Publications – Dodger Thoughts

On October 11, 2016

By Jon Weisman

For the cover story of the postseason issue of Dodger Insider magazine, Jake Arrieta, Madison Bumgarner, Cole Hamels, Stephen Strasburg, Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, Buster Posey and Paul Goldschmidt gave Cary Osborne their first-hand, All-Star opinions of what makes Clayton Kershaw such a unique talent.

“As of right now, I think everybody that’s playing this game is getting a chance to see possibly the best pitcher to ever play this game,” said Bumgarner.

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Dodger Insider magazine is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who wish to subscribe for 2017 can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Vin Scully has always been Easternmost in quality, Westernmost in flavor

On September 24, 2016

Vin Scully gave us more than just Dodger games, of course. His indispensable Farmer John endorsements, his work in other sports and entertainment — it was all part of the Vin Scully Experience. Read more from Mark Langill and Cary Osborne below, via our Dodger Insider tribute to Vin Scully.

— Jon Weisman

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Sandi Scully: The wind beneath Vin’s wings

On September 20, 2016

Click here to read the entire story.

If there’s no one whom we’re bigger fans of than Vin Scully, there’s no bigger fan of his than his wife, Sandi. For our Dodger Insider tribute to Vin Scully, Mark Langill provided us with this feature on the First Lady of the Vin Scully Press Box.

— Jon Weisman

Two Vin Scully covers next week for Dodger Insider

On September 16, 2016

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover of Dodger Insider magazine for September 19-24. This will be distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.

As is the case with the Special Commemorative Edition that will be given at the ticket gates to the first 50,000 fans September 25, the September 19-24 edition has been dedicated to celebrating the life and career of Vin Scully. The main difference is the September 25 edition will have the special commemorative cover. Existing subscribers will receive the September 25 commemorative issue.

Looking forward to you getting your copy …

— Jon Weisman

Found in translation: Dodgers push to make U.S. adjustment easier for international players

On September 15, 2016

In International, Minor leagues, Publications

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger minor-leaguer and Dominican Republic native Luis DePaula spoke at a local elementary school, as part of the Dodgers’ transitioning program.

By Jon Weisman

In a recent piece for Dodger Insider magazine by Bob Harkins, we look at the extra steps the Dodgers are taking to ease transition of international players into the organization. An excerpt:

… The Dodgers are aggressive about helping their international signees as soon as they arrive at their academy in the Dominican Republic, Campo Las Palmas, and also every step of the way as they move into the minor leagues.

The education efforts go well beyond English lessons, as some players, typically ages 16-18 when they arrive, haven’t attended school since they were 10. They live and breathe baseball, but there is much to learn before suddenly being thrust into the American culture.

“These guys are developing life skills beyond just the cultural acclimation part,” Dodger senior manager of player development Matt McGrath said. “For us, it’s as much developing them as men as it is culturally or language-wise.

“We’re trying to make them stronger men, give them the ability to communicate across languages with teammates. That makes everybody better. That’s the ultimate goal of what we’re trying to do.” …

Harkins begins the story by talking with Juan Castro, whom the Dodgers first signed 25 years ago, to illustrate the evolution from then to now.

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Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who wish to subscribe for 2017 can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

The 20 most pivotal regular-season moments in Los Angeles Dodger history

On September 10, 2016

In History, Publications

Tommy Lasorda hugs R.J. Reynolds after the rookie’s unforgettable squeeze, whose 33rd anniversary is Sunday.

By Jon Weisman

Every Dodger fan is targeting the World Series, but you can’t get there without some regular-season magic.

The Dodgers have seen plenty in their 49 Southern California seasons, both in their favor and against them.

For good and for bad, here (in this Dodger Insider magazine story) are the ups and downs, the highs and lows — the 20 most pivotal regular-season moments in Los Angeles Dodger history.

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Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who wish to subscribe for 2017 can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Vin Scully Special Commemorative Edition magazine comes to Dodger Stadium on September 25

On September 9, 2016

In Promotions, Publications

By Jon Weisman

For Vin Scully’s final homestand with the Dodgers, we’ve created something special for Dodger Insider.

The 96-page September 19-25 issue of the magazine has been dedicated to content celebrating the career of the beloved broadcaster. And on the final day of the season — Fan Appreciation Day — the first 50,000 ticketed fans will get an edition with the special commemorative cover seen above.

Seemingly lost without Clayton Kershaw, the 2016 Dodgers found themselves

On September 8, 2016

In Publications, Status report

By Jon Weisman

On Wednesday, the Dodgers played what they hope will be their last game with Clayton Kershaw on the disabled list.

The standings (seen at right) for those 73 days without their incomparable star, at least on the surface, tell as unexpected a story as one has seen from the Dodgers since 1988 — a story equal to if not beyond their 2006 playoff push after going 1-13 to start the second half of the season, the Manny Ramirez-led charge to a division title in 2008 or the 42-8, last-to-first comeback in 2013.

That the Dodgers have gone from eight games behind the Giants in the National League West to five games ahead, without their best pitcher (or double handfuls of other injured players at given moments), speaks to something beyond magic, let alone the Giants collapse. Playing .613 ball, a winning percentage second in MLB only to the Cubs, has been a result of a level of talent and depth that few seemed to appreciate when Kershaw went down.

In the latest Dodger Insider cover story, we trace the evolution of the 2016 Dodgers from what was perceived to be a one-man team into an all-hands-on-deck, grinding contender.

“I would hope that it was going to come out all along,” Dave Roberts said. “But I do know that when your best player goes down, there was a concerted effort for us to do a little bit more each individually. So it’s hard to say, but the way we have responded with Clayton being down is a testament to our guys.”

* * *

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Yasmani Grandal returns to his hard-hitting ways

On September 5, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Sunday brought another homer for the catcher who leads Major League catchers in homers, Yasmani Grandal.

Grandal has actually surpassed Justin Turner in adjusted OPS (126 OPS+) and trails only Corey Seager on the Dodgers. His impressive year still seems to be operating under the radar, but we did make him the cover story in a recent Dodger Insider magazine.

“Whoever tells you that they say, ‘I’m going to hit a home run here,’ and they’re thinking about it and they hit it, not too many guys can do that,” Grandal said. “If you think about it, it’s probably not going to happen. My main point throughout the whole season is being able to hit the ball hard, and wherever it goes, it goes.

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

The Dish: Off the field with … Trayce Thompson

On August 19, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Trayce Thompson might be far from returning to the playing field, but he isn’t far from our hearts. In the most recent Dodger Insider magazine, we asked Thompson about his off-the-field thoughts and interests for our regular profile, “The Dish.”

Click the image above to enlarge.

Despite not having played since July 10, Thompson remains fifth on the Dodgers with 13 homers, seventh with 11 doubles and tied for second with five stolen bases.

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Challenge accepted: After 10 years in the Majors, Howie Kendrick reinvents himself

On August 15, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Howie Kendrick had one of his best weeks as a Dodger over the past seven days, going 10 for 21 with a walk, a home run and five doubles for a 1.357 OPS.

At this moment, Kendrick’s adjusted OPS for the 2016 season is 100, which is the equivalent of league average. But this has been anything but an ordinary season for Kendrick, who had to adjust to becoming the Dodgers’ primary left fielder after spending the previous 10 seasons almost entirely at second base.

In the cover story of the most recent Dodger Insider magazine, we talked to Kendrick as we detailed the transition.

“I learned a long time ago you have to put your ego and your pride on the backburner and just go out and play,” said Kendrick, who already has met or exceeded his 2015 totals in doubles, walks and stolen bases. “Because all that matters is, is your team going to win the game? What can you do to help your team win that day?”

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Kershaw, Kazmir, Maeda discuss youth pitching

On August 11, 2016

In Pitching, Publications

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Pitching workloads are a big deal in the Major Leagues. They’re an even bigger deal in youth baseball, though there’s still no consensus among parents, coaches or anyone else about what’s right and what’s wrong.

In a recent issue of Dodger Insider magazine, writer Chris Gigley asked Dodger starters Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda for their thoughts. One of Kershaw’s big points was the value of diverse activities.

“I played football and basketball up until my freshman year in high school,” said Kershaw, whom the Dodgers drafted in 2006 out of Highland Park High School just outside Dallas. “I definitely think it’s important to play other sports when you’re young.”

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Man of the People: Adrián González gives his all to L.A.

On August 1, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Since his much publicized two starts off June 26-27 in Pittsburgh, Adrián González’s production has been on the rise. Over his past 27 games, the 34-year-old first baseman has a .421 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage and .921 OPS.

At the same time, González’s power in the Dodger community is as high as ever. That’s the thrust of Cary Osborne’s cover story for the most recent Dodger Insider magazine. Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín explains why:

“Not since the days of Fernando Valenzuela have we had somebody who makes an impact … like Adrian has,” Jarrín said. “It took him just a few weeks for the community to get behind him because he’s a professional. The baseball fans respect his responsibility — the way he prepares himself to play. And outside the diamond he’s a real gentleman. He goes out to the community. I am so glad to see that because the community needs heroes, and he has become, after Fernando, the hero that we expected of him.”

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Rook steady: Seager becomes a Dodger centerpiece

On June 23, 2016

By Jon Weisman

Something else nearly buried by Wednesday’s theatrics: Corey Seager remains on a tear.

Seager hit his 16th home run of the season, putting him within three of the Dodger franchise record for shortstops for a season (Hanley Ramirez, 19 in 2013). Seager could break the record by the All-Star Game.

In the past week alone, Seager is 12 for 29 with two walks, four doubles and the home run, giving him a .452 on-base percentage while slugging .655.

So, yeah. Seems like as good a time as any to present the cover story from the most recent issue of Dodger Insider magazine …