El Toro 4, Dana Hills 5

In a mid week, South Coast League match up, the Dana Hills Dolphins took down El Toro 5-4 in extra innings.

It had been a back and forth affair, with the Dolphins going up 2-0, the Chargers coming back to go up 3-2, then Dana Hills pushed 2 across in the 6th to take a 4-3 lead into the 7th.

With 1 out, Sean Nearhoof came up with a great at bat, working 8 pitches before finally singling to left. After a fly ball out and 1 out away from the game ending, Dan James stroked a double down the right field line driving in pinch runner Jayson Yano to tie it up. El Toro held in the bottom and we went to the 8th.

El Toro wasn't able to score in the top half of the 8th and with 2 outs Dana Hills was able to drive in the winning run.

Gavin Collins had 2 hits on the day along with 2 rbi's to lead the Charger attack.

With the loss, El Toro drops to 6-4 on the year and 1-1 in league play. They come back on Friday with another league game at home against San Clemente. Game time 3:15pm.

Bill

El Toro 3, Capo Valley 1

In a match up of South Coast league heavy weights, El Toro took down the Cougars 3-1. Tyler Brashears with a complete game effort for El Toro, limiting the potent Cougar attack to 5 hits, while striking out 6.

Nothing, nothing game till the 3rd, when Sean Nearhoof and Dan James strung together doubles making it 1-0. Mitchell Tolman followed with an rbi single but thats all the Chargers could push across. In the 4th, Cole Tomlinson bunted his way on and eventually scored on a sac fly by James, giving the Chargers their final run.

Brashears took a shut out into the 6th before the Cougars made it interesting by scoring one and loading the bases up with only 1 out. He then induced a ground ball and Matt Chapman and Tim Alhanati turned a 6,4,3 double play to prevent any more damage.

With the win, El Toro moves to 6-3 on the year and undefeated in South Coast League play. They've no time to rest though as they come back on Wednesday against perennial power Dana Hills in a 3:15 match up in Dana Point.

Bill

El Toro 5, Western 0

In a cool Saturday afternoon game, the El Toro Chargers took down the Western Pioneers 5-0.

The Chargers had been off due to rain for 11 days and were anxious to face some live pitching. In the first, Matt Chapman led off with a double and Gavin Collins brought him in with his second home run on the year. The second inning brought 2 more runs off a Tim Alhanati double and a single by Nick Villar. That's all the runs the Chargers would need on the day as El Toro pitching took care of the rest.

In an effort to give multiple guys work, El Toro used 6 different pitchers and limited Western to 2 hits, striking out 6 and only walking 1. Some nice defensive plays in the field by Chapman kept the Pioneers off the bases when they did put balls in play.

With the win, El Toro moves to 5-3 on the year and, weather permitting, finally get into league play next week. Monday is a 3:15pm home game against Capo Valley, followed by an away game at Dana Hills Wednesday and back home Friday against San Clemente.

Go Chargers!

Bill

God Knows I Love My Lefties

But my patience level with Scott Kazmir has reached it's limit.

Admittedly I've been a big proponent of Kazmir and was on board when they traded for him back in 09. Top of the rotation lefty pitchers don't grow on trees and I liked the gamble bringing him in and trying to figure out what the issue was and get him back throwing like he was early in his career, but I think it's time to call it a day and cut bait.

Yes the Angels are on the hook for $12 million this year but I've come to the conclusion it's next to impossible to pitch with a fork sticking out of your back. He came into camp, according to him, in the best shape of his career, no arm issues and no excuses. After his dismal year last season his spring training has been about earning a spot in the rotation (acknowledged by everyone) and he's gone out and posted a 7.79 era. This isn't a case of a pitcher just working on location or a new pitch, this is a guy that's been out there trying to win a spot and he's failed miserably...

It's hard to find pitching and right now with Pineiro banged up, the Angels are even thinner, but it's time to say the Kazmir experiment is over and show him the door. There has to be someone in their minor leagues that can put up the same numbers as Kazmir isn't there? What happened to Trevor Reckling? Young lefty who admittedly took a step back last year but who was their minor league player of the year 2 years ago, let's give him a shot, can he really do any worse? Or how about Tyler Chatwood who's looked good this spring? Both really young, but the Dodgers brought up an extremely young Clayton Kershaw a couple years ago, let him learn under fire and look where he is now (Dodgers opening day starter and he's a year older than Reckling).

I've jumped off the Kazmir bandwagon and have moved on, who's got next?

Bill

Nor Would I!

Lawrence Taylor doesn't card Prostitutes

The only thing I didn't realize is he's married. I thought he was single.

Bill

El Toro/Edison Double Header

Tuesday night El Toro and Edison squared off in a day night double header at UC Irvine and ended up splitting the 2 games. Edison came into the game fresh off their Loara Tournament victory along with a #5 ranking in the country according to Baseball America.

Tyler Brashears got the start for El Toro in game 1 and pitched great. He went 6 innings, allowing 2 earned runs, along with striking out 11. He had a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs when a single up the middle turned into 2 runs when a throwing error occured. El Toro couldn't do anything in the top of the 7th and in the bottom, Edison worked a hit by pitch and scored the winning run on a walk off single by Edisons Jon Torres.

Dan James and Ryan Joyce had multi hit games to pace the Chargers and Mitchell Tolman supplied a highlight reel catch in right center.

In game 2, El Toro jumped on Edison in the second inning putting 2 runs on the board and tacking on another in the 3rd. Garrett Mundell took it from there as he went the distance leading the Chargers to the 5-1 win. Garrett limited Edison to 4 hits, striking out 2 and only walking 1.

Offensively Nick Villar supplied 4 rbi's giving El Toro everything they'd need.

With the split, El Toro moves their record on the year to 4-3 and now have 8 days off as they prepare for another double header, this time with Mission Viejo. Venue will be at Saddleback Jr College and game times will be 4:30 and 7:30.

Bill

He Hung Half A Hundy

Cypress 3, El Toro 0

Centurion pitcher Dylan Cole dominated Charger hitters in throwing a 2 hit shut out and leading Cypress to the 5th place finish in the Loara Tournament. Cole faced 24 batters, allowed 2 hits (both bunts), hit one and averaged a tick over 2 pitches per batter as he only needed to throw 50 pitches. I believe I saw him throwing a bullpen after the game in order to get his work in for the day.........

El Toro, in an effort to save pitching for their Tuesday night doubleheader against Edison, used 5 pitchers and limited Cypress to 4 hits. A nothing nothing game till the 4th when Cypress scored all three of their runs.

With the loss, El Toro moves to 3-2 on the season. They come back Tuesday in a big doubleheader against California #1 Edison High School. Game times are 5:30/8pm and will be held at UC Irvine.

Bill

El Toro 2, Servite 1

Tyler Brashears hooked up in a pitchers duel with Oregon commit Cole Irvin and came out on top 2-1.

Brashears was dominate on the mound going the distance, only allowing 3 hits, striking out 7 and picking off 2 base runners. El Toro needed every out it could get as Irvin was doing his part striking out 10 and limiting the Chargers to one run.

In the first, Matt Chapman continued his torrid start by singling and Mitchell Tolman brought him in with a triple. The score would remain that way till the 4th when the Friars strung together a single, stolen base and bunt to put runners on the corners and a sac fly knotted it up.

In the top of the 7th, Servite switched pitchers and El Toro capitalized. Cole Tomlinson walked and back to back singles by Chapman and Dan James gave us our final score.

With the win, El Toro moves to 3-1 on the year and comes back on Saturday in the final game of the Loara Tournament where they'll face the winner of Cypress/Sonora.

Go Chargers!

Bill

Fire Spoelstra

Can we just do this already?

I'm sick and tired of hearing media, et al, blame the Heats issues on Eric Spoelstra. It's obvious at some point he's gone. They need to save some sort of redemption and barring them winning the championship, some one has to take the fall and we all know it's easier to get rid of the coach than the players.

Is it Spoelstra's fault? No. Does he deserve to be fired? No, but again someone has to take the blame. Let's just do it now and take away that excuse.

Let these guys go down on their own and take the blame themselves.

Bill

Vista Murrieta 5, El Toro 4

El Toro let numerous opportunities slip away as the momentum swung back and forth in this quarterfinal matchup.

The Chargers went up 3-0 and were on the verge of breaking this open but the Broncos came up with a couple big defensive stops and used a 4 run 5th to take the lead. With 2 outs and no one on, VM strung together a couple hits, couple walks and a big error and changed the out look of the game. In the next inning the Broncos strung together another couple hits to go up 2.

El Toro loaded the bases in the 6th with no outs but could only push across 1 run leaving the Chargers on the short end.

Sophomore Ryan Kayoda, in his first varsity start, threw well going 4 and 2/3rds. Kayoda scattered 4 hits and struck out 2 but a couple HBP's were his undoing.

El Toro comes back Thursday against Servite in a 3pm game at Boysen Park in Anaheim.

Bill

I'm Not For This

New Helmet To Protect Pitchers

I'm sorry, but I think we're carrying safety concerns to far. If you're worried about getting hit in the head, maybe you shouldn't be a pitcher or play baseball?

I understand the concern, and yes, every now and then a ball has struck a pitcher but there are risks in everything we do in life. Don't ride in a car, fly in an airplane, climb a mountain, etc... All dangerous, yet things people do every day. If you're that worried about getting hit in the head, don't pitch. It's pretty simple...

Yes it was a horrible accident when the Sandberg boy got hit in the head, and I'm glad to hear he's doing well now, but he knew the risks when he took the mound. Baseball has been played for 120 years and no pitcher has ever died by a ball striking them in the head. Some have been hurt and it is dangerous out there but again, that's the risk you take.

A youth player learning the game and how to defend himself? Fine, allow it for them, but once you get to high school, cut the cord parents and let them decide whether they want to risk it or not.

What do you think?

Bill

El Toro 5, Long Beach Millikan 2

The Chargers moved to 2-0 on the year with a 5-2 win on a hot afternoon in downtown Anaheim. El Toro hung a 3 spot in the first and Garrett Mundell made it stand up the rest of the way.

Mundell scattered 4 hits, striking out 4 and moved his record on the year to 1-0. Brett Hammond came on in the 6th for the second day in a row and the crafty lefty shut down any hopes the Rams had of making a come back.

Gavin Collins had a double and a home run to lead the Chargers attack. Tim Alhanati kept up his pace of a double a game as he contributed a double for the second day in a row. Matt Chapman and Mitchell Tolman had multi hit games and Nick Villar chipped in with 2 big rbi's.

El Toro comes back on Tuesday against Vista Murrieta in a quarterfinal game of the Loara Tournament. This will be a home game and game time is 3 pm.

Loara Bracket's can be found HERE.

Go Chargers

Bill

Chargers 10, Spartans 0

Tyler Brashears threw a 4 hitter, striking out 10 in leading El Toro to the victory in game 1 of the Loara Tournament.

Mitchell Tolman hit a 3 run home run in the first supplying the Chargers with the only runs they'd need on the day and for a while, it looked thats the way it would go. However, with the score still 3-0 in the 5th, Tim Alhanati ripped a double to left center driving in 2 opening the flood gates. Nick Villar topped it off with a 3 run jimmy jack of his own giving the Chargers the comfortable margin of victory.

Brett Hammond came in and threw the final 2 innings adding 2 strikeouts of his own.

Other Chargers with productive games at the plate were Matt Chapman going 3-3 and Ryan Joyce and Daniel Conmy each with 2 hits on the day.

The Chargers come back on Saturday in the second game of the tournament as they face Long Beach Milliken in a 3 pm game at Glover Stadium in Anaheim.

Go Chargers!

Bill

El Toro Chargers Baseball 2011

With baseball season starting on Friday, time to give a preview of the 2011 team.

Gone from last years lineup is pitcher TJ Kendroza (SDSU), Chris Manning (Valparaiso) and Garrett Donohoe (Fullerton JC). Big losses for sure, but the Chargers have a lot returning and some young talent coming up that should slide in nicely.

UC Irvine commit Tyler Brashears moves into the number 1 spot in the rotation and Fresno State signee Garrett Mundell takes over the number 2 position. Senior Brett Hammond is the lone lefty and will be the 1st guy out of the bullpen either in long relief or occasional spot starting. Seniors Matt Levert, Rick Shafer and Ben Villines will supply late inning relief and closer by committee. Sophomore Ryan Kayoda has been impressive in the winter and has not only won a roster spot, but is in contention for crunch time innings and occasional starts.

In the infield, Cal State Fullerton signee Matt Chapman returns at short stop. He'll anchor what should be a strong defensive unit with incumbents Dan James and Daniel Conmy manning the corners. Last years opening day starting 3rd baseman Tim Alhanati returns from a broken ankle and slides over to 2nd base. Behind the plate is senior Sean Nearhoof and returning at DH is Sophomore Gavin Collins.

The outfield returns All Sea View league player Ryan Joyce in center with incumbent left fielder Nick Villar and Cal State Fullerton commit Mitchell Tolman in right.

As always, one of El Toro's strengths is their bench with James Meager, Devin Schaefers, Cole Tomlinson and Jayson Yano able to fill in at multiple positions as needed.

This year El Toro moves up to Division 1 and returns to the South Coast League where they'll battle Capistrano Valley, Tesoro, Dana Hills and San Clemente for the league title. Mixed in with league games is the Loara Tournament (March 4th - 12th) and the Anaheim Lions Tournament (April 2nd - 6th). Out of league games include double headers against Edison (California pre season #1) and Mission Viejo. Villa Park, Western, Yorba Linda, Esperanza and always tough Canyon round out the schedule. All told, 30 games over the next 2 months, then playoffs. For the complete schedule, click HERE.

One of the big changes this season is CIF mandating use of the new "BBCOR" approved bats. In order to promote safety, they're going away from the composite bats which supplied more "pop" and going towards metal which offer similar results as wood bats. Expect fewer home runs and more "small ball" manufacturing of runs.

Expectations are high as the Chargers have a competitive team and will be in the thick of things for the Southern Section title. Games kick off Friday with a 3pm start at home against Villa Park in game 1 of the Loara Tournament.

Let the games begin!

Bill

Sacramento Kings In Anaheim?

God I hope not.

Yes I live near Anaheim and it would be neat having a professional basketball team close by, but I feel it's the wrong move for the NBA. We don't need a 3rd NBA franchise located here, I don't care about the number of people, size of television market, etc.....

If it's not working in Sacramento, there are other places that could offer similar size and market share, that have no competition from other teams. Seattle, Vancouver, Kansas City are three I've heard mentioned that I'd prefer seeing the league move to.

My personal preference? Las Vegas. I think it could be a huge draw having an NBA team there. In the past, the reason no pro teams in the area was due to gambling. I feel thats a non issue nowadays as with the influx of internet and online gaming, it's pretty much irrelevant where a team is located. If someone's going to gamble, they're going to gamble. Concern of people "fixing games" is not isolated to Vegas, it can be anywhere at anytime, the proximity to Las Vegas is a silly argument to keep a franchise from being located there.

Bill

Why?

I'm sorry, but I'm just not on board with this: Female Pitchers To Duel In Baseball Game

Nothing against the individual girls here, but why are girls allowed to play baseball yet not alright for boys to play softball? Equality is a funny thing, it can't just serve one side and not the other.

I'm a big proponent of Title 9, the reasons it came about and why it's there. While at times it's restrictive and in my opinion, unfortunate for some, I see the need for it and feel it serves a valid "bigger picture". Yet it's there to give opportunities to both sides, not just women:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..."

—United States Code Section 20, ^[1]

Again, nothing against these girls, they're having fun, doing something they enjoy, but it has to be a two way street, with opportunities available on both sides.

Next week, I'll cover my view point on the Miss Black America pageant and women reporters in mens locker rooms.....

Bill