I have been -blasted- for this opinion. But the only argument I've received is "Then why isn't the US  getting the 'nod?' " A stupid argument, when you think about it. The US is still an untapped market. A successful US run isn't going to get 200,000,000 uninterested people tuning into soccer. People would like to think it would, but no. They need to build up the passion for the game here.

The best way to do that is to get names over here in the MLS. If you don't believe that name recognition would generate interest in soccer, then you weren't at the Real Madrid/LA Galaxy friendly like I was, You didn't go to a Giants game when Barry was fully chemically enhanced. Names put rear ends into chairs. Names sells jerseys. If that means turning the MLS into the equivalent of the Senior PGA tour, then lets do it. Names generate interest, interest generates ticket sales and TV packages, ticket sales and TV packages generate cash, cash generates higher salaries, higher salaries draw in better talent. End'o'story. That's enough on soccer.

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I'm officially done with Jeff Weaver. D-O-N-E. The Angels need to just dump him -fast-. We need to cut our losses and move on with Jered, no trade, no bullpen, just flat out eat the rest of that ridiculous contract and move on, Arte can take it out of Stoneman's pay. With that being said, the Angels need offensive help like yesterday. Outside of Napoli and Cabrera. Nothing his happening offensively. Vladdy finally showed signs of life yesterday, so hopefully he'll step it up again.

We're still one RBI bat short, however. We need someone to pencil into the 4 spot to provide protection to Vlad Guerrero, and to possibly be on base for Mike Napoli. First Base and and Left/Center field are the places they need to look. I'm not a fan of the Tejada deal. Its not that I don't like his bat. I just think that you'd displace Orlando Cabrera, who, as the coaching staff will find out hopefully by the All-Star break, is the closest thing to a lead-off hitter on the roster He's number 3 of the big three the Angels are after. I'm not big on the Soriano deal either. He wants to play second base? Do we really need to downgrade an already shoddy defense? He's number 2.

The obvious choice, at least to me, is Carlos Lee. He fills in an outfield void at left field, because I think Garret is no longer fit to play in the field. Unfortunately he's probably going to be the hardest to get, mainly because the Angels tradeable prospects are playing positions in which the Brewers already have young talent. Plus, you've gotta add in the fact that the Brewers are actually still contending in a suddenly struggling NL Central. Its hard to gage what the Milwaukee front office might do. They probably have no chance of re-signing him come winter time and may want to get something for him while they can.

As a whole, I think the trade deadline is going to be very intriguing across baseball. It'll be interesting to see what pans out over the next 30 days.

First off, I'd like to commend Selig on suspending Jason Grimsley for 50 games. Who are you going to suspend next? Sammy Sosa? Mark McGuire? Why don't we suspend Ken Caminiti while we're at it. What Selig has done is effectively suspended a guy that, admittingly, is never coming back to the game. He's already not getting paid. So this suspension, when all is said and done, this punishment has absolutely zero impact on the person it was levied upon. You want to know the sad thing about this? This is probably Selig's strongest show of power in his entire tenure as the commish.

Staying on the subject of ol' Buddy. Alot of the burden of this so-called 'steroid era' falls on him. It -has- to. He allowed the union to walk all over him, giving concession after concession to Donald Fehr. For what? The privacy of the players? That's a bunch of bull. Selig allowed himself to be told by the union to turn a blind eye to all the HGH, steroids, and amphetamines. Its a gross failure on Selig's part.

I'm also tired of the people who say "If they want to screw with their bodies, let them. It doesn't matter." Ok, let me tell you this. These same 'bat and glove' salesmen that venture into professional clubhouses venture into the high school locker rooms your kids are in. And let me tell you, they're selling the same stuff to high schoolers as they do to the pros. You know how they lock in the high school kids? By saying the pro's do it, by saying its the only way to get a leg up because everyone else at the next level is doing it. If you doubt that happens, then your just too naive to be a parent, plain and simple. Its more rampant in football and the high school level, but it happens in baseball locker rooms too. You clean up the game, you clean up the high school locker rooms.

But the simple fact of the matter is that a majority of the fans believe it to be a serious problem and want the game cleaned up. That means Donald Fehr needs to shut his pie-hole about players rights. This so-called 'champion for the players'. needs to realize that players do not supercede the purity of the game. Players who tarnish that purity need to be dealt with swiftly and harshly. ****, the whole union needs to realize that playing baseball is a -privelege-, just like having a drivers license. You are -priveleged- to play this game, and you abide by the rules governing this game, which are installed to protect its purity. Because, face it, the game is really the only thing to sport has going for it anymore. And its being threatened by these peformance enhancing drugs.

Also, Bud Selig needs to step up to the plate and make some drastic and sweeping changes. His tenure is already bound to be remember as a failure. Lack of action here only solidifies is legacy as the most cowardly sports leader in history. If he does something here, it will salvage a little bit of dignity. And don't give me any of this "His hands are tied" or "What can he do?" bullcrap. David Stern basically has beee-otch slapped the union, and every single one of his critics when he wanted something down. You want a commish that knows how to control his sport? They're you go. Stern noticed that his sport had an image problem and was lagging behind the two other major sports, so what did he do? He instituted and dress code, and changed the rules around to allow for more marketability. Paul Tagliabue has rocketed his sport to a level of popularity and marketability that rivals, and probably even surpasses, that of soccer in Europe. Yet Bud Selig still allows scandal, after scandal, after scandal to tear at his sport. Just when the sport starts to recover, something else embroils it. Why does this happen? A complete lack of control, that's why.

Yes, some of this has to fall on the players themselves as well. It, after all, is their jealousy, over-zealousness, and greed that has turned America's pasttime into a sport of cheaters. For what? An extra half million on a contract? A few more highlights on Sportscenter? Yes, they're to blame for this too and they need to be punished. But seriously, if we were to suspend/ban every single player on some sort of peformance enhancer, we'd probably reduce every single roster down to 5-6 players at the most, taking down some of the games most popular and beloved players in the process. So how do we do it? How to we start to clean up the game?

Amnesty. . .That's how.

If you come forward by the end of the year, whether it be public or private, admitting your use of performance enhancing drugs at present or in the past, you're free to go. You sign a contract admitting that you used some sort of peformance enhancer, as well as agreeing that if you ever test positive for performance enhancers again, you are effectively banned from the game. Those people who do not come foward, and are caught using the drugs, or sufficient evidence emerges that they did use the drugs at one time, are to be banned for life on the spot . No ifs, ands, or buts.

Its plain and simple, cut and dry. It allows for a confession to be done on the spot, it doesn't have to be public, it could be completely and totally private. I don't like the idea of allowing people off, but its probably the only way. What's in the past is in the past, lets concentrate on saving the future of the game. Let it be known that behavior like this will not be tolerated again. A stiff penalty such as a ban, would get that message across. But allowing players to admit usage, saving time and money on investigation, is in the best interests of everyone.

Of course, its not going to happen that way. Mr. Selig is going to find a way to just sit on his hands, allowing the Feds to clean up his mess yet again. Its really a sad state of affairs. I mean, really, it ***** when we have a commissioner that makes me embarrassed to be baseball fan.

Now, being half Mexican, I learned enough Spanish to interact on a basic level. You've just gotta talk real slow and keep your sentences short. That is something that Spanish commentators do -not- do. So, during these first two games, I've resorted to keying on on the obvious name differences, and certain words and terms I know from watching soccer such as "tiro de esquina", "Penal", and of course "Gooooooooooooooool!!!"

Its going to be interesting, I plan on TiVo-ing all of the US and Mexico games during the week, as well as listening to them during the day. So will see how that turns out.

Without further ado, here are my bold World Cup predictions (in order of predicted finish in the group stage).

Group A: Germany and Poland advance.

The Germans are one of the favorites to win it and will sweep the group sessions. The Poles will probably not make it through now, unless they pull off a dramatic upset of the Germans. I'd change it to Ecuador, but hey, I made the predictions yesterday, and I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong.

Group B: England and Paraguay advance

England let out a collective sigh of relief when Wayne Rooney was eligible, it remains to be seen how effecive he'll be. Paraguay is a solid squad, helped by the fact that other two teams stand not a chance.

Group C: Argentina and The Netherlands advance

For the so-called "Group of Death" I found this one probably the easiest one to choose. Serbia/Montenegro and the Ivory Coast have nothing on the Argentines and the Dutch.

Group D: Mexico and Iran advance

Watch out for the Mexicans, they are poised to make a run this year. Portugal will falter, as usual, allowing a very respectable Iranian squad to advance.

Group E: USA and the Czech Republic advance

The Stars and Bars tie Czechs and roll ahead of them on goal differential. Ghana is way out of its league and the Italians are going to be too distracted by the whole Scandal in their country.

 Group F: Brazil and Australia advance

You're **** right I say the Socceroo's advance.

Group G: France and Togo advance

Only because the head witch-doctor of Togo said so.

Group H: Spain and Ukraine advance

Ukraine is really ranked under -both- Tunisia and Saudi Arabia? Why? They've got Andriy Shevchenko!

The 16 . . . . .

Germany beats Paraguay 3-0 - Yes I'm predicting scores too.

England over Poland 2-1 - Insert Ecuador here.

Argentina over Iran 4-1 - No chance for the Iranians, most lopsided game in the 2nd round.

Mexico over Netherlands 2-1 - This really is only an upset because they're on European soil.

USA over Australia 3-1 - It was a good run for the Socceroo's though

Brazil over Czech Republic 4-3 - Best game of the tournament, right here.

France over Ukraine 1-0 - The French are just the better team

Spain over Togo 3-1 - I don't care what the head witch-doctor says about this one. . . . Wait, what's that pain in my neck?

Quarters

Germany over Argentina 3-2 - Another great match, won on home field advantage. Unless the hand of God appears

USA over France 1-1 (5-3) - Uncle Sam is due to take over the world's game.

Mexico over England 2-1 - The CONCACAF rules

Brazil over Spain 3-1 - So does Brazil, apparently. Does anyone notice how Brazil is like Duke on your NCAA March Madness bracket? Before you know it, you've got them penciled into the final four and you say to yourself "Again?"  And then you look at the bracket and you realize that there's really no team you can pick with any confidence to beat them.

Semis

US over Germany 3-2 - You're reading that correctly, yes.

Brazil over Mexico 4-1 - Too Bad, a US/Mexico final would have been like a Dodger/Angel World Series out here, only I'd be afraid to go outside.

Third Place

Germany over Mexico 3-2 - The sad thing is, this is dissappointing for Germany in their eyes.

Finals

Brazil over US 4-2 - I'm not -that- crazy. Only seven teams have ever won the world cup (Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, Italy, Argentina, England, France). Its not going to change this year.

First off. . . .Enough about the Melky Cabrera catch already! Great catches happen, this one is just being glorified beyond belief. Greater catches have happened. More meaningful great catches have occurred. This doesn't change the course of the season. When Jason Grimsley implicates half the Yankees team for use of HGH, its all gonna be for naught, so don't worry.

A Yankees fan I work with tried to rub in my face how the Yankees have half the starting spots on the All Star Roster. At this point, I've given up on the All-Star game. Its nothing but a ratings ploy, get butts in the seats and make money, that's all. Yankee and Red Sox fans are voting, no one else really is. So, Yankee and Red Sox fans will get their way. Simple as that.  I'll tell you one thing, its gonna give Ozzie Guillen fits when he tries to make his roster. Speaking of which, who's gonna make the team from the Royals? The only person with half-way decent numbers is Mark Grudzielanek. I that's my bet.

Are the Reds challenging for first? Really? Wow.

On the home front, the Angels are starting to actually play some baseball. The bats are coming around, power is starting to show, pitching is slowly returning to the level it was last year. The only problem is, the rest of the AL West is playing against the same muck we've been playing against, and peforming just as well. Here's my bold predicition The Angels will win 40 games before they lose 40, and win 60 before they lose 50. Its plausible, their schedule doesn't really toughen up until late July.

I'd write something on the whole Jason Grimsley deal, but its too early to make full assumptions on that. I'll wait for that to develop a little more. All I'll say is this: I think its big, I don't know how big. But big. And I also find it funny  that it was the federal government, and not Bud Selig's team of heroes that uncovered this. And if it turns out to be as big as I think it can, Super Bud better just step down, and let someone -qualified- clean up the mess he helped cover up. There's never been more of a worthless piece of trash in the sport and an absolute hinderance to its progess than Bud Selig, and I'll stand by that until I die.

I've noticed a shocking and absolutely absurd omission from this year's All-Star ballot. Although I am not one of them, I believe I speak for all Red Sox nation (or maybe not) when I write this; I am utterly offended that you have managed to leave Kevin Youkilis off the ballot. He has been the starting first baseman for the entirety of the young season, having arguably one of the better seasons at the position of any player in the AL. The fact that a player of such caliber is left only to be voted in as a write-in is completely out of line. In his place, you have a man who has started in less games at that position over the last three years in David Ortiz. Tell me, what is your reasoning? How do you rationalize that?

David Ortiz is on the team no matter what. If he doesn't get voted in, he's chosen by the coaches as a reserve. That's a given. Now, what about Mr. Youkilis, what happens to him? He, at best, gets thrown into that 25th man vote, where it becomes a toss up, especially if he's up against someone like Alex Rios and most likely a random Yankee that's on there as a novelty pick.

Let's throw this out there, let's say that only ACTUAL 1st basemen are on the ballot. That, by rule, elminates David Ortiz and Travis Hafner of the Indians (Where Ben Brussard isn't playing too shabby either at 1st either), meaning there are now. That means, as of the last tally, there would have been 606,309 votes available to other, more deserving *1st Basemen*.  Of those, 451,431 were for Ortiz. You know that probably a good 200,000 of those votes are from die hard Red Sox fans, meaning they would probably vote for Kevin. I'll estimate that maybe 20 to 30,000 votes from Hafner would go to Yook. With stats alone, another 50,000 votes might have swung his way. That's 280,000 votes. Putting him, second behind Giambi, making him on pace to be a reserve. Done.

But no, baseballs concern for marketability and name recognition has hindered the ability for him to earn a fair shot at winning the job outright. I know what you're going to tell me, write him in. You know how many people write in? Ballots, All star, political office, school office, are base on name recognition. You either go in voting (or writing-in) a pre-chosen candidate, or you screen across the choices looking for the most recognizable or desirable name. Rarely ever does someone ask "Where's so and so?" It just doesn't happen. Besides, when people get to the write-in portion of the ballot, they usually have already voted for a player in the said position, which, therefore, by voting rules, invalidates the write selection.  So your "write him in" argument  becomes invalid due to the psychological dismissal of the write-in option.

But unfortunately David Ortiz is more marketable. Tell me, if Papi is still DHing for the twins, is he on the ballot as the Twins first baseman? If Pujols played in the AL on his team, is Papi on the ballot as a first baseman? The answer to that is no, and no. So any argument baseball has aside from the
"He's on the Red Sox, he's a marketable name" option is wrong. I personally intend to write in Kevin when I vote, because he, by definition, SHOULD be the first baseman on the ballot for the Red Sox.

Thank you

Note to the Angels brass: Thank you for releasing Esteban Yan. That was the worse signing from last offseason. He's an ineffective pitcher with less than average stuff that was probably the wink link of our bullpen. ****, past Shields, Donnelly, and Frankie, the bullpen has a significant dropoff, in my mind. This isn't the bullpen from '02, when we had Percival, Weber, and Levine in there.

Tonight, the Orioles come to town. Ain't no reason why we can't continue winning.

If only every athlete played their game like he did, maybe we wouldn't have to deal with all the **** there is in sports today. David isn't likely to be in the Hall of Fame when his playing days are done, but you know, maybe he should be. In this stats driven world, its players like him that bring us back to the true meaning of the game. After all, isn't that what the hall is for?

First off, Jeff Weaver. Jeff had a decent start today. There still was a home run hit off of him, as well as two shots that probably would have been if the wind hadn't been in Jeff's favor. Going by this start, you can't justify removing him from the rotation. It was a start you'd expect out of a number 5 starter. I still believe that he's on a short start-by-start leash, because he's gotta do more than have one decent start. His next start is against the Twins on Tuesday. It's a lesser lineup, but the staff is better than the competition Texas put out. Hey, at this point I'm just hoping for an effective start. Not $9 mil effective, but just effective.

Next, Kendry Morales. In our desperation, lets not be too quick to hail him as the savior of the lineup. Yes, I think he's going to be a good hitter, maybe even a great hitter, but he's going to go through the ups and downs that most rookies go through. The difference will be his experience with the Cuban National Team, in my mind. At 22, he's probably more apt to deal with the pressure than alot of people his age in his position. In the near future, maybe by August or next year at the latest, he's going to become viable protection for Vlad, along with Mike Napoli. Next year, I project that you have Garret batting 3rd, with Vlad hitting behind him as protection, followed by Morales and Napoli. Garret to benefit more by having Vlad behind him as opposed to having Morales.

Next, Darin Erstad. He's probably 2 or so weeks away from returning. For better or for worse, he's going to get his spot in the lineup back. The question is; what happens around that? His return is going to affect 3 people mainly; Figgy, McPherson, and Murphy. The most likely scenario is Figgy moving back to third base on a more full-time basis, with McPherson becoming a DH against righties, and Murphy going back down to the minors. This all depends on McPherson's performance. If he keeps hitting, like he has been, then his value far exceeds what Murphy has. However, if D-Mac starts to struggle again, Murphy becomes the better option. McPherson's only asset is his power bat. He's an average fielder, and baserunner. If he doesn't provide power, then his use is lost. Murphy on the other hand, can be used as a defensive replacement in the outfield, a pinch-runner, and a bunter. I like Murphy, as a utility outfielder, I like him more than Juan Rivera.

Next, Jered Weaver. The kid is just on right now. He is as hot has anyone can be at the moment. Is he ready to be called up?  Most likely. Is he going to be called up? Maybe. The situation has to be right. If Jeff struggles in his start against the Twins, then yes, we will see Jered strike a blow for little brothers everywhere sooner rather than later. Alot of people say to call him up into Bartolo Colon's spot in the rotation as opposed to Kevin Gregg. I don't quite agree with that approach, given this "What if". We already know that Colon is going to come back, probably within the next 3 or 4 starts. What if Jeff Weaver picks it up during that time? What are we going to do with Jered once Bart comes back? Sending him back down is going to be a break in his rhythm. If he's going to come up, lets have it be for good. If older brother Jeff falters, yes, bring him up. If (god forbid) a pitcher has a serious injury, bring him up. But not -right now-.

Finally, Bill Stoneman. I was listening to my favorite sports talk radio show out here in LA, the Big Show with Steve Mason and John Ireland, and Mr. Stoneman was getting tore up by the callers. My word to those callers is 'ease up'. You don't just call for the head of a GM who's brought you a world series and back to back division championships just because of the start we've had. Look at the standings, we're only 4 1/2 out as of right now. Sure, ok, he couldn't get Paul Konerko. To be honest, Paul made the best decision he could have. A comparable offer to ours to go back to the the world champs? Why turn that down? Ok, he didn't trade for Manny Ramirez. The Red Sox wanted names like Santana, Kendrick, Wood, and Morales. No effin way. Sure we're going to have to part with one or two of these prospects to get a power bat at the deadline, but at least now we have a gauge on them. Besides, I've mentioned it before, I think the problem has been Hatcher's approach to hitting. Now, he's finally preaching a little bit of patience, and guess what, they're hitting. It's all going to come in time. Now that they are hitting, the pressure going to start coming off of everyone to hit that 5-run homerun. It should snowball (in a positive way) from there. And if that happens, there's no reason we can't take this division.

On a positive note, I've been pleasantly surprised with Mike Napoli. If he continues this pace, he probably becomes the leading candidate for AL Rookie of the year. He's been the most patient hitter in the lineup and has some pop. He isn't bad behind the dish either.

Its now 3-2 in the top of the 9th with one out and one on. Vlad is on deck. So, barring a double play, we just might have a chance.

This will be the 4th time I've ever been to Dodger Stadium. The first was back in 1990 I think, against the Cardinals, where I got my first autograph. . .from Tom Pagnozzi.  The second was in 2000 against the Mets from the right field bleachers, which was highlighted by the world's worst attempt at having the world's largest Mambo (during the height of Mambo #5 popularity) a Mike Piazza home run which bounced over my head while I was checking my pager to see who paged me, and Benny Agbayani giving me the classic "I'm scratching my neck with my middle finger." treatment after I told him he ran funny. The third and last trip was on Easter of this year against the Giants, which was highlighted by Jeff Kent getting slammed in the head by a Brad Hennessy fastball.

The keys to the series for the Angels?

Find someone else to pitch tonight. This isn't exactly the prime situation to see if Weaver can redeem himself. He's going against his childhood favorite team a year after departing their roster, pitching at -their- house. With Weaver's tendencies to overthrow pitches and try to do to much. Things don't look too hot for tonight. Especially going against one Mr. Aaron Sele. Sele, prior to his stint with the Angels, had always dominated us. Of course, this isn't the Aaron Sele of old, as we found out while he was in an Angels uniform. You never know what's going to happen.

Situational hitting. . .It killed us last night, its been killing us all year. Sure we can put up 11 hits, but when we have only 4 runs to show for it, what's the use?

We'll see what can happen. These next few weeks are pivotal for the Angels. If they can go into June within smelling distance of the A's and Rangers, which they can, then I think they'll be able to pull it off. If they keep fading, then I don't think things are going to turn out so good. Time will tell.

I have a few bones to pick about last nights debacle in Anaheim. First off, the game was mis-managed in the last few innings. Why was Mike Napoli squeezing? Why would you have a rookie catcher who was just peppering the ball drop a bunt down in a crucial situation? The pitch that Nap popped the bunt up on was a line drive waiting to happen. If you really want to squeeze right then and there, why not pinch hit with Jose Molina? Sure, every human being in the stadium would know what was up, but the way Aybar came flying down that line, he would have scored easily.  Then, the next inning. Why, when you have two of your best bunters up at the plate do you not squeeze? Sure, Kennedy's last sac attempt didn't pan out, but the Blue Jays played it perfectly. Cabrera is probably your best bunter aside from maybe Jose Molina, why not then either? Sure, when it comes down to it, no one executed. But better decisions could have been made to begin with.

I believe Barry has been stuck on 713 since my last post. I just wish he'd just hurry up and hit 714 and 715 so we can get out of this Bonds induced purgatory that is taking away from so much of the game. Of course not that Bonds cares of course, because in his mind , he's bigger than the game.  In a related topic. I'm thinking for starting the Russ Springer fund to pay any fines that might be levied against the pitcher in the wake his plinking of Barry. In another related topic, thumbs down to ESPN radio for covering each and every Barry Bonds plate appearance, when their own radio hosts are saying that -they- don't care, its time to re-evaluate their definition of a 'historical moment' or a 'significant moment' Because Bonds passing the Babe is obviously not in the fans average eyes. Big Mac's 62nd homerun was a historical moment. Dale Earnhardt's death was a significant moment.  Bonds passing Ruth hasn't the feel. Next year, I'm not going to remember where exactly I was when it happened or when I heard about it.

The Yankees came back from a 9-run deficit. AGAINST TEXAS PITCHING. Let's remember all facets of the situation before we consecrate this moment into baseball lore. I'm not sure of what to make of the Yankees this year. All I know is that if I had to choose between the Red Sox and the Yankees to win the division, I choose the Blue Jays. And don't think they can't do it either. I don't want to hear the 'no experience' argument. They've got 4 rings on their team so they have to personnel to lead them in the latter stages of the year.

Is it me? Or do the Tigers have the best record in baseball right now? And I wouldn't be too quick to say that they might fade down the stretch either, they've got just enough of a veteran presence to keep them in line for an entire year too.

Meanwhile, my team the Angels. Are having hitting woes. Major hitting woes. Their lineup is alot like the Cubs lineup. Guys who have ok averages with absolutely no on base capability that are put around one upper echelon hitter. The difference is that the Cubs have lost that hitter in Derrek Lee, and the Angels still have him in Vladimir Guerrero. The Angels problem, in my mind, is Mickey Hatcher. Teams around the league have adapted to the Angels style of hitting by not throwing strikes. Hatcher, who was not exactly a patient hitter during his days as a utility man with the Dodgers, hasn't preached to his guys the necessity of taking pitches and taking walks. Consequently, the Angels have gone out and picked up guys that aren't patient hitters added to the fact that they're stunting the growth of some hitters that have had better pitch selection in the minors. Kotchman is the big one. Kotchman was a contact hitter who could take walks. This year, he's swinging at anything and everything, because the 'aggressive' hitting approach the coaches have instilled as 'Angel baseball'. Well, it doesn't work for everyone, this year is the perfect example. The staff needs to just let their hitters be themselves.

Tonight is the start of a big 3 game series against the Champs, and the Angels pitching is beginning to come to form at the right time. Tonight is Weaver Vs. Garcia. Garcia has owned the Angels in the past, but alot of that was against a different lineup while he was with the Mariners. Freddie of course, was also one of the 4 guys who pitched one of the sick 4 complete games in a row last October. No doubt the Angels have turned the page on that mess. This is a new year, and the Halos have that mess behind them.

Saturday has Jose Contreras against Kelvim Escobar.  Although Contreras is hot, I have to give the advantage to the Halos here. Aside from the aformentioned October debacle, Contreras has struggled against us. I've never thought too highly of him, in fact, I'll go so far as to say that he's a flash in the pan and is due to fade back to earth a la Rick Ankiel and Hideki Irabu. Saturday night, I think will be the start of that fade.

Sunday is Garland Vs. Santana. The Erv is -hot-. Garland is not. Add that to the fact that Garland doesn't pitch that well against the Angels and you have a recipe for the final game of a 2-1 series victory for the Halos.

You might be asking yourself "Hey, he has season tickets. Why isn't he there to watch this big game?" Well I'll tell you why. I gave my tickets up today because I stupidly thought that the Ducks were playing at the Pond tonight, added to the fact that this is a Big Bang Friday. I really didn't feel like braving a closed parking lot and 20,000 extra people all trying to get off the freeway at the same time." So I gave my tickets to my uncle, and let him deal with the mess that in could have been. But of course, I felt like an idiot while watching the Ducks game on the TV last night.

Its an exciting time to be sports fan in Southern California. If the Clippers, Lakers, and Ducks make it through the first round of their respective playoff matchups, we have the possibility of having -every- professional franchise (that's in season) in the LA area in action next Sunday with the exception of the LA Kings and Long Beach Ice Dogs, who are out of their respective playoffs, and the Galaxy, who play on Saturday. The includes the 4 California league teams, and the Avengers, and this little known US pro rugby league. Good stuff.

Its game time, catch you all on the flipside.