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. Continue reading Sports Shorts →

By Michael Elliott

Casey Connection- How wonderful it is to see Cal Poly’s baseball team gaining a little traction as the season winds down.  At press time the Mustangs had forged their Big West Conference record into a respectable 10-6 won-loss tally and were sitting just one game out of second place.  Cal Poly had languished out of the gate at the start of the season but the Mustangs are hopefully hitting their stride just at the right juncture of the season.  It ain’t how you start, but how you finish! Continue reading Sports Shorts →

By Michael Elliott

Sports Bouquet- Ah, spring is in the air and the sports world has blossomed.  NBA basketball playoffs, NHL hockey playoffs, a plethora of professional golf playoffs, Major League Baseball starting up—sports in general.  What say we tap into the aromas of a few of those varietals?  Don’t forget your Claritin!
Hock It Up- I’m going to spew forth a personal belief of mine:  Playoff hockey is the bomb!  There is quite possibly no better playoff scenario around than a seventh game on ice where it’s all on the line.  The drama is quite gripping throughout as bodies fly and sticks are high.  Those hockey dudes are pound for pound the toughest men alive on the planet.  Check some of this compelling action out if you dare, eh? Continue reading Sports Shorts →

By Michael Elliott

Local Alert- Let’s give a huge round of applause to our local girls’ Five Cities AYSO Region 83 Under-12 All Star Soccer Team, which has advanced to the Western States Championships, which will begin play on March 22 in Lake Forest, Calif.  These soccer girls forged their way through a truly resistant gauntlet!  First, they had to advance out of the Area Q Tournament held in Lompoc.  They were able to accomplish that feat by capturing five straight games which catapulted them on to Bakersfield where they represented Area Q in the Section 10 Championships.  The Lady Warriors were triumphant in Bako and will now move on to Lake Forest.   Continue reading Sports Shorts →