So here I was, bored with nothing to do, and just happened to look at The Sports God web site, and what did I see, not one, but TWO columns by the boss himself! It was like having Shaq hustle back on defense, Roger Lodge not talking about himself, Paul Cass writing a column that doesn’t require me pulling out my thesaurus, or UCLA scoring an offensive touchdown—rare things that should be appreciated…
So I’m shamed into writing, so here are some Views—
Like most baseball fans, and especially Angel fans, of which I am a huge one, I was deeply touched by the tragic death of Nick Adenhart. Dave wrote a wonderful column, and I can add that my family really felt the pain. My daughter attended the last game pitched by Adenhart, and came home from the game disappointed by the Angel loss, but encouraged by Nick’s great outing. The next morning she was in tears as she called me at work to tell me of the sad news. For anyone who has a family, when a young person is taken from his parents the pain really hits home…
Oscar De La Hoya hung up the gloves the other day. I’ve never thought of him a s a great fighter because I believed that someone with such great natural tools could and should have accomplished more, and if he had just fought more instead of being a businessman he could have realized his potential. But you cannot argue with his personal success, and it is a shame that instead of praising him, so many Latinos, because of petty jealousy, view him as some sell out who somehow is not worthy of respect. The fact is that Oscar should be a model for all Latins who aspire to greatness, and to those who criticize him, he has already done more in the Latino communities of Los Angeles than they ever will…
The Lakers are onto the playoffs, and there are a lot of people who fear the Portland Trail Blazers. They may indeed be the team’s biggest hurdle to getting to the Finals, but playoffs and regular season are a different monster, I like the lake show to win all their Western playoffs series in 6 games or less, then dispatch of Cleveland in 6 games for the NBA Title…
A week into the baseball season and I, ugh, like the Dodgers, if their pitching holds up, to win the National league. They have great balance through their lineup, I think that their best off season acquisition was Orlando Hudson…
As for the Angels, it is early, but I’m thinking their best off season move was NOT giving Vladimir Guerrero an extension. The years have taken their toll on Vladdy, who can’t get around on a fastball anymore and opens up way too soon to compensate for the declining bat speed, and hits a lot of balls off balance. Last season he hot into a league leading 27 double plays, I’m thinking he may hit into 40 rally killers this season. Bobby Abreu is much better than I thought, but Howie Kendrick, at least early, has continued to show he can’t hit in the clutch, and Kendry Morales is TERRIBLE at first base defensively. The Angel bullpen looks suspect. When I watch Brian Fuentes, I want to grab a bat and hit against him! Can things look more bleak? The Angels just aren’t the team we have become used to, and I have a feeling a major youth movement is in motion. Well, it is a long season, but I’m thinking the Dodgers’ opponent in the World Series will come from Tampa Bay…
Did anyone really watch the Masters after Tiger and Phil left the course?…
