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.

Share

Donnie Baseball Steps Down

Citing family reasons, Don Mattingly stepped down as the LA Dodgers hitting instructor earlier this evening. Donnie Baseball will remain on the Dodgers' payroll as a special assignment coach. Mike Easler has been named as the new hitting coach.

Mattingly released the following statement through the team:

"I'm very grateful that the Dodgers have allowed me to take care of these family matters and I hope that everyone can respect our privacy during this time," Mattingly said in a statement issued by the team. "I truly appreciate the support of all Dodger fans since joining the organization and I look forward to helping the team win in 2008 and beyond."

We wish Donnie and his family all of the best! We were hoping perhaps he saw himself in a Dodgers uniform and thought better of it.

Share

Does HGH Use Matter?

After seeing his name in the Mitchell Report, catcher Gary Bennett admitted to using HGH in 2003. Today, he signed a 1 year, 850 grand contract to be the back up catcher for the Dodgers. Apparently this is baseball's moving forward process.

And since there is still no definitive urinalysis to discover HGH, who really thinks its usage will come to an end?

Share

Photo of the Day

Joe Torre shows the LA media that he even trimmed his nose hairs for the occasion.

Share

Torre Announced, Bowa Along for the Ride

Joe Torre was officially announced as the LA Dodgers manager earlier today. In a ceremony that took place in centerfield in Chavez Ravine, it was also announced that Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa will join Torre's coaching staff. It has not be determined if Mattingly will be hitting or bench coach, or if Bowa will be bench or 3rd Base coach.

"Wow! This has been wild here. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind for my wife Ali and me," Torre said. "You say goodbye to one prestigious organization and you say hello to another prestigious organization."

Source

Share

Torre, Dodgers Make it Official

It didn't take Joe Torre long to find himself a new gig. As rumored, he and the Dodgers agreed to a 3 year deal to make him their new manager. The deal will pay him a little more than $4 million per season. And yes, it's all guaranteed.

Remarkably, Torre is only the 8th Dodgers manager since the team moved to LA in 1958.

We love ya Joe, but we hate the Dodgers.

Sauce

Share

Torre to Manage Dodgers

The Journal News is reporting tonight that Joe Torre has agreed to manage the LA Dodgers next season and Don Mattingly will join him as bench coach. An announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.

The Dodgers had to buy out current manager, Grady Little, who lost his last job with the Red Sox, in part, due to Joe Torre.

Source

Share