Manny's Honeymoon
Manny arrived in LA over the weekend one game into the Dodgers' series with the Diamondbacks, an NL West division rival. In his first three games wearing Dodger blue, Manny hit .615, homered twice, and drove in five runs. I’m glad he was dealt to a National League team.
I’ve read all the press about his departure – the Herald – the Globe – and I’ve listened to all the geniuses at ESPN weigh in on this topic. As I said in the last posting, what’s done is done, and the only question is how the Sox will perform in the next two months. Will the trade enhance team chemistry, and if so, enough to make up for the loss of the game’s most consistent right handed hitter? Will teams pitch around Papi now that Manny no longer has his back? Will the defense improve? That one is easy to answer – Drew, Crisp, Ellsbury and Bay probably cover more ground in the outfield than any other group in either league.
Meanwhile, not only did Manny tear up the Diamondback pitchers, he made nice with the LA media, and entertained everyone in a lighthearted press conference shortly after arriving. (You can see it on mlb.com.) For me the nicest touch was the absence of acrimony. Manny made a point of interrupting one of his answers to, “thanks all the fans in Boston… I love you guys. You guys been there for me in the up and down….” He’s right about that. Even at the end, when Manny had become a distraction, had refused to play game one against the Yankees, had pouted for no apparent reason, the Nation remained largely loyal. Sure there was some dissension, but Manny had produced when it counted, and I think most fans remembered that, and appreciated that. Plus, he’s wearing Dodger blue. In the same press conference he talks about how, at eight years old, he wore a Dodger uniform for his first little league team. And probably, despite the abandonment of Brooklyn over 50 years ago, there remain New Yorkers who continue to love the Dodgers, not just for how they played, but also for what they did for society. Now let’s just hope Manny makes a home for himself in LA, that he enjoys the sunny climate, and doesn’t long to return to Washington Heights.
And I’d also like to see Manny continue his assault on the record books. I’d like to see him play until his 40s, and continue to drive in runs. Jut do it in the National League. The other thing I’d like to see is the Sox start winning on the road. Tonight they’re in Kansas City, playing another of these doormat teams that have give them trouble all season. And they can’t seem to score any runs. I know what you’re thinking, but what’s the point? Someone else will just need to step up to the plate.
I’ve read all the press about his departure – the Herald – the Globe – and I’ve listened to all the geniuses at ESPN weigh in on this topic. As I said in the last posting, what’s done is done, and the only question is how the Sox will perform in the next two months. Will the trade enhance team chemistry, and if so, enough to make up for the loss of the game’s most consistent right handed hitter? Will teams pitch around Papi now that Manny no longer has his back? Will the defense improve? That one is easy to answer – Drew, Crisp, Ellsbury and Bay probably cover more ground in the outfield than any other group in either league.
Meanwhile, not only did Manny tear up the Diamondback pitchers, he made nice with the LA media, and entertained everyone in a lighthearted press conference shortly after arriving. (You can see it on mlb.com.) For me the nicest touch was the absence of acrimony. Manny made a point of interrupting one of his answers to, “thanks all the fans in Boston… I love you guys. You guys been there for me in the up and down….” He’s right about that. Even at the end, when Manny had become a distraction, had refused to play game one against the Yankees, had pouted for no apparent reason, the Nation remained largely loyal. Sure there was some dissension, but Manny had produced when it counted, and I think most fans remembered that, and appreciated that. Plus, he’s wearing Dodger blue. In the same press conference he talks about how, at eight years old, he wore a Dodger uniform for his first little league team. And probably, despite the abandonment of Brooklyn over 50 years ago, there remain New Yorkers who continue to love the Dodgers, not just for how they played, but also for what they did for society. Now let’s just hope Manny makes a home for himself in LA, that he enjoys the sunny climate, and doesn’t long to return to Washington Heights.
And I’d also like to see Manny continue his assault on the record books. I’d like to see him play until his 40s, and continue to drive in runs. Jut do it in the National League. The other thing I’d like to see is the Sox start winning on the road. Tonight they’re in Kansas City, playing another of these doormat teams that have give them trouble all season. And they can’t seem to score any runs. I know what you’re thinking, but what’s the point? Someone else will just need to step up to the plate.
posted by pops | 10:28 PM
1 Comments:
I am geting very worried. My work is in a hospital setting and this morning we had a meeting with a number of staff who are also life long Red Sox fans. It wasn't a happy conversation. The consensus, after watching the performance against the Royals last night (and once in a while we are wrong) is that the line-up is just not strong enough to carry us to another title this year. Ortiz's wrist is hurt, he will continue to be pitched inside, and Jason Bay while his numbers are very good, is not really a clutch hitter. We may limp into the post-season, but the loss of Schilling and Manny is just too much. If anyone wants to give me hope, I'm willing to listen. Meanwhile I may have to stock-up at Federal Wine and Spirits and maybe even spring for the $175.00 bottle of beer.
Worried in Williamstown
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