Pete Rose, Steve Garvey & George Brett Caricatures

 

 

Jackie Robinson Painting

Jackie Robinson
36" x 36"
acrylic on canvas

I RECENTLY FINISHED this painting of Jackie Robinson, the second in a series of ballplayer portraits I started painting last year. I decided to paint an image of him without a smile, since his career embodied the fight and struggle against racism where life was anything but a cake walk for him and minorities in general. It's hard to capture the true vibrancy of the colors used, but this image still does some justice to the actual painting.

It's Official: GA in LA in 2010

IT'S OFFICIAL, GARRET ANDERSON WILL PLAY the 2010 season as an LA Dodger, having secured his spot as the team's lefthanded pinch hitter and backup for Manny Ramirez. Most people won't find this to be much news, but as most baseball fans have a favorite player, GA is that guy to me. And although he's definitely in the twilight of his career, I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to watch him play for another year. Beyond that, who knows. See, it's not so much about whether he'll do well this year, but rather you never want to see your favorite player retire. So, here are a couple of screenshots of him in MLB2K10, which not only a videogame, but an awesome photo-generating baseball application.

Frank McCourt's Nightmare: Andruw Jones Goes Deep Thrice

A FEW PLAYERS HAVE HIT THREE HOMERS in a game this year, Andre Ethier, Torii Hunter and Paul Konerko to name a few, but did anybody expect Andruw Jones' to make the list? Certainly not Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. A closer looks at Jones' numbers: 14 HR/34 RBI in 160 AB, a .581 slugging percentage and a .929 OPS.

Andre "the Giant" Ethier

NO, L.A. FANS HE DIDN'T JOIN THE DARK SIDE, but Andre Ethier has been absolutely HUGE this year. What is it, four walk-off hits this year and counting? Nine homeruns in June? Other than Brad Hawpe, there is no better rightfielder fit to make the N.L. All-Star team this year.

The Weaver Brothers: An LA Story

LAST NIGHT L.A. BASEBALL FANS WERE TREATED to the hometown matchup between brothers Jeff and Jered Weaver. Raised in Simi Valley, the Weavers are only the eighth pair of brothers to pitch against each other in Major League history, and I haven't checked yet but possibly the first to pitch head-to-head in their hometown region.

Manny's Futurama

IT'S A REAL SHAME that Manny is choosing to avoid discussing his past regarding his drug-related supsension as he really owes it to the fans. If he only cheated this past winter, then wouldn't it serve him better to tell? Or does his silence suggest that he cheated, say, for an entire decade? Part of the problem is the blind support of some of his fans who don't care one bit that he cheated. Because they don't care, he doesn't care. I guess I was foolish to hope that Manny might be that superstar who chooses to be forthcoming about his past mistakes, forsaking any Hall of Fame chances and becoming a spokesperson against PEDs? How liberating it would be. Manny has made more money than he could ever spend in his lifetime, but it's clear that it's just not enough for him because in his eyes fame belongs with fortune.

If You Need Anything Right Now, Just Ask Frank McCourt

THINGS ARE GOING SWELL IN DODGERVILLE, just ask owner Frank McCourt. His recent approval of the prospects of Manny being in this year's All-Star Game just confirms how fine things are in the Land of Blue. Who could have guessed that the Dodgers would have the best record in the majors after Manny's suspension? Nobody. But that's not all, we all know that McCourt has $7 million cash back coming to him for Manny's indiscretions via his pro-rated salary and also a fresh and well-rested slugger for the second half of the season. Who needs steroids when you get 50 days off? And how about not asking your best slugger to give account for his cheating? It's no wonder McCourt has his head in the clouds these days.

Juan Pierre Gets His Day

SINCE MANNY RAMIREZ'S SUSPENSION, Juan Pierre has shown us how good a player he can be when he's on top of his game—getting on base, slashing the ball, stealing bases and scoring runs. Some people think there is no place in baseball for a speedy outfielder who slashes and dashes, sports a low on-base percentage and has a subpar arm, which is all the more amazing how Pierre was able to play every single game for five straight seasons ('03-07). But long before Juan Pierre's arrival there was a guy by the name of Willie Wilson who played 19 seasons in the big leagues. Yes, how soon we forget. Good to see No. 9 running out there again.

MannyQuake

THERE'S SO MUCH SPECULATION OUT THERE about who might be juicing, but it's like an earthquake or a bombshell every time a big name is exposed. Today it's Manny Ramirez's turn.
Sooner or later every fan ought to ask of themselves why baseball is still worth watching after it's been dragged thru the mud perhaps more times than all of the other major sports combined. It's disappointing for sure. But if it means the sport will get cleaner as a result, then it'll be well worth sticking with it. How much more can baseball take?

LA+HOME=WIN

DODGER FANS ARE SITTING PRETTY alongside their team atop the NL West after a 15 win April, but moreso because the Dodgers are undefeated at home thus far. Walking back to your car after a win is so much better than after a loss. No trash talk to deal with from opposing fans and a great vibe running thru the stadium. Hey, in LA it almost makes the drive home a bit better...almost. So hats off to LA on a great start at home even if it was only at the expense of the Padres, Rockies and Giants.

Pedro and the Musical Hats

WHERE WILL PEDRO MARTINEZ WIND UP? Back where it all started with the Dodgers? Another round with the Mets? Retirement?

Dodger Postcards: Reese to Kershaw

Manny, Manny Dollars

The 92% Discount