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Los Angeles Times Reports City Could Cancel All Sporting Events and Concerts Until 2021

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Via LA Times:

Los Angeles may hold off on allowing big gatherings until 2021 because of the coronavirus threat, according to an internal Los Angeles Fire Department email reviewed by The Times.

Mayor Eric Garcetti raised the issue during his weekly briefing Monday with a group of high-level staff from several departments, including Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas. Garcetti indicated during the conference call that “large gatherings such as concerts and sporting events may not be approved in the city for at least 1 year,” according to the email.

…

Garcetti also talked during the conference call with his staff about reopening the economy, starting with “essential businesses and small businesses … phased in over a period of time (6-10 months),” according to Richmond’s email.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that events that draw hundreds or thousands of strangers will be off limits for the near future, based on current guidelines.

As someone who was really looking forward to seeing the Eagles in concert and the Dodgers and Lakers bringing titles back to LA this year, this is another major blow. Although, at this point, nothing surprises me anymore. I’ve accepted the fact that it’s a long shot any sporting events or concerts are held before 2021 due to how rapidly COVID-19 can spread.

The LA Times article didn’t mention whether or not teams would be able to play in empty stadiums/arenas, but any gatherings with hundreds or thousands of people are out of the question. Aside from the health risks, I’m curious to know what the public perception will be after the government declares it’s okay to return to our normal routine. Honestly, I’ll probably avoid large gatherings until I get vaccinated because it’s not like the virus magically goes away as soon as the government lifts the quarantine order.

I know most people think they’re invincible but I’ve seen enough healthy young people hospitalized by COVID-19 to know that it’ll be dangerous for a while. Especially for a city like L.A., where there’s a plethora of concerts and sporting events on a daily basis it’s probably best to keep everything closed until we’re sure everything’s safe. People come from all over the country and world to visit L.A., which only heightens the chances of someone spreading the virus…all it takes is one. Until then, for the love of god, keep Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit safe at all costs.

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Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling Have to Feel a Little Awkward at Dodgers Spring Training

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I can’t imagine what it must be like for Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling in the Dodgers clubhouse right now. On the one hand, they are staying with the only organization they have ever known, and don’t have to acclimate themselves to an entirely new organization. On the other hand, they now realize that like any other player in this league, they are expendable.

Like I said, the Dodgers are the only organization these guys have ever know. Stripling was drafted by them back in 2012 out of Texas A&M, and has spent the past four years in the Bigs, starting and making appearances out of the bullpen. Joc was drafted in 2011 out of high school, and has been with the big league club since 2014, and a staple in the starting lineup every year. Both of them have played significant roles for the Dodgers the past few years, making it all the more surprising that they had been dealt to the Angels.

But, it was for Mookie Betts and David Price. If it meant parting ways with a back-end starter and career .233 hitter, so be it. I was fine with it, too, if that means anything. But then the deal fell through, and the Dodgers were able to keep both Chicken Strip and Joc. From a career standpoint, it might’ve actually benefited Stripling and Pederson to be traded because they both would have been starters. The Angels’ lineup could have used Joc’s pop, and Stripling is a proven starter who would have been a nice addition to a rotation whose #1 is Andrew Heaney – yikes. But now, aside from them having more competition at their respective positions, they are on a team that was willing to get rid of them.

However, despite the slight awkwardness, both Pederson and Stripling are ready to move on.

They’re handling things the best way they can, and I’m sure could not be happier to still be on the Dodgers. As heavy favorites to make the World Series, it wouldn’t have been easy for them to go to a team like the Angels, who won’t be as competitive as the Dodgers this season. Sadly, now that they were on the trading block once, it’s likely that their names will come up throughout the season if the Dodgers choose to make some moves. And if the Dodgers were to deal away Pederson and/or Stripling and go on to win the World Series that would be completely devastating. But, professional sports is a business at the end of the day, and players need to come to terms with that. All Stripling and Pederson have to do is play well to keep their names off the trading block, and as tough as it may be, they can’t think about the Angels trade.

Rob Friedman has called things “awkward” as well, but management needs to continue to reassure them that it was necessary to get Mookie Betts and David Price – which it was. Plus, it seems like there are no hard feelings between Mookie and Joc…even though he is taking his spot. Gotta love the camaraderie!

 

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Cody Bellinger Roasts Rob Manfred, Astros Over Cheating Scandal

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Cody Bellinger got extremely candid about what he thought about the Astros cheating scandal, and what he thought about Rob Manfred’s punishment.

This is what the entire league was waiting for. An extremely relevant Dodgers player giving his real thoughts in front of the media about the disgraced Houston Astros. Guys like Alex Wood and Trevor Bauer, who has thoughts on other topics as well, have been very active on Twitter lately talking about the Astros. But, we needed a guy like Bellinger to come out and speak his mind to confirm what we are all thinking. He played against the Astros in that tainted 2017 World Series. They robbed him and Los Angeles of their first title in 29 years. He deserves to be pissed about this, and Dodger fans finally have someone speaking on their behalf from inside the clubhouse publicly.

However, as bad as the Astros have looked throughout this whole debacle, Rob Manfred and the league office are looking like complete clowns too for how they handled this situation. We all thought the punishment was extremely weak, and yet, only a couple managers have lost their jobs over it. Especially after showing absolutely no remorse through this whole fiasco, players most certainly should be punished.

The only thing I will commend the Astros for is that they are officially the only athletes ever that I have actually hated. And more than just sports hate. Actual hate…something I don’t take lightly. They are terrible people. Yeah they do charity work or whatever, but who knows how much of that stuff is fabricated as well. They managed to keep the biggest secret in sports for years and stole a championship from team(s) more deserving, so I will dedicate the rest of my life to h-a-t-i-n-g them.

By now we’ve all heard that former MLB pitcher Mike Bolsinger is suing the Astros by alleging that they cost him a chance at a longer career. As far-fetched as that might seem, it’s still a worthy point to be made. You never know if you’ll get another shot in the big leagues, and in an outing against the Astros back in 2017,Bolsinger got lit up. He faced eight batters and permitted four hits and three walks in what would be his final outing as a Major League Baseball player. There were also twelve trash can bangs recorded from the Astros dugout during Bolsinger’s outing – the system they used to relay signs to hitters.

The Bellinger video released today, along with the Bolsinger story just adds to the outrage from current and former MLB players. We are nowhere near the end of this drama, and I think the Astros are in for the roughest season any professional sports team has ever endured. The scrutiny will be unmatched (fittingly) and I absolutely can’t wait to see how they handle the relentless heckling.

Devil’s Advocate: This helps with ratings and attendance. I nowwant to go to an Astros game when they come to Anaheim because I want to boo the living hell out of those guys. We’ll have to see how strongly their own fans stick behind them, but I’m sure opposing fans are thinking just like me when the Asterisks roll into town.

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The Dodgers Sign Treinen in an Otherwise Disappointing Hot Stove Season

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Well, its official…The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed right-handed pitcher Blake Treinen to a one-year contract worth $10 million dollars. After a disappointing 2019 season where Treinen pitched to the tune of a 4.91 ERA over 58 2/3 innings, the Dodgers are hoping he can get back to his 2018 ways. He had an absolutely ridiculous 2018 season – just look at these stats:

  • 9-2 W/L Record
  • 0.78 ERA
  • 80 1/3 IP
  • 0.834 WHIP
  • AL All Star
  • 6th in AL Cy Young Voting
  • AL MVP votes as a RELIEVER

A sub-1 ERA in 80 innings is a ridiculous stat, especially in the American League with the designated hitter in play. And although he was disproportionately bad in 2019, his 2018 season showed that he has the ability to be very good. Especially with Kenley Jansen coming off the worst season of his career, the Dodgers need help at the back-end of their bullpen. 

Sadly, the Treinen news was basically the only thing that salvaged the hot stove season for the Dodgers, as they failed to make any other moves. As I said in a previous post, the Dodgers needed to prioritize starting pitching this offseason, which they have failed to do thus far.

Just a quick rundown – the best starting pitcher free agents have signed to other teams, even though the Dodgers have been in on most of them; meaning they’ve been unable to recruit free agents to Los Angeles of all places. Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, Zack Wheeler, and just today, Madison Bumgarner are no all off of the board.

I don’t know what’s wrong with the Dodgers’ front office, but they seem to be content with JUST making the playoffs. They have been so close to getting all the pieces for a championship team, but fold when it comes to signing players. They are notorious for not making serious runs at top of the line free agents, but with the talent that was available this year, I really thought they would get somebody. A.J. Pollock is their biggest signing in recent years that wasn’t just a contract extension to a current Dodgers player (Kershaw, Turner, Jansen).

While it would have been an embarrassment of riches if the Dodgers signed Gerrit Cole, they needed to make a move for another starting pitcher. However, with a guy like Dallas Keuchel still available, I haven’t lost all hope, but there hasn’t been any rumblings that they’re even targeting him, which is ridiculous.

Bottom line is the Dodgers are one of the wealthiest teams in professional sports, but they need to start acting like it. After another disappointing postseason appearance, a big free-agent signing is exactly what this fan base needed to spark some excitement. Figure it out, Andrew Friedman.

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The Dodgers Should Prioritize Starting Pitching Over Anthony Rendon in Free Agency Market

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The Dodgers are considered one of the frontrunners for free-agent slugger Anthony Rendon, along with the Texas Rangers. While I’ll admit it would be a great addition to the Dodgers’ lineup that already includes MVP Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner, is his addition necessary? This free agent market is stacked with starting pitching, which I think the Dodgers should prioritize.

Don’t get me wrong…Rendon is a very good player, and before the 2019 season, was probably the most underrated player in MLB. However, the Dodgers still had the best offense in the National League, and the fifth-best in MLB. My feelings would be much different if Rendon wasn’t so expensive. He placed third in MVP voting last season, and is no doubt looking for a long-term home, which means more $$$. In a perfect world, I would welcome him with open arms, putting Rendon at third and sliding JT over to first base. But, signing Rendon means the Dodgers are probably out on other players that I believe they need more.

With Kershaw not looking as great as he has in the past, Rich Hill hurt every other start it seems like, and Hyun-jin Ryu’s future with the team uncertain, the Dodgers should be prioritizing pitching right now. I’ll admit, it may be tough to believe that since they were the #1 staff in the league last season, it’s a new year. We may not get Ryu back, Kershaw could blow out his back again, and Hill could get another blister. We all know Gerrit Cole is still on the market, and Stephen Strasburg just signed an extension with the Nationals today, so he’s off the table. Of course Cole will be expensive, but as I look at the Dodgers starting rotation for next year, I will be a little disappointed if their only addition is Jake Odorizzi or some shit, given who was available.

 

 

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The Sports Equinox

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There is so much going on today. Word Series game 1 between the Astros and Nationals, the NHL is in full swing, and the NBA season starts today. Really, just a great day to be a sports fan.

(Yes I realize it’s NFL season but there aren’t any games today).

There’s a lot I could say, but I’m going to start with the World Series. We’ve got the powerhouse Astros vs. the underdog Nationals. Look, I just had my heard ripped out of my chest a couple weeks ago after Howie Kendrick decided to be raw for once in his life and basically walked it off against the Dodgers. But look, I respect the hell out of what the Nationals have done. I mean to come from behind and win the Wild Card game, beat the best team in the NL, then embarrass the Cardinals to make it to the World Series, I cant help but root for them. Then they have a great starting staff and Rendon, who is sooo under the radar for how good of a season he’s having.

Then you have the Astros, also with great starting pitching, and a lineup that still keeps Aaron Boone awake at night. But everyone predicted them to be in the World Series…no surprise there. So, I have to say that even though there is a very good chance the Astros run away with the series, the baseball fan in me hopes for a competitive series, but hopefully for another Nationals upset.

Now on to the NBA. I think we are in store for one of the greatest NBA seasons in recent memory. After Kevin Durant ruined the league a few years ago, I think order has been relatively restored after the best offseason I’ve ever witnessed. I still think Stephen A. Smith still gets a chub from all the content he was given for First Take. But anyway, there are so many storylines to follow.

In my mind the battle for LA between the Lakers and Clippers is the most intriguing, and how could it not be? You have the Clippers, who have been decent for years, but always got knocked out in the 1st or 2nd round, now able to make a legitimate run for the Finals. Then you have the Lakers who have stunk the past few years ALSO able to make a run at the Finals. Plus you have 4 superstars in Lebron, Anthony Davis, Kawhi, and Paul George all playing in the same building! It’s gonna be real interesting to see how that dynamic works out since the Clippers will always be the little brother in LA.

As for the rest of the league, it’s going to be interesting how D’Angelo Russell fits in with the Warriors, and how they deal with Klay likely out for the season.

Rockets will be very fun to watch, especially with two reunited ballhog teammates in Russell Westbrook and James Harden. I honestly don’t know how that situation will work out especially with Russ being such a vocal presence, and it being Harden’s team, but they’ll still be very good nonetheless.

Nets will be contenders in the dumpster fire that is the Eastern Conference, but they’ll be going up against the Bucks and Celtics, who had good off seasons as well. It’ll be more interesting when Kevin Durant is back in the mix next year, so I’d think of this year as a transitional season for them.

As for today specifically, we have two NBA games: Lakers bs. Clippers and Pelicans vs. Raptors. I’ve already talked enough about the LA teams, so as for NOLA and TOR, this should be an interesting game. No doubt it’s gotta be tough as a Pelican, not only for having one of the worst mascots in the NBA, but having just lost Zion for 6-8 weeks, that’s a major blow to that offense. As for Toronto, it’s no secret they’re not the same team without Kawhi, but they’ll probably win this game as they’re more experienced and still have plenty of pieces that can make them contenders in the East.

Bottom line is that if you’re not watching one of these games today, you’re going to be missing out.

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