LA Angels defeat Boston Red Sox 7-2. Looking to avoid going winless against the Boston Red Sox for the first time in their history, Alberto Callaspo’s RBI double and Hideki Matsui’s three-run homer in the sixth inning off of Josh Beckett (L, 3-3) gave the Angels the 4-1 advantage. It help to left Angel starter Ervin Santana (W, 13-8) whose only mistake was a hanging changeup left over the middle of the plate to David Ortiz that landed deep in right field. Santana ended up going seven innings being charged with another run in the eighth inning after leaving the game with the bases loaded an no one out. And instead of collapsing like they did in Wednesday night’s game, the Angels actually scored three more off of Beckett and reliever Manny Delcarmen in the seventh inning. The 1-9 record the Angels had against the Red Sox this season ties for the worst in franchise history with the 1999 team. more ›

The LA Times is reporting that veteran sportswriter Mike Penner, 52, was found dead in his Los Angeles home. Suicide was the suspected cause of death. more ›

The Pasadena Star-News is looking for you. Or if there are problems to rant about in general throughout the SGV, then the San Gabriel Valley Tribune might be where you go. Or hey, same goes for Whittier and the Whittier Daily News. "It's a new year and we are on the lookout for letters to the editor. If you have a person that wants to write one, or is expressing an opinion on an article or photo, direct them to write a letter to editor..." That's Mickie of Mickie's Zoo talking. She's a professional belly dancer (swords are her specialty), a singer in a rock band and a full-time journalist. She also has been crowned the Queen of the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade that will take place on January 20th. more ›

Veteran LA Times sports writer Mike Penner today explained why he will be away for the next couple of weeks. Here's how it starts:

During my 23 years with The Times' sports department, I have held a wide variety of roles and titles. Tennis writer. Angels beat reporter. Olympics writer. Essayist. Sports media critic. NFL columnist. Recent keeper of the Morning Briefing flame. more ›