Congratulations Astros on winning the 2017 World Series

I’m not going to be a hater. Dodgers had a great season. But, the Astros had a greater season. When it came down to the bullpen the assumed better, was not. The Astros were able to count on guys like Peacock more than the Dodgers could count on any of their best relievers. Without Maeda the Dodger relievers were very bad. Morrow was good until they asked too much of him. While McCarthy was on the roster when he should not have been. His spot should have been given to Ryu. But, that’s another story. Tony Watson and Ross Stripling did better than the high dollar guys.

I’m not going to focus on the relief pitching or the weak attempt by starters to call their appearances starts. Can I at least touch on a few things by starters? Well, if you are reading and you don’t want to hear it real. Close this now. I’m going to bring it to you 100.

Starting pitching (Dodgers)

Both teams starting pitching have came up short in the World Series. But, the Dodgers are supposed to have the better staff. To me, it’s pathetic that Clayton Kershaw makes one decent start and then a lousy start. Yet, he’s telling Roberts he’s ready to pitch in game 6? Are you kidding me? Kershaw didn’t pitch well in his own start, why should he Dodgers want him to pitch? You had one job Kershaw, and you couldn’t do it! The fact that you are volunteering should give Robert’s warning signs. I won’t even get into Yu Darvish. I already said enough on twitter. At least he’s not forever confident when he should’nt be. Rich Hill, I love you player! Here’s a 37 year old pitcher who went to the independent league to get right. I was more confident in him pitching in a do or die game than any Dodger pitcher. Second would be Wood. Kershaw and Darvish were pathetic and they make the most money of all of them.

I would rather focus on the positives. Both lineups were ridiculous! I can’t blame the Dodger hitters. They were insane. Big home runs by just about everyone. But, if pitching negates those big at bats by giving up bigger at bats? That’s not the offenses fault. I thank the Dodger hitters for not giving up. Taylor, *Seager, Turner, Bellinger, Puig, and the stable of Hernandez, Pederson, Culberson, Ethier, all stepped up at certain points. I don’t know when the next time the Dodgers will make the World Series. It took 29 years to make it aince the last time. 12 years old that time and now 41. If I wait that long again people would have to come visit my grave to share it with me at 70. I no longer crave it.

No, what I want to do is congratulate the Astros on this achievement. A couple of years ago they lost over 100 game. Now, champions. Their starting staff did’nt do great. But the guy they traded for Verlander was huge for them, where our trade guy Darvish was barely worth trading for. That ended up being the difference. Astros got Verlander at the end of August at the waiver deadline, while we got Darvish at the trade deadline. I’m completely distraught and upset. But, I’m not going to let it destroy my life. With guys like Kershaw making 30 million a year and volunteering to pitch after sucking? I can congratulate the Houston Astros on their World Series win.

Then, I will go back to my real life. I’ll realize that a pitcher like Kershaw recovers faster from giving up six runs and losing the World Series, than I do after experiencing it with him. I can no longer trust that these players are deserving of me backing them to the point where they make 30 million a year and still lose for me and my team when it counts. If I performed like them? I’d be fired!

Game 1 Los Angeles Dodgers 2017 World Series

Justin Turner hit a home run in the NLCS that left fans gasping for air. But what he did in game one of the 2017 World Series was magical. As a Dodger fan it was on the level of Kirk Gibson’s home run. Although it wasn’t in the 9th inning it still was a clutch, game winning home run. 

I don’t know what’s going to happen from here on out. In 1988 it seemed as though after the big game one win, the Dodgers finished it. I hope the 2017 Dodgers do the same. Listening to Turner after the game, I’m also thankful for Turner. He led the World Series off with a home run. Similar to Steve Sax. I had an experience with Sax but Turner is next level person compared to Sax.

I didnt remember the Sax home run. I think I blocked it out, because my personal experience with him was negative.I won’t ever forget the Taylor home run but as a 12 year old maybe i was fixated on the Kirk Gibson home run. I’m sure I remembered it in some ways but when I see how many home runs are hit to lead off the World Series? I think it’s 23 times there was a leadoff home run. That’s incredible. Still, Taylor started it all off and gained momentum.

My entire night was brought to you by Justin Turner. I really and honestly can’t believe how clutch Justin Turner has been. Absolutely phenomenal. The Dodgers still need to win three more games. But, if they can continue the intensity? I’m in! It’s incredible what these guys are accomplishing.

Win one For Tommy and Vin

Major League playoffs are about to get real. Dodgers have not been to the World Series since 1988. Getting to the World Series again is a feat in itself. But, I hope the Dodgers don’t stop there. I hope they win for Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully. The fact that both are still with us is a feat in itself. We’re talking about a combined age of 179! Both of these gentlemen love the Dodgers and deserve a championship. 

It probably won’t be easy. It’s taken 29 years to get here. For the Astros they were here in 2005 while they were in the National League. But, they haven’t won a World Series in their history. Which I believe is more than 50 years. If they win I can’t be a hater. That’s a long time to wait for a championship. They also have many great fans. It would take me an unforeseen amount of time to accept the fact. But, once I did I promise I wouldn’t be bitter.

Do I think that will happen? No! I believe the Dodgers are the best team in the majors. In my opinion this is the best Dodger team I have ever seen. I remember the great team of the early 80’s. But, only the end of that era. This team from starting pitching to the closer and starting lineup to the bench are deep and complete. Kershaw to Wood and Maeda to Jansen, I’m confident in this team. 

I may end up disappointed in the end. But, that’s because nothing is guaranteed. I need to appreciate the journey and enjoy the show. Instead of expecting too much and stressing the outcome. I’ll be thankful for the experience. I probably won’t be here in 29 more years. So, I guarantee you I’ll be embracing the moment and realizing my Dodgers may never get here again.

Just Make It

They just have to make it

The Dodgers haven't been to a World Series since 1988. They won that one. My expectations have been tempered and also tested since then. Even earlier this season it was win a world series or bust. Now, i just want to make it. The remaining teams are all formidable. Although i dont believe were the best team? Well, I do. But, not by metrics.Never know whats going to happen. Not even a world series appearance since 1988? 1988 was so magical, why the drought since? 

I’m not Nostradamus. Why should i pretend to be. I wasnt even smart enough to know that i was lucky to be lucky. Watching NBA,MLB,NFL championships was common. I think i took it for granted. Then, I went through a drought. Still, going through a drought. Only the Lakers have won anything. Thank you Kobe.J

Welcome to the 2017 MLB playoffs.

As I’m watching the Yankees and Twins wild card playoff game I’m realizing it’s about to get real. Here we go again. Never know how the mlb playoffs will end. I do know that the Dodgers have not won since a month after I turned 12. Don’t worry, I know im lucky. Many have never seen their team win a World Series. Cubs fans died just moments before they won their championship, after 108 years with no title. My Dodgers have only gone 29 years. Cub’s fans went almost four times that!

This isn’t about just the Dodgers though. Nothing is guaranteed at all! Dodgers have a great chance but so do all of the other teams. The defending champion Cubs, who beat the Dodgers in the playoffs last year are there! Yes, haven’t forgot about them. The Nationals are another ridiculous team in the National league. In the American league the Cleveland Indians are in a league of their own. In my opinion, they are the best team overall. Completely scared of the Indians.

I vividly remember this same moment last year and thinking the teams the Dodgers had to beat were good, but not this good. Aaron Judge just hit a home run to put the Yankees up 7-4. I love the Yankees history but don’t want them to be the future. Good thing is their pitching is not very good. Just being honest. But, their lineup is ridiculous. Really Yankees? Where did you find Judge and Sanchez? Come on Dodgers!? Let’s do this!

No pressure 2017 Dodgers!

Reality is there is always pressure. Unless you're immune. Certain things provide immunity. But, most times we all feel the same pressures.  

It felt just like yesterday that the Dodgers were cruising in the season. 92-38, life seemed great. But, then the unthinkable happened. Look, I'm not going to make this dramatic. Or, maybe I will. If I do it wasn't my intention. I promise. Reality is that the MLB season is too long. Will I dwell on that? No. Truth is I will continue to believe in my team and what's meant to, will be. Is that the best solution? Depends, are the Dodgers going to win the World Series in 2017?

Since going 92-38 they are now 100-57. An 8-19 record. With teams like the Washington Nationals and if they can make it to the World Series, a team like The Cleveland Indians await them. It’s definitely not ideal to be playing your worst baseball going into the playoffs while the Cubs and the teams above are playing their best at the same time. It also gives the haters more reason. I’ve also been critical. Wondering why they keep putting Baez out to pitch in relief and Curtis Granderson in the lineup. Both guys are not the best option for the Dodgers. Last night Roberts started Bellinger in left field instead of Granderson. Barnes playing first. Not a bad idea by Roberts.

100 games. To put that in perspective, the Dodgers have not won 100 games or more since 1974 when they won 102. Since I was born in 1976 I’ve never seen a 100 win season. In the past I would have been ecstatic. Happy they hve a fighters chance. But, after watching them lose to the Cubs, Nationals before that, St. Louis before that. Multiple times in the NLCS. I’ve grown restless and my expectations have grown. The criticism from fans of other teams and the lack of clutch play by Clayton Kershaw has me on the ledge. I won’t jump. Not because I am scared of my false ledge. One, because I would never jump off a real ledge unless it’s burning. But, also because I’ll always be a Dodger fan. I’m not kidding anyone else and definitely not myself. I’m addicted to the Dodgers. They’re part of my life. I’ve been a fan for so long that I can’t imagine not being a fan. If they don’t win it all? It’ll hurt really bad. But, at some point I will accept it. Maybe even be appreciative of 100 wins.   

2017 Dodgers

2017 Dodgers

This season has been Magic (al). I've never in my life experienced this. In 1998 the Dodgers were not a great team on paper. Not at all. They had guys that were gritty though. For some reason I was lucky enough to go to quite a few games that year. Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson were the stars. But, couldn't have done it without guys like Alfredo Griffin and Mike Davis. 

The 2017 Dodgers are similar. Yes, their payroll is the highest in the league. But, if the Dodgers are going to win it all? It'll take quality starts from guys like Rich Hill and Alex Wood, as much as it will from Clayton Kershaw. But, today the Dodgers did something I don't know if they could ever say they have done in my 40 years on this planet. Ok, they've signed great free agents like Kirk Gibson and traded for the perfect pitcher for the moment like Tim Belcher. But, they've never traded for the perfect player while also having the best team in the Major Leagues. Today, they had 6 more wins than the next closest team and still went out and got Yu Darvish and Tony Watson. Both positions were the biggest needs for the team. A left handed reliever and a right handed #1b starter were exactly what the Dodgers needed to compliment this current group of Dodgers. When they went out and traded for Watson and also another left handed reliever Tony Cingrani. I don't know alot about either of the Tony's. I do know that the Dodger front office is stacked and even though I have doubted them early on, they have earned the benefit of ignoring my doubt. Today, they rewarded me with a solid transaction. I don't know if it's going to reward me. I also don't know if the Dodgers will win the World Series. I can't know that until it happens. It could not happen. Nothing is guaranteed until it happens. The Dodgers are currently a 3-1 favorite to win the World Series. The regular season is not even done yet. If they win or they don't? I can be disappointed or euphoric with either result. But, I can't question the work, dedication, intelligence, strategy, prospects, results, of this season. I hope they can win the World Series like Magic Johnson declares. But, there are millions of Cub fans who died believing the same thing. 

While I believe this is the best Dodger team I have ever seen, I won't be betting my retirement on a World Series win. I was twelve years old when they won it in 1988, and as a 40 year old man? 

Drafting Lonzo Ball

I'll admit I went back and forth on the number 2 pick in the draft for the Lakers. I liked Josh Jackson for a while because of his athletic abilities and his all around game. I already knew Fultz was going first and to me De'Aaron Fox does not shoot well enough even though he balls. To me that left Lonzo. Once I started looking at the numbers I realized it was a no-brainer! He shot 3 pointers over 40 percent in his freshman year in college and 55% overall. To me that's an insane shooting percentage in college. He also led division 1A in assists. I'm also a fan of D'Angelo Russell and felt they could play together but I have to admit I was not sold on Russell's attitude. He seemed to not show up quite a few times last season. In the NBA if you're not hungry and motivated at the beginning of your career there is no way your going to get motivated once you get paid a 2nd time.





Lonzo does come with a little baggage. His father Lavar is a very outspoken guy. But from everything I've seen Lonzo is straight business and doesn't get caught up in the hype. His former teammates say he's all about winning and a good teammate. Of course nothing is guaranteed but this should be a fun season. Brandon Ingram should improve quite a bit from his rookie season and I've always liked Brook Lopez as a player. I don't know much about the rest of the draft picks although I really like the Josh Hart pick. He seems to be a solid shooting guard that plays with grit and shoots very well.


I still don't know what to expect from the new regime for the Lakers but overall I am satisfied with the draft. Now, it's time to watch these guys play in the summer league. I hope Ingram and Zubac join the new guys in the summer league. Look, let's be real. The chances of any team beating the Warriors in the next 4-5 years is slim so the Lakers might as well go for the future. I don't even know if they should go after Paul George. He's 27 and will be in his 30's by the time the Lakers can compete.

Lakers trade Russell to Nets

The Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets today. It's hard to know how this trade will end up impacting the Lakers. But, as a Laker fan I have mixed emotions on the trade and what will happen from this point forward. Growing up in the Showtime Laker era I was able to watch a team grow together that was organic. Drafted and home grown except for a few role players. Times have changed and teams don't always have the patience to watch their drafted talent grow into what they believed they'd be when they drafted them. Not all teams fall into this category, while others like the Lakers had a change of management. The change in management gives me anxiety. 

I trusted Mitch Kupchak's talent evaluations. He found Zubac and Clarkson in the 2nd round. In the NBA that's a challenge. But he's made and not made questionable deals. He signed Mozgov and Deng to 4 year 18 million contracts. He traded Odom to the Mavericks instead of working out a trade with the Hornets now Pelicans for Chris Paul. Signed an already old Nash to a big contract and traded draft picks for him as well. We have no data on Palinka and Magic in these roles. 

It's going to take a while for me to know what their abilities are. Magic is part owner of the Dodgers and I think of him favorably in that role, but he is only an owner. He has no role in selecting, trading, or acquiring talent. I have no idea what his role is right now with the Lakers. I know what his title is, but I don't know what role he plays in negotiations and decisions. Others share my opinion of Russell. He has superstar potential but is immature and not motivated. I hope that Magic and Rob want to bring in guys that love basketball. Players that live and breathe basketball. For any negative on Kobe Bryant, nobody can say you had to motivate him. He cane ready to give his all each and every night. 

That's the players the Lakers need. I hope that's the reason the Lakers traded Russell. What's next?

I love the Dodgers, but I hate business!

I thought I might see a Dodger game tonight on ESPN and it ended up being a softball game between Oklahoma and Florida. It was the 15th inning when I turned to it, so the Dodger game might come on after. No, it's blacked out because Cox did not pay the costs to carry the Dodger package. After a couple of years now, I'm bitter. I don't know who I hold accountable but I'm frustrated. I will forever know that I didn't get to see every game by Vin Scully like I did almost completely up until then. Add to that the experience of the Frank McCourt era and I'm depressed about my Dodgers. I continued going to games into the McCourt era. Partial season seats before and many games during I watched many games with my family. MannyWood members eating AM/PM all you can eat and Sweeping the Cubs with my daughter. I know Dodger stadium! Now, I'm trying to watch Kershaw's prime and maybe the first title since I was 12. But, I can't! It's a business to most of them. To me, it's life.

Lakers hiring Magic Johnson

As A Laker fan, I'm a biased opinion. I love Magic Johnson. If you are my age or older Magic was a player you had never seen before. With handles like the best point guard in the league, at six foot nine he could also battle with bigger guys in the middle. A rebounding big man that could handle the ball and shoot? To me it was bigger than that. He embodied the excitement and fun that basketball should be. But, little did I know that this was only the beginning of his genius.

November of 1991 still rings a bell in my head. I remember where I was that afternoon. I had got home from school and on the radio, which was a Kenwood system my parents had bought announced a press conference. Earvin Magic Johnson was retiring from the game of basketball because he had contracted the HIV virus. As a basketball fan and after watching the Lakers lose to the Bulls in the Finals, I was devastated! He had discussed retirement but my entire basketball world was Magic Johnson and the Lakers.

Fast forward from 1991 to 2017 and I'm in shock. I'm not a person who gets involved with drama. But, in 2017 life has become, well let's say extreme. People watch other people as a reality show. Magic Johnson was hired a few days ago as the President of basketball operations. This is an entire new reality for me. I'm used to these days that Magic is a successful businessman where as in post basketball 1992 after All Star game appearance he's going to die! Where has that fear and Magic Johnson's successful defeat of that disappeared to where people now are not satisfied that not only is his successful defeat of HIV that in addition his business success is also not enough?

I don't want to focus on Magic Johnson's successes, to me, those are obvious. I want to focus on why people tend to gloss over his successes to accentuate his failures. I do it too. I have witnessed Magic's successes. He's owned many Starbucks and sold those for a piece of the Dodgers. 100 million! That's a lot of cash. Now, he's the Laker's boss.

This is where I worry. Magic is a great businessman. But, winning in sports is not a business. It's almost as much skill as it is luck. Golden State is a great example. Are Klay and Steph examples of shrewd business or lucking pickings? Now, Magic will be making the decisions for the Lakers. I thought Mitch was doing a great job with talent. Beating the Warriors isn't going to happen so why not prepare for post GS Warrior basketball. Beating them is slim to none.

Personally, I believe people's expectations are too high. Magic has a better chance of winning a championship with the Lakers as their future point guard as he does as their President. Ok, maybe I'm wrong about the odds. But, either way Magic johnson better find the magic or he'll be watching the NBA Finals like everyone else. As a outsider looking in.