The Manny Show is in full effect
I'm pretty sure BK and/or I have already mentioned that as far as clubhouses go, the Dodgers don't feature the liveliest of atmospheres. It's not quite a library, but at the same time, there's absolutely zero need to put a librarian on the payroll to make sure folks keep their voices down. More often than not, it falls somewhere between "low key" and "downright boring," with "fun" at a rare premium. Thus, it's immediately striking to enter the room and hear Latin music- featuring a jumpy beat and funky horns- blaring from an iPod deck. It also becomes immediately apparent that a clubhouse with a locker owned by Manny Ramirez is very different than the one I've become used to covering the Blue for three seasons.
Today was literally the first time I'd ever met the newest Dodger, so I'm no expert on what "Manny being Manny" typically constitutes. Judging by today, however, it means being quite the character. Ramirez refuted a recent report that he changed his mind about abandoning Fenway and really didn't want to talk about Boston at all. When I asked if he had been concerned about what life could have been like if a deal hadn't been worked out, he put me on "pause," complete with a sound effect. But that aside, dude generally stuffed in as much goofiness as possible while fielding questions.
"I feel at home already," responded Manny when I wondered how long it'll take for his situation's newness to wear off and he can feel totally comfortable in L.A. "You're home," insisted a
next-locker-over Mark Sweeney (fairly happy go lucky in his own
right). Manny smiled, then told Sweeney to give him a hug and the two
embraced in front of the lockers.
As regular Blue Notes readers will attest, not a scene typically described in post pre/post game reports.
Beyond that, Manny said he wants to stay in L.A. (completely refuting a report that he never wanted to leave Fenway) beyond this season. The man apparently learns quickly what he likes and doesn't like, because he was able to cite plenty of reasons, despite having played just a game here. "The weather is nice. The stadium is beautiful, man." Plus, he likes that unlike his old city, you can go out for dinner after the game without being accosted. I'm curious to see if that opinion remains after his first encounter with TMZ, but Derek Lowe actually said the same thing a couple days ago, for that's worth. That, and fans that allow themselves to have more fun with baseball, as it sounded like the Saux Nation gets a little too agro for his taste. That being said, he understands the desire to see a guy play hard, which Ramirez says he has been and will continue doing, contrary to the opinion recently express by ex-teammate Curt Schilling. Manny also doesn't really care what the righty has to say. "I'm a new chapter. Why am I gonna waste my energy on what people are gonna say about me."
On a final Manny note, I've never heard a player offer to let a journalist- not me, to clarify- sit in his lap while firing off questions (as you'll hear in the audio). But again, I've never been in a clubhouse featuring Manny Ramirez.
LINEUPS
Snakes
Stephen Drew - SS
Orlando Hudson - 2B
Conor Jackson - LF
Chad Tracy - 1B
Mark Reynolds - 3B
Alex Romero - RF
Chris Young - CF
Miguel Montero - C
Yusmeiro Petit - P
Dodgers
Pierre - CF
Kemp - RF
Martin - C
Manny - LF
Loney - 1B
Kent - 2B
Blake - 3B
Berroa - SS
Kuroda - RHP
AUDIO
- Manny Ramirez, Part I: Download manny_1.mp3
- Manny Ramirez, Part II: Download manny_2.mp3
- Joe Torre, Part I: Download joe_torre_1.mp3
- Joe Torre, Part II: Download joe_torre_2.mp3
AK
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Except Kemp doesn't steal bases and lay down bunts as often as Pierre does.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 02, 2008 at 08:45 PM
those Manny interviews you posted are hilarious - must listen for those who haven't - hilarious.....
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | August 02, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Flash bulbs are still popping all over the place with Manny at the dish.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 02, 2008 at 09:06 PM
You think Kent is spooked by the presence of Manny?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 02, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Clutch pitching from Kuo
Posted by: OhioVic | August 02, 2008 at 09:23 PM
WHERE IS BROXTON? Torre on drugs?
Posted by: Tom | August 02, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Tom,
I just listened to the Dodger post game radio show, and the word is that Broxton was off limits tonight because he had warmed up in the bullpen for seven consecutive games.
Posted by: Brooklyn Dodger | August 02, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Torre said after the game that Broxton had warmed up and/or pitched 7 straight days and there was no way he was pitching tonight...
Posted by: Brian | August 02, 2008 at 10:25 PM
When does he get his own reality show?
http://thedaveburbarevolution.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Bart | August 02, 2008 at 10:33 PM
AK--I think you're in love.
vab
Posted by: VA Blueblood | August 02, 2008 at 10:50 PM
VAB -
If you're talking about the copy and color this guy may provide for the blog, you're damn right I'm in love. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 03, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Pierre's numbers when batting leadoff -
.265/.299/.296/.595
How can anyone with an OBP that low be considered a legitimate leadoff hitter? Isn't the ability to get on base the single most important facet of a leadoff hitter's game?
Posted by: TJ2 | August 03, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Why in the world would a team like the Red Sox trade a superstar like Manny and PAY his salary if he wasn't a royal pain in the behind? You will come to know the real Manny in due time. Good luck!
Posted by: Sandi | August 03, 2008 at 08:13 AM
F***'n Torre,he always wait till it's too late before he changes pitchers,like tonites game.3to8.Torre waits and waits til damages is done.I'm so mad.
Posted by: Bamm | August 06, 2008 at 06:49 PM