goingyard

The Lakers have disposed of the Utah Jazz in 5 games in the first round of the NBA Playoff’s. Not bad. Not that good either.

What seemed to plague the Lakers all year long reared it’s ugly head again in the playoff’s. The Lakers build double digit leads (sometimes into the 20’s) only to see them disappear as the game goes on. Luckily for the Lakers, they also were able to fight it off. The same thing they did time and time again during the regular season giving them  65 wins. I just don’t think they will be able to do the same when they meet Cleveland in the finals.

Overall Grade: B

Player notes: Shannon Brown has been playing out of his mind. A great little surprise for the Lakers. Kobe learned thathe can win by drawing the defense to him and dishing to his teammates. Lamar Odom had a monterous round 1. Let’s hope that continues.  Andrew Bynum will play a bigger role the deeper we go into the playoffs. Pau Gasol did what he needed to do. Game in and game out. The bench needs to step it up more.

There’s something about opening day in baseball. The stadium, the food, the fans, the memories, but most of all hope. Hope that your team will still be playing in October.

I was really looking forward to opening day at Dodger stadium this year.  I had bought tickets with my best friend and both of us were planning on meeting up with family and friends to tailgate before the game. Unfortunately for us, traffic had other ideas. We never did make it to the tailgating and when we finally sat down at our seats, it was already the third inning. (On a quick side note, the Dodgers really needed more traffic officers around the stadium. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get to the stadium once we got off the 5 freeway. Now back to the story) The Dodgers were up 1 - 0, I had a beer, and a Dodger Dog. Life was good.

Now to say that Dodger fans can get a little out of control sometimes (like stabbing someone outside of the stadium) is putting it lightly. I felt sorry for anyone wearing a Giants uniform that day. But a part of me also says they had to know it was coming. I also believe that fans from other teams should be hazed or tormented, to a certain degree. It’s when things are thrown, cussing spews out of peoples mouth (especially when kids are around) or when a fight breaks out that I have a problem.  Luckily the section I was in wasn’t too bad. But forget about the pavilions.

The game itself was awesome. The weather was great and the Dodgers were even better. Bllingsley pitched an outstanding game. Not to mention he had a hit and a  beautiful sacrifice bunt. Ethier hit two home runs.  And the highlight of the night, Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle. Only the second Dodger to ever do it and the first one at Dodger Stadium. And I was there to see it. How awesome is that?

The Dodgers went on to defeat the hated Giants 11 - 1 on a near perfect day. My best friend and I went on to meet our friends and family at Havana’s after the game. It was truly a great day.

Now let the rest of the season begin!

I love this time of year. Baseball season is here. All is good in the world.

Ok. Maybe not so perfect. But still, it is a great time of year. Time for going to baseball games, eating hot dogs, peanuts, drinking beer, teaching my son more about the game, singing “Take Me Out”, watching a game at a local bar, and most importantly: cheering on your team becuase anything is possible right now.

I went to an Angel’s game on Tuesday with some friends and I am going to the Dodgers home opener on Monday. Will be there tailgating with my best friend. Drinking, eating, and just havng a great time getting ready for the game. To have a Dodger Dog will be awesome. To be with friends at the stadium, drunk, will be a blast. I can’t wait!

Baseball season is here people! WooHoo!!!

P.S. I’ll have a full report about opening day on Tuesday. With pics and everything!

My heart goes out to the teammates, friends, and family of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart. Today is a sad day for Angel and baseball fans alike.

 Nick Adenhart died this morning from injuries sustained from a car accident Wednesday night. The early reports are that a car ran a red light then slammed into the side of Nick’s car. The driver of the car that ran the red light then ran on foot from the scene. He is suspected of drunk driving. Two other people also died as a result of the crash.

Nick was a promising 22 year old starting pitcher for the Angels organization. He started on Wednesday night and pitched 6 scoreless innings.

I had gone to an Angels game Tuesday night with some friends. I could have just as easily gone to Wednesday night’s game and been witness to the joy of watching Nick pitch in his season debut. Then been hit with the sad news of today’s tragic events. I can’t imagine what his parents went through.

 The Angels postponed tonights game with the A’s. It will be rescheduled to a later date.

Angels General Manager Tony Reagins issued the following statement on behalf of the club:
“The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, friends’ loved ones and fans.”

 Official Angel Press Release