Weaver looks to snap losing streak against struggling A's | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Right-handerJered Weaverwill look to snap his four-game losing streak against an Oakland team that has lost five straight entering Monday night's game in Angel Stadium.

Weaver was one of the best pitchers in baseball in April, going 6-0 with a 0.99 earned-run average in his first six starts, but he has lost his last four starts, in which he has allowed 14 runs in 24 innings.

He might not face much resistance Monday night. The A's hit .191 (33 for 173) with one home run and nine runs scored during their losing streak.

Reggie Willitswill start in left field in place ofHowie Kendrick, who will miss his fourth game because of tightness in his right hamstring. Kendrick, who received a cortisone injection Saturday, did some swimming-pool exercises Monday and hopes to resume baseball activities Tuesday or Wednesday.

There is a chance Kendrick, who leads the team with a .322 average, will go on the 15-day disabled list,"but right now, we're being positive about it,"he said.

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Angels ride Torii Hunter's bat, Tyler Chatwood's arm to 4-1 win over Braves | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Torii Hunterhit a two-run homer in the fourth inning and doubled and scored in the sixth, andTyler Chatwoodgave up one run and five hits in seven innings Sunday, leading the Angels to a 4-1 interleague victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Bobby Abreuadded a run-scoring double in the seventh for his 534th career double, tying the Angels designated hitter with Hall of FamerLou Gehrigfor 32nd on baseball's all-time list.

Hunter had gone 99 at-bats and 28 games without a home run before following Abreu's leadoff walk in the fourth with a shot over the left-field wall, Hunter's fifth homer of the season and first since April 21 against Boston.

That gave the Angels a 2-1 lead, which they extended to 3-1 in the sixth when Hunter doubled to left-center against Braves starterDerek Lowe, took third onAlberto Callaspo'sgrounder to second and scored onAlexi Amarista'sgrounder to short.

The Angels added an insurance run against relieverGeorge Sherrillin the seventh whenErick Aybarbunted for a single and took second on third basemanDiory Hernandez'sthrowing error and scored on Abreu's double off the wall in right-center.

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Angels notes: Mike Scioscia to miss Sunday's game; Howie Kendrick out of lineup | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Manager Mike Scioscia will miss Sunday's series finale against the Atlanta Braves to attend his son Matthew's graduation from Notre Dame. Scioscia is scheduled to fly to Chicago after Saturday night's game and return in time for Monday night's game against Oakland. Bench coach Rob Picciolo will run the team in Scioscia's absence.

Left fielder Howie Kendrick, who missed Friday night's game because of tightness in his lower right hamstring, is not in the lineup for Saturday night's game. Scioscia said Kendrick will try to run for the first time Sunday.

"He's getting better, but any time you have a hamstring injury, you're worried," Scioscia said."It's definitely not something you're going to rush."

Braves right fielder Jason Heyward, who is batting .214 with seven homers and 14 runs batted in, was in the Braves' original lineup Saturday night but was scratched because of a sore right shoulder.

Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir, who has spent the past month in the team's extended spring training camp in Arizona trying to find a consistent delivery and release point, threw his bullpen workout in Arizona instead of Anaheim on Saturday.

Kazmir was scheduled to fly to Orange County on Saturday evening, and he will begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday night. The team will have 30 days to either activate him or release him.

"There's not a minimum amount of games {to his rehab stint}, but there is a maximum number of games," Scioscia said. The manager said the Angels could also bring Kazmir back in a relief role.

"No doubt, we need starting pitching depth in our organization," Scioscia said."We're looking at him as a starter, but I wouldn't rule out anything."

The Angels lineup for Saturday: DH Maicer Izturis, SS Erick Aybar, LF Bobby Abreu, RF Torii Hunter, 3B Alberto Callaspo, C Hank Conger, 1B Mark Trumbo, 2B Alexi Amarista, CF Peter Bourjos, P Joel Pineiro.

The Braves lineup: CF Nate McLouth, 3B Martin Prado, DH Chipper Jones, C Brian McCann, LF Eric Hinske, 2B Dan Uggla, 1B Freddie Freeman, SS Alex Gonzalez, RF Joe Mather, P Tommy Hanson.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

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Death of Rangers' Derek Boogaard caused by mix of alcohol, oxycodone, officials say | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The death of Rangers enforcerDerek Boogaardwas determined to be accidental and caused by a lethal mixing of alcohol and oxycodone, according to a Hennepin County Medical Examiner report released Friday.

Oxycodone is a powerful and potentially addictive painkiller that has previously been identified in some overdose deaths.

The28-year-old Boogaardwas found dead in his Minneapolis apartment by two of his brothers last Friday, five months after he suffered a season-ending concussion on Dec. 9, at least his fourth.

Boogaard's brain will be examined for signs of a degenerative disease caused by blows to the head, his agent and a spokeswoman for the Boston University School of Medicine said earlier this week.

The 6-foot-7, 265-pound enforcer was known as"The Boogeyman" and became a fan favorite while playing with the Minnesota Wild from 2005-10. He had agreed to a $6.5-million, four-year deal with the Rangers last July and appeared in 22 games this season.

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-- Melissa Rohlin

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Derek Boogaard. Credit: Matt Slocum / Associated Press.

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Question of the day: Who will win the Preakness? {Updated} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses and feel free to weigh in with a comment of your own.

John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times

The best horse in the Preakness is Animal Kingdom, the impressive winner of the Kentucky Derby.  But the Derby lacked the expected early speed that would benefit the traditional deep-stretch closers. The Preakness should be very different with Flashpoint forcing a strong early pace. Now, it’s easy to pick the 2-1 favorite, but Animal Kingdom is an underlay at that price. I suspect he’ll win but he’s not the smart choice. I’m going to take a shot on Mucho Macho Man, trained by Kathy Ritvo. He’s never been off the board in nine starts and showed a decent finish in the Derby. Underneath, you’ve have Animal Kingdom and Dialed In, who should benefit from a fast pace. As for a horse to throw in the exotics for a price, I like Dance City, who finished third in the Arkansas Derby.

{Updated at 12:12 p.m.

Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune

Granted, Animal Kingdom outran a relatively weak field when he made his dirt-racing field and won the Kentucky Derby as a 20-1 long shot. Going into the Derby with six weeks of rest, he proved to be much the best and raced the final quarter in a razor-sharp :24.55. All of that suggests the well-bred colt is capable of a comparable performance at Pimlico -- where he will be facing an even weaker field than the one he dominated at Churchill Downs.

Don't count out my Derby pick, Dialed In. After encountering traffic problems at the start, he made a belated stretch move to finish eighth as the 5.20-1 favorite. The winner of the Holy Bull and Florida Derby at Pimlico's sister track, Gulfstream Park, will hit a $5.5-million three-race bonus jackpot if he wins the Preakness for owner Robert LaPenta and trainer Nick Zito. Bettor beware.}

{Updated at 12:41

Tom Jicha, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Almost every major 3-year-old race, including the Kentucky Derby, has produced an upset. Animal Kingdom’s Derby triumph was visually scintillating. However, the race was slowly run with leisurely early fractions. Theoretically, this makes Animal Kingdom’s come-from-behind surge more impressive. But slow races often produce strange results because it keeps lesser talent in contention. With more early speed, the Preakness fractions should be lively. If Animal Kingdom has to run faster early to stay in touch, will he have the same kick? If so, he probably wins again. But Dialed In, who always drops back to last, ran a faster final half-mile. Alas, the field didn’t come back to him, as happens when the pace is quick. Given the likely odds, Dialed In is a better bet than a short-priced Animal Kingdom.}

Photo: Exercise rider Carlos Rosas takes Preakness entrant Astrology over the track at Pimlico Race Course on Thursday. Credit: Rob Carr / Getty Images

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UCLA football: Psalm Wooching, running back from Hawaii, commits to the Bruins | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Psalm Wooching, a running back/linebacker from Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, said he has committed to play at UCLA.

Wooching, who will be a senior in the fall, is the second running back from Hawaii to commit to UCLA this week, joining Honolulu Punahou’s Steven Lakalaka.

Wooching, who is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, was also considering Washington, Utah and Colorado. He said UCLA defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield,“broke down the campus, the academics they have to offer, the facilities. It’s the right fit for me.”

Wooching, considered a quality player on offense and defense, said he doesn't have a preference between running back and linebacker.

“Any position they put me at, I’ll beat out whoever they have there,” Wooching said.

-- Chris Foster

 

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Clippers react to Cavaliers' win in NBA draft lottery | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Funny but the Clippers just couldn't quite get away from the lottery.

This was supposed to be the one year they weren't part of the conversation

Oh well.

Cleveland won the NBA's draft lottery on Tuesday night, and added the No. 4 overall pick, an event made possible, in part, by wild blind luck and the deal crafted by the Cavaliers at the trade deadline. They sentMo Williamsto the Clippers and took onBaron Davisand his big-money contract for two more years. But they received the Clippers' first-round pick. 

Neil Olshey, the Clippers vice president of basketball operations, said that the team made the decision at the trade deadline that their next step was going to be"via trade or free agency."

"Adding Mo Williams and $8.5 million in cap room gives us better odds of improving than a 2.8% chance of winning the lottery and adding a seventh player under 23 to our roster," he said.

"Additionally, we had a 97% chance of sitting here tonight with Baron Davis, the eighth pick in a bad draft and no cap flexibility."

Cavaliers ownerDan Gilbert, called it a"beautiful" night, saying on a conference call:"I knew it was the right move all along. When it was over, someone on stage told me that it was the Clippers' pick and I thought they were messing around. It wasn't until 10-15 minutes later when I actually started to believe it."

-- Lisa Dillman

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Atlanta Thrashers appear bound for Winnipeg | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Winnipeg’s chances of regaining an NHL franchise appeared bleak last week when the City of Glendale, Ariz., came up with $25 million to keep the Coyotes for another season.

But the Atlanta Thrashers, long beset by ownership problems and management’s inability to put a competitive, playoff-caliber team on the ice, could be sold and moved to Winnipeg to play there as soon next season and increase the number of Canada-based franchises to seven.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the team’s owners, collectively known as the Atlanta Spirit,are in talks with a group that’s eager to buy the franchise and move it north. Here’s columnistMark Bradley’s summationon where the Thrashers went wrong, and he makes some strong points.

The Winnipeg Free Press reportedthe NHL is devising two schedulesfor next season -- one that would have the Thrashers in Atlanta and another if the team relocates to Winnipeg, which might also result in realignment of the current divisions.

The NHL usually releases its schedule for the subsequent season in mid-June so there isn’t much time to move the chess pieces around the board, work out available dates in multi-purpose arenas and give teams ample time to book charter flights and hotels for next season’s travel.

There’s also the matter of relocating the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose, which has been the primary tenant of the new MTS Centre. The arena, built in downtown Winnipeg to replace the old Winnipeg Arena, has a relatively small capacity of just more than 15,000 for hockey.

The Jets left Winnipeg for Phoenix in 1996. A lack of corporate support hurt the Jets during their later years but pent-up demand could compensate for that. Warm-and-fuzzy feelings generated by the return of the NHL could sour if ticket prices are scaled too high or if the team isn’t any good.

Though it’s tough to predict what the NHL will do it’s becoming clear that no one can or will step up to buy the Thrashers and keep them in Atlanta, which CommissionerGary Bettmanwould prefer for the sake of U.S. TV markets and American advertising money. But it might be time for players to dig out the heavy sweaters for those trips to Winnipeg. 

--Helene Elliott

Photo: Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, checking Ottawa winger Erik Condra, and the Thrashers might be leaving Atlanta for Winnipeg in the near future. Credit: Dale Zanine / US Presswire

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Angels' bullpen lets another one slip away, 5-4 | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Angels' bullpen struggles continued Sunday whenRich ThompsonandHisanori Takahashifailed to retire the first four batters they faced, allowing the Texas Rangers to push home the deciding run in a 5-4 victory.

Thompson, who started the day having gotten the leadoff man in all 13 of his appearances this season, walkedAdrian BeltreandDavid Murphyto start the eighth inning.Mike Napolifollowed, and though he was badly fooled on a two-strike pitch, he managed to dunk a single into right field to load the bases.

Takahashi was then called in to faceChris Davis, who greeted him with an equally unimpressive single to right to score Beltre. Takahashi got the next two outs andKevin Jepsenrecorded the third out, leaving the bases loaded, but by then the damage had been done.

Rangers closerNeftali Felixthen closed out the win, getting the final two outs whenAlberto Callaspostruck out and Napoli threw outHowie Kendrickat second base on a blown hit-and-run play.

And that wasted another big game byErick Aybar, who had three hits -- including his second homer in three days -- and drove in three runs.

He now has a career-high 13-game hitting streak and his average is .357 since coming off the disabled list 3 1/2 weeks ago. Sunday he fell a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, doubling to help the Angels take a 1-0 lead in the first inning, lining a solo homer to center in the fifth and then singling in two runs to tie the score, 4-4, in the sixth.

In the eighth inning, with the go-ahead run at second base, the Rangers walked Aybar intentionally. He was the only Angel with multiple hits though Kendrick, Callaspo,Torii HunterandMark Trumboeach reached base twice on a single and walk. The Angels left 11 men on base.

Starting pitcherErvin Santanagave the Angels seven strong innings, making only a pair of mistakes -- but they were costly ones. The first came in the third inning when Beltre hit a two-out, three-run homer to give Texas a 3-1 lead. An inning later Davis extended that lead with a solo home run.

Santana kept the deficit there, though, working out of jams in the fifth and seventh innings before turning the game over to the bullpen.

RELATED:

Angels-Rangers box score

First baseman Mark Trumbo is sticking with what works

Longer rehab for Kendrys Morales makes sense to doctor

-- Kevin Baxter, reporting from Arlington, Texas

Photo: Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick takes the throw as Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus slides safely into second base with a steal on Sunday. Credit: Jim Cowsert / US Presswire

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Derek Boogaard's brain to be donated to trauma study | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The parents of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard, who was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment, have donated their son's brain to researchers at Boston University who are studying the effects of brain trauma on athletes.

No cause has been established for the death of Boogaard, 28, whose body was found by family members. An explanation might come to light through toxicology tests, which take about two weeks to process.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Boogaard's parents made the decision todonate their oldest son's brainin order to help advance studies on the vexing and complicated problems of head trauma. Boogaard suffered a concussion during the regular season and had not played since Dec. 9, but the Star Tribunequoted friendsas saying that he was optimistic about returning to his old form next season and was looking forward to summer workouts.

Fans left flowers in tribute to Boogaard at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., home of his previous team, the Minnesota Wild. Many players offered condolences via Twitter, and NHL CommissionerGary Bettmanreleased a statementoffering his condolences Saturday.

-- Helene Elliott

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Lakers Moments: Mychal Thompson is a strong competitor in a 'Showtime' era | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Take hold: Lakers forwardMychal Thompsonpulls down a rebound in a game against Sacramento on Jan. 15, 1990.

The addition of Thompson, acquired in a trade with San Antonio in February 1987, was critical to the Lakers' title hopes that season. In fact, when told of the trade, which included the Lakers paying the Spurs some cash, a visibly upsetLarry Birdof Boston said:“If San Antonio needed money, we would’ve sent them money. But to go and help the Lakers like that is just terrible.”

Thompson added depth and muscle to a Lakers front line that eventually would face Bird’s Celtics in the NBA Finals, doing battle with a Boston team that had what is generally considered the greatest front line in league history: Bird,Robert ParrishandKevin McHale.

He was an exceptional defender, his duels with McHale were ferocious, but also displayed a good touch around the basket. Averaging 10 points and four rebounds coming off the bench in 1987, Thompson was a key to theLakers defeating the Celticsfor the second time in three years in the Finals.

The following season was probably his best as a Laker as he averaged 11.6 points and six rebounds a game. That kind of production off the bench is why the1988 Lakers championship squadis often mentioned as one of the greatest in NBA history.

Read more aboutMychal ThompsoninAll Things Lakers, the L.A. Times' interactive database of all things purple and gold.

Join the Lakers at L.A. Times Facebook page.

-- Steve Lowery

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

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Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales to undergo second surgery and miss entire season | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Kendrys Moraleshas elected to undergo a second surgery on the left ankle he broke last May 29, a procedure that will sideline the Angels first baseman for the entire 2011 season.

"It's definitely a challenge for us not having Kendry in the middle of our lineup; it's a significant blow," Angels General ManagerTony Reaginssaid."But having gone through most of last season without him, the team has learned how to deal with it and move forward. We've had adversity before, and we will have it again."

The procedure, to be performed by Dr.Thomas Clanton, a Colorado foot-and-ankle specialist at a date that hasn't been determined, will be to clean up scar tissue and remove several degenerative cysts that have developed in the joint.

"The fracture has healed completely, but these are the consequences of a devastating injury," said Dr.Lewis Yocum, team physician."One option was to continue the conservative course with therapy and rehabilitation, but we're trying to gear him up for next season."

Yocum said the second procedure will require a minimum of six months for recovery.

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NHL Conference finals to start Saturday | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The NHL announced the schedule for the conference finals, taking into account arena availability issues in Tampa and the needs of its TV"partners."

Boston and Tampa Bay will be shaking off rust by the time they get started, on Saturday. The West will start Sunday at Vancouver, with the Canucks facing either the Detroit Red Wings or San Jose Sharks.  The Red Wings-Sharks series may end Tuesday or could go to a seventh game, which would be played on Thursday in San Jose.

Here's the NHL's schedule, with the TV options for U.S. viewers and with scenarios for Vancouver playing Detroit or San Jose. All times are Pacific. And games can be heard on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

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USC football: Receiver Brice Butler will remain with Trojans | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Brice Butler, a USC receiver who did not participate in spring practice and contemplated transferring, will remain with the Trojans, the school announced Monday.

"We are pleased with Brice's decision to continue his development as a student-athlete at USC," Coach Lane Kiffinsaid.

Butler, a fourth-year junior from Georgia, caught nine passes for 112 yards and a touchdown last season.

Butler's fatherBobby, a former NFL player, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in January thatKiffin did not give his son a fair chance.

Butler's absence from spring practice cost him a chance to work with new receivers coachTed Gilmore. It also gave senior Brandon Carswelland sophomoresMarkeith AmblesandDe'Von Flournoya chance to compete for the starting spot opposite sophomoreRobert Woods.

Butler will now compete for playing time with that group as well as redshirt freshman Kyle Praterand incoming freshmenGeorge Farmer,Victor BlackwellandMarqise Lee.

RELATED:

Three Trojans selected in a row during NFL draft

Final spring scrimmage is a showcase for defense and running game

--Gary Klein

Photo: USC receiver Brice Butler makes a reception in front of Arizona State's Brandon Magee during a Pac-10 game at the Coliseum last season. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

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Angels' Torii Hunter reflects on Mike Scioscia's 1,000th career victory | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Mike Sciosciahas been reluctant to talk too much about his 1,000th career victory, a milestone he reached with the Angels' 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, because he hates when too much attention is placed on himself.

But that didn't stop his players from heaping praise on the Angels' manager, who became the 56th manager in major league history to win 1,000 games and the 23rd to do so with one team.

“It’s an individual thing, so he’s not going to talk too much about it, but I’m pretty sure he’s excited,” Angels right fielderTorii Huntersaid.“It’s a great feat, a special accomplishment. Not too many managers can say they’ve won 1,000 games in the big leagues.”

Pitching and defense have been the foundation of the team’s success over the past 10 years, but Scioscia has also gained a reputation for getting the most of his offenses, making up for a lack of power with aggressive baserunning.

“That’s one of the reasons I came here,” said Hunter, the former Minnesota Twins star who signed with the Angels before 2008. “I saw how smart he is, how he strategizes, the way he plays the game, going first to third, being aggressive. Watching him from the other side, I always thought he was a good manager.”

Hunter and fellow outfielderVernon Wells-- the pair has a combined 23 years of big league experience and a combined $41 million in 2011 salary -- dumped a huge cooler of ice water over Scioscia's head as the manager was being interviewed by a television reporter on the field after the game.

"I don't know if anyone else in the clubhouse besides Torii could have thrown water on him," veteran pitcherDan Harensaid."I would be scared to do that. I wouldn't mess with Scioscia."

Hunter had been planning the ice-water bath for several days.

"You see that in college football all the time when guys get a certain amount of wins -- we wanted to make it special," Hunter said."This is great. I've seen him from both sides. I've played against him for a lot of those wins and for him for a couple hundred of those wins. I'm just proud to be a part of it."

RELATED:

Angels-Indians box score

Angels-Indians: Inning-by-inning recap

--Mike DiGiovanna

Photo: Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is drenched in water after center fielder Torii Hunter (48) gave him an ice-water bath after his 1,000th career win on Sunday at Angel Stadium. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

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Angels 1B Kendrys Morales to go to Colorado for second opinion on broken ankle | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Angels announced after Saturday night's 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians that first basemanKendrys Morales, whose rehabilitation from a broken left ankle has stalled over the last few weeks, will travel to Vail, Colo., this week for a second opinion.

Morales has not played since last May 29, and he has not been able to run at full speed yet. The slugger was shut down last week after receiving an injection and has not resumed running, on the field or on a treadmill. He is scheduled to visit Dr.Thomas Clanton, a foot-and-ankle specialist, on Tuesday.

“This is something the Angels recommended to get an optimal course of treatment,” saidTim Mead, the team’s vice president of communications.

The Angels remained confident all winter and even during spring training that Morales, who hit .306 with 34 home runs and 108 runs batted in in 2009, would be ready to start the season. But they appear to be coming to grips with the possibility that Morales won't be back for several more weeks.

Asked on Friday if he was surprised by how slowly Morales is recovering, ManagerMike Scioscia’s response was an indication that the Angels don’t expect Morales back until June, at the earliest, and perhaps an admission that those earlier forecasts were far too ambitious.

“It hasn’t even been a year yet,” Scioscia said. “It was a serious injury. You have to be patient through some parts of it.”

--Mike DiGiovanna

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Lakers Moments: A.C. Green is pure good | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Most high: Lakers forwardA.C. Greengoes up for a dunk in a game against the Clippers on Nov. 15, 1985.

Green is known as NBA’s iron man for playing in a record 1,192 straight games, a span of nearly 15 years. He once played the day after having an emergency root canal.

Yet with all his achievements in basketball, Green is also distinguished for his abstinence streak. The deeply religious Green took a vow to abstain from sexual activity and kept it throughout his NBA career, which included two championships during the Lakers’"Showtime" era and another with L.A. in 2000, until getting married at age 38 in 2002.

Green told the Los Angeles Times’ Chris Erskine in 2009 that his Lakers teammates initially didn't buy into his way of life.

"But as time went on, when the guys saw some consistency to the way I was handling my life, they gradually came to accept it," Green said,"to the point where some asked me to talk to sons and daughters."

He also earned respect on the court. Green played nine seasons with the Lakers (from 1985 to'93 and again in1999-2000) and is10th on the team's all-time list with 735 total games played. After a 16-year NBA career, Green is 15th overall with 1,278 games played.

Read more aboutA.C. Greenand where he ranks for theteam's career stealsinAll Things Lakers, the L.A. Times' interactive database of all things purple and gold.

Join the Lakers at L.A. Times Facebook page.

Do you have your own Lakers moment? The Times wants to know about it!Click hereto find out how you can submit your story.

-- Chuck Schilken

Photo: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times

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Who would win a race of the last 20 Kentucky Derby winners? {Video} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Horse Racing Simulation, the most recognized name in virtual racing, along with the National Thoroughbred Racing Assn., recently released a video of their simulation featuring the last 20 Kentucky Derby winners.

The field includes:

Smarty Jones -- the first undefeated contender to win the Kentucky Derby (2004) to win since Seattle Slew in 1977.
Real Quiet -- who narrowly lost the 1998 Triple Crown.
Big Brown -- who drew enormous popularity in his quest for the 2008 Triple Crown.
Barbaro -- one of the most impressive Derby winners (2006) in recent years and a favorite with fans.
Monarchos -- the only other horse in history besides Secretariat (1976) to run the Kentucky Derby in under two minutes (2001).

Other contenders include Street Sense, Funnycide, Strike the Gold, Charismatic, War Emblem, Mine That Bird, Go for Gin, Super Saver and others.

The race is called by top announcer Larry Collmus, who was hired by NBC to call all three Triple Crown races this year for NBC’s national broadcasts.

Who wins? Well, you'll have to watch the video below to find out.

 

-- Houston Mitchell

 

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Badminton World Federation defends new skirt requirement for women | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

A new rule requiring women to wear skirts on the court has been misunderstood, the Badminton World Federation said in a statement Wednesday.

“It has never been the intention of the BWF to portray women as sexual objects, and nor is that what we are doing,” said Paisan Rangsikitpho, deputy president of the organization.

According to Rangsikitpho, the“aesthetic and stylish presentation” of players is an important factor in the organization's attempt to increase the popularity of the sport.“The clothing regulation is yet another example of how BWF are putting focus on the women's game to raise the profile,” he said of the rule that is to take effect at international events on June 1.

In other words, forcing women to wear skirts to help market the sport isn't sexist at all.

Some players, including world No. 9 Tine Baun of Denmark, aren't buying it.

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Red Sox pound three homers in 7-3 win over Angels | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Adrian GonzalezandDavid Ortizcracked back-to-back home runs Tuesday, breaking open a pitcher's duel and powering the Boston Red Sox to a 7-3 victory over the Angels at Fenway Park.

The win was Boston's sixth in as many games against the Angels this season and the Red Sox's 15th in 16 meetings between the teams dating to the start of last season.

RookieMark Trumbo's second-inning line-drive home run into the last row of seats above the left-field wall gave the Angels a quick 1-0 lead against Boston aceJon Lester(4-1). But that was all they got as the let-hander stuck out 11 in seven innings.

The Red Sox started their comeback againstDan Haren, the American League's ERA leader, in the sixth when consecutive two-out hits by Gonzalez, Ortiz and Jed Lowrie gave Boston a 2-1 lead.

After giving up the Gonzalez homer leading off the eighth, Haren (4-2) left in favor ofHisanori Takahashi, who served up a home run to Ortiz on his second pitch. Three batters laterMarco Scutaro, a late addition to the lineup, added a two-run homer of his own, his first of the season.

Five players had two hits for the Red Sox, including Gonzalez who also scored twice and knocked in two runs.

Maicer IzturisandTorii Hunterhad two hits apiece for the Angels, who made some late noise against Boston closerJonathan Papelbonby scoring a pair  of ninth-inning runs on a ground-rule double byErick Aybarand Trumbo's sacrifice fly.

-- Kevin Baxter in Boston

Photo: Boston's Adrian Gonzalez, right, is congratulated by David Ortiz after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of the Angels' 7-3 loss Tuesday at Fenway Park. Credit: Matt Campbell / EPA

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'Bad rule' that cost Webb Simpson PGA victory may be changed | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The U.S. Golf Assn. and the Royal& Ancient reportedly have been considering changing a certain rule for the better part of a decade. That lengthy discussion may have cost Webb Simpson his firstPGATour victory last weekend.

Simpson was leading the Zurich Classic of New Orleans by a shot with his ball less than a foot from the cup at the 15th hole Sunday. But the ball moved as he addressed it on the green. Simpson said it likely was caused by the wind, combined with dry and hard greens, but that didn't matter.

Because the current USGA rule doesn't offer any leeway for ball movement caused by outside forces, Simpson was penalized a stroke and eventually finished tied with Bubba Watson after 72 holes. Watson went on to win the tournament in a playoff.

“I better limit my comments on that rule, because I think it's such a bad rule,” Simpson said Sunday. “When the wind or other natural things affect the golf ball, the player shouldn't be penalized.”

USGA vice president Thomas O'Toole said Monday that a modified version of the rule may be in place as early as 2012."If some other agency— wind or gravity — is known to cause that ball to move, no penalty would be applied,” O'Toole said at the U.S. Open media day at Congressional Country Club.

O'Toole added that the rule change has been under consideration for at least seven years but will now be discussed in earnest during the next several months.

“We have to react to this,” he said. “I think this is a better place to be than penalizing players unfairly.”

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Webb Simpson, right, speaks with a rules official on the 15th green after Simpson's ball moved during the final round of the Zurich Classic at the TPC Louisiana. Credit: Hunter Martin / Getty Images

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Vernon Wells runs Angels into 6-5 win over the Rays | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Vernon Wellshasn't done much with his bat this season. But Sunday he helped win a game for the Angels with his feet, staying in a rundown long enough forTorii Hunterto race home with the go-ahead run in a 6-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

Wells, who had just one hit in the three-game series, came to the plate with Hunter on third and one out in the eighth inning and drew a walk.Hank Congerfollowed by bouncing a ball to second for what looked to be an inning-ending double play. But rather than throwing to second, Tampa Bay'sBen Zobristtried to tag Wells, who avoided the tag long enough for Hunter to score the winning run.

That capped a comeback that saw the Angels erase a 5-0 first-inning deficit.

With scheduled starterJered Weaverscratched with an intestinal virus, the Angel sent rookieTyler Chatwoodto the mound and the Rays jumped on his pitches immediately.

Seven of the nine Rays to bat in the inning got hits -– but only two balls were hit well. Two players appeared to have been thrown out on the bases only to have been called safe –- the first on a close play at third, the other when third basemanAlberto Callaspodropped the ball. Both players later scored.

And three of the run-scoring singles in the inning came on two-strike pitches.

But Chatwood eventually settled down, retiring 10 of the next 12 hitters before giving up a double and walk to start the fifth, ending his day.Scott Downscame in from the bullpen to get three ground balls, stranding both runners. Downs wound up going a season-long two innings, allowing only one hit.

Rich Thompson,Fernando RodneyandJordan Waldenfollowed Downs with each pitching a scoreless inning. Walden pitched a perfect ninth to earn his fifth save.

That gave the Angels time to battle back against Rays rookieAlex Cobb, who was making his big-league debut.

Cobb gave up a solo home run to Conger in the second then got wild in the fifth when the Angels used three walks, two singles and an error to score four times, tying the score at 5-5.

Bobby AbreuandMark Trumboeach had two hits for the Angels, with Abreu scoring one run, driving in another and stealing a base.Howie Kendrickwalked twice, scored once and also had a steal.

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-- Kevin Baxter in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Photo: Angels catcher Hank Conger is congratulated by center fielder Peter Bourjos after hitting a home run in the second inning Sunday against Tamp Bay. Credit: Kim Klement / US Presswire

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