be saving.
Chien-Ming Wang's career as a Yankee seems on the verge of ending, with the club due to non-tender him a contract and fading hopes for a new deal before tonight's midnight deadline.
The right-hander has been linked to interest from the Dodgers, and one report put Los Angeles as a prominent destination for Wang, reuniting him with Joe Torre. Under Torre, Wang twice was a 19-game winner.
Almost 200 free agents are looking for jobs. But the Dodgers are really the biggest story of these winter meetings, by doing nothing. "It's incredible that you have one of the most storied franchises in all of baseball, and they're not even involved in talk for the best free agents," one agent said wistfully. Imagine Bill Clinton going into a conference on health care and saying nothing. Imagine Al Gore going to a summit on global warming and uttering no words. Imagine George W. Bush at a roundtable on terrorism and remaining silent. That's the Dodgers at these winter meetings: frozen in inaction.
That's some crazy stuff. I'm not shocked. I knew it since the Playoffs ended that the Dodgers were not going to be big players in the Free-Agent market. But want to laugh? I still like this team. Maybe by being cheap, other Pitchers can develop to being good/great Pitchers. There are talks about Ramon Troncoso as a Starter. James McDonald and Scott Elbert will get a chance. One thing is certain, Spring Training will be fun.
I'am worried about 2nd Base though.
Maybe Buster should start following the McCourts...
Eric Karros will drop the puck this Saturday and the night will be filled with other Dodgers-themed activities
WHAT:The Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Kings will present the inaugural
“Dodgers Night with the Kings” Saturday, December 12 as the Kings host the Dallas Stars. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ all-time home run leader Eric Karros will kick the game off with the ceremonial puck drop, Dodger legends Bobby Castillo and Kenny Landreaux will sign autographs for fans on the concourse, and the Kings’ Ice Crew and mascot Bailey will wear Dodger gear during baseball-themed contests, promotions and giveaways. In addition, Dodger highlights and Dodgers-Kings videos will be shown on the Jumbotron throughout the night.
WHEN: This Saturday, December 12
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Bobby Castillo and Kenny Landreaux autograph signing
7:30 p.m. – Eric Karros puck drop and gametime
WHERE:STAPLES Center
1111 S. Figueroa St.
MISC:Ticket packages for Dodgers Night start at $22 and include a ticket and a limited
edition Kings Crown T-Shirt in Dodger Blue. Tickets are available at www.LAKings.com/dodgers.
The Dodgers held a special “Kings Day” at Dodger Stadium July 19 when Kings defenseman Matt Greene threw out the ceremonial first pitch to teammate Jarret Stoll. Over the past several seasons, the Dodgers and Kings have worked together on various events, including numerous ceremonial first pitches and puck drops, Kings Hall of Famer and President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille playing in the Dodgers’ annual Hollywood Stars Game, a Kings ‘Meet the Players’ party at Dodger Stadium, and a Kings ‘Amazing Race’ scavenger hunt that featured batting practice at Dodger Stadium. Highlights from the Kings-Dodgers relationship over the years can be viewed at www.LAKings.com/dodgers.
Let's see if I make sense... I'm happy for Randy Wolf and his new contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. I'm all for players looking for the best deal. I don't mind. I think he screwed himself last year when he rejected a long term deal from the Houston Astros I think and then the economy got worst and he had to settle for a one year deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. I wouldn't give him the contract that the Brewers gave him. I think it's too much money.
What I do mind is that the Dodgers didn't offer him arbitration. I just don't get it. We (Did I just say we?) miss a draft pick and get nothing in return. You really think that if the Dodgers offered him arbitration, he would of accept it? No way! The Brewers come to town in early May and in one of those games, Dodger Stadium will be giving away a Fleece Blanket. I always miss that item. I think I only have one. Whatever. Congratulations to Wolf.
This is very cool. I've never been to a Hockey Game. Too bad I'm having a terrible cold this week. It's awful. I keep coughing all day and night...
If it wasn't for health issues, I would go. Tickets start at $ 22 bucks. You get to watch the L.A. Kings play against the Dallas Stars at Staples Center and you also get an oppurtunity to meet former Dodger Eric Karros and obtain his autograph.
You also get a Kings Crown T-Shirt in Dodger Blue. It's all part of Dodgers Night. Click on the picture for all the details.
Hey, maybe I'll feel better and make a visit. People always tell me "Hockey is a sport that you need to see it live"
FRANK McCOURT CONSOLIDATES BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND BASEBALL OPERATIONS UNDER PRESIDENT DENNIS MANNION
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodgers President Dennis Mannion, who has overseen day-to-day business operations since January 2008, will assume greater responsibility that includes the club’s baseball operations.
To date, Mannion has had responsibility for business operations, including marketing, sponsorships, finance, ticket sales, human resources, communications and legal affairs. In his new role, Mannion will also oversee General Manager Ned Colletti, who manages the team’s baseball operations.
Mannion is one of the most tenured executives in professional sports. He first joined the Dodgers in 2007 following 27 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Baltimore Ravens.
“Dennis is a seasoned sports executive who has done a great job since arriving at the Dodgers,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “He has already begun integrating baseball operations with the rest of the organization, and today’s announcement formalizes that transition.”
“Connecting the baseball operation to the rest of the organization is a smart move that is good for the team,” said Colletti. “I have long believed that both sides of the operation will function better as one - both understanding the challenges each has and working together to celebrate the triumphs as one group. This move acknowledges that and I embrace it wholeheartedly.”
“We are all extremely proud of the team’s results on the field and the direction of the organization,” said Mannion. “Our talented staff on both the baseball and business sides of the organization are committed to making the Dodgers a world championship team and a world class operation.”
Catholic Charities of Ventura County will host a celebrity roast of baseball’s Hall of Fame manager George “Sparky” Anderson on Sun., Dec. 6 at the Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Road.
Cocktails will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the roast and conclude with dessert and cigars on the patio.
Anderson will endure some good-natured ribbing from a panel of longtime friends, including Angels’ manager and former Dodger player Mike Scioscia and former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda.
Tickets are $250. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities and its programs.
For reservations, call John Rak at (805) 279-8484.
Dodgers just signed Justin Miller. Check out his fingers. "Odio Amor" stands for "Hate Love" Hey, he might be a regular customer at True Blue Tattoo....
Baseball America announced the TOP 10 Prospects for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Get all the details by clicking here.
I remember seeing Martin, Loney, Kemp, Kershaw, Billingsley a couple of years ago on this same list. Let's hope the following players can bring some impact into the organization in the near future.
1. Dee Gordon SS 2. Chris Withdrow RHP 3. Aaron Miller LHP 4. Ethan Martin RHP 5. Josh Lindblom RHP 6. Scott Elbert LHP 7. Andre Lambo OF 8. Ivan DeJesus JR. SS 9. Trayvon Robinson OF 10. Allen Webster RHP
I'm told that if a divorce forces the sale of the franchise, former owner Peter O'Malley might be interested in reacquiring the team in the right deal, and already has one local investor with deep pockets willing to back him. I think that is a longshot, given O'Malley's chilly relationship with Commissioner Bud Selig, but you never know.
Thanks Diamond.
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You might have noticed that I haven't posted much rumors this off-season. First of all, I just don't believe the Dodgers are doing anything big. Roy Halladay coming to the Dodgers? Yeah right! Unless they do something really dumb like trading Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier to Toronto.
I'm just not wasting too much posts on rumors this 0ff-season. I'm still surfing the net and reading all the news and rumors and something caught my eye this morning. I checked if anyone else wrote about it but didn't find anything. So I'm sorry if it has been talked about in the other blogs.
Peter O’Malley, who became owner of the Dodgers when his father passed away in 1979 and owned the team until they were sold in 1998, has plans to form a team of investors in hopes of re-acquiring the franchise.
Say what? Now look, it's the Daily Titan. A newspaper from Cal State Fullerton. The article was written by Fred Bloom. I have no idea who this guy is. He can be a College kid and just writing rumors.
But if this is true, I would think O'Malley would have an advantage in getting the team again. He made a mistake when he sold the team. I still remember when he said that Families can't run Major League Teams anymore. That it will take corporations to run a Franchise. I believe he didn't know what the future was holding. This was before mega bucks were given to the Owners from MLB.com
At this point, it looks like Frank McCourt has no desire to sell the team and will stick to it until his lawyers advice him to sell it. It's going to be very interesting to see how everything works out.
He is not investing in the minor leagues and WE ARE SCREWED! I am done with these ignorant savages! The Dodgers will not get another dime from me and NO SUPPORT! I will call out these Stupid Idiots every chance I get! You won’t see me at Spring Training – I am going to become a Reds fan! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO done with these fools!
Those comments were made by Mark Timmons. He runs a great Dodgers Blog 'LA Dodger Talk' I don't always agree with his posts but I really do enjoy his blog. Now I wish I can do the same and root for another team like the Pirates or the Marlins. But I can't. I have been watching the Dodgers since 1991. I can't give up on this team and just root for another team like Timmons. I'm a die hard fan.
I do understand Timmons point. It's obvious that he is really upset over the McCourt's situation. The Dodgers are not willing to spend extra money over a couple of Draft Picks. Which is very sad. The Dodgers are not even players in the International Market. I'm a Baseball America subscriber and I often read of a young teenager out of Venezuela or Dominican Republic signing with other teams. The Dodgers are not doing anything anymore.
I will be watching the Dodgers next year but won't be expecting anything. Like I mentioned yesterday, this team has a lot of young talent. I'm not worried. I'm just worried about the future.
It will be interesting to see if Frank McCourt feels pressure to finally sell the team. Also, I wonder if Timmons is really rooting for the Reds? I guess he's ending his blog.
Soldiers from Camp Harriman and Afghan little league athletes are participating in a Friday morning baseball game on August 16, 2002. The first ever Afghan little league consisting of two teams the Eagles ("Sahein" in Arabic) and The Afghan Club, play baseball every Friday. Each team has a roster of 15 kids coached by soldiers from Camp Harriman. This league started with one ball and one glove sent to Jay Smith from the 96th Civil Affairs battalion forward deployed to Camp Harriman, Orgun Afghanistan. Local boys joined the men in playing catch and batting. Within weeks, dozens of Afghan boys had taken up the sport and were mastering the rules to form the little league teams. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (SW/DV) Eric Lippmann) (Released)
The last three outs of Fernando Valenzuela's No Hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990
Found this video on YouTube. It's the Spanish version. It was posted last week. Weird seeing Pedro Guerrero as a Cardinal and sad to see Mike Sharperson.
I don't understand what the Dodgers are doing. Or should I say, what Frank McCourt is doing? I'm sure the San Diego Padres or even the Kansas City Royals don't make these kind of moves....
By doing this, they will be losing out on Draft picks (if they would of decline) This is the kind of move that you won't really feel it until a couple of years ahead. I'm really sad. I just don't understand where the Dodgers are heading. The Dodgers will be good next year. They have too much young talent. But I'm worried about the Future. I'm also worried about the Pitching Staff.
Eric over at True Blue LA has all the details. Make sure to read it.
It seems Frank McCourt is worried about signing a couple of First Round picks that would of cost a couple of Million dollars. So if he is worried about that, what makes you think they are going after any great Free-Agents?
I hate to say it.... But I told you that the Dodgers weren't going to make any big moves. I just didn't know the Dodgers were going to throw a couple of Draft Picks to the Trash...
Sad day in Dodgers land.
Oh, wasn't it weird that the Dodgers announced that Vin Scully will be back next year? We already knew this! Do they think we are not going to notice the other news?
The condition for Dustin Pedroia's family vacation with sidekick Andre Ethier and his family was that they had to have proper workout facilities. Ethier found a villa in Virgin Gorda with a fully-equipped weight room and tennis courts (Pedroia's original sport and the source of his astounding hand-eye coordination), and close to everything Pedroia and Ethier use every day in Arizona.
Some families go to Virgin Gorda to swim, sail and relax. "It was awesome," Pedroia says, "but I couldn't take time off from trying to put the Red Sox back where they belong."
So Kelli (and 3-month-old Dylan) Pedroia and Maggie (and 14-month-old Dreson) Ethier had to tolerate their maniacal husbands' obsessive conditioning routines. "We want to change things in baseball," Pedroia says with a laugh. "Seriously, last season was unacceptable. I don't want to go through that again."
For those in the Santa Barbara area:
