Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Dee Gordon

Saturday January 21, 2012

Dee Gordon

$20 - small flats

$25 - baseballs & other small items

$30 - large items

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dee Gordon's appearance will take place at Frank & Sons Collectible Show and is being put on by OC Sports Cards/OC Dugout.  The OC Dugout brought Dee out for a signing at their shop in Anaheim on August 27, 2011.  Click here for the recap and photos.

Sorry my posts have been few and far between.  I was having some computer issues but i'm back and everything is A-Ok!

True to the Blue!



Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Garvey, Cey, Russell & Lopes

 

 Saturday February 4, 2011

Ron Cey

$30 - small items

$35 - medium items

$40 - large items

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time - tba

Bill Russell

$25 - small items

$30 - medium items

$35 - large items

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time - tba

Davey Lopes

$30 - small items

$35 - medium items

$40 - large items

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time - tba

Steve Garvey

$35 - small items

$40 - medium items

$50 - large items

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time - tba

Super Tickets for all 4 autographs

$99 - small items

$119 - medium items

$139 - large items

This signing will take place at Frank & Son and is put on by Hall of Fame Sports

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Don Newcombe

Saturday February 4, 2012

Don Newcombe

$39 - balls and small flats up to & including 11x14

$49 - large flats, minis, caps & equipment

$59 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$20 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA

stage time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

This signing will be at Frank & Son and is put on by Hall of Fame Sports.

True to the Blue! 

NFL Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood Book Signing - Photos & Recap

Back in September, Former Los Angeles Rams Hall of Famer Jack Younblood along with auther D.W. Cooper released his second biography, Because It Was Sunday - The Legend of Jack Younblood.  On October 23, 2011, Youngblood had a book signing at the ESPN Zone located at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.  A Q&A session was also scheduled to begin at 11:30.  During the week on Facebook, Youngblood confirmed he would sign copies of his book and other items that fans wanted to bring. He also stated he planned to bring other former Rams with him including Fred Dryer, Vince Ferragamo and Rich Saul.

I arrived by 10:30 and realized the big viewing room where the signing was to take place was already full of Rams fans eating and watching Sunday morning NFL games.  Since the room was full I took a seat at the bar ordered a drink and had some lunch.  I bought a copy of the book in the ESPN Zone gift shop and entered the viewing room around 11:15 for the Q&A.  I stood along the wall since there were no seats but much to my surprise this eventually became the line for autographs and I happened to be first in line!

During the Q&A Youngblood's former teammate and actor Fred Dryer joined him and the two NFL greats reminisced.  For reasons unknown, Ferragamo and Saul did not show up. Once the Q&A was complete there were a few minutes of down time and as Fred Dryer walked by me, I asked him if he'd sign my 1980 Topps card.  He agreed and I busted out my blue sharpie.

Take a look at the signed card.

After about 5 minutes the book signing began.  It was announced due to media commitments and the large crowd, Youngblood would not be signing outside items until everyone's book was signed and then he would sign fan items.  Youngblood, signed my book and was very talkative.  I told him I still had my signed copy of his first biography and he said, I should enjoy this one too.  After he signed my book, I took a chance and asked him if he'd sign my Rams 1984 OfficialYearbook. There was a few second hesitation and he just signed it. I thanked him, shook his hand and headed home!  It was a great experience and as a life long long suffering Rams fan, it was a good day.

Take a look at my signed book with the HOF 01 inscription and some other pics.  I will post pictures of the signed yearbook in my next post.

Me & Jack photo by Christopher Grisanti

Jack Youngblood & Fred Dryer photo by Christopher Grisanti

Stay tuned for photos & recap from a couple more signings.

True to the Blue!



Matt Kemp - "I'm Going for 50-50 Next Year"

During a conference call today with Los Angeles media members, Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp made the bold prediction he was going for a 50-50 season in 2012.

"I'm going to go 50-50 next year. I'm telling you, y'all created a monster. I'm about to get back in the weight room super tough so I can be as strong as I was last year. … Forty-forty is tough, so 50-50 will be even tougher, but anything can happen. I have to set my limits high so I can try to get to them as much as I can. I'm going to try for 50-50, which has never been done."

"I'm serious. If I don't [get there], it means I let y'all down and lied to you, and I don't like being a liar. I know y'all are over there thinking I'm crazy, but hey, I'm trying to take it to another level."

To read Tony Jackson's entire article on ESPNLosAngeles.com click HERE
Watch  the video below:

Dodgers Release Promotional Schedule - Includes 10 Bobbleheads

Today the Dodgers released their 2012 Promotional Schedule.  The schedule includes 10 Bobbleheads, a replica stadium, fleece blankets, and a cooler bag.  As the off season progresses, i'm sure images of the promotional items will be released.  One date which jumped out at me was Wednesday April 11, 2012.  That night, the Dodgers will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Clayton Kershaw will be presented with his 2011 NL Cy Young Award in front of the home crowd.  Another date to circle on the calendar is Tuesday August 7, 2012.  The Dodgers will be giving out a Sandy Koufax bobblehead that night.

A tip of the cap to DodgerBobble for listing the 10 Bobblehead give-a-way nights.

Saturday, April 28 vs Washington

Tuesday, May 15 vs Arizona

Tuesday, May 29 vs Milwaukee

Tuesday, June 12 vs Anaheim

Thursday, June 28 vs NYM

Saturday, July 14 vs San Diego

Tuesday July 31 vs Arizona

Tuesday August 7 vs Colorado - Sandy Koufax Bobblehead

Tuesday August 21 vs San Francisco

Thursday August 30 vs Arizona

For the entire list click from Dodgers.com, click HERE

True to the Blue!

Clayton Kershaw Wins NL Cy Young Award - Video

Today, MLB announced Clayton Kershaw as the winner of the 2011 NL Cy Young Award.  He received 27 of a possible 32 first place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.  Kershaw became the 10th Dodger to win the Cy Young Award.  This was only Kershaw's 3rd full season in the big leagues and his future remains bright!  Congrats Clayton!

Check out the video below from Dodgers.com



True to the Blue!

1981 World Series Reunion - pics & recap

On Saturday November 5, 2011, at Frank & Son Collectible Show, Hall of Fame Sports presented a signing involving several members of the 1981 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.  There were 23 Dodgers scheduled to appear throughout the day signing autographs.  Due to a family commitment, I promised my nephew/Godson, I would go to his football game on Saturday morning. He plays on the freshman team for Servite High School located in Anaheim, CA.  Anyhow, I was unable to make the signing but for the first time ever, arranged for the promoter, in this case Hall of Fame Sports to get my items signed.

While there were 23 Dodgers appearing, I wanted Dave Stewart, Bob Welch, Pedro Guerrero, and Dusty Baker.  I figured these were some of the tougher autos to get, I had several other autos from the other starters on the team and some of the others sign often in the area, sometimes for free.  So I paid for my autos in advance and picked out a sweet looking 16x20 photo of the 1981 World Series trophy.  I was able to make it out to the signing later in the day just to snap some photos.

 Pedro Guerrero

 Steve Garvey

Tommy Lasorda & Reliever Dave Goltz

Today, I stopped by Frank & Son to pick up my item but was given some bad news.  For some reason, they forgot to have Dusty Baker sign my photo!  Chris from Hall of Fame Sports was extremely apologetic and wanted to make it right. He offered me a refund, a Dusty Baker signed baseball, an autograph ticket to the upcoming Fernando Valenzuela signing or a Tommy Lasorda signed baseball.  I accepted his apology and chose the signed Lasorda ball.  While i'm still bummed out and a little upset, it was cool for Hall of Fame Sports to give me something of more value and it looks like a have a new project to finish!

Check out my Lasorda ball and my 16x20 signed by Dave Stewart, Bob Welch & Pedro Guerrero.  I also attached my purchase order/invoice that clearly states, Dusty Baker!

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Fernando Valenzuela

Saturday December 3, 2011

Fernando Valenzuela

6X All Star - '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86

2X Silver Slugger - '81 & '83

Gold Glover Winner - 1986

ROY - 1981

Cy Young Award - 1981

World Series Champion - 1981

$109 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$129 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$149 - bats, jerseys & artwork

stage time: TBA

Click on the links for the info on the other Dodgers appearing on 12/3/11 @ Frank & Son Collectible Show

Carl Erskine

Tommy Davis

True to the Blue!

Dodger Blogger Softball Tourney

The Left Field Pavilion Blog is organizing a Softball Tournament for Dodger Bloggers.  Several blogs are participating including the True to the Blue blog.  So if you are interested in playing on the True to the Blue team head over to theLFPblog by clicking here and sign up for my team.  The tournament will be Saturday February 12, 2012 at Big League Dreams in West Covina.  For those of you that aren't familiar with Big League Dreams, they have fields that are replicas of major league stadiums including Dodgers Stadium.  The cost is $35 per player. The price includes 3 pizzas and 4 pitchers of soda per team and 1st and 2nd place trophies.

So again, click here. Once on the page, click on Individual Players. It will take you to another page where you can sign up.  There is a drop down menu where you can pick which blog you'd like to play for. So, click on True to the Blue and you can play on my team.  Let's do this True to the Blue fans!!

True to the Blue!

Peter O'Malley Wants to Buy the Dodgers!

Breaking news -- Bill Shaikin, who once again has the breaking Dodgers news, is reporting former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley want to run the team again.  According to Shaikin, O'Malley wants to lead an investment group that would buy the Dodgers and would be the teams chief executive.

O'Malley says:

"I want to reconnect the team and the community"

"The health of the organization has deteriorated in the last 12 months, the standing of the organization in the community has deteriorated.  I am confident I can restore it to respectability quicker, sooner and probably better than — or at least as well as — anyone else."

O'Malley declined to name his investors but has already shared his plans with Commissioner Bud Selig.

I would love to see the O'Malley family back running the team and bring the family atmosphere back to Dodgers Stadium.

True to the Blue! 

McCourt & MLB Agree to Sale of Dodgers - Official Statement

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times posted this official press release on the paper's Dodger Blog:



"The Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball announced that they have agreed today to a court supervised process to sell the team and its attendant media rights in a manner designed to realize maximum value for the Dodgers and their owner, Frank McCourt.  The Blackstone Group LP will manage the sale process."

Will Dodger fans have a new owner by Opening Day?
How will this affect the signing of free agents?
How will this affect offering long term deals to Kemp, Kershaw, and Ethier?
There are still lots of questions to be answered but there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel!

True to the Blue!

3 More Dodgers Named to L.A. Times Top 20 Sports Figures List

Last week I had post about Walter O'malley being named the L.A. Times #13 Greatest Sports Figure in L.A. history.  Over the last few days a few more Dodgers have been named to the list.

#11 Greatest Sports Figure in L.A. History - Tommy Lasorda

There have been few figures in L.A. sports history who have been as larger-than-life as former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. You either love him or love to hate him, but it's almost guaranteed that everyone has some sort of opinion.

After serving four seasons as third-base coach, Lasorda became the Dodgers manager on Sept. 29, 1976, upon the retirement of the legendary Walter Alston. All Lasorda did in his 20 years as manager was win 1,599 games, two World Series championships (1981 and 1988), four National League pennants (1977, 78, 81 and 88)  and seven division titles (1977, 78, 81, 83, 85, 88, 95). The Dodgers also led the division when the rest of the 1994 season was canceled because of a labor dispute.

His final game was a 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros on June 23, 1996. The following day he drove himself to the hospital complaining of abdominal pains, and in fact he was having a heart attack. He officially retired on July 29, 1996. His 1,599 career wins rank 16th in MLB history.

He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 in his first year of eligibility and the Dodgers retired his uniform number, 2, on Aug. 15, 1997.

#10 Greatest Sports Figure in L.A. History - Jackie Robinson

It was interesting to watch the votes come in for Jackie Robinson, particularly through the comments on our original blog post asking for votes. As soon as someone would vote for Robinson, it seemed someone else would chime in, chastising the person for not realizing Robinson never played with the Dodgers in L.A. Which just goes to show how a man can be remembered for one thing almost to the exclusion of everything else. When you think Jackie Robinson, you think "broke the color barrier in baseball" and have to be reminded of his outstanding legacy as one of the greatest athletes in UCLA history.

Robinson was UCLA's first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. He was one of four black players on the 1939 UCLA Bruins football team (Woody Strode, Kenny Washington and Ray Bartlett were the others). 

In track and field, Robinson won the long jump at the 1940 NCAA men's outdoor track and field championship, jumping 24 feet, 10 1/2 inches. 

In basketball, Robinson won two consecutive conference scoring titles.

He hit less than .200 with the Bruins baseball team, making baseball his worst sport at UCLA.

Robinson was also a standout athlete at Pasadena Muir High and Pasadena junior college.

Robinson's life after UCLA could fill several books. He is a more-than-worthy addition to this list. As former UCLA chancellor Norm Abrams once said: "He was the first athlete in UCLA history to letter in four sports in the same year, but it is his abiding dignity and unshakable conviction that we most appreciate and that made him a true champion. The entire Bruin family treasures his legacy."

#9 Greatest Sports Figure in L.A. History - Fernando Valenzuela

Fernandomania. That's all you have to say to Dodgers fans to bring a smile to their face as they remember the glory days of Fernando Valenzuela.

Fernandomania was born in 1981, when Valenzuela started the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an earned-run average of 0.50. He became a sensation with the fans, drawing sellout crowds at Dodger Stadium, with ticket sales increasing whenever he pitched in other stadiums too, as fans wanted a glimpse of his unusual delivery, with his eyes looking skyward before delivering the ball to the plate. Valenzuela finished 1981 with a 13-7 record and a 2.48 ERA, leading all pitchers in complete games (11), shutouts (eight), innings pitched (192.1) and strikeouts (180). Valenzuela pitched a complete Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees and helped the Dodgers win their first World Series title since 1965. After the season, he was named rookie of the year and won the Cy Young Award, still the only person to accomplish win both in the same year.

Valenzuela was the ace of the Dodgers staff from 1981 to 1987, with his best season coming in 1986, when he finished 21-11 with a 3.14 ERA and led the league in wins, complete games and innings pitched, finishing second in Cy Young Award voting to Mike Scott of the Houston Astros.

At the 1986 All-Star Game, Valenzuela made history by striking out five consecutive American League batters, tying a record set by Carl Hubbell in 1934.

In 1988, Valenzuela won just five games and missed much of the season. He went 10-13 in 1989 and 13-13 in 1990, which was the season of his last great moment, when on June 29, 1990, he threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Valenzuela was released by the Dodgers just before the 1991 season. He played part of that season with the Angels and bounced around baseball until retiring after the 1997 season with a career mark of 173-153.

He is currently a member of the Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcast team.

Interesting how Jackie Robinson made the list for the great career he had at UCLA since he never played for the L.A. Dodgers.  Nice to see Fernando crack the Top 10.  You gotta think Sandy Koufax will be Top 5.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers for Sale?!?

First off, God bless L.A. Times writer Bill Shaikin! Shaikin is reporting today the Dodgers bankruptcy trial has been postponed to allow McCourt and MLB to negotiate a settlement which will include the sale of the team.   

Shaikin further reported:

"McCourt discussed a potential settlement with league officials Monday and Tuesday."

"The settlement talks hit a snag when the league declined to guarantee McCourt a specific return for selling the team.  The league, which already has loaned McCourt $150 million in bankruptcy financing, is not willing to subsidize his exit should the team sell for less than whatever figure he might ask MLB to guarantee."

"In court papers this week, attorneys for McCourt estimated the value of the Dodgers, their stadium and the surrounding land at "in excess of $1 billion." Forbes valued the assets at $800 million last March.  McCourt might need more than $1 billion just to break even after paying off debts, tax liabilities and his divorce settlement, based on interviews by The Times and an analysis of court records in California and Delaware.""The league is willing to work with McCourt on conducting an auction, according to a person familiar with the discussions."

Could this be the beginning of the end for McCourt? Is this the light of the end of the tunnel for the Dodger faithful?  I don't want to get too excited but it looks like McCourt may have finally realized he's better off selling the team and moving on.  We can only hope!

True to the Blue!

Steve Garvey says upgrade Dodger Stadium & extend Kemp, Kershaw & Ethier

Former Dodger All-Star Steve Garvey participated in AM 710 ESPNLA's "Lunch with a Legend". The lunch event took place at Morton's The Steakhouse in Woodland Hills.  Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com reports Garvey told Mark Willard and Mychal Thompson if his & Orel Hershiser's investment group were to purchase the Dodgers, he would make needed changes to Dodger Stadium.

Garvey:

"One of the first steps is to make a significant investment into refurbishing the stadium and bringing it up to 21st century style technology in entertainment. We're far behind, if you look at those two electronic message boards, I mean, it's embarrassing. Not to have two new state of the art or even one large one."

When asked how he would handle personnel moves if he were running the team Garvey said he would extend Clayto Kershaw, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier.

Garvey:

"I like Ethier, I like his attitude. I think we would lock him up for another four or five years."

Garvey on Dodger Stadium:

"It's a cathedral of baseball. There's so much history, but the problem is it's the third oldest stadium in baseball. It's going to be 50 years old and it needs things done to it that can approach the quality and atmosphere of new stadiums. We have a great business plan to be able to do some things that will really change the atmosphere of the stadium."

Garvey on being part of ownership:

"This is a long-term investment in Dodger baseball. If you think of it this way, then you do all these things to enhance the experience for the fans. That's what, God willing, we'll have the opportunity to do. We will be an ownership of and for the fans."

True to the Blue!

30th Anniversary - Fernando's Game 3 Victory in '81 World Series

Today, October 23, 2011, is the 30th Anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela's Game 3 victory over the Yankees in the 1981 World Series.  In 1981, the Dodgers were able to beat the hated Yankees after losing in 1977 & 1978.  The Yankees and Dodgers have faced each other 11 times in the World Series.   They faced each other in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1963, 1977, 1978 & 1981 with the Dodgers coming out on top in 1955, 1963 and 1981.

The Game 3 victory was pivotal as the Dodgers had lost the first two games in New York.  Valenzuela's victory was the icing on the cake that was his 1981 season.  Click on the link to my blog post about being at Game 3 of the 1981 World Series. True to the Blue




True to the Blue!

Greatest Sports Figures in L.A. History - #13 Walter O'Malley

The L.A. Times is running down their list of the Top 20 Greatest Sports Figures in L.A. History.  Coming in today at #13 is former Dodger owner Walter O'Malley.

"Longtime Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley changed the landscape of baseball in many ways, one of the most notable being spearheading the move of baseball to the West Coast. O'Malley moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles before the 1958 season, and also convinced New York Giants owner Horace Stoneham to move to San Francisco at the same time."

On March 17, 1970, O'Malley's son Peter, become President of the Dodgers and took over day to day operations.  Walter O'Malley passed away on August 9, 1979 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2008.

True to the Blue!

Former Dodgers Asst. GM To Be GM of Angels?

Via ESPN Los Angeles, Buster Olney is reporting former Dodger Assistant GM and current VP for baseball operations with MLB, Kim Ng will interview for the Angels current GM vacancy. 

ESPN LA's Mark Saxon recalls:

"In 2003, Eric Gagne went 55-for-55 in save opportunities and won all but four of the 32 votes for the National League Cy Young Award. It was probably the greatest season a relief pitcher has ever had.  The next winter, Kim Ng beat him in arbitration. Gagne earned $5 million in 2004 instead of the $8 million his agent, Scott Boras, argued for."

Saxon:

"Ng might be able to protect the Angels from themselves, to convince them not to make the one bad financial decision that could set the franchise back for years to come. If only they’d hired her earlier, maybe they wouldn’t have played last season under the crushing weight of more than $50 million in bad contract obligations."

Kim Ng in happier times

True to the Blue!

1/2 Price Vin Scully Book

The Los Angeles Times Daily Deals is offering Vin Scully I Saw It On the Radio by Rich Wolfe for only $12.95.  The suggested retail price of the book is $24.95.  This deal is good for the next 5 days and the book can be purchased by following this link L.A. Times Daily Deals.

With the Holidays just around the corner this may be a good gift for the special Dodger fan in your life.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Thank Fans for Their Support

The Dodgers thank the fans for their support during the 2011 season.
Check out the video from Dodgers.com



True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Manny Mota

Saturday November 5, 2011

Manny Mota

All Star - 1973

2x World Series Champsion - 1981 & 1988

Longest Tenured Dodger Coach - 32 Years

$29 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$39 - large flats, minis, caps figurines & equipment

$49 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$10 - inscriptions

stage time - tba

Manny Mota has been added to the 1981 World Series Champion 30th Reunion signing being put on by Hall of Fame Sports at Frank & Son.

Here are links to my posts on the other attendees:

 Rick Monday               Steve Sax               Dave Stewart

Kenny Landreaux          Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager

Terry Forster                 Bob Welch             Dusty Baker

Tom Niedenfuer, Bobby Castillo, Jerry Reuss & Candy Maldonado

Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Ron Cey & Bill Russell

Tommy Lasorda

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Rick Monday

Saturday November 5, 2011

Rick Monday

2x All Star - 1968 & 1978

World Series Champion - 1981

$35 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$40 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines, & equipment

$50 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$15 - inscriptions

stage time - tba

Rick Monday has been added to the Hall of Fame Sports Dodgers 1981 World Series Champion 30 Year Reunion signing at Frank & Son.  Click on the links below for the info i've posted on the other scheduled attendees.

Steve Sax                    Dave Stewart

Kenny Landreaux        Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager

Terry Forster               Bob Welch

Dusty Baker                Tom Niedenfuer, Bobby Castillo, Jerry Reuss & Candy Maldonado

Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Ron Cey & Bill Russell

Tommy Lasorda

True to the Blue!

Andre Ethier - Truck or Car?

Dre wasn't sure which old school ride he should drive today. According to this pic and his FB page he went with the truck.  That truck is sick!


Andre Ethier on WhoSay

True to the Blue!

Ned Colletti Looks Back on 2011 and Forward to 2012

Ned Colletti sat down with the media and gave his opinion on the 2011 season and his outlook for the 2012 season.  Check out the video below from Dodgers.com

"We need to see if we can bring Kuroda back"


"We had some players that had well below average years and we had another one that had a very well below average first half and a stunning second half. You gotta play it all year."

Lots of more good info...check it out!



True to the Blue!

Matt Kemp Looking For Contract Extension

ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramon Shelburne reported on Ned Colletti's desire to sign Matt Kemp to a contract extension this season.  However, Colletti has not put a timeline in place.  According to Shelburne, Kemp's agent, Dave Stewart would like to see the deal done by Opening Day.

Ned Colletti -

"Whenever you have a negotiation, one side's always got the right to say they're not doing anything.  Or two sides have the right to say that, or two sides have the ability to say, 'Yeah, let's do something.' So however that goes, we'll do what we can do from our side of it. We can't control the other side no matter who it is."

Dave Stewart -

"Matt is the guy that I work for, it would be my advice to him to just play and let's not do any negotiations during the course of the year.  I've been a player and I've been in that position before and it's a distraction. For me, especially in next year's season, the most important thing is just have Matt concentrate on having another great year. To go out and play. This stuff would be a distraction for him and for the ballclub."

"Right now, what we're planning to do is a one-year arbitration. When the phone rings and Ned calls, if he proposes something different then we'll look to do something different, but right now we're preparing ourselves for a one-year arbitration and we've started preparations for that already."

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Justin Sellers

Saturday November 12, 2011

POSTPONED!

Justin Sellers

2011 Dodger Rookie

$20 - any item

time: 12:00pm

Justin Sellers will be playing Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic so this event has been postponed. Keep checking back for a rescheduled date.

 

Valley Sports Cards, Memorabilia, & Picture Framing

19640 & 19642 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
818.705.BALL
http://www.valleysportscards.com/

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Steve Sax

November 5, 2011

Steve Sax

2x World Series Champion - 1981 & 1988

Rookie of the Year - 1982

$29 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$39 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$49 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$15 - inscriptions

stage time - tba

Steve Sax has been added to the 1981 World Series Champion 30 Year Reunion being put on by Hall of Fame Sports @ Frank & Sons.

Click on the names of the other participants for info & prices:

Terry Forster          Kenny Landreaux

Dave Stewart          Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager

Bob Welch             Dusty Baker

Tom Niedenfuer, Bobby Castillo, Jerry Reuss & Candy Maldonado

Tommy Lasorda

Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Ron Cey & Bill Russell

True to the Blue!

Entire Dodger Coaching Staff To Return In 2012

Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti confirmed the entire Dodgers coaching staff will return for the 2012 season:

Trey Hillman - Bench Coach

Rick Honeycutt - Pitching Coach

Davey Lopes - 1st Base Coach

Tim Wallach - 3rd Base Coach

Dave Hansen - Hitting Coach

Ken Howell - Bullpen Coach

Manny Mota - Instructor

According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles, Colletti was quoted as saying:

"I like our entire staff, I think they work well together, and I think they give Donnie a lot of support. I think they have learned a lot this season."

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Javy Guerra

Saturday October 1, 2011

Javy Guerra

$25 - flats, balls, figurines & minis

$35 - equipment, bats, jerseys & artwork

Stage time: 11:00am - 12:30

Javy will be signing at Frank & Son as part of Hall of Fame Sports Dodger Days.

Remember also signing will be Don Newcombe, Manny Mota, Tim Leary, Wes Parker and Steve Lyons

Manny Mota info linked here

Tim Leary info linked here

Wes Parker info linked here

Steve Lyons info linked here

True to the Blue!

Mike Piazza, Tommy Lasorda & Jackie Robinson Jerseys

Last night I had to go to the mall and shop for a birthday gift.  I headed over to the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, CA and was taking a look around.  Whenever I'm at Main Place, I stop in at the MLB Clubhouse Shop and check out their gear.  The MLB Clubhouse Shop is run by Sports Avenue and Sports Avenue also runs the Dodgers Clubhouse Shop at Universal City Walk and the Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park. 

While in the MLB Clubhouse Shop, up on the wall I noticed three Dodger jerseys.  A #31 Mike Piazza jersey, a #42 Jackie Robinson Brooklyn Dodger jersey and a #27 Tommy Lasorda Brooklyn Dodger jersey.  I thought it was really cool to see a Piazza jersey and even better to see a Lasorda Brooklyn Dodger jersey with the #27.  You usually see Lasorda jerseys with the #2 he used as manager of the Dodgers not the number he had as a player.

The jerseys were all $99.99.  Take a look at the picture below.

True to the Blue!

Clayton Kershaw Front Page News

I was in the break room at work filling up my water bottle when I noticed a copy of the Los Angeles Times sitting on a table.  I took a minute to read the sports section and then noticed the front page.  News of Clayton Kershaw's 20th win made the front page.  As a life long Dodger fan, I was pleased to see the Dodgers on the front page of the hometown newspaper for an accomplishment on the field.  I'm tired of seeing bankruptcy news, divorce news, and court news rooms on the front page.  Once again, a tip of the cap to young Clayton Kershaw's 20th victory.  The first Dodger to do so since Ramon Martinez in 1990.

For those that are interested the caption under the photo taken by Lawrence K. Ho reads "Clayton Kershaw, shown after leaving the mound in the eigth inning, outdueled the Giants' Tim Lincecum for his 20th win, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to reach the milestone in 21 years."