Player Appearance: Pedro Guerrero

Growing up in the 80's, one of my favorite Dodgers was Pedro Guerrero. When I found out he was going to be making an appearance at Harry's Dugout I told myself I had to get down there, especially since I missed his last public signing.

I made the trip down to Harry's Dugout with my buddy's Mike and Franz. None of us had been to Harry's before and we were all looking forward to getting Pedro's auto and checking out a new card shop. 

When we arrived we notice there were just a few people hanging out, so we walked into the shop and paid for the autographs right away then waited in line. As usual we chit-chatted with everyone in line and the time flew by quickly. 

Pedro was scheduled to sign autographs from 1-3:30. He arrived early and started signing right away. Pedro was signing quick and the staff was very well organized, taking our pictures and getting everyone through at a nice pace. I can't tell you how much I love an event like this. Anyway, when I got to the front of the line I told Pedro that I was a huge fan.  I had him sign a Dodger Stadium 50th Anniversary baseball. He had such a nice career at Dodger Stadium plus he was a huge part of the 1981 World Series Championship team, I really felt he deserved to be on one of these commemorative baseballs.

I want to thank Pedro Guerrero and Harry's Dugout for hosting a well organized event.  I can't wait for the next one. Also, it was nice hanging out with David, Alex, Andy, Andrew, Gus, Big Mike and of course Franz and Spiegel. You guys make waiting in line a lot easier. 

Making Trades On Facebook

I've made a few trades on Facebook over the last month. Two of those trades were with FB friend Ryan. He offered up a boatload of Dodger cards that interested me, so we got a couple of deals done. Here's everything I picked up in the two trades:

2012 Topps Golden Moments Andre Ethier auto

2008 UD SPx Andre Ethier jersey /99

2012 Topps Golden Moments Chad Billingsley auto

2001 Upper Deck SP Gary Sheffield jersey

2010 Bowman Platinum Josh Lindblom auto

2011 GQ Matt Kemp jersey

2010 UD Matt Kemp jersey

2002 Donruss Mike Piazza jersey /50

2011 Bowman Sterling Nathan Eovaldi auto

2011 Bowman Sterling Zach Lee auto

2005 Upper Deck  Pedro Guerrero auto

Facebook has become a great place to meet great traders from all across the country. Not only have I picked up cards, but autographs and bobbleheads as well. Thanks again for the trade Ryan! I hope we can do this again.

2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams Pedro Guerrero Autograph

One of my favorite Dodgers as child was Pedro Guerrero. He was the power hitter of my youth, the guy I loved to watch play everyday. In 11 seasons as a Dodger, Pedro batted .309, hit 171 homeruns and knocked in 585 runs. Eric Stephen of True Blue LA took a look at Pedro's years in LA, it's a great read. You can check out his article here.

Pedro, who had drug and alcohol problems, was arrested and later acquitted on drug conspiracy charges in 2000. Last year his name popped again when he said he was a changed man and he wanted to return to the game.  Maybe we'll see Pedro back in Dodger blue one day.

For now, I would like to show Pedro Guerrero's autograph. This is a 2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams auto, 1980 Dodgers #181. In 1980, Pedro played every position except catcher and shortstop. The card has him listed as an outfielder, but it looks like he's playing thirdbase in the picture. He's also got that great fu manchu mustache.

Hittin' The Links

It was announced today that former Dodger, Dave Roberts, is being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Roberts was diagnosed in mid-March and he says the cancer was detected early. He says the prognosis is "good." He has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy so far. Good luck to Dave Roberts. I hope he gets well soon.

Ex-Dodger, Pedro Guerrero, is looking to get back into baseball. After year of battling with alcohol, the former Dodger slugger says he's changed man and wants to return to the game.

Could Cliff Lee be traded again at the deadline? The morning after Lee pitched seven spectacular scoreless innings in the Seattle Mariners' 2-0, 12-inning loss to the Texas Rangers on Friday night, his agent told ESPN's Buster Olney not to expect a return to Seattle in 2011. With a pitching-thin market and the riches of free agency just five months away, Darek Braunecker said it just doesn't make sense to cut a sweetheart deal during this season to stay with the Mariners.

What's happened to George Sherrill? Steve Dilbeck at the Los Angeles Times wonders what's happened to the pitcher we saw in '09