Matt Kemp Being Robbed by MLB for MVP?

LOS ANGELES - After a roller coaster season for the Los Angeles Dodgers both on and off the field, the team managed to hold on to finished above .500 yet they only played 161 games. The two highlights of the season were the Cy Young accomplishments of pitcher Clayton Kershaw (21-5) and the MVP and triple crown efforts of outfielder Matt Kemp.

An interesting point was voiced by 710 ESPN’s Max Kellerman (host of the Max & Marcellus Show) in Los Angeles, where he stated that Kemp was being robbed because the Dodgers only played 161 games this season, and not having that extra game could cost Kemp a shot at the MVP award.
Which is true, Major League Baseball did not reschedule the second game of a rained out doubleheader against Washington earlier in the season.

Due to the lack of scheduling by MLB, this could definitely cost Kemp his chance at the MVP. There is no way that Ryan Braun should win MVP,  Braun who played in only 150 games, batted .334, with 111 RBI’s, 34 HR’s, 33 stolen bases, while Kemp finished the season 39 HR’s, batted .324, 126 RBI’s, 40 stolen bases. He also played in all 161 games this season and a sharp outfielder.

It would be a complete travesty if Kemp didn't win the award, especially him putting up the best numbers in the National League, with the exception of batting average. Now in all actuality Braun should win the batting title, but thanks to a real weak sucker move by New York Mets’ Jose Reyes, who when at the plate bunted and made it to first base. After doing that, he increased his average up to .337 after reached first base, took himself out of the game to keep his batting average at .337.

Matt Kemp had no help in his lineup and was still able to put up phenomenal numbers in comparison to Braun who had Prince Fielder, and Rickie Weeks who are significant hitters in the Brewers lineup.
Its about who’s most valuable, and Kemp has proven he’s the most valuable not only to his team, but to the National League as well. If he doesn’t win, we can all blame the sports writers who have a vote, and MLB who refused to reschedule that 162nd game, that Kemp and the Dodgers so desperately deserve.

Time will reveal if they will announce the true MVP of the National League this season, which should be Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.

Kershaw Gets Kicked Out As Dodgers Still Get Victory

LOS ANGELES - The NL West rivalry heated up on Tuesday night as Diamondbacks slugger Gerardo Parra hit a home run, then as he crossed home plate began to taunt many in the Dodger dugout which allowed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw to get into a heated war of words between Parra and former Dodger, now Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kurt Gibson.
Many wonder what Wednesday night would bring at Dodger Stadium since Kershaw was the starting pitcher going for his 19th win against the now hated Diamondbacks. Would he retaliate or would he keep his cool and focus not only on the win, and take the opportunity to make an even stronger case for NL Cy Young award?

Kershaw came out on fire in the first inning and his teammates Tony Gwynn Jr who craftily slid home safe to score the first run, thanks to a Matt Kemp single. The Dodgers weren't finished as Jerry Sands drove in another run, hitting a single in shallow center giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Kershaw was magnificent only allowing one hit until the sixth inning.
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson showed Los Angeles no mercy as he shut down the Dodgers just allowing two runs through seven innings of work.

In the sixth inning, as Parra batting at the plate, Kershaw threw the pitch which seemed to lose control somewhat, actually hit Parra, and home base umpire Bill Welke immediately ejected him.
Kershaw singled out Welke about the same time as Dodgers manager Don Mattingly sprinted out on the field to seek Welke out and ask him why the sudden reaction. Kershaw attempted to plead his ephemeral case that he pitched inside and not intentionally hit Parra. When Kershaw hit the showers, the Dodgers seemed even more determine to get the win not only for themselves but their fallen comrade.

In the eight inning, Dodger hitter Aaron Miles ended the drought as his RBI single gave the Dodgers more run insurance in their attempt to close out the game in the ninth inning.
Dodger closer Kenley Jansen gave up a one run single to Miguel Montero, cut into the Dodger lead 3-2. The next Arizona batter would not be so lucky as Jansen focused and struck out center fielder Chris Young on a breaking ball to end the game.
Dodgers held on to get the victory 3-2. Even though Kershaw was ejected, he got the win, which brings him to an impressive (19-5) record.

After the game Kershaw spoke about his what seem to be unjust ejection "Bill [Welke] is back there just trying to make sure that everything is OK. I understand that he has a job to do, but at the same time, just pay attention to the game and understand what's going on."

Manager Don Mattingly who was also ejected for arguing the call also chimed in on Kershaw's ejection and how his pitching staff pulled it together "The momentum could change there with Clayton coming out of a game he was pretty much dominating. But Josh came in and really did a lot more of the same."

According to Arizona pitcher Daniel Hudson the Diamondbacks were contacted by MLB and given a swift warning before Wednesday nights game. No one in Dodger organization could confirm if they receive that same MLB warning.

USC's Fight Not Enough For CAL Bears

LOS ANGELES - USC Trojans were looking for only their second Pac 12 win against a very sharp and second place CAL Golden Bears team. Thursday nights game would either gain USC another victory and confidence of beating a contender, or give CAL a much needed boost to top supremacy in the Pac 12.

CAL’s super sophomore Allen Crabbe came out aggressive in the first half, hitting his first five shots, setting the tone early for his team. However USC’s star guard Maurice Jones made sure the Trojans had enough fight to hang in the game with CAL. CAL’s lead was never more than four points, and at one time USC even lead by a basket, thanks to the key shooting of Jones. At half time CAL led USC 35-29. Maurice Jones had 11 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting, while CAL’s Allen Crabbe also had 11 points.

In the second half unfortunately USC came out flat, and CAL began to pull away thanks to the hot hand of CAL’s Harper Kamp who was 9-11 shooting, and scored 18 points. Freshman forward David Kravish who out hustled the Trojans on the boards came up big with 18 rebounds on the night. Crabbe continued to set plays and ended up scoring 19 points, 4 rebounds on 8-12 shooting in front of his hometown family and friends. 

Despite the the great court vision and spectacular play Maurice Jones, who finished up with 17 points on 8-13 shooting, along with Trojans guard Byron Wesley who finished with 11 points were no match for CAL. The Trojans fell to the Golden Bears 75-49, which drops them to 1-11 in Pac 12 Conference play.

After the loss USC Head Coach Kevin O’Neil talked about CAL’s game changers “Those guys are more experienced and better than us on the front line.”   He also added this about his Trojans team “When Mo's not in there, we don't function very well. Not that we function at a high level when he is in there."

“You can't really blame them, they're all new to this" USC guard Maurice Jones speaking on his current teammates. “We have seven guys in black suits, its a another team out there.” Despite the frustration, and several injuries to his five teammates, he still is able to put it in perspective, yet he isn’t making or taking excuses for his team’s performance.

Jones has logged in heavy minutes for USC, and has truly put his blood, sweat & tears into this team. He is the true definition of USC’s moniker Fight On.

One bright spot in USC’s defense was the how they neutralized CAL guard Jorge Gutierrez, who was held to 4 points total in the game.

CAL Head Coach Montgomery shared his thoughts about difference his team played in the 2nd half "They just played hard, despite their record. I think Kevin has done a good job over there, just getting his team ready. They [USC] were a good defensive team, and 2nd half we had to be better. Grabbing rebounds, loose balls, just better offensively."

Next up for USC a visit from the Stanford Cardinal, who can be hopeful because USC has won its last six home games vs. Stanford.

*CAL’s Harper Kamp was just 1 point shy of making CAL’s list of 1,000 point players. Kamp will be the 41st player to make that achievement.

USC Fights On For First Pac-12 Win

LOS ANGELES- Coming off a 27 point loss to UCLA on Thursday night, the Utah Utes were desperate for a road win (0-11). The opportunity to grab one would land them in the Galen Center, where they would have to battle a USC Trojan team who was also determined to get their first Pac-12 victory.

Trojans star guard Maurice Jones was sensational scoring 16 points, 5 assist on (7-15) shooting, along with Garrett Jackson who also poured in with 16 points.  Freshman Byron Wesley came up big for the Trojans with 9 points and 7 assist. The Trojans led the entire game and never looked back, defeating the Utes 62-45.
Defeating the Utes allowed the Trojans to stop a nine game losing streak, along with capturing their first Pac-12 win in front of their faithful home crowd.

Dijon Farr led the Utes with 12 points and 8 rebounds, which simply was not enough to keep the Trojans winless in the conference.

The Trojans came out hungry, ready and will try to continue that intensity on the road against their next opponent Washington State on Thursday night.

NFLPA Game Interview w/ U of Miami QB Jacory Harris, Coaches Tom Flores & ...

L.A. Galaxy Press Conf. & Interviews w/ DAVID BECKHAM & AEG Tim Leiweke

Quick & Doughty Help L.A. Kings Fight Off Coyotes

LOS ANGELES - L.A. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was not about allow the memories of the last game interfere with his vision of the Kings getting a much need victory Thursday night against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings came into this game with a league low 87 goals, yet they haven’t lost in regulation since new head coach Darryl Sutter took over the team.

The Kings who didn't take great shots in the first and second periods, seem to be more focused coming out on the ice in the third period. A very defensive game by both teams. The Kings came out much more aggressive, and keen on taking better shots.
With less than six minutes to go in the third period, Dustin Penner slapped a shot from about 30 feet that went off the post of the net. About the 4:30 mark, Dustin Brown who sliced through the Coyotes tough defense took a shot only to be stopped by Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.

The Kings ended regulation scoreless after a very intense third period, they headed into sudden death overtime with one thing in mind, score a much needed goal.

The Kings took possession, 38 seconds into overtime Kings defense men Drew Doughty slid into a goal type scramble scoring the game winning goal as the sellout crowd of 18, 118 erupted in happiness & relieve. But not so fast, as the goal had to be reviewed by officials.
Once the referees reviewed the play and goal, the announcement was made that the goal was good, Kings win 1-0.

Doughty made his 10th game winner of his 36 career goals, along with goalie Jonathan Quick had 22 saves to Coyotes goalie Mike Smith who had 20 saves.

Smith made some big saves to push it into overtime, but we were fortunate to get a goal early in overtime and get out of here with two points” said Jonathan Quick.

On the other side of the ice, Coyotes coach Dave Tipett was not in agreement on the call in overtime “"It should be no goal. The puck did go in the net, but it should be goalie interference.”

Doughty takes us inside on the great overtime play “I saw that we had control of the puck, so I raced up to the blue line. Me and Stolly made eye contact and he made a nice pass. Then I just tried to drive the net.”

The Kings get out with a win and prepare for their next opponent the Columbus Blue Jackets back at Staples Center on Saturday.

*Kings goalie Jonathan Quick picked up his 6th shutout of the season and had 22 saves vs. Coyotes.

*Kings moved up to 7th place in the Western Conference.

*Coyotes goalie Mike Smith had 27 saves vs. Kings

Chopping Board NFL Monday - By Nick Hamilton

St. Louis Rams fire coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney. Look for Spagnuolo to be one of the most sought after defensive coordinators especially by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, and possibly the Indianapolis Colts. Spagnuolo had a disappointing record of 10-38 in three seasons with the Rams.......

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fire coach Raheem Morris after a terrible 4-12 season. Just a year ago the team had a much improved 10-6 season last year and things were looking up the Bucs. However after the team struggled, and seemed to be spiraling out of control, Bucs executives felt it was time for a change. Morris is a good coach, he'll be a defensive coordinator by next season, he bring a vibrant energy to a team, and has a great repoire with young players in this league. In all fairness, Morris deserved another year with the Bucs.

More coaches expected to fired such as Chargers head coach Norv Turner along with GM AJ Smith, possibly Colts coach Jim Caldwell. Will Cowboys coach Jason Garrett stay on as top star in Dallas?
Stay tuned............