Padres Trade!

When your small market team makes a trade, it's time to celebrate.

Padres GM Josh Byrnes pulled the trigger on the last day of the year and traded 2 minor league prospects for White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin.

Quentin, a native San Diego product (and San Diego high school athlete of the year in 2000), is a 2 time all star coming off a season where he batted .254 with 24 hrs, 31 doubles, 77 rbi's and 53 runs scored. The right handed hitting Quentin will probably play left field and bat 4th. Jesus Guzman (who I expected to start in left), will now become a utility guy subbing in left and right field and in a platoon at first with Yonder Alonso.

Quentin is arbitration eligible and will probably make around $7 million this year and be a free agent after the season, so he'll be playing for a new contract.

The Padres traded minor league pitchers Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez, the 16th and 17th rated prospects in their minor league system. Between this trade and the Latos deal, the Padres have added $9 million to their payroll signaling a change in philosophy and a willingness by owner Jeff Moorad to open the purse strings a little. Other good news is that in neither of these moves did they give up any of their top rated prospects, so their future looks good.

Let's pop the champagne and go get Matt Garza!

Nice deal by Cherington

Yes, I know I'm a Boston homer, but trading for Andrew Bailey was a good deal by new GM Ben Cherington. Filled a need, got a young, cost controlled closer and didn't give up the farm to get him.

The issue with Bailey will be health. He's spent time on the DL parts of the last 2 seasons and obviously that's a concern, but "if" they can keep him healthy, I think he'll thrive in Boston.

The medical staff in Boston has said they looked at all of Baileys records and they're comfortable with his medical history and concerns going forward, so we'll see.

As to what Boston gave up, it cost them outfielder Josh Reddick and 2 lower level minor league prospects (Miles Head, a 1st baseman and Raul Alcantara, a 19 yr old pitcher. Their 21st and 23rd ranked prospects in their minor league system). Reddick should excel in spacious Oakland Coliseum but Boston was content giving him up as they felt Ryan Kalish, a similar young prospect to Reddick, was ready to step up and give the big team everything Reddick would have.

Next up for Boston will probably be another starting pitcher.

Bill

I'm Adopting!

Here's some news I was planning on saving, but with the holidays and good cheer about, I couldn't wait to share. Come April 2012, I'm adopting!!!!

After many years of thinking about it, I finally broke down and decided to go ahead and adopt a small market baseball team.

I spent the first 23 years of my life in New England, so I'm a born and raised Boston Red Sox fan. I've spent the last 23 years living in Southern California, and have taken on the Angels as my local team I follow. Both big market teams and every year there's the expectation of the playoffs and hopes for a world series run. All fun and enjoyable but in the last few years I've discovered it lacks the excitement you get when your team is the perenial "also ran", who has everything come together and makes that magical run. Nothing like it in sports. I did experience that in 02 when the Angels won the world series as at the time they were the "mid market" team that came out of nowhere, with no expectations and went on to capture the title and the interest of fans everywhere. The Thunder Sticks, K-Rod and what we came to discover later, a bunch of juiced up JAGS (just a guy). Hardly a superstar in the bunch.

In football, I'm a New England Patriots fan (and have been since 1972). For you younger people, you probably don't remember what a sad and pathetic franchise the Patriots were before Robert Kraft bought the team. Multiple times they had the first pick in the draft after posting 1-13 seasons (yes, 14 game seasons back then) and 2-14 seasons. Dealing with horrendous ownership (Sullivan family, Victor Kiam), a joke of a stadium (oh how we miss you Sullivan Stadium and your bleacher seats), an owner that tried to move the team to St. Louis (James Orthwein), the Lisa Olson affair, Irving Fryer (the Pee Wee Herman Tequila dance!). The team was a wreck, but they were still my team and when they did have a couple winning seasons (76, 86), it made it that much more exciting when they got to the Super Bowl as no one thought they could do it. Say what you want about the Patriots and their success in the last 11 years, but no long time fan EVER thought they'd be where they are now. Tuck Rule, Spygate, whatever. Scoreboard says 3 Super Bowl Titles. Suck it bitches.

And thats why I'm adopting the San Diego Padres. The Padres (along with the A's), might be the sorriest franchise in baseball right now. Pittsburgh and KC are right there, however they seemed to have turned the corner last year with young talent, were competitive for stretches of time and hopefully they can keep the momentum going.

The Padres and A's are in full sell off mode, but while it looks like the A's are holding payroll down while a new stadium deal gets worked out (and it looks like it has), the Friars don't have that excuse. They play in Petco Park, which if you haven't been there, is a beautiful stadium in the heart of downtown San Diego. Within walking distance to the Gas Lamp District, the beach, restaurants, hotels, etc.. San Diego county is the 5th largest county in the US, so the people and tv market are there, it just hasn't been properly taken advantage of yet. I want to get on the bandwagon before it takes off.

Last year the Padres went 71-91, finishing 23 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West. They had the 4th lowest payroll in baseball ($45,869,140) ahead of only the Royals, Pirates and Rays and trailing the Yankee's in payroll by a minuscule $161 million.... This winter from that powerhouse team, the Padres elected to let all star free agent reliever Heath Bell walk, then traded their number 1 starter, 24 year old Matt Latos to the Cincinnati Reds. Watch out MLB, the Padres just punched their ticket to the big dance!

Things aren't hopeless though. In return for Latos, they got back recent first round draft picks, 1st baseman Yonder Alonso, catcher Yasmani Grandal and reliever Brad Boxberger. They also got 28 year old Edinson Volquez, former all star pitcher still trying to return to form from Tommy John surgery a few seasons ago. They also traded for Huston Street from the Rockies to take over the closer position.

The salary payroll is projected to once again be in the mid 40's range and expectations are low. They have a young team, young pitching staff and some veterans that have been around awhile, but manager Bud Black is considered one of the better managers in the league and will hopefully get everything he can out of them. Are they expected to challenge for a world series? No, but then again stranger things have happened.

Being end of December, the roster is still rounding into form and a trade or 2 may still happen, but with spring training 7 and a half weeks away, here's the most likely opening day lineup:

1. Cameron Maybin - CF - Padres like his speed (40 steals, 8 triples last year), but needs to increase OBP and cut down on strike outs
2. Orlando Hudson - 2B - The O Dawg (or as my Padre breathern call him, the NO dawg), battled injuries most of last year, but when healthy hit .280 in the number 2 slot and has a lifetime .342 OBP. I might not be psychic (though I do have ESPN....), I see a trade in the O Dawgs future.
3. Chase Headley - 3B - Not an ideal number 3 hitter as lacks traditional power but has good average and OBP. Before breaking his finger in Aug last year, was at .300 with a .380 OBP. Would be ideal #2 hitter if lineup was stronger.
4. Jesus Guzman - LF - In 76 games last year he hit .312 with 5 home runs and 44 rbi's while mainly playing 1st base. He'll be rotating there but Padres are hoping he can be the everyday LF. Look for a rotation with Kyle Blanks.
5. Yonder Alonso - 1st - Padres love his swing as he's a gap to gap hitter. He'll get the 1st shot at 1st base and the Friars will keep another highly touted 1st base prospect (Anthony Rizzo) down in AAA to start the season.
6. Nick Hundley - C - Left handed hitter provides Padres with a good bat behind the plate. He's keeping the position warm with uber prospect Grandal waiting in the wings.
7. Will Venerable - RF - will platoon with Chris Denorfia depending upon righty/lefty pitching. Don't have much else to say here.
8. Jason Bartlett - SS - batted 2nd most of last year with injuries to others, but this is a better spot for him. Padres had hoped for more when they traded for him last year, so don't be surprised to see him leave town in a trade as he has the 2nd highest salary on the team.

For pitchers, expect this starting rotation (in some order):

1. Tim Stauffer - RHP
2. Corey Luebke - LHP
3. Edinson Volquez - RHP
4. Clayton Richard - LHP
5. Dustin Mosely - RHP

Huston Street will be the closer with Luke Gregerson and Ernesto Frieri setting up.

Bench players of note: Everth Cabrera, Kyle Blanks, James Darnell, Mark Kotsay, Anthony Bass, Josh Spence, John Baker.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 San Diego Padres! That's how I roll.......

As the season gets closer, I'll do a more in depth look at the team and their minor league system (which is pretty highly rated) along with my predictions for the season.

I'm excited about the 2012 season, everyone needs a small market team to embrace!

Bill

Clippers Celebrations

Nice write up on ESPNLA.com today about the Clippers, their excessive celebrations and comments from Matt Barnes (of the Lakers) about it. Basically Barnes said the Clippers are good and exciting, but do some winning before all the celebrating of dunks and what not.

Now I like the Clippers, hate Matt Barnes, hate the Lakers (I'm now sounding like the late, great Johnny Most and his infamous "I hate Kareem Abdul Jabbar, I hate the Lakers and if an earthquake hit right now and knocked the city of Los Angeles into the ocean, I could care less" rant), however I agree with Barnes here. Do something great to win a game? Yes, jump around and celebrate. Do some amazing highlight reel dunk while the game is relevant? By all means, celebrate to your hearts content. However if it's a meaningless dunk and your team is losing by 20 and your record on the year is 30-42? Shut up and play some defense.

Barnes (and Pau Gasol) also went on to talk about all the "flopping" the Clippers are doing, which is done league wide. Yes that needs to go also, but the referees should be handling that. Thats easily correctable if things get out of control.

Not often I agree with a Lakers point of view, but there you go!

Bill

Barkley Press Conference

Why would he announce today he's leaving for the NFL? He has till 1/15 to decide. My guess is he's staying at USC.

Update - Barkley announces he's coming back.

USC’s Matt Barkley To Announce NFL Intentions Today

MATT BARKLEY, NCAA, USC | COMMENTS

USC quarterback Matt Barkley will announce his decision on whether or not he will return to school or enter the NFL Draft today at a press conference, ESPN’s Colin Cowherd said on his radio show this morning.

If the 21-year-old quarterback leaves school he is expected to be a top-10 pick in the draft, however some believe that if he were to stay in school for his senior season he would be a lock for the No. 1 overall pick next season.

This year Barkley led the USC Trojans to a 10-2 record, including a 7-2 mark in the Pac-12. As a result of NCAA sanctions, the Trojans were not eligible for postseason play, which means despite defeating UCLA 50-0 in their final game of the season, they were forced to watch as the Bruins represented the Pac-12 South in the conference title game.

This season Barkley threw for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns while only tossing seven interceptions.

Who's Got Next?

For the past few months, those following MLB have heard all about Yu Darvish from Japan and his abilities. Next up from the international game that you're going to be hearing about is Yoenis Cespedes, who hails from Cuba.

Cespedes defected from Cuba last summer and has set up residence in the Dominican Republic, making him eligible for major league baseball.

He's a 26 year old 6 foot, 215lb center fielder who's considered a 5 tool player (power, average, speed, fielding and throwing). Last year in the Cuban League he batted .333, with 33 hr's and 99 rbi's in 90 games. He was Cuba's center fielder on the 09 World Baseball team, leading the team in slugging and runs and was second in average, hr's and OBP.

He's expected to be asking for a contract somewhere north of what Aroldis Chapman got a few years ago (6 years, 30.25 million). Some reports saying it could take as much as $50 million to sign him. At that price, we can "round up the usual suspects" of teams interested and say Yankee's, Red Sox, Cubs, Phillies, Nationals. Pirates have gone to the Dominican and met with him, but at that price, Pirates won't be an option.

One interesting team that keeps getting mentioned are the Miami Marlins. Flush with cash and having missed out on Pujols and Wilson this winter, they could afford Cespedes and his $50 million price tag. He'd be a great draw in South Florida helping to bring more people to their new ballpark, so don't count the Marlins out. Bat him second behind Reyes and in front of Ramirez and Stanton and thats a formidable 1-4 batting order. Don't count the Marlins out.

Bill

Game I Want To See Happen In NFL Playoffs

Pittsburgh at New England.

I'm tired of hearing people and the "press" talk about how the Steelers "dismantled" the Patriots earlier in the season. Two things here:

1. It was a 6 point game under a minute to go and New England had the ball. Pittsburgh came up with a sack and the ball got stripped, Polamalu advertently/inadvertently kicked it forward going thru the end zone, resulting in a safety and giving us the final score (25-17).
2. Game was played in Pittsburgh.

Yes Pittsburgh played well and deserved to win, no question about that, but for some reason the media wants to make this sound like a blow out, which it was not...... It was a 1 possession game which went right down to the wire.

Admittedly I place a high importance on where the game was played. In my viewpoint, play that game in Foxborough and New England wins the game. Emotions, crowd, comfort level all factor into a game and the final result.

Two good teams and when they match up, could go either way. I'd love for NE to get another shot at them in the playoffs, in New England, and we'll see who advances.

Go Pats!

Bill

What Should The Colts Do?

While not mathematically "clinched" the worst record in the NFL this year, they're banging on the door and about ready to knock it in. Should they end up with the first pick I think they'll go ahead and select Andrew Luck as that seems like the safest play which GM Bill Polian is all about. Sit him for a year behind Peyton and hope the transition goes smoothly.

As a New England Patriots fan, that is exactly what I'm hoping for. This Colts team is horrible and has huge holes on both offense and defense and probably what Indy is going to do is take the overall number 1 pick and sit him for a year, hence not helping their team at all.

As a fan of another team, what I don't want to see happen is the Colts trading that pick, stockpiling a bunch of draft picks, running Manning out for another 3 years (which I believe he has in him), rebuilding the defense and offensive line and being a contender for the next 3 years.

Who knows how good Luck is going to be? Is he really that much better than Matt Barkley and RG3 this year? What if he turns out to be another Ryan Leaf or JaMarcus Russell? Everyone thought they were also "can't miss". How many QB's have we seen taken lower in the draft go on to be hugely successful? Obviously it happens and happens a lot. The draft is a crapshoot.

I understand taking Luck #1 if Manning isn't there. The neck has had it, he's retiring, etc.... However if the Colts, Manning, Doctors, think Manning has 3 more high level years in him, I think they're cheating themselves and their fan base by taking Luck at #1.

Pre Christmas Musings

Just some random things on my mind with Christmas coming up:

1. 49ers - I was impressed with their defense last night against Pittsburgh. Better than I thought and they're going to be a tough out in the playoffs. Difference between Alex Smith and top QB's in league (Rodgers, Brady, Bree's) is accuracy. He missed a lot of open receivers when he was just sitting still in pocket. Those others don't miss those throws. It'll be their downfall in playoffs.
2. Packers - Is there a "book" out on how to beat them now? I didn't see Packers/Chiefs game and was surprised to see Chiefs shut them down. Tho not surprising as Crennel is a heck of a D coordinator.
3. Tebow - I don't know if Tebow is the long term QB in Denver, but he's going to be in this league for a while. Lots of worse QB's around, someone will want him as their Quarterback. He generates interest and brings media and fans to the games. 30 teams in NFL and lets face it, 15 or so have a realistic shot at winning the Super Bowl. Other 15 want to be competitive and make money. He'll do that for you.
4. Yu Mania - Hopefully the contract with Rangers gets worked out, I'm excited to watch him pitch. Should be a nice rivalry between Rangers and Angels over the next few years. Barring injuries to main players, both should win somewhere in the 90's and compete for ALCS for awhile. Hopefully rivalry will generate same Yankees/Red Sox interest.
5. Pujols - I like the Angels signing him. Their revenue stream is going up so they can add payroll. Yes they'll end up eating salary the last few years, so realistically they've got to be successful in the next 6 years to make this deal pay off. My barometer for them to be a "good signing" is at least 1 WS Championship and 3 ALCS appearances. I compare this signing to the Red Sox / Manny Ramirez signing in 00 (for 01 season). 8 years/$160 million. RS won 2 World Series titles with Manny. Was it worth it? Absolutely. They more than made their money back. Lets see if the Angels can do the same.
6. Tommy John Injury- "He's a horse", "Big and Strong". Always kills me when I hear "media" people talking about certain pitchers and the likely hood of them coming down with an arm injury. Just because a guy is 6'7", 250 pounds and "strong", has nothing to do with the ligaments and tendons in his throwing arm and whether the guy will break down. NOTHING. Those ligaments and tendons are not stronger and bigger. Whether a guy is the aforementioned one or 5'10", 185 pounds, his likely hood of coming down with an arm injury has to do with throwing mechanics and the "load" on his elbow and shoulder. Not how big and strong he is. Kind of like the whole steroid misconception in baseball. Taking steroids doesn't make you bigger and stronger (players weren't sitting on their sofa's at home popping steroids and eating potato chips and getting stronger). Taking steroids allowed their muscles to recover quicker allowing players to work out harder and more frequently (which in turn allowed them to get stronger and recover from injuries quicker).
7. Joe O'Brien - I'm waiting to hear about the other side to this story from St. Joe's as there are always 2 sides to every story. Sure does seem strange though. Unless Martelli has a real good reason, I hope they run him out of town.
8. NBA - I'm still not real interested in the NBA starting up in a few days, but I'm sure I'll be sucked in once it gets going. I'll be interested in watching the Clippers and I hope the Lakers don't eventually get Dwight Howard. Beyond that, whatever.....
9. NFL in LA - I've said for years now I thought it will be Jacksonville that eventually moves to LA, however I'm now backing off that. With them being sold, new owner has gone on record saying he won't move them and on top of it, they would have to pay a high price to get out of their lease in Jacksonville (though it could be done). Though the popular opinion has been the Chargers moving to LA, I still don't see that. They have a great deal in San Diego even without a new stadium. Eventually the stadium will get done. Spanos is holding it over their heads threatening to move, but I don't think he really wants to. The city pays him for a full sell out whether they sell out or not, so he's making money. My new hope for an NFL team in LA is the St. Louis Rams. They have an out in their stadium lease, new owners (who for the record also said they wouldn't move when they bought) who don't have a connection to St. Louis and a history of the Rams being in LA. Seems to make sense. St. Louis "stole" the Rams from Los Angeles, so how much complaining can be done when we steal them back? I want a downtown stadium and I want this to happen in my life time.

Merry Christmas,

Bill

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

Where Should Cam Go?

With the QB's working out yesterday at the NFL combine, we're starting to get a better feel for where certain guys slot. One of the big unknown's is which team will take the risk on Cam Newton.

Big, mobile Qb's that are natural leaders don't come around often and for all Newton's down faults and short comings, if your team doesn't have a "franchise Quarterback" is he worth a roll of the dice?

Personally I'm not a Cam Newton fan, however if I'm the Buffalo Bills, to me he's worth the risk at 3.

1) They're a team that's been down for the past 10 years, so why not risk it?

2) They already have some nice pieces in place on the defensive side

3) They're in a division with the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins. They need a marquee guy

I'm not sure what the question is, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer. Yes Fitzpatrick had a nice year last year, but if Buffalo hopes to get back to being a top team in the league, he's not leading you to any division titles or play off runs.

A couple years ago, the Jets traded up to 5 in order to select Mark Sanchez and while he hasn't torn up the league, he has supplied the Jets with a young guy they can market and build the team around. Yes, they've brought in a bunch of high priced older veterans, but the constant is Sanchez and the promise of the future he holds. That's what Newton would bring to the table. A guy the Bills can market and say "Cam's the guy, come join us and see what we've got going on here". Very few players in the league are anxious at this point to go play in Buffalo because Ryan Fitzpatrick is running the offense.

Could Newton be a bust ala JaMarcus Russell? Sure, but if I'm Buffalo, that's the risk I take. If he doesn't work out, whats the downside? Your franchise ends up coming in last in the division a couple more years? The upside is the excitement he'd bring back to the franchise and if his potential does pan out, he could quickly turn around your organization and make them relevant again.

Will Buffalo do this? No, they'll go defense with either one of the big 3 guys (Bowers, Fairly, Dareus) and come in last in the division again and be an after thought in the AFC East.

Dare to be great Buffalo!

Bill

Wainwright Done For The Year

What a big blow for the Cardinals:

Wainwright to have Tommy John Surgery

Goes to show you how quickly an injury can come out of no where and change the whole complexion of a teams season. A couple questions:

1) Wainwright has thrown the most innings the last 2 years of any National League pitcher (463 innings) and that is even while being shut down last September due to "arm soreness". Dave Duncan, the Cardinals pitching coach, seems to get a lot favorable press for his coaching ability, do we start blaming him for overuse?

2) I gotta think the arm soreness last year was the start of this injury, why has it taken so long to come out? Why wait to the start of spring training for this to come to a head?

I wish Wainwright good luck with the surgery and recovery. At this point, they seem to have this injury / medical procedure down and guys come back strong afterwards.

The Cardinals upgraded their offense in the off season, now what to do about losing their number 1 starter?

Bill

Carmelo Trade Good For Denver

Personally I think the Nuggets did great with what they got with Carmelo. Every one and their sister knew he wasn't coming back, so their hand was forced and they had to get something for him, or risk pulling a "Cleveland" over the summer.

They did well playing off the Knicks, Nets and whoever else they could interest in trade talk even though it was pretty obvious he was going to NY whether now in a trade or this summer as a free agent.

Do you think Cleveland (and probably to a lesser extent Toronto) management is sitting there going "damn" in seeing what Denver was able to pull off? I'll bet Cleveland wishes they'd pulled the trigger last summer and jettisoned LeBron knowing what they know now.

What was Denver able to get? Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgoz, 1st round pick, 2 2nd round picks and $3 million in cash. Just as importantly, they were able to send back some players with contracts they didn't want, so they've freed up their salary cap in order to bring in other players. Will they keep all those players they got in return? Probably not, there's already rumors Denver is looking to move Gallinari and Mozgoz, so they're not done dealing yet.

Is Denver a "better team" right now without Carmelo? No, but they've freed up their cap space and are now able to go into free agency and sign some players. Carmelo had been with Denver for 7 years and in that time, they'd made it out of the first round exactly once so this wasn't some perennial championship team they disassembled here.

Tough getting rid of a star player, but I think Denver did a great job getting something in return.

Bill

Declaring War On The BCS

At least that's what Mark Cuban is doing.

He's formed (forming) a company called Radical Football LLC with the goal of privatizing the college football postseason.

The thought is take "x" amount of money (say $500 million), put it in a bank, invite certain teams to participate and payouts go from there. You'd keep certain aspects of the bowl season and add in more of a private payout. The bowls would still make money and the schools would still make money. If a school from a non traditional power league has a great year and looks to be a top team, they have a chance at participating in this private "championship" whether or not their league belonged to some predetermined "BCS" league.

Is the idea perfect? No, but it does start to address 1) the problems with the BCS and 2) keeps the history of the bowls.

I hold no allusion this will come about, but I like the fact someone is trying to offer a solution instead of saying "the BCS sucks, get rid of it". That on its own is not going to happen without a viable option to it. To much money is involved at this point in the current structure of the BCS with many powerful programs collecting a huge payday every year.

What are your thoughts?

Bill

What's An Owner To Do?

I think owners of professional sports teams are in a catch 22. If they resign their superstar player (or go add a super star thru trade or free agency) they're criticized for over paying. If they don't try to add one of those guys they're criticized for not trying to "win". So which is it?

The media said Arte Moreno was cheap for not paying "what ever it cost" to add Carl Crawford (or Adrian Beltre) in free agency and consequently didn't try to improve the Angels. He goes out and adds Vernon Wells and is instantly criticized for the size of Wells contract (and no one mentions Wells instantly improves the Angels). If he'd added Crawford or Beltre, you know he would have been criticized for overpaying ("7 years for a guy who'll be 36 at the end of his contract, has never hit 20 home runs in a season and is known for his speed? Are they crazy???").

William DeWitt and the rest of the Cardinals ownership, is in that position right now with Albert Pujols. Do they make Pujols the highest paid player in the game, blow out their salary cap and limit their ability to add other free agents for the next 7 years in order to keep Pujols? Or, do they let him go and try to add additional pieces that help strengthen the club in multiple areas? No matter what they decide, they'll be criticized.

Moving to football, the Colts parted ways with safety Bob Sanders last week, as it would have taken too much money to retain a talented player with to much of an injury history. They're conserving resources to pay Manning and decided to let Sanders go. People in the media are up in arms saying the "Colts are showing no loyalty to one of the pieces of their Championship team, how dare they let a veteran go after he's given so much to them"?

No matter what management and ownership do, you have the media on them complaining either about "fiscal responsibility" or "doesn't care about putting a winning product on the field".

What's an owner to do?

Bill

LA Stadium

If Los Angeles finally builds an NFL stadium, who do you want to play there?

A) Expansion Team

B) Minnesota Vikings

C) Jacksonville Jaguars

D) San Diego Chargers

E) Other

If this all comes about, I'm hoping it's the Jaguars that move here. Out of those three, Jacksonville has the least amount of history and while it admittedly would suck for their current fans, they probably have the least amount of passion from their fan base.

Vikings and Chargers seem to be wrangling for a new stadium and are using moving as a threat to get the new stadium. It doesn't seem the owners (Zigi Wilf and Alex Spanos) really want to move the franchises and moving is a last resort.

Quick, off the top of your head, tell me who the owner of the Jaguars is........... Times up. I bet you couldn't do it could you? The owner is Wayne Weaver and he's one of the more under the radar owners. There have been reports in the last couple years he was selling the team (a report in 08 got a lot of press he'd been in contact with billionaire Dean Metropolis about a deal) but nothings come of it.

I think if the downtown stadium does get built, the Jags would be the team that makes the most sense coming to LA. I don't feel the league can add another team, it's to watered down as it is, so that means moving an existing franchise.

Now about the name. The Los Angeles Jaguars? Do we have Jaguars out here? Probably just as many Jaguars as lakes so I think we're covered there.

Bill

NFL Lock Out

If the labor impasse between the players and owners doesn't get worked out and there is a lock out, I'm siding with the owners. Screw the players. Whether they like to hear it or not, players are a commodity, they come and go and there is ALWAYS someone younger, stronger, faster coming along that will replace them. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it's true.

I don't blame the players for wanting to make more money, but the reality is, take it or leave it. If they don't like the offer on the table, go play elsewhere. The Canadian Football league is there, as is the United Football League. Hell, I keep hearing about how Rugby is the second most popular sport in the world, go to New Zealand and play Rugby there for all I care. The point is, players have options. You don't like the offer from the NFL, leave, go to another league, or, god forbid, get a real job!

I'm under no allusion that the owners are ethical, honest and out for anyone but themselves, but we live in a capitalist society and these owners have spent BILLIONS of dollars of their own money, they can do whatever they want (within reason) with their teams. Players don't like it? Leave. You don't like it? Don't watch. It's as simple as that.

I hear friends of mine saying if there's a lock out they're going to "protest and not watch NFL football for 2 years". Good for you, you do that. I put the over/under on them coming back at 3 weeks..... Me? If there's a lockout, I'll wait it out, read a book, watch a few more college and high school football games and enjoy myself. When the season starts back up, I'll start following my team again. No biggie.

The NFL will go on. There may be a bump in the road, but guess what current NFL players? I see Cam Newton, Da'Quan Bowers, Nick Fairley, AJ Green, Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara, Blaine Gabbert and a whole host of other rookies dying to enter the league this year. Not to mention in the future such players as Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Trent Richardson, Terrelle Pryor, Vontaze Burflict coming the year after that. It's a never ending procession of talent. Here today, gone tomorrow. Hell, with the spotlight on signing day now, I'm already counting down the days till players such as James Wilder Jr enters the league, along with Jadeveon Clowney, De'Anthony Thomas (The Black Mamba!), Cyrus Kouandijio and Seantrel Henderson. Those are the names of tomorrow, and they're coming fast.

You don't like the deal, don't sign it. Find work elsewhere, I don't care.

Bill

Would You Do It?

With the impasse in the Albert Pujols negotiations, if you're the Angels would you make this deal?

Kendry Morales and Mike Trout for Pujols. Then assuming it'll take 10 years, $285 million (average of $28.5 per year making him the highest paid player) to make Albert happy.

Would you do this if you're the Angels?

Here's your Angels lineup:

Maicer Izturis

Bobby Abreu

Vernon Wells

Albert Pujols

Torii Hunter

Howie Kendricks

Jeff Mathias

Erick Aybar

Peter Bourjos

With a rotation of:

Weaver

Haren

Santana

Pineiro

Kazmir

You're giving up on a great young player in Morales and trading away the number 1 prospect in the minors in Trout (who realistically isn't going to help you for 2 years), but insert the best player in baseball and probably will still be 6 years from now. Angels would hope he doesn't fall off the map the last couple years of the contract while eating that money.

The question though is, would you do it?

Bill

Kendry Morales

Can someone help me out here? He broke his ankle last May and has been out since then. Supposedly he had a screw inserted in it.... I keep hearing "rumors"in the paper about "if he's back healthy", "lingering effects" and "when he's back at full speed" and stuff like that.

WTF?

I've had 3 broken ankles in my life. Two of them I was younger than Kendry, one I was older. With all 3 I was back playing basketball within 6 weeks and back at "full speed with no lingering effects" by 10 weeks.. Why isn't he heeled? He jumped and landed awkwardly on home plate, how much different can it be then me playing basketball, jumping and landing "awkwardly" on someone else's foot? It's not like he had a parachuting accident and shattered his fibia or some such injury like that....

We're now on 9 months since he broke it, I don't want nor need to hear that he's still not recovered. That's bullshit.

Man up bitch, it was a freaking broken ankle....

Bill

Black Mamba reconsidering?

Interesting football news over the weekend as Crenshaw High's De'Anthony Thomas took a recruiting visit to Oregon. The long time USC commit surprised many by his visit as he's been penciled in as a USC sign for quite a while. This coming so close to official letter of intent day (Wednesday, February 2nd) has the recruiting world buzzing.

Apparently Kiffen has told Thomas he'll play cornerback at USC and he's not happy about it as he'd still like a shot at running back. Could this be a ploy to put pressure on the Trojans by taking the recruiting trip?

With USC scholarship sanctions to go into effect next year (they've been appealing the ruling), this is a big story to follow. SC lost the top rated recruit in the country last year, when Seantrel Henderson changed his mind after the sanctions were announced and instead went to the "U". Can the Trojans afford to lose another top 10 recruit this year?

Bill

El Toro High Baseball Player Commits

El Toro High School outfielder Mitchell Tolman has verbally committed to Cal State Fullerton. The 5'11", 185 junior came on the national scene last summer as he excelled in the Elite Baseball Series and carried the momentum over into the fall/winter season. Tolman can play both infield and outfield spots and his bat projects well at the D1 level.

The 4 time National Champion Titans who came within 1 out of going back to the College World Series last year, have reloaded and will be in national contention again this year. Led by pre season All Americans Noe and Nick Ramirez (no relation), the Titans are ranked 12th in the pre season by Collegiate Baseball America and play one of the toughest schedules in the country. Expect to see the Titans roll thru the Big West Conference and compete for the National Championship.

Bill