SB Nation Los Angeles: All Posts by Peter Berkeshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2013-01-04T11:56:11-08:00https://losangeles.sbnation.com/authors/peter-berkes/rss2013-01-04T11:56:11-08:002013-01-04T11:56:11-08:00Dodgers sign former Angels prospect Jeremy Moore
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nLruW6KE2Gq91uhY11eXQ0FEuOg=/20x0:978x639/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6058605/124010262.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 25 year old outfielder missed all of 2012 after having hip surgery, but could be an interesting depth option in the outfield if he's healthy.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> have signed former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> prospect <span>Jeremy Moore</span> <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2013/01/minor-league-transactions-dec-22-31/" target="_blank">to a minor league contract</a>. Moore was rated as the 11th-best prospect in the Angels system in 2011, but missed the entire 2012 season after having surgery on his hip.</p>
<p>The 25-year-old outfielder appeared in eight games with the Angels in 2011, where he went 1-for-8 and scored three runs. In 113 games with AAA Salt Lake City, he hit .298 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs. Moore has shown moderate power throughout his minor league career, and also has the ability to steal bases. He could be in the mix for the Dodgers as a depth option this upcoming season if he's fully recovered from missing a full season last year.</p>
<p>The Dodgers also signed LHP <span>Fabio Castro</span>, LHP Wilmin Rodriguez, 2B <span>Rusty Ryal</span>, 3B <span>Omar Luna</span>, and OF <span>Scott Van Slyke</span> to minor league deals.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-dodgers/2013/1/4/3836362/dodgers-angels-jeremy-moore-signingPeter Berkes2012-11-13T08:45:51-08:002012-11-13T08:45:51-08:00UCLA drops 1 spot in Coaches Poll despite winning
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W55PQJkcwPFtR20uN9aVwWJufd8=/0x285:3013x2294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3193435/155962715.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The UCLA Bruins dropped from 13th to 14th in the latest edition of the coaches poll, despite winning their only game so far this season.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/ucla-bruins" class="sbn-auto-link">UCLA Bruins</a> dropped from 13th to 14th in <a target="_blank" href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/polls?poll=3&date=2012-11-12">the newest ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll</a>, despite winning their only game of the year, 86-59 over Indiana State on Friday. The Creighton Blue Jays jumped from 15th to 13th in the poll after beating North Texas 71-51 on Friday, but only lead the Bruins by nine poll points (360 to 351).</p>
<p>The move down is strange, but ultimately means very little. It's extremely early in the season, and the Bruins still have plenty of chances to rack up good wins for their tournament resume. UCLA plays at Georgetown, vs. San Diego State, at Texas, and vs. Missouri before they enter Pac-12 conference play on Jan. 3rd.</p>
<p>Despite being much maligned over the past few seasons, the Pac-12 begins the 2012-2013 season with two teams ranked in the Top 25, with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/arizona-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> at 12 and UCLA at 14. It remains to be seen whether they'll live up to preseason expectations.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/ucla-bruins/2012/11/13/3640494/college-basketball-rankings-espn-usa-today-coaches-poll-top-25-uclaPeter Berkes2012-11-13T07:42:08-08:002012-11-13T07:42:08-08:00Mike Trout on ROY, MVP, and maybe moving to LF
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d4tOH8jbq9KHJTuXBWr-LxbnaKo=/0x147:4000x2814/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3186645/153286097.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Angels CF Mike Trout discussed winning the AL Rookie of the Year, the MVP race, and a potential position switch during a conference call on Monday.</p> <p><a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Angels</a> outfielder <span>Mike Trout</span> spoke with the media during a conference call on Monday to discuss his amazing rookie season, his chances for post season awards, and a potential for a position change in the future. Trout was <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/11/12/3637150/mike-trout-al-rookie-year-voting-results-yoenis-cespedes-yu-darvish">awarded the AL Rookie of the Year award</a> on Monday in a unanimous vote, and may win the Most Valuable Player award over <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> of the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a>, who won the Triple Crown.</p>
<p>On what winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP what mean to him:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">"It would just top it off. Coming into the year and coming into every year, my goal is to be the best player and to make the most impact as a player on the field. At the end of the year, just to be in the talk for MVP with these great guys like (Miguel) Cabrera, who hit for the triple crown, is an incredible feeling."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Trout hit .326 with a .399 on-base percentage, 30 home runs and 83 RBIs in 2012. He also stole 49 bases.</p>
<p>Trout was heralded for his defense, although he may move from center field to left field at some point in the future. His thoughts on that:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">"I definitely like playing center field better, but if it will help the team win, I will play wherever (Mike) Scioscia puts me. Just being out there is all that matters."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Despite the amazing start to his career, Trout still thinks that there are things he could improve on:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">"There’s definitely things to improve on and get better at each and every day. Coming in to spring, I want to try and stay healthy. The last couple of springs, it has been a slow start. The main thing is defensively, with arm accuracy. I’m going to work really hard in the spring to get that as high as it can be."</span></p>
</blockquote>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-angels/2012/11/13/3640086/mike-trout-rookie-of-the-year-mvp-left-fieldPeter Berkes2012-11-13T06:36:44-08:002012-11-13T06:36:44-08:00Steve Blake out Tuesday with abdominal strain
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GM7qtb5M74XWwELVEEX5askCSwA=/0x140:2667x1918/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3184825/20121107_ajl_ai4_090.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lakers point guard Steve Blake will miss Tuesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs with an abdominal strain. He may be able to return for Friday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.</p> <p><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> guard <span>Steve Blake</span> was diagnosed with an abdominal strain on Monday, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/121112steve-blake-injury-update">has been ruled out of Tuesday night's game</a> against the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Antonio Spurs</a>. Blake appeared to suffer the injury during the Lakers' 103-90 win over the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a> on Sunday. After Tuesday, Blake is considered day-to-day, and may be back for the Lakers' next game on Friday against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>.</p>
<p>Blake, in his 10th season out of Maryland, is averaging 5.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game through seven games this year.</p>
<p>The injury is more bad news for the Lakers, as they're already thin situation at point guard. <span>Steve Nash</span> has missed the past five games with a leg injury, and is expected to miss at least another week. This leaves <span>Chris Duhon</span> and <span>Darius Morris</span> as the only healthy point guards left on the roster for the beginning of Mike D'Antoni's tenure with the team. D'Antoni's system relies heavily on the point, so Blake's injury has come at basically the worst possible time.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-lakers/2012/11/13/3639902/steve-blake-injury-lakers-abdominal-strain-outPeter Berkes2012-09-20T21:56:06-07:002012-09-20T21:56:06-07:00Angels Vs. Rangers Game Recap: Beltre HR Pushes Texas Past Halos
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><span>Adrian Beltre's</span> two-run home run was the difference in what was otherwise a classic pitcher's duel, with the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a> picking up a 3-1 win over the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Angels</a>. <span>Zack Greinke</span> and <span>Yu Darvish</span> were masterful, each throwing eight innings and giving up one run. Greinke surrendered five hits and struck out eight, and Darvish matched him with four hits and a walk while striking out nine. Darvish earned the win, while <span>Ernesto Frieri</span> got saddled with the loss. <span>Joe Nathan</span> earned the save.</p>
<p><span>Geovany Soto</span> hit a sacrifice fly to score Nelson Cruz in the 5th inning to put the Rangers on top, but the Angels answered in the 6th when <span>Peter Bourjos</span> scored on a fielder's choice by <span>Torii Hunter</span>. Beltre has been suffering from a gastrointestinal problem, but it didn't appear to affect him when he smashed a Frieri pitch into the left field seats.</p>
<p>The loss is a huge blow to the Angels' playoff hopes. The Angels now sit 4.5 games behind the <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a> and <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletics</a> for the Wildcard, and begin a three game series against the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a> on Friday.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on Angels baseball, be sure to read <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #1e3385; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.halosheaven.com/">Halos Heaven</a>. You can also check out everything we have to offer at <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #1e3385; font-weight: bold;" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
<p><a title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation"><img style="margin-left: -15px;" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png"></a></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-angels/2012/9/20/3366828/angels-vs-rangers-final-score-recapPeter Berkes2012-09-20T20:33:44-07:002012-09-20T20:33:44-07:00Dodgers Vs. Reds: Aaron Harang Likely To Start Sunday On 3 Days Rest
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> manager Don Mattingly <a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120920&content_id=38745448&notebook_id=38745684&vkey=notebook_la&c_id=la">announced on Thursday</a> that <span>Aaron Harang</span> will likely start against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Reds</a> on Sunday on three days rest. The rotation is being shuffled in order to keep <span>Josh Beckett</span> on a regular schedule. Harang pitched on Wednesday, going 4⅓ innings while giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks.</p>
<p>Mattingly's other option to pitch on Sunday is <span>John Ely</span>, who has made only two big-league appearances this year, both of which came in relief. <span>Joe Blanton</span> will start on Friday, and rookie <span>Stephen Fife</span> will take the ball on Saturday.</p>
<p>The Dodgers are currently three games behind the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a> for the final Wild Card spot with 12 games remaining. The Reds have already clinched a playoff berth, but their magic number to clinch the NL Central is only two.</p>
<p><b id="internal-source-marker_0.01353675709106028" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more on Dodgers baseball, be sure to read </span><a href="http://www.truebluela.com/"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">True Blue LA</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. You can also check out everything we have to offer at </span><a href="http://baseball.sbnation.com/"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baseball Nation</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></i></b></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-dodgers/2012/9/20/3366654/dodgers-reds-aaron-harang-three-days-restPeter Berkes