Lakers make two statements

Losing in life teaches us our greatest lessons.

 Just ask the Lakers!

  They're 2-0 with those wins coming by a combined 58-points.

   This team is as hungry as I've seen in 10-years of covering sports in the Southland.

   A person who works with the team said it best, "If they stay healthy, no one will beat them in a 7-game series. No one."

    I like what Derek Fisher said, "You don't win Championships in November"

  After they "boat raced" the Clippers by 38 points, even Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson admitted, "that was a bit surprising".

    Let's talk again next Sunday - after they play a Houston team - that won 20-plus consecutive games last year -- and got healthier and better.

   Until then - I'm clearing my June calendar.

Dodgers Sunset

   The Sun has set on the Dodgers 50th Season in Los Angeles. 

For the 20th consecutive year -  the "Boys of Summer" are on winter vacation - without a World Series ring.

    The Phillies were the better team -  as sure as Manny Ramirez is NOT coming back to LA next year.

 After the game, Owner Frank McCourt told me, "It takes two to tango". 

   Not exactly a ringing endorsement to have #99 in Dodger Blue next year. 

Let's face it - the Dodgers without Manny - and this team is the San Francisco Giants.

 The Dodgers only scored 20 runs in the five games against Philadelphia. Manny hit over .500 and drove in more than one-third of those runs!

   I hear fans screaming at Manager Joe Torre. But considering they lost four of five -

and Cole Hamels pitched like Greg Maddox in his prime - the Dodgers were destined for the golf course.

  It's tough to advance when your shortstop makes more errors in one inning - than your entire team scored runs over the course of nine innings.

   See 'ya next year. I'm just not sure who we're going to be seeing.

DODGERS OR LAKERS

I've seen this act before.

  The Dodgers in the NLCS - are the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

  After losing the opening two game in Philadelphia, Joe Torre's team was in the same position as the Lakers in the Finals against Boston.

   They had to win the middle three games at home.

  Just like Kobe and company - the Dodgers lost a game they should have won - in the middle game!

    It's easy to blame Joe Torre.  It's easy to blame relievers Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton - as both gave up 2-run homers in the 8th inning.

   I called NASA today - and they're still tracking the home run hit by Matt Stairs. A man thats played for 11-teams in 15-years.

  But here's something new - give Philadelphia credit.

  It's hard for Dodger fans to see the truth - Philadelphia is a better team.

    They've been a better team ALL season.

  That said, as the Angels will tell you - the better team doesn't always win.

My Pitch

  When did Brett Myers become Manny Ramirez.

  The Dodgers are in a 2-0 hole because Philadelphia's pitcher drove in more runs than any Dodger not wearing a #99 Jersey.

 The reality is - the Dodger offense -- without Manny is a boat without a sail.

   One more game like that - and the Dodgers will be making tee times by the end of the week.

   Dodger fans need to click their heels together - like Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz -- and say, there's no place like home, no place like home.

   Philadelphia never lost to the Dodgers in the East.

 "Ditto" for the Dodgers in the west.

The Dodger Blues

  I had a 6th sense they would lose.

 The Dodgers lost to the Phillies in game #1 of the NLCS - because pitcher Derek Lowe couldn't get out of the sixth inning.

  Two words:

 Mental midget.

   Dude pitched lights out for five innings.

  But this has ALWAYS been his issue.

  Lowe gives up a run - and the hole just keep getting deeper.

 It was suggested by a national radio reporter -  before the series - the Dodgers had the advantage since Lowe was scheduled to pitch games one, four, and possibly game seven.

  Oops!

  If you're a Dodger fan - let's hope it's not a disadvantage!

  In all fairness to Lowe - the throwing error by Rafeal Furcal didn't help. But in that situation - Lowe has to pitch like the guy who "won" 14 games this year --

 not the guy who "lost" 11.

 

My addiction

I'm addicted - to playoff baseball.

After spending the weekend in Boston  -

enjoying one of the best playoff atmospheres on the planet -

 It's just not sitting well with me I can't see another Angels vs Red Sox game tonight.

  Unlike most of Southern California - I had NO issues with Mike Scioscia's decision to squeeze.

  My issue - was Aybars lack of effort.

 The seasons on the line - and that's your best effort?

    The Dodger arrived in Philadelphia yesterday.

 Thursday can't come soon enough.

  

Dodgers are in - the Angels are out!

I don't gamble.

Ok, I've bought a lottery ticket here and there.

 But my father taught me to respect my money. We work hard for your paychecks - and as a father - I don't want to "gamble" - what belongs to my kids.

   That said, If you would of told me in late August - after the Dodgers lost 8-straight, and the Angels had a double-digit lead in the west -

  that Big Blue would be playing LONGER than the Angels - 

I would have "bet the farm" on that decision.

  Now you know the other reason I don't gamble!

Angels: 100 wins and out

 I have a headache the size of Fenway Park!

Eric Aybar's inability to lay down a bunt - on a squeeze in the 9th inning - was the exclamation point on the Angels missed opportunities in the ALDS.

  They won 100 game, and now they're on the sofa.

   Ouch!

 The Halos are a "class act" in the front office. For the most part, they have some good guys on this team. But it's clear - the Sox were in their head.

  Like the Cubs waiting for another World Series  - I'll keep waiting for a Freeway Series in LA.

  Go Dodgers.

 

Curt Sandoval, ABC 7 Sports