Pedro Gomez Hoping Jimmy Smits Will Play Him in 'Game of Shadows' Movie

HBO films is planning to turn "Game of Shadows," a book detailing Barry Bonds alleged steroid use and the federal government's crusade to prosecute both users and suppliers of performance enhancing drugs, into a movie. No one was more excited to hear about the project than ESPN's Pedro Gomez, who has spent the better part of four years following Bonds closely. Although he does not actually appear in the book, Gomez is hopeful scriptwriters will see it in their hearts to add him to the story and have his part played by actor Jimmy Smits.

"I think I've earned it," Gomez said. "I've spent my entire ESPN career chasing Barry and I've bore the brunt of many of his mood swings. Plus, I'm a huge part of Bonds' life- when is the last time you saw Barry and didn't see me somewhere within 100 feet? Sometimes people don't even realize I'm standing right next to Barry or directly across from them because his head is blocking me, but I'm always there. There's just no conceivable way they can leave me out. Right?

"As far as the Jimmy Smits thing goes, that would just be great. They could kind of salt and pepper his hair up a little bit and I really think we'd have something. Also, my wife really loves him and it would be a real thrill for her to imagine that I was him, if only for a couple of hours. She's often accused me of gallivanting around, picking up Barry's 'table scraps,' but I think if she could see Jimmy Smitts, as me, being faithful then she'd probably believe me. She'd believe anything he said."

Although Smits has not yet been cast in the film, Gomez has contacted him numerous times to try and gauge the actor's interest, but as yet has received no response. Gomez said he was open to the idea of meeting with Smits, allowing him to study the reporter for the role and showing him what his day to day life was like while Bonds played for the San Francisco Giants.

"I'd usually sleep on Barry's lawn and then be up bright and early to make a Starbucks run," Gomez said. "I would usually grab Barry a caramel macchiato, which he would refuse and, depending on his mood, would sometimes knock out of my hands. After changing suits, I'd follow Barry in my car. Sometimes we would go to the gym or different laboratories, but one things for sure, he's always pissed. I once saw him kick a puppy and then steal a nearby baby's all-day sucker and pee on it- and that was on a good day! After that, we'd head to the stadium where Barry would joylessly go through the day without speaking to any of his teammates. After games we would usually part ways because I'd have a report to file, but Barry knew I'd be right back on his lawn, latte in hand, come sunrise."