The BulleTin • Thursday, april 1, 2021 A7
GOLF | LPGA TOUR
DEAR ABBY
Write to Dear Abby online at dearabby.com
or by mail at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Dear Abby: I’m a young
wife. I married after three
months of dating my military
husband. He was previously
in an on-again/off-again re-
lationship that lasted about
eight years, during which
she had a baby with another
man, etc. I believe my hus-
band is still in love with her.
After constantly asking him,
he says he just wishes her
well and he doesn’t have any
romantic feelings. I’m not
sure what to do, and I just
keep overthinking it. Any
thoughts?
— Hates Husband’s History
Dear H.H.H.: Stop tortur-
ing your husband — and
yourself — by constantly ask-
ing him about his feelings for
his unfaithful ex-girlfriend.
Get to work building your
self-esteem, and you will have
less to worry about. Your
husband’s history (baggage)
is his own. You are making
a mistake by dragging it into
your marriage. If you concen-
trate on the positive, you will
have a happier marriage, and
so will your husband.
Dear Abby: Shortly after
a retired, not-so-close friend
moved to another city, he
began sending emails about
events he had read about in
social media, news outlets
and magazines. At first there
were only a few a day, but as
the days increased, so did his
emails.
I responded to some of
them, but he never com-
mented on them. He just
sent more and more to the
point that his daily emails are
more than I can — or want
to — read. I am spending too
much time deleting them.
What should I do? Should
I ask him not to send them
anymore, or should I stay
quiet so as not to hurt his
feelings?
— Inbox Full in Missouri
Dear Inbox Full: Your
friend may be sending these
items because, as a retiree, he
has little to do but cruise the
internet for entertainment. It
would not be rude to tell this
not-so-close friend you don’t
have time to review all of the
emails he has been sending
and ask him to send fewer.
It’s the truth. However, if he
doesn’t comply and the bar-
rage continues, feel free to
block them or create a filter
for these emails that sends
them to a folder where they
can be easily scanned and de-
leted.
Dear Abby: My husband
of 32 years often tells me
women compliment him
on his looks or the way he
dresses. I compliment him
often, but I think it’s his way
of telling me that he’s still “got
it” and I should be proud to
have a husband who’s hot and
good-looking.
Am I crazy for not en-
joying hearing what other
women think? If anything, it
has caused some insecurity
on my part.
I have asked him to stop
sharing these comments and
told him I’m tired of hear-
ing them — especially since
I have told him repeatedly
what I think of him, his looks
and his way of dressing. Am
I wrong?
— Loves Him Inside and Out
Dear Loves Him: I don’t
think you’re wrong. But has
it occurred to you that your
husband may do this not out
of ego but because HE is inse-
cure? People who are secure
within themselves do not
feel the need to continually
toot their own horns the way
your handsome, stylish hus-
band does. Try this: The next
time he does it, smile, nod in
agreement and tell him you
agree with his admirer. And
repeat as necessary.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
By Madalyn Aslan
Stars show the kind of day you’ll have
DYNAMIC | POSITIVE | AVERAGE | SO-SO | DIFFICULT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021: Pioneer-
ing, hasty and rebellious, go beyond self-imposed limitations. This year, you
hit a temporary bump in the road. With your survivor skills you will rise to
the occasion whether it entails working with a new team or changing your
career path. Friendships are invaluable in steering you in the right direction.
If single, visit dating sites but be true to yourself. If attached, make time for
weekend getaways. CANCER nurtures you.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Attend a gathering where you can mingle and learn from other
guests. Be social and express yourself, but listen to other points of view.
Travel plans may get put on hold. Be patient and reschedule. Tonight:
Get tickets to a concert.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Deep, mixed emotions may surface when you least expect it. You
may feel elated one moment and sad the next. Keep tissues close by since
you may wipe a tear every now and again. Tonight: Resolve differences with
loved ones.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Love is in the air. There may be an unexpected gift or invitation to
dinner. Small gestures mean more than expensive presents. Do something
kind for someone when they least expect it. Tonight: Recall an event that
made you smile.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Start a healthy eating plan and exercise program that suits your
schedule. Choose a fitness routine from an array of videos. Make sure you’re
at the right level. Give yourself a gold star for taking the first step. Tonight:
Friendly chatter.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Follow your creative instincts. This might include meeting someone
who wants to introduce you to new techniques. Participate in an activity that
is active, healthy and, above all, fun. Dance, Zumba or spinning classes might
suit you. Tonight: Read in bed.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Brush up on your mediation skills. Clear the cobwebs of a family dis-
agreement. Agree to disagree and move forward. Nostalgic memories bring
a smile to your face. Contact someone who can reminisce with you. Tonight:
Prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Put your multitasking skills to the test. Slow down, and you can juggle
your activities. Ask for feedback on an idea for a writing project. Friends and
colleagues can make helpful suggestions if you let them. Tonight: Laughing
out loud.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Pass on a get-rich-quick scheme that a friend might mention. Find
creative ways to improve family finances. Sell items online you no longer
need but are in mint condition. This could lead to a successful side business.
Tonight: Play cards.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Confidence is at an all-time high. Look your best to reflect on how
you feel. Challenge yourself to do things that you normally would not dare
do. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Tonight: Tax preparation.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Take a break from nonstop activity. Unwind and reboot. Listen to
your intuition. It has something to tell you. Donate time or money to your fa-
vorite charity. Compassion leads you in the right direction. Tonight: Imagine
your dream vacation.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Strategize how to approach a friend with whom you had a misunder-
standing. Apply your sensitivity and the issue will be cleared up in no time.
Be open to constructive criticism after a group presentation. Tonight: Look
up old classmates online.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Get an early start and take charge of the day. Put one foot in front of
the other so things will get done in record time. Look up job opportunities or
volunteer positions that speak to your passion. Tonight: Post snapshots.
ANA Inspiration back in usual spot, still no fans
BY JOHN NICHOLSON
Associated Press
RANCHO MIRAGE, Ca-
lif. — The ANA Inspiration is
back in its usual leadoff spot in
golf’s major championship sea-
son, though far from normal
with fans absent again.
While the COVID-19 pan-
demic has put a damper on
the festivities surrounding the
50th edition of the event, the
players soaked in the familiar
mountain views and colorful
flower gardens at Mission Hills
as they prepared for the start of
play Thursday.
“When you arrive here it’s
just a different atmosphere,”
Canadian star Brooke Hen-
derson said about the event
that started in 1972 as the Col-
gate-Dinah Shore Winner’s
Circle and became a major in
1983.
“It’s just incredible. You ob-
viously see Poppie’s Pond and
Dinah’s statue, Wall of Cham-
pions. It’s just an incredible
feeling.”
The tournament was post-
poned until September last
year, with Mirim Lee chipping
in for eagle on 18 to force a
playoff, then beating Hender-
son and Nelly Korda with a
birdie on the first extra hole.
“The feeling is really good to
be able to hear those words, be-
ing called a major champion,”
Lee said. “It definitely gives me
more motivation to win again.”
MLB
Continued from A5
“This is going to be cool,
putting on the Dodger uni-
form, playing with this group
of guys. I’m really pumped up
that baseball is back, especially
now that we get to have fans in
the stands,” he said.
How many will actually be
in the box seats and bleachers
on April Fools’ Day might de-
pend on the weather.
Rain is forecast in Boston,
New York and Philadelphia.
Wet in Washington, too, where
a marquee matchup is waiting
at Nationals Park: Two-time
Cy Young winner Jacob de-
Grom of the Mets faces big-hit-
ting Juan Soto at the plate and
three-time Cy champ Max
Scherzer on the mound.
Temperatures are supposed
to be in the 30s with gusty
winds at Wrigley Field when
Kris Bryant and the Chicago
Cubs host Pittsburgh. Also
in the 30s in Detroit, where
Cleveland ace Shane Bieber
faces the Tigers, and in Cin-
cinnati, where the Reds take
on St. Louis newcomer Nolan
Arenado.
Jack Flaherty pitches for the
Cardinals. Two teammates
from his Southern California
high school a decade ago also
start on opening day — Max
Fried for the Braves in Phila-
delphia and Lucas Giolito for
the Chicago White Sox against
Mike Trout and rejuvenated
two-way star Shohei Ohtani at
Angel Stadium.
Arenado and Bauer are
among the many stars who
switched teams in the off-
season. The Padres acquired
Blake Snell and Yu Darvish,
the Mets traded for Francisco
Lindor, Toronto signed George
Springer and the Yankees hope
low-risk moves for Corey Klu-
ber and Jameson Taillon pay
off.
Some teams will benefit
from getting their own players
back on the field.
Posey of the Giants, Ryan
Zimmerman of the Nats,
David Price of the Dodgers
and Marcus Stroman of the
Mets were among those who
opted out of playing last year
because of coronavirus con-
cerns.
A six-time All-Star and
three-time World Series
champ, Posey liked what he
saw in spring training.
“Watching the games on TV
last year and seeing just card-
board fans in the stands, it was
definitely nice to see some live
humans out there,” he said.
A more curious sight: La
Russa, at 76 years old and al-
ready in the Hall of Fame, re-
turning to manage the fortified
White Sox.
His last time in the dugout
was 2011, in a World Series
Game 7 win for the Cardinals.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP file
Mirim Lee receives the championship trophy after winning the LPGA’s
ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Cali-
fornia, in September.
Mission Hills played far dif-
ferent in September in 100-de-
gree heat on Bermuda grass,
than it will this week in slightly
cooler temperatures on over-
seeded rye.
“It was in great shape in Sep-
tember, don’t get me wrong,
but it’s way more green, way
more healthy,” Lexi Thomp-
son said. “It’s definitely meant
to be at this time of year, I be-
lieve. We have great weather.
And this is probably the best
I’ve seen the golf course shape-
wise.”
In the September event, a
blue advertising wall was used
as a backstop behind the 18th
green in place of a grandstand.
This time, there will be be no
wall, allowing the green to play
as an island on the par 5.
“Very different,” Korda said.
“You’re definitely going to
think about going for it. I hit a
6-iron in just short of the green
(Monday) and it rolled up to
the middle and then I also
tried to hit like a little 5 to land
it middle of the green and it
went over. So it’s definitely go-
ing to be very hard to hold.”
Thompson won in 2014 and
has finished in the top five in
four of the last five years. She
recently started working with
instructor Martin Hall.
“Just keeping things simple
but at the same time trying
to improve on little things,”
Thompson said.
Korda won the Gainbridge
LPGA in February for her
fourth tour victory. She won in
the second event of the season,
a month after sister Jessica took
the Diamond Resorts Tourna-
ment of Champions.
She looks at the loss last year
at Mission Hills as a learning
experience.
“I’ve always said when you
put yourself into those posi-
tions, you get more comfort-
able being in those in the fu-
ture,” Korda said. “I’ve said this
so many times, but the more I
put myself into that position,
the better.”
Inbee Park won Sunday in
the Kia Classic in her season
debut. The Hall of Famer won
at Mission Hills in 2013 for the
third of her seven major titles.
“I think this golf course is
going to play hard and fast,
which we always want to play
this golf course,” Park said. “I
think that’s going to be the case
this week, so I’m really happy
to see that.”
Top-ranked Jin Young Ko
missed the tournament last
year after winning in 2019.
“It was sad because I missed
defend champion,” Ko said.
“I’m happy to be back.”
Michelle Wie West also
is back at Mission Hills for
the first time since 2019. She
missed the cut at Kia, shooting
81-74 in her first event since
June 2019.
Mariners’ Lewis placed on IL with bone bruise
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners placed center fielder Kyle Lewis
on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a bone bruise in his right
knee, sidelining the reigning American League Rookie of the Year for
opening day.
Servais said there was a chance Lewis could play but the team is ex-
ercising caution with one of its young stars.
“Could he go? Possibly,” Servais said. “This is a training staff, myself
call. We are in for the long haul here, and playing the long game and
what this season is going to take just having everybody moving for-
ward for the big chunk of the season.”
Lewis missed the final week of spring training after crashing into the
wall during an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on
March 22. The bruise didn’t seem significant at first but didn’t respond
to treatment as quickly as the Mariners hoped.
Servais stressed the knee is structurally fine. Lewis underwent two
surgeries on his right knee after suffering a major knee injury during the
2016 minor-league season.
Lewis’ absence will cause some shifts in Seattle’s outfield. Rookie
Taylor Trammell will start in center field Thursday and the Mariners will
likely use a combination of players to take shifts in left field and center
field while Lewis is out. Mitch Haniger is expected to get most of the
work in right field.
Lewis hit .262 with 11 homers and 28 RBIs last season.
Servais also said the Mariners will alter their rotation for the open-
ing homestand. James Paxton was originally slated to pitch in Game 2
against San Francisco but will now pitch in the fifth game of the season
against the Chicago White Sox.
Yusei Kikuchi will get the start Friday against the Giants, Chris Flexen
will start Saturday and Justus Sheffield will pitch the series opener
against Chicago on Monday.
— Associated Press
Alex Cora, who guided Bos-
ton to the 2018 crown, rejoins
the Red Sox while A.J. Hinch
takes over the Tigers. Both
managers were suspended last
year for their roles in the 2017
Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
Also around the bases:
The ground rules
Some of the experiments
that debuted last season are
back: seven-inning double-
headers, automatic runners at
second base to start extra in-
nings.
The expanded playoff field
is back to 10 teams, down
from 16. And the designated
hitter in the National League
is gone. That means pitchers
who usually flail away will try
to make contact after a year
layoff. The DH could become
permanent in the NL next sea-
son.
In the meantime, those
pitchers could get help on the
mound as MLB is trying out a
slightly deadened baseball that
supposedly doesn’t fly quite
so far.
Jae C. Hong/AP file
San Francisco Giants catcher
Buster Posey walks across the
field before the team’s spring
game against the Los Angeles
Angels in Scottsdale, Arizona, on
Feb. 28. Posey is back with the Gi-
ants after opting out of the 2020
season.
Debuts
Supremely qualified, Kim
Ng finally got her chance and
begins the season with the Mi-
ami Marlins as MLB’s first fe-
male general manager. “Failure
is not an option for me,” the
52-year-old Ng said. … Forced
out of Canada because of the
virus, the Toronto Blue Jays
will play their home opener
April 8 at their spring training
field in Dunedin, Florida.
Missing
White Sox slugger Eloy
Jiménez, Rays reliever Nick
Anderson and 2020 home run
champ Luke Voit all got in-
jured during spring training.
Robinson Canó is serving a
seasonlong drug suspension
and Masahiro Tanaka went
home to pitch in Japan.