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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MANNYMANIA!
Damn it! We got a real live EARTHSHAKER, for sure!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Ned is looking like a genius.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Like I said it's about time someone started waring out the bleachers
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Man, if the Dodgers were to add another "real" bat we would be seriously dangerous.
I don't see how the Dodgers can afford not to resign Manny if he keeps this up and then add another serious bat to go along with it.
Man oh man!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Wow! Manny is the man! The overall energy and enthusiasm of the Dodgers is noticeably different with Manny on the team. Its a brave new world.
Posted by: Santa Rosa Dodger | August 03, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Another hr by manny...he really changes the complexion of our lineup...What a steal
Posted by: K T | August 03, 2008 at 03:20 PM
It is time all dodgers grow dreads and beards.
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Sweeny? Really....?
How could you let that bum pinch hit in front of Either???
Maybe Torre is showcasing him for the Forest Lawn 9
Posted by: dencard | August 03, 2008 at 03:31 PM
How I would love to see a hitter like Manny in the line-up for a whole year. Man, just think of the RBIs.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:38 PM
I just wish the rest of the crew would look like they care when they are up a few runs, typical additude in some of young D bats oh were up no need to look alive.
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 03:41 PM
I don't know but I'm thinking what was written about the Dodgers clubhouse the other day had to do with Jeff Kent's influence. Kind of like: You young guys keep it quiet.
And now with Manny in the clubhouse...there's really nothing Kent can say about it. That might mean the kids will start to show their personalities as they get comfortable with a Manny led clubhouse.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 03:50 PM
kind of makes me think back to the stories I've read about Kent's trouble with Barry Bonds in San Francisco and Milton Bradley in Los Angeles.
With the "quiet" clubhouse the Dodgers are coming out of with Manny...I wonder if Kent was opposed to big personalities like Bonds and Bradley.
Bonds he could do nothing about except get into a fight. But Bradley wasn't an established player with a history of injury...The Dodgers moved Bradley after the Kent incident because he was a bad clubhouse influence. But look at Bradley now...still injury prone but producing.
And until Manny came aboard...look at the Dodgers clubhouse.
Kind of make you wonder....
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Mike T,
I wouldn't put it entirely on Kent. This particular clubhouse- including many of the younger guys- isn't made up of a lot of dynamic personalities and baseball players tend to be more low key than some other athletes. That being said, Kent in the clubhouse definitely plays a PART in the buttoned down atmosphere, whether you're talking older or younger players. He's just not a guy I think many people are comfortable being loose around.
The irony with him and Bonds not getting along is that both weren't particularly liked by teammates, basically for the exact same reasons. Bonds would sequester himself off from everyone else in the exact same way Kent does. That the two were on the same team makes it funnier.
Also keep in mind that for the time being, I've seen nothing to indicate Kent is bothered by Manny. And to my knowledge, nothing has been reported, either. Granted, it's early, but in the interest of accuracy and fairness.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Brining in Manny has really helped attendance.
McCourt should take this as a lesson. Put the product on the field and the fans will fill the stands more than they faithfully do year after year.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Mike I sure hope so because that’s what sport is all about team or individual, Kent needs to retire. Well all you guys and gals take care, I'm out now.
Posted by: pk-mesa | August 03, 2008 at 04:08 PM
AK,
I hear you.
I like Kent as a producer. I've seen him do good things for the Dodgers when no one else was. But at the age he is now...I rather have him at the 6 or 7 spot in the order. And his leadership over the youngsters minimal.
But the guy does have a reputation.
I read an article when someone called him the teams grouchy old man.
Stuff like that makes me think.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Manny is effecting everyone. Let it ride, baby! Let it ride!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:20 PM
This electricity is the reason why I wanted Andruw Jones in the line-up. Man, if we get Jones going off of Manny...watch out!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Mike T,
Well, don't get me wrong. Kent is a grouch. I'm simply saying that were he on another team, I doubt this particular team would be overly raucous as a whole, you know?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Question for any baseball historians: Are the Dodgers the first team in MLB history to employee an $18 million late inning defensive replacement?
Posted by: wausroamer | August 03, 2008 at 04:27 PM
AK,
What make me say these things is the controversy that happened last season when the "kids" were upset about what some of the "vets" were saying.
It's probably over now...but, maybe, just maybe those kids will come out of their shells with a big personality like Manny around.
If not...you could be right about their lack of personilty, I'm talking about the kids.
mike t.
p.s. Great game!
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 03, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Lets not forget in the happiness---Juan Pierre--'goin' about his business' --1 infield single in 5 ABs
Posted by: DavidS | August 03, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I'm pretty sure we didn't get value for Albert LaRoche.
We need to FIRE COLLETTI! This guy is a moron letting Grady Torre put out these REDICULOUS lineups every game.
The Roach was this teams FUTURE! Now what do we have. Besides a team that's actually fun to watch and a real shot at the Pennant.
Does Kent have an option for next year, cause I'm pretty sure we will need him in the 4 spot when Manny goes to NY to play for Steinfelder.
Posted by: Benzo Jones | August 03, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Benzo,
That is priceless, amigo.
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | August 03, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Although I would love to Kent back next year, I doubt he will.
Posted by: 6thchair | August 03, 2008 at 06:14 PM