Baseball Loves Stats

The Dodgers took two of three from the Angels over the weekend.

The winning pitcher Saturday was Jeff Weaver of the Dodgers. The loser was Jared Weaver of the Angels.

Here is how to find out if your significant other is a baseball fan. Mention that it's only the 8th time brothers have faced each other in Major League history. And if they go, "really. That's something"...they're a fan.

If they say..."They keep track of stuff like that? Are you kidding"....chances are they aren't.

What A Difference A Title Makes

More of Kobe's whirlwind So-Cal Celebration after the Lakers' championship; the parade and rally...followed by an appearance on the Tonight Show. And yesterday...his own personal parade...down the streets of Disneyland.

Meanwhile, LeBron James got a free pizza at a Chucky Cheese in Akron.

LA Rules

I still contend that we are better at victory parades than any other city in the country. 'Cause we're used to traffic that moves that slow.

Bret With More Brett

Brett Favre tells HBO he might play this season if he recovers from surgery on his biceps. And if he does, it would only be with the Vikings. Who have yet to publicly say they want him.
Brett just keeps reminding me of the title of that classic country song; "How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?"

Boy, We're Glad That's Done

Not saying there's not plenty of celebrating in Los Angeles after the Lakers win. But more like a chance to finally exhale. When your team makes a suprise run to a championship...that is the most fun. When the Lakers come to training camp ...with anything short of a title meaning a failed season....every littled hiccup along the way....for almost 9 months... just increases the angst.

Now some in sports bristle when a fan refers to his or her team as "we" with the snarky put down..."Oh, yeah. When did you play for them?" But the emotional investmentof the true fan...and there is such a thing here on the left coast...gives that drained (and either elated or crushed) fan every right to feel a part of it.

It's just that there was as much "Whew" as "Yay" last night.

The Story That Would Not Die

The Minnesota Vikings have backed off their pursuit of multi-retired and multi-comeback quarterback Brett Favre; saying call us when you know what you want to do.

Oh, yeah. That'll work.

"Hello, Vikings? This is Brett. I want to play. No wait a minute, I don't. Just a second. Now I do."

(You will note he misspells his own name)

A Manny Sighting

Manny Ramirez actually showed up at the Dodgers' clubhouse...saw his shadow... and will sit out 19 more games

Something to Prove

Much has been made of Kobe Bryant's serious...even cold blooded attitude during the NBA Finals. "I've covered Kobe for years and I've never seen him this focused!!" "Kobe is fixated on winning a ring without Shaq." "Keep your hands away from those teeth."

But while he's no where near going Hanibal Lecter on us... Pau Gasol in his own quiet way has been seething since the meltdown against the Celtics. Always having to deal with the belief that he is one of those European finese players who can't handle the rigors of the NBA...it got full blown "He's a whimp" after the mugging by the Celtics. You can say a lot of things about a professional athlete. But that he doesn't have the heart when the championship is on the line is the ultimate slam in that macho world. Ironically, Gasol has a chance to get more redemption in this series than the other Lakers. No one is confusing this Magic team with last year's Celtics. But Gasol (admittedly with some help) is holding his own and then some with the player labeled the game's best big man...Dwight Howard.

So when Kobe hoists the trophy, he'll still have to share it with a big man. But this time he probably won't mind.

The Lakers X-Factor

Keeping it in perspective, he was hardly one of the big stars of the Lakers' win over Orlando. But Andrew Bynum was a factor. And if he keeps that up....get ready for a traffic jam on Figuroa. Bynum's stats were respectible; 9 points, 9 rebounds and one block in 22 minutes. But the main thing he did was establish the tone early by pounding on Dwight Howard. The Magic are a team that needs a spark. Yeah, they get it from the three point shots and they will make some of those open looks in the games to come. But it starts with thunderous dunks by Howard. And when he's in a funk and frustrated... it spreads to the whole team. Bynum to compliment Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom means a wave of big men to wear down the Magic's big man. If Bynum keeps that up... even with the time lost to energy and the minimal contributions in the playoffs so far... he will have earned his money.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong

Troubled golfer John Daly ....who has had many trips to rehab...has been signed to endorse a sports drink. According to his agent...and I quote-"Corporate America believes in his comeback."

Which could explain the current state of corporate America

The Worm Turns Up Again

Among those on the new season of "Celebrity Rehab" will be former NBA star Dennis Rodman. There were subtle signs he might have a problem. Like getting kicked off another show... "Celebrity Apprentice" for showing up under the influence.

Next season he will be seen on "Celebrities who have run out of reality shows."

Naughty Horses

A fashion photographer has shot a photo spread of Rachel Alexandra for Vogue Magazine. Yes. Rachel Alexandra....the race horse. No word if Donald Trump will make her give up her Preakness win.