First off:
- The Lakers cruised in their playoff opener against Utah. Even though the Jazz made a few runs in the second half, I never felt like the game was in doubt. That's a good feeling to have during a playoff game. Trevor Ariza had a great game for the Lakers and Kobe (besides the 6 turnovers) also played well. Pau had his typical good game and Lamar and Shannon "Chris" Brown contributed off the bench. Bynum was constantly in foul trouble, however, I expect a strong performance from him in Game 2 on Tuesday night. The Lakers should be able to control the game and take a 2-0 lead into Salt Lake City on Thursday.
- What a week for the Dodgers. A week that started with the first Dodger cycle in almost 40 years ended with a two homerun performance from Matt Kemp. In between Andre Ethier had two two homerun games, Chad Billingsley picked up two wins, Manny hit his first two homers of the season, Clayton Kershaw struck out 13 Giants, the O-Dog became a fan favorite, Broxton earned a five-out save by striking out 4 Rockies' batters, and Russell Martin started to warm up a bit. Oh and the Dodgers have won eight straight, including a perfect 6-0 on the homestand. Simply awesome. And I am probably missing some other good performances. Will the Dodgers keep this pace up? Obviously not. But can they continue to be one of the best teams in baseball? I think so. The Dodgers have a good staff and a lineup that has shown it can put up a whole bunch of runs on any given night.
Overall, there is plenty to be excited right now in LA. The Lakers just started a two month journey in search of their 15th championship and the Dodgers might be the best team in the National League for the first time since before I was born (I don't count 1988, because even though the Boys in Blue won the World Series that year, there is no way they were better than that loaded Mets team). It's safe to say I am enjoying this run, while also trying to keep perspective. The Dodgers started out 12-2 in 2005, and we all know how that ended. But I don't think these two teams are even in the same league. Only time will tell, but early on this seems to have the makings of a special year in Los Angeles. Now back to Zionism and Palestinian nationalism.. Wish me luck.
I heard somewhere that it is the first 6-0 start at DS since 1979. And I agree that there is no comparison with the 2005 team.
ReplyDeleteQuestion (looking way ahead and just a topic for discussion; not intended to jinx anything): do Flanders and McCourt stand pat at the trade deadline if we have run away with the West by that time or do they make a trade for a top of the rotation pitcher?
I think that if they can make a reasonable trade (ie: not Kemp, Kershaw, McDonald, etc. like all the rumors over the past two seasons) then they have to pull the trigger. Even if that means getting rid of a DeJesus, Lindblom, Ethan Martin, etc. For example, when the Blue Jays cool off and fall out of the race, I would love to see what it would take to get Doc Halladay. A reasonable combo of maybe two good young arms plus a position player prospect would be great IMHO. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the "Chris" Brown reference
ReplyDeleteHaha well thank you sir. And thank you JVG for making the mistake on the broadcast that will give me limitless opportunities to make stupid jokes about this. You are the man of the hour. Oh FYI, allegedly Bynum has been seen on dates with Rihanna. I hope this doesn't screw up our team chemistry with Bynum and Brown beefing..
ReplyDeleteit's so hard being married to such a superstar...
ReplyDeleteJust wait til he is a Free Agent.. It's going to be quite the bounty your man receives..
ReplyDeleteI agree that they should make a move under those conditions. I'm just wondering if they stand pat and be satisfied with just making the playoffs or do they make a move to help them advance. As you guessed, my question was focused on Halladay. I don't like giving up the farm in a trade, but he's a true ace and would be around for 2 years. He would not only improve our playoff chances in '09, but 2010 as well (owed $15.75M in 2010 per Cot's).
ReplyDeletebtw...did you watch the Dodgers game on tv? If so, what did you think of Eric Collins' debut? I thought he was alright, but I ended up listening to most of the game on radio. I'll need to hear him a few more times before deciding if I like him or not. I absolutely hate "homer" broadcasters and it seems that so many of young broadcasters are major homers. Collins didn't come across as one today, but it's early.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteOn your first point.. I love Halladay and I think with Manny being around for only this year for sure, they need to go for it if they can make a smart calculated trade. Halladay is the perfect fit and I don't really see anybody else that is worth trading for (I'm not counting Peavy because teams hate trading within the division which is stupid IMO but whatever).
As for Collins, I have to say my initial impression of him is a positive one. He is poised and doesnt talk too much or get over excited. He seemed to have a good amount of knowledge on the Dodgers which makes me happy considering the ineptitude of the majority of announcers.. I'm curious to hear more of him