MANNYS MUM AS ARE THE DODGERS IN BOSTON

So Manny returned to Fenway for the first time since the trade. First time ever in Dodger Blue. Manny decided to not talk to the media over the three game series, but we were all there anyway. The more I know about Manny, the more I understand that he is attempting to not make the same mistakes he made in Boston. One huge one is talking too much. Manny knows no matter what he says, it will be twisted. So saying No Thanks to interviews in Boston and some in LA makes the media mad....too bad. What is he going to say anyway? Nothing we don't already know. "Hey Manny, what was it like to hit a home run over the green monster in Dodger Blue?" Manny..."Same as it did when I played for the Red Sox". Manny did genuinely hug Papi when they met on the field for batting practice. Since Manny did not talk to the media, the Vulchers in Boston were scolded by Terry Francona who explained to them on day one that he was not going to discuss Manny's every move each day.

The real story is that the Dodgers got swept. The offense looked lethargic even with Manny's Homer. Ethiers swing is way off and Matt Kemp is swinging at everything. Even having Rhianna in Boston did not help. Maybe she better not come back to Los Angeles. The Dodgers have 3 more with the Angels who also just swept them AND 3 with the Yankees at Dodger Stadium. This inter league play is not much fun for the Dodgers thus far.

Back to Manny who did sit with me on camera two weeks ago about a story I was doing on Kenji the Dodgers interpreter for the non English speaking players. And what everyone forgets is, Manny is one of them. Yes, Manny speaks English, but he's not completely fluent. He was very candid with me about how much the interpreter has helped him since coming to Los Angeles. Sometimes it is easier for Manny to say nothing rather than risk saying something the wrong way. There was nothing to say in Boston anyway accept ADIOS!

MLB All Star Game votes....who is voting? who is going?

I started to pay attention to the All Star Votes this year for two reasons. One, the game is 50 Miles from my house. And Two, I will more than likely be covering it which means I better be paying attention.

Although the Angels are the official hosts, that other LA is team is on a tear. Quietly and dramatically. Three walk offs in the last three games and they had the best record in all of baseball in the month of June. Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

So lets get down to business with this voting stuff. In the National League, it's all about the Philly's. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, Jayson Werth, Jimmy Rollins. I am talking top first or second spots in voting. Don't get me wrong, I know and like alot of these guys, but is this just a repeat of the last World Series..... and I have not even gotten to the AL yet! JImmy Rolllins? He has been on the DL since practically Spring Training! Although Albert is leading his top spot by more than 500 thousand votes, David Wright is inching his way ever closer at 3rd base but no one on the NL West leading Padres is even mentioned! This is obviously a popularity contest that consists of crazy fans who have nothing better to do in New York and Philly than to find every way possible to submit votes for this game. Dodger fans need to step up the hysteria! Andre Ethier is the obvious choice and is moving up in the outfield. By the way if David Wright does not make it, I may not even go!

Moving over to the American League. Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is practically single handily hosting this event and for that, he needs to be in game. O but wait, he doesn't wear Pin Stripes. I am happy to see the World Champs represented. Even if they weren't the World Champs, Jeter can come to any event as far as I am concerned. But add on in the votes for Texiera, Cano, Arod. I am relieved that Torii is beating out Granderson, Swisher and Gardner. Keep voting Angel fans!

I was always under the impression in the end, one or two guys from every team come and are represented. The best players from every team. A virtual candy store of the best of the best. I once had a camera guy who had to take a break because he had to fill out his All Star Ballot. Not just one either. All I can say is, if you want to see your team represented and you are not a Yankee or Philly fan, VOTE!

12 TIMES A CHARM!

No matter how old or young you are, you know about the Lakers and the Celtics playing for the Championship. My friends son who is nine was hoping from the Suns and Magic. His reason was that the Lakers and the Celtics always play in the Championship! He's right. Folks a little older than nine relish in the lush history these two teams share. Fans from Boston to Los Angeles are eating and breathing this rivalry. Just last night at the Dodger game, two Boston fans, sitting in the most expensive seats at the stadium had no problem showing off their bright Garden Green t-shirts complete with BEAT LA on the back. Good thing they were not sitting in the pavilion.

The pure Agony and Ecstasy of it all. And the Lakers experiencing both. They are the current World Champions, Ecstacy. They did loose to the Celtics last go round, AGONY! For the Celtics they have been on a roll all the way through the playoffs. Before that, it was all about the Cavs winning the east. The Celtics were not even a blip on the radar. Although Le Bron and his off season plans still dominate the conversations, the Celtics blew through Cleveland like a bad cold. The nasty kind. Now the Lakers have to wonder of they are immune or contagious to whatever the heck the Celtics have. Be assured that Kobe Bryant is taking his Zinc. Infact Phil is probably handing it out to the whole team. Game on, tomorrow.