By Michael Elliott
3P:Yes- The newest edition of “Star Wars” hits the silver screen soon. While the San Francisco Giants do not employ a robotic 3PS they do have three “P’s” batting in a row who have helped vault the defending World Series Champions right back into the pennant race. Having recently won eight out of ten (and swept the Dodgers!) the Giants have crept to within two games of the West Division lead due to the recent play of the heart of their batting order.
Two-hole hitter Joe Panik, number three hitter Angel Pagan and cleanup slugger Buster Posey have all been on a tear as San Francisco is beginning to thumb their collective noses at all of the naysayers who buried them early on because of suspect pitching (granted) and because the Giants only win World Series trophies on even-numbered years (’10, ’12 and ’14). Panik has provided a stable presence at second base and helps to set the table for the big hitters as he is flirting with a .300 average. Pagan (.323) has shaken off the constant injury bug which afflicted his play last year and is a solid presence as the outfield general playing centerfield. And Buster Posey is, well, Buster Posey! The heart and soul of the franchise is hitting .311 and clutching up on ribbies and home runs as usual.
“Panik, Pagan and Posey. Just enough to sound prosey. Yet, where would San Fran be hence, if not for fifth hitter (Hunter) Pence?”
The King- To have this all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon oneself, you must perform above and beyond the competition. Elvis was the King! Enough said there. Stock car racing legend Richard Petty was the King of his era. Arnie Palmer’s army of followers faithfully cheered this King on as he swash-buckled his way around the golf links and into lore. Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, deservedly so.
The sporting world’s newly anointed King is just as deserving as the rest. King James of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers is really something special. Years ago when the Cavs were a terrible team LeBron James singlehandedly propelled them into the NBA Finals. Although they were waxed in those finals, we saw the coming of the King. When LBJ left Cleveland for Miami it felt as if the King had abdicated his throne. James went on to participate in four consecutive NBA Finals, garnering two crowns.
This year’s circuitous route to the finals has been fraught with all sorts of roadblocks which this King has defiantly thrown into the moat and persevered forth in light of his subject’s distractions. Prior to this season, LeBron signed up for a second tour of duty with his hometown of Cleveland. His new coach-in-waiting was one David Blatt, who had never held a head coaching position in the NBA. The only perceived “player” on the roster was oft-injured Kyrie Irving, a scintillating point guard when healthy. Management made a trade for forward/scorer/rebounder Kevin love just prior to the season tipping off and the Cavs were thought to be competitive, if not contenders.
The Cavaliers made the playoffs and Love immediately got hurt and was lost for the remainder of the playoffs. Irving has missed nearly half of the post season. Consequently King James has shown the basketball world just why he is now being mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan. LeBron has put that entire team, organization and city squarely on his broad shoulders and has them one win away from going to this year’s finals. If James somehow beats Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors for the crown, he will indeed be the King of Kings.
Respite- Sports Shorts shall return on July 9. ‘Till then, eat healthy, exercise plenty and tell at least one person a day that you love them. Start in the mirror!