Felix Stymies Dodgers in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 5-1, evening the series at one game apiece. Seattle jumped ahead early, scoring a run in the second and three runs in the third off Eric Milton. Meanwhile, Felix Hernandez thouroughly frustrated the Dodgers, holding them to just four hits, all singles, over eight innings with the only run scoring on an error by Ichiro Suzuki. Rafael Furcal had two of the four hits and scored the only run. James Loney had a ninth-inning double, and Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp both singled. Suzuki had three hits and scored, and Ken Griffey, Jr. smashed a two-run homer, the 620th one of his career. Russell Branyan tripled and homered for the M's, and Jose Lopez singled twice and scored a run.

Manny Ramirez homered in his first at-bat for Single-A Inland Empire. He finished the day going 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored.

2009 NHL Draft: Kings Select Schenn

The Los Angeles Kings used their #5 pick in the 2009 NHL Draft to select Brayden Schenn, a center who played for Brandon of the Western Hockey League in Canada. Schenn was Rookie of the Year in 2008, and while initially being ranked the third top player in this year's draft, he fell to the fifth slot in later predictions. He won two gold medals with Canada in international hockey, one in the IIHF World U18 Championships, and another in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

Ethier's Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-2, snapping a two-game losing streak. Andre Ethier went deep three different times, and collected 6 RBI's from his power-surge. Casey Blake had his own solo-homer and scored twice, and Matt Kemp had three hits, including a triple. Clayton Kershaw helped his own cause as he had an RBI-single; Kershaw held the M's to just two runs over six innings while striking out eight to get the win. Ichiro Suzuki had two hits and two runs scored for Seattle, and Jose Lopez drove in Ichiro both times.

Pau Gasol threw out the first pitch of the game. Gasol was greeted to a standing ovation, and was just the latest Laker to attend a Dodger game after Kobe Bryant appeared in Anaheim when the Boys in Blue battled the Angels.

The night's fireworks display used music from pop-icon Michael Jackson. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 50.

The Dodgers signed Aaron Miller, their top draft-pick.

Eric Milton will be activated in order to start tomorrow's game. Corey Wade will be demoted to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

Manny Ramirez will begin a rehab stint with Single-A Inland Empire tomorrow.

2009 NBA Draft: Nothing Unexpected

In the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers used their first overall pick to select PF Blake Griffin from Oklahoma. Griffin is 6-foot-10, and was the College Player of the Year last season. His selection though creates a problem for the Clippers, who have four power-forwards/centers already in their lineup. Los Angeles is expected to trade either Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby or Zach Randolph. The Lakers had no first-round pick for the second straight year, this time selling it to New York for $3 million.

The first round went as follows:

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
2. Memphis: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut
3. Oklahoma City: James Harden, SG, Arizona State
4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
5. Minnesota (from Washington): Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
6. Minnesota: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
7. Golden State: Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
8. New York: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
10. Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings, PG, Compton/Italy
11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
12. Charlotte: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
13. Indiana: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
15. Detroit: Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
16. Chicago: James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest
17. Philadelphia: Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA
18. Minnesota (from Miami): Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina (traded to Denver for future first-round pick)
19. Atlanta: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
20. Utah: Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
21. New Orleans: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
22. Portland (from Dallas): Victor Claver, PF, Spain
23. Sacramento (from Houston): Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
24. Dallas (from Portland): B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State (traded to OKC for Beaubois)
25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio): Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France (traded to Dallas for Mullens and future second-round pick)
26. Chicago (from Denver via OKC): Taj Gibson, PF, USC
27. Memphis (from Orlando): DeMarre Carroll, PF, Missouri
28. Minnesota (from Boston): Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina
29. Los Angeles Lakers: Toney Douglas, SG, Florida State (traded to New York for 2011 second-round pick and $3 million)
30. Cleveland: Christian Eyenga, SG, Congo

Despite trading the first-round pick, the Lakers had two second-round picks, one from a trade with Charlotte for Kareem Rush back in 2004. With the 42nd overall pick, the Purple and Gold selected Patrick Beverley, who played most recently in the Ukraine in addition to Arkansas. The Lakers then sold his contract to Miami for $1.5 million and a future second-round pick. With the 59th overall pick, the Lakers chose Chinemelu Elonu, a center of Texas A&M.

The main talk of the draft was who be chosen by Memphis at number two. Many believed it would be highly-touted Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, while others thought Hasheem Thabeet would be chosen. Not only was Thabeet the number-two pick, Rubio fell to #5. Minnesota had an astonishing four different picks in the draft, and what's even more shocking was that they used each one to draft a guard. Conventional wisdom says a trade is in the works...

Dodgers Can't Survive Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 6-5 in 13 innings, dropping the series 2-1. The Dodgers had an early 4-0 lead, but Chad Billingsley fell apart in the fifth and sixth innings, giving up five runs over that span. The Dodgers came back to tie it in the seventh, but the offense shutdown after that, not getting a hit for the rest of the game. The bullpen, specifically Jeff Weaver, held Chicago back well, but he faced a jam after the ChiSox loaded the bases with nobody out in the 13th. After getting two shallow flyouts, Weaver had Scott Podsednik on a 2-2 count. However, Podsednik lined his next pitch into centerfield for a base-hit, and won the game. Neither team hit well with runners in scoring position, going a combined 6-for-28. Orlando Hudson had three hits, two RBI's and a run scored, and Mark Loretta doubled twice and drove in two runs. Juan Pierre and Russell Martin both had a hit and run scored, and Casey Blake collected a run and an RBI. Paul Konerko had a solo-homer for the Sox, and Jermaine Dye had two hits and scored a run. A.J. Pierzynski's three-run homer gave Chicago their first lead of the game, and turned out to be a huge difference.

Manny Ramirez did not start for Triple-A Albuquerque today as planned; a rain-delay forced the team to keep him out to avoid any risk of injury.

Editor's Note: The Path to the Draft

With the 2009 NBA Draft set to go today, many questions remain for both the Lakers and the Clippers. Will the Clippers trade away their number-one pick due to a plethora of big-men? Do they instead try to find a suitor for Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, or Marcus Camby? What do the Lakers do with their pick? Do they try to pursue a legitimate player who could have a shot at making the club? Do they pick a foreigner to keep salary-cap space clear? Or do they simply trade the pick like what GM Mitch Kupchak suggested? While there's no doubt Blake Griffin will go to the team with the first pick, the Clippers must decide if they want to be that team. And the Lakers must decide if they can handle three draft picks while still unsure what to do with Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. The path to the draft splits apart into different tangents, but ultimately one path will be chosen.

UPDATE: The Lakers sold their 29th overall pick to the New York Knicks for $3 million. The money is intended to help resign Odom and Ariza.

Big Drew Carey: Shaq Traded to Cleveland

Shaquille O'Neal was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Yahoo Sports. The deal sent Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and the Cavs' 46th overall draft pick to Phoenix. Shaq has won four championships, and played with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Steve Nash, arguably three of the greatest players of this generation. Now O'Neal will play with possibly the greatest as his newest teammate is none other than LeBron James. The trade will no doubt create more buzz, tension, and marketing when Cleveland plays the Lakers, with the matchup of Kobe versus LeBron and Shaq.

Homers Abound as ChiSox Beat Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 10-7, evening the series at a game apiece. The White Sox scored every run courtesy of the homer, as five of the Chicago Nine went deep. Randy Wolf was tossed around despite having a 3-1 lead for a cushion early in the game. Corey Wade entered the game in relief, and he was battered as well. Matt Kemp hit his own homer, a three-run tater, and Mark Loretta scored twice and drove in a run. James Loney scored two runs, and Orlando Hudson had an RBI. Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Josh Fields, and Jayson Nix each smacked a home run, with Fields hitting two.

Manny Ramirez had another rehab start with Albuquerqe. This time he drew a walk in his first plate-appearance, but grounded-out to the shortstop in his second. Manny was originally supposed to be in the game for at least five innings, but he left after four.

Editor's Note: What We're Talking About Is...

Bill Plaschke's latest article slams Manny for his rehab stint in Albuquerque, explaining that a 50-game suspension means he is removed from all things baseball-related for 50 games. What Plascke doesn't get is what the rehab really is:

Editor's Note: Manny's Earned His Rehab

Call me biased, but I'm with the people who support Manny's rehab stint with Triple-A Albuquerqe. Men like Bill Plaschke will claim that the rules allow Manny to skirt his punishment, the 50-game suspension delivered for violating MLB's drub policy. Plaschke talks like Ramirez is enjoying some kind of evil plan, as he sits in his posh penthouse, sipping Dom Perignon and laughing at all the Dodger fans who continue to support him even though he breaks rules. Playing in the minors brings no joy to Manny. This isn't some kind of escape clause that turns a 50-game suspension into a 42-game suspension. Manny is a player that lives for competition. He won't enjoy hitting a home run off some minor-league pitcher. For him it's just like batting practice, as Jon Weisman stated in his blog. Nobody cared when J.C. Romero rehabed with Philadelphia's minor-league system, but when it's Manny, everyone becomes outraged. And just like Weisman, I would not be outraged if any player who is suspended serves a rehab assignment. They have the right to make sure they are gameday-ready, and whether or not Plaschke supports that, that's the rule.

Kuroda Gets Elusive Second Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-2, their seventh win in 11 days. The Dodgers jumped to an early lead after Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson hit back-to-back doubles. James Loney insured the lead with a two-run homer, his third bomb in four games. That was all LA needed as Hiroki Kuroda pitched a gem to get his second win of the year, allowing only two runs on four hits in 8 and two-thirds innings, striking out nine. Jonathan Broxton was brought in with two outs and the tying run on deck, and struck out Jim Thome to get his 18th save. Hudson scored a run, and Casey Blake had two RBI's. Mitch Jones had two hits, including a double, and scored his first career run. Former Dodger Paul Konerko hit a solo home run, and Jermaine Dye had two hits and a run-batted-in.

Manny Ramirez made his Isotope debut today, playing left field for Triple-A Albuquerque in a rehab start permitted by Major League Baseball. Manny batted lead-off as he struck out and grounded out to the shortstop in his only two at-bats.

Robitaille Enters Hall

Luc Robitaille, legendary Kings left-wing, was voted into the NHL Hall of Fame today, along with Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Brian Leetch. Robitaille has more career goals than any other left-wing, and holds numerous Los Angeles franchise records. He was with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002 when they won the Stanley Cup, and also played with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. Robitaille totaled 668 goals and 1,394 points in his career.

Editor's Note: Trade Market as Cold as the Rockies

The All-Star Game is fast approaching, and after that has passed, all baseball talk will be about trades. This year the hot topic is pitching. At first there looked to be aces abound in the market, with the Padres actively shopping Jake Peavy. Cliff Lee of Cleveland, Roy Halladay of Toronto, and even Roy Oswalt of Houston were all being mentioned as possible trade-bait. But Peavy landed on the DL, and might not even come back by the trade deadline. Halladay has become the clear face of the Blue Jays franchise, and because he's not in a contract year Toronto will most likely keep him. Lee has an affordable option for next season, and the Indians will likely keep him around. And Oswalt's no-trade clause has the Astros' hands tied. The best names on the market might just be Brad Penny, Erik Bedard, or Jarrod Washburn. All three don't jump out as staff-aces, but could be servicible starters. But there are two names the Dodgers should really pay attention to: starter Jason Marquis and reliever Huston Street. Both are in contract years, play for Colorado, and are having standout years bogged down by the Rockies' low media spotlight. Street could bring stability to an overworked bullpen, and Marquis could bring stability to the Dodgers' rotation, where the five-slot has been juggled between James McDonald, Jeff Weaver, and Eric Milton. A package trade could be created, with both Street and Marquis coming to the Dodgers for 3-4 prospects. There's just one problem: The Dodgers have to make sure Colorado is out of contention.

Kershaw Deals as Dodgers Take Freeway Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-3, taking the series 2-1 and improving their interleague record to 7-5. The Dodgers got on the board first with a run in the fifth, but they looked poised to surrender the lead after the Angels loaded the bases with no one out. But Clayton Kershaw forced Bobby Abreu to ground into a 1-2-3 double play, and escaped the inning unscathed. Kershaw went 7 innings, holding the Halos scoreless on four hits, four walks, and five strikeouts. Jonathan Broxton was shaky, but he got a four-out save to give him his 17th save of the season. James Loney had a two-run jack that was upheld on a review, the first time instant-replay was used on a Dodger homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, two of which were doubles, 2 RBI's and a run scored, and Casey Blake singled twice, knocked in a run and scored a run. Matt Kemp scored twice. Juan Rivera had two hits and drove in a run for the Angels, and Torii Hunter had an RBI-double. Mike Napoli had three hits.

Kobe Bryant was at the game with his father, and while he did not wear gear of either team, he appeared to be rooting for the Dodgers. He expressed amazement after Kershaw induced a bases-loaded double-play, and left with two outs in the ninth.