Friday, July 20, 2007

Sports Heaven

- Reading this made my pants fly out of the window. If all goes as I hope, the Dodgers make the playoffs and are playing during the Oct. 6th weekend when I'll be out there for UCLA/ND. Here's a few pics of the ultimate sports weekend I experienced last year (USC/NEB and LA/SD).

As Ferris Bueller would say, "If you have the means, I highly recommend it."









- ESPN's plan for the ultimate power weekend...........

3 Days in L.A.: East Meets West as Mets Visit Dodgers

An extended weekend getaway in Los Angeles isn't nearly enough time to see the wondrous sites that locals have in their own backyard – the movie studios, the beach, theme parks, gorgeous university settings, the Westside and Griffith Park, just to name a few.

But what better reason to enjoy as much of it as you can than to take in a classic East-meets-West showdown this weekend at Dodger Stadium, when the Mets arrive to play the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. It's definitely Power Weekend material. The series actually runs Thursday through Sunday, July 19-22, so you may wish to extend your trip to a four-day adventure. (Whatever you decide, click here to buy tickets.)

Dodger Stadium (1000 Elysian Park Ave., Web site), open since 1962, still ranks as one of the most beautiful ballparks in all the major leagues. It's been given a few coats of paint over the years, luxury suites were added a couple of seasons back and owner Frank McCourt has made sure every inch of wall space is covered by a paid ad.

But spending a breezy night at the stadium and sampling a Dodger Dog is a Southern California rite of passage not to be missed.

The Dodgers and Mets kick things off at 7:40 p.m. PT Friday, which leaves all morning and afternoon to get a taste of the city.

Start with breakfast at Café Montana (1534 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Web site), a delicious eatery known for its great weekend brunches. The same yummy plates are offered during early weekday hours when the facility is far less crowded.

Southern California is extremely health conscious, so after breakfast take a walk 15 blocks down to the ocean and enjoy Palisades Park (1501 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica), which overlooks the beautiful blue Pacific.

On a clear day, look to the south all the way to Palos Verdes (and maybe even Catalina Island), while Malibu and it's rugged and breathtaking coastline can be spotted off to the north.

If you're feeling especially athletic, rent a bike for a dirt cheap price at any number of local bicycle shops and start peddling south on the bike path that parallels the ocean. You'll zip right through Santa Monica, enter the heart of Venice and move directly into Marina del Rey. It's a perfect way to enjoy those sea breezes and people watch at the same time.

With six or so hours before game time, head just a few miles east to Westwood and walk around the gorgeous UCLA campus.

Being summer, there probably won't be too many students mulling about. But the university store will be open to pick up a souvenir or two. And chances are one of the doors to adjacent Pauley Pavilion, where all those basketball championship banners hang proudly, will be cracked open, allowing you to peek into one of the most hallowed gyms in all of college hoops.

Only 10 minutes away is famous Beverly Hills, and while Rodeo Drive offers nothing affordable for the common folk, it's worth walking around the famously high-end city just to window shop and say you've been there.

If it's lunchtime, stop in for a pastrami sandwich at Beverly Hills' hidden gem, Nate 'n Al (414 N. Beverly Drive, Web site), a Jewish deli that's as authentic and tasty as anything east of the Hudson.

And if finding a celebrity is high on the wish list, walking around Beverly Hills might accomplish this goal. If not, drive two minutes away to Robertson Boulevard, between Third Street and Beverly Boulevard. That's where the paparazzi stalk celebs such as Paris Hilton and her ilk, so just look for the hordes of cameras if you want to see a bona-fide star.

Just 15 minutes away from Dodger Stadium stands Griffith Observatory (2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles Web site), where James Dean stood in "Rebel Without a Cause." The landmark observatory has been recently refurbished, and there's few better ways to see the sprawl of Los Angeles here, smack in the middle of Griffith Park.

The park, which also is home to the Greek Theatre (2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Web site), is great for a picnic and especially fun for the whole family. There are pony and train rides for the kids and, for more adventurous types, plenty of hiking trails throughout, some that pass within a few hundred yards from the famous Hollywood sign that overlooks the city.

Now it's game time. But, afterward, if you're still hungry and looking for a great burger, there are two can't-lose options. The Apple Pan (10801 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles) is a culinary civic institution in west L.A. situated in a small, homey structure that was built in 1947. There's only counter seating, and expect a wait. The waiters have all been there for decades, and don't be surprised if any of them wipes your mouth with a napkin as the hamburger juice drips down your chin.

While there's only one Apple Pan, numerous In-N-Out Burger drive-ins (Web site) are spread throughout the city … and that's not nearly enough. Order the Double-Double – a two-patty creation with onions, lettuce, tomato, sauce, two slices of cheese and a toasted bun. Locals rightfully rave about them and when southern Californians move out of the state, often one of the first things they say they miss the most is In-N-Out. Once you've been there, you'll wholeheartedly agree.

The Mets-Dodgers game on Saturday is at 12:55 p.m., so a morning spent enjoying the beauty of Getty Center Los Angeles (1200 Getty Center Drive, Web site), perched on a hill just north of Brentwood, is the ideal place to start the day.

Pick up a couple of pastries and a coffee nearby, park your car in the J. Paul Getty Museum's underground garage and take the tram up to the top, where you can walk around the expansive and well-groomed grounds.

Feel free to check out the art, but it's not the paintings or statues that make the Getty such a beautiful place to visit. It's the immaculately manicured acreage where the buildings – and the magnificent architecture it all entails – sit.

Time to depart for Dodger Stadium.

Once the game ends, head back to the hotel, cool off and veg out for a little bit. Around 6:30 p.m., find a local deli or even a supermarket and pick up a few sandwiches, snacks and a nice bottle of wine, then head to the Hollywood Bowl for an evening of music under the stars. This experience is one of L.A.'s most treasured and enjoyable traditions.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance, if possible, as Saturday nights at the Bowl often sell out. (Consult StubHub! if it is a sellout.)

Also, make sure not to park at the Bowl; instead, take a shuttle bus from any number of nearby lots. Bowl parking is extremely limited and very pricey, so locals often use the convenience of the shuttles.

At the site, throw down a blanket at any open space, pop open the wine and enjoy the experience. That particularly evening, British jazz, pop and swing will be on tap. But it's not only the music at the Bowl that makes it so terrific, but everything that surrounds it: great friends and good eats.

Sleep in on Sunday morning and have brunch in Old Town Pasadena (Web site), just a few minutes from such sports landmarks as the Rose Bowl (Web site) and Santa Anita Race Track (Web site). There are plenty of eateries within the confines of this walking-friendly neighborhood, and once you're done noshing it's a quick drive to Dodger Stadium.

When the final out is made at the Ravine, head down the freeway to Hollywood Boulevard and check out a flick at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Web site) – with the footprints and handprints of all those great stars in front – or even go down the block to the ArcLight Cinema (6360 W. Sunset Blvd., Web site), where the moviegoing experience is a bit expensive but worthwhile for those fans who like the highest in technology and comfort.

Each seat at the ArcLight is reserved and before each show an employee welcomes the crowd and lets patrons know that if they have suggestions or anything they'd like to share with the staff, to see someone outside the auditorium immediately. When "Spider-Man 3" opened in May, as a joke Tobey Maguire stood up in front of the audience and made the same speech. I wonder if he received any complaints?

Only in Hollywood.






- Glad this cancer is going to wreak havoc in someone else's locker room. So now Houston's has 3 top players who are injury prone. Good luck with all that.......

Francis' deal with Rockets worth $6 million

Steve Francis is going home.
After three years of struggles in Orlando and New York, the former All-Star guard will return to the place of his greatest glory, the Houston Rockets.


Francis was in Houston on Thursday to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million with the Rockets. The club will announce the signing at a newsconference on Friday.

"It's great opportunity, I'm definitely excited," Francis told Houston's Fox 26 Sports. "This is a pretty astonishing moment right now. I am still caught up in the hype."

The 30-year-old Francis was recently bought out of the remaining two years, $34 million of his previous contract by the Portland Trail Blazers. He received nearly $31 million in the deal.

With money being no factor, Francis chose the Rockets over Miami, Dallas and the Clippers. The Heat are believed to have offered him more money.

According to a person close to Francis, he chose Houston largely because of his familiarity with the organization and the city. He has kept a home there since joining the club in 1999, and it was the site of his best years in the NBA.

As a high-flying point guard for the Rockets, Francis made three All-Star games and was regarded as one of the top players in the league. Francis' career began to decline when he clashed with coach Jeff Van Gundy, who had replaced Francis favorite Rudy Tomjanovich, in 2003.






- Oh crap......this could get ugly.

FBI probes allegations NBA ref bet on games he worked
ESPN.com news services

NEW YORK -- The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated.

According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered.

The investigation first was reported Friday by the New York Post.

The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges. The official, who did not identify the referee, is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.

The law enforcement official said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons.

The NBA issued a brief statement Friday: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."


The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.

The referee had a gambling problem, according to the official, and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.

"These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter," Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. "In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time."








- Preseason polls for the Big 12. With Missouri, the production never equals the hype (much like the Houston Rockets), so I'll believe it when I see it.

BIG 12 PRESEASON MEDIA POLL

SOUTH DIVISION
Rank Team Points
1. Texas (16) 135
2. Oklahoma (7) 126
3. Texas A&M (1) 82
4. Oklahoma State 81
5. Texas Tech 56
6. Baylor 24
NORTH DIVISION
1. Missouri (16) 136
2. Nebraska (8) 128
3. Kansas State 88
4. Kansas 63
5. Colorado 58
6. Iowa State 31
First-place votes in parentheses




- Even more reason for me not to go to Arlington, the main road to get back to downtown Dallas after games is apparently shut down for the rest of the season. The news just keeps getting better out there.

TRAFFIC HELP
Fans traveling back to Dallas from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will need to look for alternate routes because the eastbound ramp onto I-30 from Collins Street will be closed for the remainder of the season. Fans who exit the ballpark to the west should take these alternate routes:

•From Randol Mill Road or parking lots north of Randol Mill, proceed north on Baird Farm (which becomes Pennant Drive and Nolan Ryan Expressway). It feeds onto I-30 eastbound by going north through the Copeland Road intersection.

•From parking lots that exit onto Randol Mill Road, continue westbound on Randol Mill to Cooper Street. Go north on Cooper Street to I-30.






- Loe struggles again, that's back to back bad outings now for him. He had won 4 consecutive starts before this recent stretch. Maybe that voodoo doctor in OKC should be called into action, because apparently Mark Connor is of no help.

Rangers lose, 7-5.


Loe's woes lead to Rangers' loss


12:44 AM CDT on Friday, July 20, 2007
By TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News
twills@dallasnews.com

ARLINGTON – Kameron Loe looked strong for five straight starts after briefly being sent to Oklahoma in early June.

That form has taken a hiatus.

Loe was erratic for the second straight start in Thursday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland before 28,108 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

He is somewhere between the dominant starter who won four consecutive starts before the All-Star break, and the one who has an ERA above 9.00 over his last two starts.
On the bright side, Loe had three perfect innings. He followed the example set by Kevin Millwood, who lasted six innings Wednesday despite allowing four runs early in the game.

Loe also gave up a four-run second inning, but the 25-year-old settled down enough to allow the Rangers' offense to tie it, 4-4, in the fourth. Like Millwood, Loe went six innings and spared manager Ron Washington from overworking the bullpen.

"I want to be one of those guys that eats up innings," Loe said. "But, ultimately, I want to be a winning pitcher."




- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 3-1
YTD - 57-52

1) CHICUBS +105 - Staying on them until they cool off.
2) ATL -145 - Pitcher is 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his last 3 starts.
3) BALT -120 - Bedard is excellent pitcher for BALT and OAK has been very bad lately.
4) SEA +100 - Batista is 2-1 with 2.25 ERA in last 3.
5) SD -130 - I'll take SD at home with a decent number all year.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Back in Black


- Rangers get another 6 innings from a starter, but a triple A lineup can't even muster a run. Day game + end of road trip + worst case scenario 3-3 road trip = let's get the hell out of Dodge. Rangers lose, 6-0.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Over the years, Michael Young has seen plenty of outings like Kevin Millwood's on Wednesday.

Only problem is that Tim Hudson or Joe Blanton or John Lackey was pitching them against the Rangers. What those guys gamely did was bounce back from early trouble to stick around long enough to give their respective clubs a shot to win.

In a 6-0 loss to Oakland that finished off a West Coast road trip, that's exactly what Millwood did, too. He overcame a sloppy four-run second to stick around for six innings. It's only the second time in 94 games this season that a Rangers starter has given up a big number in the first three innings and stuck around for at least six.

"It's huge, huge, huge," Young said. "It's big on so many levels when guys do that. It sets a great example for the rest of the pitching staff. That's what a horse does. He goes out there and battles and keeps you in the game no matter what. I can't even begin to put into words what he did.

"I can't tell you how many times I saw somebody like Hudson do that to us. We'd think we had him and all of a sudden you look up and it's the sixth inning and it's a close game. That's just what good pitchers do."

Good pitchers conserve the bullpen. Good pitchers work quickly. Good pitchers keep the defense involved.

Over the last five weeks, the Rangers have had solid starting pitching. The rotation's overall ERA is 4.06 since Kameron Loe came back from a quick minor league demotion and set a tone with a quick, crisp eight-inning effort at Pittsburgh on June 14. Take the struggling Robinson Tejeda out of the mix and Rangers starters have a 3.55 ERA in that span.

And that is why the Rangers have crept closer to respectability. Before Loe's start at Pittsburgh, the team hit its lowest point of the season, falling to 23-42. Since then, it is 18-11.






- At least Hicks can do something right.........this is genius

Mobile phones are the ticket to Rangers games

For busy baseball fans, the new technology means being able to buy tickets online at the last minute while avoiding lines at the will-call window.

"We're giving people the flexibility to buy tickets anywhere and anytime," said Andrew Silverman, the Rangers' executive vice president of sales and marketing.

The Tickets@Phone launch also will give the team more detailed information about its customers – and how best to sell to them.

While the so-called mobile tickets for now include only a bar code, officials hope to soon be able to target key customers with customized offers for tickets and merchandise over their mobile phones.

Whether on your personal computer or mobile phone, electronic tickets enable the team to do the kind of targeted marketing that wasn't possible with paper tickets.

For example, a customer who went to three games this year might receive an e-mail offer for a mini-package for next season.

"We can present offers based on the day of the week they've purchased games for in the past," Mr. Silverman said.

Billboards for the Texas Rangers suggest fans go see a baseball game and give their BlackBerry some alone time. But now the team is encouraging customers to bring their mobile devices to the stadium.

Starting Thursday, your mobile phone can be your ticket to the game.

The Rangers are among a handful of Major League Baseball teams to launch Tickets@ Phone, a technology that sends a barcode to a mobile phone or device that's read by a scanner to gain entry to a game.

For busy baseball fans, the new technology means being able to buy tickets online at the last minute while avoiding lines at the will-call window.

"We're giving people the flexibility to buy tickets anywhere and anytime," said Andrew Silverman, the Rangers' executive vice president of sales and marketing.

The Tickets@Phone launch also will give the team more detailed information about its customers – and how best to sell to them.

While the so-called mobile tickets for now include only a bar code, officials hope to soon be able to target key customers with customized offers for tickets and merchandise over their mobile phones.

Whether on your personal computer or mobile phone, electronic tickets enable the team to do the kind of targeted marketing that wasn't possible with paper tickets.

For example, a customer who went to three games this year might receive an e-mail offer for a mini-package for next season.

"We can present offers based on the day of the week they've purchased games for in the past," Mr. Silverman said.






- GET HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! An athletic, above the rim, rebounding, running 2 guard who's 25??? What's the hold up?????

Pietrus likes Mavs

Golden State restricted free agent Mickael Pietrus has an interest in joining the Mavs, a deal that would likely require a sign-and-trade deal, his agent, Happy Walters, said.

Walters said the Mavs are one of four teams in discussions about the 6-foot-6 swingman, who has spent all four years of his career with the Warriors.

He's seeking the full mid-level exception of $5.36 million, Walters said. Cleveland and Miami are also reportedly interested.

Because Pietrus is a restricted free agent, the Warriors can match any offer. He made $2.5 million last season while averaging 11.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26.9 minutes a game.

The Mavs have the mid-level exception, plus a $1.83 biannual exception to use.







- Anyone want to bet against this guy? Put me on record in saying he'll win his 3rd straight, I know I'll be locked in this weekend.







- Thank you. Sick of him. Always a victim, in just about every aspect of his daily life.

Sheffield fined undisclosed amount for criticizing umpires

MINNEAPOLIS -- Detroit Tigers star Gary Sheffield was fined an undisclosed amount Wednesday by Major League Baseball for recently criticizing umpires.

"Our highly professional umpires protect the integrity of the game on the field. Attacks on their professionalism and character will not be tolerated," commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement.

The often-outspoken Sheffield declined comment following batting practice before Detroit's game at Minnesota.

This punishment stemmed from remarks he made in June regarding a suspension he received for allegedly throwing a piece of his broken bat at home plate umpire Greg Gibson in a May game at Cleveland. Sheffield and manager Jim Leyland disputed Gibson's claim.

When the suspension was reduced from three games to two last month, Sheffield still wasn't happy and lashed out at the umpires.

"It just goes to show you it wasn't true and how corrupt the umpiring system is," he said then. "They can make a statement, and that means it's true."







- I'll play win at all cost, turn a blind eye, super-fan for a second. Suspend him for 2 games and have him ready to roll for game #3. If Callahan knew what was good for him, he'd do it. Biggest game of his tenure goes down September 15 in Lincoln. Mighty USC invades Memorial Stadium.

NU Football: Purify gets probation
BY RICH KAIPUST
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

LINCOLN - Maurice Purify said he hoped to "be afforded a second chance to do what I love to do" after the Nebraska football player reached resolution on his legal matters Wednesday.
Purify received 12 months' probation and fines totaling $1,250 after pleading no contest to four charges stemming from two separate incidents. Two other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement reached before his Lancaster County Court appearance.

Lincoln attorney Jon Braaten said he was satisfied with the outcome and called the punishments appropriate for Purify. The senior receiver said he fully expects that it will result in him missing some football games next season.

"It will," Purify said in a brief interview outside the courtroom. "But I don't know how long."

According to NU media relations director Keith Mann, head coach Bill Callahan had no immediate comment Wednesday but indicated he would address the Purify situation in the next few days. The Huskers begin preseason practice Aug. 6 and open the season Sept. 1 against Nevada.

Callahan suspended Purify indefinitely after his June 8 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Purify's blood-alcohol level was .138 after he was stopped for driving 49 mph in a 40 mph zone and failing to signal a turn near Interstate 180 and Cornhusker Highway.

With a no contest plea to that charge, Purify forfeited any right to a trial and was fined $400 in addition to probation. He also was ordered into outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. His license wasn't suspended or revoked, but he will have an "ignition interlock" attached to his vehicle for 60 days.

That incident followed his May 5 arrest after a fight at a Lincoln bar, which included two charges of assault and one each of trespassing, refusal to comply with the order of police and hinder/delay of arrest.

Purify pled no contest to one assault charge (against a male) and had the other dropped (against a female), as well as the refusal to comply. The trespassing was amended to disturbing the peace, and Purify pled no contest to both that charge and the hinder/delay.

Asked about the incidents, Purify said, "That's just not my style." Braaten also pointed to Purify's lack of any previous legal problems.

"Those were two instances completely out of character," Braaten said. "He'll take steps to make sure they won't happen again."

NU receivers coach Ted Gilmore stood with Purify after his appearance. In lieu of further comment, Braaten released a four-paragraph statement from Purify.

"I apologize to my family, my friends, my teammates and to those who support Husker football," Purify said. "I especially want to express my apologies to Coach Callahan and the coaching staff because I know I let them down. I am extremely disappointed in myself.

"I am responsible for my actions. The choices I made that led to these circumstances were out of character for me. In each instance, I was under the influence of alcohol. I do not use that as an excuse, but I want to be honest. I am currently addressing this issue with professional help and guidance."

Purify was NU's second-leading receiver last season, with 34 catches for 630 yards and seven touchdowns. Several preseason magazines - printed before his arrests - listed the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder as an All-Big 12 candidate.

"I do not know if I will be fortunate enough to play another game at Nebraska," Purify said in his statement. "I hope that I can be afforded a second chance to do what I love to do - play football for Nebraska. If Coach Callahan decides that I will not be able to play again, I respect his decision and am grateful for the opportunity that he has given me."








Here's a nice link of the top NCAA venues in the nation. #1 and #2 give me severe happy pants.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0707/campus.top10.venues/content.10.html



- Picks O'the day

Back after a hiatus

YTD - 54-51


1) MILW -140 - at home (34-15), and pitcher is 1-0 with 2.79 era and 9.8 AWHG in last 3 starts
2) CHICUBS -180 - chi hot (7-3 in last 10), pitcher lily hot as well, 3-0 with 1.21 era and 8.1 AWHG in last 3 starts
3) DET -115 - det on road (31-17 - unheard of road record), bonderman pitching, 2-0 with 1.96 era and 9 AWHG in last 3 starts
4) TB +170 - number too big for a team at home not to take them

Monday, July 16, 2007

Group Trip 2007

- What a weekend, still in recovery mode, so while I recover, here's some pics...........


- The hog we shot Friday night







- Kevin Fowler concert









- On way home from golf - jamming



- Golf outing Friday