Here we are(this is being written Saturday morning), almost half-way through the season. Where has the time gone? It seems like the season just started. In any event, I thought I would take a shot at handing out some mid-season grades for the Dodgers. Some of the grades might seem a little harsh, but I didn’t grade on a curve. Nor did I hand out participation awards. TEAM – B…
Dodgers and Top Prospects
As was discussed quite a bit earlier in the week, the Dodgers have a very prolific MiLB system even as far down the draft they have been picking from because of the continued success of the ML team. That is true when also taking into consideration a few of the early draft pick busts they currently have. 2015: 1 – Walker Buehler – Starting rotation 1b – Kyle Funkhouser –…
FRANK “HONDO” HOWARD – THE GENTLE GIANT (Friday)
In 1999 Nike came out with a clever commercial featuring Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Mark McGwire and Heather Locklear. Rather than pay attention to the Cy Young award winning pitchers, Glavine and Maddux, Heather swooned over Mark McGuire and his ability to hit the ball over the fence. After a stringent work out regiment, Glavine and Maddux hit some out in batting practice and, for the first time, Heather Locklear…
Andrew Freidman Genius or Not?
On October 14th, 2014, the Dodgers announced the hiring of Andrew Friedman. Former Tampa Bay GM and Vice President of baseball operations as President of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His contract was for 5 years and 35 million dollars. Friedman was born in Houston Texas and attended Tulane University on a baseball scholarship. His college career was derailed by a couple of injuries. He earned a B.A….
Blake Gailen and the AAAA Players
I am very partial to AAAA players. I know they waaaaaay too often get labeled as dung heap players, dumpster diving players, etc. Never mind that they competed at a higher level than almost everyone on these blog sites who love to denigrate their baseball abilities. I guess that is why I have never been down on guys like Tyler White. I wrote about Max Muncy before most Dodger fans…
Stadium Journey
I am about to throw a curve today. That is not quite accurate as I most likely cannot throw a curve anymore. I can still throw overhand so perhaps could beat Dr. Fauci’s opening day pitch in Washington. There is a buzz in our Dodger world now after two expected type games. For me it is business as usual checking the game when I get up in the morning. All…
The Clan of the KayBear
One of my all-time favorite books is Jean Auel’s “Clan of the Cave Bear.” After Keibert Ruiz hit a home run in his first MLB at bat, I thought it only appropriate to call this blog the Clan of the Kaybear. By the way, if you have never read that book and the “Earth Children” series, I strongly recommend it. First of all, while everyone was in love with Will…
Baseball in Los Angeles
Until the Dodgers moved west in 1958, Los Angeles was home to two AAA PCL minor league teams. The Los Angeles Angels, and the Hollywood Stars. The PCL formed in 1903. The first six teams were the Angels, Portland Beavers, San Francisco Seals, Oakland Oaks, Sacramento Solons and the Seattle Indians. The Angels played in those days at what was known as Washington Park. It was also known as Chutes…
RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM THE RECLINER
I’m writing this on Friday morning, basking in the joy of the Dodgers 11-2 thumping of the Padres and thought I would share some random thoughts from my recliner: ● Until last night’s game, this year’s Dodgers just haven’t been as fun for me to watch as teams in the past. In “summer camp” it looked as if though they would be invincible. Once the season started though, and even…
AC’s Notes on Mookie’s Night
Mookie has a 4-4 night with 3 HRs and 5 RBIs, and a HBP. His OPS is now sitting at 1.074. Anyone watching the game realizes that Mookie’s 3 HR night ties him with Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa for the most 3 HR games in a career. I am going to go out on a limb and say that before his career is over, he will have that record…