I Don't Give a Damn 'bout my Bad Reputation

Pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona just over a month from today, and Manny Ramirez is still unemployed. Perhaps the man-child is finally paying the price for his erratic behavior, and immense immaturity. There was no hiding the fact that he tanked it this past season to get out of Boston. But his roughing up of an older Red Sox employee may have been the straw that broke the camel's back.

In case you had forgotten, back in June the Red Sox were playing a series in Houston. Ramirez requested 16 tickets from traveling secretary Jake McCormick, who informed him that he may not be able to get that many tickets. Ramirez screamed at McCormick to do his job. An argument ensued and Ramirez shoved McCormick, who is in his 60s, to the ground. Ramirez later would apologize, but the damage was done. An already questionable reputation had worsened.

The proof is in pudding - Ramirez has been practically begging for contract offers. Other than the Dodgers' 2 year, $45 million, offers have been few and far between. Ramirez may want a 5 year deal, but he may have to take a 1 year deal to prove himself- not his baseball skills, but his dedication to his team.

You get what you pay for.

We still think Joan Jett's favorite team, the Orioles, would be a good fit for Manny.

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Breaking News: Mussina Calls it a Career

It's official, Mike Mussina has come to a decision and that decision is to hang up his cleats after an illustrious 18-year career. That according to ESPN. Mussina had a revival this past season, winning 20 games for the first time in his career and finished with 270 wins, good for 33rd on the all-time list. He struck out 2,813 batters (19th) in over 3,500 innings pitched.

Mussina made a name for himself in Baltimore where he pitched for the first 10 years of his career before leaving as a free agent after the 2000 season. He spent the last 8 seasons in Pinstripes, signing a second contract after his initial 6-year deal. Mussina won at least 10 games for 17 straight seasons, including the strike shortened 1994 season.

He twice fell short of winning 20 games before beating the Red Sox this past September 28 to finally get the monkey off his back. The soon to be 40-yr old also saw playoff action in 9 seasons. He was the pitcher when Derek Jeter made "The Play" in 2001 and recorded 15 strikeout games as a member of the Orioles in 1997.

Thanks for the memories Moose and good luck!

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Breaking News: Tejada Dealt to Astros

We had a false alarm during the winter meetings, but this time it appears to be true. The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Astros have acquired Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

5 for 1 seems a lot considering that Tejada's skills have deteriorated a bit. We also think Tejada will probably switch to 3rd base unless the Astros decide to move Adam Everett.

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Breaking News: Tejada Headed to Houston?

790 AM in Houston is reporting that the Astros are close to acquiring Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher. Kudos to the guys at Rotoworld.

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Girardi Just Says No

WBAL-TV in Baltimore is reporting that Joe Girardi has turned down an offer to become the manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Girardi was interviewed almost as quickly as Sam Perlozzo was fired.

The Orioles hired Andy McPhail to run their baseball operations, but one has to wonder if Girardi was concerned with too many cooks stirring the pot. That was an issue when Lee Mazzilli and Perlozzo were manager. On top of that you have one of the worst owners in sports, Peter Angelos, as the main man in charge.

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Girardi Meeting with O's - Productive

This from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal:

Former Marlins manager Joe Girardi and Orioles officials came away with positive impressions of each other Tuesday after an initial meeting in Chicago that lasted more than two hours.

While Girardi told FOXSports.com that he did not receive a formal offer to be the team's next manager, he remains the overwhelming front-runner for the position.

Girardi said he had a "productive" meeting with Orioles chief operating officer Andy MacPhail, executive vice-president Mike Flanagan and club counsel Russell Smouse.

A team official said that Girardi "did well" and indicated that the Orioles do not plan to interview a large number of candidates for their managerial position.

The Orioles on Monday named bullpen coach Dave Trembley the interim replacement for Sam Perlozzo. Girardi said that he and the club agreed to get back in touch in "a few days."

The team has discussed interviewing former Cubs manager Dusty Baker, former Orioles manager Davey Johnson, Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel and former major-league manager Jim Fregosi.


Click here for the complete story.

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Orioles Fire Perlozzo

The Orioles finally came to their senses and fired Sam Perlozzo who was never right for the job in the first place. Of course Mike Flanagan, Jim Duquette, and whoever else put this lousy team together should be fired too.

The bigger ramification here could be the status of pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who is close friends with Perlozzo. That and a bigger pay day is what got him from Atlanta.

Joe Girardi, who is currently in the YES booth, has been thrust into the spotlight as the leading candidate. Girardi may want to speak with Lee Mazzilli on how difficult it is managing an also-ran in the AL East.

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