Dodger Players to Sign Autographs Before Games on Sunday & Tuesday

                                                             Photo - Nam Y. Huh / AP

The Dodgers announced today several players will sign autographs for fans during Sunday's Viva Los Dodgers event and before Tuesday's game against the Cubs.  The signings are part of an effort to raise funds for tornado relief efforts in the southern United States.

Right-hander Lance Cormier, pictured above, who signed with the Dodgers in February, is leading the team's relief efforts. Cormier and his family reside in Tuscaloosa, Ala., one of the areas that suffered the most damage from the storms.
 
Other Dodger personnel participating include, Manager Don Mattingly, pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, Matt Guerrier, Marcus Thames, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Rod Barajas.
 
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, fans will be able to give money or school supplies at Dodger Stadium at donation locations behind home plate on every level, as well as in the right- and left-field pavilions.
 
If you can't make it out to the games Sunday through Wednesday click here for more information on how you can donate money.
 
True to the Blue!

Reader/Fan Pictures from Wills, Law, Lefebvre & Osteen Signing at Frank & Son

Last Saturday April 23rd, there was a Dodger Day autograph signing at Frank & Son.  You can see my original post here .

I wasn't able to make it out there as my plans took a detour to a Travis Barker signing which you can read about here .

Well one of the readers of my blog, Steph, was kind enough to send in some pictures and a cool little exchange between Maury Wills and her husband Jim.

Steph's e-mail:

Hi!

I meant to send you these pictures on Monday, but unfortunately, I just didn't get around to it. I'm usually better than this at sending pictures and whatnot.  So here are the pictures I got from the signing. Mostly, it's just them signing the stuff, because, as much as I wanted to get pics of them, \I needed some "authentication" to go with the autographs in case our friends don't believe we have their autographs.
 

It was funny when my husband (Jim) got Maury Wills' auto.  Here's a quick lil summary of the conversation:

Wills:  You know this is my rookie card.
Jim: Yes sir, I do.
Wills: And you know it's gonna be worth a lot of money, especially when I get into the Hall of Fame.
Jim: Yes sir, especially with your autograph on it.Wills:  Mmhmm, that's right.

Wills was awesome. When it got our point in the line, they said he would only sign his name, no inscriptions.  However, whent he lil kid behind us came up for his autograph, he also signed his jersey number after his name. It was cool.

Amazingly, for being free autographs, the Hall of Fame Sports guys didn't rush everyone like you would have expected with Wills and Law.  We couldn't get pictures with them but it was still pretty good.

Hope you like the pics and thanks again for helping keep me updated on the Dodgers and their goingons with your fb account and blog!

Maury Wills

Rudy Law

Jim Lefebvre

Claude Osteen

Thanks for sharing the pics Steph!  Any of you other readers who attend Dodger events and/or travel to Dodger road games, feel free to share you pics.  truetotheblue81@gmail.com

Thanks...Martin  True to the Blue!

Upcoming Don Newcombe Appearance - Pushed Back 3 Weeks

The Don Newcombe signing that was originally schedule for May 14th @ Frank and Son has been pushed back three weeks to Saturday June 4th.  Stage time is to be announced.  You can read my original post here

True to the Blue!

Colletti Wants Closer By Committee...Donnie Baseball Sticks With Broxton

Since most of the Dodger Universe points to this pitch as the moment Broxton "lost his confidence" I figured, the was a good picture include in my post.  Some others in the Dodger Universe still point to the night Joe Torre brough in Broxton in the 9th inning with a 4-run lead against the Yankees on June 27, 2010.  Either way, Jonathan Broxton as Dodger closer continues to be one of the most debated topics in the Dodger Blogosphere.  According to mlb.com most Dodger fans almost got their wish.

Dodger GM Ned Colletti was on KABC 790 radio this morning and told host Peter Tilden:

"We hope to get Kuo back Friday.  Padilla's been back a few days.

We hope to give Donnie three choices or so at the end of the game and

let him make up his mind based on matchups or whatever

until Broxton can get his confidence back and get settled."

After hearing and/or reading that, one would assume Broxton's days as closer were numbered.  Well, you know what they say about assuming.  Here is what Broxton had to say:

"I saw it on TV -- closer by committee.  Until I hear it from somebody around here,

it's basically hearsay.  Donnie told me I'm the closer and to go from there.

He told me I'm throwing the ball good. There are going to be days I'm [unavailable], and

that might stir up more stuff. Right now, I'm still the closer."

 

I've already stated my opinion here and will do so again.  In short, I agree Broxton doesn't seem to have the same velocity.  While I think it may have something to do with confidence, I also believe it could be an injury.  Also, if our closer isn't Broxton, then who?  Kuo? Not now, he's on the DL and has had numerous shoulder surgeries.  Jansen? The kid isn't ready, yet. Padilla? It would be interesting.  I absolutely welcome and appreciate the feedback on the blog's FB page last night.  It was some nice debate.  I'm sure today will bring more.

 

Here is Howard Cole's take from the Dodgers Blog on the Orange County Register web-site

 

True to the Blue!



Dodgers Head To Florida To Take On The Marlins

After taking 2 of 3 against the Cubs to start the road trip, the Dodgers next head to the Sunshine State to take on the Florida Marlins in a 3-game series.  The Marlins are 13-7 and in second place only 1.5 games behind the first place Phillies.  The Dodgers arrive in Florida 12-11, in second place 3.0 games behind the first place Rockies.  The probably pitching match-ups for the series look like this:

Monday 4:10pm pacific time

Jon Garland (1-1, 4.15 ERA) vs Ricky Nolasco (2-0, 3.00 ERA)

Tuesday 4:10pm pacific time

Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 3.00 ERA) vs Chris Volstad (1-1, 6.60 ERA)

Wednesday 9:10am pacific time

Chad Billingsley (2-1, 4.13 ERA) vs Anibal Sanchez (1-1, 3.55 ERA)

Hopefully, the offense can stay hot, the team can get quality starts from Garland, Kershaw & Billlingsley and gains some ground on the Rockies.

Andre Ethier will look to continue his hot hitting and extend his hitting streak to 22-games.

True to the Blue!

Ethier Looks To Extend Streak - Dodgers Look For Series Win Against Cubs

Andre Ethier's hiting streak is starting to get national attention.  While watching yesterdays highlights (or lowlights), on ESPNews, they gave Ethier a few seconds of love.  They showed a graphic that compared Ethier's streak to other recent Dodger hitting streaks.  At 20-games Ethier is behind:

Paul Lo Duca 25-game streak in 2003

John Shelby 24-game streak in 1988

Brett Butler 23-game streak in 1991

Nomar Garciaparra 22-game streak in 2006

I'm sure this isn't the definitive list, it is just what ESPNews showed.  With a win today, the Dodgers can win this series against the Cubs and move back over .500.  Hiroki Kuroda will be on the mound looking for his third win as the Cubs send Carlos Zambrano to the mound.  Here is today's Dodger lineup:

Miles 2B

Blake 3B

Ethier RF

Kemp CF

Sands LF

Loney 1B

Barajas C

Carroll SS

Kuroda P

True to the Blue!

Dodger Signing Plans - I Was Thrown A Curveball

For a few weeks now, my plans were too attend the Dodger signing at Frank & Son today.  Maury Wills, Rudy Law, Claude Osteen & Jim Lefebvre were scheduled to appear as well as Pete Rose.  You can read my previous post here

Well, earlier this week, one of my older nephews called and said he and my 14-year old nephew were going to a Travis Barker meet & greet at the Tilly's clothing store at The Block in Orange.  They had an extra wristband and asked if I wanted to go.  Being a big music fan, I couldn't turn down the opportunity.  For those of you that don't know, Travis Barker is a drummer for Blink 182, The Transplants, + 44 and has appeared as a guest on songs for other artists.  He currently has a solo album out with guest appearances from other musicians, rappers & rockers and is currently on tour opening for Lil' Wayne.

The signing was to start at 3:30pm so we arrived at 2pm.  The line moved pretty quick and we were out of there by 4:45pm.  My nephew was able to get the wristbands by purchasing Barker's new album at the Tilly's store at The Block.

Just in case you don't know who Travis Barker is -

Here are some free stickers I picked up as well as my signed CD cover -

They didn't allow photos even just to snap a picture as you were in line.  I was able to sneak this picture in -



While we were in line, we heard that professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler was over at the Vans Skate Park.  My nephews walked over and my youngest nephew got his hat signed by Sheckler -

While I did miss out on the Dodger signing, I was able to spend quality time with my nephews and pick up an autograph from a great drummer.

Did any of you make it out to the Dodger signing today??

True to the Blue!



Ethier & Kemp Continue To Power The Offense - Another Bison Bomb!

Today was the Dodgers first businessman's special of the year out at Chavez Ravine.  The team wore the light blue 1940's Brooklyn throwback jerseys today and the Braves wore throwback Boston Brave uniforms.  Clayton Kershaw was one out away from pitching a complete game and getting a 2-1 victory but he stumbled at the finish line and gave up the tying and go ahead runs before Dodger manager Don Mattingly brought in Jonathan Broxton to stop the bleeding and end the Braves' rally in the 9th.  Casey Blake's RBI single in the bottom of the 9th scored Jamey Carroll to tie the score and send the game into extra innings.

In the bottom of the 12th with one out, Andre Ethier hit a double and scored when Matt Kemp blasted another Bison Bomb for his 2nd walk-off homerun of the season to give the Dodgers a 5-3 victory.  The win meant the Blue Crew took 3 out of 4 against the Braves and head to Chicago with a 10-10 record.  Even though he didn't get the win, Kershaw pitched another great game, scattering 5 hits and striking out 7 over 8.2 innings.

If Kemp & Ethier keep this up we could be talking about two Dodger outfielders making the 2011 All-Star Team.

Kemp's stats -  .411 4HR 15RBI

Ethier's stats - .385 2HR 9RBI

They also look like they are having a good time doing it.  After the shocking McCourt news on Wednesday and back to back victories things are looking up as the Dodgers head to Chicago.

True to the Blue!



Free Stuff - Who Wants It?!?

CONTEST OVER CONGRATS ROB!!

On February 10th, I offered up the Andre Ethier All-Star fleece blanket. My post is linked here

Evan was the first one to reply and scored the blanket linked here

Back on March 9th, I wanted to give away a 70's Night James Loney/Casey Blake poster I had but had no takers.  My post is linked here

So tonight, in celebration of MLB taking control of the team from Frank McCourt, i'm offereing up some Opening Day swag.  Who wants the playbill given to everyone as they entered the parking lot, the magnet scheduled given to the first 50,000 and the special edition of Dodgers Magazine that was ONLY available on Opening Day?

The first person to e-mail me at truetotheblue81@gmail.com gets all three items.

True to the Blue!

O'Malley To Run The Dodgers?

Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Times just posted on his blog L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich released a statement suggesting former Dodger owner Peter O'Malley run the Dodgers while MLB completes it's investigation.

Antonovich's statement:

"I commend baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s wrestling control of the Dodgers and

bringing integrity back to the game. It is my hope that the commissioner appoints

a representative from the O’Malley family to oversee the team’s business affairs

 during the investigation -– a return of the O’Malley family to the Dodgers

would be a home run for fans and the Dodgers."
Dilbeck's post is linked here

True to the Blue!

MLB Takes Over Dodgers

It pays to come home early from work...I was watching the last few moments of Pardon The Interruption on ESPN when they said MLB has taken over day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Here is the press release from MLB:

"Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club. I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball. My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership. I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days.

"The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future."

At the moment, all i can say is WOW!  My beloved Dodger franchise has fallen to a new low.  I haven't voiced too many opinions on McCourt but I think this is his first step out the door.  Stay tuned for more.

True to the Blue!

My Two Cents on Jonathan Broxton As Closer - It Could Be Worse

I've had some personal conversations with friends regarding Jonathan Broxton's performance as closer this year.  After reading a couple of things in other blogs, I figured it was time to offer my two-cents.  Broxton is 5 for 5 in save opportunities this year.  Despite the fact that he is perfect in save opportunities, he has struggled.  His ERA is 6.14 and he has only 5 strikeouts over a total of 7.1 innings.  This is a far cry from the performances he displayed in 2008, 2009 and the first half of the 2010 season.  Everybody seems to point to his meltdown against the Yankees last year as the beginning of his fade.  While, I won't dispute the fact his velocity is down since that game and his ERA and blown saves are up since then as well.  However, I will give him credit for not yet blowing a save opportunity this year.  When a manager goes to his closer, he asks him to get enough outs to hold onto the lead so the team can get the win.  That's exactly what Broxton has done so far.  Is he dominating? No.  Is he blowing batters away with his fastball? Nope.  Will he ever be the old Jonathan Broxton again? Who knows!?

I've been trying to point out to others that Broxton is our best option at the moment.  Kuo is on the disabled list and even if he weren't his past elbow issues probably prevent him from being a full time closer.  Kenley Jansen hasn't been much better than Broxton this year and might be a better option next season but not now. 

It could definitely be worse.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have 4 blown saves in 9 save opportunities.  The Milwaukee Brewers have 4 blown saves in 7 save opportunities.  Hold on, it gets better.  Ryan Franklin of the Cardinals who was the victim of Matt Kemp's walk-off has had 5 save opportunities and has blown 4 of them.  His ERA is a whopping 11.57.  Matt Thornton of the Chicago White Sox is 0-2 with a 7.94 ERA has blown all 4 of his save opportunities.  The White Sox as a team have blown 6 of 7 opportunities.

I'm not trying to be a Broxton apologist but i'm definitely saying he is getting the job done so far.  It hasn't been pretty or fun to watch but he's getting it done.

Take a look at this video to watch Ozzie Guillen's take on the White Sox bullpen.

As always, great work by Evan over at OpinionofKingmansPerformance with his take on the Dodger bullpen linked here

Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts offers his opinion linked here

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Opponents Announce They Will Also Wear Throwback Uniforms

As most of the Dodger Universe knows, the team will be wearing 1940 Brooklyn throwback jerseys for six mid-week day games this year.  Today, the team announced 5 of their 6 opponents during these games will also wear throwback jerseys.  First up, will be the Braves this Thursday April 21st followed by the Cubs Wednesday May 4th, the Reds Wednesday June 15th, the Tigers Wednesday June 22nd & the Padres Wednesday August 31st.  There was no mention of the Phillies wearing throwback uniforms on Wednesday August 10th.

True to the Blue! 



Jerry Sands Called Up From Triple-A - Xavier Paul Designated For Assignment

The BIG news of the day is the announcement the Dodgers have called up Jerry Sands from AAA Albuquerque.  To make room on the 25-man roster, the team designated outfielder Xavier Paul for assignment.  Manager Don Mattingly says Sands will get plenty of playing time in left field and at first base.  The 23-year old Sands was the Dodgers 25th round draft pick in 2008.  So far this season at Triple-A, Sands is hitting .400 in 40 at bats with 5 homeruns and 17 RBI.  Sands will make his major league debut tonight batting 7th and starting in left field.

Tonight's Lineup:

Miles 2B

Blake 3B

Ethier RF

Kemp CF

Uribe SS

Loney 1B

Sands LF

Barajas C

Lilly P

Dodgers End 5 Game Losing Streak - Ethier & Kemp Continue To Hit

Chad Billingsley's performance in today's game is exactly what I was expecting Clayton Kershaw to deliver last night against the Cardinals.  This is exactly the kind of pitching performance the Dodgers needed to end their 5 game losing streak.  Bills was dealing!  He pitched 8-innings giving up only 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 11 batters.  With their anemic offense, the Dodgers need Billingsley to keep them in the game in order to have a chance to win.

Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a lead off double in the bottom of the 9th.  After Ethier led of with the double, Matt Kemp ended the game with a 2-run walk-off homerun off Cardinal pitcher, Ryan Franklin.  Both Ethier & Kemp are doing most of the damage for the Dodgers offense. 

Kemp is ranked 1st in MLB with a .474 batting average and Ethier is 8th with a .377 average. 

Kemp is 2nd in hits with 27 and Ethier is 5th with 23 hits.  They are both in the top 12 in on-base percentage as well.  Kemp is 1st with a .545 on-base % and Ethier is 12th with a .441 on-base %.  Kemp's slugging percentage is a stellar .719.

What is even more impressive is their clutch hitting.  Ethier's batting average with runners in scoring position is .412 and Kemp's is an even better .500.  Unfortunately, the team's batting average with RISP is a weak .179.  I heard Vin Scully say that without Kemp & Ethier's lofty averages, the rest of teams average with RISP "is .088".  If the team wants to start winning more games Loney and Uribe must start hitting.  They need to pull their weight because Kemp & Ethier are doing all they can.  Loney's batting average is .150 and Uribe's is .154.  Not that Uribe & Loney can set the world on fire but they are better than this.  They need to turn it around quick.

My favorite line from today's broadcast came from Vin Scully after Kemp's homerun.

""They pitched to the one guy who could beat them and he does."  Classic Vin!

The Dodgers now await the arrival of the Atlanta Braves and their 7-9 record for a four game series @ Chavez Ravine.

True to the Blue!

New Dodger Books - Roy Campanella & Branch Rickey

I'm taking my dad to the Dodger/Cardinal game Friday night, Jackie Robinson Night, and I stopped by my parents house to visit early today.  While I was there, my dad showed me the new book he bought his week.  The book is titled CAMPY: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella by Neil Lanctot.  It's published by Simon & Schuster and has been available on-line and in book stores since March 8, 2011.  Russ Stanton of the L.A. Times reviewed the book on April 3, 2011 and said:

"Few Dodger fans in Los Angeles ever had a chance to fully appreciate the

Hall of Fame catcher in action, but Neil Lanctot's rich new biography,

'Campy: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella,' should change that...

...Dodger fans still are waiting to see a catcher of Campanella's caliber.

For more than a decade, he hit for power like Mike Piazza, and called games,

threw out runners and guarded the plate like Mike Scioscia, both of whom he mentored" 

My dad promised to let me borrow it when he was done reading the book and I plan on taking him up on the offer.  He also showed me a book review for a new biography on Branch Rickey.  He said, he would probably read that book next.

Branch Rickey by Jimmy Breslin is published by Viking/Penguin Press and was reviewed on April 3, 2011 by David L. Ulin in the L.A. Times.  This is some of what he wrote:

"Here in a nutshell, we see both the charm and the drawback of 'Branch Rickey', a think book

padded in places with digressions but also elliptically evocative, meandering

and funny, and always marked by Breslin's point of view."

I hope to read both these books in the coming months.  I've only read to other Dodger based books and I have one on my shelf now, that I hope to get to soon.  I'm sure i'll post something about the two i've read soon.  For those of you that seek more old school Dodger knowledge, I suggest you pick up one of these books.

True to the Blue!



Steve Garvey - Appearance at Black Angus in Buena Park - Recap & Photos

Dodger Legend Steve Garvey made an appearance today at the Black Angus in the City of Buena Park.  The event was sponsored by KABC AM790 radio.  AM790 had several drawings giving away pairs of tickets to upcoming Dodger games.  Garvey was scheduled to sign from 6pm - 7pm so arrived about an hour early at 5pm.  I would guess I was within the first 75 people in line.  I really didn't get a look at how long the line got behind me.  The staff at Black Angus and the KABC staff kept the line orderly and moving quickly.  Garvey was set-up in a corner of the Bulls Eye Bar and as you can see from the picture above, he had a nice cold beer in front of him!  The initial word was that he was signing  multiple items for the first 50 people in line.  A frequent reader of the TruetotheBlue blog and frequent attendee at these signings, David, was one of the first few people to exit with his autographs.  David had about 4 or 5 items signed and informed us that Garvey was inscribing & personalizing items per your request.

By the time I got inside about a 1/2 hour later, I had my two baseballs signed without any problems.  As soon as I started to walk away from the table, I heard one of the KABC staff announce only one item per person.  I have no idea if this held up.  Overall it was an excellent signing and experience.  Not alot of people were asking to take pictures so it kept the line moving.  I want to give a shout-out to David who I already mentioned and to the guys I met in line today.  Armando, Paul aka "the rookie", Oscar the Angels fan, Alex & Francisco.  Francisco was lucky enough to win a pair of tickets during one of the drawings.

If any of you guys wanna share your pictures you can e-mail me at truetotheblue81@gmail.com

Below are some of my pics from the event.

Don't forget I have a FaceBook page for my blog http://www.facebook.com/truetotheblue81 make sure you go and "like" it.

True to the Blue!

Random Dodger Collectibles - Ethier Action Figure, Kemp Canvas & Ethier Canvas

Last week, I had a birthday party to go to for my cousin's son and a co-ed baby shower for one of my college buddies.  So I decided to kill two birds with one stone and get a Babies R Us & a Toys R Us gift card from Toys R Us.  While in Toys R Us, I decide to walk down the action figure aisle to see if there are any McFarlane MLB Playmaker 2 figures. I posted about the Andre Ethier Playmaker 2 action figure back on March 6th.  Check it out here .  Well, there just so happened to be an Ethier action figure.  It was the one with Ethier batting, they did not have the one with him in the fielding position.  As I mentioned in my post last month, it looks nothing like him.  Here are some pics.

I put the action figure next to a baseball to give it some perspective

A close-up of his face.  I don't think it looks like Ethier at all.

Back view

Side view

The McFarlane Playmaker 2 action figures are available now in stores and online.

After I found this action figure in Toys R Us, I went next door to Target to see if they had any.  No luck at Target but I did find some cool canvas pictures.  They were selling them for $19.99.  They look really cool in person!  You can see the Matt Kemp one at the top of this blog post.  The pictures of the Ethier canvas & Dodger Stadium canvas are below.

Andre Ethier

Dodger Stadium



True to the Blue!









Fundraiser for Bryan Stow - Red Brick Pizza Rancho Cucamonga

American Medical Response (AMR) is the company that Giant fan Bryan Stow worked for.  AMR of Rancho Cucamonga will be hosting a fund raising event that will benefit Bryan Stow and his family.  The event will take place at Red Brick Pizza in the City of Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday April 12th.  20% of all sales will go to the Bryan Stow fund if you mention the event.

For all you Dodger fans in the Inland Empire if you aren't too busy, make sure you make it out to the event and enjoy some pizza for a good cause!

Here is all the info:

Tuesday April 12th, 2011
11am to 9pm

Red Brick Pizza
9659 Milliken Ave, #103
Rancho Cucamonga, 91730
(909)476-6067

For other events you can go to the support4bryanstow website

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Bobby Castillo

Saturday April 16, 2011

Bobby Castillo

1981 World Series Champion

Time: 12pm - 3pm



Former Los Angeles Dodger Pitcher Bobby Castillo will be appearing at the Feeldz Sports Apparel located at:
401 E. Main St. Ste 102
Alhambra, CA91801

Feelds Sports Apparel is located in the Alhambra Courtyard shopping center.  KABC Sports Radio will also be on hand, broadcasting from the shopping center and giving away prizes. Castillo will sign autographs, greet customers, and give baseball tips to fans.  Customers will have the opportunity to win prizes from the merchants, the radio station and tickets for upcoming Dodger games.
More information can be found here           

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Steve Garvey



Wednesday April 13, 2011

Steve Garvey

1974 All-Star Game MVP

1974 MLB MVP

1978 All-Star MVP

1978 NLCS MVP

1984 NLCS MVP

4x Gold Glove Winner

Time: 6pm-7pm



The signing will be @ the Black Angus restaurant located at:

 7111 Beach Blvd.

Buena Park, CA 90620

I spoke to the manager today and Garvey will be signing autographs for only an hour.  No purchase necessary.  Things could always change between now & Wednesday, I suggest you call the day of to confirm.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Look to Sweep the Padres - Today's Lineup

The Dodgers look to bust out the brooms and sweep their way out of San Diego.  John Ely gets the start today.  Today's lineup:

Gwynn LF

Miles 2B

Ethier RF

Kemp CF

Loney 1B

Uribe 3B

Barajas C

Carroll SS

Ely P

True to the Blue!

Sunday Web Roundup - Jo Lasorda, John Ely & Fan Violence



T.J. Simers of the L.A. Times had a nice interview with Tommy's wife, Jo Lasorda.  They will celebrate their 61st Wedding Anniversary this week.  Article linked here

Steve Dilbeck writes in the L.A. Times Dodgers Blog that Don Mattingly confirmed after last night's game that John Ely will be recalled from AAA and will get the start today as the Dodgers go for the sweep in San Diego.  Article linked here

Evan Bladh of Opinionofkingmansperformance blog posted about his personal connection to a random act of fan violence.  I highly recommend reading it. Opinionofkingmansperformance linked here

DodgerBobble added to his collection by picking up a Cal State Long Beach Troy Tulowitzki bobblehead.  Check it out here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Matt Kemp - Update

I originally posted information on Matt Kemp's appearance at Frank & Son Collectible Show here

Kemp's appearance time and autograph prices have now been set.

Here is the updated information on his appearance:

July 30, 2011

Matt Kemp

2009 NL Gold Glove

2009 NL Silver Slugger

$39 - small items

$59 - large items

$15 - inscriptions

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers/Padres Rain Delay to Resume Saturday

Last night's Dodgers/Padres game was suspended at 1:40 a.m. with the score tied 2-2.  When umpires suspended the game, the Dodgers were up to bat in the top of the 9th inning and Matt Kemp had just singled.  The game will resume today at 5:35 p.m. before game 2 of the series.  Hopefully, the Dodgers can score Kemp from first once the game is resumed!  The Boys in Blue continue to struggle with runners in scoring position.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers travel to San Diego for 3-game Series - Tonight's Lineup

The Dodgers are in San Diego for a 3-game series this weekend.  The start time for tonight's game has been pushed back to 7:30 p.m. due to rain.  The Boys in Blue are looking to snap their two game losing streak and also looking to gain ground on the 2nd place Padres.  The Padres are a half-game in front of the Dodgers with a 3-2 record.  Tonight, Ted Lilly will be attempting to bounce back from his horrible first start of the season.

The probable pitchers for this weekend's series

Friday April 8th

Ted Lilly (0-1) vs Clayton Richard (0-0)

Saturday April 9th

Hiroki Kuroda (1-0) vs Dustin Moseley (0-1)

Sunday April 9th

TBA vs Aaron Harang (1-0)



Tonight's Lineup

Furcal SS

Blake 3B

Ethier RF

Kemp CF

Uribe 2B

Loney 1B

Thames LF

Barajas C

Lilly P

To all the Dodger fans who live in San Diego and to all the Dodgers fans who made the trip down south, have fun at PetCo!

True to the Blue!

Dodgers to Help Raise Funds for Bryan Stow

The Dodgers announced today they will host a "drive through" relief event for injured Giants fan Bryan Stow.  The event will take place Monday April 11, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 of Dodger Stadium.  The Dodgers are organizing the event in conjunction with KCAL 9, Prime Ticket, KABC 790, Univision Radio and the Los Angeles Times.

For all the details go to Dodgers.com

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tommy Lasorda

On April 2nd, I posted information about several former Dodgers and a current Dodger making appearances this Spring & Summer at Frank and Son Collectible Show.  linked here

I mentioned that on June 18th the player and/or player was to be announced.  Well, it will be none other than legendary Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda. Courtesy of Hall of Fame Sports.

Here is the information that is available so far:

June 18, 2011

Tommy Lasorda

2 time World Series Champion

2 Time NL Manager of the Year

2000 Olympic Gold Medal Manager

Hall of Fame 1997

$99 - small flats up to 11x14 & balls

$119 - large flats, minis, caps & equipment

$139 - bats, jerseys & art

$20 personalizations & inscriptions

Appearance time to be announced

Wow, is all I can say at the moment. Pretty big chunk of change for Tommy's autograph.

True to the Blue!



Dodger Security - Opening Day Tragedy

The above picture was taken by the L.A. Times during Opening Day in 2010.  Is this what has become of our beloved Dodger Stadium?  A place where angry fans, drunken fights and arrests have become the norm?  DEFINITELY NOT! Most Dodger fans attend games to watch the Dodgers win or lose (preferrably win) and to enjoy the game of baseball.  Granted, fights break out at NBA games, NFL games and other stadiums throughout MLB but it does seem like Dodger Stadium has a reputation.  I don't claim to have all the answers. More security? Sure! Off-duty police officers? Sounds good! Cut beer sales off earlier than the end of the 7th inning? Ok!  The reality of the situation is that additional security and off-duty police cost alot of money.  McCourt financial problems or no financial problems it still costs alot of money.  No owner in MLB wants to cut beer sales off, it is too much revenue to lose out on.  That leaves the responsibility to us fans.  Now, i'm not suggesting that we break up fights ourselves or try to intervene when situations get out of control but I do think we can help prevent things from getting too crazy.  We don't have to join in or encourage the hooligan fans when they began harassing or yelling at fans from visiting teams.  I've seen our beloved Dodgers play at Wrigly Field in Chicago, Chase Field in Phoenix and twice at PetCo Park in San Diego. Each time I was decked out in Dodger gear and not once to someone through a peanut, a beer, popcorn, a bottle of water or a soda at me.  I've been booed but not cussed out.  I've been told the Dodgers stink but never threatened.  It's possible that a game can be enjoyed by visiting fans.  It's just up to us as fans.  That's my two cents.

A couple of other items of interest.  Our last three Opening Days haven't been the greatest when it comes to fans and safety.

Opening Day 2009, there was a stabbing in the parking lot after the game.  You can read about it here at the old  Dodger Thoughts blog from the L.A. Times.

Opening Day 2010 saw 132 arrests mostly involving alcohol.  You can read about it here at the L.A. NOW  blog from the L.A. Times.

Of course we all know about the 2011 Opening Day tragedy.  On a positive note, the reward is up to $100 thousand dollars according to the L.A. Times Dodger Blog.

L.A County Supervisor Mike Antonovich has offered $10 thousand dollars.

The San Francisco Giants have offered $10 thousand dollars.

American Medical Response has offered $5 thousand dollars.

The Dodgers have offered up $25 thousand dollars and the Los Angeles City Council as matched the total and offered an additional $50 thousand dollars.

True to the Blue!

Tonight's Lineup - April 3, 2011 5:00pm

Juan Uribe is back in the lineup tonight as Hiroki Kuroda makes his first start of the season against Barry Zito.  Here is tonight's lineup:

Furcal SS

Carroll 2B

Ethier RF

Kemp CF

Uribe 3B

Loney 1B

Barajas C

Thames LF

Kuroda P



True to the Blue!

Dodger Oakley Sunglasses - New Releases & 20% off Dodger merchandise

I've always been an big Oakley sunglasses guy.  I've gone through several pairs in my lifetime.  I have a pair of the Gascan style for everyday use and a pair of the Inmate style which are a little nicer.  Since my Gascans are a little beat up at the moment I thought I'd go on-line and see what the Oakley website had to offer.  When I clicked on the new releases tab they had a pair of the MLB Fuel Cell style that is pictured above.  You can see the iconic LA logo in the bottom left corner of the lense.  Also if you look closely, the Oakley logo is Dodger Blue and has stitches like on the stitches of a baseball.

Also under the new releases tab is the MLB Fives Squared style.  They are a different shape & style than the Fuel Cell but still have the LA logo and the baseball stitching in the Oakley logo.  Take a look:

This isn't the first time MLB and Oakley have offered sunglasses with the logos of MLB teams.  This Flak Jacket model has been available for a few years.  Take a look:

All three styles are available on oakley.com and on the Dodgers on-line store linked here

Here are the prices:

Flak Jacket $160

Fuel Cell $120

Fives Squared $100

Also, the on-line store on the MLB website and the Dodgers website is currently running a 20% off promotion.  There is no promo code needed.  The 20% off sale ends April 4th @ 11:59 p.m.

True to the Blue!