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Friday, December 2, 2011

Lame Duck Owner Makes Lame Deal

The bankrupt Dodgers signed left-handed Chris Capuano for two years and $10 million.

The addition of the fragile Capuano all but ends right-hander Hiroki Kuroda’s four-year career with the Dodgers, and leaves the Dodgers with three left-handers in their rotation — Clayton Kershaw, Ted Lilly and Capuano. Chad Billingsley is their only certain right-handed starter. Right-hander Nate Eovaldi is currently in line to be the team’s No.3 starter.

The addition of Capuano, 33, as a fifth starter with a two-year, $10-million deal should leave everyone a little anxious. Capuano, had Tommy John surgery in 2002 and again in 2008, missed all of the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and nearly half of 2010. Last season he went 11-12 with a 4.55 ERA and 1.35 WHIP for the Mets. Not exactly tearing it up. Bad news: He also gave up 27 homers. Good news: He struck out 8.1 batters per nine innings pitched.

Time will tell.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Dodgers Remain Tight

General Manager Ned Colletti says the team probably won't make a run at top-line free agents such as Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. The Dodgers are expecting to reduce payroll next season because of their bankruptcy and impending sale. Their payroll was at around $110 million last season, including deferred payments to players who were no longer on the team. When asked of the possibility of adding a big bat, Colletti said, "As of today, it looks less realistic."

With players such as Clayton Kershaw, Andre Ethier and James Loney eligible for salary arbitration and expected to receive significant raises, the Dodgers have a limited budget with which to work for the remainder of the winter. To say nothing of Matt Kemp's recent eight-year, $160-million contract.

Here is a look at who the Dodgers have signed; 1)Mark Ellis to a two-year, $8.75-million contract. A defensive specialist who batted .248 for the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies last season, 2)Matt Treanor (catcher) to a one-year, $1-million deal who batted .214 in 72 games for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers last season.

Without a premium bat coming in, Colletti is counting on Ethier, Loney and Juan Uribe to recover from disappointing offensive seasons and produce as they have in years past.

Let's hope so.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Odds and Ends

CIF 100th Anniversary

In honor of its 100th anniversary in 2013, the Southern Section will pick its 100 greatest high school athletes and plans to announce it at a red-carpet event that's still being planned.

That's going to be one tough job limiting it to 100 greatest athletes. The City Section recently inducted its first class into a new Hall of Fame, and that was a grueling process.

Dave Demarest, inducted into the Southern Section Hall of Fame.

Demarest coached baseball for 34 years at La Quinta, winning 753 games, 22 league titles and three Southern Section titles.

Baseball Proposal Defeated

A proposal to create a double-elimination post-season baseball tournament in the Southern Section beginning in 2013 was rejected on Thursday by a vote of 46-26 at the Southern Section Council meeting.

Coaches have wanted to replace the single-elimination playoffs with a double-elimination tournament for Divisions 1 through 4. The San Diego Section has had a double-elimination tournament.

Concerns about travel costs and adding up to seven additional games for teams in the playoffs won out.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

HS Baseball Rule Changes

Rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Baseball Rules Committee will place more responsibility on coaches for rules-compliant player equipment, effective with the 2012 high school baseball season. At its June 5-7 meeting in Indianapolis, the committee also took steps to define a new tamper-evident protocol for non-wood bats. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Prior to the start of each game, each head coach must now verify to the umpire in-chief that all participants are legally equipped and equipment is in accordance with NFHS rules. Such rules include “compliant bats that are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design and production and helmets that are free of cracks and damage.”

Another rule was added to address unsportsmanlike conduct toward umpires after a game has ended and after the umpires have departed the game site. It calls for state associations to determine appropriate action when dealing with these situations.

In addition, umpires no longer will be required to perform pregame equipment checks, as that responsibility will fall to coaches beginning next year. Coaches can still ask umpires at the pregame conference to confirm that equipment is compliant.

“The committee is placing a great importance on increased coach responsibility,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “It is one of our top priorities.”

Prior to the June 2012 meeting of the Baseball Rules Committee, the NFHS will work with appropriate parties to research and develop a baseball bat tamper-evident protocol for non-wood bats and present the recommendations to the committee for its consideration. The goal for implementation is for non-wood bats manufactured after January 1, 2015.

“Bat tampering is illegal and a major problem in high schools,” Hopkins said. “Everyone is looking for a competitive edge. With this note, we want to make sure that the state associations, coaches, teams and the public are aware that we are committed to minimizing any risk for players with bat tampering.”

In addition, a minor change to Rule 1-3-5 states that “No artificial or intentional means shall be used to control the temperature of the bat,” based on scientific research that altering the bat damages the bat and poses an unnecessary risk of injury.

Changes to Rules 1-5-8 and 3-1-6 deal with players’ equipment on the field. State associations may now authorize exceptions to NFHS rules to provide “reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs and unique and extenuating circumstances,” so long as they do not fundamentally interfere with the sport. Players and coaches must also clean or remove “any” (formerly “excessive”) amount of blood from a uniform or piece of equipment before being allowed back into the game.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Matt Kemp - Triple Crown Is Still A Possibility

Matt Kemp quietly took the field in a half-empty ballpark on his 27th birthday with a chance to do something no National League player has done in 74 years - win a triple crown. The last NL player to win a triple crown was Joe Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals, who did it when Tom Lasorda was 10 years old. Carl Yastrzesmki of the Boston Red Sox was the last American League player to do it, in 1967.

The homer Kemp hit during Dodgers' 2-0 win over San Diego ties him with Albert Pujols for the NL lead at 37 and strengthens his triple crown bid. His 119 RBIs lead the league, and his .326 average is close to top. Kemp's ranking is near the top of a wide range of hitting categories — he leads the NL in runs (109) and is second in steals (40).

With four games left in the regular season it would seem that Kemp has his work cut out for him but, with three more home runs, Kemp will be part of that exclusive group to have hit (40) or more home runs and stole (40) or more bases. Of the four players to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season — Bonds, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano — none batted higher than .310.

Go Matt!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Baseball's New Trend

At least two baseball players who played last season at Orange Lutheran won't be playing high school ball this season, instead choosing to play travel ball, Coach Eric Borba said. One still attends Orange Lutheran and the other has transferred to another school. Several players in the Inland Empire are already following that path.

Parents have the right to choose what's best for their sons and daughters, but don't trust some private coach who doesn't have the education or experience and insists he'll get your child ready for the next level. There is a great deal of money to be made by private clubs, coaches and training centers, so know what you are being drawn into.

UCLA Coach John Savage had this to say about the decision not to play high school baseball. "I don't like it," he said. "I think it sends a poor message. It's about your team and developing on and off the field with your teammates."

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Ybarra Transfers to Downey

Jordan Ybarra, a top pitcher at Long Beach Millikan, has transferred to Downey, according to Gazettes.com. The transfer was accompanied by a change of address, so Ybarra will be eligible to play this season.

Jordan, will be missed from the mound more than anywhere else at Millikan. His ability to keep his team close, as well as go deep into a game, will be difficult to replace next season.

Athletes moving/shopping for schools has become more and more of an accepted practice in this day and age, as evidenced by a willingness of parents to relocate. However, the uncertainty of coaches/teachers keeping their jobs in most schools in the LBUSD must have many parents unsettled.

Millikan, once again, has more head coaches displaced than any other Moore League School. Jeff Breuklander - Head Basketball coach; Kevin McCarthy - Head Track Coach; Scott Glasser - Head Baseball coach; Jack Murry - Assistant Varsity Football coach/Head Tennis coach, have all been either relocated or not yet re-assigned.

Add to this, two new head coaches in; Water Polo and Cross Country......it is going to be a very challenging year at Millikan to say the least.



Wednesday, August 10, 2011

So.Cal. Pitching - Looking Good!

Five pitchers from the Southern California-laden Milwaukee Brewers combined on a three-hit shutout during a 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at Blair Field in the Area Code Games.

Marina right-hander Trevor Megill and Lakewood's Shane Watson were among the quintet who baffled the Reds, with Megill striking out two of the three batters he faced during a perfect inning and Watson completing a scoreless inning.

Edison's Timothy Lopes singled twice and drove in a pair of runs and South Hills' C.J. Saylor had an RBI double. Lakewood's J.P. Crawford singled, reached on an error and scored a pair of runs. The Brewers improved to 2-1.

Bishop Amat third baseman Rio Ruiz, who had missed the Milwaukee Brewers' first game in the Area Code Games to be with the Lancers football team, made his debut with the Southern California-laden Brewers on Sunday at Blair Field in Long Beach and did not disappoint.

After entering to play third base in the sixth inning, Ruiz had a pair of hits, including one that started a two-run, ninth-inning rally. Alas, it wasn't enough as the Brewers lost, 12-7, to the Kansas City Royals.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

LB Baseball Alive and Well

Celebrating in August is becoming a Long Beach baseball tradition. Thanks to another stellar defensive effort, a 6-1 win over Simi Valley sends Long Beach PONY to Pennsylvania for the World Series. It's the third time in five years that the Whaley Navy Blue Crew will make the trip, a remarkable achievement for the homegrown program.
See the sports section of the Gazette for more info.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Area Code Baseball

The 25th annual Area Code Baseball Games have announced the players and schedule for the 2011 Games. Nearly 3,000 high school baseball players applied to the regional events which were held in multiple cities nationwide. The top 218 athletes will showcase their abilities in the 2011 Area Code Baseball Games at Blair Field in Long Beach, Calif. Aug. 5-10, 2011

The Area Code Baseball Games were created in 1987 in Lodi, Calif. by Bob Williams and the Northern California Major League Scouts. The goal was to bring together the best high school underclassman baseball players from geographical areas based on telephone area codes. Nearly 3,000 players compete nationwide for a chance to participate in the final Area Code Baseball games, the premiere search for the nation’s top baseball players. More than 350 Major League players have participated in Area Code Baseball.

Area Code Baseball offers players a unique opportunity to train like major league athletes and play in a competitive atmosphere. For some, this will be a precursor to careers as professional baseball players. The Games have produced more than 500 Major Leaguers including alumni such as Dustin Pedroia, Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett.

The four games will be streamed live on Tues., Aug. 9, on ESPN3.com. Commentators for the Games include Jim Watson, Bob Scanlon and Beto Duran. The broadcast schedule is as follows:
8:30 a.m. PST: Reds v. Brewers
11:30 a.m. PST: Royals v. Nationals
2:30 p.m. PST: White Sox v. Nationals
5:30 p.m. PST: Athletics v. Yankees

Monday, July 11, 2011

Legion Playoffs begin

The double-elimination American Legion Area 4 playoffs begin on Tuesday at Paramount High School. The winner advances to the state tourney in Yountville.

Long Beach Wilson is seeded No. 1, followed by Paramount, Millikan, El Segundo, Long Beach Poly, Downey, Lakewood and Narbonne.

Opening games Tuesday: Millikan vs. Downey, 10 a.m.; El Segundo vs. Poly, 1 p.m.; Wilson vs. Narbonne, 4 p.m.; Lakewood vs. Paramount, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 1, 2011

DeJong Looking Good

Chase DeJong of Long Beach Wilson struck out seven in three innings at the U.S. 18U baseball trials on Thursday in North Carolina.

The USA Baseball Prospect Classic, a two-game exhibition series pitting the 18 and under trials team against the Collegiate National Team begins on Friday, July 1, 2001 in Durham, North Carolina.

The college team will send some first-round talent in its own right, highlighted by Stanford's Mark Appel, considered by many to be the top college pitcher in the class. A starter normally, the right-hander is pitching in relief for Team USA. Texas A&M's Michael Wacha is also on the team and the 18U hitters might not find Duke closer Marcus Stroman, who has struck out every batter he has faced in four innings leading up to the Classic, very easy to hit. Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero leads the college bats.

To view the complete prospect roster go to www.usabaseball.com

Friday, June 24, 2011

USA Baseball Tournament of Stars

At the Tournament of Stars in North Carolina, Anaheim Servite pitcher Cole Irvin threw four shutout innings while striking out seven on Thursday to lead his team to victory. Players are competing in a tournament trying to make the U.S. 18U national team. Camarillo pitcher Hunter Virant struck out two in an inning of relief. Lucas Giolito from Studio City Harvard-Westlake struck out five in four innings. Jeremy Martinez from Santa Ana Mater Dei hit two home runs for his team. For more information go to: USABaseball.com.

2011 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars presented by Major League Baseball

The Tournament of Stars (TOS) is made up of 144 of the nation's best ballplayers that are international age-eligible (born in 1993 or 1994) for 18U National Team consideration. They are invited to play for one of our seven National Member Organizations (AABC, American Legion, Babe Ruth, Dixie, PONY, NABF, RBI and USA Baseball) or via an "at-large" team selected by USA Baseball. Generally speaking, official invites for the tournament will be sent from the USA Baseball office in late April. These players form the pool of talent from which USA Baseball will select its 18U National Team to represent our country in international competition.
The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, June 21: Players arrive; event orientation
Wednesday-Saturday, June 22-25: Pool play
Sunday, June 26: Finals
Monday, June 27: Players depart

Friday, June 17, 2011

North - South Series Set

Palm Desert pitcher-infielder Brooks Kriske was named the most outstanding player in the North-South Series this weekend at San Diego State. Kriske is a USC commit. The South defeated the North, 5-1, on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. Infielder Dallas Bacon of Newhall Hart was selected the most outstanding player for the South team.

Pitcher Bowdien Derby from Pasadena La Salle threw four shutout innings to help the South defeat the North, 7-0, in the second game of the North-South Series at San Diego State. Dallas Bacon from Newhall Hart had two hits and two RBIs. Cody Ramer from Simi Valley had two hits and two RBIs.


The California Baseball Coaches' Assn. North-South Series is set for Saturday and Sunday at San Diego State.

Here's the local players selected for the South: INF_John Schuknecht, Palm Desert; Dallas Bacon, Hart; Cody Ramer, Simi Valley; Dennis Morton, Temecula Valley; 1B_Gabriel Clark, North; Jackson Willeford, Ramona; C_Rawley Hughes, Foothill; Collin Yelich, Westlake; P_Tim Borst, Tahquitz; Zachary Jemiola, Great Oak; Bowdien Derby, La Salle; Brooks Kriske, Palm Desert; Anthony Shew, Mission Viejo; Gabriel Corniel, Narbonne; OF_Chris Nicholson, El Camino Real; Nick Vigo, Simi Valley.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

East vs. West and North vs. South

There won't be a better all-star series matching top seniors-to-be and juniors-to-be than this weekend's Southwest Future All-Star Series at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton. Games matching East vs. West and North vs. South are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The championship game is Sunday at 5 p.m.

It's a who's who of top players expected to participate, including Mater Dei's Ty Moore, Chatsworth's Raul Camas, Harvard-Westlake's Lucas Giolito and Arden Pabst, Hart's Luke Persico, Edison's Timmy Lopes, Bishop Amat's Rio Ruiz, Gardena Serra's Dominic Smith, Alemany's Corey Sims, Valencia's A.J. Balta, El Toro's Tyler Brashears, Servite's Cole Irvin and Westlake's Collin Yelich.

Changes

Dave Lawn, the baseball coach at Anaheim Servite, is leaving to become the athletic director at San Juan Capistrano JSerra. Lawn will also become the associate head coach to Brett Kay. JSerra Athletic Director Jim Hartigan will focus on his duties as football coach.

In another change of duties, Dan Peters, a former Long Beach Millikan baseball coach, is the new athletic director at Mission Viejo Trabuco Hills

Monday, May 30, 2011

Let The Games Begin

UCLA and Cal State Fullerton were among 16 schools awarded NCAA baseball regionals Sunday.

UCLA clinched at least a share of the Pacific 10 Conference title with a victory over Arizona State on Saturday. The Bruins, runners up to South Carolina at the College World Series last season, played host to a regional and a super regional in 2010.

Other Pac-10 schools that will play host to regionals are Arizona State and Oregon State.

Fullerton, the Big West Conference champion, has played host to a regional the last four seasons and seven times in the last eight seasons. The Titans lost to UCLA in the super regional in 2010.

South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Clemson, Texas A&M, Texas Christian, Florida, Rice, Vanderbilt and Florida State also will play host to regionals June 3-6.

The 64-team tournament field will be announced Monday. The eight super regionals will be announced June 6. The College World Series begins June 18

CIF Baseball - Div.IV

What a great semifinal in Southern Section Division 4. La Puente Bishop Amat and Torrance play Tuesday night at USC. Palm Desert and Westlake Village Oaks Christian play Tuesday afternoon at College of the Desert.

Bishop Amat has revenge on its mind. It was Torrance that defeated the Lancers in the championship game of the Redondo tournament. Infielder Trent Gilbert of Torrance has put together back-to-back terrific seasons. He has 51 hits in his senior year. Last season, he had 58 hits and 45 RBIs. He has signed with Arizona.

Palm Desert gets home-field advantage, but Oaks Christian has Travis Radke on the mound, and his curveball can be very effective.

The winners advance to the championship game Thursday at Dodger Stadium. All four teams are worthy of making it.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

CIF Baseball

Two familiar Moore League Baseball teams will be competing in the CIF Semi Finals at Blair Field Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

Lakewood H.S. ( 29-4-1) will take on Riverside North (a 6-2 winner over Dana Hills) after defeating #1 seed Edison (25-4) yesterday 3-1. It was first loss of the season for Owens (12-1), who threw a no-hitter in the first round and two hitless innings of relief in the second round Tuesday.

LB Wilson (26-6) will square off against Esperanza who defeated baseball powerhouse Mater Dei yesterday 5-1. In that game, Austin Pettibone pitched a complete game and Kevin Viers went 3 for 3 for Esperanza (22-10). Esperanza last played in a CIF-SS baseball semifinal in 2007, when the Aztecs lost to eventual Division 1 champion Long Beach Wilson.

There is still a lot of baseball to be played before reaching the finals but Tuesday should be an excellent evening of High School baseball in a beautiful facility to watch a game. Good luck to all and "may the force be with you".

Monday, May 16, 2011

2011 State Tournament

2011 State Tournament Schedule
May 20-22 Bakersfield College
Tournament Teams:
North No. 1 Delta (31-11); No. 2 Ohlone (26-17 )
South No. 1 Santa Ana (30-12); No. 2 Glendale (28-14)
Friday, May 20
Game 1: Glendale vs. Delta, noon
Game 2: Ohlone vs. Santa Ana, 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 10 a.m.
Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 2 p.m.
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 45 min. after Game 4
Sunday, May 22
Game 6: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 4, 11 a.m.
Game 7: Rematch Game 6 , if necessary, 30 min. after Game

Monday, May 9, 2011

Santa Ana Super Regional

Santa Ana Super Regional
At Santa Ana College, Santa Ana

Friday, May 13
Game 1 - #8 Cerritos (23-14) at #3 Santa Ana (27-12), 11 a.m.
Game 2 - #7 Santa Barbara (24-15) vs.#4 Orange Coast (30-8), 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 14
Game 3 – Loser game 1 vs. Loser Game 2
Game 4 - Winner game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 5 – Loser game 4 vs. Winner Game 3
Sunday, May 15
Game 6 – Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5
Game 7- If necessary

Friday, May 6, 2011

UCLA Baseball Camps

HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE CAMP

July 10-14
Boys, entering grades 10-12 (2012-2014 graduates)
$800 Resident
$500 Commuter
CAMP STAFF
Head Coach John Savage
Assistant Coach Rick Vanderhook
Assistant Coach TJ Bruce
Assistant Coach Jake Silverman
plus current and former Bruins!

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP PROGRAM
The High School overnight Camp offers players (entering grades 10-12) the opportunity for a true Bruin baseball experience. This camp will feature hands-on instruction from the UCLA coaching staff and offer the opportunity to compete against other top high school players from across the country. Instruction will include detailed hitting and pitching mechanics, as well as for defensive positions and baserunning. Camp fees include a camp t-shirt, a certificate of completion and awards. Be a part of UCLA Baseball this summer, join the Bruin experience!

FACILITIES & ACCOMMODATIONS
The UCLA Baseball Camps will take place at the newly renovated Jackie Robinson Stadium , home of the UCLA Bruins Baseball team and located a few minutes west of campus. The addition of the 10,500-square foot Gifford Hitting Facility just beyond right field has turned JRS into one of the best baseball facilities in the West. (Directions will be emailed to you, following registration.) overnight campers stay in the UCLA residence halls, and meals are served in the award-winning UCLA dining halls, which offer a variety of food on an all-you-can eat basis for a well-rounded, balanced diet. overnight campers are housed in double-occupancy rooms, and are supervised by coaches and counselors also staying in the residence hall. Roommate preferences will be accommodated whenever possible; if no roommate is requested, one will be assigned according to age.

For more information go to: http://www.uclabruins.com/camps/2011-camps-basebl-hs.html

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

JC Baseball Regional Playoff Games, May 6-7

Best-of-Three Series.
Games at 2 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. (*Saturday Second game to follow if necessary.)

#16 Citrus at #1 Rio Hondo
#9 Cuesta at #8 Cerritos
#12 East LA at #5 Palomar
#13 Hancock at #4 Orange Coast
#14 San Diego Mesa at #3 Santa Ana
#11 Cypress at #6 Glendale
#10 Riverside at #7 Santa Barbara
#15 Southwestern at #2 Chaffey

Winning teams advance to Super Regional Tournaments May 13-15
State Tournament May 20-22 at Bakersfield College.

Baseball Polls

With two weeks left in the regular season, the Southern Section coaches' baseball polls are starting to take on added importance. They will be used for seeding purposes.

In Division 1, Huntington Beach Edison is No. 1, followed by Santa Ana Mater Dei, San Juan Capistrano JSerra and Vista Murrieta. Lakewood, ranked No. 6 in Southern Section Division 1, was beaten by Los Angeles Loyola, 7-4, in the Redondo tournament on Saturday.

Trabuco Hills has taken over No. 1 in Division 2, followed by Cypress, Chaminade and Arcadia. In Division 3, it's La Verne Bonita, led by 9-0 pitcher Justin Garza, that is No. 1 over Quartz Hill and Alhambra.

Palm Desert gets the nod in Division 4 ahead of La Puente Bishop Amat. Woodcrest Christian is No. 1 in Division 5 ahead of Tahquitz and Van Nuys Montclair Prep. Oxford is No. 1 in Division 6 ahead of Pasadena Poly. Nuview Bridge is No. 1 in Division 7.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Chet Brewer Classic Begins Saturday

The Chet Brewer Classic, featuring 16 teams, will begin on Saturday, April 9, 2011 and an intriguing opener has Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley traveling to Los Angeles to play Compton Centennial at the Dodger Dream Field at Algin Sutton Park, 8800 South Hoover St., LA.


Babe Herman Tournament Schedule

Here's the schedule for the final day of the Babe Herman tournament.
11 a.m., South Pasadena vs. Oak Park at Stengel Field;
3:30 p.m., El Segundo at Santa Monica; North Torrance at Pasadena;
South Torrance vs. Covina at Stengel Field.
Championship game: Crescenta Valley vs. West Torrance, 7 p.m at Stengel Field.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Savage Challenges His Bruins

"We have to get a lot better," UCLA Coach John Savage said. "We're an average team right now. We know we have abilities to be real good, but we need a different mind-set and a different approach because the one that's out there right now is clearly not working."

UCLA (8-6), once ranked No. 2 in the nation in one poll, continues to suffer from hitting woes. The Bruins were held to four hits and wasted a good pitching performance by freshman Adam Plutko, who struck out eight in six innings in a disappointing 2-0 loss to USC (5-10).

With Dodger Dogs going for half price, Nancy Bea Hefley playing the organ and the USC and UCLA bands playing their schools' fight songs, the baseball game Sunday at Dodger Stadium between USC and UCLA produced an entertaining atmosphere for the crowd of 11,680....truly an excellent event.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Moore League Teams Take a Hit

Lakewood and Wilson will meet in the Loara Tournament Saturday, March 12 at Glover Stadium in La Palma at 3PM, but it will not be for first place. Both schools were defeated in the semi-finals and will play each other for 3rd place.

It was just one of those days for the Lancers. Lakewood fell behind 3-0 in the top of the second, and gave up another four in the top of the fourth—that’s where it stayed until a nightmare seventh inning that saw them giving up 12 runs in their eventual 19-0 loss to Vista Murrieta.

Wilson (3-1) was locked up in a tough 1-0 contest with top ranked Edison until the 6th inning, when Edison rolled a 7. The Bruins did manage to push 2 runs across in the 7th but came up short losing 8-2.

The Rams fell to 1-3 with this loss to Woodbridge. Millikan took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but gave it away in the bottom of the same inning, then fell behind 4-1 in the third, and struggled to stem the tide defensively. The Rams will try to bounce back on Saturday against Diamond Bar.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Semifinals - Loara Tournament

It's the semifinals of the Loara tournament on Thursday, and the featured match up happens at 7 p.m. at Glover Field in Anaheim. It will be Huntington Beach Edison (3-0) taking on Long Beach Wilson (3-0). Huntington Beach Edison defeated Sonora, 3-2 to get to the semi-final. Christian Lopes hit a home run and Henry Owens came in to pick up the save. Wilson defeated Cypress 2-1, Buckle hit a home run and recorded the win from the mound. Wilson will use junior standout Chase DeJong. Edison has not announced it's starter but they won't be using ace Henry Owens.

The other semifinal at 3 p.m. matches Lakewood (3-0) and Vista Murrieta (3-0). Lakewood banged out eight hits, three for extra bases, to defeat Servite 4-2. Lakewood scored early when Tyler Leidholdt was hit by pitch in the first inning and scored one batter later on an RBI double by Nick Torres. Two innings later, JP Crawford doubled and scored on a Tyler Schultz single to extend the lead to 2-0. Jacob Worrell then tripled in Schultz to give Gidley all the support he would need. Servite (2-1) scored two sixth-inning runs. Darrell Miller Jr., the son of former Angels catcher Darrell Miller, had two of Servite's four hits.

The possibility of an all Long Beach final speaks highly of the Moore League and the strong traditions of baseball at both Wilson and Lakewood. Should be a good semi and as even better final.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Local Teams Open Well

Millikan 8, La Mirada 2: Catcher Alex Antonaras went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI for the Rams at the Loara Tournament. Jordan Ybarra added two hits and two RBIs.

LB Poly 7, Mayfair 1: Senior right-hander Tyler Maxwell who has signed with Stanford, pitched five solid innings to earn a win and also hit a two-run triple.

Wilson 8, Artesia 2: Bobby Webb struck out five in four innings for the Bruins at the Loara Tournament. He also had three singles and scored twice for Wilson. Keith White also had three hits and an RBI.

Lakewood 6, El Modena 1: J.P. Crawford went 3-for-4 with a run scored and Tyler Leidhodt delivered a two-run triple in the fifth for the Lancers at the Loara Tournament. Shane Watson allowed one hit in five innings and struck out two.

Los Alamitos 7, Kennedy 1: Troy Rallings allowed one run over six innings for the Griffins at the Loara Tournament. Sam Lorenzini went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Michael Farris contributed two hits.

Bellflower 10, Bishop Montgomery 3: Nick LaSala and Stevan Sanchez each went 2-for-3 for the Buccaneers in a season-opening victory at the El Segundo Tournament.

Gahr 12, Palos Verdes 4: Jacob Faria pitched five strong innings for the Gladiators at the El Segundo Tournament. Josh Palmer and Edgar Morales each hit home runs in the first inning. Alex Newman, Kevin Franklin and Anthony Rodriguez each had three hits.

St. John Bosco 5, Redondo 3: Koby Gauna allowed four hits in seven innings for the Braves at the El Segundo Tournament. Nick Wood drove in two runs.

Lynwood 3, Firebaugh 0: Francisco Marin struck out six in a shutout and had a two-run double for the host Knights in a nonleague victory. Joshua Porras added an RBI triple.

Cabrillo 16, Dominguez 0: Ray Hisquierdo struck out seven in six innings for the Jaguars in a nonleague victory at home. Louie Terrazas went 5-for-5, stole two bases and scored three times.

Paramount 4, Roosevelt 0: Alex Navarette struck out seven and allowed four hits in a shutout at the El Segundo Tournament. Jose Lopez had two RBIs, a run and a stolen base. - Ben Villa

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Play Ball

While most colleges and JC's have already begun their 2011 Baseball seasons, this weekend marks the beginning of High School Baseball with the traditional scrimmage.

The CIF Blue Book defines a scrimmage as follows. "An interscholastic scrimmage in baseball is a training session between a minimum of two and a maximum of three schools where no score is kept, free substitution and time-outs are permitted, spectators are not urged to attend, and officials are not paid."

This is what makes a scrimmage unique and the reason why it is not counted as a contest. This format permits coaches to set up situations, get game experience in the execution of certain skills in a more controlled, relaxed format. The scrimmage also allows the coaches to freely substitute players in and out giving a great deal of flexibility not normally afforded in the game.

While many High School Baseball Coaches still run a scrimmage as it was intended to be, a training session with teachable moments and free substitution, some have gone far beyond this definition and treat it as a regular contest. Even to the point of sending a message or setting the tone for the season and playing to win.

This attitude goes far beyond the intent of the rule and reflects a selfish will to win when no score is to be kept.

As a Athletic director and a traditionalist, I appreciate the intent of the scrimmage rule and would hope all coaches would see the value in it as well. Remember, you will never find that surprise on your ball club, if you don't look for it.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Progress Report - Tommy Peale

It has been a long road back from "Tommy John Surgery" for former 2006 South Coast Conference Player of the Year and LBCC MVP, Tommy Peale. Even though his rehab is not completed, all indications are that he is well on his way. Tom's father Gary Peale reported that, Tommy threw his first bull pen sense the surgery and everyone in Florida was very encouraged. "Tom has done everything he has been asked to do," reports his father. "We'll just have to wait and see - Time will tell."

Tommy was a key factor in the Vikings 2006 State Championship in Baseball going 16-0 in 103 innings pitched with a 1.31 ERA. He also had a .362 batting average in 35 games as a position player. Now, five years later, he is still giving everything he has to the game.

There is an old saying I learned from my LBCC coach Bob Meyers back in 1972, "The cream always rises to the top." I believed it then and still do to this day. Whether in the game of Baseball or Life, Tommy Peale will rise to meet the challenge.

All the best my friend, we're all pulling for you!

Monday, February 7, 2011

LBCC Wins Opener 4-3

The Long Beach City College baseball team pounded out 12 hits in its season opener on its way to a 4-3 non-conference win at Barstow College on Saturday.

Long Beach (1-0) returns to action on Tuesday (Feb. 8) when it begins a three-game series against Orange Coast College. LBCC is at OCC on Tuesday, followed by the Vikings’ home opener at Joe Hicks Memorial Field on Thursday (Feb. 10). The two squads close the series on Friday (Feb. 11) at Orange Coast.

All games are set to begin at 2 p.m.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Bits and Pieces

Scouts and baseball fans won't find a better weekend competition than Saturday at San Juan Capistrano JSerra. At 9 a.m., the host Lions will take on Mission Viejo, a candidate to be No. 1 in Southern California. At noon, Mission Viejo will face La Puente Bishop Amat, led by junior Rio Ruiz. And at 3 p.m., JSerra will play Bishop Amat.

Jason D'Andrea, a senior catcher at West Hills Chaminade, has committed to UCLA, Coach Frank Mutz said. D'Andrea was a late pickup for the Bruins and will sign during the next letter of intent period.

He's one of seven Chaminade players who have signed or committed. The others are pitchers Dalton Brown (Duke) and Mathew Troupe (Arizona), outfielder Michael Dingilian (Cal Poly), infielders Tanner Reibenspies (San Diego State) and Dylan Delaney (Michigan) and outfielder Bradon Rapoport (Washington).

The high school baseball season for the City Section officially begins on Feb. 25 with the Poly tournament, and there's an outstanding opening game matchup that should feature top pitchers in City player of the year Jose Cardona of Woodland Hills El Camino Real taking on Ryan Cruz of Granada Hills Kennedy.

Coaches for both teams are expected to throw their aces in that opener at El Camino Real. Cruz defeated Chatsworth last season and didn't get to pitch in playoffs after Kennedy was upset early on.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Dodger Stadium looking good for finals

There has been no final contract signed, but Dodger Stadium is looking strong as the likely site for the City Section and Southern Section baseball championship games.

The Southern Section has agreed to pay for the City Section to have night games at Dodger Stadium so the Southern Section would be able to hold its section finals on Saturday, June 4 at Dodger Stadium.

The City Section would hold its Division I final on Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium, with the Division II final on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. The Division III final would be May 26 at USC.

The City and Southern Section still must finalize plans with the Dodgers to make sure the stadium is available.

Monday, January 10, 2011

West Coast Baseball Coaches' Convention

The inaugural West Coast Baseball Coaches Convention will be held on January 13 – 15, 2011 at the renowned Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA.

Featuring inside information from some of baseball’s brightest minds, including coaches Ty Waller of the Oakland Athletics, Rick Renteria of the San Diego Padres, Steve Yeager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dennis Rogers of Riverside Community College, Rich Hill of the University of San Diego and many more, you are certain to become a better baseball coach!

The West Coast Baseball Coaches Convention offers you numerous national presenters and dozens of exhibitors from national and local companies…all of whom are there to provide YOU with leading-edge knowledge, equipment and apparel. And, this is all delivered to you at the state-of-the-art Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula.

Registration is only $75 (includes a reception on Friday). To register, call the Lake Elsinore Storm at (951)245-4487.