The Manny Being Manny Show Coming to Baltimore?

Paul Heyman of Sports Illustrated ponders on Manny Ramirez will be heading since the playoffs are done -- well, at least for him. It's interesting one of the places that are possibly (and I mean loosely) in the mercurial, dreadlocked slugger.

Charm City, believe it or not.

From CNNsi.com: The Orioles are another team that has been suggested as a possible landing spot, but they are more than one player away from competing in the ultra-tough AL East. Besides, new baseball chief Andy MacPhail appears to be getting away from the big-ticket buys of the Orioles past, and if they do go for a major free agent, it's more likely to be Severna Park, Md., native and Angels star Mark Teixeira. The Angels make some sense for Ramirez, but are more likely to try to keep the much younger Teixeira, whom they love.

I think that Heyman may be pulling this out of his head, or this might be some strange rumor, but I don't see him ever playing in Baltimore unless it is on the visiting team.

Honestly, a Manny Ramirez signing would go against the M.O. of Andy McPhail and what he wants do with the organization, plus would he be a good influence on the young guys, or would he pulls the same antics he did in Boston if he's not pleased?

As well, although he'd no doubt fill some seats, is he worth the money we'd sign him for, and would he we have give up draft picks if he were signed?

I say pass.

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Manny Getting Paid Even When He Loses...

Nice. Sometimes even when you lose, you get paid -- that could not be anymore true for Manny Ramirez.

Manny Ramirez spent the playoffs in Dodger blue. But he'll still get a share of Boston Red Sox playoff green.

The Boston Herald reported that Red Sox players last month voted Ramirez a two-thirds share of playoff money, reflecting the fact that Ramirez played two-thirds of the season in Boston before he was traded at the July 31 deadline to Los Angeles.

Only players who were on the roster for the entire season were eligible to vote, according to the report. For players who did not spend the entire season with the team, voting players first determined whether the players in question would get a payout for exact time on the roster, or a larger percentage, reflecting their contribution to the team.

Seriously, this all sounds like a fair deal. Although he left the organization on less-than-favorable terms, his contribution to their organization the past seven years cannot be understated.

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Playoff Reflections: Philly Goes to the World Series...

It looks like FOX will not be getting its dream World Series match-up of the Dodgers and Red Sox, since the Phillies took the National League pennant last night.

Now, the Rays just have to won tonight.

Cole Hamels dominated as Philadelphia found itself playing for a championship as they downed the Dodgers last night, 5-1. They used offense -- and a whole lot of Dodger miscues -- including three errors from Rafael Furbcal (in one inning) to earn an easy victory.

Chad Billingsley was awful, and Greg Maddux sadly may be ever so-close to retirement after his painful outing.

So, the first time since '93, they find themselves playing for only their second World Series victory (they only have one in their existence - 1980). For the Dodgers, it was a fun a little run they put together and they made the NLCS exciting; however, one man -- Manny -- does not make a team, and perhaps if everyone else had done their jobs, they would still be playing.

Finally, I just really, really, liked this photo...

Phillies Upend Dodgers; Rays Shock The Formerly Invinicble Jon Lester

The 2008 NLCS seems close to being wrapped up as the Philadelphia Phillies thanks to late homers by Shane Victorino -- who has seemed to be in the middle of everything -- and Matt Stair's long shot in the 8th led them over the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-5.

Tuesday's action had none of the drama of the previous night, and Philadelphia staged a dramatic comeback as the knocked up the Los Angeles bullpen in the latter half of the game. Derek Lowe was strong -- especially giving up two runs in the first inning -- and went only five innings; however, he kept the Dodgers in the game long for them to take the lead in the bottom of fifth by taking a 3-2 lead.

Now, why he was taken out by Joe Torre early -- who knows (maybe it's the fact he pitched on 3 days rest); however, that decision might have cost the Dodgers.

Joe Blanton -- the starting pitcher for the Phillies -- went five innings and gave up three runs, but it was Chad Durbin who opened up the flood gates by giving up a 2-run-homer to Casey Blake in the sixth to put the Dodgers up 5-2.

Both bullpens were taxed, but in the end, it was Philadelphia who reigned supreme. The reliable Dodger bullpen imploded and could not hold the lead.

They tied the game at three in the sixth at Ryan Howard plated in a run off Chan Ho Park; thereafter, two innings later they added a four spot thanks to 2-run homers by each Victorino and Stairs.

The Dodgers must win game five, or the season is over -- plus, I will not be able to use my tickets for game six...

There's an off-day for the NLCS on Wednesday (maybe to have the Red Sox in prime time); however, Philly will play for all the marbles on Thursday.

***

Tuesday's afternoon game had the Rays -- yes, the Rays -- whoop on the Red Sox and the previously invincible Jon Lester, 9-1.

Tampa touched up Jon Lester sail to the easy win. Lester only lasted a little over five innings, gave up five runs and his teammates could do nothing but watch the carnage.

B.J. Upton, and Evan Longoria homered early, while Rocco Baldelli's shot (what an incredible comeback story this kid has had), and Carlos Pena's homerun in the ninth has now sent Red Sox Nation thinking collectively, "Are you serious that Tampa could beat us?"

Yes, I am. I still think the Red Sox will come back and take it, but folks, these are the old Rays -- or Devil Rays -- they have the athleticism and power to beat anyone.

Matt Garza, who did not look too hot in Chicago during the ALDS, threw six innings of one-run ball for the easy win.

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Fight Night -- Well, Maybe The Appearance Of It; Playoff Reflections

It was fight night at Dodger Stadium in Sunny California as Manny Ramirez and the Los Dodgers kicked some major Philly arse, 7-2. The Dodgers are still down 2-1, but could make it even tonight if they can get past Joe Blanton.

Plus, I need them to win so I can use may tickets for Game Six in Philadelphia.

After the Dodgers disposed of Jamie Moyer early by torching him for five runs in the first, things got interesting -- very interesting.

It nearly became fight night -- well, in a theatrical sense -- at least.

Since I am at work, and pressed for time -- I'll let Jayson Stark tell the story, since he was there, and could tell it better than ever I could.

A 94-mph Hiroki Kuroda cannonball whizzing behind the noggin of Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino in the third inning of Game 3.

Before that pitch, this was just baseball. After that pitch, we didn't just have a series anymore. We had …

A SERIES.

A benches-emptying, fingers-wagging, neck-veins-bulging, coaches-jawing, Manny Manny-izing, crowd-shrieking, live must-see drama kind of series.

So this is from all of us must-see October drama fans to Hiroki Kuroda: Thanks for livening up the week.

When the day began, the Phillies were in total charge of this series, up two-games-to-zip. Now -- one game, and one 7-2 wipeout of the Phillies by the Dodgers later -- this is a whole different deal.

and...

Manny Ramirez, in fact, proved to be a particularly engaging conversationalist. Heck, he was so engaging, it took a swarm of Dodgers to hold him in one place just so he could keep his gesticulations inside the 323 area code.

In the end, as major sporting donnybrooks go, it barely out-fracased your average Kimbo Slice fiasco. But as Phillies reliever J.C. Romero so astutely assessed it: "It's part of the game. The ratings are up. Everybody is happy."

finally...

From the second Brett Myers offered to trim Manny's dreadlocks with a straight-from-the-salon four-seam fastball in Game 2, it was only a matter of time before some sort of fun-filled imbroglio busted out in this series.

Dodgers players have been muttering about it for two days. One affectionately referred to Myers, between games, as a "wacko." And only a couple of hours before Sunday's game, right up there on the interview-room podium, Derek Lowe, L.A.'s Game 4 starter, suggested that it might be time to address this situation "Nuke LaLoosh style."

Sweet. I just know that last night was some great theatre, because there's nothing like multi-millionaire ball players getting hurt, getting suspended in the playoffs, and costing their teams a championship; thus, nothing was going to happen.

Oh, and Manny... you've got to read this.

He not only drives in the first run of a game the Dodgers have to win Sunday night, but when Hiroki Kuroda throws a pitch over the head of Shane Victorino, he moves all the way from left field to shortstop, and this from a guy who supposedly doesn't like to run all that hard.

"I was there in case something happens," he says.

Later, when both benches empty, he sprints from left to the first base line to stand in front of every one of his teammates, the new leader of the Dodgers screaming in Spanish and English, or "Spanglish" as he later describes it.

"I was just yelling," at anyone dressed in red, he says.

But talk about despicable -- he admits later he didn't give it his all before really charging the Phillies -- waiting for Russell Martin, Delwyn Young and coach Bob Schaefer to grab him.

"I didn't want to get thrown out of the game or suspended," he says with a grin, so he makes it look Hollywood good, fighting as if it takes everything Martin, Young and Schaefer have to hold him back.

Three months ago the Dodgers would've had to call a team meeting to determine who the team leader might be, maybe Jeff Kent stepping forward but the kids not following.

But here's Ramirez, who still insists he really doesn't care that Brett Myers threw a pitch behind his head in Game 2. "It's not me," he says, while noting he wasn't the only one forced to duck in Philadelphia.

"I was mad because it wasn't taken care of in Philly," he says. "We just want to send a message that we want to play the game right. It's not only me -- we're a team. And it's nothing against Victorino. He's a good guy. There's no bad blood."

But Ramirez appears so upset, later walking up the dugout steps when Martin is plunked again.

"Hey, I'm not a fighter," he says. "I'm a lover."

I still think he's a dick for what he did to the Red Sox fans, but man, is he ever entertaining. My lord, is he ever that much more exciting with the Dodgers than he ever was with the Red Sox.

Please, I am ever so praying for a Red Sox-Dodgers World Series.

Playoff Reflections: What An Ugly God-Damn Game last Night; All is Written For The Dodgers To Take Game Three...

Well, the Rays won last night in a long, ugly, but exhilarating game in the Tropicana Dome. The game didn't end until long after 1am, as B.J. Upton plated Fernando Perez -- who was even gutsy for even attempting to score -- on a sacrifice fly to end the contest.

Dustin Pedoria -- all five-foot-right (I say five-foot-six) -- hit two homers and showed why he's an MVP candidate plus giving all short guys hope that they can make it in Major League Baseball, along with homers from Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay.

Meanwhile, for the Rays, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton both homered for Tampa.

Josh Beckett nor Scott Kazmir looked good, as each got touched up -- and touched up badly. it looks like both men are tired, needless to say. Both need to be on their game to really help out their teams, for sure.

Tampa had a 8-6 lead, until allowing the Red Sox to come back late. Rookie call-up David Price got the win, while long-term veteran Mike Timlin took the loss.

It's needless to say that the Rays needed to take Game Two and tie the series heading into Boston. I think the Rays will make this a close series by taking at least one game in Boston (most likely Game 4 when they face Wakefield), but the Red Sox right now seem to have a killer instinct and determination on their side.

The Rays, no doubt, are inspired to win too; however, it looks like the Red Sox are playing like men possessed...


Ah, Game three of the NLCS is upon us -- this is all tailor made for the Dodgers to whoop up some Philadelphia arse. Moyer is on the mound versus Manny and company at home -- I say L.A. wins big -- in a huge blowout.

The Manny factor will be too much, and the troops will help him out on Sunday.

Playoff Refelctions: Philly Goes Up 2-0, Boston Strikes First...

Last night, I spent much of it flipping between the games along watching the political news on TV.

Well, the baseball on the air has been somewhat compelling so far, and it is fascinating to see what has come about so far.

The first game, which featured the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Los Angeles Dodgers just two hours up I-95 showed why October is so unpredictable. The Phillies won the game, 8-5, thanks to the golden arm (ok, no so much) of Brett Myers and also his – um, bat – as he went 3 for 3 with three RBI’s and went five innings for the win.

Shane Victorino, also had a huge night with two hits, four RBI, and a huge game saving catch in centerfield in the eighth inning robbing Casey Blake of a sure double, if not a triple.

Chad Billingsley, who I thought would win, only went a little more than two innings in the loss and surrendered eight runs – all but one earned.

The one-man team of Manny Ramirez hit a 3-run homer in top of the fourth; however, the rest of the Dodger offense could not wake up and squandered a chance in the latter innings to make a difference.

Needless to say, with the series at 2-0 in favor of the Phillies, it could be over unless someone else besides Ramirez wants to help out with the offense.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia offense is tearing it up, and at this venture, they could end it all by Monday.

One more thing, my prayers are with Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel and his family as he suffered the loss of his mother.

***

The game of the night was the Red Sox and the Rays, down in sunny Florida – albeit, in a dome.

The Rays, in their first ever ALCS were stymied by Daisuke Matsuzaka and lost, 2-0.

Matsuzaka -- whom I really didn’t think much of coming into the series despite 18 wins – hurled a gem as took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and led Boston to a win. Tampa had chances in the seventh and eighth off Dasiuke to score; however, could not.

Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game.

An RBI single by Jed Lowrie, and one from Kevin Youlikis in the eighth made the difference.

James Shields held his own by a little only seven inning and giving up two runs; however, that could do little to stop the Red Sox.

Kazmir – who has given up 18 runs in 18 IP against the Red Sox in 2008 – is on the hill against Josh Beckett. The Rays must win game two or I am going to count this series as being close to over as they would have to travel to Fenway and win at least two games – a place which is nothing short of intimidating for anyone on the opposing team – playoffs or not.

Tampa needs to simply get on base and use their athleticism to beat Boston, and hope Beckett is off is game and still in the process of getting rhythm back.

Dodgers Lose to Phillies, 3-2; Red Sox and Rays; Playoff Reflections...

Last night, the Dodgers and Phillies played game one of the NLCS and everything came down to a fateful sixth inning. Los Angeles went up 2-0 in the top of the first inning, thanks to Manny Ramirez -- again -- with an RBI double; thereafter, Blake DeWitt plated Matt Kemp with an RBI.

Derek Lowe had things in control in the sixth inning; however, Shane Victorino reached base on a error off Rafael Furcal, and the Chase Utley homered to tie the game. Two batters, Pat Burrell hit his third homer of the postseason -- a two-run shot -- to make the difference. Cole Hamels was shaky in the first, but kept things in order with yet another post-season start for the victory. Lowe was good, but his two mistakes -- homers to Utley and Burrel -- cost them the win.

Like I said, if the Dodgers fall 2-0 in the series, it will be hard for them to come back. It was a very well played game yesterday night in the City of Brotherly Love, and I expect the same tonight in Beantown as the Red Sox and Rays begin their series.

I see Boston taking this series in six games and here's why -- Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. Lester has been an inspirational story -- whether you care for the Red Sox or not -- and has become a a hell of a pitcher, and Beckett, I think will bounce back.

If you add to that the fact that the Red Sox just seem to have that killer instinct about them -- Tampa might find themselves done.

A lot of people are discounting Tampa because of their experience, or lack thereof; however, let's not forget what division they played in -- the AL East. They used to the wild atmosphere of sold-out Fenway, considering they have played there 9 times in 2008, plus if you add Yankee Stadium in the mix, Tampa has played in a pressure-cooker place 18+ times.

They'll be fine.

I think Tampa is more athletic, and maybe even better than the Red Sox on paper, but a lack of a true ace may cost them the series.

Then again, anything can happen in the playoffs.

***
Before I go, I'll say I'm not all that impressed by the playoff coverage on TV at all.

Sometimes, I'd rather just watch the TV in silence and then get analysis on the internet, because frankly, I'm not liking what I am watching.

We all know about Tim McCarver and Joe Buck (last night was McCarver ever negative against Manny -- perhaps even rightfully so), but I am not a fan of the bells and whistles that Fox has; thus, I prefer TBS' coverage -- but not by much.

TBS seems to just labor through the playoffs and their analysis; however, they sick to the meat and potatoes rather than go into endless prattle. The studio show is actually rather dull, and not all that insightful; however, I did really enjoy seeing Curtis Granderson on the tube -- ok, LCD TV -- but everyone else I could have fallen asleep on.

NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...

The 2008 playoffs resume tonight as game one of the NLCS is played in the City of Brotherly Love.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers take on the Phillies; thus, for me, although I am a fan of the Orioles, the NL style of baseball appeals to me a lot more. That being said, I am very interested to see how this series turns out.

Both teams match up well with their lineups, as well as their pitching staffs although I think Philadelphia might have a slight edge with their bullpen (because of Brad Lidge). I think the starters for the first three games are suitable, there’s a significant drop-off from there with their starting rotations for both teams.

That’s why I see things so even matched up.

Right now, I am picking the Dodgers in seven games for the upset.

Why?

I think the Dodgers have been greatly underestimated, and obviously Manny in that lineup makes the difference; however, I think Joe Torre has also been a calming influence on this team as well by virtue of his experience dealing in New York.

Again, there’s the Manny factor. They look and play like a different team from the one we saw from April to the end of July. If the Dodgers go down 2-0 when they return to California, I think they are as good as done. I don’t think the Phillies can stop Manny based on how well he’s doing right now -- (but I think Ramirez only has a career batting average of .200 versus the Phillies) -- but shutting down the rest of the offense is ey.

However, if the Dodgers can touch up on Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are in trouble. As well, if Howard and Burrell are shut down, it’s too curtains for them.

Although I think the Phillies have the superior hitting lineup, I think there’s an upset.

I would so love to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Just imagine all the story lines, drama, and I'm sure MLB would be happy with the ratings as it would be a blockbuster.

***

While a handful of teams are still in the playoffs, teams like the Baltimore Orioles are stuck in watching it from home and face the prospect of a long, hard winter.

That being said, now is the time to sign Nick Markakis to a long term deal. I have said over and over, I have full faith in Andy MacPhail and I more or less said last year that the right fielder not being signed to a long term contract isn’t an issue — however, if it’s not done this off-season it will be.

After seeing his peers like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki signed to healthy contracts, after the progress Markakis has shown, he deserves the same.

At this point, if they go through arbitration process, Markakis will get a huge pay day indeed; however, the longer the team waits to sign him to a deal, the higher his price will go and the greater the likelihood that he’ll bolt.

Considering the Orioles are rebuilding, and it may be a while before they start to win, now is the time to sign Nick.

Let’s avoid Pandora’s Box from opening when it does not need to be the case.

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Angels and White Sox Still Alive; Brew Crew Done; K-Rod is Over-Rated; Playoff Reflections...

Well, I spent another afternoon of watching tons of playoff action – um, actually, between flipping channels to catch some football (especially the ‘Skins) and HBO’s ‘True Blood’ – the games were must wins for three teams.

Obviously, as you know, they were the Brewers, White Sox and Angels.

Two – the White Sox and Angels – lived to see another day; however, the Brewers are done.

***
For much of the series, the Brewers offense could not do much and seemed to be at a huge disadvantage; thus, on Sunday, the Phillies finished them off for the season.

Two huge home runs by Pat Burrell, and an impressive performance by Joe Blanton, helped Philadelphia down Milwaukee, 6-1. The home team could not mount much of a challenge, and the squad that needed everything to go their way at the end of the regular season could not translate the same magic into October.

The NLCS could be one to potentially remember, as Philadelphia takes on the Dodgers. I think Manny Ramirez, his cohorts, and their pitching can match up with the Phillies in all aspects of game, and right now, I give them the advantage.

Although Joe Torre managed the Yankees, I am glad to see him in the post-season again, and not in pinstripe blue. Growing up, the Dodgers were my second team, so I am going to pick them in the NLCS.

As for the Brewers, it was nice to see another small market – especially a team that has not seen themselves in the playoffs after a generation gets in – however, this offseason will be one to watch for them.

Like I said in a previous entry, the Brewers’ ownership must make an offer to Sabathia – even if he turns it down – to just placate and give confidence to their fan base. Plus, you’ve got to wonder if they can even sign Sheets, keep their manager, and list of other stuff.

***
The White Sox, who needed to win, did so yesterday by beating the Rays, 5-3.

Tampa Bay starting pitcher Matt Garza was shaky, and the White Sox took advantage of him by getting hit after hit, especially Dewayne’s contributions with two hits and runs driven in. It was interesting watching the game how dominant the White Sox crowd was and I think it might have given them the advantage.

I figured the White Sox would win game three just because they were at home, and they had the impressive John Danks on the mound. I haven’t thought much of him this season, but he has been clutch for Chicago in the closing weeks and the post-season.

I like what he’s brought to the table, and it will be interesting to how Gavin Floyd (a tough pitcher) does versus Andy Sonnanstine – who has been slumping after his impressive first half. I still think Tampa takes the series in four; however, the White Sox have a veteran team that might give them some trouble.
***
The final game yesterday featured the Angels vs. Red Sox, perhaps the least interesting in my eyes, but probably the most compelling and captivating. Well, the Angels nearly gave this one away after Jacoby Ellsbury was able to bloop a ball into center – actually, both Howie Kendrick and Torii Hunter allowed the ball to drop in – thus, Boston plated three runners.

That play would have ended the first inning and perhaps saved America from five hours of drama.

Los Angeles won the game, by the way, 5-4.

Mike Napoli helped the Angels with immensely with two home runs – the first being a two-run job and the second a solo one – to keep them in the game.

The game was tied at 4 in the fifth inning and deadlocked until the twelfth as Erik Aybar plated in Mike Napoli. Javier lopez took the loss, while Jered Weaver in his first relief appearance kept the Angels alive with his clutch performance.

Both teams had multiple chances to score and end the game, but they could not.
And more thing – K-Rod, oh K-Rod. Your 62 saves might net you a big pay once the games are done; however, from what I have seen so far, you’re a tad overrated. You’ve seemed to be shaky, and that home run you give up to J.D. Drew as not done any favors for your huge quest.

To be quite frank, there are six other closers I can name – including one who wasont he mound last night – whom I would rather have to a pressure packed situation (Fenway is that to the last degree) than K-Rod.

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Oh, Lord, The Cubs & Brew Crew Save Their Season; Playoff Relfections

Oh Cubs fans, my lord.

How could Chicago's finest not put up a fight against the Dodgers -- a team that only finished with 84 wins? Harden was shaky in the first few innings, and for the most part did his job; however, the Cubs could not hot or draw anything when they were in scoring position; thus, lost the game and the series.


The Cubs didn't look like a team that won the most in the National League, they looked more like, um -- the Nationals. They could draw in runs, could not score, and their defense -- especially in game two was atrocious -- thus, it is little wonder why they were disposed of so quick? One would think now that the Dodgers have all the momentum in the world as their offense is so hot, along with their pitching -- starting and relief -- may send them to the World Series.

The Dodgers weren't too fearsome on Saturday night, but their first inning made the difference.

It's 101 years and counting for the Cubs. I don't believe in curses, but maybe the Chicago Cubs are.

***

The Brew Crew after looking like they would make a quick exit along with the Cubds redeemed themselves yesterday. Dave Bush came through in the clutch -- I don't think anyone would have thought he's only give up one earned run -- and the Brewers won the game, 4-1. Thanks to an early 2-0 lead, Milwaukee shut down the heart of the order Utley-Howard-Burrell and were firmly in control the whole game.

Philly had a chance to come back in the game; however, Shane Victorino might have cost them momentum in the final inning as he ran into an interference call.

Philadelphia loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth and Pedro Feliz hit a double-play grounder to third that appeared to drive in Ryan Howard .

But Shane Victorino, who hit a grand slam off Sabathia in Game 2, was called for interference when he didn't slide into second. The runners were sent back to second and third, and Carlos Ruiz tapped back to Torres for the final out.

The Brewers pulled rabbit out of the hat as Salmon Torres -- who was shaky as hell -- got the save and left the state of Wisconsin in the playoffs for another day.

Erik Bedard Finally A Goner?

A big tip of the hat for Ian of Sox and Dawgs for emailing me this:

From ESPN: 2:56 p.m. ET, from Amy Nelson

"The Orioles and Dodgers may be close on a deal that will send left-hander Erik Bedard to Los Angeles, a baseball source said. The O's are in need of a center fielder and a closer who can play at the major league level, and the Dogders seem willing to part with outfielder Matt Kemp and reliever Jonathan Broxton, who could come in a close in lieu of Chris Ray, out for the year after Tommy John surgery. "They want Bedard bad," said the source."

Like I said, don't be surprised that MacPhail jumped on a chance to get some good youngsters who could contribute immediately. The Dodgers have a deep minor league system and a lot of prospects, so it is only prudent that the Orioles take advantage of it.

Now this:

From the ESPN Winter meetings blog: The Blue Jays continue to talk with the Orioles about left-hander Erik Bedard. Toronto probably has the young pitching to anchor a deal.

Ok, now I don't know if ESPN is just reporting chatting as a rumor, fact, or what; however, I will be surprised if Bedard is an Oriole still by the weekend.

Alyssa Milano Loves Her Some Joe... Torre It Is...

picture from Alyssa's blog...

Well, out of curiosity, I wanted to check out one the higher profile blogs, "Touch 'em all", by Alyssa Milano to see what she'd say about the hiring of Joe Torre.

Needless, to say she was excited and kept it brief...

From her blog:

Thank you, Frank McCourt, for bringing Joe Torre to the Dodgers. As my father said today when he heard the news, and I quote, “Oh my God. I am so excited . . . I am spitting.”

I think that about sums it up.

Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa

She ain't missing Mr. Little, however.

Joe Torre: Not the Dodgers' Manager Yet?

Well, after all the drama with Grady Little and the report of Joe Torre signing a three year deal with the Dodgers, he may not be on board quite yet.

According to Yahoo sports, a deal is not done.

From Yahoo Sports: "I don't categorize anything as close, far," Colletti said when asked if the parties were nearing an agreement. "It's either done or it's not done. We're still trying to learn about each other. There's been some light discussions to try and get a feel. I'm not going to get into where the negotiations are. It's still early in the process in some ways."

Colletti said he first spoke with Torre in the past few days.

"We've had some conversations with him very recently," Colletti said. "We've got other people we've got under consideration. We're in the process of compiling a list. Once we get a list, we'll go from there. We're taking it day by day."

Teams are generally directed to interview at least one minority candidate for open managerial jobs, but the Dodgers were granted an exemption in this case by commissioner Bud Selig.

"The Dodgers have a great record on minority hiring throughout the organization," baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.

Soon after Little resigned Tuesday, published reports said Torre and the Dodgers had already reached a deal, some claiming he had agreed in principle to a three-year contract worth $14.5 million.

"I've watched stuff in the last 72 hours that I can't believe I'm watching," Colletti said. "I can tell you we do not have an agreement. I've seen more inaccuracy than I can ever remember."

I would not surprised if a deal has not been done yet; however, there is a process that MLB must adhere to when a managerial opening comes along, and it looks that they will abide by it.

When I hear news like this, it is sort like in mind, "where there's smoke; there's fire".

There is a lot of truth to the rumors, so I'd stay tuned and do not be surprised if Torre is named manager of the Dodgers sooner rather than later (like next week).

A Cruel Business - Grady Little and Joe Torre

I feel sorry for Grady Little.

It's like deja vu all over again, this time this departure may be even more cruel. I can understand why the Dodgers did what they did, but you just do not do that to a long-tenured baseball guy, especially when he's been a winner.

Based on rumors of Torre being hired as manager of the Dodgers, and Joe Girardi apparently spurning them too, rather than have the carpet swept from under him, Little resigned as manager of the Dodgers.

Not pleased with their 82 wins in 2007, the Dodgers were looking to replace Little with another guy - even though the organization gave the man a full vote of confidence in the offseason.

Would you blame Grady Little for leaving? It's easier to quit than to be fired quite frankly.

Picture Gallery: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals...

Dodgers at Nationals - May 31st, 2007

Anyhow, I went to Dodgers/Nationals game in Washington D.C. on Thursday night, and caught the action. Here some pictures to keep everyone interested.

If you're interested in some shots for your collection, shoot me an email at mdguy2415@aol.com!

As well, take a peek at my extended picture collection at: http://community.webshots.com/user/marylandguy2415