Angels back out of Freeway Series Deal...

The Dodgers did their part and more with a 3-0 sweep of the loveable Cubbies. The Angels did nothing more than play generally bad baseball against a Boston team that out-pitched and out-defended them.

Who is to blame if you could blame just one guy?
Howie Kendrick

That's right - I know that he is young but he sucked crap all series. At the plate he was 2 for 17 with 2 singles and 7 k's. He had no walks. He left about 3000 runners on base but most importantly he mishandled a possible double play ball tonight that cost the Angels a run. Had he just got the lead runner on the play the Angels would have likely won on Torii Hunter's 2-run single in the 8th inning.

One man played great ball all series: Mark Texiera. Great with the glove and awesome at the plate. Hint to Arte Moreno: SIGN MARK TEXIERA!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who get all of their news from The Plastico

#1 USC lost to Oregon State Thursday night.

Washington Mutual was seized by the Federal Government and assets of value sold to JP Morgan in a sweetheart deal (JPM already stole Bear Stearns). All deposits and all accounts at WAMU are safe and accessible through JP Morgan - unlike the Indy Mac situation.

The proposed 700 Billion Dollar "bailout plan" is stalled and will likely jolt markets lower... BTW - w/out this plan we are much closer to a depression. ;-{

The Lexus Gauntlet will be kicked off FRI night as the #5 USC and #4 UCLA women's volleyball teams meet at the Galin Center

Dodgers clinch the West further cementing my claim that a freeway series is all but inevitable

The Office premiered Thursday Night to a lukewarm response by me

File Under: Mumblings of a Freeway Series...

Top 10 Reasons A "Freeway Series" will happen this year:

10. The Dodgers pitchers have come alive and they are ready for the NL Playoffs. Chad Billingsley (2.64) and Derek Lowe (2.83) both have ERAs under 3.00 in the second half, and Hiroki Kuroda's is 3.43

9. Jeff Kent, thought to be out for the season, will be back for the playoffs. Even if you hate him, he can help the Dodgers with experience and a knack for RBI.

8. The Dodgers are 16-5 over their past 21 and that is spicy hot. Joe Torre has the team peaking just in time.


7. The Angels have a ton of pitching and will have lots of different ways to beat just about anyone that is trying to take away the home field advantage that they are about to wrap up this week.

6. "TEX". The addition of Mark Texiera supplied the Angels with the extra bat they have needed for years; they can now score enough runs to go all the way.

5. The Dodgers finish against the Giants and Pads - two very weak teams. They might even get a chance to rest some folks before the playoffs start.

4. Mike Scioscia, Dodger traitor, has been resting key personnel for 3 weeks and still keeps winning.

3. K-ROD is sitting on a MLB record 60 saves and may get a few more. The Angels can hold a lead and they want to use K-Rods's arm up before he walks away from the Angels next year for more money.

2. Joe Torre has critics to prove wrong. Joe Torre will bring his best down the stretch; Torre's best is very very good.

1. MANNY, MANNY, MANNY

BTW: Angels in 6... Reserve your spot on Interstate 5 now.
Here's a tip - The best local baseball websites are
(they are linked on The Plastico essential link list):

Jon Weisman's Dodger Thoughts

Rev. Halofan's Halos Heaven

Rob McMillin's 6-4-2 -- an Angels/Dodgers double play blog