Sorry, Yankees ... former MLB All-Star Royce Clayton says the Dodgers will win the World Series -- telling TMZ Sports, "This is the year."
Clayton -- who we got out checking the surf in Malibu on Thursday morning -- says it pains him to make the prediction as a longtime S.F. Giant ... but he says he just sees it coming.
"I live here, I got love for them," Clayton admitted. "And, you know, if my Giants aren't in there, then I have to say I'm rooting for the home team."
Clayton says there are a few reasons he's pushing L.A. over NY and others to win the 'ship ... #1 being the addition of Mookie Betts.
"That really puts their offense in another tier," Clayton says.
Clayton added he believes the Dodgers' starting pitching is great ... and says he thinks Kenley Jansen will have a big postseason as well.
As for the team's shortstop ... Clayton tells us he LOVES Corey Seager -- adding the dude should be in line for a HUGE payday this offseason.
By the way, Clayton -- a 17-year vet who retired after the 2007 season -- also told us he was thrilled with the way MLB handled the pandemic season.
10:19 AM PT -- 9/11 -- The mural is so cool ... Kelly himself had to check it out in person -- and he even brought his family!!!
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The L.A. Dodgers reliever -- who just came off the injured list but now needs to serve his 5-game suspension -- took some time see the massive artwork Thursday ... and it's pretty clear Kelly is enamored with the piece.
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Check out the photos his wife posted ... everyone's loving being there -- and they even recreated the famous pouty face at the scene!!
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"Today was special because our fam got to see THE mural of our guy!" Joe's wife said. "[Jones Never] is a stud of an artist (and fellow UCR Highlander) who literally transformed this wall into pouty-face gold 🔥🔥🔥"
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Awesome!!
Forget how savagely Joe Kelly trolled the Houston Astros back in July??
No worries ... the Dodgers pitcher's incredible pouty face jab has now been immortalized with a mural in Los Angeles -- AND IT'S 16 FEET OF INCREDIBLE!!!
Jonas Never-- one of the most famous street artists in the country -- painted the piece this week on a barbershop near Dodgers Stadium ... and it was completed just in time for the 'Stros-Dodgers series this weekend.
Of course ... everyone thought the tight balls were intentional -- considering, you know, the whole cheating scandal -- and the two teams REALLY got into it.
MLB
At one point, before the benches cleared, Kelly trolled Correa by allegedly calling him a "bitch" ... and then by hitting him with 1 of the most memorable faces in recent MLB history.
Kelly went on to ultimately be suspended for 5 games over the incident ... and, he never really apologized.
In fact, the 32-year-old pitcher later called the Astros straight-up "little bitches"!!!
Sadly, since Kelly's still on the injured list and has yet to serve his suspension -- there will be no rematch between him and Bregman/Correa this weekend.
But, hey ... at least there's a sick mural now to remind everyone of the good times!!
Big Swing Podcast hosted by Ross Stripling and Cooper Rules
"I think I'll be irritated forever."
L.A. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly just RIPPED the Houston Astros ... calling the players "snitches" and "little bitches" over their cheating scandal in a scathing rant.
The reliever sounded off on his teammate, Ross Stripling's "Big Swing Podcast" ... making the comments shortly after he was suspended 8 games for his role in a near Astros-Dodgers brawl last month.
Kelly explained to Stripling how he thought his ban was BS ... and then went absolutely IN on the Astros for the way he believes they passed off blame in their 2017 cheating scandal.
Kelly says the players wrongly let bench coach Alex Cora and GM Jeff Luhnow -- who were both fired after MLB's investigation -- take the fall for the sign-stealing scheme ... saying, "all they do is go snitch like a little bitch, and they don't have to get fined, they don't have to lose games."
Kelly added, "When you take someone's livelihood ... to save your own ass, that's what I don't like. Cheating? They cheated. Everyone knows they're cheaters."
"They know they're cheaters. It's over. That's been there, done that. But now, they mess it up by ruining other people's lives, so they f*cked it up twice."
Kelly -- who wasn't on the 2017 Dodgers team that lost to the Astros in the World Series but did play under Cora in 2018 with the Red Sox -- says Houston players' actions were "one of the worst things that you could probably do."
"They're not respectable men to me," Kelly said.
MLB
As for his role in the infamous Astros-Dodgers game last month ... Kelly says he has no idea why baseball banned him -- insisting when he threw at Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa, it wasn't intentional.
In fact, Kelly blamed the Astros for all of the ensuing commotion ... saying he was the one who properly socially distanced and followed CDC guidelines amid the chaos.
"They walked out of their dugout, walked toward us," Kelly said. "Carlos Correa f*cking spit at our team."
Kelly has since had his suspension reduced to five games after his appeal. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are slated to play the Astros again for a two-game series in September.
2:12 PM PT -- MLB has just hit Joe Kelly with an 8-GAME suspension for throwing at multiple Houston Astros players during Tuesday night's game.
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The league cited Kelly's history of intentionally throwing at batters for the lengthy punishment. Remember, it's only a 60-game season so 8 games is a big deal.
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"Kelly, who has previously been suspended in his career for intentional throwing, threw a pitch in the area of the head of Alex Bregman and later taunted Carlos Correa, which led to the benches clearing," MLB said.
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Kelly is appealing his suspension -- but good luck with that.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also got a 1-game suspension as a result of Kelly’s action.
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Both Kelly and Roberts will begin their suspension Wednesday night -- when the Dodgers continue their series with Houston.
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Additionally, Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined for the bench-clearing incident that ensued.
L.A. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was a man out for REVENGE on Tuesday -- firing baseballs at the cheating ass Houston Astros ... and nearly igniting a brawl in the process.
He talked trash to the players. He threw a 96 MPH fastball at Alex Bregman's head. And, mocked several players from the mound.
He also struck out Carlos Correaand shouted, "Nice swing, bitch!"
It was all part of a highly anticipated matchup between the Dodgers and the Astros -- the first time the teams had played since an MLB investigation revealed Houston had cheated their faces off during the 2017 season.
Kelly wasn't on the Dodgers during that 2017 World Series run -- but he was on the Boston Red Sox, which had been eliminated by the Astros in the ALCS earlier that year.
So, yeah ... a bunch of people had some serious axes to grind.
Fast forward to Tuesday when Kelly took the mound in the 6th inning of L.A.'s game against Houston in Texas ... it didn't take long for him to appear to try to exact some revenge.
After getting Jose Altuve out ... Kelly got down 3-0 in a count to Bregman -- and then fired a 96 MPH fastball that missed the star 3rd baseman's head by inches.
Just two batters later ... Kelly threw a breaking ball that nearly clipped Correa in the back of the head as well!!
Neither player was happy with the throws ... and after Kelly struck out Correa a pitch or two later -- Kelly mocked Carlos on his way off the mound.
Joe made crying faces at the shortstop, then appeared to yell, "You gotta cheat to hit!" and other cuss words ... and that's when both benches cleared and almost got into an all-out brawl!!
Houston Astros
Cooler heads ultimately prevailed ... but Astros managerDusty Bakerwas PISSED at Kelly after the game, saying his actions put Bregman and Correa's careers in danger.
"When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy's head, now you're flirting with ending his career," Baker said. "And then a couple other guys, balls were close. And then what really enraged everybody is when he told Carlos when he struck him out, he told him, 'Nice swing, bitch.'"
For their part, Kelly and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts both said there wasn't any intent behind the pitches.
But, with Correa and Bregman being the two most famous players associated with the Astros' sign-stealing, trash can banging scandal that perhaps cost the Dodgers a World Series ring in '17 ... it's not hard to see through this one.
L.A. ended up winning 5-2, by the way ... but there's still another game left in the series Wednesday night.
Mookie Betts dropped to a knee during the national anthem before his 1st game with the Dodgers on Thursday ... and some of his teammates, including N.L. MVP Cody Bellinger, showed major support for the move.
The new superstar outfielder displayed his dismay for social injustice in America by kneeling for the song before the Dodgers' home opener against the Giants ... and Bellinger and Max Muncy quickly jumped to his side.
Belli put his right hand on Betts' left shoulder, while Muncy put his left hand on Betts' right ... and afterward, the new Dodgers star said he hopes his actions can bring about change.
"I know my dad served and I'll never disrespect the flag," Betts said, "but there's also gotta be change in the world, and kneeling has nothing to do with those who served our country."
Mookie added, "Today was just to unify both sides and just to show that we are here for change."
Betts says he's unsure if he'll continue the kneeling throughout the season ... he told reporters he wants to focus more on tangible action rather than demonstrations going forward.
"I think kneeling is definitely something that shows we need change," Betts said, "but also I have to put some action into play as far as away from MLB."
No other Dodgers joined Betts in the kneeling ... however, several Giants players continued their tradition of taking knees on the opposing baseline.
Major League Baseball, meanwhile, did its part in recognizing the fight for racial equality on Opening Day Thursday... it played Black Lives Matter videos before both the Dodgers game and the Yankees-Nationals game.
The league also had players join in holding a long sheet of black fabric ... while many others on the Yanks, Nationals, Giants and Dodgers kneeled to show unity just before the national anthems began playing.
Several players also wore Black Lives Matter patches on their sleeves ... while pitchers pitched on mounds that had BLM stenciled into them.
2:19 PM PT -- The Dodgers have made the move official ... although they say the contract is a 12-year one.
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The team did NOT release money numbers for the contract.
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12:49 PM PT -- 13 YEARS, $380 MIL!!
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That's the deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan who says the 27-year-old is expected to remain with the club until he's 40!
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WOW!!!
Dodgers fans, rejoice!!! ... Mookie Bettsappears set to be a Los Angeleno for life -- reportedly closing in on signing a massive 10-YEAR extension with the team!!!
Official numbers on the imminent deal aren't out yet ... but WEEI's Lou Merloni reports the figures could be anywhere from $350 to $400 MILLION for the life of the contract.
Of course, it's HUGE news for the Dodgers ... there was some worry in the City of Angels that the impending free agent, Betts, would bolt for another team after this season.
But, the outfielder -- who won an MVP and a World Series ring in Boston before being traded to the Dodgers this offseason -- now appears poised to finish out his career in California.
The 27-year-old is one of the game's brightest stars ... he's got a .301 career batting average and has already come up with a few monster hits in the Dodgers' exhibition games this month.
Crushing blow for Red Sox fans, meanwhile ... some thought Mookie would return to Beantown and sign a long-term deal there after this season.
1:09 PM PT -- Crawford's attorney Rusty Hardin ... "It's not unexpected that people are going to seek compensation when a tragic accident occurs."
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"Carl was not at the pool when it happened. He was upstairs in his house. A couple of other adults were out at the patio watching the children. Little boy went down the slide and was in distress -- lady jumped in to help and she tragically drowned as well."
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"Carl has made it clear to everyone how horrible he feels about this tragic accident. He deeply regrets that someone is trying to seek money for what is a tragic accident."
The mother of 1 of the drowning victims at Carl Crawford's Texas mansion last month says the former MLB star is responsible for her son's death ... and now, she's suing for over $1 million.
It's all spelled out in new court docs obtained by TMZ Sports ... in which Liban Hersi claims 38-year-old Crawford didn't do enough to prevent tragedy from striking on May 16.
In the docs, Hersi says her 5-year-old son was visiting Crawford with a family friend for a party at the former L.A. Dodgers outfielder's mansion in Harris County, Texas.
Hersi claims Crawford has a massive pool on the property ... but says it has no fencing around it -- and adds Crawford didn't take steps to protect her child from getting into the pool.
Hersi says her son fell in ... and when another partygoer jumped in after him -- they both tragically died.
Hersi claims Crawford could have done MUCH more to prevent the double drowning ... saying he had no alarm system set up for the pool and claimed the swimming hole's design was "unreasonably dangerous."
Hersi is now suing for wrongful death -- asking for over $1 million in damages.
Crawford spoke about the incident days after ... writing in a statement on social media, "My Hearts Heavy. The tragic events that occurred at my home will be with me forever. I'm at a loss for words I've struggled all week to manage my emotions and I keep thinking of the families of those who've passed and their grief, I know they have it the hardest."
He continued, "They are the first and last thing I think of these days. Please keep them in your prayers, I know they will always be in mine."
We've reached out to Crawford's reps for comment on the new lawsuit ... but, so far, no word back yet.
Dodgers Stadium was lit up for 8 minutes and 46 seconds Wednesday night ... and the team says it's all in an effort to pay tribute to George Floyd.
The MLB squad announced they turned on the lights at Chavez Ravine at 9 PM PT to stand in unity with "all Angelenos" who are outraged by Floyd's tragic death.
The 8 minutes and 46 seconds represent the same amount of time a Minneapolis cop had his knee on the neck of Floyd, before the 46-year-old ultimately passed away.
Thousands of others in L.A. joined in the light-up gesture ... with some individuals even stopping to pull out their phone's flashlights on city streets to honor Floyd.
"Tonight, the Dodgers joined families across Los Angeles in shining our Dodger Stadium lights into the sky at 9 pm for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in recognition of George Floyd," the team said in a statement.
"The Dodgers join all Angelenos in this peaceful display of unity to shine a light in the darkness."
The team and its players have consistently denounced racism and condemned police brutality since Floyd's death ... with star third baseman Justin Turner writing, "We will not pretend that we have personally experienced your struggle."
"But we will use our voice to speak out against racism and stand with you all."
The Dodgers also said in a team statement on June 1, "As we stood with Jackie Robinson to overcome the barrier of racism in our sport, we now stand with all Americans who will no longer tolerate the evils of racism and social injustice in our society."
"We must remain dedicated to the pursuit of freedom equality, and justice for all."
Carl Crawford's home became the site of a double drowning Saturday when a woman and a boy she was watching landed in his pool ... TMZ has learned.
Sources connected to Carl tell us ... the ex-MLB star and current record label chief was hosting a small gathering of 6 people at his north Houston home. The guests included a woman and a young boy -- no more than 5 years old -- in her care for the day.
We're told, at one point while Carl was inside, the boy wandered off and fell into his swimming pool out back. The woman went in after him, but neither were able to exit the pool safely. Our sources say Carl tried reviving them the best he could on the spot, but was unsuccessful.
Paramedics arrived and tried life-saving measures themselves, but to no avail. We're told both have died.
The woman and boy were both unresponsive when taken by ambulance, per KHOU 11 ... which also captured some on-the-scene footage that appears to show Crawford talking to cops. For the record, gatherings of 10 or less are currently allowed in Houston under the stay-at-home order.
"What a marvelous moment for baseball. What a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia. What a marvelous moment for the country and the world."
"A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And, it is a great moment for all of us, and particularly for Henry Aaron, who was met at home plate, not only by every member of the Braves, but by his father and mother."
"Two outs, three and two to Mookie Wilson. Little roller up along first. Behind the bag. It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight, and the Mets win it."
-- Kirk Gibson's legendary walk-off home run during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.
"High fly ball into right field ... she ... isssss ... GONE!!!"
Besides baseball, Scully also called events for the NFL and the PGA Tour.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Here's Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly giving a whole new meaning to "breaking ball" ...
The L.A. pitcher was working on his off-speed stuff in an at-home, quarantine throwing sesh this week ... when he let one get away from him -- and threw the cowhide straight through a window!!!
Yeah, JUUUUUUUUUUUUSTTTT a bit outside!!!
You can see in the footage of the aftermath (filmed by his wife) ... the damage Kelly's changeup did was pretty significant.
There was glass everywhere and a big ol' hole through the window ... and JK sure seemed to be in disbelief over it all.
Don't worry, Joe's got enough funds to pay for a new piece of glass ... dude signed a 3-year, $25 MILLION deal with the Dodgers just before last season.
Also, it coulda been much worse ... at least it wasn't fastball practice -- the guy throws his heater 100 MPH!!!
Regardless, somebody get these guys on a real diamond soon again. Please.
Leave it to Jeff Lowe to let the cats out of the bag -- there's a bonus episode of 'Tiger King' coming to Netflix.
Joe Exotic's ex-business partner spilled the tea -- yet again -- during a cameo video message for Dodgers star Justin Turner. Jeff and his wife, Lauren, say they heard Justin was a big fan of the docuseries. They gave him a good ribbing about that, and then dropped the bombshell.
Jeff says Netflix producers will be shooting at his home on Sunday, and the footage will be used for a new episode dropping next week.
Makes sense Netflix would strike while the iron's piping hot. The series is Netflix's #1 show right now, and there are endless loose ends to address.
For instance, Jeff was raided by the feds last year ... something mentioned at the end of 'Tiger King,' but with no further detail. Only makes sense, the guy who snitched on Joe Exotic had to be the one to blab about the new episode.
BTW, if you're interested a personalized vid from Jeff is going for $150 on cameo.
Vin Scullyis GUARAN-DAMN-TEEING America will win its battle with COVID-19 ... saying he's seen the U.S. battle back from far worse issues in the past -- like World War II.
"I've seen this country -- the greatest country on Earth -- get off its knees, literally and figuratively," the legendary Dodgers announcer says. "When they were down and out during the Depression."
"And, when they were on their knees after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And, what happened then? They unleashed a tiger!"
The 92-year-old broadcaster says he's got no doubts the U.S. of A. will do the same in a short time when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
"The tiger was the whole country pulling together and getting not only get back on its feet, but saving the whole world," he said. "So, you and I, yeah, things are tough. But, we'll be up off our knees soon!"
In the meantime, Scully's advice on how to deal with the quarantine blues is simple ... "Spend the precious time at home with your family."
"Pray a little bit more like most of us will do. And above all, try to smile. Because when you smile, that makes everybody else feel better."
Vin Scully's kids are going the extra mile to ensure we don't lose the legendary broadcaster to COVID-19 ... the former Dodgers play-by-play man says they won't even hug him during the pandemic.
"We have a pretty large master bedroom, so they can sit quite a few feet away just to say hello,” 92-year-old Scully told the L.A. Times. “But there’s no hugging and kissing or nothing like that."
Vin Scully can still connect and comfort in a manner unmatched by any other sports figure in L.A.'s history.
And, man, do we need some connecting and comforting.
It's a pretty awesome and selfless gesture from the children ... because at 92, Scully could be affected gravely if he were to be exposed to the coronavirus.
But, Scully says he's all healthy and good right now ... and says social distancing and self-quarantining are ensuring that stays the case.
"We’re trying very hard to follow the rules," Scully said. "And then the kids are scared that they're going to bring in something that will just blow me away. So it’s a very difficult time to go without hugs."
Scully -- who famously broadcast Dodgers games for more than 60 years -- says he misses baseball dearly during these times ... but says once mitts start popping again, we'll know we've beaten the virus.
"I hope and pray that baseball will start up," Scully says. "That will be so wonderful -- that will be a rainbow after the storm, that, yeah, things are going to get better.”
L.A. Dodgers minor leaguer Connor Joe -- a former MLB 1st-round pick -- underwent surgery for testicular cancer Tuesday ... but the utility player says he's very optimistic about his recovery.
"The good news is that we caught it early, and cases like mine are very curable," Joe said. "I have started treatment, underwent surgery yesterday and am in my recovery process now."
Joe -- who was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2014 MLB draft -- left Dodgers' spring camp a couple weeks ago with the ailment.
Connor revealed doctors discovered the cancer after a battery of tests ... but the 27-year-old is hopeful for a "quick and full recovery" after his operation earlier this week.
"I recognize the road ahead may be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but God is good and I am staying positive," Joe said.
Connor -- who's had a successful minor league career the past few years -- had a cup of coffee in The Show with the SF Giants last season, recording 1 hit in 8 games.
He was attempting to compete for a roster spot with the Dodgers at spring training this year before his cancer diagnosis.
"I look forward to being back in the game as soon as I am able," Joe said. "Trusting in His plan."
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar didn't hold back at all in a meeting with reporters over the Astros' cheating scandal ... ripping the team, its superstars AND its owner!!!
"I thought the apologies were whatever," the NL MVP said. "I thought Jim Crane's was weak. I thought [Rob] Manfred's punishment was weak, giving [the players] immunity."
"These guys were cheating for three years!"
Houston Astos
The scorched-earth rant didn't stop there ... Bellinger added, "I think what people don't realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in '17. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us."
Bellinger claims the scandal -- and the ensuing apologies from the guys -- has forced him to lose any respect he previously had for the guys in Houston.
"I would say everyone in The Show, in the big leagues, lost respect for those guys."
In fact, Bellinger is so pissed off at Altuve and the 'Stros, he says he doesn't believe the team ONE BIT when they say they never used wearable devices to cheat.
"I don't know what human hits a walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman to send your team to the World Series, and one, has the thought to say, 'Don't rip my jersey off.' But, two, go into the tunnel, change your shirt and then come out and do your interview. That makes no sense to me."
If you're wondering ... the Dodgers and 'Stros aren't scheduled to play each other in the 2020 regular season.
