Bullpen Collapses in Dodgers' Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-4, evening the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers had the early advantage after Manny Ramirez homered in the first inning, and later scored a run in the seventh to break a 1-1 tie. However, Ronald Belisario fell apart, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk while only retiring one batter. Ramon Troncoso was the victim of poor defense in the eighth, as the Padres scored three unearned runs after the Dodgers infield committed two errors. Casey Blake had two hits and a run scored, Matt Kemp had an RBI, and both James Loney and Rafael Furcal scored a run. David Eckstein had two hits and drove in two runs for the Friars, and Everth Cabrera collected two hits, two runs scored and three RBI's.

Kings Trade for Smyth

The Los Angeles Kings acquired LW Ryan Smith in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche, sending Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a fifth-round draft pick in the 2010 Draft in exchange. Smyth is one of the league's top scorers, scoring 26 goals and accumulating 33 assists last season. He has totaled 30 goals four different times. Quincey was a surprise last season after being claimed off waivers, getting 34 assists.

Manny's Return Sparks Offensive Outburst

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3, their first game with Manny Ramirez since he was suspended for violating MLB's drug policy. While Manny went 0-for-3 with a walk, the rest of the lineup seemed to be invigorated by his return, scoring five runs in the first inning. Rafael Furcal collected four hits, including a double, and scored a run, and Russell Martin singled twice and drove in two runs. Andre Ethier scored twice, and Matt Kemp had a two-run double. James Loney had a run scored and RBI. Hiroki Kuroda was shaky but solid enough to get his third win of the year, and Jonathan Broxton's perfect ninth gave him his 20th save. Scott Hairston had a solo-homer for San Diego, and Adrian Gonzalaz doubled to drive in two runs.

Jackson to Return as Coach

The Lakers announced today that Phil Jackson will return to the sidelines and fulfill the final year in his contract, rather than retire. Jackson previously said he would return as long as his health permitted it. Jackson has manned the helm of ten different championship teams, winning the trophy six times with Chicago and four times with the Lakers.

Editor's Note: Welcome Back?

Manny's return was somewhat aptly timed from a public-relations perspective. The entire nation is still hooked on the Michael Jackson storyline, and LA is reeling from Trevor Ariza's departure and Ron Artest's subsequent arrival. If there was ever a time for Manny's suspension to end, this would probably be the best. Still, every sports-related medium will have their eyes glued to the goings-ons in PETCO Park tonight as he returns to the lineup after being served a 50-game suspension back in early May. Manny's homecoming raises a tough moral dilemma in fans though: do we cheer him, boo him, or neither? Cheers should be reserved for a reason to celebrate, and certainly nobody wants to celebrate cheating. But as a member of the team, you can't boo him or else you also boo the Dodgers. Indifference is the correct stance as of now. Manny must learn that he cannot just show up and expect all to be forgiven. He betrayed us all, and must work to reenter our hearts, whether by apology or by home run. Whether you go to San Diego, New York, Milwaukee, or Los Angeles, don't boo or cheer. Just let Manny know he's got a long way to go.

Kings Sign Scuderi

The Los Angeles Kings signed defender Rob Scuderi to a four-year contract. Scuderi is a veteran defender who spent his entire career up until now with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He had 164 blocked-shots last season to lead the team, and won the Stanley Cup just a month ago with the Penguins.

Editor's Note: Artest for Ariza?

Trevor Ariza took a gamble, one that ultimately did not work out the way he thought it would. He thought that he could get the Lakers to up their offer, to put more cash on the table. Unfortunately for him, the Lakers found a more cost-effective substitute with Ron Artest. And now it looks like an old-fashioned swap, with LA taking Artest while Houston signs Ariza. In the long run, the Rockets have a better investment. Trevor is young and athletic, and can help a team that struggled to defend at times last season. Artest gives the Lakers a helping hand, a trustworthy defender who can take pressure off Kobe Bryant. He's a tenacious player who will leave it all out on the court. Both teams have much to gain from their respective transactions. How much though will be seen during the season.

If Ariza does leave for the Lone Star State, the Lakers are now in a prime position to resign Lamar Odom. One of the most versatile players the league has ever seen, Odom grew up playing basketball on the streets of Queens with Ron Artest. Artest's arrival, coupled with Ariza's departure, makes Odom's return almost inevitable.

Ron Artest to Sign with Lakers and Fill Ariza's Void

Ron Artest is close to finalizing a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to CBS Sports. The controversial player was previously seen as a trade-target for the Lakers during the off-season last year. The news of Artest's impending arrival came just hours after word broke that Trevor Ariza was dissatisfied with the Lakers' offer, and would look to other clubs even if their proposal's equaled LA's. Ariza also reportedly met with Houston Rockets officials in Las Vegas. The deal could also help the Purple-and-Gold bring Lamar Odom back, as Artest and Odom know each other from their days growing up in New York. ESPN reports the deal is worth $18 million over three years.

Trevor Ariza has reportedly agreed in principle to a deal with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN.

Ariza Discontent with Offer

Trevor Ariza is closer to leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN, after he was disatisfied with their initial offer of $5.6 million per year. Ariza has garnered interest from Cleveland, as well as Portland, Toronto, Houston, and the Clippers. However, only the Raptors and Blazers could offer more than the Lakers due to the salary cap. Sources say Ariza's disappointment with the Purple and Gold's offer has put the other teams ahead of the Lakers on his wish-list.

Clips Trade Randolph for Richardson

The Los Angeles Clippers traded Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies, receiving in exchange Quentin Richardson (above). Randolph, who was acquired midseason from New York, became expendable after the team drafted Blake Griffin. Richardson played four seasons with the Clippers, after which he signed with Phoenix who then went on to trade him to New York. The Knicks then traded him to Memphis just last week on Draft Day for Darko Milicic. The deal also frees the Clippers of Randolph's $33 million contract. The trade cannot be finalized until next week.

Dodgers Scratch Out Win over Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0, taking the series 2-1. Both teams had trouble scoring, collecting only three hits through the first seven innings. However, Brad Ausmus singled to start the eighth, Juan Castro bunted him to second, and with Russell Martin pinch-running, Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit single that scored Martin. Clayton Kershaw went five innings, allowing only one hit, and the bullpen held Colorado to nothing for the rest of the game. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save of the season. Brad Hawpe had two of the Rockies' three hits, including a double.

This was the last game the Dodgers played without Manny Ramirez. The embroiled slugger will return to the lineup Friday due to tomorrow's off-day.

The victory gave the Dodgers their 50th win, the first team in baseball to reach that mark.

The Dodgers made a few moves during the day. Eric Stults was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A so he could play regularly. Catcher A.J. Ellis was sent down to Triple-A as well, and Mitch Jones was designated for assignment. Jones now has 10 days to be traded, claimed by another team, or released. If he clears waivers, he will return to the minors. Claudio Vargas is expected to be activated from the 60-day DL, a move that could force the Dodgers to move Hong-Chih Kuo to that same list from the 15-day DL. Manny Ramirez will be activated from the Restricted List now that his suspension is over.

Editor's Note: Zambrano-Wood?

Chicago Cubs pitcher and sworn-enemy of all Gatorade dispensers Carlos Zambrano could be traded this season. And with a no-trade clause, he will be very hard to move. But have no fear, Dodger fans. Hollywood is one of the two destinations Big Z would like to go. In an article from the Chicago Tribune, Zambrano jokingly responded to a poll which said 57% of Cubs fans want him gone by saying "Fine, trade me to Boston". The slugging pitcher is one of the more colorful characters on the Chicago lineup, and that includes Milton Bradley and Lou Piniella. He has a penchant for destroying Gatorade jugs, getting thrown out of games, and blowing his top after giving up a hit. But the Dodgers should seriously consider him. He's an ace-pitcher who could even pinch-hit. A complete package that's just waiting for someone to pick him up. And the problems he causes for his team, like joking about a trade, sound eerily similar to talks from last year. A team becomes frustrated by a player's antics, so fed up that they could trade him. Sound familiar? LA could seriously look into a Manny-esque deal to land Zambrano. They just need to get the wheels turning.

NBA Free-Agency Begins

At 9 o'clock tonight, free-agency began in the NBA, and no one faces a more daunting task than the Lakers. The Purple and Gold must try to resign Lamar Odom (left), Trevor Ariza (right), and Shannon Brown. It will be a long and bumpy road as owner Jerry Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak try to bring all three back while still not going too high above the salary cap. Ariza is a young small-foward who showed his incredible athleticism in the playoffs, grabbing steals and hitting three-pointers almost automatically. Odom came up big after Andrew Bynum went down with a knee injury, and was a force off the bench. He is capable of playing all five positions, and is a rebounding machine. Brown was a sign of stability at the point-guard spot as Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar both began to underperform. As Fisher gets older, Brown might be needed to split time with Farmar. It's not an easy task to have all three men return, and even with the extra cash from selling their draft picks, the Lakers have a lot to think about.

Silence Screams Loudly in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 3-0, only the second time the Dodgers have been shutout all season. Chad Billingsley was spot-on, allowing only three runs while striking out 11, but it was only worth his fourth loss of the season. The Dodgers totaled only two hits in the entire game which lasted just two hours and 16 minutes, a stark contrast to yesterday's four hour-10 minute marathon. Jason Marquis was lights-out to become the NL's first 10-game winner, throwing a complete-game shutout in under 90 pitches. Juan Castro and James Loney were the only Dodgers that did not see goose-eggs in their box-scores, both getting a single. Brad Hawpe hit a solo-homer, and Marquis hit a two-run single that helped himself to some breathing room.

Dodgers are Winners with Andre

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-2 in 13 innings, halting a brief two-game skid. The Dodgers won on the heroics of Andre Ethier, who lined a homer into right-field with a runner on. Randy Wolf gave up two runs in six innings, but helped is cause with a two-run single that tied the game. The bullpen held serve for the rest of the game, throwing seven scoreless combined innings, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out 13. Juan Pierre had three hits, and Casey Blake scored the winning run. Matt Kemp and Russell Martin both had a hit and run scored. James McDonald received his second career win after pitching a perfect 13th. Ryan Spillborghs hit a two-run homer for the Rockies, their only offense of the game.

Manny Ramirez went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts in his final rehab appearance for Single-A Inland Empire.

The Dodgers saw a familiar face in the visitor's dugout in the form of Jim Tracy. Tracy managed the Dodgers from 2001 to 2005, taking them to the playoffs just once in 2004. Tracy is the interim manager of the Rockies, having assumed the job after Clint Hurdle was fired.

Editor's Note: Can Griffin be Clips' Savior?

Yes, he can. Blake Griffin is an incredibly talented power-foward, and will most likely be a positive influence on the team's morale itself. It's not like he has no supporting cast. Eric Gordon had a standout rookie year, and Baron Davis is always an advantage. Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby are solid big-men; Randolph can score and Camby can rebound. The team looks more solid than it ever has in the past. While playoffs are not in the near future, the Clippers are sure to make this a memorable season.

Dodgers Fall Asleep Again

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 4-2, dropping the series 2-1, the first time the team has lost back-two-back series. Hiroki Kuroda struggled early, giving up 4 runs in the first three innings, and the offense could not bail him out. Matt Kemp had a solo-homer, and Andre Ethier knocked in the only other run. Juan Castro scored a run. Adrian Beltre had a single, RBI, and run scored for the M's, and Jose Lopez had a two-run double that proved to be the back-breaker. Ichiro Suzuki scored a run.

Manny Ramirez struck out twice and walked in a rehab start with Single-A Inland Empire.