Hey, something sounds different
I must say that between the insanity in Washington and the disastrous Lakers season combined with Buss family drama, opening day in baseball cannot arrive quickly enough. A sense of normalcy finally restored. Watching a game, with the soothing sounds of Vin Scully, regaling me with a story of how the bat boy’s grandmother’s aunt was a famous ... Oh, wait ... Marcelo Barreiro
Manhattan Beach
While Vin Scully retired in October, the pain of him being gone really hasn’t sunk in yet. Monday, that all changes. For the first time since the Dodgers moved out here, and for the first time in the lives of most fans, a home opener will be played without the soothing voice of someone we all consider to be a family member. That is when it will sink in that we will have to fall asleep to the voice of Joe Davis, not Vin.
Add in the fact that six days later Bob Miller also hangs it up and Sunday the area will say goodbye to 111 years of unparalleled broadcast excellence by two of the all-time greatest, making it even more painful. Erik Schuman
Fountain Valley
You can bet that the “open back door “that the Zalins annually walk out to Dodger Stadium before the season starts will be locked from now on, thanks to Bill Plaschke’s March 31 article. Either that or there will be a ticket vendor charging $10 a head. However, I see a great opportunity for a Subway commercial. Mike Anderson
Sherman Oaks
Fixing the Lakers
The best thing Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson can do is study the template for success that the Celtics, their hated rivals, have put in place. It was not too long ago that both these top NBA franchises were down and out, but the Celtics have climbed back. They are a deep team led by a 5-9 point guard who was not their draft pick, while the Lakers have several first-round picks who will never achieve what Isaiah Thomas has done thus far. Philip S. Hart
Los Feliz
Truthfully, the Lakers are doing a great job playing just well enough to lose. They’re playing draft-pick ball. Congrats to Luke and Jeanie for forward thinking. Patrick Kelley Los Angeles
Just sin, baby
The good news: The Raiders will be much closer to their devoted Southland fan base. The bad news: The parole board will not allow them to cross the California state line to watch the games in Nevada. David Hawkins
Anaheim Hills
Almost 60 years ago, the Dodgers’ move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles was by far the greatest team relocation of all time. The Raiders’ move to Las Vegas is now No. 2. Not only is this the smartest move anyone named Davis has ever made, it’s the smartest move the NFL has ever made. Geno Apicella
Placentia
End of the line
UCLA’s disappointing game against Kentucky is not so hard to analyze.
Kentucky freshman De’Aaron Fox was thinking about Xs and O’s in his approach to the game.
UCLA freshman Lonzo Ball was thinking “BBB” and $’s.
After the UCLA loss. Ball’s focus was on his announcement that he was leaving the program to turn pro. After Kentucky’s loss to North Carolina, Fox focused on the pain and agony of losing.
Thanks, LaVar, you coached Lonzo well. Ian Bardin
Redondo Beach
Coach Alford finished third in the Pac-12; went 1-1 in the league tournament; went 2-1 in the NCAA (beating Kent State and Cincinnati; was bequeathed Lonzo by LaVar Ball. Coach Alford has gone 0-4 in the Sweet 16.
This is the resume of a good coach. The great coaches are at Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas. Does UCLA want their basketball to be good or great? Allen J. Schanhaar
Gardena
Now that Lonzo Ball’s glorious UCLA career is over, it’s time to recognize his incredible contributions to Bruins lore. Pauley Pavilion will no doubt raise a banner in honor of the thirdplace finish in the Pac-12; second-round defeat in the Pac-12 tournament; and embarrassing loss to Kentucky in the Sweet 16! We should be truly grateful for having the opportunity to witness the greatest player in the history of collegiate athletics! Mark S. Roth
Los Angeles
Got to admit I am proud of The Times for your guts, but nervous for The Times at the same time. Not picking LaMelo Ball to this year’s high school basketball all-star team will likely raise the scorn of LaVar. He might be calling out Eric Sondheimer to a one-onone game soon, so get your game in order quick, Eric. Kevin Flynn
Simi Valley
What’s Heels’ deal?
More than 20 years of giving athletes credit for fake classes to keep them eligible: Once again, can someone explain how North Carolina is eligible for the NCAA tournament? Rob Osborne
Manhattan Beach
Let them eat hay
So what’s up with The Times no longer publishing the horse race results? I say neigh to that decision! Paul Burns
Granada Hills
The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used. Mail: Sports Viewpoint Los Angeles Times 202 W. 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Fax: (213) 237-4322 Email: sports@latimes.com