Is MLB Ready for Mark Cuban?

One of the topics on this mornings edition of ESPN's 1st and 10 was Mark Cuban owning an MLB team.

Check out the video below

True to the Blue!

Kemp Closing In on Starting All-Star Slot

Only about an hour left to vote for Matt Kemp & Andre Ethier online.  The polls close at 8:59pm Pacific Time.

Here is my first All-Star Voting update from June 7th linked here

Then you can read the update from June 13th linked here

Last week's update from June 20th can be viewed here

Last week Matt Kemp trailed Matt Holliday by 327,451 votes.  This week he has closed the gap to only 192,038 votes.  Ethier is slipping further into 5th place.  Get to voting!

Here is the latest count for National League Outfielders

Ryan Braun, Brewers: 3,932,100
Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 3,208,183
Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 2,935,965
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 2,743,927
Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 2,264,640

Matt Kemp MVP?

Although it was only a brief mention, it looks like Matt Kemp is going to start getting some attention from the national media.  As part of Pardon The Interruption's Big Finish segment, Matt gets some love.

watch the video below

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This Day in Dodger History - Fernando Valenzuela's No Hitter

On June 29, 1990, Dave Stewart of the Oakland A's and Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers both threw no-hitters.  Stewart no-hit the Toronto Blue Jays at Sky Dome and Fernando no-hit the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. check out the video below


 


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Clayton Kershaw Discusses Bankruptcy

Clayton Kershaw was a guest on Jim Rome Is Burning today.  Rome & Kershaw discuss the Dodger bankruptcy, Frank McCourt & Dodger attendance.  Take a look at the video below.



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Dodger Highlight Videos from their 15-0 Win Over the Twins

Matt Kemp goes 4-5 with 2RBI



Tony Gwynn Jr. has 4 hits against the Twins



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Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Mike Scioscia

Current Angels Manager and former Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia is an official spokesman for Howard's Appliances.  He has made several appearances and local Howard's stores over the years including one I attended last year on August 28, 2010, in Laguna Hills.  While these are Angels sponsored events as well, there are always lots of Dodger fans that show up to see Scios!

Mike Scioscia

July 9, 2011

10am-12pm

Howard's Appliances

13732 Jamboree Road, Irvine CA 92606
(714) 368-0163

True to the Blue!

Thanks to reader Gabriel Y. & ThinkRedInstead Blog for the info.

Andre Ethier Visits Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission

Photo: Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

On Friday June 24, 2011, Andre Ethier visited the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission and grilled up some Dodger Dogs for some of the guests at the mission.  Ethier also served them, signed some autographs and passed out some fleece blankets.

Take a look at the video-



One additional video for the Andre Ethier Marching & Chowder Society
Here is his sliding catch in foul territory from Mnday's game against the Tigers



True to the Blue!

Fernando Valenzuela to Throw First Pitch to Mike Scioscia

Photo: Rick Meyer/LA Times

I was online looking to get some tickets to the Freeway Series next weekend when the Dodgers play the Angels in Anaheim and came across an interesting item.  In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, the Angels have had a former Angel throw out the first pitch at all their home games.  On Friday July 1st, Fernando Valenzuela will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and the catcher for the pitch will be current Angels Manager and former Dodger great, Mike Scioscia.  Fernando only pitched 6.2 innings for the Angels in 1991.  No doubt the Angels are taking advantage of Fernando's popularity in Southern California and it doesn't hurt that the Angels & Dodgers kick off a three game series that night.

True to the Blue!

Think Cure Auction is Underway

The Think Cure Auction has started.  Items include autographed authentic jerseys of Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Rafael Furcal, Rod Barajas & others.  Also up for auction is an opportunity to meet Vin Scully and meet with him in his booth.

Click the link THINK CURE

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Friday Web Round Up - Kershaw All-Star?, Matt Kemp record, The Best of the Freeway Series

Clayton Kershaw talks about his All-Star chances with Nischelle Turner on foxsportswest.com

Steve Dilbeck discusses Matt Kemp & Davey Lopes sharing a Dodger record latimes.com

Sam Miller comments on the greatest moments from the Freeway Series ocregister

Jonathan Broxton strikes out the side in his latest rehab assignment Dodgers.com

Andre Ethier Autograph Signing - Recap & Photos

This is my third post about the Ramon Martinez, Tommy Lasorda, Andre Ethier signing this past Saturday at Frank & Son.  You can read my post on the Martinez signing here and you can read about the Lasorda signing here

Ethier was scheduled to start his signing at 11:00am and at around 10:55am the staff from Hall of Fame Sports started the line-up by numbers.  My nephew and I were 3rd and 4th in line, so we knew we'd be done quickly and just have to wait for Tommy's signing to begin.  My nephew had an 16x20 photo and an 8x10 photo to get signed.  The 16x20 is of Kemp & Ethier and literally looks like they have a serious Bro-Mance going.  Ethier even asked my nephew, "What's going on here?" when he saw the picture.  My nephew shows him the 8x10 and says to Ethier, "You and Kemp are pretty close in this picture too", Ethier laughs and signs both pictures.  He took a quick picture with my nephew leaning in.  I got an Ethier bat and a 2010 All-Star game ball signed.  Just like when I met Ethier at spring training, he was very personable and was all smiles.  He really comes across as a genuinely nice guy.  There were alot of people there to get Ethier's autograph and of course lots and lots of female Dodger fans.

You can read about my spring training encounter with Ethier here

Take a look at the pictures from Saturday's signing

Ethier getting ready to have a seat

My nephew with Ethier and of course I had to catch the moment when Dre was blinking

Ethier signed 2010 All-Star Game ball with 2010 All-Star inscription

Ethier signed bat with 2009 Silver Slugger inscription

8x10 of TGJ, Kemp & Ethier

16X20 of Kemp & Ethier - This is the picture that made Ethier ask "What's going on here?"

True to the Blue!

Kemp Moves Up One Spot in All-Star Voting, Ethier Slips One Spot

On Tuesday June 7th, I posted information on that week's National League All-Star vote tally.  You can see that post here

Last week on June 13th I posted the updated vote count.  You can see that post here

This week's numbers are in and Matt Kemp has jumped Andre Ethier in the voting for starting outfield.  Kemp is now in fourth and Ethier slipped one spot to fifth.  Kemp picked up almost 690,000 votes since last week while Ethier picked up about 421,000 votes.  Kemp trails Matt Holliday by 327,451 for the third and final starting position.

Here is the latest vote count for National League Outfielders

Ryan Braun, Brewers: 3,034,057
Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 2,562,428
Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 2,390,118
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 2,062,667
Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 1,889,298
Jay Bruce, Reds: 1,681,613

True to the Blue!

Tommy Lasorda Signing - Recap & Photos

Along with Ramon Martinez & Andre Ethier, Tommy Lasorda was at Frank & Son on Saturday June 18th for an autograph signing.  You can read my recap and see photos of Ramon Martinez here  As expensive as a ticket was to get Tommy's autograph, I couldn't pass up the opportunity because i've always had bad luck when it comes to getting Tommy's autograph at the Stadium or spring training.  My ticket was within the first 65 so I got my autograph pretty quickly.  There were alot of people there to see Tommy.  He would talk some but pretty much signed quick and kept the line moving.  As always, was really friendly with kids.  My 18 year old nephew got a ball signed by Tommy and commented to me afterward that Tommy kept picking his teeth and wiping his finger on the tablecloth.  I could only laugh.

Here are pics of my ball and boblehead I got signed by Tommy -

Tommy getting ready to sit down

My ball signed by Tommy with the Hall of Fame inscription

Tommy's SGA bobblehead from 2001

Tommy's signature on the bill of the cap.

Check back later for my pictures & recap of Andre Ethier's autograph session.

True to the Blue!

Ramon Martinez Signing - Recap & Photos

Yesterday, June 18th, was the Ramon Martinez, Andre Ethier, Tommy Lasorda autograph signign at Frank & Son.  Fernando Valenzuela and Tony Gwynn Jr. also had signings at other locations but I attended the signing at Frank & Son.  I arrived with my nephew at 10:00am and Ramon was scheduled to start his signing at 10:30am.  At around 10:25am they started lining up in order.  My ticket was within the first 10 so I was in the first group to enter the line.

Ramon was pretty cool and was more talkative with the fans that spoke to him in spanish.  He was very gracious & kept the line moving.

Here are a couple of pics of Ramon and the ball he signed for me.

Check back later for pictures & recap of the Ethier & Lasorda signings.

True to the Blue!

Jim Bowden Discusses Dodger Youth Movement - De La Rosa, Gordon & Sands

Former Reds and Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden discusses how to handle young player call-ups.
Watch the video below from ESPNlosangeles.com












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Video - Dee Gordon and Tom "Flash" Gordon on ESPN

Former MLB star Tom "Flash" Gordon and Dodger rookie Dee Gordon appeared on ESPN First Take and discussed Dee's major league debut and what it's like for Tom to watch his son play in the big leagues.

Watch the video below -



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Orel Hershiser Interviewed on Good Day L.A.

This morning Orel Hershiser made an appearance on Good Day L.A. and was asked about the possibility of him and Steve Garvey owning the Dodgers.

You can view the video below:



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Public Ownership of the Dodgers?

KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles aired a report & brief interview today with L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.  If Frank McCourt loses ownership & control of the ball club, Councilwoman Hahn wants the Dodgers to be pubicly owned, like the Green Bay Packers.  It would take congress to pass legislation as MLB rules currently do not allow this.  A web-site, ownthedodgers.com has been set up and posted the following statement:

The Los Angeles City Council voted today in favor of public ownership of the Dodgers. The Hahn Dodgers Resolution, introduced by Council Member Janice Hahn, supports the concept of public ownership of the Dodgers. This historic occasion was the first time the City Council has voted on a preference of ownership of this Major League Team . OwnTheDodgers.com is delighted with the vote of support by the City Council, and is now planning events and rallies to engage Dodger Fans throughout Southern California.

It's gonna take a lot more than a City Council Resolution to get this done.
You can view the Fox 11 report by Phil Shuman below.



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Hong-Chih Kuo Bobblehead Night

Last night was Hong-Chih Kuo Bobblehead Night at Chavez Ravine and the Dodgers took a tough 3-2 loss on the chin.  This was my first bobblehead of the season as I was unable to attend Mattingly & Kershaw bobblehead nights.  Take a look at the pics of Kuo's bobblehead.

The paid attendance was 39,233 but there sure were alot of no-shows.  Just like for most of the season, the stadium looked empty.

True to the Blue!

This Saturday's Autograph Signings @ Frank & Son - Ethier, Lasorda & Martinez

Back on May 18th, I posted the most current information on the June 18, 2011 signings at Frank & Son.  You can see that post here

There have been a couple updates since then.  Here is the current info:

June 18, 2011

Tommy Lasorda

2 time World Series Champion

2 Time NL Manager of the Year

2000 Olympic Gold Medal Manager

Hall of Fame 1997

$99 - small flats up to 11x14 & balls

$119 - large flats, minis, caps & equipment

$139 - bats, jerseys & art

$20 personalizations & inscriptions

12:30pm-2:00pm 

June 18, 2011

Ramon Martinez

1990 All-Star

1990 20-game winner

July 14, 1995 No Hitter

$29 -  flats, minis & balls

$39 - bats, jerseys & equipment

$10 - inscriptions

10:30am - 12:00pm

June 18, 2011

Andre Ethier

2009 - Silver Slugger

2010 - All-Star

$79 - balls & flats

$89 - figurines, minis, caps & equipment

$109 - bats, jerseys & artwork

$20 - inscriptions

11:00am - 12:30pm

True to the Blue!

Free Signings This Saturday - Fernando Valenzuela & Tony Gwynn

Earlier today I posted information on a free Fernando Valenzuela autograph appearance.  You can read that post here but here are the basics:

Fernando Valenzuela
Saturday, June 18, 2011
11:30am - 1:00pm

The Sportswatch Bar & Grill 

27961 Highland Avenue in the San Manuel Village

The San Manuel Village is down the road from the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino

Tony Gwynn Jr.

Saturday, June 18, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
MetroPCS
5060 Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022

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Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Fernando Valenzuela

Once again, thanks to reader Gabriel Y. for the following information.

The San Manuel Village, neighbor to the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, is home to a new sports bar.  The Sportswatch Bar & Grill will be celebrating their Grand Opening this Saturday with a t-shirt giveaway and Fernando Valenzuela will be there signing free autographs from 11:30am to 1:00pm.  One item per person.

The Sportswatch Bar & Grill is located at

27961 Highland Avenue

in the San Manuel Village just down the road from the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino.

True to the Blue!

Ethier & Kemp Still Trailing in All-Star Voting

Last week I posted about Andre Ethier & Matt Kemp being 4th and 5th in 2011 MLB All-Star voting.  You can see that post here

The latest vote tabulations are in and Ethier & Kemp still rank 4th and 5th.  Hopefully, with the Dodgers starting a home stand this week, they can close some ground and crack the top 3.  The last day to vote at Dodger Stadium is this Friday.  The following is from Ken Gurnick of mlb.com:

Through the weekend, Kemp ranked higher than Braun, Berkman and Holliday in batting average, home runs, RBIs, multihit games, hits, total bases, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, extra-base hits, road batting average, day batting average, games played and average against left-handed pitching.

Ethier ranked higher than the other three in batting average, hits, on-base percentage, road batting average, outfield assists and average against right-handed pitching. He also had the longest hitting streak in the Major Leagues this year.

Ethier & Kemp have lost some ground since the last tabulations.  Here is the latest top 5 for National League Outfielder All-Star votes.

OUTFIELD
Ryan Braun, Brewers: 2,230,505
Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 1,878,314
Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 1,855,416
Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 1,468,537
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 1,372,804

True to the Blue!

DNA from Blood on Dodger Jersey Matches Bryan Stow

Patrick Healy of NBC LA reports:

A blood-stained jersey dropped off at a cleaning establishment  may be linked to the severe beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow, NBC LA has learned.  The jersey triggered suspicion at the cleaners, which notified law enforcement.  Los Angeles Police took possession of the jersey and submitted it for DNA analysis.  The results came back a match to Stow, NBC LA has learned.

You can watch the video of his report below.

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com/.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Shawn Green

Courtesy of blog reader Gabriel Y., here is a flyer that has the details & guidelines for the upcoming Shawn Green booksigning at the Barnes & Noble in Glendale.  Looks like he will not be signign outside items, will not pose for photos and will only personalize your name.  It never hurts to try and get him to sign something else because you never know.

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Do You Want A Kershaw Autograph Signing?

Last month I posted my recap on the Jerry Sands autograph signing at Southbay Cards linked here

Well, Southbay Cards is looking for some feedback.  They want to know if fans would attend a Clayton Kershaw autograph signing at their store.  

If we can have Dodgers Young Pitcher Clayton Kershaw here at Sbaycards for his first Los Angleles Public Signing ,would you purchase an autograph or two??  This signing would be in July or August. You would be able to pre order at sbaycards.com 

E-mail them at sbaycards@aol.com and let them know if you would be interested in attending the signing and purchasing an autograph ticket.  When you e-mail them, let them know you heard about it on the True to the Blue blog!

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Sons of Wayne Gretzky and Steve Garvey Drafted in MLB Draft

                                          Trevor Gretzky

Photo Credit: Gus Ruelas/AP Photo

                                          Ryan Garvey

Photo Credit: Wade Byars/Desert Sun



Back on February 13th, I wrote about Steve Garvey's son, Ryan and Wayne Gretzky's son, Trevor playing in a high school baseball showcase.  You can see that post linked here

On May 23rd, I linked a story that L.A. Times writer Eric Sondheimer wrote on Ryan Garvey linked here

Now both Ryan Garvey and Trevor Gretzky have been drafted by MLB teams.  Trevor Gretzky (1B) was drafted in the 7th round by the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Garvey (3B) was drafted in the 15th round by the Philadelphia Phillies.  They both have college scholarships waiting for them if they decide not to sign with the teams that drafted them.  Gretzky has committed to San Diego St. to play for Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn and Garvey has committed to playing at USC.

For more details you can read the full story by Michael Martinez on foxsportswest.com

True to the Blue!

Don Mattingly - "In My Own Words"

Dodger Manager Don Mattingly's episode of "In My Own Words" will debut on Wednesday June 8th at 9pm PRIME TICKET HD.

Set your DVR's, here are the scheduled showtimes for the next two weeks:

"In My Own Words: Don Mattingly"
Thu	June 9	9 p.m.
Sun	June 12	11 a.m.
Mon	June 13	10:30 p.m.
Tue	June 14	11 a.m.
Wed	June 15	10:30 a.m.
Thu	June 16	10:30 p.m.
Fri	June 17	6 p.m.
Sat	June 18	5:30 p.m.
Sun	June 19	11:30 a.m.
Wed	June 22	10:30 a.m.
Wed	June 22	6 p.m.
Fri	June 24	4:30 p.m.

For more details go to foxsportswest

True to the Blue!

More Photos from Don Newcombe Signing

The Don Newcombe signing at at Frank & Son was this passed Saturday June 4th.  You can check out my post and pictures here

After the signing on Saturday I got the following e-mail from Robert M.:

I was able to make the Don Newcombe signing today at Frank & Sons also.  I brought with me a great looking 11X14 black and white photo of Don with Jackie Robinson & Roy Campanella, which all 3 were all part of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Champions.  Along with his auto he inscribed "55" Champs.  I also had him sign a baseball for my sports room.

Don was very cool and made sure to reach out for a handshake, which almost never happens with the current players.  Today was another great day for a collector such as myself.  GO DODGERS!

Nice additions to your collection Robert!  Take a look at his pics below.

True to the Blue!

Ethier & Kemp Trail in All-Star Voting - Vote Now

Last year Andre Ethier became the first Dodgers outfielder to be selected to start in the All-Star Game since Darryl Strawberry in 1991.  This year Ethier has put up some decent numbers and Dodger centerfielder is having an exceptional first half.  Yesterday on June 6th, the updated All-Star votes were released.  Ethier is the #4 vote getter among National League outfielders and Kemp is #5.

Here's how the top 5 shakes out:

Ryan Braun, Brewers: 1,588,342

Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 1,407,781
Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 1,382,436
Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 1,130,888
Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 918,269

As you can see, Ethier is 251,548 votes behind the #3 vote getter Lance Berkman and Kemp is 464,167 votes behind Berkman.  The top 3 vote getters will be named the starting outfielders.  Let's go Dodger fans, get to voting for Ethier & Kemp.

Click here to vote

True to the Blue!

Mike Scioscia Offers His Opinion on Posey Collision and Possible Rule Changes

You can read Evan from the Opinion of Kingmans Performance blog post on Buster Posey's collision and other notable home plate collisions by clicking on the link opinionofkingmansperformance

Here is the post I wrote about Scioscia's collision with Jack Clark truetotheblue81

Well, Mike Scioscia has chimed in with his opinion on Posey's collision with Florida Marlin Scott Cousins.  In an interview with Fox Sports West.com writer Joe McDonnell, Scioscia said the following about a possible rule change"

Tell me how they're supposed to write the rule, a runner would have to run in a certain area and not change course during a bang-bang play? Who decides where that area is? And would catchers have an area they aren't allowed to move from?

It's just not feasible to change the rules. I can understand why the Giants are so upset. He's a great, young player and means a lot to their team. But you can't overreact to an injury caused by a clean baseball play. And that's what it was — a baseball play.

Scioscia felt it was "Not a dirty play at all in my opinion" and went on to say "... it was just a baseball play."
For the full story on McDonnell's interview with Mike Scioscia click here

True to the Blue!

Steve Garvey & Orel Hershiser Teaming Up to Buy Dodgers

I just finished watching a story on ESPN's SportsCenter on how former Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser has joined Steve Garvey's investment group that is interested in buying the Dodgers.  The official name of the group is now the Garvey-Hershiser Group.

Hershiser told the L.A. Daily News:

"Garvey approached me, we've always talked and communicated through the years. He was a little more of a role model for me, the way he did things. I was like, 'That's what I want to do.' He's been a good businessman.  When he called and said he wanted me to be part of this group, I said, 'Garv, I'd always be interested in helping and doing something like this that would be a lot of fun.' We're forming a group that's investigating situations as they arise. That would be very interesting for me."

Garvey on why he approached Hershiser:

"I was just thinking to myself, we had so many similarities the success of the team, rapport with fans, life after baseball, I gave him a call. We had lunch. I told him he might be the perfect fit. He loves what our business plan is, and he's talked about how he could make contributions. He's a pretty smart guy, and he's the type of person I think would be a great asset for us."

Hershisher on Dodger fans:

"The fan base, they deserve better, The Los Angeles Dodgers are part of the fabric of Los Angeles. Their pride and their heart have been hurt by what's gone on and what's happening. It will take a large effort to restore that and I'm pulling for McCourt and MLB.

It hurts my heart. It's about restoring the confidence of the fan base and significant pride of the city. The Lakers have done a great job there. The Dodgers need to regain their form. Not in an old-style way but in a way that in my mind, I see them progressing and reaching back to the past."

Jill Painter of the L.A. Daily News has the full story here

True to the Blue

Matt Kemp's Postgame Interview After Grandslam

After the Dodger extra inning victory today, I was a little pumped up.  Despite all the ownership distractions, fans staying away from the ballpark and all the injuries, this team has shown some heart the last 3 series.  Granted, this Dodger team is still very flawed, they are definitely not closing up shop and phoning in the season.  Due to my post game excitement I really didn't pay attention to Matt Kemp's postgame interview with Thom Brennaman and Eric Karros.  My friend Alejandra had to point out to me the things Matt talked about.

Kemp said:

Last year was a disappointing year for me individually and team wise, we didn’t do what we needed to do to make the playoffs and I could’ve done a lot better than I did last year.  So we still have a lot to prove, I still have a lot to prove.  We gotta go out here every day and do our part and win ball games.

Karros then asked Kemp:

What’s been the biggest change for you?  You talk about last year this year, has it been a physical change or a mental change?

Kemp's reply:

Definitely physically and mentally you know getting my body right getting my mind right.  I have a lot of good people around me that are supporting me and we’re getting work done, we’re studying the game, we’re definitely getting some work done.  Like I said we still got a long season to go and a lot more to prove.  So, it’s gonna be an exciting year for us and we’re definitely trying to get back to the playoffs.

When Kemp gave that last reply, you could tell he had a little smirk on his face.  When talking about people supporting him, i'm sure he was alluding to Davey Lopes helping him study and getting work done as opposed to his relationships last year with Larry Bowa and Bob Schaefer.  I'm sure the smirk had a little to do with all the Rihanna drama from last year too.  I like Matt's demeanor and answers during the postgame interview.  He may be finally turning the corner.

[Update] The video is down there but if for some reason you can't view it, here is the link

You can watch the entire video below.