The climax to the 2012 Major League Baseball season begins Wednesday night in San Francisco, as the hometown Giants host the Detroit Tigers in game one of the World Series. They from from different directions following the League Championship Series. The Tigers swept an aging New York Yankees squad, while the Giants went the distance in a second consecutive playoff series, ousting the defending Champions St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Both sides share similarities as well, each rode a second half wave of success en route to claiming their respective league pennant’s, and the story of both teams season’s can be summed up with the same surname — Cabrera.

The Tigers Miguel Cabrera had an MVP caliber season, and claimed the first American League Triple Crown since 1967. He was the rudder to the Tigers first AL pennant since 2006, and will be key to the teams fortune in the Fall Classic. The Giants Melky Cabrera set a blistering offensive pace in the first half of the season, including taking home All-Star MVP honors for the National League. However soon after these accolades Cabrera would be disgraced in the wake of a PED scandal that netted him a 50 game ban to end the season. Contrary to speculation the Giants didn’t fold up shop after losing their offensive leader, instead they steamrolled past the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the NL West division and return to the World Series for the second time in three seasons. Will Miguel Cabrera end his historic season by bringing the first World Series to Detroit in 28 years? Or will the Giants, a team of “cockroaches” as coined by their General Manager Brian Sabean for their tenacity, reach the pinnacle of the baseball world again?

On paper the Tigers are possibly the best team in baseball, and should prove it this series. Justin Verlander followed up a Cy Young, and MVP campaign in 2011 with another stellar 2012 season, and is drawing comparisons to a modern day Sandy Koufax. Verlander is on the front end of a rotation featuring Doug Fister, Anibal Sanchez, and Max Scherzer that completely shutdown the Yankees bats in the four game ALCS sweep. The rotation will be essential against the Giants, as the Tigers bullpen has wilted under the lights of post season play. Eccentric closer Jose Valverde lost his closers role to Phil Coke following implosions against the Oakland A’s and Yankees in the playoffs. Valverde will likely be given the chance to redeem himself in the World Series, albeit on a short leash from manager Jim Leyland.

The Giants pitching this post season has been effective, despite erratic organization. Former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum found himself in the relief against the Cincinnati Reds, and the rotation has been turned upside down due to each series going the distance. Giants manager Bruce Bochy has given the ball in game one to lefty Barry Zito. In game five on the NLCS Zito rekindled memories of his Cy Young form, and will likely need to channel that magic again to best Verlander. The rest of the rotation will be a hodgepodge of Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Ryan Vogelsong, with one likely being left to relief duty. The odd man out from the rotation will join a battled tested relief corps that will likely be used heavily again this series.

Offensively the Tigers have perhaps the most potent middle of the order in baseball, specifically the duo of Cabrera and first baseman Prince Fielder. The Tigers use the long ball as their bread and butter, a trait that could cause problems in the heavy air of San Francisco at AT&T Park. In contrast, The Giants style of small ball should play to their advantage this series. The Giants rely on spraying hits across the field, ground balls, and broken bat hits to manufacture their runs, a plus when facing the superb starting rotation of the Tigers. With such contrasting offensive styles, the team able to effectively execute their style should be on their way to a World Series crown.

After 162 regular season games and three post season rounds (Wild card play-in included) a World Series champion will soon be crowned. With the teams finally in place, the only question remaining is — who wins? Major League Baseball has enjoyed incredible drama and excitement the last two post seasons, and this series should follow suit. For the Tigers to be successful they will need their rotation so silence the pesky bats of the Giants, and their offensive should provide enough support to do the rest. The Giants trademark in their 2010 World Series win was winning ugly, a trait they will need to employ against the Tigers. To be successful they will need to manufacture enough runs off the stingy Verlander and company, while hoping their patch work rotation holds up for another series. My heart tells me the Giants are a team of destiny and have overcome too many obsticles this post season to not finish the job. My mind tells me that pitching wins championships, and the Tigers have too much of it to lose this series. Ill take the Tigers in six.

The Lakers spent the offseason making substantial upgrades to their roster, including solidifying an anemic bench from a season ago. However, one reserve spot possibly remaining thin is at point guard. Thin is a relative term in this situation, the Lakers have two roster spots dedicated to back up point guard, though neither is ideal for the Lakers situation. Steve Blake returns to the Lakers despite a strong sentiment from fans and analyst’s deeming him a subpar reserve. Blake has come under fire for shoddy defense and poor decision making since arriving in Los Angeles. Joining Blake is newcomer Chris Duhon, acquired from the Orlando Magic in the Dwight Howard deal. Duhon was more of a “throw in” in the deal, and doesn’t appear to have the skill set to be a viable reserve to Nash.

With Nash now at 38 years of age, and likely to only play approximately 30 minutes a game, can the Lakers afford a Blake/Duhon Combo for a third of the game? If the Lakers feel they need an upgrade before the season begins they will need to scour what’s left of the free agent market for an alternative. Would the Lakers consider bringing an old friend back into the fold? Yes that old friend. Yes, again. Derek Fisher is still unsigned midway through the preseason, and is an interesting option if the Lakers look to fill out the reserve point guard position. It was originally believed that Fisher couldn’t resign with the Lakers until March 1 due to a clause in the new CBA, but that was debunked this week opening the door for a possible return.

With the possibility of Fisher returning to Los Angeles open, the next question would be if both sides would be amicable to a reunion. If the Lakers are able to move either Blake or Duhon, both of which is they are shopping, Fisher would have to at least be on the team’s radar. Kobe Bryant would likely campaign hard for the return of his former back court mate. The two entered the league at the same time, and Fisher often was seen as the more approachable, and “human” leader of the team, a contrast to Bryant’s bristly, intense style. The duo is familiar and battle tested with each other as well. Fisher hit many crucial shots in his two separate runs with the Lakers (think .04 against the Spurs in 2004) en route to five NBA championships with the Lakers.

It’s unknown from Fisher’s side if the history with the Lakers would be enough to lure him back to L.A. Despite that said history, the Lakers sent him packing at the 2011 trade deadline to the Houston Rockets. As a key member of the players union, Fisher understands perhaps better than any that the NBA is a business first. However, Fisher was obviously shaken by the deal, not speaking publicly after the deal and taking a short self-imposed exile. Following a buy-out from the Rockets, Fisher ended up with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that would go onto eliminate the Lakers in the second round of the post season. Now a free agent again, if approached by the Lakers for a reserve role, could Fisher forget the sting of being jettisoned by his former team? Possibly not, but Fisher could also decide returning to a place where he’s comfortable, and has a chance at another championship is too tough to pass on.

If Fisher returned to the Lakers, his production could be a point of contention again. Before being moved to the Rockets, Fisher was struggling through the worst season of his career. Sports talk radio and internet message boards were afire with criticism of Fisher, calling for his departure after every missed shot. After Fisher was dealt many of those same media outlets were critical of the move, questioning how the team could move the heart of their team. That has become the quandary of a 38 year old Fisher; do the intangibles he brings to the team, out weight older legs, and a lack of production? Before a potential deal were to be struck it’s only fair to both sides that this question be answered.

Since his career began in 1996 Derek Fisher has spent the majority of his seasons as the Los Angeles Lakers true leader. Yes, Kobe Bryant is the face of the franchise and undeniable leader, but Fisher has steered the ship to five championships with heart and a level head. He has taken the adoration and aggression of Lakers fans in stride, never losing his trademark grin. Whether a deal between the sides comes to pass remains to be seen, but it would likely be popular among even the most critical of Lakers fans. If Fisher feels he still fits in Los Angeles, and can contribute to another title run the Lakers should give him a look. Despite stints in Golden State, Utah and Oklahoma City, Derek Fisher is a Los Angeles Laker, and deserves the opportunity to go out as one on top.

Last off season the Lakers were victim of what many fans felt was a conflict of interest at the hands of NBA Commissioner,  and controlling party of the New Orleans Hornets, David Stern. Stern used his power over the league controlled Hornets to void the deal sending point guard Chris Paul to the Lakers, largely due to pressure put on him by small-market owners. The Lakers fell victim to being a dominant team in a league seeking parity, and finished the season with a lopsided second round exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers again made the biggest off season splash this year, and this time the league could do nothing but sit back in awe. In July the Lakers finally got their coveted point guard, dealing a package of draft picks to the Phoenix Suns for future Hall of Famer Steve Nash. Joining Nash would be arguably the best center in the game Dwight Howard, finally ending a trade saga dating back to last season. In addition the Lakers also filled out a depleted bench with several role players, all in hopes of getting back to the elite level of the NBA in 2012.

This off season was perhaps the Lakers biggest since 1996 when the other “Superman” arrived in town. The similarities between new big man Dwight Howard and former center Shaquille O’Neal are seemingly endless. Both arrive courtesy of the Orlando Magic, and both use a dominant on court game, paired with a gregarious off court personality to become widely popular among fans. Those fans hope the similarities will continue in the victory column, but not in the rocky relationship with team leader Kobe Bryant. Bryant has proved to be a fierce competitor, with a bristly personality that at times can get under the skin of teammates.

Howard’s name was bantered around in trade talks for a year, with a probable deal to the Brooklyn Nets being fumbled several times opening the door for the Lakers. Howard finally accepted a deal to the purple and gold in a four team deal that saw the Lakers part ways with center Andrew Bynum. Bynum showed flashes of brilliance in his Lakers career, but at times it was over shadowed by health and maturity issues. Bynum was a malcontent, performing best when he felt slighted by teammates or the front office. Bynum also seemed to grow tired of playing second banana to Bryant, and will now get a chance to lead a team after being jettisoned to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Howard will be joined in the front court by the returning Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace. Gasol has played under the microscope of trade talks since a poor performance in the 2010-11 playoffs, including being dealt in the nixed Chris Paul deal. Gasol shouldn’t have to look over his shoulder anymore, the Lakers have the big man they sought and Kobe Bryant has given several votes of confidence to the embattled power forward. During the 2012 Summer Olympics Gasol showed how dominat he still is, leading Spain to a Silver medal. Gasol benefited in the Olympics from the strong point guard play of Jose Calderon, and should have similar success with the addition of Nash. Metta World Peace was rumored to possibly be victim of the NBA amnesty clause this off season, but instead he retains his starting small forward role. World Peace has obvious offensive short comings, but on a team loaded with offensive weapons that shouldn’t be an issue. World Peace is still a physical presence, and a shut-down defender, a crucial asset to a team with championship aspirations.

The Lakers formed one of the more dynamite back courts in NBA history with the addition of Steve Nash. The age of both Nash and Kobe Bryant may prevent them from being the best back court of all time, but they could be the purist – a true passer and a true shooter. The two have battled several times through the years, garnering a competitive hate, but mutual respect for one another. As Nash noted in June, “For me, it would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey. That’s just the way it is”, but indeed on July 4^th he would do just that. In the end, the move made too much sense for both sides to pass on. The Lakers got the table-setting point guard they have lacked in recent years, and Nash can strive for his illusive NBA championship.

Kobe Bryant should benefit immensely from the arrival of Nash, allowing him to return to a true shooting guard position. The knock on Bryant has always been that he tries to do too much, or is “selfish”. This is a bit of a misconception, as Bryant has often had no choice but to direct the offense and take an abundant amount of shots. Bryant has an intensity, and passion for winning perhaps never rivaled in the NBA, and he has never been shy about taking over a game if it gives his team a shot at victory. With Nash now the floor general of the Lakers, Bryant will be able to wait for more open looks, and be more selective in shot selection. Bryant summed it up this preseason, “He likes to pass, and I like to shoot. I think it will work out just fine.”

Aside from point guard the Lakers most glaring weakness in 2011 was their bench play. At times the Lakers second squad struggled to keep games competitive, which is why the team focused a great deal of attention on it this summer. Jordan Hill, acquired in a 2011 deadline deal from Houston will be back to spell Dwight Howard at center. The reserve front court also saw the addition of Antawn Jamison who brings a career 19.5 points, and 7.9 rebounds per game. Jamison likely could have had starting roles elsewhere, but took a reserve role at the veteran’s league minimum to sign with the Lakers. Upgrades were also seen in the backcourt, three-point specialist Jodie Meeks was signed from Philadelphia, and point guard Chris Duhon was added from Orlando in the Dwight Howard deal. Duhon will team with incumbent reserve Steve Blake to play a likely 15 to 20 minutes in place of Nash. The remaining bench spots will be decided between several candidates including, Devin Ebanks, Andrew Goudelock, Darius Odom, Earl Clark, and former UCLA bad boy Reeves Nelson.

How many people will get to watch the newly reloaded Lakers is still up in the air. Gone are the days of KCAL and Fox sports, after Time Warner signed a 20-year, $3 billion television deal with the Lakers. This gives Time Warner exclusive rights to the Lakers games, aside from national broadcasts on ESPN and ABC. Time Warner has been in talks with other cable, satellite and IPtv providers to broadcast the games, but as of now those providers have balked at the $3.95 per household Time Warner is demanding. Public pressure will likely force the hand of providers to add the Lakers games by the beginning of the season, but for now Lakers games remain dark to non-Time Warner homes.

A year after having a potential deal for a franchise point guard undone by the league, the Lakers again became the talk of the NBA this off season. The team has made significant upgrades at almost every position with an eye on competing with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat. How a team loaded with at least three first ballot Hall of Famers meshes remains to be seen, and should take shape this season. Will Nash and Bryant co-exist as smoothly in the back court as they suggest? Will Howard accept that the Lakers are still Bryant’s team, and wait for his time as team leader to emerge? The star-studded roster has a chance at imploding, but if they can remain focused on the ultimate goal, another Championship parade could be coming to Los Angeles in June.

A look at the standing before Sunday the San Francisco 49ers wouldn’t appear to be heading into a must win game. A look at their opponent would reveal a different picture. The 49ers opponent week 6 was the New York Giants, the team who defeated them in the 2011 NFC Championship game en route to a Super Bowl victory. This was the reason the 49ers made several off season upgrades on the offensive side of the ball, including signing receiver Mario Manningham, a key figure in the Giants championship run a season before. This was the 49ers first shot at redemption, and a chance to prove they have arrived in the upper echelon of the NFL.

Sunday would indeed be a statement game, however it was courtesy of the New York Giants. The Giants again went cross country to defeat the 49ers at Candlestick Park, not relying on a late fumble or overtime field goal as they did in 2011. The Giants dominated on both sides of the ball Sunday, routing the 49ers 26-3 in front of a deflated home crowd. The 49ers did themselves no favors, making an array of errors not typically seen under the Jim Harbaugh regime. However, the feeling following the lopsided result was less about 49ers mistakes, and more about the Giants dominance. The traditionally slow starting Giants seemingly put the NFL on notice — When healthy and motivated, a trip to the Super Bowl still runs through New York.

Offensively the Giants were not flashy, but played solid, mistake free football. Exploiting favorable field position throughout the game, thanks largely to 49ers turnovers, Eli Manning completed 15 of 28 passes for 193 yards, and one touchdown. The touchdown was hauled in by the salsa-dancing Victor Cruz, one of six receptions for him on the day. Manning also benefited from the outstanding play of his offensive line, which at times gave their quarterback all day to throw, and didn’t allow a sack all game. The offensive standout Sunday for the G-Men was bulldozing running back Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw carried the ball 27 times for 116 yards, and one touchdown. The Giants running corps galloped for 149 total yards, the highest allowed by a 49ers defense since the 2010 campaign.

If steady describes the Giants offensive output Sunday, spectacular defines their defensive effort. The Giants front seven equally stifled the 49ers quarterback platoon of Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick, recording six sacks on the day. The defensive front also stalled the 49ers running game, limiting the team to a total of 80 yards from scrimmage. The aerial attack lacked success as well, as Smith was pressured into several ill-advised throws, three of which were intercepted by the Giants secondary. Cornerback Antrel Rolle recorded two of those interceptions, the other ending up in the hands of Prince Amukamara. The turnovers proved costly for the 49ers, leaving the Giants with a short field, and accounting for 13 of their 26 points.

Sunday’s performance by the New York Giants could be looked at by some as nothing more than a week 6 victory in a 17 week season. Perhaps they played a stellar, well-rounded game while catching the 49ers on an equally off day. However, the dominating performance over their conference rival left little positives for the Niners to take away, and little doubt on who the superior team was. The undefeated Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans can’t be overlooked as they try to wrestle NFL superiority from the Giants, but those teams aren’t yet battle tested. The Falcons and Texans have played to level of their competition thus far, Sunday the Giants dismantled theirs. Sunday, the Giants used a 26-3 trashing of the 49ers to put the NFL on notice — They’re still here, and they’re still the defending Super Bowl champions.

In what may prove to be the final home game of the 2012 season at AT&T Park the San Francisco Giants took the field in their traditional home cream colored jerseys, a sharp contrast to two time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. Lincecum stoically went through warm-ups and player introductions in his traditional hooded sweatshirt, and chewing tobacco tucked into his lower lip. Deeper than the contrasting wardrobe was the look Lincecum wore — that of a man who has one foot out the door in San Francisco. Hours before the critical second game of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds, Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced that Tim Lincecum would remain in the bullpen for at least the remainder of this series, citing his struggles in 2012.

Lincecum, obviously miffed yet diplomatic about the situation pitched two scoreless innings of relief in game two, departing with a fist pump following a strike out of Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan to end the seventh inning. “My reaction is I know what to prepare for now” remarked Lincecum after batting practice before game two,. Adding “So I’ll go with that mindset today and do whatever they want me to do. That’s really all I can do.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement of Bochys decision from the four time All-Star whom has become the odd man out of a four man playoff rotation due in large part to a dismal regular season.

Lincecum stumbled out of the gate this season, entering the All-Star break at 3-10 before finishing the year at 10-15 with an inflated era of 5.18. There has been much speculation around the Bay Area as to the root of Lincecum’s problems. Some feel a winter workout routine that saw the pitcher drop 30 pounds from an already rail thin frame has taken something off the pitchers repertoire. Others speculate the awkward mechanics of Lincecum’s delivery may not be sustainable on his small frame, and may have led to a condition known as “Dead Arm”, a repetitive motion condition that weakens the shoulder. There were even whispers during his early struggles that there may have been issues away from baseball hindering his performance. Whatever the reason, Lincecum’s performance has rapidly declined the last two season, perhaps leaving Bochy to feel he had no choice but to relegate him to the bullpen this series.

Two seasons ago Lincecum being anything but the staff ace would have been unthinkable. “The Freak” had won consecutive Cy Young awards in 2008 and 2009, and set the tone in the post season for the Giants 2010 run to the World Series title. Despite the struggles in 2012 his post season resume can’t be denied, and many view Lincecum as the Giants “wild card” against the Reds. The option of throwing him into a starting role this series is intriguing, the team is in an 0-2 series hole, including a brutal 9-0 loss Sunday and are desperate for a spark. Many are questioning why Bochy won’t send Lincecum to the hill, hoping he can regain his Cy Young magic long enough to extend the season.

The answer to this question is seemingly that with the chips on the line Bochy does not trust Lincecum. The Giants are being beaten by the Reds at their own game, pitching and small ball, but Bochy chooses to stick to his guns and not rest the fate of the season on the shoulders of his former ace. The reality is that the Reds are a legitimate World Series contender, while the Giants struggled to stay at .500 against winning teams this season. And the Giants will likely not win three consecutive games in Cincinnati no matter who toes the rubber, but why not make it interesting? Why not give Lincecum another chance at playoff magic, a chance to see if he is still “The Freak”?

To Lincecum’s credit he has attempted to keep the matter close to the vest. When speaking with media he answers questions with answers that don’t directly undermine the manager, yet the underlying disappointment is evident. He realizes that his role in the post season is to help the team wherever possible, but like any true competitor he wants the ball when the chips are on the line, and many Giants fans would agree he deserves it. The Giants will likely succumb to the Reds, and go quietly into the off season with this situation being a footnote to the lopsided series. However, the ground work appears laid for a more tense off season in which the star could be moved if the Giants find a buyer for the enormous final year of his contract. Lincecum has pitched himself into this situation, but he deserves a chance to redeem himself in the spotlight of the playoffs where he shines the brightest. Sadly, both sides seem to lack trust in the other, and it could spell an end to a most exciting era in Giants baseball history.

Class of 2012 seniors graduating from Southern California high schools this past spring held the distinction of being the first to do so without an NFL football team in Los Angeles in their lifetime. It is quite astonishing a major market such as Los Angeles has been without professional football since the Rams and Raiders both packed their bags following Christmas Eve games at the conclusion of the 1994 season. Both teams were relocated by similarly eccentric and bottom line owners for greener pastures with marginal success, the Rams winning one Super Bowl, and the Raiders fading into NFL obscurity and becoming a punch line to many jokes about NFL futility.  Many local fans likely share a similar point of view as myself, too young in 1994 to understand what the city had lost, and left now with only fading memories of the NFL in Southern California. Being left with no dog in the fight, no hometown team to support has left a hallow feeling on Sundays where the NFL is concerned. Certainly I’ve had some rooting interests over the years, the Green Bay Packers during the Brett Favre era, the Raiders for the ties they left in Southern California, and recently the Chicago Bears thanks to my wife’s unwavering support of the team. However, none of these had the feeling of “My” team, one to ride the ups and downs with as has always been the hope.

That hope has been given some possibility in recent years due to Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) stepping forward and offering to build a stadium in downtown Los Angeles on their dime. This clears what has always been the biggest hurdle in returning the NFL to Southern California, building a new stadium without a cost to tax payers. A point of concern has recently been the pending sale of AEG, but the group and city have indicated that the downtown stadium plan must be included in any possible sale. While ground hasn’t even been broke on Farmers Field enough progress has been made to allow fans to ask the next question, just who would be playing here on Sundays? Potential teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars have been eliminated due to a new stadium plan and a new ownership group respectively. The most commonly accepted short list is now down to the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, and popular dark horse St. Louis Rams, whom I believe to be the best fit.

At first glance the San Diego Chargers seem an obvious choice for relocation, and may well be the home team when Farmers Field opens for business in 2016. The Chargers have established a respectable fan base in Los Angeles and Orange County, and have seen sagging home attendance in San Diego result in television blackouts and more speculation about a possible move. While a team with a sizeable fan base in Los Angeles and a roster ready to compete are appealing factors supporting a move up Interstate 5, several other factors can’t be over looked. Chargers owner Dean Spanos has taken a team a few short seasons removed from a 14-2 season and steered them dangerously close to football mediocrity. By providing a stay of execution to General Manager A.J. Smith and Head coach Norv Turner for a second consecutive season, and letting several high profile players leave via free agency Spanos commitment to winning has been called into question. If this trend continues moving the franchise to Los Angeles and having success could be a tricky proposition. Los Angeles is unique to other cities, having many alternatives for entertainment which could force the Chargers to be competitive immediately or face a similar fate to what they’ve seen in San Diego. Additionally, passing on the Chargers in favor of another team would give both Los Angeles and San Diego a boost with an instant rivalry which could substantially help the success of both franchises.

A second option is a relocation of the Raiders to Los Angeles for a second time, a move with substantial risk and possible reward. The Raiders have enjoyed strong fan support while playing in both ends of California, but in his last days even polarizing owner Al Davis realized his teams roots were in Oakland and should remain there. The team was founded in the Bay Area and enjoyed its greatest success there, and the decade spent in L.A. seemed more about Al Davis thumbing his nose at Oakland than making the team successful here. The popularity in the team enjoyed in Southern California can’t be denied, but it was something of a lightning in a bottle effect. The Silver and Black were enjoying success on the field, and were buoyed by fledgling South L.A. “Ganster Rap” acts proudly wearing the team’s apparel. This pairing forever changed the reputation of the team, boosting popularity immensely in the divisive early 90’s, and serving as an albatross since then. This reputation is now a part of the franchise’s fabric, and would be a tough sell in a city still rehabilitating its image after the senseless Brian Stow beating outside of Dodger Stadium. A second relocation would play well to a large part of the community, but be a detriment to the city in the long run.

Moving the St. Louis Rams back to Los Angeles faces the most hurdles to bring to fruition, and yet is most worth the effort. As the Raiders are truly Oakland’s team, the Rams are Los Angeles’. The names Ferragamo, Slater and Youngblood still entice a reaction of pride from the loyalist of Los Angeles football fans. Before “Showtime”, “Fernandomania”, or Gretzky there were the Rams, Los Angeles pride and heartache. St. Louis native, and then owner Georgia Frontiere slowly eroded that fan base by fielding a series of non-competitive teams, until she had enough leverage to uproot the team and move them to her home city. A short five years later, the ultimate insult to injury was inflicted when the team that always seemed just short of grabbing the brass ring, were now Super Bowl Champions. 13 years after that Super Bowl Los Angeles is still without football and the Rams are now facing a lack of fan support in St. Louis, and major renovations needed on their arena. Billionaire Stan Kroenke now owns the Rams, and is openly keen about sports in Los Angeles leading to speculation about where the team’s future is. If St. Louis doesn’t pony up for the necessary renovation (A matter currently being heard in court) the Rams likely would be
heading West again.

With football returning to Los Angeles moving from possible to the realm of probable the city must focus on making it a success this time. The team must be correctly marketed to compete with the Lakers, Dodgers, and yes even the Los Angeles Kings. The novelty of having a football team in our backyard will carry the team for a couple of seasons, but for continued success the city must love the team. There is no better hope for this than with the Rams who have a hibernating fan base ready to wake, and an established history in the city. They are the Rams, they are L.A.

The expression “hindsight is 20/20″ may have never been more accurate than when applied to the 2012 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season. In December 2011 the Angels turned baseball on it’s ear when they acquired first ballot Hall of Famer Albert Pujols from the St. Louis Cardinals, and top lefty C.J. Wilson from the rival Texas Rangers via free agency. There was a sense of euphoria the around the “Big A” not felt in a decade as fans began dreaming of a World Series title to bookend their 2002 Championship. However, the dream would become a nightmare as the Angels struggled out of the gate, and the team built to overtake the power house Texas Rangers ultimately finished in third place in the AL West at 89-73. The club did have positives to take into the winter, Mike Trout emerged as a superstar, Kendrys Morales returned from a two year layoff, and Jared Weaver cemented his status as a perennial Cy Young candidate. Despite those positive the club is left with more questions with answers as they prepare for 2013.

As other clubs prepare for post season play the Angels are now faced with several decisions regarding the team for next season. What we know currently is GM Jerry Dipoto, Manager Mike Scioscia, and his coaching staff will be back. Scioscia’s seat got a little hotter this year as a growing minority of fans felt a shake up might be needed, but he will be given another shot to guide the team back to the post season in 2013. Pitching coach Mike Butcher will also return, a curious decision considering the pitching (specifically the relief pitching) was the elephant in the room when the team struggled in 2012.  The front office and coaching staff appear to have remained in one piece, but wholesale changes could be coming if the team comes up short again next season.

Pitching will likely be the Halos biggest makeover when spring training begins. The  Angels paid a steep price in prospects for pitcher Zack Greinke, and will push hard to resign the free agent to ensure he is more than a late season rental. With Greinke likely to command a nine figure salary over the course of his new deal, the Angels will probably have to cut salary to retain his services. Team options on pitchers Dan Haren and Ervin Santana would possibly be declined following equally disappointing 2012 campaigns at the cost of locking up Greinke. The bullpen was the Angels achilles heel this year, and will need signifigant upgrades in the off season. To the Angels credit the back of the bullpen appears set with Jordan Walden and Scott Downs setting up Ernesto Frieri who has emerged as the teams closer. Middle relief will need to be addressed via free agency after the 2012 corps of veteran journeymen fizzled in the second half. As the team reflects this off season they need look no further than up Interstate 5 to see the importance of a solid bullpen on the success of a club. The Oakland A’s leapfrogged to the top of the division thanks largely to a bullpen in which every player had a role, and executed it to perfection.

Stronger pitching will take pressure off the teams offense, which at times seemed to come up one run short of what the bullpen was capable of holding. For all the concern surrounding Albert Pujols slow start in 2012 the nine-time All-Star finished with a stat line on pair to his career average (.285 Avg, 30 Hrs, 105 RBIs in 2012). Fellow first baseman Kendrys Morales saw increased time at DH following a two year injury lay off and put up solid numbers in 134 games. Morales possibly enters his last season under the A in 2013 as he will be arbitration eligible follwing the season, and is probably less than amicable to settling into the DH role for the remainder of his career. Opposite the duo of Morales and Pujols, the hot corner will continued to be manned by the dependable Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo is often under appreciated in part to the lack of power one normally expects from a third baseman, but in a position that has become increasingly thin his blue collar approach is a valuable asset. The remainder of the infield should remain static with Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick as the double play combo, and Chris Iannetta behind the plate. Iannetta, who recently signed a three year deal appears to mix enough glove to appease the defensive-minded Scioscia, and enough bat to keep fans satisfied.

The Angels outfield has the building blocks to become the envy of baseball for years to come. 21- year old Mike Trout was called up from the minors in May and reversed the Angels dreadful start, while showing all the signs of being a true “Five Tool” player. To Trout’s right is another probable mainstay for the Halos, left fielder Mark Trumbo. Trumbo had another excellent season despite of a late season swoon that reaked havoc on the Angels post season aspirations. The futures of fellow outfielders Vernon Wells, Peter Bourjos and Torii Hunter remain in question. The team would love to get out from under the contract of Wells who was the main piece in the lopsided deal for Mike Napoli. If attempts to unload the overpaid left fielder prove futile, the club could be left with no choice but to chalk his name up next to Mo Vaughn and Gary Matthews Jr. in the annals of team disappointment. If Wells does remain on the team a choice will likely have to be made between Bourjos and Hunter. Bourjos wrestled the job in center from Hunter in 2011, but quickly was riding pine in 2012 in favor of Trout. The choice would be difficult — deal Bourjos for a package of players, or let the widely popular Hunter walk via free agency. Baseball wisdom would lean to the youth of Bourjos, but a veteran leader such as Hunter is often invaluable for a team with the goal of winning a World Series.

With 2012 now in the rear-view mirror the Angels must focus on a much improved 2013 or face the real possibility of major changes. With a large amount of assets tied up to existing contracts the team may need to take a page from “Moneyball” and scour the market for players to fit the roles the team needs. 2012 was about Pujols, Wilson, a shaky bullpen, and a third place finish. In contrast, 2002 was about Eckstein, Spiezio, a top bullpen, and a World Series win. The ground work is laid for the Angels to enjoy success for many years, this off season must be about filling in the gaps, and finding the glue that brings it all together. The Angels hallmark in 2002 is the one thing money couldn’t buy in 2012– the heart of a champion.