MidValleySports.Com

Joe T., always working hard…

By Joe Torosian

Kick it!

The fight in Anaheim last night might have been the most exciting thing to happen since Shohei was an Angel.

The Dodgers are rapidly ascending to a place where it will be safe to say, “Who is like the Dodgers? Who is able to make war with them?”

Another big crowd in Toronto, a nice effort by the Blue Jays, Edwin Diaz declares, ‘No soup,’ and the Dodgers win.

It’s gross.

Fernando Mendoza says he will not attend the NFL Draft, preferring to spend the evening with his family. Trevor Lawrence did the same thing in 2021. I think it’s cool—if it is Mendoza’s choice.

Not that it was ever going to be a problem for me, but I couldn’t imagine a worse feeling than arriving all dressed up, ready to go, and not having your name called.

Cringe. Definitely worse than being picked last in the schoolyard–when the schoolyard actually existed.

The first time I saw this happen, I was watching the 1988 NBA Draft…St. John’s forward, Shelton Jones, was sitting there when it started, surrounded by Danny Manning, Mitch Richmond, Hersey Hawkins…at the end of the night, he was all alone, probably thinking he should have stayed home.

(Note the Lakers took Notre Dame guard David Rivers with the 25th overall pick.)

Last Note Shelton Jones: He was the second pick in the second round, 27th overall, by the San Antonio Spurs. The 1988-1989 season was his only season in the league, although he played professionally through 2004.

Of course, I’m almost anti everything in the NBA, and I think—to borrow an expression from a local football dad—most of the players are softer than their mother’s love.

However, sitting LeBron in a game that you are sure to lose to OKC is not the worst of all decisions.

Since this could be LeBron’s last dance in Los Angeles, save him for the playoffs and hope Luka Doncic can get back in time for a competitive series or two. Austin Reaves timeline is four to six weeks, which could mean we’ll see him in October…maybe.

I didn’t even know Drew Timme played basketball anymore.

I wasn’t a fan of J.J. Reddick when the Lakers hired him. I don’t even know if I am now, but he’s done a solid job, and any NBA HC willing to call out a player is a marvelous outlier.

I don’t know if Russini & Vrabel is the story everyone wants it to be.

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane was not present at the start of the team’s voluntary offseason program. It’s not that big of a deal for a running back–bigger deal for a quarterback.
The kid should be looking for a trade rather than signing away his best years to a franchise in rebuild.

Speaking of Miami, Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara will look better in Queens than in the ballpark, formerly known just as Dodger Stadium.

Question: If a curveball is called an “Uncle Charlie,” is a slider/sweeper called a “Cousin Chuck?”

Exciting days for my Los Angeles Rams podcast. Out of 188 Rams podcasts ranked…I came in at #189…So you’re telling me there’s a chance?

The Dude abides…
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1 Corinthians 10:13
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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