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Archive for the ‘Southern California Sports’ Category
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 by admin
Wow what got into the Dodgers?
No Either, no Manny, it does not matter the pitching staff has taken over the team. Kershaw, Billingsley, Kuroda and Ely have been tremendous for the past two weeks. It all goes back to the old adage that pitching and defense win games and Championships. It is much to early to start talking about wining the division, but at least they are on the right track to getting there. If the clubhouse mindset is to concentrate on the pitching and defense and let the offense come, because we all know that will be there most of the time, then they have a chance.
Credit Joe Torre and Rick Honeycutt for turning the pitching staff around and heading the Dodgers on the right track. If they could get a big time number one starter then they would really be in the hunt. Once the McCourt divorce is sorted out then perhaps Ned will be able to make a move.
Go Dodgers!
Tags: Baseball, Dodgers, mlb, sports
Posted in Southern California Sports | Comments Off
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 by admin
After much debate on the talk radio stations as to whether the Suns and Lakers series is going to be a contest or not, here are my thoughts.
The Lakers have done nothing more than hold home court advantage as the are suppose to do. Yes they have scored a combined 252 points in two games which is quite impressive but they have given up 219 points which is definitely not good. Pau has been able to show what he is made of and right now that is the best player in the playoffs. Pretty darn good for the Big Spaniard.
What they need to do is figure out how to stop Phoenix from scoring so many points and not turn the ball over so much. If they move on to the Finals, noticed I said “if” do not assume anything Phoenix came back after being down 3-1, I remember that all to well, then they will have to play a defensive minded Boston or Orlando team. Both of those teams like to lock teams down and not give up a lot of points. Heck 252 points might be how many points some teams score against Boston or Orlando in 3 games. So the Lakers will have to play really good defensive because they will not be able to score so many points like they are against Phoenix.
So will the Lakers make it a clean series sweep? Chances are probably not so good for that to happen. Phoenix will come out shooting 3’s on Sunday night. I have to believe Channing Frye will play much better at home than he did in LA, for that matter all the bench players for Phoenix will play much better. There is no telling how the bench for LA will play, sometimes they do not play well with the noise of the visiting crowd, they get caught up with the pace of the game instead of running the offense. The Lakers will make it close but will not be able to pull it out in the end. Sorry Lakers but trying to be realistic. Phoenix made it to the Finals for a reason and they are going to show it off on Sunday.
Tags: lakers, nba, Pau Gasol, sports
Posted in Southern California Sports | 1 Comment »
Friday, May 14th, 2010 by admin
The Lakers pretty much demoralize the poor Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Semi-Finals last week. The Jazz had no answer for Pau and Bynum (when he was involved) and poor Deron Williams just could not beat the Lakers by himself. So the Lakers swept them in four games and have a week off to prepare for the Suns.
On a rubbing salt in the wounds kind of moment, poor Carlos Boozer who probably played his last game for Utah had his Escalated backed into by the Lakers media bus as they were leaving the arena on Monday. First Pau owned him then the bus backs into him, I think his reaction was like “Are you serious?”
Here is a run down of the Western Conference Finals game times and TV/radio coverage.
Purchase tickets for the Los Angeles Lakers Tickets at Staples Center view available seats here.
Game 1 – Monday, May 17 at 6:00pm at STAPLES Center
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 2 – Wed., May 19 at 6:00pm at STAPLES Center
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 3 – Sunday, May 23 at 5:30pm at Phoenix Suns
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 4 – Tuesday, May 25 at 6:00pm at Phoenix Suns
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 5* – Thursday, May 27 at 6:00pm at STAPLES Center
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 6* – Saturday, May 29 at 5:30pm at Phoenix Suns
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Game 7* – Monday, May 31 at 6:00pm at STAPLES Center
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 AM ESPN/ESPN Deportes 1330
Tags: lakers, nba, Pau Gasol, Staples Center, things to do
Posted in Southern California Sports | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 by admin
Last night the Lakers rolled past the Thunder like the Garth Brooks song. I know people in LA were happy and surprised all wrapped into one. Less than 24 hours before all the reporters in LA were saying what is wrong with the Lakers? Are they not playing with heart? How badly injured is Kobe? Can they stop Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant? How are they going to get the ball inside to Pau and Andrew?
All the Lakers must have been listening and came out and showed the reporters and fans who really is the Champions with a massive demonstration of how to play defense and how to get the ball inside. Pau and Andrew combined for 46 points and 22 rebounds and the Lakers assisted on 60% of all the baskets made. Team basketball at its best, there were ally-oops, head fakes and get this only 14 3-point shots attempted down from their 31 3-point shot attempts in game 3.
Mind you this is only one game and the Thunder pretty much destroyed the Lakers in game 4 in the same fashion but all the “experts” were saying that who ever wins game 5 has a huge advantages in the series. So do the Lakers have the series wrapped up, by no means, but if history is a gauge they have a pretty good chance. The Lakers are 17-0 in series if they win game 5 when the series is tied 2-2.
Friday night will be the test back in OKC, but now the Lakers gave a big middle finger to all the doubters and the haters and put the league on notice that they can still play.
Tags: Andrew Bynum, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, lakers, nba, Oklahoma City, Pau Gasol, Russell Westbrook, sports, Thunder
Posted in Southern California Sports | Comments Off
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 by admin
The Los Angeles Dodgers scored 23 runs the past two games, Wow that is all I have to say. The bummer is they only won one game out of two. They definitely have their own “Big Blue Machine”, stealing that term from the 70’s Cincinnati Reds, I choose that since they were play the Reds the past two games. With Matt Kemp leading the way with 7 homers (tops in the National League ahead of Albert Pujols) and a 10 game hitting streak, Andre Either and his sweet swing batting a cool .400, and of course there is Manny hitting a blistering .421 second in the National League. And the man that starts it all off is Rafael Furcal batting .356 with 7 stolen bases. Furcal is rounding in too shape quite nicely so far, hopefully his health stays at this level or better. All of the Dodgers regular day starters are batting .313 or better except for Blake DeWitt.
I do not know how much the Dodgers are paying Don Mattingly, but whatever it is he is certainly earning his money this year and is showing why he will be the next Dodger manager after Joe Torre leaves.
Now all they have to do is figure out the pitching and look out National League.
Tags: Baseball, Dodgers, sports
Posted in Southern California Sports | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 by admin
Going to the Grand Prix on Friday is a fun experience. You can walk freely around the track and through the Lifestyle Expo because usually there are less people than on Saturday and definitely on Sunday. If you go into the pits the drivers are usually more willing to sign autographs and talk because they have not yet gotten into “race mode” yet. A fun thing to do is watch the Pro/Celebrity practice and if you get over by their pit area early enough you can get some autographs and pictures with the celebrities. Here is a list of all the Pro/Celebrity drivers:
Chris Ashworth North Hollywood Toyota – Vice President
Jamie Bestwick BMX Rider
Adrien Brody Actor
Adam Carolla Comedian and Writer
Tanner Foust TV Host, Pro Racer and Stunt Driver
Brian Austin Green Actor, Director and Producer
Tony Hawk Action-Sports Athlete
Zachary Levi Actor
Jesse McCartney Singer, Songwriter and Actor
Steve Millen Racing Champion
Marty Nothstein Drag Race Driver and Former Champion Cyclist
Dave Pasant Retired Insurance Executive
Megyn Price Actress
Keanu Reeves Actor
Christian Slater Actor
Tika Sumpter Actress
Jimmy Vasser 1996 IndyCar World Series Champion
Patrick Warburton Television and Film Actor
Jerry Westlund Charity Auction Winner
Here is a hour by hour event schedule for Friday:
7:00 a.m. Gates Open
7:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. ALMS Practice
8:00 a.m. Lifestyle Expo Opens
9:35 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Team Drifting Demonstration
10:00 a.m. Arena Jamm
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. IndyCar Practice
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Toyota Pro/Celebrity Practice
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Firestone Indy Lights Practice
2:25 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. IndyCar Practice
3:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. Toyota Pro/Celebrity Qualifying
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. IndyCar All-Driver Autograph Session (IndyCar Paddock)
4:20 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. World Challenge Practice
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ALMS Qualifying
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert Featuring Molotov and Maldita Vecindad
7:00 p.m. Toyota Grand Prix Charity Ball at Westin Long Beach
8:30 p.m. – Lucha Va Voom Show, Grand Ballroom, LB Convention Center (separate admission)
Friday is a fun day and is a great way to place hookie from. Have a great time and if you need a ticket visit Long Beach Grand Prix Tickets.
Tags: Grand Prix, long beach, socal events, sports, things to do
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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 by admin
So do you have anything planned for Thursday night? You do now Tecate Thursday Thunder on Pine Ave starts at 6pm and features all kinds of great events.
6:30 – 10:00 p.m. DJ, driver autographs/interviews
6:45 p.m. Pit Stop Competition Round One
7:05 p.m. Motocross Freestyle Show
7:15 p.m. Roller Derby Exhibition
7:30 p.m. Motorcycle Dare-devil stunts
7:45 p.m. Pit Stop Competition Round Two
8:05 p.m. Motocross Freestyle Show
8:30 p.m. Motorcycle Dare-devil stunts
9:00 p.m. Tecate Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pageant
All the events are free and will take place on Pine Ave between Ocean and 3rd Street. Browse some of the Pine Ave restaurants before you go. Have a great time and I have heard that Danica Patrick will be hanging out down there.
Tags: Grand Prix, long beach, socal events, things to do
Posted in Entertainment, Southern California Sports | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 by admin
The Izod Indycar Series car is roaring down the streets of Long Beach April 16-18, it is one of the biggest parties and events in Southern California. If you need tickets, they can be purchased here. Besides the Indycar series you can also take in the Pro/Celebrity race on Saturday afternoon, the American LeMans series, the Firestone Indy Lights, and the SCCA Pro World Challenge Championships. Take a look at the individual day posts to find out exactly what is happening. If you need a hotel you can try looking for a Long Beach Hotel here. After the race you will need to find a Long Beach Restaurant to dine at throughout the city. Have a great time when you go and bring your sun block, sweatshirt, and beer money.
Tags: Grand Prix, long beach, sports, things to do
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 by admin
I had the pleasure and good fortune to attend the Lakers vs. Trailblazers game yesterday. It was a back-and-forth affair that ended with another disappointing Lakers loss. Let’s hope this is another Phil Jackson mind game–a theory that seems reasonable given that he put the ball in the hands of Pau to shoot a 3-point, buzzer-beater to tie the game. Had the Big Spaniard made the shot, the play would have been brilliant. But Pau’s stroke was a touch off, the ball bounced off the rim, and the loss was recorded.
What’s up next for the purple-and-gold? Games against Sacramento and the Clippers. Fans hope these will be two easy wins for the Lakers, but the way they’ve been playing, who knows. After that, it’s the playoffs.
In other news, Staples Center was packed with famous faces as usual: Neil Diamond, David Beckham, Chad Ochocinco, Gordon Ramsey and George Lopez were the ones I spotted. No Jack this time. Maybe he is boycotting until the Lakers get their stuff together.
Tags: david beckham, lakers, nba, neil diamond, Pau Gasol
Posted in Southern California Sports | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 by admin
Formula Drift will be racing on the streets of Long Beach on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10, 2010. Champion Chris Forsberg will be back to defend his title against all competitors including 2-time champions Tanner Foust and Samuel Hubinette along with Vaughn Gittin Jr., Ryan Tuerck, Tyler McQuarrie, Rhys Millen, and the rest of the talented pool of drivers.
To purchase tickets to the event click on this link Formula Drift Tickets at Long Beach Arena
Have a great time watching the guys slip and slide around the track!
Tags: long beach, socal events, sports, things to do
Posted in Entertainment, Southern California Sports | Comments Off
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