Note To Self

When trying to predict NFL playoff games, go with the home team.

There, lesson learned.

Last week I tried to out smart myself, analyzing all the data, figuring out who had the "best" offense, defense, QB, etc, when all I should have done is look to see who was the home team.

All 4 home teams won this past weekend and, unfortunately for me, I picked 3 road teams to win. Will the visiting team win sometime? Sure, it'll happen, but in the NFL, it really is a big advantage to play at home in the playoffs. With the difference between a good team and an average team being about 6 points, anything can happen, so having that home field advantage is really a difference between winning and losing.

I could sit here and analyze all the games this coming weekend, but this week I'll make it really simple. Whoever's playing at home will win.

Green Bay, San Francisco, New England and Baltimore. There you go. Don't try to give me "but New Orleans is a scoring machine, can't be stopped" or "No ones playing better than Giants front four, they'll shut down Green Bay" or "Patriots defense is horrible, can't stop anyone". Don't want to hear it. You know why?

It doesn't matter. Pick the home team because they're going to win.

Hope that was helpful.

Bill

Padres's Wheeling and Dealing!

I'm loving the action my small market team is taking! Maybe not earth shattering deals, but making moves here and there trying to reshape the team, looking for additions to take the team to the next level and staying within a limited budget. Not easy to do!

Today the Friars traded 1st base prospect Anthony Rizzo, who they'd acquired last year in a deal with the Red Sox for Adrian Gonzalez, to the Chicago Cubs. Rizzo became expendable once they acquired Yonder Alonso back in mid December from the Cincinnati Reds. Both highly touted 1st base prospects so the general thinking was one would probably go in order to help bring in more prospects. It turned out to be Rizzo.

In return the Padres received pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na.

Cashner is the big get, as he's a former 1st round pick that has hit 101 on the radar gun (though usually throws in the upper 90's). He missed all last year with a shoulder injury though is said to be completely healthy now. He has been used as a starter but many believe his true calling is at the back end of the bullpen as a closer. Expect to see him with the Padres in some capacity when they break camp in the spring.

Na is a 20 year old native of Korea who split last season between rookie ball and low A. At times looked overmatched but is said to be very athletic. He's a guy you take a flyer on and see what happens.

From the Cubs standpoint, this probably means Prince Fielder won't be going to Chicago, as they'll give Rizzo every shot at the every day 1st base job. Next up for them is to try to find somebody that'll give them a bag of chips in return for taking Alfonso Soriano off their hands.

Go Friars!

Bill

Where Will Jeff Fisher End Up?

Former Tennessee Titan coach Jeff Fisher has now interviewed with both the Miami Dolphins and the St. Louis Rams for their head coaching position.

My guess is he'll end up in St. Louis. Franchise QB (Sam Bradford), #2 pick in the draft this year, play in the NFC West (and won the division last year) and he'll get a say in who the General Manager will end up being. Barring Miami throwing way more money at him (possibility), I think he goes to St. Louis. It's a better opportunity then the Dolphins job.

Besides it's always fun to continue throwing out the rumor that the Rams will be moving to LA and with Fisher from Southern Cal, it's just to good a connection. Will the Rams move? Who knows. No one thought they'd leave LA and it happened...

Bill

He A Bust?

With the new year on us and tv shows ramping up for their new season, thought it would be a good time to start my new column. Without further ado, I bring you:

"He A Bust?"

What constitutes a bust in professional sports? Well to me, it's 2 possibilities:

1) A guy drafted at the top of the draft, paid an inordinate amount of money, high expectations to help turn the franchise around, then, for whatever reason, doesn't pan out.

2) A free agent, paid a lot of money, to help an organization compete for a championship and doesn't come close to helping them compete, nor help raise interest in team and bringing other players with him.

Obviously the money factor has the most to do with it. A guy taken at the top of the draft, paid an extreme amount of money, taking up a high percentage of the cap, needs to produce for the organization. Win games, put fans in the seats and help increase television revenue. Lets face it, a guy taken in the 5th round, if he doesn't work out, no big deal, but a Sam Bradford, Cam Newton (to use two recent football examples), better work out. The organization needs them to be successful on a few different levels.

The first person I want to discuss here is John Wall from the Washington Wizards. To me he has all the makings of a BUST (side note - when I went to look up his stats, I discovered that Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio actually talked about John Wall today and basically said the same thing I'm saying. A write up of it can be found HERE).

First pick in the draft last year, signed a 3yr/16.5 million contract (NBA is slotted, most he could sign for). High expectations to turn the team around. He did "ok" for his rookie season. 16.5 points a game, 8.3 assists, 1.8 steals. Not bad, but not "Super Star" talent that'll move the Wizards to the next level. He had "buzz" coming in and some people outside DC wanted to see him initially, but now? Who's paying to go see John Wall play? Compare that to the first pick in the draft 2 years ago, Blake Griffin. You think people are paying to go to the arena to watch Griffin, or turning on their tv when the Clippers are on? Ah, yeah.

So far this year Washington is 0-5 and Wall is averaging 13.8 points per game, 6.8 assists per game and 4.8 turnovers a game. Not good. Still early, but he's regressing.

I just think he's got the potential to go down as a bust when it's all said and done. No marquee free agents are lining up to play with him (curse of death for a point guard by the way) and I think by this point it's obvious he doesn't have the game of a Kobe, LeBron, Dwayne Wade, where he can carry the team on his back and take them to the championship.

Now I'm not saying he's horrible or a bad person, I'm sure he's a great kid and it's not his fault he was the first pick in the draft, but he's not a player that is going to turn your franchise around (Like LeBron did when he went to Cleveland), he's more a complimentary piece, fringe all star, who'll be an ideal player to add to a team looking to make a championship run. Too bad he's going to be paid like the superstar and heighten the expectations. For my money, what does that make John Wall?

He A Bust!

Bill

NFL Playoff Prediction - Wildcard Weekend

Who's going to win the Super Bowl? I have no idea, and you know what? Neither does anyone else. Media members, NFL "experts", fans, it's all a guess.

With football being "one and done" and not a series like other sports, a lot of it comes down to who's healthy, who comes to play that day and what calls go their way.

Yes, you can make an educated guess that such and such team will win (better regular season record, home team, better QB, defense, etc), but with the margin of error small, it's a crap shoot. And anyone that tries to convince you otherwise is delusional.

Here's my guess about what will happen in the wild card games. I have a 50% chance of being right, so place your bets accordingly:

1) Cincinnati at Houston - AFC, 6 seed versus 3 seed - Houston's at home in their first playoff appearance as the Texans, but the Bengals are the healthier team. Bengals 21, Texans 17

2) Detroit at New Orleans - NFC, 6 seed versus 3 seed - Offensive shootout. I like the Saints at home with the difference being the head coaches. I like Sean Payton over Jim Schwartz. Saints 40, Lions 31

3) Atlanta at NY Giants - NFC, 5 seed versus 4 seed - I like the Falcons here. Matt Ryan steps up and has a big game and so does the the Falcons running game. Giants have been up and down all year and this week they're down after their emotional win against the Cowboys last weekend to make playoffs. Falcons 28, Giants 21

4) Pittsburgh at Denver - AFC, 5 seed versus 4 seed - At this point, everyone's followed the whole Tebow story. Denver's going to struggle scoring points we know that. Pittsburghs beaten up with Roethlisberger's high ankle sprain and Mendenhall being out with the torn ACL. Close, low scoring game, this won't be a blowout. Steelers 14, Broncos 9.

Those are my Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks. I'm sure I'll be right, after all, I'm a fan.

Bill

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