If that's "Manny being Manny," fans will get used to it PDQ
Last night marked the debut of Manny Ramirez in blue, an event bigger on historical significance, buzz, and hope renewed than huge production (or a win). Tonight, however, provided the first glimpse of the effect wished for upon bringing the disgruntled Beantown slugger to L.A. Ramirez's first home run, run scored and RBI as a Dodger all came during tonight's 4-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the first of the milestones came a pair of Dodger runs, plus an electricity running so high that Manny's new teammates coaxed him into a reluctant curtain call. As he explained afterward, he's still a little nervous in his new surroundings. That may be the case, but Ramirez still managed to carry himself like a rock star, a presence lost neither on his teammates nor his manager.
"It's had a great effect on the ball club," smiled Joe Torre. "The players, they get excited. Manny's got that kind of personality and that kind of ability. Hopefully, we can build on it." If nothing, else, I would plan on seeing Dodger fans trip over themselves in an effort to see Manny help shape a box score. It was his
second day at the Ravine and flashbulbs were still popping like champagne
corks on New Year's Eve every time he stood at the plate. I think
it'll be a while before that reaction dies down, if it even does at all.
The breakdown is below.
The Good
- Manny Ramirez: As mentioned, it was #99's night. A little luck (and by "luck," I mean "Derryl Cousins mistakenly ruling good a bunt that drifted clearly foul") put Juan Pierre on first and the speedster nabbed second after tagging up on Kemp's fly to center. From there, Ramirez took over, blasting the first pitch he saw from Snake starter Yousmeiro Petit over the fence in nearly straightaway center. Just like the hitter himself, you knew that one was gone the minute it left his bat. A cap tip to the crowd and "Manny" chants followed. He later led off the sixth inning with a center field single, reached third on James Loney's knock to right, then touched home after Jeff Kent deposited a first pitch single into left field. Manny also recovered after what looked like an initially poor read to backtrack and snag a Mark Reynolds fly ball.
- Hiroki Kuroda: As much spotlight shined on the Dodgers' biggest star, a little filament heat should be reserved to illuminate Kuroda, who put arguably as big a stamp on the game. Arizona catcher Miguel Montero entered the game without a homer to his '08 campaign, which makes a one-run long ball clocked into the right field stands something of a disappointing surprise. But that moment aside, Kuroda bounced back from a rough recent stretch in a big way. 7.1 innings with just three more hits and zero more runs than the one allowed against Montero. Throw in six strikeouts against nary a walk and Torre is optimistic his righty may have rediscovered the form exhibited before the All-Star break.
- James Loney's glove: While debating an extra base on a right field single, Loney's hand got caught in the metaphorical cookie jar (with the rest of his body caught in a real life rundown). But when that same hand was inside a mitt, the first baseman succeeded with flying colors. He dove a long way to snare Orlando Hudson's first inning gap attempt. He got the ball to Kuroda, who just barely beat the 'Zona 2B in a foot race to the bag. Loney also ran down Alex Romero's hard liner a few feet behind the bag along the base line. Another throw to a dashing Kuroda and you've got a SportsCenter worthy highlight.
- Casey Blake: Like a certain fellow newbie, Blake delivered his first jack since arriving in town, a second inning solo shot that put the Blue up by three and ultimately wound up the game winner. He also belted a fourth inning ground rule double that looked for a second like it might make it out. Like many folks, I wasn't expecting a ton from the trade for Blake. Like many people, I've been very pleasantly surprised.
"He played well under pressure," praised Torre. "I thought he was an important player for us again. We've had young players at third base. They've done a good job. But Casey Blake, and now Manny, they've done a good job for us." As for Blake, he's just happy to be performing well in a new house. Mid-season trades are often nerve shredding and there's a constant urge to make a good impression. So far, no worries.
- Jeff Kent: Two base hits- the latter of which was concluded with a hard slide into first- and one ribbie. That offsets an 8th inning error in my book.
The Mixed
- Hong-Chih Kuo: On one hand, he helped preserve Hiroki Kuroda's rebound effort by taking over during during a sticky top of the eighth. With men on first and third and only one out, Kuo fanned Stephen Drew, then forced an Orlando Hudson grounder to end the inning. The ensuing 21-pitch ninth frame, however, proved considerably tougher. He got off on the wrong foot by walking Conor Jackson, then allowed a two out RBI-single to Alex Romero. With Torre having seen enough, Chan Ho Park got the call to wrap 'er up for good. Like I said, Kuo hit both ends of the spectrum.
A few more notes: Brad Penny's rehab start in Oklahoma City amounted to four IP, 6H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's, 55 pitches, 44 strikes, with 98 mph hit on the radar gun. Scott Proctor also pitched two thirds of a simulated rehab game with 3 runs (1 earned), 1 K and no walks.
Oh, and I apologize for the lack of audio, particularly the Manny-centric variety. My iPod froze after recording Torre and Blake, and it was too chaotic to restart it until after I left the clubhouse. Bummer.
AUDIO
Joe Torre: Download joe_torre.mp3
Casey Blake: Download casey_blake.mp3
AK
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Glad you're enjoying the Manny show. It would be churlish to mention, I suppose, that there might be a reason the Sox worked so damn hard to unload the guy. So I won't. You just sit back and enjoy.
Posted by: Mister Snitch | August 03, 2008 at 12:31 AM
all things named "ram" belong in LA!!! (how did we ever let our NFL team go????)......manny is just super-awesome, rare combo of hitting/slugging star, with loads of charisma!!!!!..........he is exactly what this team has so sorely lacked!!!!..........blake too!!!!........but manny has just so much energy/electric/charisma, it's just unreal!!!!........and he seems interested in staying 4-ever in "blue" (yea!!!)..........
and kudos to kuroda too as he really stepped up huge when both he and team needed just that, so hats-off!!!!
(and kuo merely showed that he is human afterall, finally allowing a mere run)
Posted by: OlahBlew | August 03, 2008 at 12:33 AM
i tvo'ed the game ... fast forwarded thru everything except Manny's ABs and Giby revving up the lawn mower. Manny's a rockstar and Giby's gonna be our next manager when torre retires. OH YEAH!!
Posted by: 88 | August 03, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Yeah, the Sox "unloaded" Manny. Not before he led the Sox to championships. Manny being Manny= winning.
Posted by: bob | August 03, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Let's hope for all involved that Proctor takes his sweet time rehabbing.
Posted by: The Dude Abides | August 03, 2008 at 01:19 AM
Glad I'm enjoying the Manny show. It would be churlish to mention, I suppose, that the Sox didn't win a damn thing for 86 years until Manny came to town. So I won't. I'll just sit back and enjoy.
Posted by: Al | August 03, 2008 at 02:29 AM
may i simply interject this? not to take anything away from manny ramirez, but if there's a "manny" that peoples from all over the world know, it's none othert than our greatest filipino boxing hero, MANNY PACQUIAO. i can't for the life opf me ever come tounderstand why such hosaanahs are heaped upon manny ramirez, when our manny pacquiao got none from the us press when he, pacquaio, handily beat a spanish american boxing great, david diaz.
hey guys, don't get sore when a brown man from a 3rd world country, albeit corrupt & fascist, gets to knock out one of your champions.
having said that, i'd like to weigh in on roach's idea of pitting pacquiao vs. the behemoth oscar de la hoya.
i have only a curt reamrk on this: my GOD, hoya & others w/ similar idea are killing our boy, our filipino icon. manny pacquiao, wake up! they're feeding you to the sharks, just to get your money!
Posted by: ronnie espinosa | August 03, 2008 at 03:20 AM
Snitch - I think you are confused, twas Manny who unloaded the Sox.
Posted by: Benzo Jones | August 03, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Snitch,
many players wear out their welcome after a number of years for one reason or another. Then they go elsewhere and start over again. Manny seems enthusiastic and I am sure we could put up with him for a couple of months if he helps us make the playoffs.
David
Posted by: DavidS | August 03, 2008 at 08:50 AM
The attendance is clear up for Manny's first two games. After my second jam-packed ride on the free shuttle from union station though, I can't help but wonder what contribution its having to the raised attendance. The subway rides home are unbelievably packed with dodger hats. I've been using the subway for dodger game for the last couple years, and have never seen anything even remotely like it. I wonder if AK or BK could ask around to see what sort of influence the shuttle service has had on the attendance. There are staff members with clipboards at the door to every bus, so I'm sure there are good records on it. I would be thrilled to hear more of the story from those in a position to find out.
Posted by: Steve in South Pass | August 03, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Just the appearance of Manny, let alone his hitting, has overshadowed the fact that Blake's been doing so well offensively and defensively. Great pickup there!
For the ultimate dugout/locker room experience... the Dodgers should bring Jose Lima out of retirement.
All that aside... when is Manny cutting his hair? Is Beimel reminding Joe Torre everyday?
Posted by: Stinger | August 03, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Just to be clear - I don't think its at all likely that the shuttle is the main source of raised attendance. It can't compete with the acquisition of a major hitting star after all! I do think it's helped though, and am wondering by how much.
Posted by: Steve in South Pass | August 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
It's pretty simple to me: Manny IS still an excellent hitter at 36, and his cluth hitting, well please see Boston winning two world series with him in the mix over there...
So Dodgers get him, and with their pitching which is tops in the league, and additonal run production, the Dodgers should be on the winning side here more often than not in the second half.
And as far as baggage, sometimes people need a change of scenary, a new job setting,--and sounds like he wants some anonymity too, and hey, it's LA!! what's not to like about LA!!?? come on!!
I'll be at the game today! should be fun!!
Posted by: ADRIAN | August 03, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Points my soul requires me to share this morning with my fellow fans and bloggers:
1) In the interest of science (attention Package, tio, and Higgins!), I want to record the exact number of wins that Manny himself earns us the rest of the way. To be fair, I will also pay attention to runs his defense allows (none so far!). Right now, my count is 1. My prediction (hope?) is 10.
2) AK: yesterday was the first time I recall you mentioning a general clubhouse air, and you described it as dull and quiet all season--until the arrival of the Manny circus. This is interesting inside stuff (not to mention material my numbers-head can't distill!). More, please!
3) I'm actually trying NOT to read T.J. Plaschke these days... but as such I haven't seen any news on why #99. I know Vinny described it as a last minute decision on Friday, and there's the obvious connection to Gretzky, but has the man-ram himself discussed this at all? Anybody got anything else on this?
4) I don't care what anyone says, Scott Boras is the most powerful man in sports. For better or worse.
5) I noticed that Orlando Hudson is 1 for 11 against Johnson. Which leads me to believe that Johnson has been around much, much longer than he looks. Anybody remember that old Twilight Zone where this history professor had been given immortality, didn't age, and had been around watching every event in human history for several thousand years? I'm reminded of that when I look at Johnson and his record.
6) Anybody else feel like today is another must-win?
Enjoy the game today, everybody.
Posted by: VA Blueblood | August 03, 2008 at 10:10 AM
I noticed that when Manny made contact on his home run swing he immediately started running.
There have been times when I've seen him stand and admire, which can be perceived as showboating in the baseball world.
Perhaps, he has turned over a new leaf with the trade to the Dodgers.
Posted by: wausroamer | August 03, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Is Paul LoDuca available as a backup?
Posted by: DavidS | August 03, 2008 at 11:32 AM
wausroamer - "he has turned over a new leaf with the trade to the Dodgers."
I have no idea why that made me giggle... but I did.
Posted by: benzojones | August 03, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Who cares if Manny cuts his hair?? Beimel's hair looked dirty and oily. Manny's hair is long, but in those relatively groomed dreadlocks. Also, and I know people don't like to acknowledge it, but established success gets you favors. When Joe Beimel is a bonafide hall of fame "Best middle relief pitcher ever" type pitcher, I'm sure he'll be allowed to have long wavy hair.
I've been saying for about 4 years, if Manny Ramirez was a white farm boy named Mark Roberts or something, people would have cherished his oddities and called him The Natural. Manny is one of two or three hitters I've ever seen that I feel comfortable considering the best hitter I've ever seen.
Posted by: Alfred | August 03, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I don't care if he sits down in chair as long as it go out is fine by me, I mean the bullpens have been getting shelled all year it is time for the bleachers and parking lot to get some work.
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 12:09 PM
VA Blueblood -
I don't know if today's game is a "must win" like I felt
last night's was, but I do think it's pretty important. They win today, you'd have to describe the 7-3 homestand as successful, they'll be back above .500 and they will be only 1 game back. Plus, they take momentum with them on the raod and have Billingsley going for them on 5 days rest Tuesday night. That would be a good vibe.
If they lose, well now they're 3 back, going on the road for 6 while 'Zona goes home to play the Pirates (who just traded 2/3 of their outfiled) and Braves (who just traded (Tex) and DL'd (Chipper) most of their offense.
So, I think today is a pretty big game. You ?
Posted by: OhioVic | August 03, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Mike T,
To be perfectly honest, I wasn't paying close enough attention and the "joke" went over my head. I get it now, but didn't give it enough thought at the time. Thanks for the heads up. It's been removed.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 01:05 PM
OhioVic--
I don't know, man, it just has this real playoff air to it. Like, if the Snakes take 3 of 4 then they really are a better team, but if we pull a draw after picking up Sir Dreadalot, then we've got all the momentum. It's a real ephemeral thing I'm feeling here though. We all know 1 game back or 3, there's still 50+ games to go...
wausroamer--
Yeah, the High-Fiver is no doubt the biggest hippie to roam the green since Fidrych. This is doubtlessly one of the reasons I've loved watching him play for so long.
Posted by: VA Blueblood | August 03, 2008 at 01:10 PM
AK,
Thank you for the response.
I enjoy your blogs but sometimes I can only take so much of the type of post you were referring too.
I kind of thought that was just a slip and it might have been over your head.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I've been a long time red sox fan... but i agree, we didn't win a damn thing before Manny came along, and i'm glad he escaped to LA because the media here in Boston is obnoxious to him, good for Manny you guys are very lucky to have him.... i've taken an interest in LA for a few years now.... and i'll tell you this, I side with Manny on this one, I get the Sox games for free here, but i don't even want to watch them..... I just signed up for MLB.TV so I can watch MANNY and the DODGERS (oh, and some other old friends like Nomar too), i'm not too interested in Boston's games anymore right now it's GO DODGERS for me.... Let's go get a ring for the Dodgers
Posted by: Levi | August 03, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Levi,
Thank God for you. I thought I was the only one. I believe the media is crucifying Manny with innuendoes, undisclosed sources, and just a bunch of crap. When you read the actual quotes from the players an entirely different picture emerges. I also have been unable to watch the Red Sox games since this all went down. The first game after Manny left Jerry Remy was really dissing Manny, the next day I got an e mail from Remy's web site and he is selling Farewell Manny merchandise. I just couldn't believe it. I have also been watching the Dodger's games. Go Manny!
Posted by: elccpa24 | August 04, 2008 at 09:43 AM