Player Appearance: Matt Kemp

I found out earlier in the week that Matt Kemp would be making an appearance this weekend. I've made two previous attempts at getting Kemp's autograph in person, and had no success either time.

The first time was at a scheduled Macy's appearance in Northridge last year, which Kemp pulled out of, and was replaced by Clayton Kershaw. The second attempt was on August 21 of this year. That appearance was not organized very well and became a complete disaster. I had missed out on a Kemp in-person autograph for the second time.

Today was different. The event was held at The Plant, which is a giant Living Spaces in Van Nuys. Kemp was scheduled to appear from 10:00am to 12:00pm. After finding out he would be signing for two hours, I became a bit more confident that I would get the autograph. But I still had my doubts. Matt's a popular player, and his appearances get crazy. Luckily, Van Nuys is 10 minutes from my home so I didn't have to travel far.

I got to Living Spaces and met up with Greg from Plaschke, Thy Sweater Is Argyle.  My buddy Tom showed up later. I also got to meet a few other people,  Eric, Richard and little Aaron. Great conversation kept us all occupied while we waited for Matt to show up.  We were about 255 people back. We knew that because of the wrist bands they handed out. The first 250 people got pink wrist bands, the next 250 got green ones. We were in the second group.

Well, Matt got there on time. The line moved into the store right away. They were letting ten people in at a time. As usual, they told us one signed item per person, and no pictures with Matt.  When we got to the front of the line, we saw people taking pics with him. Huh? OK, so we could take picture with him. Cool.

When it was my turn, I got my homerun-saving Matt Kemp bobblehead out and handed it to him. He asked where I wanted the signature, and which color Sharpie I wanted him to use. I told him on the hat with silver Sharpie. Then I built up the courage to ask him for a picture, and he said yes. Matt's my favorite player, so I was real nervous.

At the end of the day, this event turned out to be a great success. The staff at Living Spaces were very nice and organized.  I got what I wanted, an autograph and a picture. I also got to hang out with some great Dodger fans. I can't wait for the next Dodger event.

Dodgers And Quakes Announce Two-Year Deal

From the Dodgers' Press Release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes today announced the signing of a two-year player development contract that will make the Quakes the Dodgers' affiliate in the Single-A California League for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

The two clubs will hold a public celebration featuring Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda and other Dodger personalities from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. one week from today, Tuesday, October 5, at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga.

"We feel like the move to Rancho not only brings our High A partner closer to Dodger Stadium, but is a strong fit for our organizational goals," said Dodger Assistant General Manager De Jon Watson. "We're excited to partner with Brett Sports and look forward to a long-lasting relationship."

The 2011 season will be the Quakes' 19th year playing in Rancho Cucamonga, which is located just 46 miles east of Dodger Stadium. Rancho Cucamonga has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons and won its only California League title in 1994. The franchise is owned by Brett Sports, which is led by Hall of Famer George Brett and his brothers Bobby and John, and had previously been affiliated with the Angels from 2001-2010.

"The Dodgers are one of the most prestigious teams in all of sports and we are excited to begin our partnership with them in Rancho Cucamonga," said Quakes Managing Partner Bobby Brett.

The Dodgers have enjoyed a California League affiliate for all but six years (2001-2006) since 1963 with teams in San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Lodi and Santa Barbara. Los Angeles' previous California League affiliate was the Inland Empire 66ers from 2007-10.

The agreement with Rancho Cucamonga finalizes the Dodgers' seven affiliates for the 2011 season to include Triple-A Albuquerque, Double-A Chattanooga, Single-A Great Lakes, Rookie-advanced Ogden and two Rookie-level clubs in Glendale, Arizona and Santo Domingo.

If it's a little closer, maybe I'll get to one or two Quakes games next year. I never attended a game in the IE, but I did get to see the 66er's play in Lancaster earlier this year against the JetHawks.

With the Dodgers moving to Rancho Cucamonga, it looks as though the Angels Single-A affiliate will move to the Inland Empire and the Reds Single-A affiliate will take over for the Rangers in Bakersfield.

Around The Blogosphere

A couple of blog posts that caught my eye today:

Any fans of  HBO's 'Eastbound & Down'? How about a talking Kenny Powers bobblehead to put on your shelf?  Tom Hoffarth of the LA Daily News gives us a first look at a couple of Kenny Powers bobbleheads produced by a company called Bif Bang Pow! that are coming out  just in time for the holidays.

From Big League Stew, Preston Mattingly, son of soon-to-be Dodger manager Don Mattingly, has been shipped off to Cleveland. After spending almost five seasons in the Dodgers minor league system, I think it's safe to say, the former 1st round draft pick is a bust.

From the Associated Press:


Preston Mattingly, the Dodgers' No. 1 draft pick in 2006, batted .218 with two homers and 17 RBIs at the Class-A level this season. He struck out 51 times in 165 at-bats.
The 23-year-old Mattingly bats and throws right-handed. His best season as a pro came in 2006, when he hit .290 with a home run and 29 RBIs for the Dodgers' rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League.

What a huge waste of a first round draft pick.

Anyone interested in some vintage cards? Ernest at Blue Heaven is selling off some of his collection. You'll see everything from T5 cabinets, 19th Century Baseball trade cards, 100+ year old vintage cards, boxing and much much more. Check it out.

Another great piece of work from Mike at the LFP.com.This custom card has been making the rounds in the Dodger blogosphere. It cracks me up everytime I see it.

One last thing, I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite new blogs, Ramblings of a Dutch Dodger. I met Dutch Dodger on Facebook. He's a huge Dodger fan living in Holland. Yes, there are Dodger fans all over the world, even in Holland. He even has a nice bobblehead collection.  It's a great blog. Check it out.

Bobblehead Of The Day: Takashi Saito

Click here to purchase

It's been a while since I posted a "Bobblehead of the Day". I need to spread the Dodger Stadium SGA's out a little, or I'll be out of them real soon.

Up next is Takashi Saito. "Sammy" was a big surprise for Dodger fans in 2006. After reliever Yhency Brazoban was sidelined with Tommy John Surgery, and closer Eric Gagné went out with a back injury, Saito took over the closing role and instantly became one of baseball's best closers, ending the season with 24 saves, a 2.07 era, and striking out 107 batters. Those 24 saves broke a Dodger rookie record set by Brazoban a year earlier with 21.

In 2007, Saito became just the fourth Dodger to record 30+ saves in a season, ending the year with 39 total. He was also named to the National League All-Star team, pitching a scoreless inning in the Mid-Summer Classic.

Saito was a definitely a fan favorite here in LA. He was also very surprised when he found out he was recieving a bobblehead (which apparently they don't have in Japan?). Saito, on his bobblehead:

"I'm really surprised. When I first came here three years ago, I never dreamed of them making a bobblehead for myself. Everybody tells me it's a big time thing, so I'm very excited by that."

You can read the rest of Saito's bio here.

On Thursday, June 5, 2008, the Dodgers gave away Takashi Saito bobbleheads to the first 50,000 fans in attendance. Presented by CreditReport.com, the bobblehead was made by P Squared Promos. This was the second of four bobbleheads given away in 2008. The other three were Joe Torre(April 25), Brad Penny(July 25), and Joe Beimel(August 12).

The Dodgers played the Chicago Cubs that night, losing 5-4. Chad Billingsley started for the Dodgers, Ryan Dempster for Chicago. Bob Howry, who was credited with a blown save, also won the game, Takashi Saito took the loss on his bobblehead night, giving up the winning run in the ninth inning.

Let's take a look at Sammy:

I like the look of this bobblehead. The stance is good and the features are OK. Takashi Saito was one of my favorite Dodgers. We were spoiled with Eric Gagne closing, and that continued with Saito. Jonathan Broxton has been disappinting in 2010, but I know we'll feel the same with the Ox too.

John Lindsey's Season Comes To An End

John Lindsey's season is over. He was hit in the left hand by a 92-mph Daniel Hudson fastball Saturday night. Lindsey, who has spent the last 16 years in the minor leagues, finally made it to the majors with the Dodgers as a September call-up.

X-rays revealed he had broken the fourth metacarpal in his left hand. It was placed in a soft splint and should heal in time for Spring Training.

As usual, John Lindsey stayed positive:

"I still have my faith.God has a special plan for me, leave it right there. The comeback will make for a better story. It's all good."

I'm sure this won't be the last time we see John Lindsey. He was one of the few good stories in this crappy Dodger season. Lindsey went 1 for 12 in his brief time with the Dodgers.

2010 Allen & Ginter Clayton Kershaw Auto

Clayton Kershaw had another great night on the mound. The Dodgers' ace went 8 innings tonight, giving up ONE run on four hits. He struck out nine D-Backs and walked none. Nowadays, the only way I can watch a Dodger game is when Kersh or Billingsley are starting. I can't get enough of these kids. In my opinion, two "Aces".

Which brings me to my latest ebay purchase. Last week I picked up three Kershaw's, including a 2010 Allen & Ginter auto card. After a few attempts at this card over the last few weeks, I finally got one. The auction also included a 2009 Bowman and a 2010 Topps 206 Kershaw, two cards I didn't have.

I'm happy I finally got the A&G auto. This is my second Kershaw autograph. The first one I got at an appearance last year. But that's a story for another day.

Happy Birthday Bison

Today is Matt Kemp's birthday. I would like to wish Matt a happy 26th birthday. Before he blows out the candles on his birthday cake, he should make a wish. That wish should be for a better season in 2011.

So, what would I like to see from Matt Kemp in 2011?

         In 2011, I want to see less of this:

And more of this:

No, I'm not blaming Kemp's disappointing season all on Rihanna. Could she have anything to do with his bad year? Maybe, but I think it would be unfair to blame it all on her. I'm just saying I want to see more stories come from his play on the field rather than what happens in his personal life.

Happy Birthday Bison.

On his birthday, I'd like to show Matt Kemp's bobbleheads. Matt has had two Dodger Stadium bobblehead giveaways. His first was in 2009. You can read about it here. The other was given away this season. You can read about that one here.