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."

Contest Time - This Is My Town Empire Strikes Back Poster

Trivia question time...i'm going to keep it easy.

Be the first person to name the Star Wars character in the This Is My Town billboard below and the poster is yours.  You must answer in the comments section below.

True To The Blue!

Kershaw Goes For Win Number 20

On Tuesday night, Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum will face off for the fourth time this season.  They have pitched against each other on Opening Day, July 20th and September 9th.  Kershaw is 4-0 against the hated ones this year and 5-1 against them in his career.  The Dodger lefty's record sits at 19-5 and he's looking to be the Dodgers first 20-game winner since Ramon Martinez finished 1990 with a 20-6 record.  Back on August 10th, when his record was 13-5, I predicted Kershaw would finish the season 17-7 linked here .  Since that date, has gone 6-0 and has passed the 18-win mark that was reached by Chan Ho Park in 2000.  If Kershaw doesn't get his 20th win on Tuesday, he would likely pitch his last game of the season on Sunday in San Diego.

One more thing to watch for the last 9 games of the season is the Dodgers record.  Yes, the team has long been out of the Division race and the Wild Card race but with their victory over the Pirates on Sunday, they brought their record to 76-76.  I would consider any record over .500 to be a success with this team.  With 6 of the last 9 games against the 1st and 2nd place teams in the NL West, this last week should be interesting.  I would not be sad if the Dodgers were to officially elimate the Giants from the Wild Card race & the NL West race.

True to the Blue!

Contest/Giveaway - This Is My Town Empire Strikes Back Poster

Last night the Dodgers hosted another Star Wars night and sent fans home happy with a 7-2 Dodger victory.  All fans that purchased tickets in the Star Wars section received a t-shirt.  In order to celebrate last night's Star Wars night and to celebrate the release on Blu-Ray of all six movies of the Star Wars saga, i'm giving away a This Is My Town/Empire Strikes Back poster. 

The poster, which you can see above, was given away to the first 20,000 fans at Dodger Stadium on May 21, 2010.  This poster is #1,160 of 20,000.  I will be giving away the poster on Tuesday night September 20, 2011.  Just like when I gave away the Matt Kemp Bobblehead there are some rules.

First, you have to be a "follower" of my blog.  This means, your name must be in the list of followers in my blogs sidebar.  It's on the top left side bar of the blog.  It's pretty simple, if you're a "follower" you can win, if you are not, you can't win.  So become a follower now.  Click on "FOLLOW" and the instructions are easy to follow.

Second, check back on Tuesday night at 9:00pm for the trivia question.  Since i'm giving it away on Tuesday night, you have plenty of time to become "followers".

True to the Blue!

Fernando Valenzuela To Be Honored Tomorrow

On Friday September 16, 2011 Fernando Valenzuela will receive the Hope of Los Angeles Award.  He was selected by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as to receive the award.  Valenzuela will be honored tomorrow at 10:00am at city hall and the ceremony will kick off L.A.'s Latino Heritage Month and coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Fernandomania. 

For more information check out the official press release

True to the Blue!

Jonathan Broxton Officially Done For The Season

Dodger Manager Don Mattingly and Head Trainer Stan Conte made it official today, Jonathan Broxton is done for the 2011 season.  According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLA, "Broxton threw off a mound on Monday for the first time since being placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6 with what was termed a bone bruise in his right elbow."

However, due to the 2011 season being done on September 28th, there isn't enough time for Broxton to get ready to pitch this season.  This will likely mean the end of Broxton's career as a Dodger.  His final stats for 2011 are - 12.2 innings pitched, 15 hits, 10 runs, 8 earned runs, 9 walks, 10 strikeouts, 1 win, 2 losses, 7 saves, 1  blown save and an era of 5.68.

While his saves to blown saves ratio wasn't too bad, we all know Broxton has never been the same since giving up a home run to Matt Stairs of the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the 2008 NLCS.  Whether it was confidence or injuries, Broxton was never his dominate self again.

Early this season when Broxton was struggling, I would always ask, what better options did the Dodgers have?  At the time, Kenley Jansen was struggling, Hong-Chih Kuo had the yips and Javy "The Bullfighter" Guerra wasn't on anyone's radar yet.  Fast forward to the present day.  Guerra has a 2-0 record this season with 18 saves, 1 blown save and a decent 1.99 era.  Jansen, after early season struggles and dealing with an irregular heartbeat has been stellar in his last 20+ appearances.  For a closer look at Jansen's dominance, take a look at Evan's post at opinionofkingmansperformance.

Broxton will be a free agent when the season ends and will likely not be resigned with the club.  Big John will finish his Dodger career with a 25-20 record, 503 strikeouts, 84 saves and two All-Star appearances in 2009 & 2010.  If we have in fact seen the last of Jonathan Broxton in a Dodger uniform, I wish him well.  He frustrated us but also gave us some excitement.  It may just be time to move on.

True to the Blue!

Matt Kemp NL MVP?

Life & work have been crazy lately so I haven't been blogging much.  However, I'm back and wanted to share what somebody posted on the True to The Blue FaceBook page. Reader Michelle L. broke down why Matt Kemp should be NL MVP.  Her take was so good, i've reposted it here.  Nice take Michelle and thanks for reading and always offering your comments on FB!  It's all in her own words and unedited.

Why Kemp not Braun should be the NL MVP....

1. Kemp has a legitimate shot at 40-40. Only 1 other player as ever done that without PEDs.

2. Kemp leads Braun in 3 of 4 Categories... HRs, SBs, RBIs & is immediately behind Braun in AVG. 

3. Braun has TONS more support & protection in the lineup.

4. Kemp's doing it in a pitcher's ballpark.

5. Kemp is doing it on a losing team.

6. Kemp is more of defensive threat!

8. Kemp is more valuable to his team! If you replaced Braun with an average LF, the Brewers would still have Fielder & likely be in the playoffs. If you replaced Kemp with an average CF, the Dodgers would be as bankrupt as their owner!

 

The only battle should be between Braun & Kemp. Pujols Berkman & Fielder are batting less than .300 with fewer than 10 SBs. They don't belong in the discussion just because they are power h...itters. Upton's numbers are an impressive 3rd but he doesn't beat Kemp or Braun in any category! Now as between Braun & Kemp....

First, Kemp has a legitimate shot at 40-40. The only other players to do that in history are Canseco, Bonds, ARod & Soriano... 3 of those on 'roids! That makes Kemp's accomplishments storied in baseball history!

Second, Kemp leads in 3 of th 4 Offensive Categories... HR, SBs, RBIs and is close in AVG.

Kemp has more HR (32) than everyone but Pujols and is 3rd in the NL in this category. Braun is 11th in the NL with 27. DIFFERENCE IS EIGHT.

Kemp has more SB (37) than all other frontrunners & is 2nd in the NL in this category. Braun is 7th in the NL at 31. DIFFERENCE IS FIVE.

Kemp is 3rd in the NL in AVG (.319) ... of contenders, only Braun is ahead of him & 2nd in the NL (.332). DIFFERENCE IS ONE.

Kemp is 2nd in the NL in RBIs (107) behind only Fielder & Howard at 108. Braun in 5th (95). DIFFERENCE IS THREE. Given that the Dodgers have NO OFFENSE, the fact that Kemp has 108 RBIs means that he has far fewer opportunities to bring in any runners in scoring position yet has 12 more RBIs. Impressive!

Third, Braun has TONS more support in the lineup. Besides Braun, the rest of the Brewers have 127 HRs. In contrast, without Kemp's bat, the entire Dodger team only has 69 HRs. Braun's seeing some sweet pitches... Morgan's batting before him at .313 & Fielder is after him with a .293 avg & 31 HRs. I'm guessin' Braun gets just a few better pitches than Matty????

Fourth, in addition to doing it without any protection in the lineup, Kemp's doing it in a Dodger stadium, which is a pitcher's ballpark not hitter friendly Miller Park!

Fifth, and just as impressively, Kemp is doing it on a losing team. This means opposing pitchers are often ahead in the game and thus they can afford to go after Matty aggressively!

Sixth, let's talk defense... Kemp has only 4 Errors and 310 POs with that gun for an arm. He also has 11 Assists & 5 Double Plays. Braun is impressive too with only 1 Error but a paltry 228 POs. That's 82 more baserunners & potential runs that Matt saved the Dodgers! On top of that, Braun only has 5 Assists & 1 Double Play compared to Matt's 11 Assists & 5 DPs. Given that Braun plays in LF & Matt in the much deeper CF, Matt should have less PO, DPs & Assists. Three of Matt's five tools make a difference on D for the Dodgers as well.

And let's not forget, Matt's playin up the middle, which is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE a power hitting position -- making his contribution to his team even more impressive. Matt's line is 32 HRs 37 SBs, .319 and 107 RBIs. At his position, no one is close. Victorino's line is 15 HRs, 18 SBs, .300 & 56 RBIs. McCutchen's line is 22 HRs & 20 SBs but only .269 & 85 RBIs.

This last reason is why Matt is more valuable to his team than Braun is to the Brewers. Braun is an outstanding player on an outstanding team surrounded by outstanding offensive powerhouses, but is hitting for average and power as his position dictates. Kemp is an outstanding player on a crappy team where only one other player sporadically has any offense. And, he's hitting for power & average at a position that doesn't historically demonstrate either. Swap Matt kemp for Bourn, Victorino Maybin or Young and the Dodgers are even more pathetic. Swap Braun for Ibanez, Soriano, Holliday or Gonzalez and the Brewers are still a damn good team!

Kemp deserves the MVP and if he keeps playing like this... the Hall of Fame!

 

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Terry Forster

November 5, 2011

Terry Forster

1981 World Series Champion

$30 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14
$35 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$40 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

Stage time tba

Forster is the 16th 1981 Dodger added to Hall of Fame Sports 1981 World Series Reunion signing at Frank & Son.

Dave Stewart info linked here

Bob Welch & the other 13 players info linked here

halloffamesports.com

True to the Blue!



Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Dave Stewart

November 5, 2011

Dave Stewart

Los Angeles Dodgers 1978, 1981-1983

3x World Series Champion 1981, 1989 &1993

1989 World Series MVP

2x ALCS MVP - 1990 & 1993

All Star - 1989

No Hitter 6/29/90

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

$49 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$59 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$20 - inscriptions

stage time tba

Stewart is the 15th player i've posted information on for the 1981 World Series Reunion that Hall of Fame Sports is putting on @ Frank & Son on November 5, 2011.  There are a few more announced.  I will post the info soon.

For information on the other 14, click here

True to the Blue!

Tommy Lasorda Debacle Has a Happy Ending

Last Sunday August 28, 2011, Tommy Lasorda was scheduled to make an appearance before the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes game.  He was scheduled to sign from 5:00pm - 6:00pm but instead signed from 4:30pm - 5:30pm.  It's been documented in other blogs that Tommy wasn't in the best of moods and was full of expletives that day.  Although it's not cool, Tommy is hit & miss with his attitude sometimes.  There are times when he is the energetic joke telling Tommy we all know and love and there are other times when he is just a grumpy old man.

Well, check out reader Alan D's e-mail below.  He was at the Quakes game to get a Lasorda autograph.  He missed out on the auto but his story still has a happy ending.

I happened to be there for the Tommy Lasorda signing , been cooking in the sun & still wasn't able to get an auto from him.  He was supposed to sign from 5-6 but instead he came early & signed at 4:30 to 5:30 pm and he was in a bad mood.  He was yelling at the quakes staff because he did not want to be signing while the game had started.  I was so disappoint​ed with rest of 50 to 60 people on line, so I decided to just watch the game with my family.  By the 6th inning we decided to call it a day because my kids had school the next day.  As we were about to exit we noticed about 3 guys surroundin​g this person who looked familiar.  It was Dee Gordon, wow!  So I walked towards him and he was kind enough to sign my Stitches Dodgers Jersey, my official MLB baseball & also took a picture with him.  It all turned out to be a good day after that Tommy debacle.  Hopefully I catch him next time.

Check out Alan's picture with Dee -

Glad Alan's day had a happy ending. 
The day before Dee's rehab assignment, he had a signing at the OC Dugout linked here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Bob Welch

November 5, 2011

Bob Welch

Los Angeles Dodgers 1978-1987

Oakland A's 1988-1994

2x All Star - 1980 & 1990

3x World Series Champion - 1981, 1989 & 2001 (DBacks Pitching Coach) 

AL Cy Young Award - 1990

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

$49 - large flats, minis, caps, figurings & equipment

$59 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$20 - inscriptions

stage time tba

With the addition of Welch, this brings the total number of Dodgers signing on November 5, 2011, to 14.  Hall of Fame Sports is putting together quite the line up!

For info on the other 13 click here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearances - Bobby Castillo, Candy Maldonado, Tom Niedenfuer & Jerry Reuss

November 5, 2011

Bobby Castillo

1981 World Series Champion

$12 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$20 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$25 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$10 - inscriptions

stage time tba

Candy Maldonado

Played in 11 games for 1981 Dodgers

$25 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$30 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$35 - artwork, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time tba

Tom Niedenfuer

1981 World Series Champion

$30 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$35 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$40 - artwork, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time tba

Jerry Reuss

2x All Star - 1975 & 1980

1981 World Series Champion

$25 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$30 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment

$35 - artwork, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time tba

Hall of Fame Sports has added four more players to their 1981 World Series Champion Reunion show at Frank & Son on November 5, 2011.  This brings the total number of 1981 Dodgers scheduled to appear to 13.

Here are the previous players announced: 

 

Tommy Lasorda linked here

The Infield - Garvey, Lopes, Russell & Cey linked here

Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager linked here 

Kenny Landreaux linked here

Dusty Baker linked here

Or check out this post with info on Super Ticket prices linked here

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Manny Mota

October 1, 2011

Manny Mota

All Star - 1973

2x World Series Champsion - 1981 & 1988

Longest Tenured Dodger Coach - 32 Years

$29 - flats, balls, figurines & minis

$39 - equipment, bats, jerseys, & artwork

$15 - inscriptions

11:00am - 12:30pm

Manny Mota has been added to the Hall of Fame Sports Dodger Days signing at Frank & Son on October 1, 2011.  The signing now includes Mota, Don Newcombe, Tim Leary, Steve Lyons & Wes Parker

Tim Leary info linked here

Wes Parker info linked here

Steve Lyons info linked here

True to the Blue!