Opinion Pieces on Sports: Highlights, Lowlights, and Controversies from 'Around the Horn'
ESPN's "Around the Horn," a staple of sports commentary for the past 23 years, will be coming to an end. The show, which featured sportswriters from across the nation sharing their opinions, became a novelty for its authenticity. Bill Plaschke, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, was among the regular panelists. Taurasi, a local WNBA legend, expressed her appreciation for Plaschke's insights about the city.
Wayne Muramatsu, a critic from Cerritos, expressed a mixed view about Plaschke's tenure on the show. Muramatsu felt the format, while innovative, led to a smug and smarmy host and sportswriters seeking attention. James L. Pearle from Corona del Mar, however, defended Plaschke, claiming that his winning percentage on the show, at 24.3%, was not far from what one would expect given four panelists per episode. Even Woody Paige, a renowned panelist, had a lower win rate.
In a separate matter, Chris Taylor, a once prominent player for the Dodgers, found a new home with the Angels just two days after being released from the former team. Bob Kargenian from Yorba Linda noted this as evidence of the discrepancy between the two Los Angeles baseball teams.
Bill Shaikin, a sports columnist, praised the teamwork of Angels announcers Wayne Randazzo and Mark Gubicza. As a long-time Angels fan, Shaikin appreciated their professionalism and insight into the struggling team. Randazzo, in particular, was singled out for his wit and subtle truth-telling.
Tanner Scott, a high-profile pitcher for the Dodgers, has struggled this season, blowing a third of his save opportunities. Some fans have wonder aloud where the legendary Eric Gagne might be during these difficult times.
Steve Ross from Carmel expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Alexis Díaz, a former All-Star, to the Dodgers' depleted pitching staff. The news was particularly exciting considering Díaz had started the season on the injuries list.
The departure of pitcher Jack Flaherty from the Dodgers to Detroit in free agency has sparked speculation. Rhys Thomas from Valley Glen believes Flaherty chose to avoid the Injury List (IL) associated with the Dodgers, which might explain his decision to leave for Detroit.
The new wave of name, image, and likeness money is causing high school sports to shift priorities, according to Eric Sondheimer's column in the L.A. Times. Some critics, like Patrick Frank from Venice, argue that the Times should curb its coverage of sports at this vulnerable level to resist this trend.
In basketball, several players who once played for the Lakers have had notable success with other teams. Next season, there may be discussions about Austin Reaves, who could potentially play in the playoffs for another team, as the Lakers might have traded him to accommodate an aging star.
The defending champion L.A. Galaxy have recently embarked on a 16-game winless streak to start the MLS season. Some might assume that Bill Plaschke, who often predicts champion teams, would have picked them to repeat as champions.
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- Bill Plaschke, a regular panelist on ESPN's "Around the Horn," which is coming to an end after 23 years, is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
- Taurasi, a local WNBA legend, expressed her appreciation for Plaschke's insights about the city.
- Chris Taylor, a once prominent player for the Dodgers, found a new home with the Angels just two days after being released from the former team.
- Bill Shaikin, a sports columnist, praised the teamwork of Angels announcers Wayne Randazzo and Mark Gubicza.
- Tanner Scott, a high-profile pitcher for the Dodgers, has struggled this season, blowing a third of his save opportunities.
- The departure of pitcher Jack Flaherty from the Dodgers to Detroit in free agency has sparked speculation.
- In basketball, several players who once played for the Lakers have had notable success with other teams, and there may be discussions about Austin Reaves, who could potentially play in the playoffs for another team next season.
