By Jay Kitchen

The burning August heat has been somewhat kept at bay so far, a relief for some of the teams that come from states that don’t have the heat that this area is so used to. A break from summer madness will

eventually bend a little as the week moves on and the heat returns.

Southern California is once again at the head of the class as Ocean View Little League heads the pack as Southern California State Champions and favorites to win their division.

No surprise there. Ocean View is just one of a long line of quality teams from the south part of California, and as it usually goes, they continue to have success at the regional.

The team from Huntington Beach is now 2-0, and in a big way. They beat a quality Hawaii team over the weekend and now top the Western Division. Napa Valley, from Northern California, Washington City from Utah, Walpahu from Hawaii, North Scottsdale from Arizona and Las Vegas from Nevada all trail the So Cal team managed by Tod Minato. Behind the pitching of So Cal’s Steve Gingery and his contribution with the bat as well, So Cal looks like they have a slot already in the next round.

Over in the Northwest Division, Oregon and Washington have jumped out to the lead.

Murrrayhill Little League, winners of the Oregon title again, beat Idaho team North Boise Little League in their opener. Oregon Manager James F. Chochrek has the team back again in So Cal, hoping this time to break through, and they may do it. While the divisions are divided by two geographic boundaries, it seems that the West Region may have some of the more power teams, meaning that Murrrayhill may have their chances enhanced with the power lying elsewhere and a good chance to move on with their strong start. Little League teams from Wyoming and Boise, Idaho are also standards for the tournament. Both teams are 1-1 after the weekend games and still remain in the mix.

Sportsmanship is the name of the game at the regionals. Before each game is played, the parents and players take oaths that assure good sportsmanship is first. There is even an oath to secure a quiet day for the umpires before each game. You hardly hear any boos or comments from the crowd, something not common at many youth sporting events today.

Games will continue to be played all through the week, climaxing with the two group championship games over the weekend, both to be on ESPN.

All games are free to attend. The complex has the feel of a family picnic, but beware when the finals are played, especially if a Southern California team makes the final; be prepared to see a large crowd with parking at a minimum near the complex, which has been updated with a quality practice field and new stadium scoreboard.

“We have been here now eight years in a row,” said Seth Smith and his wife, both prepared for the sun’s glare with their large umbrellas as they watched a game.

“It’s great. We love watching the kids.”

While things may be all Happy Days at the Western Regional, things are not going as planned for Dodgers and Angels.

Both considered being contenders for a World Series run at the beginning of the season, now both are just hoping to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

A bitter divorce and the lack of Mannywood are just two of the problems that the Blue Crew have had this year. The ownership of the team remains in the air. Ironically the Dodgers have been one of the most solid teams as far as leadership and solidity.

Seven games behind their rival San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers are not even eligible for a wild card spot if the season were to end today. This big market team is not used to this situation.

Joe Torre has yet to produce a World Series, exactly what ownership brought him for. While teams like Philadelphia and St. Louis have brought in quality the past few years, LA has stuck with the moderate budget they have always had, come free agent time.

There are some bright spots, however: James Loney, who recently had a game-winning hit in the 10th inning against Washington, and Matt Kemp may be the cornerstone for the future. Loney at first base had flirted near the .300 mark and has been solid at first base. Matt Kemp has also been solid, playing well in the outfield and contributing at the plate as well.

But the pitching, the normal strong point for the Dodgers, has let them down. The Dodgers have gotten some quality from starter Chad Billingsley, but the rest of the pitching corps has been average. The loss of Russell Martin has also been a big loss for the team.

The Angels have not had much luck so far either.

A loss not too long ago to perhaps the worst team in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles, 5-4, only shows how far the team has slipped when they need a win.

After years of falling short, the Texas Rangers have become one of the better teams in Major League Baseball. They have dominated the American League West, also home of the Angels. In all honesty, only the Angels and Rangers have quality in the division, making them the favorites to win it.

There was a time when the Angels and manager Mike Scioscia would face up against Boston and New York and contend for the American League spot in the World Series. Recently the Oakland A’s slid by them for second place in the division, bringing the team even a bigger reality check.

In their last series against the Rangers, Pedro Guerrero ex-Angel, popped a home run against them at Anaheim and there were even some cheers from the Angel fans who remembered his heroics during his time in Southern California

Outfielder Tori Hunter has had some injuries, and other setbacks have hurt the team, including a season- ending injury after a player was mopped at home plate after hitting a game winning hit.

Pitcher Kasmiz has a 8-9 record and would have a better record with help from a more potent offense. Maicer Izturis, Bobby Abreu and Mike Napoli have all added to the attack but the Angels have to go on a roll to just make the playoffs. There are at least three teams ahead of them in the American League chase for the wild card spot.

Baseball in Southern California will end this weekend for the youth, and unfortunately for the Dodgers and Angels, in might conclude in September.