The Los Angeles Dodgers have started its season on a slow pace, but with 14 games in the new 2010 MLB season and going 7-7 in them, the Dodgers look to its sluggers to lead them into the playoffs again.
Matt Kemp, center fielder, has been explosive in the early season, in the last 10 games, he has blown away seven baseballs over the fence for seven home runs.
Andre Ethier, right fielder, has contributed alongside Kemp, having four home runs and a walk off game winning hit thus far in the season.
Manny Ramirez, left fielder, has been batting .432, with a pinch hit two-run home run and multiple runs based in.
The three players have been caring most of the load for the Dodgers, with the role players like James Loney, Russel Martin and Casey Blake adding on the extra small stats that don't show up on the stat sheet.
The big bats must continue for the Dodgers if they want to make another chase to make the world series this year.
A reason why the big bats have to stay the way it has been for the first 14 games, because the Dodgers pitching is unreliable.
With a decent starting five rotation and a lousy bullpen, the Dodgers have to rely on its hits and runs to win ball games.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2010 NBA postseason predictions
The 2009-10 NBA regular season has came to screeching end, and it came down to the 82nd game to determine the seedings for the playoffs.
In the western conference, No. 2 through No. 7 were up for grabs, and all eight western conference teams winning 50 or more games.
In the east, the eighth and final playoff spot was a snail race between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.
The games came and gone and here are the official playoff matches:
Western Conferences playoff bracket.
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder.
No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
No. 3 Phoenix Suns vs. No 6. Portland Blazers
No. 2 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
In the Lakers/ Thunder series, I am going with the Lakers in four games. I don't think the Thunder will be able to steal one game against the defending champs because I am confident the Lakers will finally flip the switch and be the team they were last postseason.
In the Nuggets/ Jazz series, I am leaning towards the Jazz in seven. I think this series will be fun and full of emotion from both teams. The two teams are evenly balance and this series can go all seven games and can go to either team. I will mark this series as a toss up but for now I will go with the Jazz because they have made a late run in their season.
In the Suns/ Blazers series, I am going with the Suns in five games. I don't think the Blazers can recover and win this series without Brandon Roy. They had a great season, but the Suns have been on fire for all of the second season, and if the Suns can continue that, they have a easy chance of making it to the western conference finals.
In the Mavericks/ Spurs series, I am going with the Mavericks in six games. I think this series can be like the Nuggets/ Jazz series because the Spurs are old but not out. The Spurs can definitely challenge the Mavericks and take them to seven games, but I am not sold if they can go the extra mile to win the series. I would not be surprise if the Spurs can do it.
The Eastern Conference bracket.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Chicago Bulls
No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
No. 3 Atlanta Hawks vs. No 6 Milwaukee Bucks
No. 2 Orlando Magic vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats
In the Cavaliers/ Bulls series, I am going with the Cavaliers in five. I think the Bulls can sneak a win but I am sure they will not push the Cavaliers to seven games like they did last year against the Celtics. (I would love to see them go seven, but that is just impossible.)
In the Celtics/ Heat series, I am going with the Celtics in six. I think this can be a fun match up, and if the Heat can make it close, than I am sure it will be a home run for the NBA.
In the Hawks/ Bucks series, I am going with the Hawks in five. The Bucks were the team to look out for this postseason, but with the loss of their big man Andrew Bogut, they are a dead fish in the pond. They will be luck to get one win, but they have the rookie of the year, Brandon Jennings to give them something!
In the Magic/ Bobcats series, I am going with the Magic in five. It can be another interesting series because the Bobcats are no kittens to be missed with. They are on fire after getting Stephon Jackson and they can push the Magic to the limits. Dwight Howard will be too much for the cats to handle and that is why I am giving them one game in this series.
Stay tune and check out my second round NBA playoff picks after the excitement of the first round is over.
In the western conference, No. 2 through No. 7 were up for grabs, and all eight western conference teams winning 50 or more games.
In the east, the eighth and final playoff spot was a snail race between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.
The games came and gone and here are the official playoff matches:
Western Conferences playoff bracket.
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder.
No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
No. 3 Phoenix Suns vs. No 6. Portland Blazers
No. 2 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
In the Lakers/ Thunder series, I am going with the Lakers in four games. I don't think the Thunder will be able to steal one game against the defending champs because I am confident the Lakers will finally flip the switch and be the team they were last postseason.
In the Nuggets/ Jazz series, I am leaning towards the Jazz in seven. I think this series will be fun and full of emotion from both teams. The two teams are evenly balance and this series can go all seven games and can go to either team. I will mark this series as a toss up but for now I will go with the Jazz because they have made a late run in their season.
In the Suns/ Blazers series, I am going with the Suns in five games. I don't think the Blazers can recover and win this series without Brandon Roy. They had a great season, but the Suns have been on fire for all of the second season, and if the Suns can continue that, they have a easy chance of making it to the western conference finals.
In the Mavericks/ Spurs series, I am going with the Mavericks in six games. I think this series can be like the Nuggets/ Jazz series because the Spurs are old but not out. The Spurs can definitely challenge the Mavericks and take them to seven games, but I am not sold if they can go the extra mile to win the series. I would not be surprise if the Spurs can do it.
The Eastern Conference bracket.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Chicago Bulls
No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
No. 3 Atlanta Hawks vs. No 6 Milwaukee Bucks
No. 2 Orlando Magic vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats
In the Cavaliers/ Bulls series, I am going with the Cavaliers in five. I think the Bulls can sneak a win but I am sure they will not push the Cavaliers to seven games like they did last year against the Celtics. (I would love to see them go seven, but that is just impossible.)
In the Celtics/ Heat series, I am going with the Celtics in six. I think this can be a fun match up, and if the Heat can make it close, than I am sure it will be a home run for the NBA.
In the Hawks/ Bucks series, I am going with the Hawks in five. The Bucks were the team to look out for this postseason, but with the loss of their big man Andrew Bogut, they are a dead fish in the pond. They will be luck to get one win, but they have the rookie of the year, Brandon Jennings to give them something!
In the Magic/ Bobcats series, I am going with the Magic in five. It can be another interesting series because the Bobcats are no kittens to be missed with. They are on fire after getting Stephon Jackson and they can push the Magic to the limits. Dwight Howard will be too much for the cats to handle and that is why I am giving them one game in this series.
Stay tune and check out my second round NBA playoff picks after the excitement of the first round is over.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Lakers clinch the West for a third time
The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up the Western Conference against the Minniesota Timberwolves in a 97-88 victory at the Target Center Arena.
With what many believe was going to be a easy accomplishedment by the Lakers, turned to be a never ending trail of when the team was going to claim the conference of their own.
This year the Lakers have been riding a roller coaster that has no direction to guide it; the team has had its share of injuries, bad games and more bad games, but with the NBA playoffs starting on April 18, Los Angeles has some issues to take care of.
The on going unconsistant contributation by the Lakers' bench and the long minutes the starters have had all season, many believe the Lakers doesn't have what it takes to win the championship again this year.
On the other hand, the team has all the players (minus Trevor Ariza and the addition of Ron Artest) to make a strong run for another NBA championship.
The Lakers are either going to shut up the critics come playoff time, or just make the critics feel proud of themselves once they are able to say, "I told you so."
The Lakers are unpredictable, but if they are just crusing towards the postseason, then they are doing a good job keeping everyone on their each of their seats to see what's on the next episode of Lakersland.
With what many believe was going to be a easy accomplishedment by the Lakers, turned to be a never ending trail of when the team was going to claim the conference of their own.
This year the Lakers have been riding a roller coaster that has no direction to guide it; the team has had its share of injuries, bad games and more bad games, but with the NBA playoffs starting on April 18, Los Angeles has some issues to take care of.
The on going unconsistant contributation by the Lakers' bench and the long minutes the starters have had all season, many believe the Lakers doesn't have what it takes to win the championship again this year.
On the other hand, the team has all the players (minus Trevor Ariza and the addition of Ron Artest) to make a strong run for another NBA championship.
The Lakers are either going to shut up the critics come playoff time, or just make the critics feel proud of themselves once they are able to say, "I told you so."
The Lakers are unpredictable, but if they are just crusing towards the postseason, then they are doing a good job keeping everyone on their each of their seats to see what's on the next episode of Lakersland.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Lakers five qualities to repeat
What qualities do the Los Angeles Lakers have to win its 16 NBA championship this season.
5. The bench: This season the Lakers bench has been inconsistent and unreliable for Lakers' coach Phil Jackson. The answer to this is the injuries that have occurred throughout the season. Last year the Lakers were fortunate to have a safe season with no major injuries, but this season the team has had its share of multiple injuries from Kobe Bryant to Pau Gasol. Since most of the starters had injuries that kept them out of action, the Lakers had to bring a bench player to start; causing the bench rotation to change its course. Once the team manages to keep the whole roster healthy, then everyone on the roster will be back on their regular role on the team and boosting the Lakers bench back to being one of the most efficient benches in the league.
4. Ron Artest: The biggest question has been, will Ron Artest be a great addition to the Lakers or a bust. The question has been great so far but the question will not be answered until the playoffs are well underway. Artest bring a lot more than Trevor Ariza did last year for the Lakers. Artest bring his physical defense that the Laker and Jackson has been wanting for many years. He also brings his outside jumper that he has been consistent with fore many years. He is hungry for a championship and has shown he doesn't matter if he scores or not for the Lakers to be successful. He helps Kobe Bryant out on the opponent's best player and keeps Bryant rested to do his part on the offensive side. Ariza did very well last year for the Lakers but Artest will be matching those stats once the playoffs begin, because the Lakers will need everyone's production once they get deep into the playoffs.
3. Andrew Bynum: Finally, for once everyone thought the boy was going to have a full season, but that thought was thrown out once Andrew Bynum suffered a strain Achilles a few weeks ago (but is expected to return before the playoffs.) Bynum will help the Lakers a lot with his huge frame and dominates down on the post, this injury is different from the other injuries that Bynum has suffered because this injury should not effect the production that he has given the Lakers thus far and he should be able to bounce right back with the 15 points and eight rebounds that he has put up this season. This postseason will be the first time Bynum will be efficient for the Lakers and will have a big part in the Lakers capturing its 16 title.
2. The Hunger: The biggest part to repeating in the NBA is having the players who have won the title; do it again in the following year. This will be the only thing keeping the Lakers from the title, because the drive from the players other than Kobe Bryant will be question since everyone knows that Bryant always has the drive to be the best no matter if he knows he is already the best. The Lakers must show the determination once the first ball is tipped in the playoffs because no matter who the opponent is in the first round, that team is going to test the drive of the Lakers and it will show if the Lakers are really greedy for another title.
1. Kobe 'Bean' Bryant- Any team can win the NBA championship when it has Kobe Bryant on its team. Bryant is a player that can do it all for the team; he can put a team on his back and pull it to victory or he can win a game for the team at the final buzzer. Bryant has always wanted to match the greatest of the NBA and to do that, he must win as many as titles as he can before his career comes to a end. Once Bryant reaches the finals, no matter who is the opponent; if it is LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat, Bryant will not let another chance from being that close to a title slip away again. Bryant will not let his team fail on the big stage again, because the man drives off being pressured to win the whole thing on his own and he does not fail.
The five qualities for the Los Angeles Lakers to repeat as NBA Champions and capture its 16 title will factor down two these five things. No team cannot beat the Lakers in a seven game series or will never do as long as the Lakers are on its A-game.
My prediction is the Lakers in six games against the Orlando Magic in 2009 NBA finals rematch.
5. The bench: This season the Lakers bench has been inconsistent and unreliable for Lakers' coach Phil Jackson. The answer to this is the injuries that have occurred throughout the season. Last year the Lakers were fortunate to have a safe season with no major injuries, but this season the team has had its share of multiple injuries from Kobe Bryant to Pau Gasol. Since most of the starters had injuries that kept them out of action, the Lakers had to bring a bench player to start; causing the bench rotation to change its course. Once the team manages to keep the whole roster healthy, then everyone on the roster will be back on their regular role on the team and boosting the Lakers bench back to being one of the most efficient benches in the league.
4. Ron Artest: The biggest question has been, will Ron Artest be a great addition to the Lakers or a bust. The question has been great so far but the question will not be answered until the playoffs are well underway. Artest bring a lot more than Trevor Ariza did last year for the Lakers. Artest bring his physical defense that the Laker and Jackson has been wanting for many years. He also brings his outside jumper that he has been consistent with fore many years. He is hungry for a championship and has shown he doesn't matter if he scores or not for the Lakers to be successful. He helps Kobe Bryant out on the opponent's best player and keeps Bryant rested to do his part on the offensive side. Ariza did very well last year for the Lakers but Artest will be matching those stats once the playoffs begin, because the Lakers will need everyone's production once they get deep into the playoffs.
3. Andrew Bynum: Finally, for once everyone thought the boy was going to have a full season, but that thought was thrown out once Andrew Bynum suffered a strain Achilles a few weeks ago (but is expected to return before the playoffs.) Bynum will help the Lakers a lot with his huge frame and dominates down on the post, this injury is different from the other injuries that Bynum has suffered because this injury should not effect the production that he has given the Lakers thus far and he should be able to bounce right back with the 15 points and eight rebounds that he has put up this season. This postseason will be the first time Bynum will be efficient for the Lakers and will have a big part in the Lakers capturing its 16 title.
2. The Hunger: The biggest part to repeating in the NBA is having the players who have won the title; do it again in the following year. This will be the only thing keeping the Lakers from the title, because the drive from the players other than Kobe Bryant will be question since everyone knows that Bryant always has the drive to be the best no matter if he knows he is already the best. The Lakers must show the determination once the first ball is tipped in the playoffs because no matter who the opponent is in the first round, that team is going to test the drive of the Lakers and it will show if the Lakers are really greedy for another title.
1. Kobe 'Bean' Bryant- Any team can win the NBA championship when it has Kobe Bryant on its team. Bryant is a player that can do it all for the team; he can put a team on his back and pull it to victory or he can win a game for the team at the final buzzer. Bryant has always wanted to match the greatest of the NBA and to do that, he must win as many as titles as he can before his career comes to a end. Once Bryant reaches the finals, no matter who is the opponent; if it is LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat, Bryant will not let another chance from being that close to a title slip away again. Bryant will not let his team fail on the big stage again, because the man drives off being pressured to win the whole thing on his own and he does not fail.
The five qualities for the Los Angeles Lakers to repeat as NBA Champions and capture its 16 title will factor down two these five things. No team cannot beat the Lakers in a seven game series or will never do as long as the Lakers are on its A-game.
My prediction is the Lakers in six games against the Orlando Magic in 2009 NBA finals rematch.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saddleback College men's basketball wins state
A year after losing in the state finals to Riverside City College in a overtime, Saddleback College redeems itself and defeated City College of San Francisco, 63-57, to win the 2010 California State Championship.
A week prior to winning the title, Saddleback claimed revenge over Riverside after knocking out the defending champions on their own floor to move on to the state finals.
Saddleback never stopped after the upset win over Riverside; they went on to beat No. 1 ranked team from the North, Ohlone College in the first round, No. 2 ranked team from the South, Citrus College before beating San Fancisco in the finals.
Saddleback had one goal in mind after last season's finals' loss and that was come back and win it this time around.
Lead by the state finals' MVP, Perry Webster, Saddleback had control of the game throughout and manage to keep a short lead for all of the game.
The last two men's basketball state titles came from the power house Orange Empire Conference.
A week prior to winning the title, Saddleback claimed revenge over Riverside after knocking out the defending champions on their own floor to move on to the state finals.
Saddleback never stopped after the upset win over Riverside; they went on to beat No. 1 ranked team from the North, Ohlone College in the first round, No. 2 ranked team from the South, Citrus College before beating San Fancisco in the finals.
Saddleback had one goal in mind after last season's finals' loss and that was come back and win it this time around.
Lead by the state finals' MVP, Perry Webster, Saddleback had control of the game throughout and manage to keep a short lead for all of the game.
The last two men's basketball state titles came from the power house Orange Empire Conference.
Monday, March 1, 2010
L.A. is big enough for two super stars
LeBron James should be a Los Angeles Laker next year.
Mostly because the Lakers are the only team that he can win multiple rings with.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the leader and captain of the Lakers, but bryant is not reliable to be here for long term, in reality, Kobe Bryant has three-five years left in which he could be as effective as he is now.
Having James means the Lakers would remain as championship contenders, once Bryant moves into the part of his career where he is the secondary option or role player.
Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers, has been known as a owner who grabs the best players to ever play this game, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he is thinking about acquiring James right now, even though his team is set to repeat as champs.
Plus the Lakers are always known for getting better, because the are driven on winning champions all the time.
Another reason why James should be a Laker, is because he would be a worldwide professional athlete and would have a lot more endorsements.
The New York Knicks can offer him the chance of being a worldwide professional athlete but they do not offer the rings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers can offer him a chance to win a title, but that chance is slim, because the Cavaliers are great right now but they are not as good as the Lakers in the long run.
The Lakers will offer James both the fame and fortunes, plus James would be coached by the greatest coach to ever coach in the NBA, Phil Jackson.
There is not wrong if the Lakers can have James and Bryant on the same team, it just means no other team will be able to win a title till 2025.
Mostly because the Lakers are the only team that he can win multiple rings with.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the leader and captain of the Lakers, but bryant is not reliable to be here for long term, in reality, Kobe Bryant has three-five years left in which he could be as effective as he is now.
Having James means the Lakers would remain as championship contenders, once Bryant moves into the part of his career where he is the secondary option or role player.
Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers, has been known as a owner who grabs the best players to ever play this game, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he is thinking about acquiring James right now, even though his team is set to repeat as champs.
Plus the Lakers are always known for getting better, because the are driven on winning champions all the time.
Another reason why James should be a Laker, is because he would be a worldwide professional athlete and would have a lot more endorsements.
The New York Knicks can offer him the chance of being a worldwide professional athlete but they do not offer the rings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers can offer him a chance to win a title, but that chance is slim, because the Cavaliers are great right now but they are not as good as the Lakers in the long run.
The Lakers will offer James both the fame and fortunes, plus James would be coached by the greatest coach to ever coach in the NBA, Phil Jackson.
There is not wrong if the Lakers can have James and Bryant on the same team, it just means no other team will be able to win a title till 2025.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Kobe will never fail
Kobe Bryant saves the day once again.
In his return after missing five games due to a ankle injury, Bryant won the game for the Los Angeles Lakers in Memphis tonight.
In the first quarter, Bryant and the Lakers looked so great, holding the Memphis Grizzles to 16 points and scoring 27, Bryant had 11 points that included two dunks and a four point play.
As in every basketball game, no lead is safe, after the Lakers had had a lead as high as 14 points, the Grizzles cut it by five heading in at halftime.
The second half was not the best time for the Lakers, because the Grizzles caught the Lakers and took the lead for the majority of the second half.
With the lack of effort and their big men, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum struggling with foul trouble, Los Angeles looked like they were going to drop another loss in Memphis.
Deja vu struck again, it felt like the last game the Lakers played in Memphis just three weeks ago, down by one point and less than 24 seconds left for the Lakers to win the game.
Last time, the Lakers were unsuccessful with a Ron Artest missed three from the corner after Memphis was the first successful team to force Bryant to pass up the winning shot.
This time history did not repeat itself, because Bryant was not going to let the Grizzles get in his way in his welcome back game.
With less than eight seconds left in the game, Bryant came off a Gasol screen and took a jumper beyond the three point line and swished in the winning bucket with less than two seconds.
The Grizzles had a chance to spoil the celebration for Bryant, but O.J Mayo missed a 15 footer as time expired.
Bryant now has six games where he has won the game for the Lakers, the others came against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavricks, Boston Celtics, and Bryant came close to winning a seventh game against the Toranto Raptors.
Los Angeles has to feel great to have their assassin back.
In his return after missing five games due to a ankle injury, Bryant won the game for the Los Angeles Lakers in Memphis tonight.
In the first quarter, Bryant and the Lakers looked so great, holding the Memphis Grizzles to 16 points and scoring 27, Bryant had 11 points that included two dunks and a four point play.
As in every basketball game, no lead is safe, after the Lakers had had a lead as high as 14 points, the Grizzles cut it by five heading in at halftime.
The second half was not the best time for the Lakers, because the Grizzles caught the Lakers and took the lead for the majority of the second half.
With the lack of effort and their big men, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum struggling with foul trouble, Los Angeles looked like they were going to drop another loss in Memphis.
Deja vu struck again, it felt like the last game the Lakers played in Memphis just three weeks ago, down by one point and less than 24 seconds left for the Lakers to win the game.
Last time, the Lakers were unsuccessful with a Ron Artest missed three from the corner after Memphis was the first successful team to force Bryant to pass up the winning shot.
This time history did not repeat itself, because Bryant was not going to let the Grizzles get in his way in his welcome back game.
With less than eight seconds left in the game, Bryant came off a Gasol screen and took a jumper beyond the three point line and swished in the winning bucket with less than two seconds.
The Grizzles had a chance to spoil the celebration for Bryant, but O.J Mayo missed a 15 footer as time expired.
Bryant now has six games where he has won the game for the Lakers, the others came against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavricks, Boston Celtics, and Bryant came close to winning a seventh game against the Toranto Raptors.
Los Angeles has to feel great to have their assassin back.
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