Morning Jolt: April 13, 2011

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 13, 2011

Wednesday, April 13

Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.

The Lakers can hope Steve Blake, out one or two weeks, is the only player on their roster to get chickenpox. Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant never had chickenpox and it isn't clear whether they have had vaccines for the illnesses, but Bynum was the only one who confirmed that fact to reporters. Artest said he had the illness when he "was a baby," and Bryant smiled while dropping an expletive when asked if he's already had chickenpox. To stave off all the absents, the Lakers added Trey Johnson and Derrick Caracter from the Bakersfield Jam. Either way all the unforseen adversities adds further anxiety to a team that technically ended its five-game losing streak, but exhibited the same horrific play. (Los Angeles Times)Comment

Pats ready to reach for Locker

At some point, the Patriots will have to move on from the Tom Brady Era in New England. Jake Locker-to-the-Patriots is gaining steam. The best quarterback prospect in the country in 2009, who went back to school in 2010 and cost himself, oh, $35 million or so, is reportedly in Foxboro this week to visit with the Patriots. ESPN first reported, and we've confirmed, that the former Washington Husky is in Foxboro this week showcasing his abilities for the Patriots as they contemplate the A.B. Era (After Brady). ... [At least one mock draft] currently has Locker going to the Patriots with the 28th overall pick. That could be high given the Patriots' other pressing needs. But Locker is an interesting case. (NECN.com)Comment

Morales takes big, running steps toward return

The AL West took an interesting turn due to injury news Tuesday. While the Texas Rangers lost their best hitter, Josh Hamilton, to an arm fracture that will sideline the slugger for six to eight weeks, the Angels got some encouraging news about their best hitter Tuesday. Kendrys Morales, out since last May because of a broken left ankle, ran on a field, wearing spikes, for the first time since early March. Though he didn't run at full speed, it was a significant step for the slugger who hit .306 with 34 homers and 108 runs batted in in 2009 but played only 51 games in 2010. "It was baby steps," Manager Mike Scioscia said. ... "Hopefully, as the week goes on, the intensity will pick up. When he's running full speed and can get on the bases, he'll be ready to go out and play." (Los Angeles Times)Comment

Must-See Photo

Seattle's Ryan Langerhans is tagged out at home by Toronto catcher J.P. Arencibia while trying to score on a fly ball. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Must-See Video

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus' historic 1986 victory at the Masters. In this video, the Golden Bear birdies the 17th hole to take the lead in the final round.

Game To Watch

Celtics at Knicks, 8 p.m., ET

SI Vault: More Hank Aaron

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