Are Lakers Ready to Put the Nail in the Thunder's Coffin?

Many fans are hopeful that happens sooner than later.  The bottom line is this series now has seven games written all over it. 

We all know that the Thunder are the more athletic team, but they are also the youngest.  They have been held in check at Staples Center while dominating the Lakers at home.  That's the way it goes in the NBA.  Teams do better when they're at home.  With that in mind, don't be surprised if the Thunder pull off the win in game 6 and struggle in game 7, if it gets that far.  As a fan, I would like to see the Lakers end it tonight.

Photo Courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Eric Kilby under CC-SA 2.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-April 21

The time has come for another fresh edition of the Wide World of Sports Venues!

Old Yankee Stadium

The Bronx, New York City, NY

Opened: April 18, 1923, reopened April 15, 1976
Closed: September 30, 1973 (renovations), September 21, 2008 (final game)
Demolished:2009-2010 (estimated)
Surface: Grass
Construction Cost: $2.4 Million (1923), $167 Million (1976)
Capacity: 58,000 (1923), 82,000 (1927), 62,000 (1929), 71,699 (1937), 70,000 (1942), 67,000 (1948), 67,205 (1958), 67,337 (1961), 67,000 (1965), 65,010 (1971), 54,028 (1976), 57,145 (1977), 57,545 (1980), 56,936 (2008)
Field Dimensions: Left Field-318 feet, Left Center-399 feet, Center Field-408 feet, Right Center-385 feet, Right Field-314 feet, Backstop-84 feet
Home Teams: New York Yankees (MLB) 1923-1973, 1976-2008, New York Yankees (AFL I) 1926, New York Yankees (NFL) 1927-1928, New York Yankees (AFL II) 1936-1937, New York Yankees (AFL III) 1940, New York Americans (AFL III) 1941, New York Yankees (AAFC) 1946-1949, New York Yanks (NFL) 1950-1051, New York Giants (NFL) 1956-1973, New York Generals (USA/NASL) 1967-1968, New York Cosmos (NASL) 1971, 1978
Events Attended: August 2007 Yankee game against the Detroit Tigers.  The Yankees won 9 to 3.  It was the best, and I mean the BEST, overall baseball I've had in my young life so far.  In my ongoing journey to visits all 30 MLB stadiums, I'm glad I got to see this one before it was closed down.  Like my dad has said before, say what you want about the Steinbrenners, but they know what it takes to put a quality product on the field as well as off the field in the stadium atmosphere.  The employees are very friendly and the fans are the best in baseball.  That's right.  I said it.  The one thing I'll always remember was when Joba Chamberlain, who was a rookie at the time, came out of the bullpen late in the game, there was such a rousing ovation that it felt like the whole stadium shook.  To this day, I have never heard a crowd as loud as it was on that day.  I have a feeling that is a nightly occurence in New York that has continued across the street.  That is what made Yankee Stadium the great cathedral of baseball.

Photo Courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Kjetil Ree under CC-BY-SA 2.0 License      

Lakers Set to Begin Playoffs?

Depending on how they start out, the answer to that question has yet to be determined, as they get set to take on Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Kobe Bryant hasn't been the same through the second half of the regular season.  The same could be said for the whole team though. 

Since the All Star break, the Purple and Gold have seemed disinterested in playing quality basketball.  Their road record hasn't been as good as last year.  They have lost to teams they should have beaten.  The players will say that they'll be ready when the time comes.  That translates to we'll turn on the switch when it matters, but I've never been a fan of that philosophy.  This could be the year where that mantra could come back to bite them in the butt.

I wouldn't be surprised if Oklahoma City doesn't give them a run for their money.  While I think Phil Jackson and company will get past the Thunder, the rest of the West will not be so easy.  Even if the Lakers do survive in the Western Conference and play in the Finals, I don't think they will be on the winning side this time around against the Magic or Cavaliers.  One thing that is for certain, we should have the answers to these concerns come Sunday.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA under CC-BY-SA 2.0 License

2010 MLB Preview-Not Too Many Surprises

Opening Day is finally here and with that comes the hope of a new beginning in the season ahead as well as dreams of playing in October.  So let's get to it with my division and playoff picks.

American League

AL East

New York Yankees 99-63
Boston Red Sox 97-65*
Tampa Bay Rays 95-67
Baltimore Orioles 76-86
Toronto Blue Jays 74-88

Bottom Line-While the Red Sox beefed up their pitching staff, I'm not sure they have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the Bronx Bombers but they have more than enough to win the Wild Card once again.  I do see Adrian Beltre having an improved offensive year and he won't be the only Adrian in the lineup after July 31.  The Rays will draw the short end of the stick because they're in the wrong division.  If they were in the Central, it would be a different story. 

AL Central

Chicago White Sox 89-73
Minnesota Twins 89-73
Detroit Tigers 83-79
Cleveland Indians 71-91
Kansas City Royals 64-98

Bottom Line-That's right.  For the third year in a row, there will be a one-game playoff in MLB.  162 games will not be enough. What better way to christen Target Field, but Joe Nathan's elbow injury will come back to haunt the Twins as the hard nose White Sox will find a way to win on the road in front of a sell-out crowd in Minneapolis.

AL West

Texas Rangers 92-70
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 89-73
Seattle Mariners 84-78
Oakland Athletics 82-80

Bottom Line: In the weakest division (wink wink) in the American League, everyone will finish with a winning record.  When I did my Angels Forecast last month and said their reign at the top would end, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't win again for the sixth time in seven years.  So while I'm sticking with the Rangers, Ian Kinsler starting the season on the disabled list could spell trouble as well as Ron Washington's admission of cocaine use last year.  It would behoove Texas to get off to a fast start.

*Wild Card winner

National League

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies 98-64
Atlanta Braves 94-68*
Florida Marlins 83-79
New York Mets 74-88
Washington Nationals 65-97

Bottom Line: The Phillies are the class of the National League.  It's not even close.  They are the Yankees of the National League because the rich have gotten richer with the acquisition of Roy Halladay. 

The Braves will end up winning the Wild Card in Bobby Cox's final season.  What a sendoff it would be.  Oh and Jason Heyward is the real deal. 

The Nationals have only one thing to look forward to: the arrival of Stephen Strasburg in June, but he won't be enough to get Washington out of the cellar.
 
NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals 88-74
Chicago Cubs 83-79
Cincinnati Reds 82-80
Milwaukee Brewers 78-84
Houston Astros 68-94
Pittsburgh Pirates 65-97

Bottom Line: The Cardinals have the best manager and the best player in the division. 

The Cub's curse will continue. 

Cincinnati will be the surprise team of the division with the debut of Aroldis Chapman in June.

NL West

Colorado Rockies 93-69
Los Angeles Dodgers 87-75
San Fracisco Giants 83-79
Arizona Diamondbacks 81-81
San Diego Padres 67-95

Bottom Line-The Rockies have made remarkable runs in 2 of the last 3 seasons, reaching the World Series in 2007.  Jim Tracy did an outstanding job as the interim manager last year after Clint Hurdle was dismissed.

The Dodgers are no longer the team to beat in the West.  Frank McCourt says his divorce will not affect the Dodgers, but come on.  Here is all you need to know about the Dodgers playoff chances this year: Vicente Padilla is the Opening Day starter!

Playoffs

AL Division Series

Yankees over Rangers
Red Sox over White Sox

NL Division Series

Phillies over Cardinals
Braves over Rockies

AL Chamionship Series

Yankees over Red Sox

NL Championship Series

Phillies over Braves

World Series

Phillies over Yankees

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and UCInternational under CC-BY-SA 3.0 License


     

Wide World of Sports Venues-April 1

Hammond Stadium

Fort Myers, FL

Opened: 1991
Surface: Grass
Construction Cost: $14 Million
Capacity: 7,500
Field Dimensions: Left Field-330 feet, Centerfield-405 feet, Right Field-330 feet
Home Teams: Minnesota Twins (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1991-Present, Fort Myers Miracle (FSL) 1991-Present, GCL Twins (GCL)
Events Attended: None

Maryvale Baseball Park

Phoenix, AZ

Opened: January 1998
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 7,000
Field Dimensions: Left Field-350 feet, Centerfield-400 feet, Right Field-340 feet
Home Teams: AZL Brewers (Arizona League) 1998-Present, Milwaukee Brewers (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1998-Present
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Hammond Stadium-Wikimedia Commons and Johnny Spasm under CC-BY-SA 3.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 31

Osceola County Stadium

Kissimmee, FL

Opened: 1984
Renovated: 2003
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 5,300
Field Dimensions: Left Field-325 feet, Center Field-405 feet, Right Field-325 feet
Home Teams: Osceola Astros (FSL) 1985-1994, Kissimmee Cobras (FSL) 1995-2000, GCL Astros (GCL) 2009-, Houston Astros (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1985-Present
Events Attended: None

Hi Corbett Field

Tucson, AZ

Opened: 1937
Renovated: 1992, 1997, 1999
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 9,500
Field Dimensions: Right Field-348 feet, Center Field-392 feet, Left Field-366 feet
Home Teams: Colorado Rockies (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1993-2010, Cleveland Indians (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1945-1992, Tucson Toros (PCL) 1969-1997, Tucson Toros (Golden Baseball League GBL) 2009-Present, Arizona Heat (National Pro Fastpitch NPF) 2004-2007, Tucson Cowboys (Southwest International League SIL, among other leagues) 1937-1958, USA Baseball (headquarters) 1997-2003, Tucson Javelinas (AFL) 1993-1994, Tucson Lizards (Arizona-Texas League A-TL) 1932
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Hi Corbett Field-Wikimedia Commons and Mavarin (Karen Funk Blocher) under CC-BY 3.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 30

Roger Dean Stadium

Jupiter, FL

Opened: February 28, 1998
Surface: Grass
Construction Cost: $28 Million
Capacity: 6,871
Field Dimensions: Left Field-335 feet, Left-Center-380 feet, Center Field-400 feet, Right-Center-375 feet, Right Field-325 feet
Home Teams: Jupiter Hammerheads (FSL) 1998-Present, Palm Beach Cardinals (FSL) 2003-Present, St. Louis Cardinals (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1998-Present, Florida Marlins (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 2002-Present, GCL Cardinals (GCL) 1998-Present, GCL Marlins (GCL) 2002-Present, Montreal Expos (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1998-2001
Events Attended: None

Goodyear Ballpark

Goodyear, AZ

Opened: February 2009
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 10,311
Home Teams: Cleveland Indians (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2009-Present, Cincinnati Reds (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2010-Present
Events Attended: None

Photos courtesy:
Roger Dean Stadium-Wikimedia Commons and Jtesla16 under CC-SA 3.0 License
Goodyear Ballpark-Wikimedia Commons and Mike Padilla under CC-BY 3.0 License

Tim's Two Cents-March 29

The Final Four is Set.  Many brackets have been busted leading up to the Final Four this Saturday in Indianapolis.  My pick of Syracuse to win the whole thing is no more.  The overall favorite Kansas was upset by Northern Iowa.  Kentucky is also gone after losing to West Virginia.

The resulting Final Four is Duke, West Virginia, Butler and Michigan State.  Looking at these teams, I'll take Coach K and Duke to win it all. 

Small Ball Report-March 29

Congratulations to the Cal Poly Pomona Men's Basketball team for winning the Division II Men's Championship on Saturday.

The Broncos won the title with a 65 to 53 victory over Indiana, Pennsylvania.  That's no joke.  There actually is a town called Indiana in Pennsylvania! 

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 29

Joker Marchant Stadium

Lakeland, FL

Opened: 1966
Expanded: 2003
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 7,027
Field Dimensions: Left Field-340 feet, Center Field-420 feet, Right Field-340 feet
Home Teams: Lakeland Tigers (Florida State League FSL), Detroit Tigers (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training), GCL Tigers (GCL)
Events Attended: None

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Tempe, AZ

Opened: 1968
Renovated: 2002
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 9,315 (includes disabled seating, lawn seats, suites and temporary bleachers)
Field Dimensions: Left Field-340 feet, Right Field-360 feet, Center Field-420 feet, Left Center-400 feet, Right Center-400 feet
Home Teams: Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers 1969-1972, Seattle Mariners 1977-1993, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1993-Present
Events Attended: A morning workout before a game a couple years ago.  All of the major stars were there, including Vladdy.

Photos courtesy:
Joker Marchant Stadium-Wikimedia Commons and Mike Russell under CC-SA 3.0 License
Tempe Diablo Stadium-Wikimedia Commons and Brian Halvorsen under CC-BY 2.0 License  

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 23

Ed Smith Stadium

Sarasota, FL

Opened: 1989
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 7,500
Field Dimensions: Left Field-340 feet, Left Center-375 feet, Center Field-400 feet, Right Center-375 feet, Right Field-340 feet
Home Teams: Cincinnati Reds (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1998-2009, Chicago White Sox (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1989-1997, Baltimore Orioles (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1991, 2010-Present, Sarasota Reds (Florida State League, FSL) 1989-Present, GCL Reds (GCL)
Events Attended: None

Camelback Ranch

Glendale, AZ

Opened: March 1, 2009
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 10,000 seats, 3,000 berm (grass) seats.  Holds Cactus League record for largest crowd with 13,506 against the San Diego Padres on March 20, 2010.
Field Dimensions: Left Field-345 feet, Left Center-380 feet, Center Field-410 feet, Right Center-380 feet, Right Field-345 feet
Home Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2009-Present, Chicago White Sox (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2009-Present, Arizona League Dodgers (Arizona League) 2009-Present
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Camelback Ranch-Wikimedia Commons and Nick Panico under CC-SA 3.0 License

Small Ball Report-March 22

On Friday, I went to the first game of a split doubleheader as the La Verne baseball team took on the Loggers of Puget Sound in the California Classic Tournament.

What a game it was as the Leopards beat the Loggers 20 to 10.  The game included a grand slam by Leo first baseman Victor Peinado.  How can I forget about the scoreboard not working.  People were asking me what the score was as the game went along.

La Verne ended up sweeping through the weekend action with victories against Menlo, Rutgers-Newark and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, bringing their record to 13-8 overall.  They will face Cal Lutheran next this Friday in the first of a three game series in Ben Hines Field at 3 PM.

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 22

City of Palms Park

Fort Myers, FL

Opened: 1993
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 8,000 (2008)
Field Dimensions: Left Field-330 feet, Center Field-410 feet, Right Field-330 feet
Home Teams: Boston Red Sox (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training) 1992-Present, GCL Red Sox (GCL) 1992-Present
Events Attended: None

HoHoKam Park

Mesa, AZ

Opened: February 1997
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 12,623
Field Dimensions: Left Field-340 feet, Center Field-410 feet, Right Field-350 feet
Home Teams: Chicago Cubs (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1997-Present, Mesa Solar Sox (AFL) 1997-Present, Mesa Miners (GBL) 2005, Arizona State (Pac-10) 2002
Events Attended: None

Photos courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and HappyHarvick2962 under CC-SA 3.0 License
Wikimedia Commons and Friejose under CC-SA 3.0 License

Tim's Two Cents-March 18

Jim Boeheim

March Madness is Here!  Let's skip the pomp and circumstance and go straight to my Final Four picks:

Midwest Region-#1 Kansas Jayhawks

West Region-#1 Syracuse Orange

East Region-#1 Kentucky Wildcats

South Region-#2 Vilanova Wildcats

National Semifinals:

#1 Kansas Jayhawks Vs. #1 Kentucky Wildcats.  My pick: Bill Self and Kansas.

#1 Syracuse Orange Vs. #2 Vilanova Wildcats.  My pick: Jim Boeheim and Syracuse.

National Championship:

#1 Kansas Jayhawks Vs. #1 Syracuse Orange.  My pick: It's an upset special as Jim Boeheim and the Orange are my 2010 National Champions.

So there you have it.  We shall see how it all turns out in a few weeks' time.  It was also exciting to see a couple of upsets already as Old Dominion beat Notre Dame in an 11 versus 6 matchup and Murray State topping Vanderbilt in a 13 versus 4 tilt.  Let's keep the madness going!

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Darry2385 under CC-SA 3.0 License 

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 18

Champion Stadium

Walt Disney World Resort

 Orlando, FL

Opened: 1997
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 9,500
Field Dimensions: Left Field-335 feet, Left Center-385 feet, Center Field-400 feet, Right Center-385 feet, Right Field-335 feet
Home Teams: Atlanta Braves (MLB Grapefruit League Spring Training), Gulf Coast Braves Gulf Coast League (GCL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) one three game series in 2007 and 2008, Orlando Rays (SL) 2000-2003
Events Attended: None

Tucson Electric Park

Tucson, AZ

Opened: 1998
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 11,500 (8,000 metal seats, 3,000 for lawn seating, 500 for standing areas)
Field Dimensions: Right.Left Field-340 feet, Center Field-405 feet
Home Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1998-Present, Chicago White Sox (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 1998-2008, Tucson Sidewinders Pacific Coast League (PCL), 1998-2008
Events Attended: None

Photos courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Joe Shlabotnik under CC-BY 2.0 License
Wikimedia Commons and Friejose under CC-SA 3.0 License

Angels Forecast-March 18

As we wrap up the 2010 Angels Forecast, today we reach the moment of truth in:

TEAM PREDICTIONS

Dad: Angels come in second behind the Mariners in the AL West and clinch the wild card to get into the playoffs. They wil beat the Minnesota Twins in the Division Series but lose to the New York Yankees in the League Championship Series.

Tim: Like my dad said, the Angels will come in second in the AL West, but not to the Mariners.  Don't get me wrong, the M's have made some pretty big upgrades in the offseason, but I don't think their offense has enough firepower.  Nope, they will finish behind the Texas Rangers who will win 92 games to the Angels 89.  Not only will they fall short of winning the division for the fourth year in a row, but they will also miss out on the wild card spot.  That's right, my team won't make it to the postseason this year.  It will be close all season with Mike Scioscia at the helm once again, but the Halos will fall short.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Googie man under CC-SA 3.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-March 17

After a way too long hiatus, the Wide World of Sports Venues has returned.  The focus now shifts to baseball with Spring Training venues.  Each of the following entries will have two Spring Training venues leading up to Opening Day.

George M. Steinbrenner Field A.K.A Legends Field

Tampa, FL

Opened: 1996
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 11,000
Field Dimensions: Left field-318 feet, Left center-399 feet, Center field-408 feet, Right center-385 feet, Right field-314 feet
Home Teams: New York Yankees (MLB Grapefruit Leage Spring Training) 1996-Present, Tampa Yankees (FSL) 1996-Present, FC Tampa Bay Rowdies (USSF D-2) 2010-Present
Events Attended: None

Surprise Stadium

Surprise, AZ

Opened: 2003
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 10,500
Field Dimensions: Left-350 feet, Center-400 feet, Right-350 feet
Home Teams: Kansas City Royals (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2003-Present, Texas Rangers (MLB Cactus League Spring Training) 2003-Present, Surprise Rafters Arizona Fall League, (AFL) 2007-Present
Events Attended: Texas Rangers game versus the Angels a few years ago.  The Angels won.  

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Oughgh under CC-SA 3.0 License

Angels Forecast-March 17

Here's to a Happy St. Patrick's Day as we continue on with the 2010 Angels Forecast.  Sorry there's no photo.  I looked for one but couldn't find any.

KEY BENCH PLAYERS


Rob Quinlan and Reggie Willits will continue to be used sparingly.

Dad: Willits is a speedy guy who will be used in the late innings and to spell the outfielders while Q will be put in situationally and play first base late in the innings. I don’t expect either to have much to do with the outcome of the season.

My take: Willits will have much more to say about the team's outcome than Q.  He has a good shot to be the Halos fourth outfielder with his speed being a good asset in the late innings.  He's also very patient at the plate often working the count to 3 and 2.

In addition to Willits, another gem to keep an eye on is Peter Bourjos.  He could be another late inning guy used for his speed as a pinch runner.  In Spring action, he's been tearing it up on the basepaths.

Next: Season Predictions.

Angels Forecast-March 15

Today's Angels Forecast consist of:

OUTFIELD

RF – Bobby Abreu – The grizzled veteran showing the undisciplined how to play the game. The Angels got Bobby for a steal last year when he was cast off of the Yankees. Instead of brooding at the low paycheck, Abreu chose to show he still had a lot of gas left in him. A zen master of plate patience, Bobby brought a calming presence to the free-swinging Angels. The biggest free swinger, Vlad Guerrero, was no competition and saw his role diminished to that of designated hitter. Vladdy, one of the best players ever to put on an Angels uniform, is now trying to regain some of his form in Arlington, Texas. Like a great blind date, the ex-Yankee veteran and the Angels hit it off immediately. Bobby was very happy here, played well (.293 BA, 15 HR, 103 RBI, 30 stolen bases), became a fan favorite (probably 2nd only to Torii Hunter), and signed a new, two-year contract the first day it was offered.


Dad: For 2010, I’m looking for a .300 average, 16 HR, 110 RBI, and another 30 stolen bases.


My take: Ditto.


CF – Torii Hunter – The spark plug and heart of the team. Coming over from Twins in 2008, Torii had an instant impact, hitting 21 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 37 doubles to go along with his 19 stolen bases. In 2009 it was 22 HR, 90 RBIs, 26 doubles, and 18 SBs with a .299 batting average. This all went along with some of the most acrobatic defensive play in the league, robbing many a batter’s home run. Torii also took on the role of team spokesman, a happy, smiling face that reporter’s love to quote. He was also a rock for his team, and team mates, last year when rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver. I like to think of Hunter as a fine replacement for my all-time Angel favorite, Darin Erstad who had all the qualities but was a much more reserved personality publicly and wasn’t as good of an offensive player as Hunter.


Dad: For 2010 I think a healthy Torii Hunter with provide 28 HR's, 105 RBIs, 35 doubles, and 25 stolen bases with a .304 batting average.

My take: Those will be pretty good numbers if Hunter is healthy and he will have his share of amazing acrobatic catches.


LF – Juan Rivera – Always underrated and a dangerous batter lurking under there somewhere. Juan had a great career going with the Yankees before being picked up by Montreal. The Angels got him for the biggest malcontent ever to sit on the bench, Jose Guillen, along with Maicer Izturis from the Expos/Nationals (what a deal that turned out to be). He hit 23 home runs in 2006 and looked to be on his way to being a start before he broke his leg in an off-season game in his home in Venezuela. It took some time to regain his position, having to wait behind Garrett Anderson and Gary Matthews, Jr. (who showed how to be unhappy with his position with class…watch and learn Mr. Guillen). In 2009, back in left field full time, Juan hit 25 home runs, 24 doubles, 88 RBIs, with a .287 average.


Dad: At 32, look for a couple of more good years from Rivera. For 2010, 27 HR, 92 RBIs, and a .293 average.

My take: Ditto.
 
DH – Hideki Matsui – Batten down the hatches, Anaheim…Godzilla’s on his way. One of the games premiere power hitters, the big guy from Kanazawa, Japan, will be the Halos full time designated hitter. The Angels have struggled a bit at this position, using it as a rehab assignment for injured outfielders or a position to give those in the field a semi-day off. Now, in Matsui, they have someone who doesn’t mind playing this position (other than Napoli) and someone with massive power. Other than his injury plagued seasons of 2006 (broken wrist) and 2008 (knee surgery) and his debut season of 2003, Matsui has never hit less than 23 home runs in a season with a high of 31 in 2004. In last year’s World Series MVP performance, Matsui earned himself a ring with 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, and a monstrous .615 batting average in 14 plate appearances.
 
Dad: He will probably stay out of the field except to spell injured or tired players, look for Hideki to make the DH role his own with 28 HR, 100 RBIs, and a .290 average.
 
My take: Ditto.
 
In the last post, I forgot to offer my thoughts on Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis. 
 
Napoli will see less playing time since Matsui will occupy his favorite spot at DH.  Look for a .275 average with 18 homers and 60 RBI's.
 
For Mathis, I see a .260 average with 5 HR's and 43 RBI's.
 
Next: Bench.
 
Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and ShawnKball under CC-SA 2.0 License

Angels Forecast-March 11

I'm sorry this is a day late but let's continue with the Angels forecast.

INFIELD


1B – Kendry Morales – I’ve been watching this guy since his debut in single A after his defection from Cuba. I’ve not seen too many players, especially Angels, with the raw power to the bat that Kendry has . Taking over the first base duties after the departure of rent-a-player Mark Texiera, Morales had a breakout year in his first tenure as the full time first baseman. At around 1/20th of Texiera’s salary, Morales hit 34 home runs, 108 RBIs, and 43 doubles with a batting average of .306 (Tex had 39 HR, 122 RBIs, 43 doubles, and a .292 average).

Dad: Look for a slight let off with 31 HR's but still a dominant player on the team.

My take: I like the idea of 31 HR's but there's to be a dip in production.

2B – Howie Kendrick – Howie had a major crisis of confidence last year which led to Scioscia’s dream boy being sent to minor league Salt Lake City to sort it out. Once he came back, look out. Howie caught fire, ending the season with a .291 average, 10 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 21 doubles.

Dad: He’s a career .300 batter so look for him to do much better in 2010 with a .305 average and 15 home runs.

My take: Barring injury, Kendrick will have an average.300 or better with 16 home runs.

SS - Erick Aybar – Meet our new leadoff hitter. At least that’s what I’m predicting. After the departure of the speedy Chone Figgins, Mike Scioscia needed some speed to replace him. Once a free swinger, Aybar started to learn patience at the plate last year which will put the speedy shortstop at the top of the order.

Dad: In 2010, look for 40 walks, 30 stolen bases, and for him to stay north of a .300 average.

My take: 40 walks for Aybar is pretty bold.  Other than that, I agree.

3B – Brandon Wood – This year’s wild card, who knows how Wood will adjust to playing full time in the majors? Long the Angels leading prospect, Brandon kills the ball in the minors but has struggled every time he gets up to the show. Now out of options, it’s put up or shut up time for Brandon.

Dad: This is the hardest prediction to make but with Morales showing what can be done by a rookie and Abreu standing by for casual coaching, let’s look for Wood to get at least a .250 average with 15 home runs.

My take: Ditto.

Maicer Izturis – If Wood chokes on his new role, Izturis stands ready to step in. Maicer will probably take on the old Figgins super utility role providing relief at 2B, SS, and third. Batting .300 last year with 68 RBIs, Izturis is that consistent role player you can count on to move the game along in a positive way. I don’t see any reason he won’t continue.

Dad: For 2010, a .296 average with 8 home runs, 15 stolen bases, 20 doubles and 68 RBIs.

My take: Ditto, except he'll have an average over .300.

C – Jeff Mathis – Rotating catching duties with his roommate, Mike Napoli, Mathis has always been just almost there but never quite. It’s a hard role to follow the great Puerto Rican family catching of Benjie and Jose Molina, but Mathis and Napoli are slowly growing into their roles. Mathis seems to be evolving into the better defensive catcher nailing 26% of the runners trying to steal against him and being a superior pitch caller. His offensive stats are a bit anemic with a .211 batting average, 5 home runs, and 28 RBIs but Jeff showed flashes of brilliance during the playoffs last year hitting .583 with 5 doubles in 12 plate appearances. Don’t expect Mathis to hit like that during the season. More like .225 BA, 5 HR, and 25 RBIs. Do expect him to start more games than Napoli as Scioscia values a good defensive catcher over a good offensive one.

Mike Napoli – If it were up to Mike, he wouldn’t even be playing catcher…he’d much rather be the designated hitter and never take the field. For awhile, it looked like he would be the Angels primary catcher but his enthusiasm behind the plate waned a bit but his batting is blistering when he’s on. He’s hit 20 home runs in both the last two years, with a .272 average and 56 RBIs for 2009. Behind the plate, he puts out 22% of the runners trying to steal and committed 8 errors…not bad but Mathis has to be given the edge. In contrast, in 2003…the last year you could say he caught for the Angels full time…Benjie Molina put out 44% of the thieves, gave up only 4 errors while hitting .276 with 10 home runs, 24 doubles (being the league’s slowest runner, a Benjie Molina double was a triple for someone else…the man had power in his bat), and 71 RBIs. Benjie was also a great situational hitter. For Napoli in 2010, expect his numbers other than batting average to be down due to lack of playing time. Look for a .275 average with 14 home runs, 20 doubles, and 50 RBIs.

Next: Outfield.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and tracie7779 under CC-SA 2.0 License

Small Ball Report-March 9

GSAC Conference

Women's Basketball:

GSAC Tournament-Championship

#1 Vanguard 68, #6 Westment 66

Angels Forecast-March 9

Continuing our in depth look at the 2010 Angels, today we look at:

BULLPEN
Brian Fuentes – This guy is scary and not nearly as good as his league leading 48 saves would suggest. Fuentes does not throw any heat and tries to finesse his way around batters. It worked for awhile, mainly because the American League batters hadn’t seen this former NL closer. Once they had been up against him a few times, they figured him out and the blown saves started to multiply…Fuentes had 7 blown saves, most coming in the second half. Halo fans are not real fond of that style…the Angels have been home to some of baseball’s best closers…Percival, Frankie, and more…who throw with unbelievable heat.

Dad: Now that he’s been in the league for a year, look for his saves to drop rather dramatically to around 30. Manager Mike Scioscia is loyal to his players, so Fuentes will get plenty of rope, but look for Rodney to be promoted to closer sometime after the All Star break and Fuentes to be back on the free agent market next fall.

My take: I don't have anything to add.

Fernando Rodney – The man’s fastball averages over 95 mph. Compare that to Fuentes upper 80s fastball…which he doesn’t even throw that often. That first pitch in the 9th inning is the key to throwing that batter off balance. Remember, he’s been looking at another pitcher for 8 innings. That’s why I think you’re looking at the Angels next closer. In the meantime, he’ll be used as a setup man for Fuentes. Not as many saves as Fuentes you say? He did save 37 games for a team that won 86 games, 23 times on consecutive days, with only 1 blown save.

Dad: Given the way that Scioscia meagerly uses his relievers (Rodney pitched over 75 innings compared to Fuentes 55), Rodney will do well when he steps into the role. In the meantime, look for a less than 3.00 ERA with 10 saves by October.

My take: I like that Rodney saved 37 games in 38 opportunities.  That should bode well for the Halos.

Scott Shields – A real big question mark. The iron man setup guy, Shields proved human last year when an injury he tried to hide limited him to 6.62 ERA (it had never been above 3.86 before) and 1 win.

Dad: He says he’s healthy now, we’ll see. It’s hard to predict, but I’ll say he’ll end up with 5 wins and a 4.02 ERA.

My take: He'll end up on the DL at some point and one of the other relievers will have to step up.  Can Kevin Jepsen report to the mound?
Jason Bulger – One of the two super minor league players who stepped up their game when it counted the most. Bulger had a career high 6 wins last year while cutting his ERA in half to 3.56.

Dad: Look for him to continue his role as a middle reliever and sometime setup man with a 3.75 ERA and 4 wins.

My take: Ditto.
Kevin Jepsen – The talented rookie who along with Bulger, helped pull the Angels up to the division championship. 6 wins, 1 save, and a 4.94 ERA.

Dad: Firmly a middle reliever this year and maybe mop up. Look for an improved ERA of 3.59, 4 wins, and maybe a save.

My take: Ditto, although I think he'll end up with more than one save.
Matt Palmer – I predict Palmer will end up in Anaheim rather the minors due to the fact that he would be the team’s only southpaw in the pen other than Fuentes. Palmer’s a good utility man for the Halos. More of a starter, really, he would seem to be the guy to go to for soaking up innings after a starter’s particularly bad day and also to be put in for an injured starter.

Dad: Look for Palmer to come in for long relief and a left-handed situation in late innings to preserve a lead. 6 wins (mainly to replace an injured starter) and many no decisions.

My take: Palmer, who is not a left hander, could end up getting a lot of work depending on how deep the starting staff goes into games.  He is another good pitcher who the Angels have as part of their exceptional organization depth.  Last year, he ended up with 11 mop up wins last year for a pen that was really shaky. 

Tomorrow's Focus: Infield

Tim's Two Cents-March 8

Lakers in Unfamiliar Territory.  It's finally happened.  The Lakers have lost three straight for the first time in two years with a 96 to 94 loss against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic yesterday.  Not even Ron Artest's new hair do could stop the downward spiral. 

I'm fairly certain that the sports radio scene in Los Angeles is in a panic today.  I am not worried however.  We've seen the Lakers go through this before and they are playing more road games now.  A lot of teams struggle on the road.  They will look to end the losing streak tomorrow against the Toronto Raptors, a team they should beat, at Staples Center. 

Phoyo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Eric Molina from San Francisco, USA, under CC-BY 2.0 License

Angels Forcast-March 8

With the 2010 baseball season fast approaching, it's time to take an in depth look at the Angels to see what 2010 has in store for the Halos.  This is also the debut of my dad as a guest blogger on Tim's Sports World.  So without further adieu, let's begin!

STARTING ROTATION

Jered Weaver – Toiling just under the shadow of John Lackey and greatness, I think this is Weaver’s year to break out. When he’s on, he’s pretty much unhittable. Now he’s going to be the Big Man on Campus (BMOC) and should be setting the pace…as the ace…of this pitching staff.

Dad: Many lament about losing Big John in such a traitorous way to the Red Sox, but I think Jered will be a 20 game winner and we’ll be asking “John who?” come October. 

My take: Jered will emerge as the staff ace, but I think 20 wins is a little bit of a stretch, but anything's possible.  He'll be very close to 20 wins with the final total of 18. 

Joel Pineiro – A career 4.39 ERA with one of his better years last year on the Cards with a 3.49 ERA. Joel’s stats are up and down with his time in MLB shared between Seattle, Boston, and St. Louis. What’s different now? Last year he learned a new pitch…a 2 seamer …and became one of the better ground ball inducers in the league.

Dad: No reason to think he’ll regress to his Mariner days when he averaged around a 5 ERA. 16 game winner for 2010. 

My take: Pineiro will definitely get his share of ground balls and 16 wins seems to be about right.

Scott Kazmir – The 36 year old showed his age last year with a 4.89 ERA compare to an average around 3.50 the 5 years prior.

Dad: Kazmir did do better in the second half, as did the team in general after the tragedies and injuries that plagued the beginning of the season. A good pitcher, but not great. 12 wins in 2010.

My take: After Kazmir was acquired last year, he pitched pretty well down the stretch, but did not get enough run support.  In the postseason, he wasn't as good.  Kazwir will win 13 to 14 games in 2010.
 
Ervin Santana – When he’s hot, he’s hot. When he’s not, he’s really not. After a whiny and depressing 2007, Santana was light’s out in 2008 when he won 16 games as opposed to 7 the year before. Last year, injuries plagued the flighty Dominican, and he again lost his form dropping to 8 wins with a 5.03 ERA.

Dad: Ervin seems to be in the same place he was at the beginning of 2008, hungry and determined. 12 wins but an injury in the summer will slow his pace and Matt Palmer will take his place in the rotation (how’s that for a specific prediction?).

My take: Santana has had great success in even-numbered years.  Last time I checked, this is 2010.  If that is any indication, Ervin is due for a successful campaign. He'll end up with 15 wins. 

Joe Saunders – Hokie Joe is a workingman's pitcher. Tough and determined, he muscled his way onto the All Start team in 2008.

Dad: His form dropped a little last year but he only lost one more game than the year before; 16 compared to 17. Look for Joe to win 18 this year.

My take: Saunders will look to rebound from an off year in 2009 where he was pitching with an injury.  He'll end up with 17 to 18 wins.

Tomorrow's Focus-Bullpen.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Tzadikv under CC-SA 3.0 License

Small Ball Report-March 4

SCIAC Conference

Sophomore swimmer Tyler Harp of Redlands was named SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week yesterday.  Harp won the SCIAC Men's Athlete of the Year for swimming and diving for the second time in as many years following the 2010 SCIAC Swimming and Diving Championships, which occured from Sunday, February 21, through Tuesday, February 23.  He took home the conference title in three individual events and participated on four first-place relays.  Harp acheived an NCAA "A" cut in the 200 freestyle (1:39.32) and clocked NCAA "B" standards in the 50 freestyle (20.77) and the 100 freestyle (45.30).  He also competed on four of Redlands' first-place relays (200 freestyle relay, 1:23.49; 200 medley relay, 1:33.21; 800 freestyle relay, 6:46.10; and 400 freestyle relay, 3:03.78), all of which gained NCAA "B" qualification.  Harp lowered the program and SCIAC overall standard in the 200 freestyle, while his 200 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay teams also set program and SCIAC overall marks.

Freshman swimmer Allie Bollella of Redlands was named SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week yesterday.  Bollella earned the SCIAC Women's Athlete of the Year Award after winning three individual events and competing on four relays that placed among the top two at the 2010 SCIAC Swimming and Diving Championships.  Bollella clocked an NCAA "A" qualifying time in the 200 freestyle (1:52.33) and registered NCAA "B" marks in the 50 freestyle (23.70, preliminaries) and the 100 freestyle (51.79).  She contributed her skills to four Bulldog relays (200 freestyle relay, second place, 1:36.69; 200 medley relay, second place, 1:50.10; 800 freestyle relay, first place, 7:42.42; and 400 freestyle relay, second place, 3:30.70), three of which met NCAA "B" qualification.  In addition, she set three individual program records and three relay program records while lowering the SCIAC meet standards in the 50 freestyle, the 100 freestyle, the 200 freestyle and the 800 freestyle relay.  Also, her 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle performances eclipsed the former SCIAC standards in those respective events.

GSAC Conference

Women's Basketball:

GSAC Tournament-First Round

#1 Vanguard 95, #8 Concordia 67
Upset Alert-#7 Hope International 76, #2 Azusa Pacific 67
Upset Alert-#6 Westmont 64, #3 Point Loma Nazarene 62
#4 Biola 81, #5 The Masters 56

    

Garrett Anderson Lands With the Dodgers

The former Angel and now former Brave has a new home in Chavez Ravine.  As an avid Angel fan, this news cracks me up.  It seems unclear to me what kind of impact he'll have on a minor league deal.  I hope your contract doesn't bounce under Frank McCourt.  Note to Anderson, you do know that he's going through a very expensive divorce.  I guess you were really desperate for a job!  This signing doesn't sting as much as Lackey with Boston.  It's more funny than hurtful.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Keith Allison under CC-SA 2.0 License

Small Ball Report-March 2

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Dan Rasp of Westmont was named the GSAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week yesterday.  The Junior Forward had 38 points (19.0 points per game), 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocked shots as Westmont won both of its conference games last week.  For the week, he shot 14-for-24 from the field, including 2-for-6 from 3-point range, and 8-for-11 at the free throw line.  In the win against No. 15 Fresno Pacific, Rasp had 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.  In the win at Vanguard, he scored 21 points and had 5 rebounds and 3 assists.  The Warriors have won 7 straight and are tied for third place going into the final regular-season conference game.

Monday's Scores

Fresno Pacific 80, The Masters 59
Concordia 89, San Diego Christian 57
California Baptist 74, Vanguard 71
Biola 61, Hope International 57
Azusa Pacific 78, Westmont 75

Standings:

Concordia 18-2 GSAC, 28-2 overall
Biola 16-4 GSAC, 26-4 overall
Azusa Pacific 14-6 GSAC, 21-9 overall
Fresno Pacific 13-7 GSAC, 23-7 overall
Westmont 13-7 GSAC, 21-8 overall
California Baptist 11-9 GSAC, 18-12 overall
The Masters 11-9 GSAC, 18-12 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-15 GSAC, 8-20 overall
San Diego Christian 5-15 GSAC, 7-23 overall
Vanguard 4-16 GSAC, 5-21 overall
Hope International 0-20 GSAC, 4-26 overall

GSAC Tournament starts Thursday.

Women's Basketball:

Bridgette Reyes of Vanguard was named the GSAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week yesterday.  The Senior Guard averaged 26 points, 6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals in 2 conference wins for No. 3 Vanguard last week.  Reyes was 18-for-26 from the field, including 2-for-4 from the 3-point arc, and 14-for-16 at the free throw line.  In the win at Concordia, Reyes had 25 points, on 8-for-9 shooting, as well as 9 assists, 7 steals and 6 rebounds.  In the victory against Westmont, she had 27 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.  She leads the Lions in scoring, assists, steals and free throws made this seasons.

Monday's Scores

Concordia 87, San Diego Christian 80
The Masters 81, Fresno Pacific 69
Azusa Pacific 82, Westmont 74
Vanguard 86, California Baptist 50
Biola 73, Hope International 62

Standings:

Vanguard 18-2 GSAC, 22-2 overall
Azusa Pacific 18-2 GSAC, 25-5 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 17-3 GSAC, 26-3 overall
Biola 14-6 GSAC, 19-10 overall
The Masters 11-9 GSAC, 16-12 overall
Westmont 9-11 GSAC, 16-12 overall
Hope International 7-13 GSAC, 12-18 overall
Concordia 5-15 GSAC, 12-16 overall
California Baptist 5-15 GSAC, 12-18 overall
Frenso Pacific 5-15 GSAC, 9-21 overall
San Diego Christian 1-19 GSAC, 4-25 overall

GSAC Tournament starts tomorrow.

Tim's Two Cents-March 1

Looking Back on 2010 Winter Games.  The two and a half week spectacle was quite a memorable one. 

Here are a few things that caught my eye:

-The Men's Hockey Tournament was amazing.  Congratulations to Canada for winning the gold medal in a sport that they were supposed to win.  The United States had a heck of a run but I don't think anyone really expected them to beat Canada for the gold medal.  There was a glimmer of hope when Zach Parise scored the equalizer with 24.4 seconds remaining in regulation, but when Sidney Crosby scored the game winner in overtime, I came back down to Earth.  Once the game was over, I switched the channel to the Laker game to see them come back to beat the Nuggets.  I didn't even see the medals ceremony.

-Apollo Ohno continued his dominance in short track speed skating.  We've seen him do real well before in the Olympics.  He's the Michael Phelps of the Winter Olympics.

-Curling is an enjoyable sport that doesn't make sense.  I just watched it for comedic relief.

-USA, not Canada, owned the podium.  We ended up with 37 medals to Canada's 26.  Canada did win the most gold medals with 14 to USA's 9 but we got the last laugh.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Marilyn Burgess from Vacouver, Canada under CC-SA 2.0 License

Small Ball Report-March 1

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

SCIAC Tournament Final

Pomona-Pitzer 53, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 57

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

SCIAC Tournament Final

Redlands 55, Occidental 54 (OT)

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Concordia 63, Fresno Pacific 59
Westmont 88, Vanguard 69
Biola 58, California Baptist 45
The Masters 72, Point Loma Nazarene 61
San Diego Christian 59, Hope International 55

Concordia 17-2 GSAC, 27-2 overall
Biola 15-4 GSAC, 25-4 overall
Westmont 13-6 GSAC, 21-7 overall
Azusa Pacific 13-6 GSAC, 20-9 overall
Fresno Pacific 12-7 GSAC, 22-7 overall
The Masters 11-8 GSAC, 18-11 overall
California Baptist 10-9 GSAC, 17-12 overall
San Diego Christian 5-14 GSAC, 7-22 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-15 GSAC, 8-20 overall
Vanguard 4-15 GSAC, 5-20 overall
Hope International 0-19 GSAC, 4-25 overall

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Fresno Pacific 84, Concordia 77
Vanguard 94, Westmont 80
Biola 82, California Baptist 60
Point Loma Nazarene 83, The Masters 62
Hope International 65, San Diego Christian 61

Standings:

Vanguard 17-2 GSAC, 21-2 overall
Azusa Pacific 17-2 GSAC, 24-5 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 17-3 GSAC, 26-3 overall
Biola 13-6 GSAC, 18-10 overall
The Masters 10-9 GSAC, 15-12 overall
Westmont 9-10 GSAC, 16-11 overall
Hope International 7-12 GSAC, 12-17 overall
California Baptist 5-14 GSAC, 12-17 overall
Fresno Pacific 5-14 GSAC, 9-20 overall
Concordia 4-15 GSAC, 11-16 overall
San Diego Christian 1-18 GSAC, 4-24 overall

Citrus College Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Score

Citrus College 81, Santa Ana 65 (Playoffs)

Pasadena City College Athletics

Women's Basketball:

Friday's Score

SoCal Playoffs, Bracket IV Semifinals

PCC 76, Irvine Valley 55

Mt. SAC Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC, 67, Cerritos 65 (Playoffs)

Women's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC 76, Mt San Jacinto 65 (Playoffs)

ECHL Hockey

The Ontario Reign's fortunes have changed.  They beat the Utah Grizzlies 7 to 3 and 3 to 1 on Friday and Saturday.  They followed that up with a 2 to nothing shutout over the Bakersfield Condors stretching their current win streak to 5.  They are now 24-25-3 this season.  They will look to extend the streak to 6 games at home against the Las Vegas Wranglers this Friday at 7:30.   

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 27

General Motors Place

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Was named Canada Hockey Place during the Olympics because corporate sponsor names are not allowed.

Opened: September 21, 1995
Construction Cost: $160 Million (Canadian Currency)
Capacity: Ice Hockey-18,810 Basketball-19,700 Concert-19,000
Home Teams: Vancouver Canucks (NHL) 1995-Present, Vancouver Grizzlies, now Memphis Grizzlies, (NBA) 1995-2001, Vancouver Ravens (NLL) 2001-2004, Vancouver Voodoo (RHI) 1996, 2010 Winter Olympics (Ice Hockey Venue)
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Buchanan-Hermit under CC-BY 2.0 License

Small Ball Report-February 27

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

SCIAC Tournament Semifinal-Friday's Scores

Occidental 62, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 65
Cal Lutheran 71, Pomona Pitzer 74 (2OT)

Women's Basketball:

SCIAC Tournament Semifinal-Thursday's Scores

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 69, Occidental 72
Cal Lutheran 61, Redlands 63

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Junior Guard Justin Johnson of Concordia was named GSAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week last Monday.  Johnson scored 37 points (18.5 points per game) to go along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals as No. 3-ranked Concordia won both of its conference games and increased its lead in the GSAC standings.  For the week, Johnson was 12-for-22 from the field, including 2 made 3-pointers, and was 11-for-14 at the line.  In the win at Point Loma Nazarene, he had 16 points and 3 assists.  In Cocordia's homecoming win over No. 4 Biola, Johnson had 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  Johnson is third in the conference averaging 17.2 points per game this season. 

Thursday's Scores

Azusa 103 (13-6 GSAC, 20-9 overall), San Diego Christian 70 (4-14 GSAC, 6-22 overall)

Women's Basketball:

Senior Guard Liah Ector of Point Loma Nazarene was named GSAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week last Monday.  Ector tallied 42 points (21.0 points per game), 25 rebounds (12.5 rebounds per game), 11 assists (5.5 assists per game), 3 steals and 3 blocks as No. 8 Point Loma Nazarene won both of its GSAC games last week.  For the week, she shot 12-for-21 from the field, and 18-for-25 at the free throw line.  Against Concordia Ector scored 17 points with 9 rebounds and 4 assists.  At Westmont she scored 26 points, 11 coming from the stripe, and grabbed 16 boards while dishing out 7 assists, blocking 3 shots and grabbing a pair of steals.  Ector was also named the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Player of the Week.

Thursday's Scores

Azusa Pacific 80 (17-2 GSAC, 24-5 overall), San Diego Christian 62 (1-17 GSAC, 4-23 overall)

ECHL Hockey

Ontario Reign 7, Utah Grizzlies 3

Small Ball Report-February 25

SCIAC Conference

Senior Forward Kyle Knudsen of the Cal Lutheran basketball team was named SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week yesterday.  With the Kingsmen basketball team in a must win situation, Knudsen stepped up with 26 points in each game leading CLU to victories over Redlands and Whittier to keep hopes for the SCIAC Tournament alive.  Against Redlands, he played all 40 minutes, went 8-for-11 from the field, 3-for-3 from three and 7-for-7 at the free throw line.  His 26 points led all scorers and his three blocks and three steals were game highs as well.  In another crucial game at Whittier, he poured in 26 points again.  Knudsen was 7-for-10 from the field, 4-for-5 from three and 8-for-8 at the free throw line.  He added four assists while playing 37 minutes.  For the week, Knudsen shot 15-for-21, 7-for-8 from three and 15-for-15 at the charity stripe with six assists and six steals.

Senior Center Cameron Hanson of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps basketball team was named SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week yesterday.  Hanson averaged a double-double as CMS went 2-0 to secure a spot in the SCIAC Tournament after being three games down with four to play.  In Thursday's must win at Whittier, she had 12 points, nine rebounds, six steals and three blocks as CMS won 80 to 61.  In Saturday's home finale against Pomona-Pitzer, she scored 10 points and added 13 rebounds, three blocks and three steals as CMS won 65 to 51.  She shot 61% (7/13) from the field in the two games.  In SCIAC play, she averages 8.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

I will post GSAC Athletes of the Week tomorrow.  

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 24

BankAtlantic Center

Sunrise, FL

Opened: October 3, 1998
Construction Cost: $185 Million
Capacity: Basketball-20,737 Ice Hockey-19,250 Concerts-15,207-21,371 for End-Stage Concerts, 22,457 for Center-Stage Concerts
Home Teams: Florida Panthers (NHL) 1998-Present, Florida Pit Bulls (ABA) 2005-2006, Florida Bobcats (AFL) 1999-2001, Florida ThunderCats (NPSL) 1998-1999, Miami Caliente (LFL) 2009-Present
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Douglas Whitaker under CC-BY 2.5 License

Small Ball Report-February 24

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Westmont 67, Fresno Pacific 63
Concordia 80, Vanguard 52
California Baptist 62, Point Loma Nazarene 57
Azusa Pacific 89, Hope International 51
Biola 65, The Masters 51

Standings:

Concordia 16-2 GSAC, 26-2 overall
Biola 14-4 GSAC, 24-4 overall
Fresno Pacific 12-6 GSAC, 22-6 overall
Westmont 12-6 GSAC, 20-7 overall
Azusa Pacific 12-6 GSAC, 19-9 overall
California Baptist 10-8 GSAC, 17-11 overall
The Masters 10-8 GSAC, 17-11 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-14 GSAC, 8-19 overall
San Diego Christian 4-13 GSAC, 6-21 overall
Vanguard 4-14 GSAC, 5-19 overall
Hope International 0-18 GSAC, 4-24 overall

Women's Basketball:

Vanguard 97, Concordia 70
Westmont 73, Fresno Pacific 59
Point Loma Nazarene 80, California Baptist 70 (OT)
Azusa Pacific 74, Hope International 72
Biola 73, The Masters 63

Standings:

Vanguard 16-2 GSAC, 20-2 overall
Azusa Pacific 16-2 GSAC, 23-5 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 16-3 GSAC, 25-3 overall
Biola 12-6 GSAC, 17-10 overall
The Masters 10-8 GSAC, 15-11 overall
Westmont 9-9 GSAC, 16-10 overall
Hope International 6-12 GSAC, 11-17 overall
California Baptist 5-13 GSAC, 12-16 overall
Concordia 4-14 GSAC, 11-15 overall
Frsno Pacific 4-14 GSAC, 7-21 overall
San Diego Christian 1-16 GSAC, 4-22 overall

Update:

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Occidental 54, Pomona-Pitzer 55
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 67, Cal Lutheran 74
Upset Alert-Redlands 76, La Verne 88.  Didn't see that one coming.
Whittier 93, Caltech 61

Standings:

Claemont-Mudd-Scripps 11-3 SCIAC, 19-6 overall
Occidental 9-5 SCIAC, 17-8 overall
Cal Lutheran 9-5 SCIAC, 15-10 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 9-5 SCIAC, 13-12 overall
Redlands 8-6 SCIAC, 12-13 overall
Whittier 5-9 SCIAC, 11-13 overall
La Verne 5-9 SCIAC, 9-16 overall
Caltech 0-14 SCIAC, 0-25 overall

Women's Basketball:

Pomona-Pitzer 54 (1-13 SCIAC, 5-19 overall), Chapman 83

Tim's Two Cents-February 23

Vin must be hurting inside!

Dodgers Divorce Soap Opera Continues Toward Downward Spiral.  Many Dodger fans are waking up this morning to find out that Dodger ownership, (ahem Frank McCourt) is planning to increase ticket prices over the next eight years while spending less on players according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. 

I'm not surprised one bit that this is happening.  Face reality Dodger fans, Frank McCourt's main objective is to run the Dodgers as cheaply as possible, divorce or not.  Give it time and the Dodgers could be a team where you may not know who the players are because there will be no household names on the team.  By the way, enjoy Manny Roidmirez while it lasts because he won't be there next year.  Even he knows it.  Just to remind you, it wasn't a pretty sight the last time Manny played under an expiring contract. 

It is becoming clear, if it isn't already, that Frank McCourt is running the Dodgers more like a businessman who wants to turn a profit rather than improve the quality of the product.  That is not the way to run a storied franchise like the Dodgers.  I'm not shy in my dislike for the Dodgers, but I know this is the wrong way to run the team.  Frank McCourt will soon find out that if you continue to raise ticket prices without improving the product, fans will become frustrated and find entertainment elsewhere.  What would definitely be the last straw for many fans would be if McCourt decided to get rid of Vin Scully to cheapen the product even more.  There would be a major rebellion if that were to happen. 

So to those Dodger fans who wonder about the team's future, enjoy what you have while it lasts because it could ugly very soon.      

Poto courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Craig Y. Fujii under CC-BY-SA 3.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 23

St. Pete Times Forum

Tampa, FL

Opened: October 20, 1996
Construction Cost: $139 Million
Capacity: Ice Hockey-19,758 Basketball-20,500 Concert-21,500 Arena Football-19,500
Home Teams: Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) 1996-Present, Tampa Breeze (LFL) 2009-Present, Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) 1997-Present, NHL All Star Game (NHL) 1999, ACC Men's Basketball Tournament (NCAA) 2007, NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four (NCAA) 2008, NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four (NCAA) 2009, NCAA Men's Frozen Four (NCAA) 2012
Events Attended: None

Tim's Two Cents-February 22

Goalie Ryan Miller as Member of the Buffalo Sabres

Canada Versus U.S. Lives Up to the Hype.  It was one heck of a game as the U.S. beat Canada 5 to 3 yesterday.  It seemed a lot more physical than any women's hockey game. 

Goalie Ryan Miller was outstanding in front of the net making spectacular save after spectacular save.  As far as Canada's situation, they were the more aggressive team but they didn't seem to get many breaks.  The star power of the game was like watching an NHL game because every player is on an NHL team.  Call me crazy, but I thought it was more exciting than a regular season NHL game.  It was surprising that Martin Brodeur allowed as he did for Canada, given the career he has had up to this point.

So Canada continues to have an underwheming games in their home.  Good luck to USA in the next round against either Switzerland or Belarus. 

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and kicksave2930 under CC-BY 2.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 22

Amway Arena

Orlando, FL

It was known as TD Waterhouse Centre from 1999-2006

Opened: January 29, 1989
Construction Cost: $98 Million
Capacity: Basketball-17,519 Arena Football-15,924 Ice Hockey-15,948 Circus-15,788 Ice Skating-16,882 Concerts-17,740 End Stage, 18,039 Center Stage
Home Teams: Orlando Magic (NBA) 1989-2010, Orlando Titans (NLL) 2010, Orlando Predators (AFL/AF1) 1991-2008, 2010, Orlando Sharks (MISL) 2007-2008, Orlando Miracle (WNBA) 1999-2002, Orlando Solar Bears (IHL) 1995-2001, Orlando Seals (ACHL/WHA2) 2002-2004
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Flcelloguy under CC-SA 3.0 License

Small Ball Report-February 22

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Pomona-Pitzer 70, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 56
Cal Lutheran 78, Whittier 71
Redlands 65, Occidental 74
Caltech 46, La Verne 95

Standings:

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 11-2 SCIAC, 19-5 overall
Occidental 9-4 SCIAC, 17-7 overall
Cal Lutheran 8-5 SCIAC, 14-10 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 8-5 SCIAC, 12-12 overall
Redlands 8-5 SCIAC, 12-12 overall
Whittier 4-9 SCIAC, 10-13 overall
La Verne 4-9 SCIAC, 8-16 overall
Caltech 0-13 SCIAC, 0-24 overall

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Pomona-Pitzer 51, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 65
Cal Lutheran 69, Whittier 64
Redlands 66, Occidental 54
Caltech 37, La Verne 73

Standings:

Occidental 12-2 SCIAC, 20-5 overall
Redlands 12-2 SCIAC, 20-5 overall
Cal Lutheran 11-3 SCIAC, 19-6 overall
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 7-7 SCIAC, 16-9 overall
Whittier 6-8 SCIAC, 13-12 overall
La Verne 5-9 SCIAC, 12-13 overall
Caltech 2-12 SCIAC, 6-19 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 1-13 SCIAC, 5-18 overall

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Fresno Pacific 67, San Diego Christian 60
Concordia 70, Biola 61
Westmont 62, Point Loma Nazarene 46
The Masters 60, Hope International 42
Azusa Pacific 83, Vanguard 59

Standings:

Concordia 15-2 GSAC, 25-2 overall
Biola 13-4 GSAC, 23-4 overall
Fresno Pacific 12-5 GSAC, 22-5 overall
Westmont 11-6 GSAC, 19-7 overall
Azusa Pacific 11-6 GSAC, 18-9 overall
The Masters 10-7 GSAC, 17-10 overall
California Baptist 9-8 GSAC, 16-11 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-13 GSAC, 8-18 overall
San Diego Christian 4-13 GSAC, 6-21 overall
Vanguard 4-13 GSAC, 5-18 overall
Hope International 0-17 GSAC, 4-23 overall

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Fresno Pacific 70, San Diego Christian 66
Concordia 67, Biola 66 (OT)
Point Loma Nazarene 88, Westmont 76
Hope International 63, The Masters 59
Upset Alert-Vanguard 88, Azusa Pacific 63

Standings:

Vanguard 15-2 GSAC, 19-2 overall
Azusa Pacific 15-2 GSAC, 22-5 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 15-3 GSAC, 24-3 overall
Biola 11-6 GSAC, 16-10 overall
The Masters 10-7 GSAC, 15-10 overall
Westmont 8-9 GSAC, 15-10 overall
Hope International 6-11 GSAC, 11-16 overall
California Baptist 5-12 GSAC, 12-15 overall
Concordia 4-13 GSAC, 11-14 overall
Fresno Pacific 4-13 GSAC, 7-20 overall
San Diego Christian 1-16 GSAC, 4-22 overall

Citrus College Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Score

Citrus College 73 (12-0 CCAA, 26-2 overall) Canyons 66

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Score

Canyons 78, Citrus College 61 (7-5 CCAA, 15-13 overall)

ECHL Hockey

The Ontario Reign are on a winning streak as they beat the Idaho Steelheads 5 to 4 in overtime on Saturday and the Bakersfield Condors 6-4 yesterday.  Their next game is Friday against the Utah Grizzlies at 7:30 in Ontario.

Tim's Two Cents-February 20

Tiger Woods Dominates Newscasts.  Unless you live under a rock, it was pretty hard to not see or hear about Tiger Woods.  Coverage of his first public statement since Thanksgiving was everywhere. 

Like most people, I thought he was a bit robotic, but from what I've heard that's how he is anyway.   Woods deserves credit for owning up to what he did and admitting it was wrong.  It was refreshing to see an athlete admit their mistakes for a change a la Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte.  Are you listening Roger Clemens? 

In terms of wanting to hear more about the situation, I say leave the man alone.  He did enough yesterday in his statement.  I'm sure he's already been through a lot.

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Keith Allison under CC-SA 2.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 20

American Airlines Arena

Miami, FL

Opened: December 31, 1999
Construction Cost: $213 Million
Capacity-19,600 with upper levels, 16,000 without upper levels, can be configured in five ways with a minimum of 5,000 and a maximum of 20,000
Home Teams: Miami Heat (NBA) 2000-Present, Miami Sol (WNBA) 2000-2002
Events Attended: None

Small Ball Report-February 20

SCIAC Conference

Freshman Andrew Fevery of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps diving team was named SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week on Wednesday.  Fevery won both boards at the SCIAC Diving Preliminaries.  He dominated one meter on Saturday with a score of 427.65 which is an NCAA qualifying score.  He won by 58.65.  He also won the 3 meter on Sunday with a score of 437.65, just shy of another NCAA qualifying score.

Junior Sarah Sharpe of the Occidental diving team was named SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week on Wednesday.  Sharpe was victorious at the 2010 diving preliminaries, winning both the 3-meter and 1-meter events.  On day one, she scored a 385.05 in the 3-meter, more than 40 points better than second place, which went to teammate Marisa Pulcrano.  Sharpe's highest score of the day came on her inward one and a half somersault, pike, as she received 7.0's across the board.  Another solid dive for the Junior transfer was her reverse one and a half somersault, tuck, which she received a pair of 7.0's and a 6.5 on.  Sharpe also scored 7.0's from at least one judge on her back dive.  On day two, she also came away with the top spot.  The biggest dive of the dive came on her second to last dive, an inward dive, pike, which she received scores of 8.0's or above from five of the seven judges.  Sharpe also earned scores of 8.0 on her front one and a half somersault, pike, and her inward one and a half somersault, pike.  She was just a few points away from an NCAA provisional qualifying score in both events.

Women's Basketball:

Thursday's Scores

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 80, Whittier 61
Redlands 69, Cal Lutheran 40
Upset Alert-Pomona-Pitzer 54, Caltech 61
La Verne 41, Occidental 76.  Ouch, the losses just keep piling up.

Standings:

Occidental 12-1 SCIAC, 20-4 overall
Redlands 11-2 SCIAC, 19-5 overall
Cal Lutheran 10-3 SCIAC, 18-6 overall
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 6-7 SCIAC, 15-9 overall
Whittier 6-7 SCIAC, 13-11 overall
La Verne 4-9 SCIAC, 11-13 overall
Caltech 2-11 SCIAC, 6-18 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 1-12 SCIAC, 5-17 overall

Caltech is out of the cellar!  I don't know if I should be excited for them or feel sorry for Pomona-Pitzer.  Then again, why should I feel sorry for any team in sports?

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Thursday's Scores

California Baptist 69 (9-8 GSAC, 16-11 overall), The Masters 62 (9-7 GSAC, 16-10 overall)

Women's Basketball:

Thursday's Scores

The Masters 82 (10-6 GSAC, 15-9 overall), California Baptist 71 (5-12 GSAC, 12-15 overall)

Mt. SAC Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC 89 (8-0 SCC, 24-4 overall), East L.A. 60

Women's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC 91 (7-1 SCC, 22-6 overall), East L.A. 64

ECHL Hockey

Idaho Steelheads 1, Ontario Reign 4.  It's about time they got a win!  The two teams play each other again tonight in Ontario at 6.

Tim's Two Cents-February 18

Guess Who's Coming Out of Hiding?  I guess the time has come for Tiger Woods to dust himself off and make his first public appearance since his "accident" last November.  The press conference will be at 11 AM ET tomorrow.  It is going to be one of those days where ESPN will have wall-to-wall coverage throughout the day on its networks. 

As for addressing the media, Woods will probably make a statement "apologizing" for his actions over the last few months as well as discuss his future plans.  He supposedly won't take any questions, so it shouldn't really be considered a press conference to begin with.  For those of you looking for Tiger to give a heartfelt apology, it ain't gonna happen. 

Here's another thought.  You may say that you're never going to watch Tiger on the golf course ever again no matter what, but let's be honest, you will!  Anyone who says otherwise is lying through their teeth.  I know that whatever golf event Tiger chooses to make his comeback at, I'll watch.  That's saying something because I don't follow golf, Tiger or no Tiger.  Depending on what he has to say, we know one thing for certain.  When Tiger returns, the ratings for golf will see a huge increase whether we like Tiger or not.

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 18

Philips Arena

Atlanta, GA

Opened: September 1999
Construction Cost: $213.5 Million
Capacity: Basketball-19,445 Ice Hockey-18,545 Concerts-21,000+
Home Teams: Atlanta Hawks (NBA) 1999-Present, Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) 1999-Present, Atlanta Dream (WNBA) 2008-Present, Georgia Force (AFL) 2002, 2005-2007
Events Attended: None

Small Ball Report-February 18

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Redlands 72, Cal Lutheran 84
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 67, Whittier 54
Pomona-Pitzer 88, Caltech 41
La Verne 62, Occidental 79

Standings:

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 11-1 SCIAC, 19-4 overall
Occidental 8-4 SCIAC, 16-7 overall
Redlands 8-4 SCIAC, 12-11 overall
Cal Lutheran 7-5 SCIAC, 13-10 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 7-5 SCIAC, 11-12 overall
Whittier 4-8 SCIAC 10-12 overall
La Verne 3-9 SCIAC, 7-16 overall
Caltech 0-12 SCIAC, 0-23 overall

Citrus College Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Citrus College 88 (11-0 CCAA, 25-2 overall), West L.A. 39

Women's Basketball:

Citrus College 76 (7-4 CCAA, 15-12 overall), West L.A. 49

Pasadena City College/Mt. SAC Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Mt. SAC 94, PCC 82

Women's Basketball:

PCC 64, Mt. SAC 62

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 17

RBC Center

Raleigh, NC

Opened: October 29, 1999
Construction Cost: $158 Million
Capacity: Basketball 19,722 Ice Hockey-18,680
Home Teams: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) 1999-Present, NC State Wolfpack Men's Basketball (NCAA)
Events Attended: None

Small Ball Report-February 17

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Fresno Pacific 85, Azusa Pacific 75
Concordia 77, Point Loma Nazarene 68
California Baptist 73, Hope International 55
Upset Alert-Westmont 75, Biola 70
San Diego Christian 76, Vanguard 64

Standings:

Concordia 14-2 GSAC, 24-2 overall
Biola 13-3 GSAC, 23-3 overall
Fresno Pacific 11-5 GSAC, 21-5 overall
Westmont 10-6 GSAC, 18-7 overall
Azusa Pacific 10-6 GSAC, 17-9 overall
The Masters 9-6 GSAC, 16-9 overall
California Baptist 8-8 GSAC, 15-11 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-12 GSAC, 8-17 overall
San Diego Christian 4-12 GSAC, 6-20 overall
Vanguard 4-12 GSAC, 5-17 overall
Hope International 0-16 GSAC, 4-22 overall

Women's Basketball:

Biola 73, Westmont 62
Vanguard 93, San Diego Christian 62
Azusa Pacific 75, Fresno Pacific 65
Hope International 100, California Baptist 96 (3 OT)
Point Loma Nazarene 68, Concordia 41

Standings:

Azusa Pacific 15-1 GSAC, 22-4 overall
Vanguard 14-2 GSAC, 18-2 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 14-3 GSAC, 23-3 overall
Biola 11-5 GSAC, 16-9 overall
The Masters 9-6 GSAC, 14-9 overall
Westmont 8-8 GSAC, 15-9 overall
California Baptist 5-11 GSAC, 12-14 overall
Hope International 5-11 GSAC, 10-16 overall
Concordia 3-13 GSAC, 10-14 overall
Fresno Pacific 3-13 GSAC, 6-20 overall
San Diego Christian 1-15 GSAC, 4-21 overall

Tim's Two Cents-February 17

Amare Stoudemire Headed to Cleveland?  This may seem like a good move on the surface as the NBA Trade Deadline nears.  I am not a fan of this possible move.  This has all the signs of a desperation move on Cleveland's part.  It's getting to the point where I wish LeBron would leave the Cavs no matter what happens. 

It's also not a good move to make organizational decisions just to appease one player.  Last time I checked, one player doesn't make a team good.  Remember this Cavs, there's no "I" in "Team."

Meanwhile, the Lakers keep rolling without Kobe as they won their fourth straight without the Black Mamba against the Golden State Warriors 104 to 94 last night.  Keep it up Purple and Gold!

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA, under CC-SA 2.0 License

Wide World of Sports Venues-February 16

Time Warner Cable Arena

Charlotte, NC

Opened: October 21, 2005
Construction Cost: $260 Million (estimated)
Capacity: Basketball-19,026 (expandable to 20,200), ECHL Hockey-14,100 Pro-wrestling-20,200 (maximum), Cocerts-End stage 180 degrees-13,376 End stage 270 degrees-15,236 End stage 360 degrees-18,249 Center stage-18,504 Theatre-4,000-7,000
Home Teams: Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) 2005-Present, Charlotte Checkers (AHL) 2010-Future, Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) 2005-2010, Charlotte Sting (WNBA) 2005-2007, Charlotte 49ers (NCAA) occasional, Davidson Wildcats (NCAA) occasional, 2008 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament
Events Attended: None

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Blueboy96 under CC-SA 3.0 License

Small Ball Report-February 16

SCIAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 76, La Verne 67
Whittier 88, Redlands 77
Cal Lutheran 65, Pomona-Pitzer 62
Occidental 72, Caltech 41

Standings:

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 10-1 SCIAC, 18-4 overall
Redlands 8-3 SCIAC, 12-10 overall
Occidental 7-4 SCIAC, 15-7 overall
Cal Lutheran 6-5 SCIAC, 12-10 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 6-5 SCIAC, 10-12 overall
Whittier 4-7 SCIAC, 10-11 overall
La Verne 3-8 SCIAC, 7-15 overall
Caltech 0-11 SCIAC, 0-22 overall

Women's Basketball:

Saturday's Scores

Cal Lutheran 66 Pomona-Pitzer 51
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 61, La Verne 50
Whittier 55, Redlands 74
Occidental 71, Caltech 62

Standings:

Occidental 11-1 SCIAC, 19-4 overall
Cal Lutheran 10-2 SCIAC, 18-5 overall
Redlands 10-2 SCIAC, 18-5 overall
Whittier 6-6 SCIAC, 13-10 overall
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 5-7 SCIAC, 14-9 overall
La Verne 4-8 SCIAC, 11-12 overall
Pomona-Pitzer 1-11 SCIAC, 5-16 overall
Caltech 1-11 SCIAC, 5-18 overall

GSAC Conference

Men's Basketball:

Senior Gregg Scott of Vanguard was named Men's Basketball Player of the Week yesterday.  Scott recorded 63 points (31.5 points per game), 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals as Vanguard split its conference games last week.  For the week the guard shot 22-for-31 from the field, including 7-for-10 from 3-point range, and 12-for-13 at the free throw line.  In the win against Hope International, Scott had 28 points on 9-for-12 shooting, 4 assists and 2 steals.  In the loss at Fresno Pacific, he had 35 points on 13-for-19 shooting including 5 made 3-pointers, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Saturday's Scores

Westmont 78, The Masters 73 (OT)
Azusa Pacific 78, Point Loma Nazarene 69
Fresno Pacific 74, Hope International 52
Biola 78, San Diego Christian 53
Concordia 68, California Baptist 65

Standings:

Biola 13-2 GSAC, 23-2 overall
Concordia 13-2 GSAC, 23-2 overall
Fresno Pacific 10-5 GSAC, 20-5 overall
Azusa Pacific 10-5 GSAC, 17-8 overall
Westmont 9-6 GSAC, 17-7 overall
The Masters 9-6 GSAC, 16-9 overall
California Baptist 7-8 GSAC, 14-11 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 5-11 GSAC, 8-16 overall
Vanguard 4-11 GSAC, 5-16 overall
San Diego Christian 3-12 GSAC, 5-20 overall
Hope International 0-15 GSAC, 4-21 overall

Women's Basketball:

Junior Forward Alex Moore-Porter of Azusa Pacific was named GSAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week yesterday.  Moore-Porter tallied 43 points (21.5 points per game), 17 rebounds (8.5 rebounds per game), 5 assists and 2 steals as Azusa Pacific won both of its conference games against NAIA Top-20 teams and retained sole possession of first place in the GSAC.  In the at No. 18-ranked Biola, she had 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.  Moore-Porter then topped 1,000 career points with 21 in the 81 to 80 overtime win over No. 5 Point Loma Nazarene.  The milestone basket tied the game at 70 with less than 2 minutes remaining to help force overtime, where she drilled the game-winning 3-pointer with 8 seconds left.

Saturday's Scores

Hope International 69, Fresno Pacific 65 (OT)
The Masters 76, Westmont 54
California Baptist 90, Concordia 80
Biola 87, San Diego Christian 68
Azusa Pacific 81, Point Loma Nazarene 80 (OT)

Standings:

Azusa Pacific 14-1 GSAC, 21-4 overall
Vanguard 13-2 GSAC, 17-2 overall
Point Loma Nazarene 13-3 GSAC, 22-3 overall
Biola 10-5 GSAC, 15-9 overall
The Masters 9-6 GSAC, 14-9 overall
Westmont 8-7 GSAC, 15-8 overall
California Baptist 5-10 GSAC, 12-13 overall
Hope International 4-11 GSAC, 9-16 overall
Concordia 3-12 GSAC, 10-13 overall
Fresno Pacific 3-12 GSAC, 6-19 overall
San Diego Christian 1-14 GSAC, 4-20 overall

Pasadena City College Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Friday's Score

PCC 88, East L.A. 63

Women's Basketball:

Friday's Score

PCC 79, East L.A. 56

Mt. SAC Athletics

Men's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC 79 (6-0 SCC, 22-4 overall), Compton 74

Women's Basketball:

Friday's Score

Mt. SAC 75 (6-0 SCC, 21-5 overall), Compton 44

ECHL Hockey

The Ontario Reign continue to sputter as they lost 2 more games over the weekend.  They lost 3 to 2 to the Stockton Thunder on Saturday and were blanked 7 nothing by the Bakersfield Condors on Valentines Day.  Their next game is this Friday against the Idaho Steelheads at 7:30 in Ontario.