PERFECTION OR SUPERBOWL?

Two weeks ago we were looking at not one but two undefeated teams 14-0. Conveniently one in the NFC and one in the AFC. With just a handful of games remaining the rumbling started. Could the Saints and the Colts stay perfect all the way through and play each other in the Superbowl? We now know that the Dallas Cowboys woke up in New Orleans and knocked the Saints out of the running for perfection. A week later, Jim Caldwell made a decision that would allow the 72 Dolphins to once again pop that perfect bubbly. With 5:36 remaining in the third quarter and a five point lead over the New York Jets, the head coach took out his starters including their MVP Peyton Manning. With the best record in the NFL and a first round bye secured, Coach Caldwell told his team he was planning to take out starters to avoid injury. Peyton Manning said he knew this was a possibility but did anyone get a look at his face when he was banished to the sideline? He was clearly not Ok with the decision. He would not be the competitor that he is to be content with any decision that would take him out of a game. Let alone one in which his team would end up loosig the game. Meaningless or not.

Bottom line is this. Every year when a team is close to perfection, it becomes a story. It hasn't been done since the 1972 Dolphins. The Bears tried, the Patriots missed by one, the BIG one which is why Peyton and his fellow starters paced anxiously on the sideline. The stress of answering the same questions each week, the pressure to be perfect will eventually ware you down. Players always want to win every game, they play to win. But there is the Big picture. Play Peyton and the starters and possibly you stay perfect. Play Peyton and the starters in a meaningless game and they get hurt, it will be called the most idiotic decision in NFL history. Especially for a first year head coach who took over from an icon.
When you start the season the goal is to win the Superbowl. The Colts have been in a rhythm this season to reach that goal. Should Coach Caldwell have had enough faith in his team to pursue perfection? Or is the coach sticking to the main goal first and foremost? Either way, the Colts do not have to answer any more questions about being undefeated and I have no doubt that the Jets sent Coach Caldwell a fruit basket.

When Will Mike Dunleavy say UNCLE?

Covering the Los Angeles Clipeers is an interesting prospect. You have a wealth of experience and talent on the roster but they seem to have no real plan when they are playing on the court. Then you have coach and GM Mike Dunleavy. Nice guy and knows the game of basketball but does not seem to be getting through to his team. Last season, the Clippers were a MASH unit with all the injuries. They finished below
500. Even with the addition of Baron Davis, Mike Dunleavy could not find a game plan that produced wins. This season is turning out much the same. Number one pick Blake Griffin is nursing an injury and the Clippers are finding new ways to blow 18 point leads in a game.

Sitting practically court side while covering these games,(yes that is the perk I get for covering the Clippers)I have heard alot of suggestions as to what needs to be done, from season ticket holders no less. One in particular makes sense. When will Mike Dunleavy fire himself as coach, get Byron Scott in and then put all of his energies into being the GM? Has Dunleavy thought about this scenario? It certainly is not working the way that it is. It is unfortunate that owner Donald Sterling is not interested in anything more than his court side seats at Staples. He says he is committed to spending money to make the Clippers a winning team but the Clippers need more than just money, they need a plan.

During Clipper games there are numerous "Fire Mike Dunleavy" signs seen throughout the Staples Center crowd. I guess Sterling does not notice them. Over the years I have seen the loyal Clipper fans dwindling. The ones that have remained tell me that buying season tickets for the Clippers is a cheaper way to see all the good teams in the NBA, including the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. By the way did I mention that the World Champioon Lakers locker room is right next to the Clippers locker room?

The Clippers need a change, something to shake them up. Come on Mike, think about the suggestion of your season ticket holder. What do you have to loose?

LA BASEBALL HAS COME DOWN TO ONE GAME, THE NEXT ONE.

No one would have believed that both the Dodgers and the Angels would be down three games to one in the ALCS and the NLCS. This season both the Dodgers and Angels were leading their respective divisions practically all year. For a time, the Dodgers had the best record in baseball but then, here come the mighty Yankees. The Bronx Bombers did not start out on fire but their flame is burning bright in the playoffs. As Joe Torre has told us many times, it's not over till someone wins four games. I think Mike Socia would agree and no one is giving up. Are the east coast Yankees and the Philly's stronger than the west coast boys? Maybe, or maybe they have just been hot so far.

In baseball it's all about getting hot, being in the zone. Seeing the ball well. And it can happen at any time. If the Dodgers and Angels intend to move on to the big dance, they will have to get hot and get in the zone in the next game. If they can do that, it may just carry them on to the next game and the next. Don't worry about looking up how many teams have some back from a three to one deficit. The Red Sox did it to beat the Yankees and Manny Ramirez and Doug Mientkiewicz were apart of that team. Both players will tell you it all comes down to not giving up, no matter what.

Sometimes baseball is so infuriating from the players perspective. They are always confident, never up and never down. (They do seem to be excited after a win when they all pile on top of each other but that is about it.) For the fans, they are standing in the ninth inning, clutching their team shirts and praying their team comes out on top. Hoping beyond hope, this will be the magical year that their guys will win it all. Crying, screaming and yelling for that last out. And while the players appear to be cool, trust me inside, they are praying for the same dream.

DRINKING THE BLUE KOOL AID

The Dodgers have stuck together this season, which has not always been easy. When Manny Ramirez was suspended, Juan Pierre stepped up. Even Jamie McCourt stood behind Manny.

Heroki Kuroda who was arguably one of the best starting pitchers the Dodgers had, got hit in the head and had an injury that prevented him from being able to play in the first round of the playoffs. In comes Ned Colletti on his white horse with Vincente Padilla.

Chad Billingsly slipped down the stretch, so much so that Ned Colletti got back on the horse to find Jon Garland who was literally traded during a game at Dodgers stadium while he was sitting in the D'Backs dugout. Thankfully for Ned, the horse did not have to travel too far.

Most of the season, everyone held their breathe. Now after a sweep of the St.Louis Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs, we can breathe a little easier. There is still the nagging question for Joe Torre, you swept the Cubs last season and then lost to the Philly's in 5 games, so how do you get through the next round and on to the World Series?

I will tell you this, the kids are growing up. The Veterans are stepping up. And the chemistry in the clubhouse is making even the saltiest reporters smile. Why? Because this team believes they can win. And it's contagious.

Adversity can lead to victory, just ask anyone wearing Dodger blue. After a very tough 5 game slump at the end of the season, most people started to write them off, but they stayed positive. That is what Veteran leadership does for the younger crowd. "Been there, know that." Even when Manny wasn't hitting, he was lifting everyone up in the clubhouse.

It matters.

Now after all the adversity, the Dodgers move on and everyone is drinking the
Blue Kool-Aid.

Jerry, what are you thinking?

I am completely perplexed that for some reason unknown to me, Jerry Jones thinks that Tony Romo is his "Guy". His Roger, his Troy, even his Danny! He is not even close! It was embarrassing on Monday Night Football to open your new Billion dollar stadium with a QB who is not a leader. Yes, Romo can and has put up big numbers but he is not a finsiher. Not a guy who can win a playoff game. How does Jerry think this guy is going to get them to the Superbowl? And even further, how much time do you get to Figure it out?
Romo came out after the loss against the Giants and said that it was his fault and he was going to fix it. Why didn't he fix it at half time, if he was going to fix it? I am not sure Romo has it in him to be a QB for the Dallas Cowboys. This team is expected to win and finds ways to rebuild and get the job done. All they are doing now is wasting valuable time. The rest of this team is solid. Marion Barber is the real deal, the offense and defensive lines are strong. How much longer will these guys put up with Romo's mistakes?
Even guys like Troy Aikman and Tony Dorsett are speaking out that Romo simply does not understand what it means to be a QB for the Dallas Cowboys. This is an honor and an opportunity to play for a very proud franchise. That is why when Romo decided to go on vacation with Jessica to Cabo prior to the playoffs did not go over very well with Cowboy fans.
There so no question that Wade Phillips is not head coach material. He is a great defensive coordinator but there is not a head coach in his right mind that would have made Romo the starter AGAIN and thought that Jon Kitna would be a good back up, the same Jon Kitna who went winless last year with the Lions.
And everyone thought that TO was the problem! Wake up Jerry. I am undecided as to weather it would be better to loose this season and get Colt McCoy and throw all the rest of your money Jerry to Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden and get back in the right track next season. Or do we keep the faith that Tony Romo is going to "Fix It" in 2009? You make the call.

NFL football!.... Week One QB thoughts...

Ahhh, NFL football. Finally. Lets take a look at week one. The RAIDERS have a heartbeat again, and more important soul. J'Marcus Russell went back into the game in the fourth quarter hurt and lead his team into the end zone. That is the heart and soul of football. The Raiders should have won the game Monday night against an over rated San Diego team. Tired of Phillip Rivers who thinks that his team is better than everyone else in the AFC West. We will see. Staying in the AFC West, Denver is the luckiest team in the NFL after that horrid performance. Who is even leading this team?

Most disappointing performance was the lack of interest by Kurt Warner. In the Superbowl a year ago and now no drive at all. It's week one Kurt you are suppose to be up for this one! Jake Delhomme, not sure what is wrong with him, but 6 interceptions and benched in week one? You might need therapy since training camp did not help you any.

Who should be kicked out of the NFL after week one? That is easy, Jay Cutler. Talk about lack of anything and what is with the pouting face every time the camera was on him. He is a spoiled brat and does not belong in the NFL. Poor BEARS!

Favre is old but he is still better than most of the QB's playing. Still going to take some time to get use to seeing you in purple. Now we wait to see if he can keep the streak of starting every regular season game alive. Heads up Brett, just hand the ball off and stay the heck out of the way!

Mark Sanchez, nice move signing with the Jets and not with the Trojans. I only hope Pete Carroll watched your game. You also seem like you have a good head on your young shoulders. Please, don't turn into Tom Brady or Matt Leinart. Arrogance and Entitlement are not attractive. Even if you are in GQ.

As far as McNabb and Vick....it is only a matter of time before we see Mike Vick behind center. McNabb will run the show while he is healthy.

And Tony Romo...no more Jessica and you are already playing better. Since the Cowboys have not been to the promised land in way too long, I can only hope and pray.

Welcome John Garland to the "Otherside"

Ned Colletti has been busy. Last night in the 7th inning of the Dodgers/Diamondbacks game there was a buzz in the press box that a trade was upon us. One reporter thought he could actually see John Garland shaking hands with his now former team mates in the D'Backs dugout while the name Jim Thome was being mentioned among the whispers. Could the Dodgers have acquired them both?
A few minutes later, Dodgers PR Director Josh Rawitch came in and informed us they did indeed acquire Thome and Garland and Ned Colletti would be available to take questions. We all know the Dodgers were looking for Pitching help, but another big bat? Ned Colletti said he was looking for another Matt Stairs who could come off the bench and be productive in the playoffs. Interestingly enough,Thome called Ned and told him to keep him in mind because he wanted to come to the Dodgers and help out wherever he could. Regarding Garland, that was one of the strangest moments I have ever been a part of as a reporter. After the Dodgers game was over, the media who was already in the Dodger locker room were asked to stay there because John Garland would be right over...from across the hall. Garland sheepishly walked into the "Otherside" to greet reporters. He told us that he was told in the 7th inning to go in, take a shower and pack his bag because he was just traded to the Dodgers. I asked John if he knew anyone in the Dodger locker room and he said "No". Just then James Loney came over and welcomed him. I also welcomed him into the "Otherside". I caught up with Joe Torre in the elevator and asked him if he has ever had a player walk to the "Otherside" during a game. Torre said, "Not one who is going to start against his former team in a few days".
So the Dodgers add two more to the fold. In exchange, a minor leaguer will go to the White Sox for Thome. Colletti would not say who will go to the Arizona clubhouse in exchange for Garland. The big question remains, will someone in the Dodger locker room be walking to the "Otherside"?

COWBOYS AND RAIDERS, I know it's just the preseason!

I have covered the Raiders for many years now and they usually play pretty well in the preseason and not so well in the regular season. I have covered the Cowboys for a few years but been a fan for a life time, and they usually don't win many preseason games but in the past few years, don't play well in the playoffs either. To the extent that they have not won a playoff game in ten years.

Both held true last night when the Cowboys took on the Raiders in Oakland loosing
31-10. Tony Romo continues to worry me. I don't see the Aikman like leadership or arm from Romo. How many chances does this guy get? The Cowboys felt that releasing T.O. who was the best wide receiver in football last year, was a better move for Romo and the Cowboys, I hope they are right but I don't see it. At best this is going to be a rocky road for the Cowboys this season. Barber looked good but can he stay healthy? What is more unbelievable is that Tony Romo's back up is Jon Kitna? Let me refresh your memory. Kitna was on the 0-16 Detroit roster last year. This is a disaster. Even the kicker looks bad!

The Raiders will do better. McFadden looks great. Russell looks like he is learning how to throw down field to a player who wears the same jersey that he does. Tom Cable WANTS to be there as a head coach for the Oakland Raiders and he has made some changes in the way this team is preparing for the season. What is also good for the Raiders is the AFC West is bad with the exception of San Diego.

For the Cowboys, the NFL East is always competitive. The pressure this year is clearly on the QB and coach. You got what you wanted, T.O. is gone. Hope Jerry Jones got rid of the right Cowboy.

VICK''S BACK IN EAGLE GREEN

Today the Philadelphia Eagles held a press conference and announced they have signed Michael Vick to their roster. The sooner that Mike Vick starts playing football, the sooner the circus will end for him and the Eagles. He is not the distraction, the media is making his presence a distraction. If Tony Dungy thinks that Mike Vick is ready to the extent that he has lobbied for him to return to the NFL, THAT is a huge positive.
You can harp on past indiscretions that Mike Vick committed but he paid his debt to society. He is doing charity work for animal rights groups. Only time will tell if he is truly on the right track in life but the fact that Tony Dungy is behind him, tells me alot. Dungy is a man who has integrity, faith, sense of community and happens to know the game of football.
I am not an Eagles fan but they did the right thing by giving Mike Vick a second chance. Donovan McNabb also fought for him to be a part of his team. I don't see any problems at QB. McNabb won't play forever and if Vick is still Vick on the field, that could be a very good thing for the Eagles.
Roger Goodell will fully reinstate Vick by week 6 which gives Vick time to get back into football shape. He also wants to see if Vick will continue on the right road as far as being a good person.
We shall see. I am just glad we are not talking about Brett Favre returning today!

Dodgers Hit a Bump, Fans Hit The Panic Button

I love covering sports in Los Angeles. I love the fact that everyone panics when the Lakers, Dodgers or Angels loose more that three games in a row, especially when they are all in first place in their divisions.

You see, sports franchises here are suppose to always win, no matter what or they are out of contention. Now people are a little more positive about the Lakers, a little more. When it comes to baseball, this is another story.

Before the All Star Break, the Dodgers had not lost three games in a row since September of last year. Quite an amazing stat. The Dodgers also had the best record in ALL OF BASEBALL. They also had a huge lead, eight games in the National League West. Now in the dog days of August, they hit a bump. Even after Manny Ramirez hit the most amazing Grand Slam on his bobblehead night, the Dodgers are in a slump. They are still five games over the Giants but they are playing them in San Francisco this week so everyone has hit the panic button. That is right before anyone even picks up a bat, the Dodgers are in trouble.

I am glad that Joe Torre does not think that way. Do they need another starting pitcher to make it in the playoffs? Of course. I do know that Ned Colletti is looking for a starting pitcher. I am still not completely sure why one of our many relievers can't be made a starter but that is for another day.

Everyone wants to know who is the leader on the Dodgers? Which player is the leader of the team? One thing I have learned in baseball unlike football who has a clear cut leader, (usually the QB) is that in baseball you have to have a strong organization behind you. Individual players, even star players don't lead. And no one even asks who the leader is when the team is winning. The leader in the Dodger locker room is Joe Torre. After loosing three out of four from Atlanta, Joe called a team meeting, he actually called two. They were private. Joe and the players. I always get a kick out of the writers who ask Joe what was said in the team meeting and he politely responds with, "If I had wanted you to know what was said, I would have invited you in".

Everyone needs to take a deep breathe and realize the Dodgers are still in first place. Even if they loose all three games in San Francisco, they will still be in first place. But I will tell you this. if the Dodgers do loose all three games, Dodger fans in Los Angeles will be counting down the days till the Lakers season starts...because the start of the season is the only time these fans seem to have any faith!

AND THE LEAKS JUST KEEP ON COMING...

The point of my blog, is to bring you insight to things you may not know about what goes on behind the scene's in professional sports. Today two more names were released from the SEALED 2003 list of major league baseball players, and I have to ask myself, what is really going on behind these sealed records and when does it become illegal to leak these SEALED names?

I do not condone drug use of any kind. Period. If there are substances on a list that your union tells you that you are not aloud to take or there will be consequences, then so be it. But when your union tells you that you must participate in a drug test that will remain sealed, they owe it to you that it stays sealed.

First Bonds, then Arod, Sosa and now Manny and Papi. Only 99 to go! Let me give you some insight, I recently had a very reliable source tell me exactly who is on the list. I had my suspicions about David Ortiz after the news came out about Manny Ramirez testing positive for a banned substance. I have learned how the Dominican players bond very quickly in the locker room. They eat together, hang out together away from the ballpark, some even room together. I also saw how close Manny and Papi were in Boston. My gut told me that if Manny was involved in taking PEDs, Papi was probably involved as well. Two weeks ago, my source told me Manny and Papi were on the list. He knew who was on this sealed list.

As a journalist, it is my responsibility to have some ethics. This was not a sealed list of terrorists selling drugs to school children. It is interesting that these so called journalists who are hunting down this story don't seem to care what PEDs these athletes tested positive for. Isn't that part of the story? And trust me, if you know these five names, you know them all. Why not rip this band aid off and release all the names and be done with this never ending story. But then you might have to actually work for a real story.

If my source is correct, there are still big names on this list. They touch every team in baseball so get off your high horse that the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers are the only ones cheating. The names that tested positive have been involved in the biggest moments in baseball history. As these last ninety nine names are trickled out, the news will be shocking to their fans. If you are still shocked by this story that is. What is shocking is how this information is being leaked. THAT is the story I would like to uncover because that person or persons have broken the law. How would you like your sealed medical records to be leaked out to the mass media?

When will MLB take responsibility for this? It is their union who threw their players under the bus. Manny took his punishment, when will MLB?

TIME IS UP BRETT....

Ahhh, the heat of the summer peaks and the sounds of crashing helmets return. NFL football, my favorite time of year. But is it Brett Favre's favorite time? For most players, training camp is as rough and tough as it gets. A time that players only look forward to because they know when the grueling four weeks are completed they hopefully have a place on an NFL football team and the get to live the dream.

Brett Favre has lived the dream and got the ring but can not give up the game. I get that, but at what expense does his "waffling" cost the rest of the team? This team being the Minnesota Vikings.

Favre has made no secret that he does not look forward to training camp. His 40 year old body may have one more year left in the regular season but the excruciating pain of training camp may be more than he can really take. The thing is, if you miss training camp, especially with a team you have never played with before, you are already putting yourself far behind the eight ball. Not to mention the fact that part of the continuity that begins to happen between players is because you are all out there suffering together. If Brett wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings and stick it to his old team, he needs to suffer too.

Favre has had more than enough time to make his decision as to weather he wants to play or not play. Favre is one of the most respected guys to ever play the game and he needs to have some respect for his potential new team mates and either join them in camp or stay at home and call it a career for real. Finally.

"IT'S SHOWTIME"....Again

Manny is back after serving his 50 game suspension and he is ready to play baseball. I have spent the last week with the Dodgers in San Diego and New York City and all is well in the locker room. Guys are glad to have him back, he is hitting well. Fans are glad to have him back, ok maybe not New York fans but in San Diego there were more Dodger fans than Padre fans, for obvious reasons. Joe Torre is glad he is back and he is really over the questions about Manny. Joe has said over and over, "Manny made a mistake, he paid for it, he is sorry, we are trying to win a World Series and we are moving on".

Manny himself summed it up in New York. Over 30 or so media were waiting for him in the locker room pregame. When he came in he sat at his locker and said, "I am here to talk about the game, if you want to talk about that, that's all". Of course the first question was fired out about his suspension and he looked at the man and said "Sir, I put you on MUTE...next". Then his small locker room audience roared. The reporter was embarrassed shouting out that laughing is unprofessional....yeah, so is thinking that Manny Ramirez owes you something. He doesn't. To back track for a moment, in San Diego Manny cane into a press conference with his agent Scott Boras and Joe Torre. As Manny walked up to the podium, he nervously shouted out, "It's Showtime". The first question asked was by an LA Times reporter who wanted to know when Manny started doing steroids. Manny responded saying he was not going to talk about his medical condition. He said he was sorry and is ready to play baseball. One of the reporters asked Joe Torre "What is Manny sorry for?". Joe paused, looked him right in the face and said, "When you say your sorry, don't you know what you are sorry for?" The reporter, trying to get more information out of Joe responded, "Not always". Joe quickly responded with, "When I say I'm sorry, I always know what I am saying I'm sorry for". The voice of reason speaks again.

Here is the lesson. Athletes are human. Period the end. You can crucify or justify all you want. I think we have all had a personal experience in which we made a mistake and would not want to have to explain it to anyone, let alone to the media. If you steal money or commit murder, that is a very different kind of story. Stop the madness, this is not that kind of story.

If you are a Dodger fan, you are thrilled that the team has remained in first place and has the best overall record in baseball and you will welcome Manny back in Left Field. If you are a human being, you understand that Manny made a mistake and you welcome him back and accept his apology, no more questions asked.

DODGERS ITALIAN STORY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

As journalists it is always nice to get a pat om the back for a job well done. It is especially nice to share this with all of the people who do the work behind the scene's and for the people you actually interview. After all, it is their story.
Last year I had an idea to highlight what I kindly refer to as the "Dodgers Italian Mafia". Being Italian myself so this is totally acceptable. Tommy La Sorda, Joe Torre and Ned Colletti all with Italian roots are also three of the highest ranking members with in the Dodgers Organization...I did not say they were Organized.
At any rate, it was my pleasure to sit down with these three men and talk about their Italian heritage. As a result the feature called the "Italian Story" won a National award this week, called The Telly.
A special thanks to an amazing cameraman and editor, Colin Sommer who put up with all of my neurosis during the shoots and editing sessions. To Mark J. Doddy our station manager who allows me to explore my creativity and to our station RPV-TV who supports our programming. to the Dodgers PR staff who are always willing to help out and facilitate logistics to make these things happen. And finally to Joe Tommy and Ned who enthusiastically sat with me sharing their stories about growing up Italian.
Last to my Italian family who is very proud of being Italian.

Enjoy our Award Winning story.

"THE MANNY SHOW" IN THE MINORS

When Manny Ramirez began his rehab assignment, the "Manny Show" which had been on put on hiatus since his suspension has been picked up yet again. This time in the smallest market in America. Manny is playing with the Albuquerque Isotopes. I am sure no one had even heard of them before last week, now they are a household word, thanks to Manny.

But this is one Manny show with no dialogue. At least not the scripted dialogue that all of the hard nosed angry sports reporters are chomping at the but to get. Do they even have a press box in Albuquerque or is the media forced to buy tickets and hope that their laptop batteries don't die. All the while watching and waiting for Manny to come up to bat. Waiting for Manny to say something, anything they can twist to write a story about.

Manny is a smart guy and he isn't talking. He never told exactly what happened in Boston and he won't explain himself regarding the suspension. So get over it. He knows that reporters make things up about him and trust me, he does not care. I have talked to Manny alot, off camera and on. I am not embarrassed to tell you that I like him very much. He is a good guy with a big heart. he made a mistake, he worked it out, time to move on now.

Just as the "Manny Show" will. Next week he will appear in San Bernadino and finish his rehab assignment before his first game back with the real Dodgers in San Diego on July 3rd.

Yep that's right, get ready Ron Burgundy...The "Manny Show" continues for real in a game against the Padre's, in a city that will have no idea what hit them. Get ready for that one, I promise it will be better than a day at the Zoo!

CLIPPERS WILL TAKE GRIFFIN AT NUMBER ONE

So glad we have had a few days off from basketball season here in Los Angeles. Now that the Lakers have had the parade we focus on the Clippers, LA's "other" team who have the number one pick.

Today Coach and General Manager of the Clippers Mike Dunleavy said that they would not trade the pick and would more than likely be taking Blake Griffin with number one. While Griffin is the obvious choice, who is the obvious choice to lead this team?

Last year Baron Davis came in and never really became "the guy" as expected. He never explained why. Maybe deep down he was upset that Elton brand left, but it was a unique opportunity for a superstar to shine and Baron did not. Lets face it, Kobe is "the guy", LeBron is "the guy" and they all have the supporting cast around them. The Clippers do as well.

Granted that rookie Eric Gordon was still learning last year but his play was stellar. Al Thornton another solid player. Too many injuries sent the Clippers out on the floor with over 40 different line ups but when Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby where healthy, they were a good team.

This team needs a life line to keep Clipper fans interested enough to renew their season tickets. Maybe Griffin will add some excitement to the team. What they need the most is chemistry and leadership. They play hard, they just don't finish. Maybe the fact that the team down the hall did finish and has another ring will encourage the Clippers to become relevant again in Los Angeles and the NBA.

WEAVER VS. WEAVER, an added curve ball on the freeway series

Some people like rivalries with in cities and then there are sports fans who hate inter league play. How about inter league play between brothers?

On Saturday night it was the Weaver brothers facing off on the mound. The Dodgers have the older and grittier Jeff while the Angels have the younger and sharper Jared. But Saturday night it was age before beauty. Dodgers downing the Angels 6-4.

It has been awhile since brothers faced off against each other. In 2002 Andy and Alan Benes got together on the hill. Although it was amusing for the fans, both Jeff and Jared are glad that their duel is done. Jeff saying that he was mentally and physically exhausted and it was the most ill felt victory he has experienced. Jared said it was fun but not interested in a rematch anytime soon.

Sitting about 20 rows back behind home plate were the proud Weaver parents. They arrived wearing specially made jerseys representing both sons equally. Half Dodgers and half Angels. Since they both wear number 36 that part was easy. Gail Weaver was spotted after each inning standing up to cheer on each of her sons performance.

After the game Dodger manager Joe Torre said, "I'm glad that we have the brother that won".

I am also sure he was glad that he had Andre Ethier who hit a two run triple giving the Dodgers a 5-2 lead.

While the Weaver family battle was fun, it was time to get back to the freeway series and the never ending argument over the need of inter league play.

LAKERS CELEBRATING GREATNESS!

For a moment can we congratulate the Lakers and enjoy a victory for them. No more needless banter wondering if Kobe can win one without Shaq?

Like it or not, as reporters we are SUPPOSE to give you, the readers facts and "our take" as to what happens in sports. Something that you, the fan, might not know because we have access behind the scenes.

Done, unfortunately I read more negative blogs, articles, opinions, and "facts". Being objective seems to become more one sided than ever. So let me give you the facts here from my perspective.

Kobe Bryant has been on a mission since the Celtics lifted up the Championship Trophy last season. Kobe said that loosing, drove him all year to win.

During the playoffs we saw Fisher, Odom, Gasol and Ariza all step up. We are constantly reminded by Phil Jackson that basketball is a team game, not an individual sport. We are constantly reminded how great Le Bron James is. How great Dwight Howard is.

How great Kobe is.

I agree, that Kobe is a great player because he has put in the time and he has had great players out there with him. As far as Dwight Howard and Le Bron James go, I think they will be great players someday, when they too, put it more time. And if they have great players around them. But not yet.

For now, Phil Jackson stands alone with the most wins as a head coach with ten championships, Kobe and Fisher have four and the Lakers have fifteen.

Now if the Laker fans could just enjoy this Championship and not set cars on fire during the victory parade, that would be GREAT!

MANNY STOPPED BY FOR A VISIT

Yesterday, Manny Ramirez came by Dodger Stadium to see his team mates. Players generally arrive at the stadium by about 3 o clock for a night game. I came in about 3:30 and as I walked into the locker room, I noticed a small group, about five writers were gathered at the end of the locker room. As I got closer I realized that Manny was sitting at his locker talking to Rafael Furcal. The small group of reporters were throwing in stupid questions as usual. Let the stupid questions begin. Luckily Manny knows how to handle them. He basically said, he came to see his teammates, he talked to Joe Torre, he is working out everyday, excited to come back, sorry about not being there, happy for Juan Pierre who has been playing great, what happened in the past happened, time to move on. He also said he did not rape or kill anyone. I AGREE 100%! Granted baseball rules were broken and Manny is paying the agreed suspension. Period the end.

As Casey Blake walked by and saw his team mate, he happily yelled out, "Man Ram is here". As the frustrated group of writers ran out of questions, they moved away from Manny. I gave him a hug and said hello. With me Manny is always warm and happy to see me. Today was the same.

I thought his timing was brilliant. About 90% of all Los Angeles media was in Orlando with the Lakers for the Championship series. The Dodgers won the game with Andre Ethier hitting two Home Runs, Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson hitting one as well. Maybe having Manny around is a good influence. He's a good guy with a big heart. He made a mistake....Move on.

HELIO WINS AT TEXAS!

After the year that Helio Castroneves has had, I can honestly say that sometimes good things happen to good people. My goal with this blog is to give you behind the scene's information that you may not find anywhere else taking from my personal experiences with athletes.

As the Indy Racing League moves forward to gain more popularity, driver Helio Castroneves is one of the most visible drivers. In addition to his success on the track, he was thrust in to the main stream after appearing and winning on
"Dancing With The Stars".

Earlier this year, Castroneves was on trial for tax evasion. He was recently acquitted on the charges and the next day was in Long Beach to qualify for the Long Beach Grand Prix. I was there in Long Beach the day he came in. He was with his sister, parents, girlfriend beside him. Having known him for ten years, Helio is one of the most genuine people I have ever met in my life. His enthusiasm for life is amazing, you can feel it when you are around him. Helio is not afraid to show emotion. After several months dealing with his legal issues, you could see how relieved and grateful he was to be back to racing. He cried at the press conference and hugged everyone in sight, including me. Roger Penske described Helio as someone who does not have a bad or malicious bone in his body. He is correct.


I wish everyone could meet him once just to see how regardless of success or failure, it does not change how he feels about life. I am glad to say he is back to success on the race track. Helio won the Indianapolis 500 last month for the third time. Now he wins the latest race in the Indy Racing series at the Texas Motor Speedway. We will have to wait and see if he wins the championship, but there is no doubt that every time Helio Castroneves wins a race, I will have a smile on my face.

FREE THROWS, FOULS, FUMBLES?

As the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic get ready to play for all the marbles, I hope the refs actually LET them play! I have never seen so many fouls called. Granted the refs have a hard job but get some glasses if you are really having this much trouble.

This brings me to the next issue, as a result of all these fouls, we have to see players at the very highest level at the line to shoot the FREE THROW....or should I say miss at least one free throw every time. How do you miss ANY, really, EVER?

Do you not practice this for hours everyday? I know you do because I have seen you all do it.

Let's face it, back in the day, the Hacky Shaq was kind of funny. When Shaq would stand at the line, his body looked too big, tall, awkward to make the shot. You just knew as he was dribbling the ball there was no way he was going to bend down enough to make the shot. But even Shaq after 17 years, figured it out this season and went from a 40% free throw shooter to almost 70%.....Who ever he has been working with, they need to get on a plane to the NBA finals.

I just hope Kobe and Howard do not embarrass themselves by fumbling the free throws.

Next...The only thing more embarrassing than missing the free throw, is when your team mates high five you for missing. Come on now. Just stop doing that!

So good luck Lakers and Magic and make this a good series. It sure has been fun getting here, minus the fumbling free throws following those fouls that is.

DODGERS, BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL...YEAH!

Has anyone noticed that the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in the major leagues? Not if you are watching any local or National Sports shows. For some reason that I can not find the answer to, the LA Dodgers are the most overlooked team on the planet. Everyday you can find a story on the Mets,Yankees, Red Sox, Giants and even the last place Rockies. Even the cross town Angels get more love.


I ask some of my colleagues, why not do a story on the fact that Juan Pierre has been on a tear since back playing everyday? The answer I get, "The Dodgers have not really played anyone yet".

At 36-18, the best record in baseball, that is 54 games. Almost a third of the season. But those 54 games don't apparently count. It is becoming humorous after taking 2 out of 3 from the Philly's, sweeping the Mets, 2 out of 3 from the Cubs....you get the picture.

But what do I know, the Dodgers have not played anyone yet.

By the way, to give you a little insight...Juan Pierre is the first one to arrive at the ballpark everyday and the last one to leave. Playing or sitting his dedication to the game is nothing short of admirable. He is not afraid to talk about God and thanks him for his abilities. He is a gentlemen and has a great sense of humor. He is also a heck of alot of fun to watch play baseball. Just ask any Dodger fan who comes to the ballpark.

Glad I could give you some insight about an athlete who plays his heart out!

PLAYING THE FIELD SHOW CLIPS

BEHIND THE SCENES IN SPORTS WITH MARIA SERRAO

Welcome Sports Enthusiasts! As a sports reporter I have the opportunity each day to bring you stories of some of the most exciting athletes in the world. Here in Los Angeles, there is never a dull moment in the world of sports.
My weekly show, "Playing The Field" airs on RPV-TV channel 33 and on the Internet. On a daily basis, I go inside the Locker rooms at the Los Angeles Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Oakland Raiders. In addition, I cover Indy Racing League and NASCAR races throughout the west.
My goal is to bring you insights into what really goes on behind the scene's in sports. I can bring you these stories after spending the past ten years building relationships with players, coaches, managers and owners throughout professional sports. I always say, "I don't interview athletes, I have a conversation with them".
Always digging for stories that no one else has done is the most fun of all. Take a look at some clips from "Playing The Field".