Andre Ethier Suddenly Blossoming into a Superstar

Matt Kemp may have the killer physique, cannon arm, Rhianna g-friend and crushing batting strength but Andre Ethier is suddenly turning into a monster. May I even say, a truly feared NL bat like Pujols. He was solid and only getting better as the 2009 season unfolded but he’s upped his game in early 2010. In a flat year for the Dodgers, I think there is no question he’s been a savior.

Last night was his 7th

Ethier cranks a grand slam against the Brewers.

career game winning hit – a grand salami to beat the Brewers. Add to that a league leader in batting average (.371), home runs (10) and RBI’s (30). I don’t think there are many NL managers that don’t dread seeing Ethier on deck with men on base.

Lakers Taking Charge Over The Jazz

Yes, it was expected – the Lakers’ dominance over the Jazz over the years will continue in the playoff.  The teams looks solid but they continue to have bench issues. Does Farmar, Walton, etc. have the ability to keep the tempo that the Kobe and Co. set?

The huge gap between Games 2 and 3, will definitely assist in curing some the ills we’ve seen. Even more so, it should heal the aches and pains of Kobe’s worn out legs.

DODGERS: Thanks to McCourt’s Off-Season Inactivity, Torre Has No One to Relieve the Pain

Thanks, Frank, once again the Dodgers have plenty of offense to win games but can’t find a way to get from the third inning to the closer on a regular basis. This opening week of baseball has left me little hope that the current Dodger roster has the rotation or bullpen to match the solid offense output.

Haeger making it happen - at least he carried some weight.

Like most divorces, the real losers are the kids!

The Masters: Mickelson’s win was appropriate

After all the interest in the return of Tiger Woods, Phil comes in to bring things back to reality. Although I won’t put him up on a pedestal, Phil has at least proven he’s a gentleman and family guy.

It was great to see that good guys can finish first.

As far as, Tiger – he showed he’s still a bad-ass dude with a golf club. Not many men could be publicly dragged to hell and back and still perform.

Tiger was still impressive but it was Phil's day.

Lakers Finally Showing Playoff-Type Defense

Lakers went into San Antonio last night and finally showed how to play defense – beating the Spurs 92-83.  They have been struggling and the whispers are they are beatable – yea right!  This road trip is a huge test heading into the playoff.

Time for Kobe and Co to bring it!

Yaa!!! for who? Dodgers name Padilla opening day starter

The Los Angeles Dodgers named Padilla the opening day starter. Perfect sign that the Dodgers didn’t sign a needed free agent pitcher.

Ned, please help the masses – we need hope for the season!

Americans Loves a Comeback (usually)

Bodie Miller’s rise, fall and rise over the last four years is a typical American media-made superstar. First, we worship the athlete, then we await a screw up so we can torture them, then we re-embrace them when they reappear.
But can Tiger Woods do it? Infidelity is nothing new in the sports world but even if he returns to trophy and check collecting on the PGA Tour can he regain the mystique? His failings are even more outrages after being seen and setting himself as being so pure.

I am not sure his Friday non-press conference is even going to make this situation better.

Get a hold of Oprah.
Dial up 60 Minutes.
Where is Charlie Rose when you need him?

Tiger needs to tell his story – admit he screwed up but not do a non-questioning press conference.

Only then will he start to back on the road of American-worship. Are we ready to forgive???

No Surprise to Me

Question: Who was the better team?
Answer: 31/17 Saints

But this was no surprise to anyone who took the time to look at the stats.   it’s just no one was looking.  They were more concerned in turning Peyton Manning into Davy Crockett.  So what were the question no one answered

Question: Were the Colts the best offense in the 2009?
Answer: No, the Saints were.  Infact, the Colts were only #7

Question: Were the Colts a better defense team?
Answer: The Colts were ranked 7th vs Saints 20 overall, but the Saints were # 3 in interceptions vs Colts #15 and Saints #1 in fumbles vs Colts #19.  The Saint’s obvious bend but don’t break style defense lead the league in defensive touchdowns.

Question: Was Peyton the best quarterback in ’09?
Answer: No, actually he was #3 behind Bress #1 and Brady #2.  Brees lead Manning in:  Touchdowns, passing percentage, passing yards per game, interceptions, and most significantly, quarterback ranking (Brees #1 with 109 vs Manning ranked 6th with 99).

So, if you took the time to do just a little research rather than falling for the bigger than life fairy tale that is Peyton Manning, you would have seen that the results were no surprise.  Just one last question.

Question: What’s the difference between Peyton Manning and Dan Marino?
Answer: Joe Montana truly the greatest quarterback in NFL history, but then Manning may have just faced his own Joe Montana.  Only time will tell.

Dodgers sign OF Matt Kemp to Two-Year Deal

Dodgers made the right move today signing Matt Kemp to a two-year deal and basically, buying up his two arbitrations years. This will keep him focused on the field and not impending contract talks. Kemp had a breakout season with a .297 average, 20+ HR and 100+ RBI’s. He’s gonna be a needed stick since the pitching staff looking okay at best.

Let’s see what Ned Colletti has up his sleeve as we head into the spring – there are several holes still needed to fill.

Dodgers lock up Kemp with a 2-year deal.

It’s a Third of the Way Thru The Season and Still No Doubt

Pau has missed 13 of the first 34 games, Artest was out for 5 games, Kobe has a broken finger that is affecting him almost every game, Lamar has the stomach flu, Walton has missed most the season, and many of the bench guys haven’t even shown up, yet the Lakers have the best record in the NBA.

Yeah, they lost to Cleveland on Christmas day, but even if they lose all their games to Orlando, Boston, and Cleveland, it means nothing.  Trying to beat any Phil Jackson Laker team in a seven game series is hard enough, but beating this team?   After the Suns win, Alvin Gentry still maintained that the Lakers are far and above the best team in the NBA. His theory for the Suns winning is that the Lakers get bored, which could explain how they can destroy the second best team in the west (Dallas) and two days later struggle against the 7th best. Maybe it’s not just boredom, maybe it’s because they haven’t been fully healthy for one game yet.  Get Kobe’s finger back, Pau and Luke back and give them a month to gel, and David Stern has a big problem trying to keep the season inviting to viewers.

So, as the halfway point of the season approaches, the conclusion is still the same.  Just mail it in this year.