The NBA playoffs are off into the next stage of the race as the teams who advanced on to the second round are set to start the next series on Sunday.
Surprisingly most of my predictions were right on the winners of the first round series' but the number of games were off badly. (Thanks to my belief I am a true "NBA analyze.")
Although the biggest surprises of the first round was the San Antonio Spurs being knocked out by the Memphis Grizzles and the Atlanta Hawks defeating the Orlando Magic.
So lets get started and lets see if I still have potential to be a NBA analyze.
The follow are the Eastern Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks: This is going to be a interesting series. The Bulls had a scare a few times in the series against the Indiana Pacers, as the Bulls nearly lost a few games including Game 1.
The Bulls looked great either way, they were able to handle the Pacers and Derrick Rose had a monster series.
As for the Hawks they had a great series against a mediocre Magic team. Joe Johnson did not have a terriffic series against the Magic but the Hawks were able to play great team ball and hold down Dwight Howard in a few games.
As for the series I think it will be hard for the Hawks to guard Rose. Without Kirk Hinrich for sometime, the Hawks will have trouble keeping up with Rose and with a loose Rose roaming the floor--the Bulls will be able to get anything they want.
I have the Bulls winning the series: 4-2.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Boston Celtics: This series is going to be the best second round series. These two teams are building a somewhat rivalry--mainly for this season.
The Celtics own the regular season series, 3-1, and the Celtics were able to handle the Heat well in the three wins. The series against the New York Knicks helped the Celtics regain their energy and confidence to play anyone they face.
The sweep on the Knicks should jump start the Celtics to go off on another run to the finals.
As for the Heat, they were able to hold off the Philadelphia 78ers without breaking a sweat. Without a post game and size in the middle, I highly doubt the Heat can survive in the postseason as they face better teams.
The Celtics are short handed too in the middle but if they can get something out of their bigs in the series than they should be able to hold off the Heat with their big four: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allan, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
I have the Celtics winning the series: 4-2.
Moving from the East to the West, the Spurs will not be moving on after the Grizzles amazingly defeated them in six games. The Grizzles might be a low seed but the Oklahoma City Thunder should not take them lightly.
The following are the Western Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 3 Dallas Mavericks: This series is second best to the Boston/Miami series.
In the last regular season match, Lakers' Matt Barnes and Mavericks' Jason Terry caused a huge fight after a altercation between Terry and Lakers' Steve Blake. The two teams build a rivalry after that incident and they action picks up again when the two teams face off in this series.
The Lakers started of their first round series slow after dropping Game 1 to the New Orleans Hornets but after Kobe Bryant's great performance in Game 5, the Lakers are on their A-game and are looking like an championship team again.
The Mavericks are looking great as well after taking out the Portland Blazers in six games. The Mavericks are the closes team to match the Lakers length but it is going to take a lot more to take out the champs.
The Lakers are gong to be too hard to control when they have Bryant and Pau Gasol on top of their games while having Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and the supporting cast adding on to that success.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles: I am pulling for the Grizzles in this series. They match well with the Thunder. The Grizzles won the regular season series 3-1 and they are dangerous.
Memphis has a solid team although a lot of them are underrated including Zack Randolph. They have a underrated defender in Shane Battier who will be able to keep Kevin Durant under control.
Memphis has a great center, Marc Gasol and a up and coming star, Mike Conley who is making a name for himself in these playoffs.
A lot of people are going to say that the Thunder are too good with Durant and Russell Westbrook leading the way but they are becoming overrated.
This team is still young like the Grizzles and this team is filling in shoes that are too big for them. I doubt there is a difference between the Grizzles and Thunder.
Both teams have a equal chance to win the series and the winner will be determined by who has the most heart and whose bench shows up.
I have the Grizzles winning this series: 4-2.
Stay tuned as the NBA playoffs continue and lets see if my dreams of being a NBA analyze can stay alive.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Boston Celtics are making a comeback
The Boston Celtics have swept the New York Knicks to advance onto the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Celtics were not expected to make it back to the NBA finals after making a puzzling trade that left their fans wondering what it was all about.
Without Shaquille O'Neal for the start of the playoffs and most of the regular season, the lack of size was the one cause that kept experts and fans from picking the Celtics to make it back.
Although they might be halfway out the door, I think they still are the team to beat to come out of the East. A sweep in the first round can help this team out a lot.
A postseason ago everyone did not have the Celtics coming out of the East but they did anyway and lost to the Los Anageles Lakers in seven games.
The Celtics can make a hot run in the postseason and they still have their big four: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
Despite not having their muscle in the post anymore (Kendrick Perkins,) they do have the two O'Neals who can help enough as long as they can stay healthy.
The Celtics are always dangerous as long as they are still alive and whoever they face in the second round (most likely the Miami Heat), they are going to give that team a hard time and possibly make people believe in them again.
At the start of the playoffs I had the Chicago Bulls in the finals but after witnessing the Celtics sweep the Knicks--I feel the Celtics are capable of making another run to the finals like they did a season ago.
The Celtics were not expected to make it back to the NBA finals after making a puzzling trade that left their fans wondering what it was all about.
Without Shaquille O'Neal for the start of the playoffs and most of the regular season, the lack of size was the one cause that kept experts and fans from picking the Celtics to make it back.
Although they might be halfway out the door, I think they still are the team to beat to come out of the East. A sweep in the first round can help this team out a lot.
A postseason ago everyone did not have the Celtics coming out of the East but they did anyway and lost to the Los Anageles Lakers in seven games.
The Celtics can make a hot run in the postseason and they still have their big four: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
Despite not having their muscle in the post anymore (Kendrick Perkins,) they do have the two O'Neals who can help enough as long as they can stay healthy.
The Celtics are always dangerous as long as they are still alive and whoever they face in the second round (most likely the Miami Heat), they are going to give that team a hard time and possibly make people believe in them again.
At the start of the playoffs I had the Chicago Bulls in the finals but after witnessing the Celtics sweep the Knicks--I feel the Celtics are capable of making another run to the finals like they did a season ago.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
MLB is bringing the excitment back to LA
Old happy days are soon to be back at Chavez Lavine.
Yesterday Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced the league will be taking over the Los Angeles Dodgers' financial management operations day by day.
Selig said he would appoint an person of his choice for this task.
The shock came after a endless bad output from Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt.
The team is underachieving, the games are not selling tickets and McCourt is in the most expensive divorce trail in California history and the Los Angeles Police Department has taken over Dodgers Stadium following a opposing fan was beat up in the stadium's parking lot on opening day where that fan is in a coma and is still fighting for his life today.
The Los Angeles Times leak the news about McCourt taking a loan out with the team's TV partner for he could have money to pay the Dodgers staff for the month.
There are also news of the McCourts taking money out of the team to put into their personal bank accounts.
Fans are feed up with the McCourts and yesterday's news was a excitement for them. The news spread wildly hours before the Dodgers took on the Atlanta Braves at Dodgers Stadium, as the Dodgers went on to win the game later in the night.
The news even overshadowed the Los Angeles Lakers playoff win over the New Orleans Hornets.
The reaction was obvious and not one fan was supporting the McCourts. Dodger fans knew something had to be done and that something has finally been done.
The Dodgers are a fine franchise team that is estimated to be worth in the Billions and it is not worth being thrown in the mud by the McCourt's divorce.
The next step for the Dodgers is too see when MLB will sell off the team to a new owner. Before MLB can do that, they have to wait and see how they are going to cut McCourt loose from the team.
Mark Cuban, a well-known Billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed interest in owning a MLB team and he had attempted to buy the Texas Rangers last year before being rejected with his offer.
Whomever the next owner for the Dodgers will be--they must know they are going to take on a extraordinary franchise filled with history and success. The new owner also must know the Dodgers are in the second largest market in the US where they must make the team become what the Lakers have always been in LA--a championship team every season.
Do not stop believing Dodger faithfuls.
Yesterday Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced the league will be taking over the Los Angeles Dodgers' financial management operations day by day.
Selig said he would appoint an person of his choice for this task.
The shock came after a endless bad output from Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt.
The team is underachieving, the games are not selling tickets and McCourt is in the most expensive divorce trail in California history and the Los Angeles Police Department has taken over Dodgers Stadium following a opposing fan was beat up in the stadium's parking lot on opening day where that fan is in a coma and is still fighting for his life today.
The Los Angeles Times leak the news about McCourt taking a loan out with the team's TV partner for he could have money to pay the Dodgers staff for the month.
There are also news of the McCourts taking money out of the team to put into their personal bank accounts.
Fans are feed up with the McCourts and yesterday's news was a excitement for them. The news spread wildly hours before the Dodgers took on the Atlanta Braves at Dodgers Stadium, as the Dodgers went on to win the game later in the night.
The news even overshadowed the Los Angeles Lakers playoff win over the New Orleans Hornets.
The reaction was obvious and not one fan was supporting the McCourts. Dodger fans knew something had to be done and that something has finally been done.
The Dodgers are a fine franchise team that is estimated to be worth in the Billions and it is not worth being thrown in the mud by the McCourt's divorce.
The next step for the Dodgers is too see when MLB will sell off the team to a new owner. Before MLB can do that, they have to wait and see how they are going to cut McCourt loose from the team.
Mark Cuban, a well-known Billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed interest in owning a MLB team and he had attempted to buy the Texas Rangers last year before being rejected with his offer.
Whomever the next owner for the Dodgers will be--they must know they are going to take on a extraordinary franchise filled with history and success. The new owner also must know the Dodgers are in the second largest market in the US where they must make the team become what the Lakers have always been in LA--a championship team every season.
Do not stop believing Dodger faithfuls.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lamar Odom wins a deserving award
An award overdue has finally been rewarded.
Lamar Odom, the most versatile basketball player in the NBA, is a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has won Sixth Man of the Year award today.
Odom could start easily on any other NBA team but since the acquisition of Pau Gasol in 2008, Lamar has been roaming in and out of the Lakers' starting line up and he has accepted his role.
In the summer of 2009, Odom had the chance to leave Los Angeles and play for any other team for more money and be a starter but he chose to stay with the Lakers and continue winning championships.
A two-time champion, Odom makes the Lakers unstoppable, a player of his caliber coming off the bench for the Lakers is just wrong and unfair to the opponents.
Teams do not have the luxury to have players like Odom to come off the bench and replace one of their starters.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson does not worry when Gasol, Ron Artest or Andrew Bynum get into foul trouble because he has another starter to come into for them.
This season Odom has had one of his best season's of his career, averaging 14 points and eight assist a game.
He has been shooting well shooting 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point line.
His success is one factor in the Lakers three-peating as NBA champions this season and winning an award like the Sixth Man of the Year is the starting point.
Odom said in a interview with ESPN that the award will mean the sacrifice he has done to help the team and he said before winning the award that he would dedicate the award if he won it to his fans and teammates.
Lamar Odom, the most versatile basketball player in the NBA, is a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has won Sixth Man of the Year award today.
Odom could start easily on any other NBA team but since the acquisition of Pau Gasol in 2008, Lamar has been roaming in and out of the Lakers' starting line up and he has accepted his role.
In the summer of 2009, Odom had the chance to leave Los Angeles and play for any other team for more money and be a starter but he chose to stay with the Lakers and continue winning championships.
A two-time champion, Odom makes the Lakers unstoppable, a player of his caliber coming off the bench for the Lakers is just wrong and unfair to the opponents.
Teams do not have the luxury to have players like Odom to come off the bench and replace one of their starters.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson does not worry when Gasol, Ron Artest or Andrew Bynum get into foul trouble because he has another starter to come into for them.
This season Odom has had one of his best season's of his career, averaging 14 points and eight assist a game.
He has been shooting well shooting 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point line.
His success is one factor in the Lakers three-peating as NBA champions this season and winning an award like the Sixth Man of the Year is the starting point.
Odom said in a interview with ESPN that the award will mean the sacrifice he has done to help the team and he said before winning the award that he would dedicate the award if he won it to his fans and teammates.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Jimmie Johnson wins by two tenths of a second
A wild finish at Talladega Speedway Sunday results in the five-time defending champion, Jimmie Johnson winning his first Sprint Cup race of 2011.
Johnson only led 12 laps at the beginning and the race had 89 lead changes as drivers picked partners to create speed by two cars drafting with each other.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was Johnson's partner for the entire race and the two were able to work well together.
There were plenty of exciting moments in the race including Ryan Newman spinning out twice in a span of several laps then being able to control and keep the car from wreaking.
The man of the season thus far, Kyle Busch, was one of the front runners for a win today but he was involved in a multiple-car accident with less than 30 laps to go.
The race came down to all four Hendrick Motor's cars (Johnson, Earnhardt, Jeff Gordan and Mark Martin,) against the two Childress' cars (Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer.)
Johnson and his partner were trailing coming off the last turn as Gordan and his partner were battling for position with Boywer and his partner.
Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. slipped his way into the inside while Gordan was trying to deny them. The three groups ran their way down the stretch as it was unclear who was going to win.
The proven champion was able to be pushed across the start/finish line by two tenths of a second by the 101 race winless Earnhardt.
Bowyer finished second as Gordan followed close behind and Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. finishing the top five.
Despite not winning the race, Jr. now has 24 top five finishes at Talladega.
The Sprint Cup series now heads off to Richmond in two weeks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR and NASCAR Media
Friday, April 15, 2011
NBA first round brings the fun
The NBA playoffs have arrived and the trills and excitement of the NBA regular season increases as the NBA's best of best face off with each other.
16 wins seperate the 16 teams who start the NBA playoffs tomorrow and at this moment each one of these teams have a chance to win the Larry O'Brien.
The Eastern Conference made powerful moves last summer as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami to create a super team with the Heat. This past NBA deadline the New York Knicks landed Carmelo Anthony to created a dynamic duo with him and A'mare Stoudemire.
The following are the four Eastern Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers - This is a unfair match for the Pacers. Granted they do have lots of pride to fight for the last playoff seed in the East but their team and record defintely prove they should be a lottery team in the NBA draft.
The Bulls will win the series easily, 4-0. Derrick Rose is the clear favorite to win Most Valuable Player and the Bulls are a team who cannot be beat because they play smart and they share the ball together where they play as a team.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks - This series is going to be boring. The Hawks are not a contending team like they were in the past few seasons. They are a good team who cannot get out of second gear.
The Magic are a team who has good pieces surrounding Dwight Howard but they seem like they have no where to go. They say they want to win a title but they do not have the identity to do that. The Magic will win this series, 4-2, but I do not see this Magic team doing anything else.
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks - This is going to be a easy series for the Celtics. The Knicks do not play defense and they are a loose team who tries to beat their opponents on quick lay-ups and three-pointers.
The Celtics are still a decent defensive team and they should be able to control the Knicks. The Celtics can use this series to jump start their big four who has been struggling ever since the team traded away its center, Kendrick Perkins.
I have the Celtics winning the series, 4-1.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers - Like the Bulls/Pacers series, I do not see the 76ers having success against the Heat. The Heat are good enough without its post game to defeat the 76ers.
James and Wade will have a great series and the Heat will win this series easily. I have the Heat winning the series, 4-0.
As the East got stronger last offseason, the West has been still competitive as years past. The two-time defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers are re-identifying themselves as they start the postseason and the Oklahoma City Thunder grew into men after picking up Perkins from the Celtics at the trade deadline.
The following are the Western Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles - The Spurs are starting off the series without Manu Ginobili after he suffered a injury on the last game of the season. Although they do not have their scorning machine who comes off the bench, the Spurs should have not have a problem taking care of the Grizzles.
The Grizzles will be without Rudy Gay and they do not have much to compete against the Spurs.
I have the Spurs winning the series, 4-1.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets - This series is a must watch for all basketball fans. The two teams are athletic, explosive and anything can go in this series.
The Thunder are entering the series as clear favorites but they have yet to win a road playoff game and they will have a lot in their hands with the Nuggets. The Nuggets are doing well without Anthony and they have the second best second half record following the NBA All-star weekend.
Either team could have shot at winning the series. This will come down to how the Nuggets defend Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.
I have the Thunder winning the series, 4-3.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Blazers - If there is going to be a upset in the first round then this series will be where that occurs. The Mavericks are not clear favorites because they are missing their toughness with the injured Caron Butler.
The Blazers have a team capable of matching the Mavericks and guarding the talented Dirk Nowitzki. The series will come down to the Blazers making the games close at crunch time and Brandon Roy being able to close out the games for the Blazers.
I have the Blazers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets - This series could not have been more favoring to the Lakers. The Lakers are limping into the playoffs with five losses in their last seven games. The Lakers almost received bad luck after center Andrew Bynum hyper-extended his knee but Bynum is set to start the playoffs with the team.
The Hornets will not be able to contend with the Lakers length. The Hornets do not have a chance in the series because they are going to be playing without injured David West.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-0.
The first round should be interesting because the 2011 NBA playoffs are going to be one of the best in recent history. Lots of great teams will make a leap and drew closer to the NBA title as the first round series play out.
16 wins seperate the 16 teams who start the NBA playoffs tomorrow and at this moment each one of these teams have a chance to win the Larry O'Brien.
The Eastern Conference made powerful moves last summer as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami to create a super team with the Heat. This past NBA deadline the New York Knicks landed Carmelo Anthony to created a dynamic duo with him and A'mare Stoudemire.
The following are the four Eastern Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers - This is a unfair match for the Pacers. Granted they do have lots of pride to fight for the last playoff seed in the East but their team and record defintely prove they should be a lottery team in the NBA draft.
The Bulls will win the series easily, 4-0. Derrick Rose is the clear favorite to win Most Valuable Player and the Bulls are a team who cannot be beat because they play smart and they share the ball together where they play as a team.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks - This series is going to be boring. The Hawks are not a contending team like they were in the past few seasons. They are a good team who cannot get out of second gear.
The Magic are a team who has good pieces surrounding Dwight Howard but they seem like they have no where to go. They say they want to win a title but they do not have the identity to do that. The Magic will win this series, 4-2, but I do not see this Magic team doing anything else.
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks - This is going to be a easy series for the Celtics. The Knicks do not play defense and they are a loose team who tries to beat their opponents on quick lay-ups and three-pointers.
The Celtics are still a decent defensive team and they should be able to control the Knicks. The Celtics can use this series to jump start their big four who has been struggling ever since the team traded away its center, Kendrick Perkins.
I have the Celtics winning the series, 4-1.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers - Like the Bulls/Pacers series, I do not see the 76ers having success against the Heat. The Heat are good enough without its post game to defeat the 76ers.
James and Wade will have a great series and the Heat will win this series easily. I have the Heat winning the series, 4-0.
As the East got stronger last offseason, the West has been still competitive as years past. The two-time defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers are re-identifying themselves as they start the postseason and the Oklahoma City Thunder grew into men after picking up Perkins from the Celtics at the trade deadline.
The following are the Western Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles - The Spurs are starting off the series without Manu Ginobili after he suffered a injury on the last game of the season. Although they do not have their scorning machine who comes off the bench, the Spurs should have not have a problem taking care of the Grizzles.
The Grizzles will be without Rudy Gay and they do not have much to compete against the Spurs.
I have the Spurs winning the series, 4-1.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets - This series is a must watch for all basketball fans. The two teams are athletic, explosive and anything can go in this series.
The Thunder are entering the series as clear favorites but they have yet to win a road playoff game and they will have a lot in their hands with the Nuggets. The Nuggets are doing well without Anthony and they have the second best second half record following the NBA All-star weekend.
Either team could have shot at winning the series. This will come down to how the Nuggets defend Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.
I have the Thunder winning the series, 4-3.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Blazers - If there is going to be a upset in the first round then this series will be where that occurs. The Mavericks are not clear favorites because they are missing their toughness with the injured Caron Butler.
The Blazers have a team capable of matching the Mavericks and guarding the talented Dirk Nowitzki. The series will come down to the Blazers making the games close at crunch time and Brandon Roy being able to close out the games for the Blazers.
I have the Blazers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets - This series could not have been more favoring to the Lakers. The Lakers are limping into the playoffs with five losses in their last seven games. The Lakers almost received bad luck after center Andrew Bynum hyper-extended his knee but Bynum is set to start the playoffs with the team.
The Hornets will not be able to contend with the Lakers length. The Hornets do not have a chance in the series because they are going to be playing without injured David West.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-0.
The first round should be interesting because the 2011 NBA playoffs are going to be one of the best in recent history. Lots of great teams will make a leap and drew closer to the NBA title as the first round series play out.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
4/12/2011: Rapid Recap - 66ers get back to .500 with win over Mavericks
The Inland Empire 66ers pulled back to .500 on the season Tuesday night, improving their record to 3-3 on the season. The 66ers defeated the High Desert Mavericks by a score of 3-1 in front of 1,872 fans in San Bernardino in the second game of a three game series between the two teams.
Inland Empire starter Ryan Chaffee (1-0, 1.69 ERA) went 6.2 innings for the 66ers and looked much more in command than he did in his opening day appearance. Chaffee struck out six Mavericks batters while walking just one and allowing only one earned run.
Mavericks starter Yoervis Medina (0-2, 2.45 ERA) was not totally out shined by Chaffee, going six complete innings while striking out four and allowing only two earned runs. But for the second game in a row Medina just couldn't get the run support from his teammates needed to collect a win.
Center fielder Matt Long was the star at the dish for the 66ers going three for four on the day including a lead off triple in the bottom of the fourth inning. Long would be driven in by designated hitter Dillon Baird in what proved to be the winning run of the contest. Long would also drive in the 66ers third run in the bottom of the eighth inning with a line drive single into center field.
66ers reliever David Carpenter (0-0, 0.00 ERA) collected his first save of the season pitching 1.1 without allowing a man to even reach base.
The two teams will meet again Wednesday April 13 at Arrowhead Credit Union Park in San Bernardino to close out the series.
SIDENOTE: Wednesday's game is "Bring your dog to the park Wednesday," so expect some fun on the live blog.
Inland Empire starter Ryan Chaffee (1-0, 1.69 ERA) went 6.2 innings for the 66ers and looked much more in command than he did in his opening day appearance. Chaffee struck out six Mavericks batters while walking just one and allowing only one earned run.
Mavericks starter Yoervis Medina (0-2, 2.45 ERA) was not totally out shined by Chaffee, going six complete innings while striking out four and allowing only two earned runs. But for the second game in a row Medina just couldn't get the run support from his teammates needed to collect a win.
Center fielder Matt Long was the star at the dish for the 66ers going three for four on the day including a lead off triple in the bottom of the fourth inning. Long would be driven in by designated hitter Dillon Baird in what proved to be the winning run of the contest. Long would also drive in the 66ers third run in the bottom of the eighth inning with a line drive single into center field.
66ers reliever David Carpenter (0-0, 0.00 ERA) collected his first save of the season pitching 1.1 without allowing a man to even reach base.
The two teams will meet again Wednesday April 13 at Arrowhead Credit Union Park in San Bernardino to close out the series.
SIDENOTE: Wednesday's game is "Bring your dog to the park Wednesday," so expect some fun on the live blog.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Chicago Bulls are running away with the East
There is no surprise for why the Chicago Bulls are No. 1 in the NBA Eastern Conference.
According to Coach Nick on the video below, the Bulls have all the ingredients to possibly win the NBA title this June.
Team defense, solid scoring and doing all the little things are all what the Bulls have and those assets are what is going to lead the Bulls to the next level.
The Bulls are back!
According to Coach Nick on the video below, the Bulls have all the ingredients to possibly win the NBA title this June.
Team defense, solid scoring and doing all the little things are all what the Bulls have and those assets are what is going to lead the Bulls to the next level.
The Bulls are back!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Lakers are down for the moment
Stranger things have happen in the Lakers 2010-2011 season so there should not be a surprise for the current four-game losing streak with three games left in the season.
For starts, the Lakers have been blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs in a row.
Then lost another three games in a row a month later, including a five-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But the Lakers also have won 17 of 18 games including key victories over the Spurs, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
The season has been a roller coaster ride as the Lakers package a group of solid games together then follow it up with a group of inconsistent sloppy losses and the pattern repeats itself.
The two-time defending champions have been playing the most basketball in the past four years starting with their first NBA finals run in 2008.
The team has of lots experience and games played where they are comfortable playing against whoever it is they play in this season's postseason. The Lakers are comfortable playing anyone, anywhere, anytime because they have seen it all in these past four season.
The two championships are proof the Lakers are no where near of worrying about themselves heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak with three games left.
Although they are now in a dog fight with the Celtics, Heat and Mavericks for playoff positioning in potential playoff match-ups which will determine who has homecourt advantage, the Lakers are ready for whatever comes their way as the team tries to clinch its third straight championship.
The playoffs start in a week and the Lakers know in a week the season changes to the postseason and the postseason only means no more screwing around.
With the leadership of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are in the right state of mind to start the postseason despite what the records show.
For starts, the Lakers have been blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs in a row.
Then lost another three games in a row a month later, including a five-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But the Lakers also have won 17 of 18 games including key victories over the Spurs, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
The season has been a roller coaster ride as the Lakers package a group of solid games together then follow it up with a group of inconsistent sloppy losses and the pattern repeats itself.
The two-time defending champions have been playing the most basketball in the past four years starting with their first NBA finals run in 2008.
The team has of lots experience and games played where they are comfortable playing against whoever it is they play in this season's postseason. The Lakers are comfortable playing anyone, anywhere, anytime because they have seen it all in these past four season.
The two championships are proof the Lakers are no where near of worrying about themselves heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak with three games left.
Although they are now in a dog fight with the Celtics, Heat and Mavericks for playoff positioning in potential playoff match-ups which will determine who has homecourt advantage, the Lakers are ready for whatever comes their way as the team tries to clinch its third straight championship.
The playoffs start in a week and the Lakers know in a week the season changes to the postseason and the postseason only means no more screwing around.
With the leadership of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are in the right state of mind to start the postseason despite what the records show.
Manny Ramirez 'El Maniaco' has retired
Just in: Manny Ramirez has retired.
After five games with the Tampa Bay Rays, Ramirez decides to hang up the cleats.
In the short sting with the Rays, he had 17 at bats to go along with one hit and one RBI.
Ramirez, 39, came off a productive spring training as he seemed to be determine to be fitted for the opening season and have a quality season.
He comes off a bad 2010 season where he battled injuries and was dumped by the Los Angeles Dodgers and picked up by the Chicago White Sox for the remainder of the season.
After five games with the Tampa Bay Rays, Ramirez decides to hang up the cleats.
In the short sting with the Rays, he had 17 at bats to go along with one hit and one RBI.
Ramirez, 39, came off a productive spring training as he seemed to be determine to be fitted for the opening season and have a quality season.
He comes off a bad 2010 season where he battled injuries and was dumped by the Los Angeles Dodgers and picked up by the Chicago White Sox for the remainder of the season.
Jay-Z, Nets fined by NBA
ESPN.com has confirmed the New Jersey Nets has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for a incident involving minority owner, Jay-Z.
Following the game against the Arizona Wildcats, Jay-Z was seen talking to several Kentucky players following the Wildcats' victory over North Carolina in Newark, New Jersey.
The Nets were fined for violating league rules that prohibit contact with players who still have collegiate basketball eligibility remaining.
The Nets are 24-54 with four games left in the season and are well on their way to the NBA's lottery draft this summer.
Following the game against the Arizona Wildcats, Jay-Z was seen talking to several Kentucky players following the Wildcats' victory over North Carolina in Newark, New Jersey.
The Nets were fined for violating league rules that prohibit contact with players who still have collegiate basketball eligibility remaining.
The Nets are 24-54 with four games left in the season and are well on their way to the NBA's lottery draft this summer.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Inland Empire 66ers starts season with a win
The Inland Empire 66ers opened up their season without spring-like weather as the team defeated its cross town rivals, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 6-2, in cloudy and chilly conditions.
Starting pitcher, Ryan Chaffee appeared in his first opening day game going four innings and giving up three hits and one run.
The 66ers opened up a early lead in the bottom of the second after Angels' left-fielder, Reggie Willits scored in two runs with a single.
"It is nice to see Willits come through with a big two base hit to get us on the board," said 66ers' manager Tom Gamboa.
Willits was sent down from the Angels to begin rehab training with the 66ers and will remain with the team for a week.
Willits is not the only major league player spending time with the 66ers this week. Scott Downs, a reliever for the Angels was also sent down to do some rehab work.
Downs pitched one inning, giving up two runs, one hit and one error.
The Quakes were unable to break through the tough defense of the 66ers as the Quakes left 14 men on base. Including leaving the bases loaded in the first inning.
The 66ers secured the lead in the fifth inning as the team knocked two more runs in to increase its lead to 4-2.
"It is always good to get the first one out of the way," said Gamboa following the team's first win of the season.
The 66ers continue their opening series against the Quakes Friday at the Arrowhead Credit Union stadium at 7:05 p.m.
Starting pitcher, Ryan Chaffee appeared in his first opening day game going four innings and giving up three hits and one run.
The 66ers opened up a early lead in the bottom of the second after Angels' left-fielder, Reggie Willits scored in two runs with a single.
"It is nice to see Willits come through with a big two base hit to get us on the board," said 66ers' manager Tom Gamboa.
Willits was sent down from the Angels to begin rehab training with the 66ers and will remain with the team for a week.
Willits is not the only major league player spending time with the 66ers this week. Scott Downs, a reliever for the Angels was also sent down to do some rehab work.
Downs pitched one inning, giving up two runs, one hit and one error.
The Quakes were unable to break through the tough defense of the 66ers as the Quakes left 14 men on base. Including leaving the bases loaded in the first inning.
The 66ers secured the lead in the fifth inning as the team knocked two more runs in to increase its lead to 4-2.
"It is always good to get the first one out of the way," said Gamboa following the team's first win of the season.
The 66ers continue their opening series against the Quakes Friday at the Arrowhead Credit Union stadium at 7:05 p.m.
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