The Dude of Swing is BackWhen Manny Ramirez was suspended eight weeks ago, the Dodgers had a 6½ -game lead in the National League West. Now the lead is seven. But that's hardly the whole story.
With Manny, in the first 29 Games, the Dodgers were the best team in Baseball. They are still the best team in MLB, but just barely:Dodgers (50-29)
Red Sox (48-30)
Yankees (45-32)
Rangers (42-35)
Angels (42-34)
Without him, they played 29-21: good enough to be the best team in their division. Maybe good enough to stay there for the rest of ther season. Definitely not good enough to get through October.
I'm glad he was suspended for PED's. And I'm glad he's back!
Hopefully, Mr. Ramirez will have his head screwed on straight. Trust me, as a part-time Red Sox fan, I can tell you, if it isn't screwed on straight, the rest of the season will be hell for you.
ReplyDeleteVigil, check out my new post. I figure you will like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a guy who likes Ramirez and question if he took steroids and, if so, knew what he was doing. I say this because it doesn't fit his history. He was not hitting poorly or so so then bulked up and start hitting shots out of the park like Bonds. This guy always very well. There is a level of consistency in his hitting that rivals Mays and Aaron.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, i'm a little disappointed but especially surprised that he is being welcomed with open arms-- excuse me, standing ovations-- as he comes back to the Dodgers again. It shows that the fans really don't care what you've done illegally. All they want to see is Manny "be Manny" and knock the cover off the ball. I guess what I'm asking is...
At what point do we start simply throwing people out of the game for breaking the law? At what point do we say, "Enough is enough! You are disgracing your team and the game itself!"
At what point do we start to really restore dignity back into the game of professional baseball?
Thoughtful comments. Daddy, I think real fans want to win, playing within the rules. Manny has completed his suspension and is now again playing within the rules. (Homered yesterday!) But as Will Hart aptly warns us Angelenos, we don't trust him to continue playing thusly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that, Vigilante!!
ReplyDelete--Your friend from Boston. :)
How come Manny R. didn't start today?
ReplyDelete