Gauchos score 36? And that's it?

Oh, UC Santa Bill, can it get any worse? Coming off of a loss to UC Davis last week, the Gauchos went up against their foes from the University of Pacific (remember Tom Cockle? He was my favorite guy to make fun of while I was at UCSB). Well, looking to try and get on the straight and narrow over the weekend, the 'Chos came up severely short against UOP and the Fightin' Tigers. How bad was it? Try only scoring 36 points...in an entire game. 

UCSB only trailed by 3 after the first twenty minutes, but UOP's Seattle, WA native Chad Troyer went nuts with four threes in the second half to lead the 35-16 second half charge. Santa Barbara ended up shooting just 22 percent from the field in the second half, with an overall 29 percent. On the positive hand, it was the best defensive effort for the Gauchos this year, holding an opposing squad to just 58 puntos, but the offense just wasn't there. Keep in mind that Stockton, CA native (back in his hometown for this game) James Nunnally led all UCSB scorers ...with 9 points! By the way, the 36-58 finish was the least amount of points scored by our alma matter since 1978. 4 years before my humble birth was the last time we were this bad. Seriously painful. Even the bench scores make me sad, with UOP leading our boys 36-11. In case your keeping track, Eagle River, AK native Chris "Big Country" Devin was held to just 8 points and 7 boards. I feel like I'm talking about Newcastle, rather than UCSB. Well, next up is a huge battle for me vs. my father, as UCSB (my former school) welcomes California State Northridge (my father's former school) to the T-Dome for a huge Big West battle that will get play on ESPNU (set your DVRs people). The Gauchos and the Matadors finished the 2007-2008 regular season as Big West Champions, and this year our boys are a second-to-last 8-11 (2-5) and the 'Dors are a surprisingly fourth place 7-10 (4-3). Despite being so bad off, we are just 3.5 games back of the leading Long Beach State Forty Dirt Bags. Hopefully Brandon's predictions are correct-a-moon-do for this Thursday's battle. 

Meanwhile, my other hardwood love affair are really starting to fail. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have dropped to #22 in the country after being ranked so high so early. The latest tragedy being a 64-71 loss to #8 Marquette. Four of the Golden Eagle players finished with more than 13 points. As for Notre Dame, Luke Harangody's 29 made him the only player with more than 10 (with Saginaw, MI native Tory Jackson getting 10 to be the only other player with double digits). The Irish ended up with a big doughnut off the bench, which didn't help the sorry starters. ND only shot 36 percent from the floor in this one (at 44.5 % this season so far), in a game that sent their Catholic Stars reeling to 2-5 against ranked teams this year. Is it just that the Big East is too good this year? Are we doing something wrong? We looked so good coming into conference play, and it has been all downhill since then. Of course, we can't use the "we play against hard teams all the time" excuse to get into the Madness of March 2009. The loss dropped the Irish out of the Top 25 according to the AP (still 22 according to to the coaches who really hate cancer). Next up is another tough Big East match against #3 Pitt in a game that has this guy is on record calling an Irish win. A win against the Panthers would be huge heading into the match against Cincinnati (that should be an easy win), and just two games before the exciting match here in Southern California against UCLA. The 12-7 (3-5) Leprechauns need to turn things around quickly if they want to stay popular among tournament voters. Do you think they'll let in 11 teams from the Big East this year?  Yes.

Not that I'm trying to turn this into a weekly basketball post or anything, but let's shift gears to the OC high school scene and the not so Mighty Barons. Fountain Valley actually improved their record to 7-14 (1-5) on the season after a big win against the seeming rivals from Newport Harbor. Fountain Valley actually managed to score less than UCSB in their huge win 34-31. FV's Marquez (no first name provided by OC Varsity.com; maybe he's like Cher or Madonna) was the big man on campus with 14 points, followed up by a strong 13 from Mr. Lee (honestly, Newport Harbor has their kid's first names listed, what the hell is the deal?). Isn't it crazy that FV only scored 7 points in the second and fourth quarters of play in the win? It was that 11 large in the third that really pushed things forward for the Blue & Gold. Next up is a Friday night bash against Marina (at the brick palace on the FTV campus), and hopefully Los Barones can get that large 8th win. 

On my way out, two NBA facts for you: 1) The Celtics (37-9) take on the Sacramento Kings (10-36) in the first part of my triple play tonight, and 2) I almost decided to become a Clippers fan after getting mildly excited listening to their play-by-play on the radio, but then I quickly came to my senses. If only the Celtics could be the C's of '06 that I really loved. 

I'd like to point out that not only did David Beckham not make soccer any more popular in the US, but he may be making a decision that could end any chance of soccer ever hitting the mainstream in this beautiful land of ours. Americans are going to be pretty bitter with this guy. Hopefully one of my boys from Lazio (and I say my boys, because I actually have a Lazio jersey) will take him out and end that fading career of his. 

Weekly football post #21.

The weekly football post comes as the final one before the Super Bowl. Of course, I'm on record for picking a team I hate (the Pittsburgh Steelers) to win the whole damn thing, but I don't really think most of us care about it anyway. So, with no American football news to speak of for this long suffering fan, let's jump quickly to what the rest of the world calls football. 

As Jon starts getting people pumped up about Orange County's high school soccer scene, I thought I would give some love to my Mighty Mighty Barons on the pitch in the FTV. A battle against Newport Harbor yesterday ended in a 0-1 loss. It was a second half golden goal by Newport's Evan Walker that cancelled out a solid start by the Blue & Gold on the road. The loss has dropped my alma matter to a 5-5-3 (3-2-0 in the Sunset) with just four games remaining in the regular season. Will super stud Jordan Gorman (7 goals in just 2 games played this year) be able to get back out on the field to dominate the competition? 

The Hoops came out big this weekend, with a nicely done 3-1 win against the Hibs in SPL play. Just three minutes into the match, Aussie Bubba Scott McDonald netted the game opening goal. It was a nice way to start, but it would get better. Six easy minutes later, Celtic Youth Academy standout Stephen McManus came up with a double your lead kind of goal. Boruc was on shutout status until the 17th minute, when Hibs' start Rob "Tom" Jones halved the lead. Luckily, it was a pull away goal 15 minutes away from the final whistle that would seal the deal. Of course, Scotty Mac earned his second goal of the game to show Hibernian who the boss is around the SPL. A Rangers draw with Aberdeen allowed the Green & White to get four points clear of the Protestants in the SPL table. The Kangaroo Mick has 9 goals in SPL play and 11 total goals this season with the Hoops, second only to the Gorgeous Greek Georgios Samaras (12 in the SPL, 14 overall). Wednesday, Celtic gets a match against Dundee United in CIS Cup play, before going back to an SPL match against bottom of the table Inverness CT. Things are looking up around Glasgow compared to last week, eh?

No game around Newcastle may be a good thing this week, but a middle of the week battle against Manchester City on Wednesday may make things a tad more gloomy. At 5-9-8 in their EPL campaign so far, the Black & White haven't given Magpie Nation much to smile about, but wouldn't a win against Man C really turn that frown upside down? Can anyone help to do anything about the -9 goal differential? Can anyone besides Michael Owen (8) and Oba Oba (6) get some goals? By the way, the team leading scorer only has 8 goals! Compare that to Chelsea's leader Nicolas Anelka (14), Everton's Mikel Areta (5- which actually makes me feel good; thanks Jon), and Manchester's Ronaldo (8- which actually makes me feel better as well; thanks Andrew). I guess only comparing to Chelsea makes me sad. Of course, the difference is that the other squads have low scoring leaders because they spread the wealth, where Newcastle just doesn't have anyone else scoring. Ah well, all hail #14 Newcastle!

One of my weekly predictions that actually came true was the nice 1-0 win for Guadalajara over Tecos this weekend. Thanks to my DVR, I was able to see the golden goal from Alberto Medina at just 13 minutes into the home game. The Culiacan, Mexico native earned his first goal of the Clausura campaign, despite nabbing 2 assists in the opening season draw. Despite having 9 shots in the match, Medina's was the lone shot on goal, and it was all we needed to beat up on the Tecos squad that got straight stopped by Guada native Luis Michel and his big white gloves. By the way, 4 Tecos yellow cards to just 1 by Chivas? What a team full of cheap shooters. At 1-0-1, Chivas trails the UNAM Pumas (2-0-0), and is tied with Cruz Azul and the bastards from Club America in the Clausura table. Next weekend we get a battle against Monterrery (1-0-1) in the next step toward a huge winter season. 

As we step into the "second half" of the NHL season, here are the power rankings according to "The Hockey News." Really? You're going to drop the Canucks to #25 out of 30? You  have to travel all the way up to #12 Buffalo to find a team with more points than my B.C. Boys. So, "THN", how could you possibly justify the Canucks being #25? Your comment, "OK Mats, anytime now...", does not get the job done. Just more proof that LSF is the only legitimate source of sports news in the Nation. 

3rd LSF Predictions Post.

As we continue to move forward with holding each other accountable, the LSF Predictions Table has been updated. Keeping track of things based on points, I've jumped ahead to first place thanks to a Chivas win and no thanks to Luongo's shootout failure in the All-Star game. Brandon and Andrew continue to be the only writers to make only correct predictions (because I think one of B's tennis predictions never even came to fruition), and Jon pulled off the amazing high school soccer call with the big 3-0 win for the Magical Friars of Servite. 

It is a new week around the LSF Nation: Brandon has earned the title of "NHL Expert" after the 2nd Annual LSF NHL All-Star Party, the NFL's final game is finally upon us (as if any of us really care), and we are now just 17 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to MLB Spring Training camps. As we continue to march forward, it's that time again to make some calls if we'd like to. Toss them onto the comments of this post, as usual, and we can all be mean to each other about our ridiculous predictions. 

Have fun.

Has the All-Star game been saved or ruined?

I'm trying to figure out if the latest news out of the NHL is good for the rest of us or bad for the rest of us. It seems as though we have been blessed with not having to watch Sidney Crosby play in this year's All-Star game thanks to an injured left knee for the overrated "stuper" star (oh!). The 1.7 million morons that voted for him (or, maybe it was just his mother voting for him 1.7 million times...damn high speed internet) are going to be deeply disappointed with the sixth best Penguin sitting at home in Pittsburgh come this weekend when all the good players are visiting Montreal. 

The question, obviously, becomes: Will it be good or bad that Crosby is missing the All-Star game (for us, I mean). On the positive side, we won't have to watch Sidney Crosby suck it up on the ice (for example, almost get a shot off, but not actually get a shot off, but get tons of head from the announcers because of the amazingness of his almost shot). Laval, Quebec native and Tampa Bay's scoring leader Matin St. Louis (17 goals and 29 assists, which is just as many goals as Crosby, by the way) is getting the opportunity to take the ice in the place of "The 1-2-3 Kid", so let's give him props during the game. Of course, there may be a negative side to the Sidney Crosby injury. What if the fact that SC isn't at the game actually leads to more coverage on him, and more stories about how the game is worse because he isn't around? What if we get a live feed of Sid sitting on his couch watching the game, while they ask questions about the lack of marketability of the game because he isn't there? Son of a bitch, you can't get rid of this guy. 

Hey, Luongo clearly hasn't recovered from his groin injury, and he's going to be playing in the game. If this bitch is so good, why doesn't he just suck it up? I still have to go to work when I have a bruised knee. 

Here is a video, practically showing exactly what Crosby does all the time, and it is a great example of why I feel he is the Ichiro of the NHL. 

See you Sunday, chowder heads. 

P.S. For you Dodger fans out there, I'm sure you'll be proud to know that Mike Piazza (most home runs by any catcher in his rookie year with a .318 BA) made the 9th best Rookie Season of all time according to MLB Network's best show, Prime 9. Shoeless Joe didn't make the list, despite hitting .400+ in his rookie campaign, and neither did Big Mac, who hit more home runs in his rookie season than any other player in history (pre-steroids, based on the eyeball test). Remember what they say, "Prime 9 is the show guaranteed to start arguments, not stop them." 

Lu robbed after a solid game.

Another game, another loss. What the heck is going on? This time around, Luongo was definitely not to blame, as he gave it his all. A combination of a lack of offense from the 'Nucks, a rough no call in OT leading to the game winning SJ goal, and an overblown story line of Claude Lemieux playing his first game since 2003 all came together in the San Jose 2-1 win over my boys from B.C. 

It wasn't really much of an effort from anyone in this game, except Luongo. The Canucks had their lowest amount of shots in the season, putting just 13 on net in regulation, and even that was almost enough to pull off the shocker. 12:38 into the game, and after a couple of huge stops by Roberto on Setoguchi and company, Thunder Bay, ON native Taylor Pyatt nabbed his second goal in as many games from the Twins. It was busy in front, and Hank fed the puck through to Pyatt who put the puck in easily, and he took the shot from right in front of the net. After that, it was our captain's chance to shine again and again. He made save after thrilling save, 27 in all on 29 shots. They included a save where he was knocked down on his back and sat up only to see a shot coming his way, which he nabbed with his glove while still sitting on his seat. It was ridiculous, because it looked so easy, but was just remarkable when you realized what he just did. The Canucks kept things strong until the Sharks finally decided to make good with just 40 seconds to go in the game. Nabokov was on the bench for the extra attacker, as San Jose was just seconds away from getting shutout by the Mighty Orca. However, with tons of traffic in front after a wild rebound, Taber, Alberta native Devin Setoguchi was able to get the puck passed Luongo, despite his best possible effort. It was a mad house out on the ice, and despite the let down, we were headed to OT with a chance to stun the Sharks. At 2:17 of the OT period, Daniel "Deuce Deuce" Sedin headed to the box after a costly hook. About 51 seconds later, Nabokov drilled a three line pass to Joe Thorton. Thorts was standing over the blue line, chilling just inside the offensive zone, when he received the pass. The refs kept the whistle in their pockets, the Sharks crashed the net, and eventually scored the game winning power play goal thanks to Patrick Marleau. After 63:08 of hockey, the Canucks were once again defeated by Karen's Sharks (the third time this year). After the game, my boy Henrik bumped into Naokov and Ryan Clowe, I believe accidentally. Ryan "Clown" turned around to start getting rough with Hank after the bump, and a battle started. Big boy Shane "SOB" O'Brien came back onto the ice after stepping off toward the locked room, and stood up for 33 by going after Clowe. I see it as a strong play to protect your boy, the media saw it as a move that could lead to SOB getting fined. BS. 

The Northern California media kept it local for their ridiculous three stars, as they went with 1) Marleau, 2) Setoguchi, and 3) Dan Boyle (2 shots on goal and 1 giveaway gets you third star?). Of course, the underrated 3 stars of the game per LSF are going to be quite different. I'm going with 1) Roberto Luongo (27 saves on 29 shots in his first impressive start since returning from the injury), 2) Taylor Pyatt (give this guy some damn props for his second goal in two games), and 3) Shane O'Brien (a +1 rating, and the only penalty minutes he took were from the after party, where he stuck up for his bros). Not a bad list. 

So, are we all ready to give up yet? Six straight losses, eight losses in our last nine games, and Roberto is 0-1-2 since returning from his injury? Not a lot to get excited about since the turn of the New Year in Canucks Nation (2-4-4). The OT loss has dropped our record to 22-19-7 (51 points), and has dropped us to the #3 spot in the division. Now Van-ca-tesh is at -7 of the Flames, even with the Oilers (but behind on wins), and just +2 on Minnie and +4 on Avalanche. Right, that means that the Canucks could be in the cellar in the Northwest in as little as two games if things work out for their worst. Luckily, we have reached the All-Star break in South British Columbia. The 'Nucks will have time to kind of sit around and figure out what the hell is going on. The Flames are the only NW squad with one more game before the official break, but hopefully the Blue Jackets can stay hot and win that one to keep the division where it is at heading into the Montreal festivities. 

In baseball, the big Q signed a one year deal with the Halos, so we better keep our "The extra B is for..." jokes fresh and dusted off for the '09 season. 

Mason Raymond made the NHL Youngstars roster. Did your youth? See you Sunday, for the United States' only 2nd Annual NHL All-Star Party!

NHL Changes All-Star Starting Lineups

After the NHL announced that All-Star starting lineups represented just two teams each from the Eastern and Western Conferences, Commissioner Gary Bettman reported a record number of complaints from GMs of all teams. The most common opinion was that more teams should be represented, while GMs from the Penguins, Canadiens, Ducks, and Blackhawks all argued in favor of stocking their respective conference squads with players only from their own teams.

After much debate, Bettman decided that there could only be one fair solution. Revised All-Star starters are as follows:

Eastern Conference
G - Barack Obama
C - Barack Obama
F - Barack Obama
F - Barack Obama
D - Barack Obama
D - Barack Obama

Western Conference
G - Barack Obama
C - Barack Obama
F - Barack Obama
F - Barack Obama
D - Barack Obama
D - Barack Obama

Bettman also announced that Obama has complete control over the reserves for both of his teams. Early signs point to both sets of reserves being occupied by Barack Obama.

The SuperSkills competition will be more or less skipped this year. Instead the titles for Fastest Skater and Breakaway Challenge will be awarded to Barack Obama by default. The titles for Hardest Shot, Most Accurate Shot, and the new Gatorade Elimination Shooutout will be given to John Wilkes Booth.

Weekly football post #20.

Can you believe that this is the twentieth weekly football post? What is this world coming to? While the NFL is looking toward a Super Bowl between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, my favorite NFL team stole the news with a big head coaching hire. Wouldn't it be nice if the Cardinals could actually win the Super Bowl? Maybe.

The former Los Angeles Rams are finally back on the LSF WFP this time around with the news that we've hired a new coach. Former Giants' defensive coordinator and Whitinsville, Massachusetts native Steve Spagnuolo has taken the job that I wouldn't think anybody would want. The word on the street is that Spags is picking up just under $12 million, but years of the deal have yet to be announced (that can't be for one year, can it?). Taking over a squad that finished 2-14 in the 2008 season can't be high on anyone's wish list, but the so called "architect of the Giants' sack happy defense" could be ready to take his shot at making things better. The offensive line, of course, could use some hope as well. Spags is 49 years old, and was able to turn around a sad defense in New York to help earn himself a Super Bowl ring in the 2007 season. According to the St Louis Today dot com website, here are the 5 reasons Rams Nation should be excited about Spags: 1) He is, above all else, sincere 2) He has presence, 3) Faith is important to him (wait, is her Protestant? Damn!), 4) Though intense and feisty, Spagnuolo has a lot of inner calm, and 5) Spags and his wife will be involved in the community. Hm, I wish one of those would have been that he is a winner who will help take this team to the Super Bowl. Just remember, head coaches don't matter that much. 

The only way I can describe the feeling around Glasgow is shocked. The Bhoys from Celtic got blown up by Aberdeen 2-4 over the weekend, and now only lead Rangers by two points in the race for the SPL title. It was Aberdeen's Zander Diamond with a double in the second half that did the trick, after the sides played even over the first 45. The midfielder from Dunfermline, Scott Brown, nailed home an equalizer early on after the Abs got the first goal, and then the Aussie mega stud Scott McDonald nailed home a goal before the first whistle to cancel out the second goal from Aberdeen. The striker's netter would be the last goal we would see for the Hoops, as Siedlce, Poland native Artur Boruc just couldn't hold the door shut. The win by the Dons has most of Celt Nation a little nervous, let's be honest. At 16-3-3 (51 points), the Hoops sit just +2 on the Protestants from Rangers, and need to get back to their winning ways quickly. The #6 Hibs are next on the hit list for The Mighty Celts, and with Rangers lining up against Aberdeen on the same day, the Green & White could have a chance to move 5 clear with a little help. 

I wish I could say looking up north to Newcastle could make me feel a little better about my footie squads, but it just isn't so. 'Castle got straight jacked by Blackburn over the weekend, dropping a 0-3 affair. Black's coach Sam Allardyce has to be feeling pretty good after beating his former club, despite still being 2 back of the squad that he ruined. Irish native Shay Given just couldn't keep the inferior side out of the twine over 90 minutes, and the sadness around Magpie-ville continues to loom like a dark cloud. This loss has led to an increase in problems around Toon Town, with boss Joe Kinnear refusing to commit himself to agree to a new contract because he wants to "create his own team" (he's also coming out in the papers wasting the time to say that Newcastle's problems aren't his fault, which is totally lame). Meanwhile, Shay Given is starting to get linked to rumors of a change, and Michael Owen continues to refuse to sign on a new contract. When will this squad get sorted out? 2019? The 5-9-8 club (their 23 points keep them just 2 clear of relegation) next line up against #11 Manchester City, or Money City if you're with me. A chance for a big upset? I sure hope so, because 'Castle needs to do something to put some smiles on our faces. 

Chivas de Guadalajara earned a 3-3 draw with Cruz Azul over the weekend, after two huge goals from Apatzingan, Mexico native Carlos Ochoa in the first 27 minutes. Ocho's first goal was after a failed corner kick set piece. The ball bounced around outside the box, and came right back to his feet for the impressive strike. His second goal was a pass through the box that found him streaking toward the net. Ocho laid out, and his sliding foot connected to put the ball over the gloves of "Strawberry" Yosgart Gutierrez. Pretty. Down 0-2 after the two goals, Cruz got to Luis Michel three straight times from minute 35 to minute 43, and the Goats found themselves down 2-3 really, really quickly. Luckily, early on in the second half it was Guada native Sergio Ponce getting the cancelation strike that would lead to the game ending in a 3-3 draw. With the UNAM Pumas getting the only win in the Group 2 division through week one, Chivas only sits 2 points back of the lead with an upcoming match against Tecos on Saturday (the DVR is set, baby). This is shaping up to be my most involved FMF season in history. 

Has anyone else noticed that when Boston lost 7 out of 9 games they had crazy media coverage, but now that they have ripped off five straight wins you haven't heard anything about them? The most recent W was the 104-87 win over Phoenix where Rajon "The Three R's" Rondo had 23 points. At 34-9, my Green & White hardwooders sit 23 1/2 games up on the Los Angeles Clippers by my count in the chase for the "LSF Cup," which doesn't actually exist. 

And then there is this, in honor of the inauguration. 

The losing is getting pretty old.

With 7 losses over the last 8 games, and 6 straight Ls at home, I'm starting to feel like a Clippers fan. My big question is: Is Roberto Luongo really at 100%? I guess we'll be able to tell with how things go when he has the league's best helping him in the third period of the All-Star game on Sunday. The latest awful outing in British Columbia was a 5-6 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets in the Vancouver Canucks 3,000th NHL game. 7th Canucks around the province (and the country for that matter) are starting to get restless. 

Coach V was sure to debunk the Luongo playing through injuries rumors after the games, "Obviously, we know Roberto can play better. He's a key ingredient to the success of our team." Lu didn't leave the media boys with a quote after this one, as he starts to pull himself away from the spotlight. It started well enough, just 6:43 into the game. Deuce Deuce threw a pass behind the net to H-Bomb, as usual, but Hank fed a no look backward through the legs pass to Thunder Bay, ON native Taylor Pyatt right in front of the net. Score. Less than 4 minutes later, however, Manny Malhotra tied things up. Just a tad later, Ryan Kesler decided to pick up the energy for the boys by fighting R.J. ("Really Jewish?") Umberger. Um, Kes won. After starting the second period all knotted up, the Canucks knew they had to do something. Who knew it would be the second goal of the elder statesman Mats Sundin that would start us back off. Mr. Torontonia got a pass from Pavol Demitra (who may have incurred a groin injury in the match... what is going on here?) and skated in slowly before nailing a perfect backhand passed Mason. It was pretty, and well worth the millions and millions of dollar (Canadian). The line I've dubbed "Three Cool Dudes" (it will catch on, just wait) made noise almost 10 minutes later when AB fed Kesler, who fed Stevie Bernier for the two goal lead. Wait, things are really clicking here. Four straight goals for Columbus would take the win out of my sails, however, including two goals scored where Lu wasn't even near the net. He was playing way out of the crease, and overreacting to shots like wow. Down 3-5 with a lot of the third period to play, Coachie V took a timeout to scream something motivational. It worked. Hank scored a power play goal at 4:37 and Kevin Bieksa blasted a slap shot from the blue line that was saved by Mason but bounced off a Jacket defenders face and then into the net. It was the funniest goal of the year. Of course, we all know that once the Canucks get through three periods of tied hockey, it doesn't usually end well. After a scoreless OT (which included a penalty kill after a X-Man hook) the Canucks got stonewalled in the shootout to officially drop the game 5-6. 

It was another tough loss for Van-ca-tesh, but thanks to the Canadian media picking the stars, we were well represented. The stars were 1) Hank, 2) Rick Nash (the older version of Crosby is starting to annoy me again), and 3) Pyatt. Time for the LSF "Underrated 3 Stars of the Night": 1) Kevin "Wolverine" Bieksa (honestly, a goal and an assist for a D-man deserves first star status), 2) Mats Sundin (any time he scores, he has to make the list), and 3) Port McNeill, BC native Willie Mitchell (another +2 night for the consistently positive assistant captain). 

The seemingly never ending stream of losses has my Orca at 22-19-6 (50 points) and in serious danger of dropping to .500 or letting Edmonton pass them up. The Blue & Green are -8 of Calgary, only +1 of the Oil, and +3 over Mickey's girlfriend and the former (and possibly still current) Versus love affair. The game that makes Karen and I arch rivals is on deck, with the Canucks making their second visit down to California's original capitol. The thrilling Sharks are 33-6-5, which I almost can't believe, and have a +51 goal differential which compares well to the Canucks' +1. I'm not too excited about this one, but I'm hoping with all the recent losing, we just might be due to rip one off. Keep in mind that with their last loss, Vancouver broke the all time record for longest consecutive home losing streak. Wake up Lu!

A quick hardball note, the Angels have 16 players heading to the World Baseball Classic. Notable studs include Jose Arredondo (Dominican), Brian Fuentes (USA), Vlad (Dominican), Ma$e (Venezuelan), Lackey (USA, but maybe not really), Napoli (Italy, but wait, are you really Italian?), Kasey Olenberger (Italy), Juan Rivera (Venezuelan), Erv (Dominican), Shields (USA), Hainley Statis (Netherlands), and Rich Thompson (back for the Aussies). I'm stoked that MLB Network will be hooking this bad boy up like never before. 

This one made me laugh out loud. 

2nd LSF Predictions Post

So, I'll be man enough to say that I made a bad call in the NFC Championship game. But hey, so did Jon, so I don't feel that bad. At least the Steelers are beating the Ravens, which although I don't want to have happen, it does help my chances to pull even with Andrew in the LSF Predictions table. 

To go along with Brandon's idea about the predictions around here at TLSF, this second predictions post is prompting you to leave a comment on three matches you would like to predict for the coming week. You can pick any sport, any teams, any match (but don't try to pad your stats by picking something like the Boston Bruins beating the Ottawa Senators (however, isn't it cool that the Sens are the worst team in the Northeast this year?). If you don't want to make picks, that's cool too. We write for a blog that has no judgments, except if I go 0-2 in the NFL Championships, and I just get reamed by you fools. 

By the way, should we add Brandon's post-Bowl game bowl predictions to the record books? It's a democracy around here, so we can vote on that. 

Add your picks to the comments of this post if you'd like, and best of luck. 

D.J. leads S.B.

Maybe it was just enough to creep us back to an 8-9 overall record with a 2-3 mark in the Big West, but any win against an arch rival from a college where they drive tractors to class is a big deal around Goleta, CA. The Mighty Gauchos did all of us USCB alums proud with an impressive 72-62 win over the Mustangs of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the road, and may have finally made their first major statement of the year. They certainly faired better than my boys from Notre Dame. 

The 'Chos took a big hit with the news of Paul Roemer's injured shoulder, but the bench cats filled in large about 90 minutes north on highway 101. Hazel Crest, IL native and Senior D.J. Posely busted his 6.6 points per game average with a giant 17 spot on the 'Stangs en route to a 33-27 first half lead and the 72-62 overall win. UCSB led by as many as 14 points in the second half with an impressive 55-41 lead. The sophomore sensation Jordan "Encino Man" Weiner (a much better nickname than that given by the SLO crowd) put up his career high 14, as he got to step up and play a larger role with the injury depleted squad. The Gauchos also proved solid from beyond the arch with 17 three pointers, and on defense as they held the Mustangs to just a 38.2 percent margin from the field. However, the absolute highlight of the night has to be handed to true freshman and Budapest, Hungary native Greg Somogyi. The 7'2 230 pound giant who played on the Hungarian Under-20 National Team brought it hard with a huge dunk with about 9:36 to play. Hats off to the Gaucho recruiters. Now pulling up to the #7 spot in the Conference (out of 9) and only 3 games back of the conference leading Dirt Bags, UCSB eyes a Thursday night match against UC Davis (8-10, 3-2) on the road to try and keep the winning alive. As long as they continue getting ready to make a surprise run in the Big West tourney, we can all be happy. 

Not so for the highly ranked Fighting Irish. My other hardwood love affair got jacked by #8 Syracuse last night, and I got to watch the highlights in tears at Yard House with a Smithwick's in my hand. Down by just 7 at the end of the first half, my favorite 13th ranked team in the Nation got bombed 39-51 in the second 20 minutes to drop yet another game in a seemingly long line of defeats. Dare I say that my Catholic brethren are overrated? While you may think that 'Cuse gave Harangody to much of a run for his money, you wouldn't really be that correct. The Jedi Knight finished with 25 points and 16 boards in the match for his seventh consecutive double-double (animal style). Still the only good thing to come out of Staten Island, Kyle McAlarney nailed down 7 trees for a large 24 point evening, and Ryan "Blue Balls" Ayers impressed as well with his 11 points. The big guy took all the blame, however, as a super star should. LH scored just once in the final 6 minutes against the Orange, and he knew it was a rough effort toward the end, "This one's on me. I've reached the time in my career where I need to step up and 9 for 28 from the field is unacceptable. I can't lay a goose egg like that, especially on the road." Way to take it like a man, Jedi. With their 12-5 record (3-3 in the Big East), the Irish hope to turn things around against #4 UConn on Saturday night. Can I play like the SEC and say that the record doesn't matter because they're playing against the amazing Big East every single night? Hm. Just a little over a month until we see if they really have what it takes against Los Friars. 

I'm watching the DVR recording of the Chivas/Cruz Azul match from yesterday, and Carlos Ochoa just scored an amazing goal after a corner. It is one of his two goals in the 3-3 season opening draw against the boys from the Blue Cross, and I'm so pumped after watching it that I'm planning on DVR'ing every Chivas Guada game from here on out. Meanwhile, the USA branch of the Goats picked up Wake Forest graduate Michael Lahoud in the draft (which is super, for some odd reason), and thanks to Andrew for enlightening me to this little tid bit of information.

I don't know if you'll find this funny, but I really did. 

Ochoa just scored his second goal. 

Concluding the Bowls

What a college football season it was.....They say that every year, right? Well, I did have a great year on one front, the Rice Football winning ten games in a season front. My trip to Houston was sweet: the Bowl win was exciting, the New Year's celebration was fun and I got half off at the Rice Bookstore. Woot!

Had I known that the internet has not hit Houston, I may have tried harder to squeeze all my Bowl picks in before I left. I did not, however, and once I missed one game analysis, I sunk into the depths of despair commonly experienced by us TLSFers.

As we are trying to get better at holding each other accountable, I felt that this would be a good opportunity to finish posting my predictions. You'll have to take it for what it is worth. I'm telling you that I made these picks before the games, but that doesn't mean that you have to believe me:

Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada vs Maryland, Nev by 1
My picks: Nevada covering
Final: Maryland 42-35

Texas Bowl: Western Michigan vs Rice, Rice by 3
My picks: Rice covering
Final: Rice 38-14

Holiday Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Oregon, OkSt by 3
My picks: Oklahoma State covering
Final: Oregon 42-31

Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs Air Force, H by 3
My picks: Air Force with the points
Final: Houston 34-28

Sun Bowl: Oregon State vs Pittsburgh, OSU by 3
My picks: OSU covering
Final: OSU 3-0

Music City Bowl: Boston College vs Vanderbilt, BC by 3.5
My picks: BC to win, not to cover
Final: Vanderbilt 16-14

Insight Bowl: Kansas vs Minnesota, Kan by 10
My picks: Kansas covers
Final: Kansas 42-21

Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU vs Georgia Tech, Tech by 4
My picks: Georgia Tech to win, not to cover
Final: LSU 38-3

Outback Bowl: Iowa vs South Carolina, Iowa by 3.5
My picks: Iowa to cover
Final: Iowa 31-10

Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs Michigan State, Geo by 7.5
My picks: Geo to win, not to cover
Final: Georgia 24-12

Gator Bowl: Clemson vs Nebraska, Clemson by 2.5
My picks: Nebraska with the points
Final: Nebraska 26-21

Rose Bowl: USC vs Penn State, USC by 9.5
My picks: USC to cover
Final: USC 38-24

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati, Cin by 1.5
My picks: Cincinnati to cover
Final: Virginia Tech 20-7

Cotton Bowl: Texas Tech vs Mississippi, TT by 5
My picks: Tech to cover
Final: Mississippi 47-34

Liberty Bowl: Kentucky vs East Carolina, ECU by 2.5
My picks: ECU to cover
Final: Kentucky 25-19

Sugar Bowl: Utah vs Alabama, Ala by 10.5
My picks: Utah with the points
Final: Utah 31-17

International Bowl: UConn vs Buffalo, Conn by 4.5
My picks: UConn to cover
Final: UConn 38-20

Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs Ohio State, Tex by 9.5
My picks: Texas to cover
Final: Texas 24-21

GMAC Bowl: Tulsa vs Ball State, BS by 2.5
My picks: Tulsa with the points
Final: Tulsa 45-13

BCS Championship: Florida vs Oklahoma, FL by 3
My picks: Florida to cover
Final: Florida 24-14

On the year on straight pick 'em I was 20-14
On the year on lines I was 23-10-1

For the record, the Los Angeles Times' College Football expert, everyone's favorite Chris Dufresne, went 15-19 on straight pick 'ems and he still has a job. Ridiculous. Hopefully by next year TLSF will have gotten so hot that we'll be raking in enough dough to where I can take a run at some lines in Vegas. If I had put 10 dollars on every Bowl game(Then again, you know I wouldn't have been betting on teams like Texas and Rutgers.), I would have spent 340 dollars and gotten 470 in return. Or even better, I might have a job at the Times.

A video for Halo fans.

Despite this LSF writer being the only real Angel fan of the quartet, I hope that you still all enjoy this little video about the Angels Offseason. 

Click here.

Best line? "If you say Shea Hillenbrand, I'll fucking kill you." Second best? "Just call me 'Rubberman'."

Answer to previous post title: No.

That is a pretty pessimistic post title, I know, but Lu just didn't look ready to turn the entire damn thing around last night against the Pups from Phoenix. Before I get stated, however, I want to point out some of the straight up amazing matches between LSF squads in February. Here are this writer's highlights in February: 2/5) The Celts get their rematch against the Lake Show, 2/7) The Canucks get another swing at the Hawks, and the Irish come to play in Los Angeles against the Mighty Bruins, 2/15) Once again, the battle between good and evil gets underway as Celtic plays Rangers, 2/21) Simply an amazing day with the 'Nucks going at the Leafs, the Irish playing arch rivals Providence, and Newcastle taking on Everton, and finally 2/25) the greatest rivalry in all of sports gets underway as the Celts battle the Clippers. That is a pretty cool group of battles, and I didn't even include the Slugs and the Laffs going at it twice, Manchester and Everton getting it on, and another rematch between the Bruins and the Trojans. All of this, and it is the month of my birth? Clearly awesome. 

Two in the first and two in the second. That was the summary of the play of Canucks in the triumphant return of their captain last night at GM Place. 7th Canucks around the Nation were under the assumption that Roberto getting back between the pipes would completely change out recent 9-12-3 skid without the mighty captain. Not so, I asserted, but I was still hopeful. 1:05 into the match, my pessimistic assumptions were unfortunately right on. Joakim Lindstrom scored the opening goal, as well as the second goal at 13:16 on the power play to set the 'Nucks at a disadvantage. The first goal should have been stopped, the second was clearly a screen that anyone could have missed. After going down 0-2 through 20 minutes, Keith Yandle would get #3 for the Pups at 2:22 into the middle frame after winning a face off and simply walking in on Roberto. He really didn't even look like he could put forth a good effort on the play, and it was easily 0-3. Peter Mueller nailed home a power play goal at 8:34 in the second period against Luongo, who gave up 4 goals on 22 shots, and I started to realize that "On The Fly" didn't show one single offensive pressure highlight with the Blue & Green holding onto the puck. They didn't put very much on former Mighty Duck Ilya Bryzgalov, only 20 shots through two periods, and he stood tall. 11:02 into the final frame, Ornskoldsvik native Daniel "Nintendo DS" Sedin got his and the 'Nucks lone goal without an assist. In the end, however, that would be it and Van-ca-tesh walked off their home ice with yet another flopper. 

I once again find myself not up to giving any "Underrated 3 Stars" of the game after that horrible effort, which bring my puck bunnies to a lowly 6 losses in their last 7 games (and 6 straight home losses). Despite the return of El Roberto, Vancouver sits at 22-19-5 (49 points), and stares a huge 9 point deficit in the Northwest Division. Meanwhile, the rear enders are continuing to close the gap, with Minnie -2 of the 'Nucks, and Edmonton and Colorado both -4 of the 'Nucks. I'm getting nervous, and we aren't even to the All-Star break yet. If you want to look at the playoff picture way too early, and I do, my Orca babies are #7 in the conference (but, in reality, they are tied with the #5 Ducks and #6 'Yotes with their 49 puntos). A win in our next match could propel the Blue & Green to being the best in the West outside of the Hawks and the division leaders; wouldn't that be nice? It will be on tap the upcoming Lord's Day, as Vancouver will go skate to skate with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the good ol' Garage. The Ohio squad are 21-18-4 (46 points, -22 of their division leading Wings), and will present a pretty hefty challenge for the BC Boys, who have dropped to 11-10-2 in British Columbia this year. As Bobby Lu gets back to his usual act, one can only hope that Coachie V and company can pick up the pace and keep working toward a return to the top. 

Two things on my way out: 

1) The Rams made the right choice by telling Jim Haslett that he would not be returning as the coach for the 2009 campaign. Finally a good decision, their first one since beating the Cowboys way back when. Word on the street have these candidates hot on the STL trail: Vikes assistant Leslie Frazier, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, and Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. LSF is reporting that Frazier and Spagnuolo are the most likely picks, but wouldn't we be stoked to steal Garrett away to add to the Cowboys/Rams saga. 

2) We are only 27 days/23 hours/54 minutes away from pitchers and catchers having to report to training camp, and despite the bad decision to waste $5.775 million on a single year of Chone Figgins' bat, I am severely pumped up for the '09 MLB season. Spring Training is going to be so crucial! 

By the way, the Maple Leafs made Sports Pickle this week, and their story is a little more than half way down the homepage. 

Can Lu stop this sinking ship?

LSF reported Luongo's Thursday return in yesterday's post, and NHL "On The Fly" didn't even report it until last night. Despite the hopes and dreams of every 7th Canuck around the land for Lu to turn around the ailing 'Nucks around before the break, is he the only reason that we've been stinking it up? It can't be. Last night was just another example of the recent struggles of my BC Boys, as they got pounded 5-3 by the Devils, in a game that gave the D's 2 goals with the Vancouver net minder not even standing between the pipes. 

After the game, newest Orca hero Mats Sundin pointed out how slow starts have been hurting the Blue & Green, "We all have to be better, including myself, and be ready at the start of the game. We play like we did in the second and third and we'll have a good chance to win." With Vancouver being down to the Sopranos 0-3 after the first 20 minutes, it is hard to argue with the assessment of the elder acquisition. By the way, this 'Nucks game was on Pay Per View, and we didn't nearly get a Pay Per View type performance. That's being kind. 1:05 into the match, Jason LaBarbera was out to play the puck behind the net, and the puck was stolen. Barbie got back around the net, but kind of slipped down as Rolston buried the game opening goal. Just over 2 minutes later, Manitoba Moose fan Travis Zajac took a hard shot at Barbie that bounced off and left our keeper kind of dazed, which easily allowed Minneapolis native Zach Parise to double up the Devils lead. Coachie V had seen enough and Barbie was out. Sanford came back in, with most thinking that he was playing for the chance to be the backup once Luongo comes back later this week. Guess what? At 11:07, Sanny went to play the puck behind the net, lost the puck, and couldn't get back around in front of net to make any kind of stop on the rubber. The fans at GM Place starting to boo, which only happens when things are really going bad. One thing to point out about this game is that there were no penalties in the first, and only 6 overall whistle blows through 60 minutes. I dig that. The second period saw things settle down, with my man and Pincourt, Quebec native Alex Burrows burying a huge board after a shot from Ryan Kesler. Clemmensen had no chance to stop good ol' AB, who brought the Canucks back within 2 on his 10th of the year. The third period, however, started with a Travis Zajac goal to pull things back away for Jersey. With little hope flowing through Canucks Nation, Mats Sundin and his newest line combination injecting some hope. From about the top of the circle, and with under 8 minutes to go in the game, Mats "Bromma" Sundin sent a wrister toward the net. The rebound came right to Po Po Demitra for the second goal of the night for Van-ca-tesh. Again, with hope fading fast at 17:19 into the final frame, Stevie "Karen's favorite" Bernier crashed the net with Ryan Kesler to make something happen. His 10th goal of the year helped Coachie V to feel comfortable pulling his keeper (he could have pulled him after the first period and the result would have been nearly the same). With the goalie-less advantage, the Canucks failed to put any extra pressure on New Jersey, who saw Dainus Zubrus nail an empty netter to ice the pudding. It was another tough home loss. 

It is kind of tough to even want to contradict the media's three stars when the 'Nucks went out an put fourth an effort as sad as that, but let's try. The liberal (but also very cute) Canadian media picked 1) Zajac, 2) Parise, and 3) Po Po. It's nice that they through out the shout out to BC with the #3 star, but how about taking a look at the LSF underrated 3 stars of the puck game? 1) Ostersund, Sweden native Alex Edler (tied for the best on ice rating in the entire game with a +2 mark), 2) Ornskoldsvik, Sweden native Daniel Sedin (a 100% faceoff winning mark, 2 shots on goal, and 19:40 of ice time), and 3) Bromma, Sweden native Mats Sundin (for getting his first assist and his second point in three games with Van-ca-tesh). What a Swedish sweep!

At 22-18-5 (49 points), the Canucks are in a great deal of pain in the Northwest Conference. With just 1 win in their last 6 outings (against the Oilers, haha), my BC Boys now sit a really large 7 points back of the Calgary Flamers. Edmonton, Minnesota, and Colorado all sit with 45 points, really putting some pressure on my squad to right this Canadian ship. Thursday night against the 21-18-5 Phoenix Coyotes, the Canucks and their stellar captain will try and turn this whole damn thing back around to try and make some progress in the division chase prior to the All-Star break. The 'Yotes are coming off of a 3-6 loss against the Northwest's Wild, and hopefully will be just the right squad for Captain Luongo to return against. Just stop Doan. 

MLB Network's "Prime 9" show on "Greatest Pitching Seasons of All Time" just picked Pedro Martinez's 2000 season as the greatest of all time (even though in 1999 he won the triple crown of pitching with a 23-4 record and a 2.07 ERA). That year he pitched with an 18-6 record and a 1.74 ERA (when the league average was just over 5). However, afterward they were pointing out pitcher's who didn't have a season that made the cut, and included Athletics ultra-star Lefty Grove. In 1931, Lefty finished with a record of 31-4 (including 16 wins in a row at one point) with a eye popping 27 complete games and a miniscule 2.06 ERA. Recent memory really messes up our ability to pick all-time lists, agree?

Is anyone else getting tired of seeing advertisements for the All-Star game telling us things like, "In Montreal we would say: 'Ligne Bleue'. In the States you Yanks would say: 'Blue Line.'" Well guess what Montreal? In Montreal, you would say "Allez a l'enfer Frenchies!" What would we say?

1st LSF Predictions Post

Since starting the LSF website, we all have bitched and complained quite a bit about the "real" sports media, including ESPN, Fox, etc. One of the reasons we talk crap is that they really don't know what they are talking about. The other main reason that we talk crap is that they make ridiculous predictions, aren't right, and never have to pay the price for getting things wrong. Like Brandon said the other day, "ESPN personalities should be fired if they make enough wrong predictions." I think that's a great idea. 

However, if you're going to talk crap, you're going to have to back things up. If you reading this, you may be noticing a couple of changes to the sidebar of the LSF. We've got a new poll feature, which I think is pretty sweet, and we have a brand new 2009 predictions table. The plan is to have some weekly match ups that we'll need to pick, and we'll keep track so we can be held accountable. It can morph into something slightly different if anyone has a better idea. So, let's get this bad boy started with this week's LSF Predictions:

1. Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals (Sunday at 12)

2. Baltimore Raves @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday at 3:30)

We'll simply start with those two. You can post your predictions on the comments of this post, and we'll all try our best to keep track of which LSF writer (or reader, if there is a reader who isn't a writer) has the clearest crystal ball when it comes to sports (P.S. I don't think we'll pick games that involve the LSF squads, unless it is a big time game, because how can you pick against your squad?). Like I said, however, this thing can morph. Enjoy. 

Weekly football post #19.

With American football still on the shelf (really, Panthers? That's your best effort?) for this guy, we can jump right into the rest of the world's football as we visit my nineteenth weekly installment of the football post. 

There is a lot of shifting and posturing going around Magpie Nation, with my boy Charles N'Zogbia looking to get out so he can be a starter and our head coach reporting that Irish National Shay Given will be staying at St. James Park despite rumors. Of course, Manchester City was named as a landing spot for the gifted Irish glove man, but hopefully he's willing to stay between the pipes for the Boys in Bars. Meanwhile, there was intense fun on the pitch as well, as Newcastle went toe to toe with the Pigs from West Ham over the weekend. Michael Owen made his case for wanting to stay at 'Castle with a game opening goal with a streaking strike on a feed from Enrique. Owen's big goal was cancelled out by two big Hammie strikes, one by Carlton Cole and one by Craig "Bill" Bellamy. Luckily, lurking to save a point for the Mags was recently turned 20 year old and Tyne & Wear native Andy Carroll, who nailed home a cross with his head to equalize the game and earn the impressive EPL draw. The draw, putting 'Caslte at 5-8-8 on the campaign, has helped propel my squad to the #11 spot in the table with their truly sad 23 points in 21 games. Easily, my team is the worst of all EPL squads. 

Luckily, I only have to go as far as my favorite SPL team to bring some joy to my soccer world. The Hoops took the week off from SPL play to get involved in Scottish Cup action against Dundee (who they drew with in SPL play last week), and battled to a 2-1 win. Scottish National Scott Brown earned the first goal for the Green & White, with the Crocs leveling things back out quickly against Boruc and company. However, prior to the first whistle, my Irish brother Aiden McGeady was able to get involved and earn the game winning goal prior to a defensive and no scoring second half. It was McGeady's fourth overall goal this season, as he tried to continue his success after earning the Celtic FC Player of the Year award in 2008. Still at 16-3-2, the Celts remain 5 years clear of Andrew's 'Gers, and get back to the league play against #5 Aberdeen. Can we win the league by Easter again?

Meanwhile, Chivas Guadalajara has been smoking the competition in the Interliga 2009 competition in Mexico. After getting the 1-1 draw on January 3 (as reported here on LSF), the true Goats beat Atlas on January 6 by the score of 3-1 and followed that up with a 4-2 win against UANL on January 10. Chivas' big guns have finally stepped things up, as Ramon "Ramoncito" Morales (1) and Carlitos Ochoa (2) pushed things forward against Atlas. Ochoa struck again with 2 more against Ocho (3rd minute and 63rd minute) against UANL, and was joined by Sergio "Gaucho" Avila and Alberto "Turbo" Medina with putting the ball in the net en route to Chivas' gigantic win. The final was held the next day between Chivas and Morellia (this was last Sunday). After being all drawn up 1-1 through 90++, with the Goats getting their goal from Marco Fabian, our Mexican boys were able to wipe up the game and the championship of Interliga 2009 with a 4-2 penalties result (all Chivas' penalty shooters scored, while 2 were stopped by the amazing super keeper Luis Ernesto "El Diablo" Michel. The love to be given out after this incredible tournament run has to be given out to both Michel for keeping things really tight and to Carlos Ochoa for getting the tournament leading four goals. If you want to enjoy the victories with me and the Goat Nation, click here. Don't forget that the win in this tournament puts Chivas in the Copa Libertadores, which is the premier Latin American tournament of the year. Meanwhile, our boys get back into the regular swing of things against Cruz Azul on January 17 to start the Clausura 2009 campaign. If they can play as well as they did in Interliga 2009, I'm stoked to watch the Mexican side of my favorite MLS squad. 

Quickly to the hardwood, #13 Notre Dame is continuing to have some roughness against the rest of the Big East, dropping a 87-73 decision to Louisville to drop to 12-4 (3-2 in the conference). The loss stopped the two game Irish winning streak (which included a really nice win against Georgetown), but Harangody and company are hoping to turn things around against the 'Cuse as they try to return from their 1.5 game conference deficit (of course, behind first place 'Cuse). Meanwhile, my thrilling Gauchos continue to not be very thrilling here in 2009. After a sneaky win against UCI on 1/8, the 'Chos welcomed the Titans of CSUF into the Thunderdome, and lost 58-62. The loss saw only one Argentinean Cowboy getting double digits in points scored, Chris Devin with 13, and the still hurting Gauchos are now 7-9 (1-3) which is only better than Cal Poly in the Big West conference. Luckily, our rivals from San Luis Obispo welcome us into their Cow Palace this Saturday to hopefully hand us a win. What happened from last year? Sheesh. 

Very, very quickly, I'd like to point out how the 'Nucks are just sliding lately. After a 4-2 win against the Oilers on the day Mats' debuted, Van-ca-tesh has dropped consecutive games to the worthless Blues and the worthwhile Sharks (man, Karen made fun of me for the second time this year!). Now, the rumors are saying that tonight's game against the Devils may be the last game we have to play without Luongo back between the pipes on Thursday against the 'Yotes (read here if you don't believe me). Does this mean that the lone Canucklehead may actually play in Montreal come All-Star weekend? 'Twould be nice. 

Since this post was all business, and not really funny at any points, I'll leave you with this. 

My case for my All-Star snubs.

Sure I was mad when the Western Conference starters were announced for the 2009 NHL All-Star game. However, I quelled my anger with the thought that I would only have to wait until the rest of the roster was filled out to be satisfied. Well, now that the rosters are locked in, and Roberto Luongo (although well deserved, he's too injured to play in the exhibition battle) was the only 'Nuck recognized. So, I'm going to try my best to make my case for Van-ca-tesh and their players getting the nod, while bashing some other picks.

1. Daniel "Nintendo DS" Sedin: This is the big shocker to me. How did Deuce Deuce not get elected to the team? His resume? The sexiest twin has 19 goals and 23 assists in his first 42 games, which is only behind in terms of goals of Patrick Sharp and Loui Eriksson's 20. He's also good enough for #5 in the West in points. Here is a list of the forwards on the "All-Star" team who have less goals than Daniel: Jonathan Toews, Ryan Getzlaf, Dustin Brown, Pavel Datsyuk, Shane Doan, Milan Hejduk, Jarome Iginla, Mike Modano, Rick Nash, Joe Thorton, and Keith Tkachuk. That's right, folks, there are 11 NHL All-Star players who have less goals than Daniel Sedin. How about that? Can you argue with the fact that Daniel deserves to be in before all of those suckers? I understand that you have to allow somebody in from each team, but having the #3 scorer in the Western Conference left off of the team of All-Stars is just ludicrous. 

2. Kyle "Cult Classic" Wellwood: Sometimes you have to put someone on the All-Star team because they are having a career year, even if it doesn't translate to gigantic numbers in terms of the stats. KW was cut from the Laffs, and then signed by the 'Nucks in the offseason. He was then waived by the Canucks, passing through waivers with no problem. After a couple of injuries put the Orca in a deficit, KW got called up and passed through reverse waivers untouched. This guy was the forward that nobody wanted, and he has proven to be a hugely productive force on my favorite team of puck heads. Kyle is sporting the stat line of 14 goals and 5 assists along with a +7 rating (compared to the 14 goal scoring -11 (that's a minus!) rating of All-Star Keith Tkachuk. He also has more goals than the following scorers: Jonathan Toewes, Dustin Brown, Milan Hejduk, Mike Modano, Joe Thorton, and Keith Tkachuk (well, tied actually). Case closed, I think. 

3. Mattias "Swedey Pie" Ohlund: Ohlund may not be up to his usual snuff this time around, but he is holding down 3 goals and 13 assists along with a really solid +13 rating while on the ice. Maybe you don't consider the importance of +/- like I do (I feel like it is quite possibly the most important statistic in all of hockey, and maybe accurately shows a player's worth more than any statistic in all of sports (did I overdo it?). Here is the list of NHL All-Star defensive players with a lower +/- rating than Ohlund (by the way, +/- is even more important and accurate for a D-man): Brian Campbell (altogether now: Over-rated! Over-rated!), Scott Niedermayer, Dan Boyle, Sheldon Souray, and Shea Weber. In fact, the only All-Star defensive player who has a higher +/- than Ohlund is Detroit's Nick Lidstrom with an impressive +18. So, am I saying that Lidstrom is the only player who deserves to be an All-Star player besides Ohlund on the Western Conference blue line? Nope, I'm actually saying that Ohlund deserves to be on the team over all of the other players, because Lids is a bitch.  

4. Mats "Mr. Torontonian" Sedin: I mean, I tried to vote for him, by the fascists at NHL.com kept him off the ballot. Has any other player garnered more of the NHL headlines here in the '08/'09 season? Plus, how pissed would the Montreal fans be if the former Maple Leaf made the squad after just a couple of games played this season? It would have been classic. Major miss by the NHL, as they would have gotten tons of publicity across the sporting world if they stepped it up and made this one happen. Awful business as usual Bettman. 

After straight up jacking the Oilers thanks to 2 goals and 1 assist from Stevie "Karen's favorite player" Bernier. My boy AB also had a nice three point outing (1 goal and 2 assists) in the 4-2 victory, in a game where 16,839 Albertans sat back and enjoyed a huge debut performance from Mats Sundin (0 goals, 0 assists, 2 missed shots, 1 hit, 15:02 of total ice time, and a 50% faceoff margin; hopefully I can get a little more from him when the 'Nucks match on the Sharkies). At 22-15-5 (49 points), my boys from BC are -3 of Calgary, with Minnie sitting -6 of Vancouver, Edmonton now -8 of Vancouver, and Colorado also shagging behind at -8 of the 'Nucks and -11 off the lead. It's time for a huge back to back for Van-ca-tesh, with a Friday night bash against the ailing last place Blues (at 15-21-3 they have their fans singing the Blues...oh!) and a Saturday night NHL Network battle against the equally ailing Sharks. Oh wait, I think they're good this year. 

Revenge!

Enter Sundin.

 

Let me first start by pointing out that MLB.com is now reporting that the Angels extension with Mike Scioscia will actually reach all the way out to 2018, rather than the previous reported 2012 and later 2015. So, 9 more years? This guy, who had nothing to do with the World Series title (he can thank Bud Black and Joe Maddon for making the right calls), but plenty to do with the Angels bowing out in multiple early playoff rounds most recently against the Red Sox on a purely bad coaching more (um, I know, let's run a squeeze play. There's a reason they call it a "suicide" squeeze, you idiot). Remember bringing in Washburn to give up the walk off jack a couple of years back? I could go on and on. I'm deeply disappointed by the Angels contract decisions so far this year (actually only the two to follow), letting my favorite player walk without even an attempt to get him back, and then asking the worst coach in recent memory (my memory, mind you) to come back for the next 9 years. Am I suffering, or what?

Meanwhile, is Canucks Nation ready for the evening that we 7th Canucks have all been waiting for since rumors started in the offseason? According to the Canadian Press, the Canucks new offensive force is ready to roll, "Barring any setback, Sundin says he'll face the Oilers on Wednesday." Most around B.C. and the rest of North America figured that this would be the game (I think I predicted it in an earlier post) after the 'Nucks demoted one of my personal favs, Jannik Hansen. The Great Dane ended up being the odd man out with the start of Mr. Torontonian, despite his four goals and thirteen assists on my favorite line with Kesler and Burrows. Does this mean Kes and Burrows will get the likes of Mr. Sundin on their line? Not quite. The insiders around the Vancouver based puck squad have reported that Mats has been practicing with Kyle Wellwood and Mason Raymond (close to my prediction from 12/19/08 of Wells-Mats-Bernier). Does that mean that we can get Steve Bernier onto my favorite line with Ryan and AB? That would be an ideal solution in my book. As far as the game tonight goes, Mats has a career mark of 20 goals and 44 points in 41 career games against Edmonton, and he would probably only play as many minutes as he feels comfortable playing (20?). So will he contribute hardcore? I'm just glad that he'll be on the ice with the 'Nucks when my boys get their rematch against Karen's Sharks on NHL Network this Saturday (right after a Leafs game on NHL Network, if anyone is interested). 

So, how do the rest of the 'Nucks line up in this match against the Oil tonight? At 21-15-5 (exactly half way through the season), Van-ca-tesh are coming off of another recent shootout loss to the Stars, and have a 2-2-0 records against the Oilers so far his season. The last time the squads met, the Oilers grabbed a 3-2 win over my BC Boys, and Edmonton are 19-16-3 (3 games in hand against Vancouver) after a 3-2 win over the Isles. More demotion news in Vancouver sees rookie goalie Cory Schneider (does he like Lucy too?) going down to Manitoba to bolster the Moose with the return of Curtis Sanford. Cu-Sa is back already, despite LSF predictions, showing that either his groin injury wasn't nearly as bad as Lu's, or Lu is a wuss (I'll go with #1). However, even with Lu on the shelf, Sanny will be coming back as the backup once again with Burnaby's own Jason LaBarbera getting back between the pipes (hoping now to see the game go into a shootout). The good news about Barbie being on the ice? In his career, he is a stunning 4-0-1 with a 1.05 GAA against the Oil (1-0-1, 1.14 this season while with the Kings). I think he is finally going to get that elusive second win of his Canucks career, as long as Erik Cole still decides to suck for Edmonton. 

Do some stupid stats make you as interested as me? If they do, enjoy: The Canucks are 16-5-4 when scoring the first goal in a game this year. Meanwhile, the Oil are undefeated in 12 games if they lead after two periods. Therefore, my "LSF Keys to the Game" are 1) Score First 2) Lead after two periods 3) Keep LaBarbera between the pipes to guarantee success against these dorks from Alberta. 

So now that Tulsa beat Ball St. (anyone else shocked by this?) in the GMAC Bowl (wait, Marshall wasn't in the GMAC Bowl?), we are left with one final (and really lame) bowl game. It is #1 (cough, cough) Florida University taking on #2 (cheat, cheat) Oklahoma University. Clearly it is the battle between the two best QBs in North America (yeah! Even if Tebow is slated to be taken in the fifth or sixth round of the NFL Draft. Wow, he's cool!). So, who is going to grab the win? Based on not knowing really anything about the two teams, I think I have to go with Oklahoma because I really hate Florida. Is anyone on my side? I mean, I really don't like OU either, but it's Florday baby! Spank the Gator!

JC Romero Sells His Soul for an eMachines Computer and Drugs

Idiot. Judging on his 2008 stats, I'm guessing he wasn't on drugs during his stint with the Angels.


Also, Mike DiGiovanna reports that Scioscia's extension runs through at least 2015. Awful.

Weekly football post #18.

We knew that the weekly football post would come to this. My favorite teams from high school football, college football, the NFL, and the CFL have all completed their seasons. We are left with what the rest of the world calls football, and we're going to have to beef things up with some interesting stuff to keep you non-soccer suckers reading. Wish me luck.

Before we delve into Newcastle's game of the week, I'd like to throw out a story that made me laugh out loud about one of my favorite Magpies. When you read the first line of the article, it almost seems like the real news was providing The Onion with some solid material. As Yahoo! UK & Ireland reports it, "Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi called the police to report a burglary at his home before realizing it was just very messy." Evidently, Shola called 911 to report that several things were stolen from his house, only to later find all the things he thought were missing (including his checkbook) in a bunch of clutter around his house on the day after he threw a colossal house party. The Mag called 911 back to inform them that it was just a misunderstanding and that his house wasn't burgled at at, but simply "messier than he realized." Oh baby, Newcastle just doesn't have that upper crust, intelligent talent this season. 

Despite putting players on the pitch who aren't able to tell if their homes are messy or burglarized, 'Castle was able to hold on for a 0-0 draw against Hull City in their weekend FA Cup match. Irish native Shay Given was solid and unshakable in goal, making numerous quality saves in the draw, with Hull getting really close only once on a ball that rung off the wood and failed to cross the line. Meanwhile, on the other end of the pitch, Michael Owen had two good goes at things. MO got a nice ovation from the Newcastle supporters in the away crowd, despite his statements earlier in the week that he is still considering his next move, which very well may be away from 'Castle. Shrewsbury native Danny Guthrie, on the other hand, got no mercy from the Hull supporters, as it was his first match against the squad since breaking the leg of Hull's Craig Fagan on a tough tackle back in September. Fagan was back for his first game, against Guthrie and the Boys in Bars, but nothing came of it beside a few boos. In the end, it was given keeping the game where it needed to be, and Hull's keeper doing pretty much the same, as the battle ended with a 0-0 non-decision. We're back to the Premier League next Saturday, as #14 Newcastle takes on #10 West Ham. A win could bolster 'Castle into the 10 spot if they get a little help, and getting to the mid point in the table would be pretty sweet after this season so far (5-8-7). 

Over in Glass, we had another draw, this time a 2-2 finish between the Bhoys from Celtic and Crocodile Dundee United. Despite "The Gorgeous Greek" Georgios Samaras getting himself 2 goals, the Mighty Celts were unable to hold a 2-goal first half lead. Dundee came storming back against Boruc and the Hoops, and despite not earning the win, the Celts moved 8 points clear of Rangers atop the SPL table. After 21 SPL matches, the Green & White have earned 51 points, and will get a break until their January 18 bout versus #5 Aberdeen as we continue to march toward the February 15 straight up fight against Rangers. While Celtic may not have a player who is mistaken about his house being messy or burglarized, they do have a grump who hasn't really played this season wanting to get the heck out of town. Forward and New Zealand native Chris Killen is voicing in the paper that he wants out of the Celtic Green & White, but why? He's played 1 game this season in Glasgow, and it isn't because they don't want him. He's been injured, and has only recently come back to training. So, are you kidding me? How are you going to complain when you've been out with a knee injury? I, and most likely many Celtic fans along with me, say adios Killen. Hit the f'in road. Enjoy Man City. 

Saturday also featured a huge match between Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America, which decided to also end in a draw, 1-1. The game was the first in the InterLiga 2009 tournament, this being the sixth edition of the tournament which decides which two Mexican clubs will get the opportunity to represent Mexican soccer in the 2009 Copa Libertadores. Guada got a goal from Guada native Sergio Amaury Ponce at minute 55 to cancel out Jean Beausejour's 36th minute goal for America. Luis Michel held strong in net for the Red & White, which he needed to do after Alberto Medina and Carlos Ochoa didn't make anything happen up front. After a 1-1 draw with our hated rivals, do we still miss Omar Bravo (who left for La Liga) and Bofo Bautista (who left for Jaguares)? It's a little early to say, but we'll have to see how our boys match up against Atlas tomorrow and the U.A.N.L on Friday as we push forward toward the Copa Libertadores. 

Big ups to Canada for winning their fifth straight World Junior Championship in a row against Sweden. Very nice. 

Also, in very sad news, the Angels extended Mike Scioscia's contract as head coach through 2012. Why do I even write on this blog? 

NHL or MMA?

Look out for Alexander Semin's fists of fury.

Wacky NHL rules hand Canucks loss.

Jason LaBarbera really got a taste of what it means to be the Canucks main backup when Luongo is out of the lineup, playing his second game between the pipes in as many nights. Despite not being able to get back to back wins, Burnaby J was able to at least salvage a point for the Blue & Green, in a game where the Sedin line was the only one firing on any cylinders. After a 3-3 draw through three periods and an overtime, it was a shootout loss for the Canucks on the road, that created their first loss to Atlanta in their last four trips (remember the last time they played?). 

Before we get into the game, just keep in mind that Atlanta are perfect in shootouts this season, so that was far and away a place the Canucks wanted to avoid. Remember the last time the Thrashers won a shootout? It seems every time the 'Nucks and Atlanta meet, there is some Buffalo connection. This game was all quiet until the 9 minute mark in the first period, when the 'Nucks were on the two man advantage. The two man advantage! A puck that got cleared outside the zone was chased down by Joey "Crabby Patty" Crabb, who laid out his best slapper from just inside the blue line, and he just blasted the puck past Barbie stick side. Luckily, the power play doesn't go away when you get embarrassed by the short handed squad. Once it was back down to 5 on 4, Grimsby, ON native Kevin Bieksa sent a massive slapper of his own toward net. The puck hit a somewhat shocked Daniel "Deuce Deuce" Sedin in front of the crease and bounced right over to Hank, who stuffed it for his sixth of the year. LaBarbera had to have been happy with his opening frame performance, giving the Canucks a fighting chance. It would get better 7:14 into the middle frame. Alex Edler received the rubber at the blue line and sent a slap/pass around the boards, helping the puck to eventually find its way to the tape of Daniel right behind the net. You know what they say when the Sedin twins are cycling! Yee haw! Daniel fed a really easy pass from behind the net to a barely checked H-Bomb, and Henrik gave the Orca the lead while getting two thirds of the way to stealing some fan's hats. Beware of imitators, however. Just 5:10 later, the Thrashers did their best impression of the super-cycling twins. Jason Williams fed the puck from behind the twine to Tver (Trevor?), Russia naitve Ilya Kovalchuk, who nailed home to game tying goal. You'd think LaBarbera would have been wise to the trick the Twins use all the time, but he's tired, so give him a break. Still, tied at 2 after 2 isn't a bad place to be for the boys from BC. The Thrashers would get a goal on the power play 3:46 into the final period on a garbage traffic goal that Kozlov was able to bang home on the rebound. But, remember, I said that the Twins were on fire in this game. At 11:16, Henrik slung a wrister toward the net from the boards in a weak attempt to get his hattie. The puck came at Deuce Deuce, who tried to get out of the way, but the rubber deflected off of his boot and in. Sorry Thrasher fan, there was no kicking motion. 3-3 at the end of regulation. Nice to see that a tired (possibly cramped up Barbie) is equally as solid as a really rested Lehtonen. Suck it Finland. Of course, the way hockey is these days, overtime saw no goals, and the Thrashers "won" the game in four rounds of shootout play to gain the two points. One point is good on the road though, no? Well, I know that the Thrash suck, so I guess not really, but I'll take it. 

I have to speak out against the three stars in this one, but first I want to point out a really critical mistake that the 'Nucks keep making this season. At 14:09, Van-ca-tesh got called for yet another too many men on the ice penalty. Is it just me, or do these calls get thrown down on us like every other game? There is no excuse for this penalty, especially when there is 6 minutes left in a 3-3 game. Are you kidding me? I don't know if the players need to get yelled at, if Coachie V needs to get yelled at, or if the rules need to be changed so we don't get so many penalties, but something needs to happen quickly. Now, the Southern media clearly has problems: see their history books for an example, where it says that the South won the Civil War and decided to simply stop slavery. That same group of hicks picked the three stars as follows 1) Kovalchuk, 2) Hank Sedin, and 3) Erik Christensen. Okay, clearly Hank had a better game that Ilya, so how dumb can they be? Now, because you can't take it anymore, here are the LSF Underrated 3 Stars: 1) H-Bomb Sedin (2 goals, 1 assist), 2) Po Po Demitra (2 assists and a 50% faceoff percentage for a non center), and 3) Shane "SOB" O'Brien (the most underrated stud of the game, with a +2 rating and 0 penalty minutes for the NHL's most penalized player over 21:08 time on ice). 

So, the draw with the Thrashers puts Vancouver at 21-15-4 (46 points), continuing to trail the Flamers by 2 points. As your eyes continue to drift down the table, you see Colorado (39), Minnie (38), and Edmonton (37). I want to point out where the Canucks leaders stand among Western Conference leaders next. Daniel Sedin leads the team with 19 goals (good enough for #2 in the West, trailing only Loui Eriksson's 20). Henrik Sedin leads the team with 30 assists (good enough for #2 in the West, trailing only Joe Thorton's 35 helpers). Mattie Ohlund has a +/- rating of 13 (good enough for only #16 in the West, trailing a bunch of fools including Joe Thorton with +18 numbers). I'm actually surprised that we have the #2 goal scorer and #2 helper guy around the land. Pretty fresh. 

I just want to make a quick comment about NHL On the Fly. One of the post game comments they made was, "The Canucks can't just keep relying on the Sedins to win games. I bet they just can't wait for Mats Sundin to join the team, because Daniel and Henrik can't be the only ones that put the puck in the net for this team." Really? Did you guys only watch this game? Here is the list of goal scorers in order for the 'Nucks here in '08/'09: Daniel, Kyle "Cult Classic" Wellwood, Po Po, Kesler, Mason Raymond, AB, and then Henrik Sedin. Read the stats NHL Network, not just the most recent box score. 

After taking a Saturday off around BC, the Canucks will square off against the Dallas Stars in a Sunday evening matchup. Dallas has been playing a "sloppy" season (whoa!), sitting at 16-5-5 (37 points), and just one point above the bottom feeders of the Pacific, the Queens (ouch! Take that Jon!). Dallas will be coming into Vancouver for the second game of a back to back after their match against the Oilers tonight, so advantage squarely falls into the hands of the Orca. 

If the Preds can beat Calgary tonight, Sunday's game will be a match that could catapult my boys back into the top spot of the Northwest. So, let's go Nash! 

Good luck to the Slugs and the Laffs tonight. 

The OC Register's Angels' resolutions.

Ah, that picture conjures up awful memories of the 2008 ALDS' failed squeeze play, eh? Remember when this happened? It was a tough end to a really impressive season, and we've been living with it ever since that warm October 6th evening. As we turn the page and move into a new calendar year, the Orange County Register (OCR) has blessed us with an article from Sam A. Miller that explains what he calls "The Angels' Resolutions for 2009." I just love when websites put out their articles about what the Angels should do, as showcased by the LSF critique of Angels.com's winter meetings request sheet in December '08. This time around, Miller of the OCR spouts off things that the Angels need to do (or not do) to make 2009 a better season than their 100 win campaign in 2008 (couldn't you have just made it one resolution: win in the playoffs?). Anyway, if you are a faithful reader of the blog, you know that I love to try and blow these "experts" to pieces, so here we go again:

1. Don't play for one run against Boston! I've been wanting to say this for a long time. The problem wasn't just that Erick Aybar missed the suicide squeeze bunt. It's that Mike Scioscia had Howie Kendrick sacrifice Reggie Willits to third base one batter earlier. The Red Sox are too powerful to play for one run against- the Angels should have been playing to put the dagger in after a leadoff double. Indeed, after Kendrick got the bunt down successfully, the Angels chance of winning actually decreased- from 67% to 66%. Aybar has been unfairly maligned.

I guess my version of this resolution would be: Fire Mike "Lorri" Scioscia. He makes bad coaching decision after bad coaching decision, and I for one am sick of it. However, I'll play my own devil's advocate in this one. After Kendry's huge pinch hit double off the monster, we had HK47 (0 for 3 in the game, .118 in the series), Erick Aybar (1 for 4 in the game, .111 in the series), and Chone Figgins (2 for 4 in the game, .333 in the series) due up. When the score is 2-2 in the top of the ninth and it has been close, why wouldn't you play for one run? Shields was on the mound, and hadn't given up an inch to that point in relief. You have two guys coming up, who outside of Aybar's game winner the previous game had done nothing in the series. I know they may have gotten that special hit when it mattered, but looking at the numbers, you were going to be waiting on Chone Figgins to deliver the big one anyway. So, the correct move in the situation would have been to have HK sacrifice Willits (who pinch ran, by the way) over to third (which he did), and then to have Aybar and Figgins both go up swinging away. Of course, Lorri likes to put the run on contact play on with one out and a runner at third anyways, so it may not have mattered even if EA would have grounded one to the infield. Aybar didn't execute, obviously, but the issue was not that the Angels were playing for a single run. 

2. Pile on! The 2008 Angels outperformed their run differential in a dozen wins, in large part because of excellent bullpen work in close games. But also because anytime they took a big lead, or fell behind, they started hitting like a team of Neifi Perezes. Anytime the margin of the game was four runs or more, the Angels hit .231/.290/.371. Their pitchers weren't much better, letting opponents hit .280/.340/.450.

This doesn't seem like much more of a resolution than Miller's first, but I wonder why he would even bring this up. Do you think that the Angels weren't trying to add more runs whenever they could? Don't you think that they wanted to increase their run differential? This doesn't have as much to do with something the Angels could have changed, as it does luck. I don't remember the Halos laying down with a 2 run lead during the '08 season. Also, why are you going to hate on Neifi Perez in this resolution? What the hell did the guy do to you? Oh wait, is this supposed to be a joke because Perez didn't play in 2008? If so, that's dumb too. Get this Miller: The Angels are a pitching/defense oriented squad. That is how they win, and winning with a one run lead is just as good as winning with a ten run lead, so what does it matter?

3. Steal smarter! Sure, the Angels steal bases- 129, the second most in the American League. But no big league team with more than 115 steals had such a low stolen base percentage as the Angels. Indeed, the Phillies stoled seven more bases than the Angels and were caught 23 fewer times. It's cool to steal bases, but getting caught is so 1970. 

Boy, that last sentence is so funny! My version of this resolution is really just don't steal. The Angels were caught more than all but two other teams in the bigs (48 times, which is actually better than last year's caught stealing by 7), and the teams who stole more than the Halos include such winners as Colorado and the Mets (don't notice the Rays who are stealing not only bases but the Angels botched philosophy and the Phillies who beat the Angels by 7). Now those are big time teams. The only squads to make the playoffs in the top 5 in steals were the Angels, Phillies, and Rays. Other teams that owned the swiping included, the Yanks, the Giants, the Brewers, the Mariners, and the Astros (what a list of winners!). The team that beat us, Boston, was ranked 7th with 120, but that had a lot to do with their new rookies (as they gained almost 30 stolen bases from 2007). Stealing doesn't equal winning. Hitting and running at appropriate times (like to avoid a double play or to get first to third) does equal winning. Sure, stealing builds pressure, but when you are caught more than any team in the bigs, I think you can be sure that they're on to you. 

4. Get the leadoff hitter on! The Angels' leadoff hitter did a good job getting on base, except in the first inning. Chone Figgins et al only managed a .321 on base percentage to start off the game. Angels generally struggled leading off any inning, reaching at just a .313 clip. Oddly enough, Figgins and the rest of the leadoff hitters were excellent after that first at bat; they posted a .374 OBP after the first inning. Odd. 

Does Miller know anything about baseball? To say that it is odd that hitters get on base more often after seeing the pitcher through the lineup at least once, proves that he doesn't. But seriously, how original does he feel to point out that the Angels have problems with their leadoff hitter? If you read this blog, you know that I've had that problem with the Red Hats for years. Chone Figgins finished #6 in the MLB in leadoff percentage for leadoff hitters in 2008, which was much better than 2007 (somewhere outside the top 11), 2006 (#19), even with 2005 (#6), and better than the Angels 2004 leadoff man (Eckstein) who finished #10 that year. I have long enjoyed pointing out that the Angels have had a problem with Figgins in the leadoff spot, but I was also man enough to point out that he put it together in 2008. Not to mention, Figgins finished with an OBP of .333 in the postseason (beating studs like Jimmy Rollins, Jacoby Ellsbury, Orlando Cabrera, and Alfonso Soriano). Granted, you usually can poke holes in the Angels leadoff hitters, but of all the years in recent memory this is not the year that you would be right. Sorry, Miller. 

5. Rake with the bases loaded! The Angels had too many at bats like Vladimir Guerrero's with the bases loaded. As a team, they hit .270/.318/.423 with the bases loaded, worse than the league average in such situations. On the other hand, their pitchers were excellent with the bases loaded. They held batters to .267/.327/.366. 

This guy likes to pretend that he is a stat head, doesn't he? But, here with are with another "resolution" that the Angels can't necessarily improve by just deciding to do it. Of course they tried to "rake" with the bases loaded. I know that there were a couple of big times when the Angels would walk away with one or none with the sacks full of Halos, but with every resolution I start to realize that Miller only must have watched the postseason when putting this list together. I guess you can point out the .270 average with the bases loaded and sound like you know how to critique a baseball team, but what if we look at the Angels with runners in scoring position (easily an equally important stat)? The Angels hit .279/.357/.418 with runners in scoring position, which was good enough for #6 in the entire MLB. The average was .266/.354/.413. Whoops! The Angels are good. When you even look closer (runners in scoring position with two outs), the Angels may drop to .245 (#12 in the MLB), but they are still up on the average of .240. Getting hits with the bases loaded isn't some magical stat, it matter what you do with runners in scoring range, and the Angels aren't nearly as below average as Miller makes them sound. 

6. Get one or two hits from the pitchers! Sure, their job is to pitch, not to hit. But the Angels' pitchers went 0 for 21 in 2008. They did have a .045 on-base percentage, which is exactly 45 points higher than you or I would have gotten. American League pitchers as a whole hit .114 during interleague play, so the Angels definitely have room to improve. 

Miller does two things that I hate in this resolution. First, he came up with a really stupid way for the Angels to improve. This sounds like he was running out of ideas and trying to find areas where the Halos were below average. Have the pitchers get hits? Are you kidding me? The Angels went 10-8 during Interleague play. 10-8! What the hell is wrong with that? Sure you can be better than 10-8, 7 teams did that in the American League, but having your pitchers get more hits is not the answer. Oh yeah, the second thing he did that I hate is to make a comment like, "Which is exactly 45 points higher than you or I would have gotten." This is always an attempt to by humble by people talking about sports, but in reality, when we compare athletes were are talking about a realm where they should be doing as well as their potential would allow. It has nothing to do with us. We don't have to make excuses because we aren't professional athletes. More than that, though, Angels pitchers getting hits has nothing to do with the team's success. 

7. Give the kids a real chance! Brandon Wood struggled, to be sure. But he only started three or more consecutive games three times. He may be a bust, he may be the next big thing, but it's difficult to take away all the excuses and see if the kid can hit in the majors. He's hit everywhere else. (Same goes for Kendry Morales and Sean Rodriguez). 

If you know me, and read the LSF, you know that I'm not going to argue with Sam A. Miller on this point. I couldn't agree with him more. I only want to point out two things: 1) Why does this guy, who is a professional writer, use so many exclamation points? 2) How about adding some names to the list besides those three, like Jeff Mathis, Matt Brown, and Terry Evans? Not to mention Juan Rivera. 

8. Shut down the AL West! The Angels' division rivlas were awful last year, but still the Angels pitchers struggled against the A's, Mariners, and Rangers. Those three teams torched the Angels for a 4.51 ERA, compared to 3.73 against everyone else. The AL West should be more competitive this year, so the Angels need to beat up on their division opponents. And, yes, Dusting Moseley is reacting to a home run by the Mariners in that photo. 

I guess without the photo, that last sentence doesn't make sense, but that isn't Miller's fault. This resolution is another huge example of how Miller fails to look further than stats that he thinks prove his point, and that is his fault. What a classic act of deception to paint the picture that the Angels played poorly against the AL West by simply comparing the ERA against the West versus that against everyone else. Too bad he didn't look at the records against the AL West, which finished with the Angels on top 36-21. That is a 63% winning margin against the division, and that isn't bad at all. I think anyone would be happy going 36-21 against your rivals, eh? That record is extra special considering a lowly .231 average against Oakland, but pretty practical when you consider the .296 hitting against Texas and the .298 hitting against the M's. Come on Miller, look a little deeper, you can pitch less effectively is you smash the ball to back your hurlers up. 

9. Manage the lineup better! The Angels' least productive spot in the batting order was the ninth spot. So far, so good. The next least productive? Second. Uh oh. Look at it this way: Gary Matthews Jr, Erick Aybar, and the rest of the #2 hitters got 100 more plate appearances than the eighth hitter, who combined for 60 more points of OPS. Lineup construction is an overrate art, but nearly everyone agreed that good hitters should bat more often than bad hitters. 

I took special care to point out lineup issues created by Mike "Lorri" Scioscia during the 2008 season, so I get where Miller is coming from with this one. Let's take a look at the #2 hitters that shined for the Angels to present a positive way to move forward, rather than just a sarcastic complaint, eh? Maicer Izturis was DL crazy during the 2008 season, including going down for the season with a torn left thumb ligament on August 15. Izzy was hitting .352 in 18 games as the #2 hitter (that's 71 ABs). Then, as much as I was against it, Garret Anderson ripped at .344 in the 2 hole. I know he's gone, so if you don't like the Ma$e answer, how about plugging in our new everyday first baseman? Kendry Morales hit .333 as the #2 hitter in 2008 (of course, with a small sample size), and could shine as a precursor to Vlad in the order and a power hitting #2 guy who can get on base (see game 4 of the ALDS). Speaking of the #8 guy, Maicer was hitting 1.000 as the #8 hitter in 2008. Face! 

10. Trade for Mark Teixeira! OK, so maybe not Teixeira, or even anyone else who can match his .358/.449/.632. But as I noted in an earlier slide show (that's right, this isn't really an article, it's a slide show with Miller's witty comments), the Angels have done a dreadful job addressing holes mid-season. Trading for Teixeira was costly, but it was a desperately needed fix. The Angels should be ready to pull the trigger again. Chipper Jones, anybody?

So many problems with his grand finale. Let's start with what he got right, "Trading for Teixeria was costly." The Angels front office have always promised that they would not trade talented an promising youth for a rental player. They lied. They lied, and any Angels fan who wants to trust what they say again before seeing what they do with their own eyes, is a fool. So, was Teixeria "desperately needed?" Well, the Angels were in first place before they got him. They finished in first place with him. They fell out of the first round playoffs against the Red Sox, just like they did when they didn't have him. Yeah, he hit well, played the field well, and was fun to watch. But, in the end, did he really add anything to our squad? The obvious answer is no, as the Angels could have finished first in the pathetic AL West and then lost in Round 1 of the playoffs without him. The Angels don't need to have their finger on the trigger for a trade. They don't need it. They're going to win the West with what they have right now. Get it? On a similar topic, please don't buy into the hype about the competition in the AL West getting so much better. Yes, the A's got Matt Holiday. Anything else? When it all starts, the Rangers have a weak outfield (Boggs, Hamilton, and Murphy), the M's infield is weaker (Beltre, Betancourt, Lopez, and LaHair), and the A's still feature a mostly nameless rotation (Duchscherer, Eveland, Gallagher, Gonzalez, Braden, or Outman, take your pick). Take a look at the depth charts, and explain to me how the Angels aren't going to walk away with the AL West again. I dare you. 

So that's it. That's the latest in LSF vs. posts where we take on other website's articles about our favorite teams. First I beat down the ADC (Angels Dot Com), and now the OCR is my latest victim. Who wants to be next? ESPN? Too easy. 

Meanwhile, I posted this while watching the big upset of Slovakia over the US in the World Junior semifinals. It was sad to watch the 3-5 defeat that ended our run, and even more sad to listen to those Eastern Canadians cheering every time things turned for the worse for the Red, White, and Blue. Good luck against Sweden, you Slovak bastards.