Posted Sunday p.m. after Golf….
Brief Add-on up top by noon, Tues.
MLB / Angels Quiz: With the death of Angels legend Garret Anderson, name the starting lineup for the 2002 World Champions. Answer below.
NBA Playoffs
–Friday night we had the play-in games for the 8 seeds, and the Magic whipped the Hornets, 120-91, for the right to face the 60-22 Pistons, while the Suns now face the No. 1 overall seed, the defending champion Thunder (64-18) after eliminating the Warriors 111-96, Jalen Green with 36 for Phoenix.
As the Warriors’ game was winding down, coach Steve Kerr shared an embrace with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, an emotional moment because it could be the final time those three have as coach and players as Kerr’s contract expires this summer.
According to audio captured by Prime Video, Kerr told Green and Curry, “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you.”
Kerr was named Warriors head coach in 2014 and has coached the team to four championships (both Curry and Green along for the ride in all four).
Kerr has said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date.”
The dynasty is over and changes need to be made throughout the organization, but Golden State also needs to field a competitive team in Curry’s final years.
—On to Saturday, and the real playoffs…
The Knicks got the job done, taking their opener against the Hawks at the Garden, 113-102, as Jalen Brunson had 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns 25. They looked solid.
The Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 116-105, as Jamal Murray had 30 for Denver, 16-for-16 from the free throw line, and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double, as he is wont to do, 25-13-11.
The Cavs beat the Raptors 126-113.
And out in L.A., the Lakers, sans Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, beat the Rockets, who were without Kevin Durant, 109-98, as Luke Kennard had a career playoff-high 27 points…LeBron with 19 points and 13 assists.
—Sunday, the Celtics cruised over the Sixers, 123-91…Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combining for 51 points.
And the Thunder blitzed the Suns, 119-84.
–Going back to the Hornets’ 127-126 win over the Heat in a thrilling game that eliminated Miami, yes, LaMelo Ball should have been ejected, or at the very least assessed a flagrant foul, for tripping Heat star Bam Adebayo, with Bam landing hard on his tailbone, playing just 11 minutes as a result.
—Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has been rehabbing from his torn right Achilles tendon, but after the season ended, Tyrese sitting out the entire year, he told reporters that while he’s ready to return from the injury, it’s his bout with shingles…yes, shingles…that he will contend with this offseason. It caused him to gain weight, lose part of his right eyebrow and forced him to wear eyeglasses to avoid scratching his swollen eye.
Now it’s commonly known that after age 50, you should get the Shingles vaccine (two doses…I did this a number of years ago), but Haliburton isn’t 50. He said he’s been “taking unbelievable amounts of medication to try to get rid of it. It hasn’t worked… It’s hard to really tell with nerve pain, but I’ve been dealing now with nerve pain for two months and in the world of nerve pain, that’s not very long. Hopefully, it goes away soon.”
Scary stuff.
College Basketball
–Just a note on the portal….Louisville and coach Pat Kelsey have emerged big winners with No. 1-ranked prospect Flory Bidunga (Kansas big man) and top-five point guard Jackson Shelstad (Oregon).
MLB
–The Angels and Yankees played a special four-game series this week at Yankee Stadium. Not that the baseball was crisp…it was far from that…but Mike Trout put on a show that had never been seen before in Gotham, homering in all four contests, five in all, the last a 446-foot shot that made him the first visiting player in history to homer in four straight days at the Stadium.
The two teams split the series, Yanks winning Games 1 and 3, 11-10, 5-4, while the Angels took Games 2 and 4, 7-1 and 11-4.
What made it even more special was that Aaron Judge hit four home runs in the series himself.
It was a Battle for the Ages between the two, Judge now with eight home runs on the season, Trout with seven.
Judge, ever the classy act, said that Trout was still the greatest in the game, and Trout proved he still has something left. I hope he stays healthy all season and the Angels give him a shot at the playoffs with someone else if they aren’t in the race themselves, though Trout loves it where he is.
This weekend, the Yankees hosted the Royals and won the opener Friday night, 4-2, as Cam Schlittler got a no decision despite throwing six innings, no earned runs.
The Yanks (12-9) then blasted K.C. (7-14) 13-4, Saturday, as Cody Bellinger broke out…two home runs, 5 RBIs.
And today, for the second straight Sunday, their home game was delayed for hours by rain…and when it started, Aaron Judge went yard for No. 9…7-0 as I go to post, bottom of the fifth.
–As for the Mets, Friday at Wrigley Field they lost their ninth straight, 12-4, to the Cubs, as starter Kodai Senga gave up 6 earned in 3 1/3 after yielding 7 in 2 1/3 his previous outing.
But the Metsies got 14 hits…yippee!
New York has now had two 8-games or more losing streaks in its last 42 games, after having one losing streak of at least eight games in the previous 21 years!
Manager Carlos Mendoza can be fired at any moment, as the team has not yet exercised the club option for the 2027 season.
Following a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers in L.A. this week, where the Mets wasted seven strong innings from budding star Nolan McLean, owner Steve Cohen took to X and said he saw some “green shoots” – a term usually used in the business and economic world for the first signs of improvement.
The fans wanted nothing of it.
And the Mets (7-14) made it 10 straight, falling 4-2 on Saturday, as normally reliable reliever Brooks Raley gave up a 3-run pinch-hit homer to Carson Kelly in the sixth.
It’s the longest losing streak since 2004 for the Metsies. Ugh.
And Sunday, more of the same…Mets had a 1-0 lead going to the bottom of the ninth, Devin Williams blew the save, ex-Met Michael Conforto with a pinch-hit RBI double to tie it, the Mets failed to cash in the free runner from second in the tenth, and in an impossible situation, Craig Kimbrel couldn’t keep it 1-1, Cubs win on a sac fly from Nico Hoerner, 2-1.
We have lost 11 straight. It’s really amazing. In nine of those losses, the Mets have scored 2 runs or less.
Owner Steve Cohen better not complain when the attendance sucks, relative to his expectations.
–The Dodgers were 15-4, after defeating the Rockies in Denver Friday night, 7-1, Max Muncy with two home runs.
Muncy has six homers and just 7 RBIs…he’s had a 3-homer game as well.
But Colorado bounced back Saturday with a 4-3 win.
–The Braves (13-7) blew out the Phillies (8-11) in Philadelphia Friday, 9-0, as former Met Dom Smith homered.
The ever-popular Smith, wherever he goes, is batting .362 for Atlanta, 17-for-47, four homers and 16 RBIs.
Atlanta won again Saturday, 3-1, as Chris Sale threw seven strong innings to move to 4-1, 2.79.
–The Tigers signed rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million contract this week, becoming the latest first-year big leaguer to get big money early, a la Konnor Griffin of the Pirates and numerous others.
–As alluded to above, we note the sudden passing of an all-time Angels legend, Garret Anderson, who died of a heart attack on Friday, age 53.
Anderson spent much of his career (1994-2010) with the Angels, a 3-time All-Star who batted .293, 287 home runs, 1365 RBIs, and he led the team to its only World Series title in 2002.
That 2002 season, he was fourth in the AL MVP vote, and then in the World Series, he went 9-for-32 with six RBIs, driving in the final three runs of the Series with a tie-breaking three-run double in the third inning of the Angels’ 4-1 victory over the Giants in Game 7, the Angels having overcome a 3-2 deficit.
Anderson had four consecutive 100+ RBI seasons, 2000-2003.
“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization through his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.
“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”
RIP, Mr. Anderson.
Golf Balls
Following The Masters, we had another Signature Event, the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, SC…which is always a fun tournament to follow Augusta, normally with a strong field since little travel is required, and then the last few years, an elevated purse.
After two rounds….
Matt Fitzpatrick -14
Viktor Hovland -13
Harris English -10
Scottie Scheffler -7.
Rory took the week off after his triumph last Sunday.
But, of course, all the talk is of the rumors that erupted Wednesday that the Saudi Public Investment Fund might be on the verge of pulling its funding for the league.
What did I tell you last Sunday, in this very space, when there was zero talk of this.
In discussing the lousy play of Cam Smith in the majors, where he has failed to make the cut in his last six attempts, I wrote, “What a waste all around, including for the Saudis.
“Speaking of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, what the hell are they thinking, especially after all the losses suffered in the Iran war in terms of commerce. I mean corporations around the world are now rethinking their plans for the region. Saudi Arabia lost a Grand Prix and who knows what will happen with the future LIV and DP World Tour events in the Gulf area as well.
“[Even prior to the war, MBS was slashing his profligate spending on his crazy ‘Future World’ projects.]”
Pretty good, if I may say so myself.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil told staff in an email after all the stories broke that its season will go on “as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.”
“While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before.”
Well, we know Mr. O’Neil is in la-la land with this. But the timing was awful, as LIV was ready to play its sixth tournament of the season starting Thursday at Club de Golf Chapultepec near Mexico City. Its first tournament in the U.S. is scheduled for May 7-10 at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
How good does Brooks Koepka feel these days. He came back to the PGA Tour as part of its new Returning Member Program, which allowed LIV golfers who have been away from the tour for at least two years – and who won the Players Championship or one of the four majors.
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cam Smith were also eligible to return but elected to stay with LIV. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the program as a “one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations.” The window closed Feb. 2.
Tough luck, guys…though I’d like to see DeChambeau back. Patrick Reed was smart in playing his way back via the DP World Tour and he’s eligible to resume his PGA Tour career in the Fall Series.
But think about the case of Michael La Sasso, who won the 2025 NCAA Championship and was eligible for a PGA Tour card as a result, but he chose instead to take the LIV riches. If the league folds, he wouldn’t be able to play on the Korn Ferry Tour until September of 2027.
It is unlikely the PGA Tour will rescind all its rules should LIV fold. There is also a lot of animosity between tour regulars and the LIV defectors…for good reason. Plus, you’d be taking spots away from those on the bubble, like Nos. 100-150.
Back to Mexico City, DeChambeau was heard slamming the course conditions on Friday, while there was a hilarious incident involving the telecast on Thursday.
LIV broadcasters David Feherty and Arlo White commented on the rumors.
“There’s still some writers and broadcasters that take pride in their work, but this generation has spawned a bunch of fast typists that consider themselves to be experts,” Feherty said. “And evidently they’re not.”
White chimed in: “Reports of the imminent demise of the LIV Golf League were, in fact, greatly exaggerated. It must be exhausting trying to will the LIV Golf League out of existence. Take the day off everybody. Enjoy the golf.”
But then 10 minutes later, the telecast went to black on both the Fox Sports app and YouTube and stayed there for more than 100 minutes while playing elevator music!
For now, I do believe LIV Golf will play out its season, mainly for the PIF’s credibility. As Bob Harig wrote for Sports Illustrated: “The PIF has numerous sports interests. It’s not a great signal to the world to so abruptly close down when contracts have been signed with venues, vendors, contractors. If there is to be a closing of shop, best to do it after the season.”
LIV has made some inroads overseas, like in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, but without a lucrative television media rights deal and title sponsorship (a la the FedEx Cup), it’s a virtually impossible undertaking. Most of the sponsorships it does have are tied to the PIF or Saudi Arabia, such as Aramco. It’s transferring money from one pocket to another.
[DeChambeau withdrew before the final round due to a wrist injury…hmmm….]
Back to the golf at Hilton Head….
After 54 holes….
Fitzpatrick -17
Scheffler -14…after a 64.
Should be an interesting Sunday. Fitzpatrick and Scheffler both love the place, Fitzpatrick winning here in 2023, Scheffler 2024.
And with three holes to play (your editor having spent most of his time watching the Mets), Fitzpatrick had a two-shot lead over Scheffler and Si Woo Kim heading to No. 16. Si Woo got his par on the hole, playing in the group ahead.
Fitzpatrick gets par, and then Scheffler birdies it!
Fitzpatrick -19…16
Scheffler -18…16
Goodness gracious.
Both par No. 17…and on the iconic par-4 finishing hole, Fitzpatrick’s drive is in the sand but shouldn’t be a problem getting it on the green and securing a par.
However, he’s off the green…not an easy up and down by any stretch.
And Scheffler badly misses from the fairway and he’s farther away than Fitzpatrick.
By the way, this “USA, USA…” stuff against any European is so f’n stupid. Grow up, you assholes!!! [Ryder Cup it’s allowed, to a certain degree.]
Scheffler’s chip is masterful…he’ll secure a par.
Fitzpatrick has to get down in two. And he hits an awful chip…he rushed it…why? Nearly 23 feet to secure victory!
And he doesn’t come close…we have a playoff! Fitzpatrick’s first bogey in 29 holes.
Again, why did he rush his third?! So out of character….
But back they go to 18 for the playoff, and Fitzpatrick nails his approach shot…12 feet away…how will Scheffler respond? It’s awful, off the green…Fitzpatrick should bag win No. 4, second at the Heritage…
But Scottie hits it close, 8 feet…Fitzpatrick needs to sink his putt…and he does!!!
Good on the lad! He’s having a helluva year!!!
–Going back to The Masters, if you were wondering what the television ratings were, they were great. The final round peaked at 20.049 million, the biggest amount since Adam Scott’s 2013 win.
The average was 13.995 million, per Nielsen, largest in 11 years.
NBC’s Kevin Kisner had to apologize for blasting the CBS coverage. He was right in saying the coverage was frustrating, including long delays between an actual shot and showing it, and they botched the 18th hole, but not a good career move. Let others do the criticizing, Kiz.
Premier League
Saturday, as the season winds down to a precious last few, Tottenham had a devastating draw at home against Brighton, 2-2, as the visitors got a 95th-minute equalizer. Awful. Manchester United edged Chelsea, 1-0.
Sunday, leading up to the big one, Aston Villa beat Sunderland 4-3, and Liverpool defeated Everton 2-1 on the road.
And then it was the Game of the Year…Arsenal at Manchester City.
City took a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute on a brilliant goal by Cherki, but 107 seconds later, Arsenal’s Kai Havertz pounced on goalie Donnarumma’s error to tie it up at 1-1…just like that.
Erling Haaland then scored for City at 65’ and City survived, 2-1, as Havertz barely missed a header by inches in stoppage time. Donnarumma redeemed himself with some big saves down the stretch.
And, suddenly, City is in the driver’s seat…this seemed impossible just two weeks ago. [The loss to Bournemouth at home, April 11, was huge.]
The Table…games played (of 38) – points
1 Arsenal…33 – 70 …37 goal differential
2 Man City…32 – 67 …36
3 Man U…33 – 58
4 Aston Villa…33 – 58
5 Liverpool…33 – 55 …back to five Champions League slots (it’s official)
6 Chelsea 33 – 48
City plays at 19 Burnley on Wednesday and could be in sole possession of first by the end of that one.
17 West Ham…32 – 32
18 Tottenham…33 – 31
West Ham plays Crystal Palace Monday.
Stuff
–The Stanley Cup Playoffs started this weekend, and, sorry, hockey fans, but with not only my Rangers failing to make the postseason (it was over early, for us), but the local Devils and Islanders doing the same, I have zero interest. I’ll watch the Finals, maybe.
—The first round of the NFL Draft is Thursday! Jets and Giants fans really don’t know exactly what is going to happen with our second and fifth selections.
The only certainty is that the Raiders are picking Fernando Mendoza at No. 1.
But then the Giants traded disgruntled 3-time Pro Bowler, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, to the Bengals for the No. 10 pick on Thursday.
—The Wall Street Journal’s Joshua Robinson interviewed Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, the greatest winter Olympian of all time, with 11 Olympic golds in cross-country skiing since 2018, including an unprecedented six at the Milan-Cortina Games in February.
It’s funny how he can walk down a street in Manhattan and he isn’t recognized by anyone. He’s been spending his for years between his native Norway and Park City, Utah.
I just like this one part of the Q&A.
What do you have for breakfast?
Klaebo: Normally, when I’m home, I just make my pancakes – like, healthy [gluten-free] pancakes with oats. I make my own, without eggs, and then you have brown cheese on top of it. It’s pretty good. [His father disagreed and said, in no uncertain Norwegian terms, that they were awful.]
–We note the passing of actress Joy Harmon, best known for a provocative short scene in the classic film “Cool Hand Luke.” She was 87.
Her character didn’t have a line in the Paul Newman prison drama, easily in my top five films of all time, and Harmon was only on the screen for about three minutes, in a car-washing scene rife with sexual innuendo.
In her brief but famous scene, Harmon washes a car and squeezes soap from a sponge on her body, drawing the attention and remarks of prisoners who watch as they dig a ditch.
Although officially credited as The Girl, her character was called “Lucille” by actor George Kennedy, distracted by her car washing.
“I was just washing a car to the best of my ability and having fun with it, with the sponge and everything,” Harmon told Entertainment Weekly in 2017.
“My concept of the [scene] was not like what came out. I was not aware that there were two meanings to things that I was doing, and I’m still not really that much aware of what they all were.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cINFeXqwbDo
—The Kentucky Derby is around the corner, May 2 at Churchill Downs. The Preakness is being held at Laurel Park this year amid renovations at Pimlico. And the Belmont Stakes will again be held at Saratoga, due to the same at Belmont Park.
Top 3 songs for the week 4/20/68: #1 “Honey” (Bobby Goldsboro) #2 “Young Girl” (The Union Gap featuring Gary Puckett) #3 “Cry Like A Baby” (The Box Tops)…and…#4 “Lady Madonna” (The Beatles) #5 “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” (Aretha Franklin) #6 “(Sittin’On) The Dock Of The Bay” (Otis Redding) #7 “The Ballad Of Bonnie And Clyde” (Georgie Fame) #8 “Dance To The Music” (Sly & The Family Stone) #9 “I Got The Feelin’” (James Brown) #10 “Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)” (Manfred Mann…B week…)
2002 Angels Quiz Answer: Starting lineup for the world champions….
C – Bengie Molina
1B – Scott Spiezio
2B – Adam Kennedy
SS – David Eckstein
3B – Troy Glaus (30 HR, 111 RBI)
LF – Garret Anderson (29-123)
CF – Darin Erstad
RF – Tim Salmon
DH – Brad Fulmer
The three main starters in the rotation during the regular season were Ramon Ortiz, Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Appier, and then John Lackey came up big in the postseason.
The closer was Troy Percival.
And the manager was Mike Scioscia.
Brief Add-on up top by noon, Tues.
