Mark Saxon
Mark Saxon is a staff writer for ESPNLosAngeles.com. He spent six years at the Orange County Register, and began his career at the Oakland Tribune, where he started an 11-year journey covering Major League Baseball. He has also covered colleges, including USC football and UCLA basketball.
Dodgers make climb, but more awaits
The Dodgers' turnaround continued, but now a playoff run is on the agenda.
Ramirez has felt at home in L.A.
Former batting champion Ramirez seems to have regained his stroke in 2013.
Ex-Red Sox enjoying better fortune
Ex-Sox Gonzalez, Crawford and Punto are appreciating their time in L.A.
Time to ease on Puig expectations
Yasiel Puig's amazing start with the Dodgers has been fun, but sustainability is the key.
Don Mattingly fine for speaking mind
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly shouldn't be criticized for speaking his mind about his players.
What is Clayton Kershaw worth, now?
In determining what Clayton Kershaw is worth to the Los Angeles Dodgers, how does the team ownership put a price on memories like Monday's?
Dodgers, Giants on collision course
Built around different models, the Dodgers and Giants are on a collision course in 2013.
Matt Kemp's leadership is key to the Dodgers' season.
Yasiel Puig still has a lot to prove, but he's been impressive in spring.
Kenley Jansen works on harnessing potential after heart scare
Adrian Gonzalez helps L.A. reconnect
Adrian Gonzalez helps Dodgers reconnect with fans
Lane Kiffin ready for new season
Lane Kiffin reflects on turbulent season as spring practice opens.
Sarah Baxter of Simi Valley, Calif., takes the running world by storm.
Caltech win is one for the record book
Caltech's victory in baseball is definitely one for the record book.
Dodgers to preach plate patience
Don Mattingly and Mark McGwire aim to instill team-centric approach with Dodgers' superstar hitters.
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Dodgers full of promise for '13
The Dodgers are full of promise in 2013.
Angels owner Arte Moreno moves to counter the Dodgers' big offseason gains.
Kiffin has Haden's patience for now
Lane Kiffin has Pat Haden's patience for now, but next season will be a different story.
Little controversies are adding up for Lane Kiffin.
What's up Lane Kiffin's sleeve?
What does USC coach Lane Kiffin have up his sleeve on offense?
Quick fixes failed for SoCal teams
Quick-fix approach didn't work for the Dodgers or Angels this season.
Ned Colletti proves himself again
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The Angels show commitment to winning now by getting Zack Greinke.
Ernesto Frieri is magic on the mound
Ernesto Frieri's deceptive delivery confounds the AL's best hitters.
Angels' resilience starting to show
After losing Jered Weaver, the Halos didn't give up and beat the Yankees.
Albert Pujols era officially begins
On his 111th attempt, Albert Pujols got his first home run as an Angel.
Jered Weaver's no-hitter is familiar
Jered Weaver's no-hitter against the Twins has a definite familiar feel.
Angels wait for this funk to end
Albert Pujols is still homerless and all Angels can do is wait out their funk.
Angels have reason for concern
The slow-starting Angels have reason to be concerned.
Angels have plenty of admirers
Albert Pujols could push the Angels to a title, but don't forget the Rangers.
Angels hope veterans can steady 'pen
Angels hope two savvy veterans can steady a shaky 'pen.
Angels rise with homegrown rotation
Homegrown pitchers make the Angels' rotation tops in the AL.
Torii Hunter's best (last?) title shot
Torii Hunter's best shot at a title might be his last shot with the Angels.
Albert Pujols to forge Angels' identity
The Albert Pujols decade in SoCal has begun, so everyone get used to it.
Matt Barkley could be the greatest
If he isn't already the greatest USC QB, Matt Barkley may just make it happen.
Weighing risk, reward with Albert Pujols
Angels live in the moment getting Albert Pujols, but at what cost?
After a season of proving itself, USC made one final, definitive statement.
Lane Kiffin and USC have arrived
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Matt Barkley is touching up a legacy
Matt Barkley won't have the huge bowl game wins, but a stellar career nonetheless.
USC's rise quicker than expected
Buried under sanctions, no one thought the Trojans would recover this early.
Nick Perry has plenty to consider
USC's Nick Perry will soon have to decide about returning for his senior year.
Angels free-agency primer: Here's how the Halos can help themselves.
Kiffin's Trojans still lack landmark win
Despite the going toe-to-toe with the No.4 team in the country, USC fell short.
A young USC team looking for an identity found a rare moment to gloat.
The Angels should break the glass ceiling and hire Kim Ng as their GM.
USC-Notre Dame has lost some shine
The USC- Notre Dame rivalry is still great, but in 2011 both schools are on the rebound.
Serra HS trio thinking big at USC
Serra High School trio already paying off in big ways for the USC Trojans.
Angels' success difficult to classify
The 2011 Angels had their moments, but it's hard to classify success.
Angels can't shake latest funk
Angels discover things happen when you're not playing at the level you should.
USC preparing for worst from ASU
USC is doing all it can to prepare for the shenanigans expected from ASU.
Mike Scioscia's effort on the bench this season has to be one of his best.
Angels' youngsters see glare of race
As the pressure builds, the Angels' youngsters prepare for the stretch drive.
Angels pitchers in survival of fittest
In heat of the pennant race, Mike Scioscia will rely heavily on big three.
Opponents averaged 400 yards vs. USC last year, but Monte Kiffin has answers.
Angels leave Texas with little fear
The Angels lost two of three in Texas but leave town without feeling any fear.
Angels gamble with pitchers' rest
The Angels take a chance by switching to a three-day rotation.
Blend of young, old powers Angels
A blend of young and old has kept the Angels in the pennant race.
Angels still believe, but is it enough?
A dramatic win has the Angels still believing, but is it really enough?
With the season slipping away, it's time for Conger and Trout to come back.
Trumbo's uncanny power wows Angels
Angels' Mark Trumbo has the power to be rookie of the year.
Jered Weaver's season for the ages
Weaver's season fits with past great Halos -- who weren't always angels.
Matt Barkley has some career options
Matt Barkley, about to embark on another season under sanctions, has options.
Suddenly, Angels in pennant race
Suddenly, the Angels go from hopeless to hopeful and are in a pennant race.
One exciting win shouldn't turn the Angels into buyers in this season.
All the work the Angels did in the first half has suddenly disappeared.
The Angels are in contention again, but don't expect any major player moves.
Middle ground key for Mike Trout
Angels phenom Mike Trout faces expectations as high as the Matterhorn.
Angels have moved on from Morales
Finally over the shock of losing Kendrys Morales, the Halos have reasons to believe.
After 82 roller-coaster games, how the Angels will end up is a mystery.
Angels aren't likely to find trade magic
Angels aren't likely to find trade magic this season with a closed wallet.
Calls for Hatcher's firing misguided
The Angels' hitting problems go deeper than blaming Mickey Hatcher.
Mike Trout waits for his moment
Angels standout prospect Mike Trout wows 'em in the wings.
The Angels may have found a replacement for Kendrys Morales.
The Angels could be fighting a long battle for the top of their division.
Jered Weaver's lapse in poise costly
The Angels' ace lets a ball call by home-plate umpire affect his outing.
These Angels taking baby steps
Influx of young talent from the farm system has the Angels skewing young.
Angels' dynamic duo an unlikely pair
Dan Haren and Jered Weaver's unlikely chemistry is unquestioned.
Jordan Walden rolls in closer's role
Angels closer Jordan Walden rolls despite a quick transition.
Are Angels overusing their aces?
Are the Angels using Jered Weaver and Dan Haren too much, too soon?
Angels should be worth watching
At the very least, the 2011 Angels should be more entertaining to watch.
Angels' bullpen keeps it interesting
If anything, the Angels' bullpen figures to keep things interesting this season.
Angels add youth to veterans, then stir
The cohesion of the Angels' youth and veterans are key to their season.
Expectations rising for Lane Kiffin
While expectations are higher, Lane Kiffin anticipates challenges in his second year.
Angels' psychologist focuses on attitude
Angels' team psychologist focuses on strengths to iron out struggles.
Female pitchers make it a special day
All-girl high school baseball pitching matchup gives moment some meaning.
Vernon Wells sees chance to win
Vernon Wells sees a special chance to win with the Angels.
Angels don't put too much stock in stats
Angels rely more on human eyes than hard drives in player evaluations.
Angels bank on durable Dan Haren
Angels bank on Dan Haren's longevity as they build around pitching.
Aging Angels need youth to step up
Aging Angels need prospects Conger, Trumbo to pan out this spring.
USC Trojans put focus on L.A. talent
The Trojans are focusing on L.A. recruits to help rebuild their program.
Lost in all the free-agent bashing is that the Angels might have a decent team.
USC saves a little face by beating UCLA in its worst season in 10 years.
Lane Kiffin finding the fast lane bumpy
Lane Kiffin lowers the shoulder into each challenge. But will he triumph?
Once again, USC can't find a way to finish as it loses to Notre Dame.
Pat Haden puts it all on the line for USC
Pat Haden has staked his own irrefutable reputation as AD at USC.
Dealing season begins for Angels
Angels have set their sights high this free-agency season.
To date, USC has just missed each goal
USC has missed each goal so far, but 10-3 would be a "phenomenal season."
Trojans rebuilding brick by brick
USC's wild win on Saturday shows a team still taking baby steps.
Trojans in danger of losing control
USC's response after losing to Oregon will be a test of character.
USC-Oregon a game of role reversal
The Trojans are loose -- their lips, too -- in preparing for Oregon.
SC's D finds stride in rout of Bears
Trojans inspired by team meeting called by cornerback Shareece Wright.
The Trojans' second heartbreaking loss in a row risks hurting the USC image.
11 questions for the Angels in '11
11 for '11: Big questions facing the Angels for next season.
Offseason meets Angels with frustration and missed expectations.
Jake Locker wins battle ... this time
Matt Barkley fell short against Jake Locker, but they may meet again.
Matt Barkley grows into his position
Matt Barkley is as comfortable behind center as he is with his beliefs.
Angels have pricey aspirations
Will the Angels have the cash to back up offseason aspirations?
Troubled by a tough start, USC is starting to turn things around.
Give USC's muscle up front credit for win over Minnesota.
USC Trojans try to stay grounded
The Trojans want to establish a power running game to keep the defense rested.
Reggie Bush's gesture doesn't help USC
Despite Bush's gesture, finality on this chapter remains out of reach for USC.
The Trojans' schedule is soft before it gets hard. Really hard.
Matt Barkley powers USC to win
Matt Barkley's first game of 2010 shows exactly how good he has become.
NCAA didn't take away USC's swagger
NCAA sanctions stripped a lot, but didn't strip the Trojans' swagger
Angels experimenting with youth
With the playoffs inching out of reach, the Angels have begun auditioning youth.
Carl Crawford would be a good fit
Carl Crawford would be a perfect fit for the Angels, but it's a longshot to get him.
Angels break tension with victory
A players-only meeting helps Angels rebound, but it seems too late.
Angels still not making the plays
The Angels simply aren't making the plays needed when it matters most.
Angels show they're an average team
The Angels need to come to the realization they're just an average team.
Forget the past; the Angels' golden era is now.
Reggie Bush and the painful memories
USC's ultimate punishment for Reggie Bush? Forgetting greatness.
Pitching on rise for Angels, MLB
The days of the home run derby are over as pitching dominates.
The Angels might be playing for 2011, but Bobby Abreu hits for today.
Angels lag on outfield defense
The issues the Angels have in their outfield have slowly been exposed.
Angels considering younger talent
The Angels, looking for an offensive boost, are leaning toward youth.
Haren finds little margin for error
After another close loss, Angels realize every little detail really counts.
Angels suddenly feel confident again
A comeback win over Texas has the Angels feeling confident again.
No bowl but plenty for USC to play for
There will be no bowl for USC this season but still plenty to play for.
Angels seem to be at end of line
The season is far from over, but the Angels seem virtually out of contention.
Dan Haren left his disappointing first game as an Angel after a shot to the arm.
Angels bristle after missed chances
Rangers create distance in AL West after Angels drop series.
Ex-Angels thriving for Rangers
Texas is atop the AL West in large part because of ex-Angels.
Close not enough for Angels again
The Angels are finding close isn't enough against this Rangers team.
Weaver miffed by Angels in outfield
Angels in the outfield do little to endear themselves to Jered Weaver.
The Angels seem to be at a combustion point after a loss in New York.
Matsui hopes slump is about to end
Hideki Matsui has battled through a tough season and looks to turn it around.
Weaver steps up in tough matchup
Jered Weaver again faced an opposing No. 1 and again stepped up to win.
Kazmir hoping to forget first half
Scott Kazmir's effort will be key for Angels, but can he overcome struggles?
Hunter feels hometown pressure
Torii Hunter didn't play well in the All-Star Game but earned his day off.
Torii Hunter might be spread a little thin, but he's a perfect All-Star ambassador.
The Angels have too many holes to fill to catch the Texas Rangers.
Maybe the three-day All-Star break will put a brake on the Angels' freefall.
Kazmir's confidence takes another hit
Scott Kazmir's confidence takes another hit as Angels stand by.
Hunter, Kendrick lead by example
With the rest of the Angels struggling, Kendrick and Hunter keep pounding.
Weaver's dominance yet to be noticed
Angels ace Jered Weaver has yet to make a national splash.
Angels, Rangers on collision course
Stakes are high when Angels host the Rangers.
Wilson calls quite a strong game
Angels' catcher Bobby Wilson has a knack of bringing out the best in pitchers.
Bullpen issues are finding different ways to affect the Angels.
Scioscia annoyed by sloppy play
A sloppy effort shows Angels can't afford it while chasing the hot Rangers.
Angels use savvy, experience to win
Lacking classic talent at key positions, the Halos still find a way to win.
Angels can't gain ground despite wins
Despite their interleague dominance, the Halos still trail the Rangers.
The Angels are watching Jered Weaver land squarely in his prime.
Angels' power surges in Wrigley debut
Angels have a power surge in their Wrigley Field debut.
Angels' patchwork infield does job
The Angels find that a patchwork infield does the job for a day, at least.
Aybar's injury leaves Angels vulnerable
Erick Aybar's injury, however serious it is, leaves the Angels vulnerable.
Angels shaken up by Brewers, earth
An earthquake and the Brewers rattled Aybar and the Angels on Monday night.
Angels get a boost of self-esteem
Freeway Series sweep is a confidence-booster for the Angels.
Pitching finally arrives for Angels
It look them longer than expected, but the Angels' pitchers have arrived.
Angels are finding their offense
Suddenly the Angels are finding a way to cope without Kendry Morales.
Angels shouldn't chase first baseman
Despite Kendry Morales' injury, Angels shouldn't go chasing a first baseman.
Angels, alone at top, don't feel like it
The Angels lead their division, but don't feel like winners just yet.
In Morales' absence, Matsui picks it up
Just when the Angels really needed it, Hideki Matsui's bat comes alive.
Angels look to get pitching in order
The Angels have a lot of issues, but they need to get pitching in order.
Schedule gives Angels chance to thrive
The schedule will finally be kind to the Angels, but will they be able to thrive?
Morales issue has no easy answer
Fixing the Kendry Morales issue has no easy answers for the Angels.
Offense thrives in Morales' absence
The Angels' offense thrives in Kendry Morales' absence.
Lesson learned: Howie Kendrick cautiously celebrated his walk-off homer.
Angels stunned after Morales' injury
Angels players are left soul-searching and more after fluke injury to Morales.
Kazmir still can't figure out his issues
As Scott Kazmir continues to struggle, he could take a lesson from Cliff Lee.
Angels can find security in high picks
The Angels need the upcoming draft to reboot their system.
Angels healing, but not cured yet
Despite winning Wednesday, the Angels are careful not to declare the slump over.
Angels must build on their effort
If the Angels want to prove their worth, they must build on the positives.
The Halos have tinkered about all they can with the cards they've been dealt.
A 10-inning loss to St. Louis shows just how much the Angels' bullpen hurts.
Angels' offense coming together
It has taken a while for the Angels, but their power game is working.
Angels win, but Fuentes struggles
Brian Fuentes is officially still the Angels' closer, but his time could be running out.
Angels should worry about Rangers
The Angels better worry about this year's edition of the Texas Rangers.
The heavy air knocked down the Angels and Napoli's drive.
Subtle change in lineup provides spark
Moving Kendrick up in the lineup is credited to the Angels' recent turnaround.
Schedule has a soft spot for Angels
For the Angels, there's hope amid the wreckage of the early season.
Kazmir, Matsui slowing Angels' progress
The slumps of Scott Kazmir and Hideki Matsui are thwarting the Angels.
Fuentes struggles again in Angels' win
It didn't seem a surprise to anyone when Fuentes blew another save on Tuesday.
Angels battle with mounting pressure
Recent finger-pointing indicates cracks are starting to form in the Angels' armor.
Matsui's milestone puts an end to slump
Hideki Matsui's 1,500th career RBI could be a sign of his recent slump ending.
Angels look like a different team
With Jered Weaver stepping up, the Angels looked completely different.
Kazmir's ineffectiveness still an issue
Scott Kazmir's ineffectiveness for the Angels is a growing concern.
Angels finding new ways to lose
The Angels are finding new ways to lose games, the latest one in Boston.
USC's offense has long way to go
USC's first spring game under Lane Kiffin shows offense has a long way to go.
Pineiro's poor outing raises questions
Should the Angels be worried after Joel Pineiro's rough outing at Detroit?
Hunter makes his presence felt
Torri Hunter shows he also can be counted on to step up for Angels.
Saunders tries to stay positive
Joe Saunders is doing his best to remain positive after a rough start.
Pineiro falters against Yankees
Joel Pineiro couldn't contain the Yankees the second time around this season.
Opinions differ on home-plate collision
Opinions differ on the outcome of Friday night's collision at home plate.
Wood's lack of production a concern
Brandon Wood struggles, but how much longer can the Angels stick with him?
Fuentes is Angels' closer for now
Brian Fuentes is still the Angels' closer -- despite blowing his first post-DL save.
Joel Pineiro more than just a pitcher
More than a pitcher, Joel Pineiro worked all sides of the plate - and the infield.
Santana crowns starters' revival
Ervin Santana caps a starters' revival, helping turn the Angels' fortunes.
Angels' Wood still trying to find game
Angels trying to be patient and encouraging as Brandon Wood struggles.
Weaver doesn't want ace label just yet
Angels pitcher Jered Weaver is pitching like an ace, just don't label him one yet.
Kazmir latest Angels pitcher to struggle
Angels' Scott Kazmir can't find his slider and a troubling trend continues.
The Angels snap out of their recent funk with a win over the Yankees.
Angels need their heads in the game
Angels need to keep their heads about them.
Ex-Yankee Matsui used to limelight
Angels' Hideki Matsui, no stranger to spotlight, returns to New York.
Angels hardly looking like themselves
Angels suddenly watching other teams play agressive style they perfected.
Scioscia not worried about offense
Angels manager Mike Scioscia isn't yet worried about the team's struggles.
Angels starter Ervin Santana showed flashes of brilliance, but lost his debut.
Aybar's patience brings relief
Erick Aybar's new swing helps Angels win season opener.
The free-wheeling days of Pete Carroll are over as USC opens spring practice.
Morales works on meeting expectations
Angels Kendry Morales works on meeting the bar he raised.
Unsettled issue for Angels' catchers
Angels catchers Mike Napoli, Jeff Mathis enter third season in platoon.
Are the Angels missing Matthews?
Is lack of depth in outfield causing Angels to miss Matthews?
Can Erick Aybar adapt to the Los Angeles Angels' expectations for a leadoff hitter?
After an injury hurt his young career, a new approach helped revive Joel Pineiro.
How will Kendry Morales do in 2010?
We were wondering the same thing.
Early lessons helped Scioscia succeed
Early life lessons helped Mike Scioscia steer Angels through turmoil.
Getting Rivera and Izturis for Guillen in 2004 keeps paying off.
Longtime Angels prospect Brandon Wood finally sees an opportunity in the majors.
He's the leader in the clubhouse
In his third season with the Angels, Hunter now feels at home and his teammates see him as a leader.
The Angels' new $6 million DH, Hideki Matsui, arrives at camp.
Willits no stranger to hard work
Going into spring training, Reggie Willits looks like the front-runner to become the Angels' fourth outfielder.
I want to laugh, then take a shower
Someone has to wake up. This is crazy: A seventh-grader committing to play football at USC
Give Kiffin credit for quality class
USC coach Lane Kiffin deserves credit for signing a quality recruiting class.
Oakland A's prospect Grant Desme takes a leap of faith.
Scioscia likes his group of veteran arms, but who is the ace?
Homegrown talent abundant for Angels
The Angels showcase plenty of homegrown talent, but is their farm system starting to slip?
Scioscia, Reagins steady Angels
Mike Scioscia and Tony Reagins give the Angels power at the top.
Angels' bench has a lot to prove
A lack of proven backups might make for some long auditions for Angels.
Angels fate rests with pitchers
For the Angels, staying atop the division requires better production from pitchers.
Has recruiting changed for USC?
Lane Kiffin is finding a changing landscape at USC, but he's not worried.
Little backup for aging Angels outfield
A cast of light-hitting minor leaguers led by speedster Willits is a small safety net for Hunter, Abreu and Rivera.
Angels' power shifts to young infield
The Angels' balance of power is shifting to their talented young batch of infielders.
Pineiro makes sense for Angels
Joel Pineiro's arrival with the Angels seems to make sense.
Garrett puts himself on line with Kiffin
USC's Mike Garrett is putting himself on the line with the hiring of Lane Kiffin.
USC shows little fear by hiring Kiffin
Hiring Lane Kiffin could be risky but it certainly will be exciting.
USC players not informed about Carroll
Some USC players unhappy about not being told of Pete Carroll's departure.
This buzz doesn't sound like the rest
While rumors of Pete Carroll's departure are common, this one seems different.
Joe McKnight, who felt pressure to be Reggie Bush, opts for the NFL.
Angels and USC broadcaster Rory Markas treated his work like the dream it was.
Cuban prospect draws Angels' interest
Angels may have an edge in bidding for Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman.
USC wins Emerald Bowl amid distractions
Pete Carroll answered questions about everything but the Emerald Bowl.
Angels aiming at 'moving targets'
The Angels' offseason equation involves more subtraction than addition.
