That's just Angel being Angel
Remember how I talked yesterday about Manny Ramirez's presence was instantly adding a shot of life to the arm of an otherwise fairly docile clubhouse? Well, as I entered the room this morning, Manny wasn't around, but his iPod deck was in full swing, playing a Spanish version of a rap song I recognized but can't remember the title (and I think it might be unprintable, anyway). Not ten second pass before my ears were filled with the sounds of Angel Berroa singing along with the tune. Safe to say, I'd never hear the Dodger shortstop belt one out before #99 hit town. But even former Rookie of the Year's need creative outlets, too. Perhaps Mr. Berroa will now feel free to continue letting his freak flag fly.
Of course, that could be contingent on Manny being allowed to keep his airborne. As far as the new locker room tunes go, assuming it's not the beginning of a musical romper room, Joe Torre is taking no issue. "if everybody's okay with listening to something, fine. I don't want seven different things going on at the same time, and if that's a problem, plug in (the ear phones)." Incidentally, over the years, Torre's only had one player whose musical tastes rubbed him the wrong way. That would be David Wells. "On the day he pitched, he played this obnoxious music. But my feeling is, if nobody objects for that one day, if you feel it helps you..."
Manny's other form of self expression- a head full of dreadlocks- remain for the time being in full effect despite Torre's request for a trim. Of course, Manny's also been in L.A. barely 48 hours, which is why Torre isn't taking this yet as defiance on his left fielder's part. Ramirez said he'd take care of the matter, and Torre's willing to let a few days or so pass before reminding him again.
Other Notes
Jonathon Broxton is fine, according to Torre. He's sore (the reason why he didn't enter last night's game in the ninth), but that's the result of throwing in the pen nine days in a row.
Brad Penny will throw another BP session and is still scheduled to pitch Friday in SF. He'll meet up with the team in St. Louis at some point. Scott Proctor, however, won't travel and was very sore after yesterday's rehab appearance. Another one is in order before entertaining any thoughts of Proctor rejoining the big club.
For now, no plans for sending Andruw Jones to the Minors are in place.
AUDIO
Joe Torre, Part I: Download joe_torre_1.mp3
Joe Torre, Part II: Download joe_torre_2.mp3
LINEUPS
Snakes
Stephen Drew - SS
Orlando Hudson - 2B
Conor Jackson - LF
Chad Tracy - 1B
Mark Reynolds - 3B
Alex Romero - RF
Chris Young - CF
Chris Snyder - C
Doug Davis - P
Dodgers
Pierre - LF
Kemp - CF
Martin - C
Manny - LF
Kent - 2B
Loney - 1B
Blake - 3B
Berroa - SS
Johnson - P
AK
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I'm a numbers-dude through and through, but clubhouse air and team momentum can be huge. I LOVE reading that Sir Dreadalot brings that to the table. Thanks, K bros.
Has anyone asked him about #99 yet? Just curious what he said.
Posted by: VA Blueblood | August 03, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I told ya you guys were going to have fun in the locker room....
Posted by: benzojones | August 03, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Blake is becoming the bomb, nice stop and is hitting good also, besides all the negative comments when trade was made I would like to see him bat
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Blake is becoming the bomb, nice stop and is hitting good also, besides all the negative comments when trade was made I would like to see him bat
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I would like to see blake bat 5th, I really hate my dell laptop it is time to get a mac
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:23 PM
I can't STAND IT! I cannot stand to see Pierre in the lineup instead of Ethier! What's going to happen to Andre? If I were his agent I'd be looking for a decent deal with another team. ColletiTorre is insane.
Posted by: QueenBee | August 03, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Yah manny single to lf rbi aj would hit into double play
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Will Jk hit a Hr or Flop
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Strke out and It looked like he didn't know the count maybe he is on pain killers?
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 01:33 PM
VABlueblood,
As is my understanding, Manny couldn't have 24 (Alston, retired) and his next choice was 34, which isn't retired but I think was nixed out of respect for Fernando. From there, 99 came up through some suggestions tossed out. Manny himself seems somewhere between cool and indifferent to it. He also liked "30," since that was the number on a Dodger uni he had as a little kid. It's Blake's number and he said he'd give it to Manny if he wanted it, but I guess Manny said not to worry.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Mike T,
Thanks. Like I said, I get the joke. I just wasn't putting two and two together when I just glanced at the comment.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Dang! I missed the 1st inning, again. I'm missing Mannymania.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 01:41 PM
This guy is getting racked!
He needs the hook.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 01:54 PM
108 games for Joe Torre to realize Andruw Jones should not be in the everyday lineup.
Lets see how many more games it takes him to realize Ethier should be playing everyday since Kemp was doing just fine in the leadoff role.
Posted by: Tom | August 03, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Mike wake up are you using what kent is
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 02:08 PM
The Manny effect. Russel Martin getting 3 straight strikes because Manny is batting behind Russel.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 02:09 PM
These two must be the slowest pitchers in baseball. Wow this game is going slow.
Posted by: XZoom | August 03, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Mannymania! Damn, we got ourselves a real live HITTER!
I'm excited!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 02:12 PM
XZoom,
"These two must be the slowest pitchers in baseball. Wow this game is going slow."
Tell me about it. At least you have the ability to flip channels. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 02:14 PM
AK,
We can change the channel, but, if she's in attendance, you can put the binoculars on Alyssa Milano.
Posted by: wausroamer | August 03, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Wausromer,
No binocs.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Vinny's a riot doing his "Northeastern" accent...
Posted by: Brian | August 03, 2008 at 02:27 PM
yah this game is slow, I bet I could leave now and still make the sixed I live in costa mesa
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Just want you guys to know, you got one of the greatest hitters ever in baseball. And don't believe for a minute what the Red Sox are putting out about him. Manny didn't want to be treated differently and he didn't want to be babied, he also didn't want to be called a liar and he didn't want to be lied to.
I'm in New England, went to 1st Sox game @ age 8 in 1954 a die -hard fan. This whole mess has shaken me. Manny works hard, and has a GREAT attitude ..he loves the game. How I envy you!
Posted by: Missing #24 | August 03, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Missing #24,
Thanks for the inside info.
To me it sounds a little funny. But I'll get into that at a later day.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:09 PM