MLB FanHouse

Manny Returns, Apologizes ... Sort Of

Jeff Fletcher — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:48:00 EST

SAN DIEGO -- Manny Ramirez took a page out of Jason Giambi's book.

When Giambi came back to the Yankees after it was reported that he testified before a federal grand jury that he had used steroids, Giambi apologized, but he was careful not to say what he did wrong.

When Ramirez addressed reporters en masse for the first time since he was suspended for 50 games for a violation of baseball's drug policy, Ramirez gave vague apologies, but not much else.

"I want to say I'm sorry to the fans, to my teammates," Ramirez said Friday in a packed press conference before the Dodgers played the Padres at Petco Park. "They were always there for me. I want to thank them for their support. I'm here. I'm excited."

Listen: Entire Manny Ramirez Press Conference

Ramirez smiled and joked his way through a 12-minute grilling from the media contingent, which was about three times the normal size. Ramirez opened the press conference by announcing "It's showtime," but then he dodged most questions about steroids.

"I don't want to get into my medical records," he said.

At another point, Ramirez said: "I don't want to talk about my criminal record."

He didn't want to talk about whether he's tarnished his career numbers either: "I don't want to talk about my legacy. I want to wait till I retire, then I'm going to think about it."

Ramirez said he's ready to accept whatever jeers the fans can dish out.

"I'm used to that," he said. "When you are good, and you are not at home, they are going to boo you. It's going to give me more fire. Bring it on."

Ramirez got a loud reaction for his every move on Friday night, with Padres fans and Dodgers fans -- seemingly split about evenly -- trying to drown each other out. There were a smattering of signs around the ballpark, concentrated in the left field seats, both praising and condemning Ramirez. Cameras flashed from around the ballpark each time he came to bat, a scene reminiscent of Barry Bonds when he was chasing Hank Aaron two years ago.

The first real test of the fans' attitude toward Ramirez will come next week when the Dodgers go to New York. It will also be Ramirez's first appearance in New York since he left the Red Sox. For now, Ramirez has the rest of the weekend to enjoy the relatively friendly Southern California atmosphere.

Latest Manny Ramirez Images

SAN DIEGO - JULY 3: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers flies out in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres during the game on July 3, 2009 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Ramirez was taken out of the game in the sixth inning and ended the game 0-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Ramirez

Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez tosses his bat after walking during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Friday, July 3, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez waits to bat in the fourth inning during Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres in San Diego, California July 3, 2009. Ramirez, who was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance on May 7, is playing his first game following his 50-game suspension. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez, center, is welcomed into the dugout after two runs scored during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Friday, July 3, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez tosses his bat as he walks in the first inning of a MLB National League baseball game during his first at bat against the San Diego Padres in San Diego, California July 3, 2009. Ramirez, who was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance on May 7, is playing his first game following his 50-game suspension. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Fans hold up signs as Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez comes up to bat during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Friday, July 3, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

SAN DIEGO - JULY 3: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers tosses his helmet against the San Diego Padres during the game on July 3, 2009 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Ramirez

Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JULY 3: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fields a base hit by Everth Cabrera #22 of the San Diego Padres during the third inning on July 3, 2009 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Ramirez

Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez warms-up in the batting circle in the sixth inning during Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres in San Diego, California July 3, 2009. Ramirez, who was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance on May 7, is playing his first game following his 50-game suspension. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez slaps hands with manager Joe Torre after being forced out at second base in the first inning during Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres in San Diego, California July 3, 2009. Ramirez, who was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance on May 7, is playing his first game following his 50-game suspension. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

"It was great," Ramirez said. "It was the best. All my fans drove down from L.A. for the game. It was unbelievable."

Ramirez said he's not surprised by fans who cheer him because "I'm one of the best players who ever put on a uniform."

He was, anyway. It remains to be seen when, or if, he'll get back to that level after missing 50 games.

Ramirez, who was batting in the No. 3 spot, went hitless in three at-bats, with a walk, on Friday night. The outs were weak, a couple groundouts and a popout. He played five uneventful innings in left field, which is almost news in itself, before coming out of the game with the Dodgers leading 6-1.

"I was kind of nervous at first, but once I stepped to the plate I was fine," Ramirez said.

Manager Joe Torre said Ramirez "looked OK... There's no question, he's rusty. The only way to play this game is to practice and he hasn't had a lot of practice, but the at-bat was amazing. It lets you know what kind of hitter he is and how he knows the strike zone."

Ramirez said he will play again on Saturday, but he's not ready to play nine innings yet. Torre said how much Ramirez is able to play will be an ongoing evaluation.

"I think we're all going to find out. None of us have those answers. The one thing I do know is the only way he's going to perform is to play. We're going to write his name in the lineup every day until we see a reason not to."

Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf said he's not expecting vintage Ramirez right away.

"He took two months off," Wolf said. "I don't care how good you are, it's going to take time to get back. But he's still that threat in there. You've got that name in there that pitchers will have to deal with."

Because of what Ramirez can do on the field, his teammates were ready to forgive, forget and welcome him back in the clubhouse.

"Am I defending what he did? Is he defending what he did? No," Torre said. "Certainly young kids need to get a message that what any of the players did and have been punished for certainly isn't advisable to them. ... As far as his punishment and coming back, do we think we should be banned for life? He made a mistake. He's done his time and now he's going to come back."

Wolf said he doesn't know exactly what Ramirez did, and he doesn't want to know.

"People make mistakes," Wolf said. "It's a mystery, but he's a teammate. I've never been to the playoffs and I've never won a championship and he's going to be a big part in helping out there. We need him."

Manny Returns, Apologizes ... Sort Of originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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L.A. Times Writer Would Like You To Boo Manny Ramirez

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB PEDs

Friday is the night that many a Dodgers fan has been waiting for. After serving his 50-game suspension, the home run-hitting, fertility drug-taking wonder that is Manny Ramirez will be back in the lineup as the Dodgers take on the Padres in San Diego. Now if you're wondering what to make of all this I invite you to give our latest BaseCast a listen as Prez and Fletch have already broken it down for you.

One question I have for tonight's game is how Manny will be treated by Padres fans. These are the same people who greeted Barry Bonds with giant syringes after all. Of course, while we know that Manny is bound to hear some boos while on the road, what kind of reaction will he get in Mannywood? Well, if Kevin Patra at the Los Angeles Times gets his way, Dodger fans will boo Ramirez.

I've never asked Dodger fans for a favor before, but I have one request now: When that first home game comes on July 16, for one night, one at-bat or at least one swing, boo Manny. I'm not asking you to burn your coveted Man-wig, hide the name on the back of your No. 99 T-shirt under duct tape or torture yourself by watching Angels games. All I ask is that if you attend Manny's first home game, you boo. Once, at least.

I'm asking you to set aside the fact that the Dodgers will need Manny to win anything beyond the division crown in the pathetic NL West, and to forget that with a Manny-free lineup, your Dodgers have been scoring runs less frequently than your daughter's t-ball team (eight measly runs in five games).

First of all, before we even get to what I think about this, it's hard for me to take this article too seriously when the NL West is referred to as "pathetic." Last I checked the NL West would currently be the home of half of the National League's playoff teams if the season ended today as the Giants lead the wild card. The Colorado Rockies are only a game behind them.

As for Manny, I'm sure there will be some Dodger fans who boo him when he comes back to Los Angeles, but I'm pretty sure the vast majority of them will welcome him with open arms. The fact of the matter is that steroids and performance-enhancing drugs are just a part of what baseball has become these days, and with all the players who have been outed as "cheaters" in recent years, nobody is very shocked by it.

Besides, this is Hollywood and Los Angeles we're talking about. If you're going to boo Manny than shouldn't you boo every actress with botoxed lips, or every actor who's taken HGH to help bulk up for a role? It's all just entertainment, folks.

L.A. Times Writer Would Like You To Boo Manny Ramirez originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BaseCast: Manny Mania and Much More

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Tigers

It's a baseball podcast. The math is easy, right? BaseCast. Let's rock.

He's baaaaaaack. Manny Ramirez rejoins the Dodgers Friday night in San Diego after a 50-game suspension for a violation of Major League Baseball's drug prevention program.

FanHouse's own Jeff Fletcher will be at Petco Park to see and report on Manny's return, so in preparation he joined Andrew Johnson (Prez) on the second edition of BaseCast to talk about what the media horde will be like, how, if at all, the slugger will address the media, what impact he'll have on the Dodgers on the field and how the road fans will react to him post-suspension.

And just for good measure, there's also Fletch's exclusive interview with Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson. Listen in after the jump.

Download the File

BaseCast: Manny Mania and Much More originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Top Without Manny, Dodgers Are Ready to Welcome Him Back

Jeff Fletcher — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, FanHouse Exclusive

When the Dodgers lost Manny Ramirez, questions surfaced from coast to coast about how the team would be able to get by without its most valuable player.

Turns out everyone underestimated the other 24 guys.

"Most times in your life you are challenged with different things and how you react sets you on a path one way or the other," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told FanHouse.

"There were teams that were saying 'Now this guy is gone for 50 games, we're going to go right past L.A. We've been able to maintain almost the same lead."

The Dodgers were 6 1/2 games up in the NL West after Ramirez played his last game, and they'll be 7/12 up when Ramirez returns to the lineup Friday night in San Diego.

They had the best record in baseball, 21-8, when Ramirez was suspended. They still have the best record record in baseball, now 50-29.

In the immediate aftermath of Ramirez's suspension, Colletti said there were some uneasy moments, but the Dodgers quickly righted the ship.

"We went through a stretch and lost four of five (after the suspension) and the guys realized he wasn't coming in the room any time soon," Colletti said. "Lately we've struggled a little, but for the greatest portion of the games, it's been remarkable how they played and how they stayed with it. They learned they are good enough to win and good enough to compete. It's a team and not one guy."

That's not to say the Dodgers' offense didn't weaken without Ramirez. They were scoring 5.5 runs per game with an .802 OPS in the first 29 games. In the 50 games he was suspended, they scored 4.4 runs and had a .718 OPS.

The real difference isn't as glaring as that, though. The season-opening hot streak was probably not sustainable, so they'd have likely seen a drop in production, even with Ramirez.

The guys who were supposed to be the (relatively) big sticks in the middle of the order -- Andre Ethier, James Loney and Matt Kemp -- have all performed at just about the levels you'd expect for them.

Perhaps the key to the Dodgers continued production, without Ramirez, is that the players at either end of the order Juan Pierre (.332), Orlando Hudson (.294) and Casey Blake (.286, 11 homers, 48 RBI) have all performed well above expectations.

Now, they are going to get their MVP-caliber cleanup hitter back. How long it takes him be that hitter remains to be seen.

In the past eight weeks he's taken batting practice and played five rehab games (going 3-for-10, with a homer). That's it.

"I don't expect him to come back as if he's been active for the last 50 games," Colletti said. "I don't think that's fair. I think there will be some period of time getting his legs back and timing back."

Will Ramirez be a different person off the field? Ramirez hasn't made any extended remarks to the media since he's been suspended, but the company line is that he's expressed remorse to the organization for what he did.

"I think he was embarassed by the whole episode," Colletti said. "He loves to play. When you take away the chance to play for 50 games and eveyrbody knows you tested positive, that's one of those things in life that you don't want to have to deal with you, but you have to deal with."

Latest Manny Ramirez Images

FILE - In this April 19, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez connects for a single in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles. Ramirez returns to the Dodgers' lineup Friday, July 3, after a 50-game drug suspension, (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, File)

Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez connects on a leadoff single in the fifth inning during a rehabilitation stint with the Class-A California League Inland Empire 66ers baseball team, as they visit the Lake Elsinore Storm in Lake Elsinore, Calif., Saturday, June 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

LAKE ELSINORE, CA - JUNE 27: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Inland Empire 66ers waits on deck against the Lake Elsinore Storm on June 27, 2009 at the Lake Elsinore Diamond in Lake Elsinore, California. Ramirez is preparing for hsi return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a 50 game suspension. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Ramirez

Getty Images

LAKE ELSINORE, CA - JUNE 27: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Inland Empire 66ers hits a single to lead off the fifth inning against the Lake Elsinore Storm on June 27, 2009 at the Lake Elsinore Diamond in Lake Elsinore, California. Ramirez is preparing for hsi return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a 50 game suspension. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Ramirez

Getty Images

After being forced out at first to end the fifth inning, Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez takes off his helmet, leaves the field and the stadium during a rehabilitation stint with the Class-A California League Inland Empire 66ers baseball team, as they visit the Lake Elsinore Storm in Lake Elsinore, Calif., Saturday, June 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Starting from first and passing second, Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez runs back to first but is forced out on a fifth inning long fly to center field during a rehabilitation stint with the Class-A California League Inland Empire 66ers baseball team, as they visit the Lake Elsinore Storm in Lake Elsinore, Calif., Saturday, June 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

The other interesting thing to watch will be how the fans respond to Ramirez. If the adulation he got during minor-league stops in Albuquerque and San Bernardino are any indication, fans are ready to welcome him back. Of course, those were primarily Dodger fans.

On Friday night Ramirez will be in San Diego, a place second only to San Francisco in terms of Dodger hatred. Between the fans and an increased media contingent, it could be a bit of a circus.

Manager Joe Torre told reporters Wednesday: "We're ready for it."

On Top Without Manny, Dodgers Are Ready to Welcome Him Back originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lou Piniella Voted Manager Players Would Least Like to Play For

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Indians, Pirates, Rays, Red Sox, White Sox, MLB Awards

It hasn't been the greatest week for Cubs manager Lou Piniella. Not only is he feeling the heat of the Chicago media with the Cubs scuffling, but he's also gotten into an argument with Milton Bradley in which he called his right fielder a "piece of [expletive]." Regardless of whether the exchange should have ever left the clubhouse or not, it's not exactly the type of thing you want the world to know about.

All of this was done after a recent poll by Sports Illustrated in which Major League players were asked anonymously which manager in baseball they would least like to play for, and which one they'd most like to play for. Guess which one Sweet Lou emerged "victorious" in.

In a poll of 380 players, conducted in May, Piniella received 26 percent of the vote, followed closely by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen at 21 percent. St. Louis' Tony La Russa finished third at 10 percent, followed by the Dodgers' Joe Torre (4 percent) and Cleveland's Eric Wedge (4 percent).

So it's nice to see that Chicago has a monopoly on managers players aren't very fond of, but looking at the top four finishers in this poll, I'm not exactly surprised.

Piniella, Guillen, La Russa, and Torre are all powerful personalities who have no qualms about using their influence and position to get their point across. I'm guessing Eric Wedge made it on the list because nobody wants to finish in last place.

As for who was voted manager that players want to play for, it's not too much of a surprise that Atlanta's Bobby Cox came in first with 25 percent of the vote. Joe Torre finished second with Mike Scioscia third, Joe Maddon fourth, and Terry Francona in fifth.

Also, 53 percent of the players poll responded "Who?" when asked about Pittsburgh's John Russell.*

*not really

Lou Piniella Voted Manager Players Would Least Like to Play For originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baseball Brunch: Imbalance, Irregularities Abound in Interleague Play

Ed Price — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Athletics, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Mets, Nationals, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Twins, Yankees, MLB Inside Scoop, Baseball Brunch

Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.

"This concludes our test of the emergency attendance enhancement system. We now return to the regularly scheduled season."

Yes, the 13th season of interleague play wraps up Sunday, except for a Cubs-White Sox makeup game. We have survived six San Diego-Seattle games (that's more zeroes than an A-Rod paycheck).

We didn't learn much we didn't already know: the system has inherent flaws and the American League rules.

For the sixth straight year, the AL has had** the better record in interleague play - 129-108 going into today.

Take out Cleveland and Oakland, and the AL is 119-84.

"It probably is" as big a gap between leagues as in past years, one AL team official said, "until you get to the World Series. Then it doesn't matter."

Why is the AL better? Well, the four lowest payrolls in the majors are all in the NL: Washington, Pittsburgh, San Diego and Florida. And other than the Marlins, the franchises that have figured out how to compete on the cheap are all in the AL: Oakland, Tampa Bay and Minnesota.

So the American League has most of the money and most of the smarts.

As for interleague play itself, the biggest complaint is the inequity of the schedule. Major League Baseball tries to rotate the matchups while keeping two series between "natural rivalries" (Padres-Mariners and Blue Jays-Phillies, really?). But that combined with the differing numbers of teams in leagues and divisions creates havoc.

"Some years some teams play a harder schedule," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "Definitely it affects the outcome of your division.

"When we first started interleague play, I thought it was going to be great, and I thought for a while it was. You saw different teams, and fans got to see different ballclubs. ... But then when I watch it now, and when we play it, and when I think about it, I think about the affects that it has on some teams winning the championship."

Interleague play most affects the wild-card race, since teams in different divisions play vastly different interleague schedules. But with the unbalanced intraleague schedule, the wild card was already based on differing strength of schedules (and the NFL wild card has the same issue).

But to have teams in the same division playing significantly different variations of the interleague schedule, that's an issue.

So how has it been unfair this year?

Check the NL Central. St. Louis got to play Kansas City twice, going 5-1, and missed the White Sox. Meanwhile, the Brewers and the Cubs didn't play the Royals at all, with the Cubs playing the White Sox twice and the Brewers getting a White Sox series and an extra Twins series.

As a result, the Cards are 9-5 in interleague to the Cubs' 6-7 and the Brewers' 5-10. Think that won't make a difference in such a tight division?

In the AL West, the Angels made hay. They were 29-29 and 4 1/2 games behind the Rangers when interleague play started back up June 12. Now the Angels are a half-game up, having gone 13-4 in interleague to Texas' 9-8.

Interestingly, though, the Rangers seemed to have the easier schedule, with two series against the Astros while the Angels played the Dodgers a second time and the surging Rockies.

There are other flaws too. As Manuel said, "It takes some of the glitter away from the World Series." And we haven't even gone into the DH problem, which Cito Gaston has already addressed.

But interleague play has become a fixture. Major League Baseball likes to trumpet the increased attendance, although it's imprecise to compare one weekend in May and a 2 1/2-week period in June that includes Father's Day and comes just as schools are letting out to the rest of the season.

Overheard and Understood

o. Seattle has been scouting Philadelphia's minor-league system and is said to have interest in right-hander Jason Knapp, a second-round pick in 2008. The Phillies need a starter; fly-ball pitcher Jarrod Washburn wouldn't be a good fit for Citizens Bank Park, so maybe the teams are laying the groundwork for talks when (if) Erik Bedard is healthy.

o.

Chart of the Week
Omar Vizquel last week became the all-time leader in hits by a player born in Venezuela. What about the rest of the world?
Nation	Player	Hits
U.S.	Pete Rose	4,256
Panama	Rod Carew	3,053
Cuba	Rafael Palmeiro	3,020
Puerto Rico	Robto. Clemente	3,000
Dom. Rep.	Julio Franco	2,586
Canada	Larry Walker	2,160
Mexico	Vinny Castilla	1,884
Australia	Joe Quinn	1,797
Source: baseball-reference.com

Ian Snell, the right-hander who requested a demotion last week, is proving a double-edged sword for the Pirates. They admire his talent, but fear he may need a change of scenery for it to come out, in which case Pittsburgh could look bad for trading him. But it may come down to that, and a team that can look past his performance the past season and a half might be willing to take a chance on Snell, especially considering his age (27) and his contract ($4.25 million next year and options 2011-12). And Pirates fans might not roast the team too bad for getting rid of Snell; when the team posted a message on the scoreboard Thursday that Snell had been sent down, the crowd cheered.

o. The Mets, Yankees, Padres and Red Sox have scouted Yusei Kikuchi, a high school left-hander in Japan. If Kikuchi does not declare for the Japanese draft this summer, he could sign with a major league organization in the fall - and he'd get quite a sum. One person who saw him compared him to a "mid-first-rounder" in the U.S. draft.

o. An executive from another team doesn't think Cleveland needs to fire manager Eric Wedge. "They're still playing hard, just not playing well," the executive said of the Indians. "I don't see that they've quit on him. ... I don't see a bad environment." Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro said Friday: "We all go through junctures where we're evaluated. To me now is not one of those junctures. ... The arrow shouldn't point at Eric. It should point toward a broad spectrum: the players, our staff, Eric, myself, the front office. There's shared responsibility."

The executive also suspects the Tribe will keep Victor Martinez and lefty Cliff Lee rather than dump the pair, since they are still under contract for 2010. That makes impending free agent Jamey Carroll a more likely trade candidate - like Mark DeRosa was when he was sent to St. Louis. "The problem with Cleveland," one AL team official said, "is they ask for so much."

o. Minnesota has been seeking a reliable setup reliever since spring training, with no luck yet. Maybe the solution is lefty Francisco Liriano; the Twins could conceivably move him to relief and call up Anthony Swarzak - who was 2-2 with a 3.90 ERA when called up for the injured Glen Perkins - to fill Liriano's spot in the rotation.

o. As first reported by FanHouse via twitter, Pittsburgh and Washington have been discussing a swap of outfielders Nyjer Morgan and Lastings Milledge, with the Pirates also seeking right-hander Craig Stammen as part of the deal.

o. Seattle's Franklin Gutierrez has seven homers - four against San Diego.

o. The Cubs are 35-35 all-time against the White Sox, 1,014-1,014 vs. the Dodgers, 7-7 against the Indians and 337-336 against the Mets.

o. With Mike Burns replacing Dave Bush (microtear of triceps) in the Brewers rotation, the Giants became the last team to use only their Opening Day five-man rotation all year, and their streak is expected to end today when Ryan Sadowski replaced Jonathan Sanchez. And while Milwaukee would like to trade for a starter and a left-handed reliever, the Brewers "aren't willing to dish off their better players," according to an official from another team.

o. The Dodgers last lost a series to an NL team May 8-10, against San Francisco.

o. When Bruce Chen got called up Saturday to start for Kansas City, it marked his 10th major league team (also: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Expos, Reds, Astros, Red Sox, Orioles and Rangers). Mike Morgan and Ron Villone share the record by playing for 12 different teams, but Chen is still only 32.

Baseball Brunch: Imbalance, Irregularities Abound in Interleague Play originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Oh No He Didn't!

B. Thompson Stroud — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL East, The Dugout

Andre Ethier does not want to take a picture with you. According to the Internet, Andre believes that people would use the photos against him on the Internet. He goes on to blame the hard economic times for making people want to do this. How many baseball players have felt the sting of a fan photo getting out, where an overweight lady (or whatever) is seen standing next to them while they are on the field in their baseball uniform? Did you see how happy she was? I bet they're dating! I bet he was out with her at Dodger Stadium, canoodling instead of playing baseball!

As a person on the Internet, it is now my duty to talk about this. This morning's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	CunningStults: /holds camera at three-quarter overhead view, pouts lips, throws up peace sign
	ClaytonBarrel: /fills out "100 questions survey" with only 38 questions that nobody could ever possibly want to read
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /laughs maniacally at Winston the Cat
	Online Host EthierOr has entered the chatroom.
	EthierOr: hey fellas I was just out there on the field playing baseball and I thought you'd all like to.... /looks around
	EthierOr: Why is there so much Mountain Dew on the floor? And what's with all the Megan Fox posters?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: lol we was just enjoyin a internet, winson the gat, he eat up a sooshi an he love it so
	CunningStults: Andre, come here, I want to take a picture of you where it looks like we're gonna kiss, but not really!
	EthierOr: I don't do Facebook or Myspace, so no pictures.
	ClaytonBarrel: What? Why not?
	CunningStults: there's nothing more fun on the internet than momentarily reconnecting with someone, then not ever caring about them again
	EthierOr: It's all the blog things, The Dirty. The sports ones. You could be at dinner having a beer, and it could be, 'He was drinking at 2 in the morning.'
	EthierOr: In the profession you're in, it's more likely to happen to us than regular people.
	CunningStults: you mean "the normals"
	ClaytonBarrel: those who were born without souls
	EthierOr: Yes, I don't think it's necessary to share an image of my face with those people, who knows what they could do with it?
	CunningStults: they could take a picture of you drinking at 2 in the morning when you aren't supposed to and get you in trouble
	EthierOr: exactly
	ClaytonBarrel: and it is easier to be a dick to your fans than it is to be responsible and just not go out drinking at 2 in the morning
	EthierOr: exactly
	MannyTheTorpedoes: one tie i wake up in the middle o the night to get a drink o milk, an TMZ toog a pitcher
	MannyTheTorpedoes: two week later i was dating lady googa, what a crazy life
	EthierOr: besides, I think picture taking is unnecessary. Everything anybody does is filmed by camera crews anyway, so why would they want a still picture to use as a memory? Can't they just watch the tape?
	EthierOr: Can't they just be happy with me writing my name on their clothes in magic marker?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i wrote "mannys room" on the logger room door an coach daddy suspented me
	ClaytonBarrel: if you like writing your name, maybe you should give "Myspace surveys" a crack! Check out this one I just filled out, it was fun
	ClaytonBarrel: 1. Have you ever found someone you really liked recently? i don't really know!! 2. What can you say about the first person on your top? lol idk... 3. What was the first thing you did this morning? hmm not sure 4. How are you feeling? can't really tell 5. Do you think anyone stalks you? uhhhh 6. Do you say sorry first? maybe maybe not 7. Name something you are doing tonight? don't know yet!!! no number 8 9. Will tomorrow be better than today? haha 10. Has a girl sat on your bed before? wouldn't you like to know!!!
	ClaytonBarrel: it goes on like this for several pages.
	EthierOr: how is anybody supposed to learn anything about you from that? You don't know the answer to any of the questions. Why did you fill out the questions if you didn't want to answer the questions?
	ClaytonBarrel: I enabled comments so hopefully people will tell me if it was good, so I can keep doin' em!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /opens Myspace bulletin from Jonathan
	MannyTheTorpedoes: my space bulledin 1. do u wan play spies k 2. what do spies do i dont know!!!!
	EthierOr: We're not in the business like actors that our face sells. It's our performance. It's your hot bat and your hot arm that keeps you on a team. I don't want my face out there. If it's the right time and place, I'll do it.
	ClaytonBarrel: uhhh I hope you don't mind but I just forwarded your comments to the blog "Don Sutton Has A Posse"
	EthierOr: That's fine, I guess
	ClaytonBarrel: yeah but then they farked it, and then it became farked, and somebody collegiately humored it, so now TMZ.com is reporting it as exclusive news
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i jess wanned a glass o milg /bursts into tears
	EthierOr: Is... is that bad?
	ClaytonBarrel: not especially, but now celebrity livejournal piss-filter "ohnotheydidnt" put up a post about it
	ClaytonBarrel: oh look, they put up a picture of you with a fan that makes it look like you are cheating with strippers while swimming in a vat of alcohol at 6 in the morning
	EthierOr: gulp
	EthierOr: oh no, I'm never going to outlive this... what are they saying about me?
	ClaytonBarrel: /skims 400 pages of "discussion"
	ClaytonBarrel: about a hundred people can't believe how spoiled professional athletes are, about 20 people who I think are guys are "ngl" about how hot you are, and everyone else is ignoring the topic to talk about whether or not they liked the transformers
	EthierOr: oh, so it's like every other day in L.A.
	ClaytonBarrel: and three different people expressed how they felt with this animated gif
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i still can believe king o pap is ded :(
	MannyTheTorpedoes: wait hol on /references Myspace survey
	MannyTheTorpedoes: no questions 240-287 288. Are you dead? idk not sure
	MannyTheTorpedoes: we shoul do a better job of chegging our sources
	EthierOr: I can't wait until you're done being suspended so we can all go back to doing nothing
	MannyTheTorpedoes: in the bulledin he says that he dk, does that mean he is dongy kong

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: Oh No He Didn't! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Defending Champs Tumbling Hard

Ed Price — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Mariners, Padres, Phillies, Red Sox, NL East, MLB Injuries, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the Phillies are grateful to be in the NL East.

The division got out-scored 37-7 on Friday as the AL East swept in interleague play. And it's only the rest of the division's mediocrity keeping Philadelphia in first by a half-game.

After their 11th loss in 13 games, 6-1 to the Blue Jays as Ricky Romero didn't allow a hit in the first six innings, the Phillies held a team meeting.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Manager Charlie Manuel was already seething over mistake after Thursday's loss, and he was so flustered after Friday's effort he declined to be interviewed.

Finally, Shane Victorino spoke.

"Whether we're trying too hard to make things happen, I don't know," he said. "I can't put my finger on it. What do you do? You just keep playing . . . we're not going to make any excuses. Maybe we need to relax. Maybe we need a gut check."

In going 2-11, the Phillies have blown a lead six times, had three blown saves without recording a save and been out-scored 84-54.

From the Trainer's Room ...
Boston third baseman Mike Lowell, recovering from November hip surgery, may require an injection to lubricate the joint. He could be out through the weekend.

Lowell is 7-for-35 (.200) with two RBI in his past 10 games.

"Obviously I'm not starting today, and we'll see through this weekend, see what we do," said Lowell before Friday's game. "I guess it's how I wake up tomorrow, but honestly I'm not predicting a miraculous, like, I feel 100 percent tomorrow morning."

Numbers Game ...
Andre Ethier had the Dodgers' first three-homer game since Hee Seop Choi in 2005 and the ninth in the history of Dodger Stadium. Ethier has eight homers this month: one one-homer game, two two-homer games and Friday's three-homer effort.

In Their Own Words ...
"We'll keep going out there with the five best (starters) in the organization at any given time. Since April, there's been a little changeover." - manager Bud Black of the Padres, who have 1-2 punch Jake Peavy and Chris Young on the DL and the past two games have gotten just 3 2/3 innings total from starters Wade LeBlanc and Walter Silva

Advance Scouting ...
Felix Hernandez, who has not lost since May 19, takes on the Dodgers tonight as the Mariners visit Los Angeles (10:10 PM ET). Hernandez is 3-0 with a1.00 ERA over his past six starts, striking out 42 in 45 innings. Hernandez has also won his past four interleague decisions, with a 1.61ERA over those seven starts. Dodgers lefty Eric Milton will come off the DL (strained back) for his first start since May 31; he last faced the Mariners on Sept. 2, 2002.

Starting Five: Defending Champs Tumbling Hard originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: The King of Pop

Jon Bois — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:55:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, The Dugout

Tonight's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	OnlineHost Welcome to Los Angeles Dodgers Clubhouse Chat!
	ClaytonBarrel: /idly pulls cord on See & Say
	EithierOr: /re-arranges Fresh Prince DVD collection
	PierrePants: /shoves cork into bat
	OnlineHost Manny Ramirez has entered the chat room.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: help help help i hav 2 hide
	EithierOr: Aren't you still suspended? I don't think you're supposed to be in here
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /stares IM PLAYING SPIES
	MannyTheTorpedoes: a govrment has peggd manny as a mol now manny has 2 hide from a gran duchy
	MannyTheTorpedoes: do u have a costumes
	EithierOr: No.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: hmm
	MannyTheTorpedoes: jams bond! /jumps into Andre Ethier's locker
	EithierOr: Hey! Get out of there! What are you doing?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: jams bond!
	PierrePants: Ha! That Manny Ramirez sure is a character! I wonder what
	OnlineHost Michael Jackson has died.
	PierrePants: he'll be up to next! Whatever it is, I
	PierrePants: what
	OnlineHost Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died.
	EithierOr: /drops armload of Fresh Prince DVDs
	ClaytonBarrel: /drops See & Say
	PierrePants: /drops line of conversation
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /drops jock strap he was attempting to fashion into a bowtie
	EithierOr: ...Huh. Wow. This is huge.
	PierrePants: Yeah.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /bursts into tears
	EithierOr: Well, okay, wait. Let's not act like Gandhi died. This is Michael Jackson we're talking about.
	ClaytonBarrel: who is michael jackson
	PierrePants: Wh
	PierrePants: Wha
	PierrePants: How old are you?
	ClaytonBarrel: 8
	ClaytonBarrel: ohhhhh wait
	ClaytonBarrel: ok is he the wierd guy from south park
	PierrePants: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR GENERATION
	ClaytonBarrel: the problem with my generation is that we were arbitrarily born whenever we happened to be born and there are certain things that we may not be familiar with
	ClaytonBarrel: /slouches into Sit & Spin
	PierrePants: Michael Jackson was pretty much the most famous person in the entire world.
	PierrePants: He was singularly responsible for reinventing popular music. He also changed the business side of the music industry forever.
	PierrePants: He made "Thriller," which sold twice as many copies as any other album in the history of Mankind.
	EithierOr: He was also a creepy weirdo who molested children.
	PierrePants: Okay, here's my position on that.
	PierrePants: He was never convicted. Did he really molest a kid? Maybe? Probably? I don't know. If he did, that would be a horrible thing.
	PierrePants: We can agree that, if nothing else, he was a bizarre weirdo whose unprecedented fame probably turned him into someone unacceptably naive.
	EithierOr: Right.
	PierrePants: The best solution, I think, is to divorce our impression of "Michael Jackson, awesome music guy" from, "Michael Jackson, possible sexual pervert."
	EithierOr: How can you do that? It's the same guy.
	PierrePants: This sounds silly, but I think it's best to regard him as a character. It's the same way...look.
	PierrePants: You can detest Manny for using steroids, right?
	EithierOr: Using steroids is not the same as what Jackson probably did.
	PierrePants: I know, I know, but stick with me. It's possible for someone to detest Manny for using steroids, but it's also possible to appreciate his accomplishments and demeanor on the field. Human beings aren't an all-or-nothing enterprsie, know what I mean?
	EithierOr: I...guess. I don't know, I have to think about it. By which I mean, I'm going to turn on my TV and watch an aerial shot of some anonymous hospital while repeatedly refreshing CNN.com and seeing if Obama will release a statement.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /sniffle
	PierrePants: Hey listen, Manny. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to use you as an example like that, it was just the first thing I thought of.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i gant believ a king a pap is ded
	PierrePants: Me neither.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: whom i gonna play spies with
	PierrePants: ...what?
	OnlineHost Jonathan Papelbon has entered the chat room.
	KingOfPap: /makes pistols with fingers BANG BANG BANG IM A RUSSIA GUY BANG BANG BANG
	MannyTheTorpedoes: wh !
	PierrePants: Ohhh.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: :) :) :)
	PierrePants: Manny, when they said the "King of Pop," they meant Michael Jackson.
	KingOfPap: whose michl jacksn
	PierrePants: /slaps forehead

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty, Creative Commons

The Dugout: The King of Pop originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Windup: Manny Ramirez 'Rehab' Assignment a Farce

Matt Snyder — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB PEDs

From the Windup is Matt Snyder's extended look at some aspect of America's pastime each Thursday.

Manny Ramirez was suspended without pay for 50 games for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy earlier this season. This isn't news. His 50 games will be concluded within the next two weeks. In the meantime, he's two games into a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque. Wait, what? A guy tested positive for a banned substance, is forced to miss 50 games, but he's allowed to play for a major league affiliated organization?

It's in the collective bargaining agreement at the request of the MLBPA. The theory is that if a player has to sit out for 50 games, he won't return in tip-top game shape and then, by the time he gets his timing back, it's more like a 60-game suspension.

My response to that? Don't test positive for a banned substance.

The purpose of a rehab assignment is for a player to work his body back into game shape after suffering an injury. Muscles need to be retrained, players need to make sure their injuries are completely healed and, yes, they need to get their timing back. Here's the thing, though, even when returning from injury, some players don't take rehab assignments and there is a maximum amount of games in which players can "rehab." The timing issue is the biggest one for injured players because they have been sitting around not playing baseball.

Manny isn't injured -- unless a permanent head injury counts -- and he should have been keeping himself in shape on his own. Without any physical ailments, he could have been working out and taking batting practice everyday. And he should have, in order to ensure he can immediately help the team he's abandoned by getting himself suspended.

Instead, he's been granted a vacation and a 10-game period in which he can play his way back into shape. And make no mistake about it, a man with the God-given ability to hit a baseball like Manny doesn't need more time than that. He could have traveled around the world for the first 40 games of his suspension and had himself ready to immediately help the Dodgers' lineup due to this "rehab" clause.

So there's your punishment. You get a 40-game vacation and then get 10 games to work yourself back into game shape, all the while being treated like some deity in the minors.

Obviously, when I mention the word vacation, there will be those who flock to the monetary argument. Manny has lost about $800,000 in wages due to the suspension. Well, his total contract with the Dodgers is worth approximately $42 million. Because of all the deferred money, his technical salary for this season was to be $10 million. Thus, his hit was pretty significant. To put in in the easiest terms for most of us to understand, that would be like having to forfeit $8,000 of a $100,000 salary or $4,000 of a $50,000 salary. I mean, it's not crippling or anything, but any one of us would feel an eight percent hit in income. Let us remember, though, it's not as though someone wrongfully took this away from him. He wasn't robbed at gunpoint. He tested positive for a banned substance. Again: Don't test positive. Plus, I'm pretty sure he'll be fine putting food on the table with $9.2 million for the 2009 fiscal year. Just a hunch.

Another element that bothers me in this whole fiasco is the notion that it's going to take him so long to get back into hitting shape. Manny has plenty of resources at his disposal. He could take 200 hacks off a tee and 200 more off a pitching machine everyday during the suspension to keep his swing consistent. He can hire someone to pitch to him -- at which point he can stay sharp against breaking pitches and changing speeds. Obviously, there is no substitute for an actual game, but, again, don't test positive. I don't feel sorry for someone who brazenly flaunts the rules of the game.

Additionally, it's not going to take Manny too long to feel comfortable in the batter's box. I often laugh about how obvious it is that people haven't played baseball at a high level when making statements that without a rehab assignment it's like a 60-game suspension. You give someone with the talent level of Manny Ramirez four to five at-bats a day for 10 games, and that's like a suspension? He'll be comfortable in the box within four games, tops. You watch, he's about to explode in the minors. By the time he rejoins the Dodgers, he'll be on fire.

Latest Manny Ramirez Images

Albuquerque Isotpoes fan Doris Turcotte shows her support for Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez before his MLB game for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez stands with children as the National Anthem is played before the start of his second MLB baseball game for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez stretches before his first at bat for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, during their baseball game against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez greets fans before his second MLB game for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez is greeted by fans as he takes the field for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, before their MLB game against Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez warms up before the start of his MLB game for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez hits a ground ball for an out in the third inning for the Dodgers' Triple- A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, during their MLB game against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez runs the bases after walking in the first inning for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, during their MLB game against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez warms up prior to batting for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez grounds out during his second at-bat of the night for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

And that's the problem. A player tests positive for a banned substance when the players are doing everything they can to convince the masses the game is clean, and the player is given a soft landing as his suspension concludes so he has every chance to become a hero again.

I'm not arguing that a rule is being broken. I'm arguing that the rule sucks. There isn't any better way to phrase it. As a collective entity, the players association has grandstanded and talked a big game about how much they want to clean up the game in recent years. They did allow the first-time suspension to be extended all the way to 50 games instead of 10 (the original punishment), so they are to be commended for that. But if they are so serious about cleaning up the sport, why the soft landing? Make the player suffer through any growing pains at the major league level, not against a bunch of Triple-A players. When he complains he needs this time, otherwise it will feel like a 60-game suspension and that's just not fair, tell him three things: 1) Life ain't fair; 2) Don't test positive; and 3) You're getting paid -- so it's not a suspension.

Not this player's union. Nope, they are making their stand this way:

Don't break the rules. Don't worry about it If you do, though, because we got your back.

Gotta love the accountability. I guess it's still an old boys' club after all. Here I thought they wanted to clean up the game for the fans.

From the Windup: Manny Ramirez 'Rehab' Assignment a Farce originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: A Tale of Two Mannys

Andrew Johnson — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Rays, Tigers, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That on the right night the minor leagues can be awfully interesting, even for someone who doesn't care at all about minor league baseball. Manny Ramirez batted leadoff Tuesday night for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, playing four innings and going 0-for-2 in his first rehab game since being suspended 50 games for a violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy.

Ramirez faced former Brewers starting pitcher Manny Parra in both at-bats. Parra, now pitching for the Nashville Sounds, is trying to work his way back to the majors as well after a woeful couple of months in the Milwaukee rotation. He went 3-8 with a 7.52 ERA in 13 starts there before getting demoted, but he was the hard-luck loser against Albuquerque, tossing seven innings of one-run ball. The Brewers could use another effective starter, that much is certain.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

And how was Manny (Ramirez) received? Mostly warmly. He was cheered by a record crowd in Albuquerque.

"People love me everywhere I go," Ramirez said before the game. "I'm excited to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people here. I feel good. I'm happy that I'm here."

Dueling Mannys wasn't the only minor-league storyline with major league implications Tuesday night. Rehabbing Phillies closer Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless inning of relief for Single-A Clearwater as well.

From the Trainer's Room ...
The Padres got Scott Hairston back from the disabled list before Tuesday evening's series opener against the Mariners. Unfortunately, another outfielder replaced him on the shelf. Right fielder Brian Giles was placed on the 15-day DL with a right knee contusion. Giles, 38, has struggled mightily this season, posting a .191 average over 61 games.

Latest Manny Ramirez Images

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez laughs during batting practice before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez aknowledges the crowd as he takes the field for the first time for the Albuquerque Isotopes before their game against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez warms up before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez (L) talks with Albuquerque Isotopes' Hector Luna before his first game back from suspension in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES)

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Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez prepares to take the field before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope in a game against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez swings and misses during his first at bat for Albuquerque Isotopes against Nashville during the first inning in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)

Reuters

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez hits a foul ball during his first at-bat, in which he struck out, while playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez heads to the dugout after striking out during his first at-bat while playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez yells to fans before playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, in a baseball game against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez signs autographs before playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)

Numbers Game ...
So much for a World Series rematch being a big draw at the gate. The Rays hosted the Phillies Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The last time these two teams met was, of course, in last year's Fall Classic, but only 19,608 fans (of a possible 36,973) showed up at Tropicana Field for the encore.

"As we were planning for the season, we circled this series as one of the most compelling of the year," team president Matt Silverman said Tuesday night. "It's a rare privilege to host a rematch of the World Series, especially against a team with local connections. Based on all the information we had, we projected full houses. It's a huge miss." ...

"Quite frankly, we don't know what to attribute it to, but it's not just the economy,'' he said. "It's bewildering. There seems to be great affection for the team and excitement for the '09 campaign, but it's not showing up at the gate at all."

In Their Own Words ...
"When you beat a team like that, the hottest team in baseball, that says something. That was big for us." -- Angels center fielder Torii Hunter. The Halos handed the Rockies just their second loss in 19 games and moved into a tie for first place in the AL West with the Texas Rangers.

Advance Scouting ...
Drop in on the hottest team east of the Rockies Wednesday night as the Tigers play host to the Cubs (7:05 PM ET). Detroit has won five straight and will send Rick Porcello to the mound against Rich Harden, who is making his third start since coming off the disabled list a few weeks ago. Since the end of April, the 20-year-old Porcello is 7-1 with a 2.42 ERA.

Starting Five: A Tale of Two Mannys originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jarrod Washburn Tied to Dodgers in Trade Rumors

Matt Snyder — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Mariners, AL West, NL West, MLB Rumors

As Eric Milton eyes his return to the Dodgers' starting rotation, general manager Ned Colletti has been out watching some of their minor-league affiliates recently. It's no secret the Dodgers would like to upgrade starting pitching before the trade deadline, and reportedly Colletti is checking out which minor leaguers in the Dodgers' system can be used in a trade to acquire left-hander Jarrod Washburn from Seattle.

The Mariners are still hanging around in the AL West, though, so it's not exactly a sure thing they'd be willing to part with Washburn. He does make quite the hefty salary, but his contract is up at the conclusion of this season, so moving him wouldn't really save the Mariners much money.

Washburn, a 34-year-old, is currently 3-5 with a 3.24 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 83 1/3 innings of work. He's struck out 54 and walked just 24. An interesting note on Washburn is that he had his best season and won a World Series ring in Los Angeles, when he was a member of the 2002 Angels. That season, he went 18-6 with a 3.15 ERA. Washburn also had a dazzling outing against the Twins in the ALCS that year.

After Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf and Hiroki Kuroda, the Dodgers have been playing musical chairs with the fifth spot in their rotation. Should they fail to land someone via trade, they'll likely move forward with Milton -- who is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts. Eric Stults (injured) and Jeff Weaver (manager Joe Torre said he prefers to use Weaver out of the bullpen) would be the other two viable in-house options.

Jarrod Washburn Tied to Dodgers in Trade Rumors originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Favorites Finding Form

Andrew Johnson — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the Angels and Cubs -- two overwhelming favorites to win their division entering 2009 -- finally seem to have their mojo back.

A day after Chicago rallied from four down in the eighth inning to beat the White Sox, they climbed out of a 7-0 fourth-inning hole to beat the Indians, thanks in part to another dramatic home run from Derrek Lee -- a drive that came off of longtime Cub Kerry Wood no less.

Not to be outdone, the Angels' Juan Rivera snapped a 4-all tie in the eighth inning of the Freeway Series opener with a decisive solo home run. The Halos have now reeled off seven straight wins, and, despite all the hard luck (and tragedy) they've had to deal with so far this season, are a 1/2 game behind the division-leading Rangers in the AL West.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

From the Trainer's Room ...
The Rockies bullpen could get a little thinner if things don't go well for setup man Manny Corpas in the next few days. Corpas showed up at Coors Field with a swollen right (throwing) elbow Friday, and an MRI revealed a bone chip. Colorado is planning to give him two days of rest, but if the swelling doesn't subside, a DL trip could be in his future.

"I don't want to go on the DL, but only God knows if I will," Corpas said after the Rockies' 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. "I'm hoping this rest will work. It's already less swelled up than it was. This morning it was really [puffy]."

Numbers Game ...
There's been plenty of scrutiny of the Yankees' decision to stick with Chien-Ming Wang in the rotation with potentially more attractive options waiting in the wings. Maybe the Red Sox should feel some of the same glare. Daisuke Matsuzaka surrendered a leadoff homer to the Braves' Nate McLouth, and things got worse from there. Matsuzaka allowed six runs in all against Atlanta and couldn't record an out in the fifth inning as his ERA rose from 7.55 to 8.23.

Dice-K is yet to make it into the seventh inning in eight starts this year, and he's allowed four or more runs in all but two of those turns. He was booed at almost every turn Friday night at Fenway Park.

"Everybody knows I haven't been performing well," said Matsuzaka, "and as a professional, I have to accept it when I get a reaction like that."

Making things more awkward is just what the Sox should do with him going forward. John Smoltz will return next week, but Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden -- stuck in Triple-A -- are also knocking down the door to the major leagues.

In Their Own Words ...
"We're the world champs -- I mean nobody's going to be tougher than us when we walk on the field." -- Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino, who apparently isn't talking about his team's home field. Philadelphia, which lost 7-2 to Baltimore Friday night, has now dropped four straight at home and is 13-20 at Citizens Bank Park on the season. No other current division leader has a losing record at home, and only the lowly Nationals have won fewer games on their home turf this year.

Advance Scouting ...
It's not every day you can see two brothers oppose each other, but that's just what we'll gate late Saturday night. The Angels send Jered Weaver to the mound against older sibling Jeff, who will start for the Dodgers, in the middle game of the second Freeway Series (9:05 PM ET). It will be just the 21st time in major league history that brothers have started against each other, and the first time since 2002, when Andy Benes and Alan Benes squared off.

Starting Five: Favorites Finding Form originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Torre in Rarefied Air

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:58:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Dodgers, Indians, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That Joe Torre can manage a little bit. Torre, who for a great part of his managing career was known as a loser, got his 2,195th managerial win Thursday night to pass Sparky Anderson and move into fifth on the all-time list.

Incredibly, Torre has taken his team to the postseason in 13 consecutive seasons, and given the Dodgers' ever-expanding lead in the NL West, he's likely to make it 14 in 2009. Even with the loss of Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles is 13-4-5 in 22 series this season, including taking two out of three from Oakland this week.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

"If you told me a dozen years ago that I'd be in this rarefied air, I'd tell you you're full of baloney -- because I certainly started way under .500 when I took over the Yankees in 1996," Torre said. "But I have to thank George Steinbrenner for putting me in a position to do this. I've admired what Sparky did for all those years, and I'm proud to be in that company."

Torre was 894-1003 as a manager when the Yankees hired him in 1996. Since then, he's 1301-868.

From the Trainer's Room ...
We already knew Dontrelle Willis wouldn't make his next scheduled start on Saturday, now we know why. Or at least the Tigers think they do. Willis was placed back on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a recurrence of the anxiety disorder that plagued him at the beginning of the season. For his part, Willis doesn't think his struggles are mental:

"I have so many moving parts, I feel it's mechanical. I'm not a conventional guy, never have been. But I'll get myself right, and hopefully the third time is a charm."

Not content, apparently, to simply put one of its starters on the shelf, Detroit also benched slumping outfielder Magglio Ordonez "indefinitely," according to manager Jim Leyland.

Numbers Game ...
Deja vu, anyone? Probably not in the case of the Kansas City Royals. For the second straight night, K.C. lost to the Diamondbacks 12-5, but the similarities in the line scores don't end there. The Royals also made three errors each night, pounded out 13 hits on Wednesday and 12 hits on Thursday and scored three runs in the ninth inning in each contest.

In Their Own Words ...
"I think a lot of guys are [expletive ticked] right now. Absolutely, without a doubt. We were talking makeup dates, Monday - [in July]. We were going to play 21 games in a row [without a day off]. I don't know if the gate was worth it. I don't know if there are a lot of guys [upset], but I'm one of them." -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell on the decision, made initially by Boston management, to play the Marlins despite an ominous forecast. The Sox wound up losing to the Marlins 2-1 in a rain-shortened five-inning game, but it didn't hurt them in the AL East standings, thanks to the Yankees' 3-0 setback to the Nationals.

Advance Scouting ...
Sneak out of work and get your weekend off to an early start with the two most tortured franchises in the game. The Indians head to Wrigley Field for a matinee against the Cubs (1:05 PM ET). It's been a combined 162 years since either club hoisted a World Series trophy, but try not to focus on that. Instead, hone in on the excellent starters, Chicago's Rich Harden, who will make his second start since returning from the DL, and Cleveland's Cliff Lee, who has been proving 2008 was no fluke for the better part of two months.

Starting Five: Torre in Rarefied Air originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodgers Head Home From Texas Happy

Calvin Watkins — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:09:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas -- At the start of this three-game series, there was a thought this would have been a good test for the up and coming Rangers, who lead the AL West.

It turned out to be a nice test -- and confirmation -- for the Dodgers, who own the best record in the game.

After three humid days and nights at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Los Angeles took two of three games here and will head back to Southern California happy.

The Dodgers had lost three of four games and had scored just nine runs in that span heading into play Saturday night.

It was time for something to happen.

Friday night, Joe Torre said his team was pressing following a 6-0 loss. Then, Saturday night, a 3-1, victory, Torre said his club let loose a little frustration with the offense. And Sunday afternoon with temperatures in the 90s for most of the day, the Dodgers pounded out 10 hits, drew seven walks and got a three-run homer from Casey Blake that gave L.A. a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

"It was important in the fact, we had two two out base hits, that's been pretty much our trademark here," Torre said of Sunday's victory. "Today it made a big difference."

It started in the first inning when Juan Pierre walked. He moved to second on a bunt single from Rafael Furcal and when Orlando Hudson moved the runners over with a sacrifice, it set the stage for Blake. His flyout drove in Pierre with the first run of the day.

Furcal said moving runners over on bunts helps a struggling offense, and when that happens you win games.

The Dodgers kept moving along, despite the Rangers taking a 2-1 lead in their half of the first. Brad Ausmus doubled to start the third and Pierre drew another walk. Furcal sacrificed the runners over. Hudson reached on a fielder's choice but Ausmus was out at the plate.

Blake was next. He fought Rangers starter Derek Holland, for eight pitches, before sending a 3-2 pitch to left for a 4-2 lead. It was Blake's first homer in 20 games.

"Seems like our offense has been down a little bit lately, the last week or so," Blake said. "So it was nice to come out and support our starting pitching and we did it in different ways. We bunted guys over and that sort of thing, and it was a good team win today."

Chad Billingsley went seven innings to earn his team-leading ninth win of the season. Jonathan Broxton picked up his 16th save of the year by striking out the side after allowing a leadoff single to Michael Young.

These Dodgers are happy as they move along during this interleague portion of their schedule. They start a three-game set with Oakland on Tuesday.

The Dodgers are just 38-62 overall in interleague play and 7-28 since 2005. Maybe after building such a big lead in the NL West, this is what the Dodgers need: AL teams to test them.

Los Angeles will play its next 12 games against competition from the junior circuit, including trips to Anaheim and Chicago. But the Dodgers got it going this weekend in hot, humid and uncomfortable Texas.

"It means a lot, especially when you lose the first game in their home ballpark," Torre said. "It does a lot for your confidence. I don't remember the last time we won a game before an off day. It will be nice to enjoy it tomorrow."

Dodgers Head Home From Texas Happy originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Much Like Starters Crossing in the Night

Jeff Fletcher — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Astros, Blue Jays, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That Jose Contreras and Manny Parra took a day between Triple-A assignments to share a mound in Milwaukee. Parra and the Brewers can only hope that he emerges from his demotion as well as Contreras did.

The White Sox veteran righty pitched eight scoreless innings to beat the Brewers on Saturday. In two starts since returning from his voluntary Triple-A assignment, Contreras has not allowed a run in 16 innings.

"I know what Jose went through during the last eight months, and going to the minor leagues was a great thought by him," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Before he left, he told [White Sox general manager Kenny Williams] and myself, 'I need to pitch, I need to go out on the mound, I need to get stronger. When I come back, I'll come back fine.' "He's stepping up to his word, and he's just throwing the ball good."

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Parra, who was on the losing end of Saturday's game, was ticketed for his Triple-A demotion. Parra, who gave up six runs in 1 2/3 innings, has a 7.52 ERA, including going 0-4 with a 13.50 ERA in his last five starts.

Brewers GM Doug Melvin actually delivered the news to Parra that he was being sent down before Saturday's game was over.

"[Parra] was not surprised [by the demotion]," Melvin said. "He expected it. His confidence level is pretty low. He said he doesn't feel confident throwing strikes with any one of his pitches."

From the Trainer's Room ...
A day after Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay had to come out of his start with a mild groin strain, Halladay remained on the active roster. Halladay is day-to-day. Because the Blue Jays have an off day on Monday, they can wait until next Saturday before they need Halladay to start again.

Numbers Game ...
It was a milestone sixth inning for the Astros. Miguel Tejada collected his 2,000th hit, and Lance Berkman followed him by hitting his 300th homer. Berkman became just the sixth switch-hitter ever to reach 300 homers.

In Their Own Words ...
"I couldn't look at anybody. I couldn't acknowledge the crowd. I apologize. You know the old saying, 'There's no crying in baseball,' so I just kept my head down." -- Diamondbacks reliever Scott Schoeneweis, who got a standing ovation after appearing in his first game since his wife Gabrielle was found dead in their home on May 20.

Advance Scouting ...
The Dodgers and Rangers, the top teams in the NL West and AL West, respectively, will play the rubber game of their series (3:05 PM ET). The Dodgers will send Chad Billingsley to the mound. Billingsley is tied for the NL lead with eight victories.

Starting Five: Much Like Starters Crossing in the Night originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Andruw Jones Irked at Dodgers Owner

Calvin Watkins — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:45:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It was something Dodgers fans rarely saw from Andruw Jones last year: a home run.

The Dodgers fans in attendance during Saturday night's Rangers-Dodgers game booed Jones during four trips to the plate. The Rangers fans cheered Jones when he hit a tying home run to right field in the sixth inning.

Though the Dodgers won, 3-1, it was Jones getting a little revenge on the Dodgers for giving up on him last year. Jones is still upset with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt for letting him out of his contract last year.

You really couldn't blame McCourt considering Jones was overweight, lacked production and booed almost every at-bat by Dodgers fans.

But Jones felt McCourt didn't know what he was doing by releasing him last year. He told the Los Angeles Times on Friday he felt disrespected by the owner.

Before Saturday night's game he didn't back down when talking to FanHouse.

"We talked, but I think, he got a little too involved with the situation," Jones said of McCourt. "I know the baseball team is his everything and he's the one that's paying the bills and everything, (but) if you don't play games, you don't know what's going on to a lot of people. I don't think he was fair enough in handling (the release) and backing me up in the situation and it's one of those things you learn from it and move on."

Jones signed a two-year, $36.2 million contract last year and reported to camp overweight. His troubles continued when he did an interview with T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times that didn't make him look good. And when the season ended, Jones hit just .158 in 75 games with three home runs and 76 strikeouts.

"(Simers) asked him did he think he needed to change something, maybe lose weight, stuff like that," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said of that interview. "Andruw, he didn't dismiss him, he just basically (said) I'll be alright and I think Andruw all of a sudden put a lot of pressure on himself and there was a lot of attention paid to him and he got to the point where he was fighting it all the time. Then, of course, he's trying to hit a home run and that made it that much tougher. It was a tough year for him."

Torre said Jones did care about his weight and whether or not he was hitting the ball, but the way he came across hurt him with the fans and media.

Saturday night, Jones snapped a 0-for-17 slump with a homer to right to tie the game at 1-1. It was his first opposite-field homer since July 14, 2007.

Jones said the homer against the Dodgers didn't give him any sort of revenge against McCourt.

"I don't know, I'm not going to comment on that," he said. "I have nothing t say about that, man."

Jones has found new life here thanks to hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo's mentorship. Jones is hitting .248 with six home runs, 16 RBI and a .505 slugging percentage this year.

"As soon as I got released by them, it was time to move on," Jones said of the Dodgers. "Life moves on when you're getting into situations you weren't that comfortable with in the way they wanted to go. It was time to move on and turn the page and I've gotten comfortable here."

Saturday night, his first two at-bats were groundouts to third, but that sixth-inning blast -- about three rows deep to right -- tied him for 62nd all-time with Norm Cash and Jeff Kent at 377 home runs. In the eighth, with a runner on and his team down two runs, Jones worked the count to 3-2 before bouncing into a force out.

"It's just an opportunity to play, just another team," Jones said of the Dodgers. "It's long gone and there's nothing to say about it."

Andruw Jones Irked at Dodgers Owner originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Torre After Loss: Dodgers Pressing

Calvin Watkins — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas -- After a three-hour game, Joe Torre sat behind his desk in the visiting managers' office at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington either sending a message or just providing answers.

Following the Dodgers' 6-0 loss to the Rangers on a humid Friday night, Torre said his club was pressing.

The Dodgers, with baseball's best record, have lost three of their last four games. They are second in the National League with 312 runs scored, yet have scored only nine runs the last four games.

And the Dodgers failed to produce against Rangers starter Vicente Padilla, who they chased after just five innings and 108 pitches.

"Yeah, we're pressing to get hits," Torre said calmly. "One of these days it will happen to fall into place."

Torre's lineup featured four players with at least 30 RBIs. But there is one guy who is missing: Manny Ramirez, who will not return until July while he serves his 50-game suspension. The Dodgers were 21-8 with Ramirez on the active roster but post a 19-14 mark without him.

Could the Dodgers be pressing without their leading power hitter?

"Hell, our record has been pretty good without Manny," Torre said. "You can't rely on that, you still have to put some points up."

The Dodgers have gone through these stretches before. Last season, there were three stretches of games where the lack of runs hurt. In late May, the Dodgers were outscored 16-7 in a four-game losing streak. Then, in early June, at the start of a five-game losing streak, they scored just one run in three games.

The biggest run deficiency occurred in August where during a eight-game losing streak the Dodgers saw themselves get outscored in some games, 8-1, 9-2, 5-0 and 11-2.

But the Dodgers insist that team which struggled at times, isn't around anymore.

"We're better," center fielder Matt Kemp said. "We don't have our heads down. It's just baseball. I wish we could win every game, but it doesn't work that way."

By saying his club was pressing, maybe Torre was trying to wake up his lineup. Torre understands that teams go through streaks like this. But with a 7 1/2 game lead in the NL West, Torre does not want to lose that lead and turn July and August into tense pennant races going into September. He does not have his lead guy, Ramirez, but does expect some of the power hitters that are left, Andre Ethier, Casey Blake and James Loney, to drive in runs.

Several players had different views as to whether Torre is right about the club pressing.

"No, I don't look into that type of stuff," Either said. "I just go out and play the game and try to compete. I don't go out there and evaluate people, that's for Joe and the coaches to worry about."

Said Loney: "I don't know, I can only speak for myself. I'm not. The guys seemed to be hitting the ball hard."

The Dodgers had their chance in the first inning against Padilla when Orlando Hudson and Ethier drew one-out walks. Blake bounced weakly to Padilla for the second out and Loney hit a drive to deep center. Marlon Byrd seemed to lose the ball in the lights because he stood still like he was going to catch a routine fly ball, but he sprinted toward the wall to make the one-handed grab.

In the third, the Dodgers loaded the bases with two outs but Loney flew out to left to end that threat. Juan Pierre singled to start the fifth, and with one out reached third on a throwing error as he attempted to steal second. But Either lined out to first and Blake struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Rangers' bats and bullpen closed the deal, leaving Torre to wonder just what's going on with his club.

"You turn the page and forget about it," he said.

Joe Torre After Loss: Dodgers Pressing originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: How Manny Is 50

B. Thompson Stroud — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Red Sox, NL West, The Dugout

Manny Ramirez is in the news again for saying... well, I don't know. I haven't had a chance to make the news rounds yet, but I'm going to bet Manny spoke to reporters long enough to tell them that Jamie Hoffman or whoever has severe mental retardation and is therefore "not really a person," and how Manny should be starting in his place, suspension or no. Then two days later Manny apologizes, and we forgive him, because he is really, really good at baseball.

I find it a lot easier to forgive Manny Ramirez on the internet, where his sociological problems can be explained away as childlike innocence. Other things I enjoy doing on the Internet: making grown up millionaires talk like messed up babies, and posting today's Dugout, which is after the jump.

The Dugout

	MannyTheTorpedoes: can i play yet
	bud_is_wiser: No, not yet.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /tucks front of XXXXL jersey into pants how bou now
	bud_is_wiser: No.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: can i play dh, is barely even beisbol, i no feel or run or anything
	bud_is_wiser: No, you play in the National League. They don't use the DH.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: can i play a ole-star gay
	bud_is_wiser: No, you're suspended. That wouldn't be fair to the real players.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: what if ppl vote for manny
	bud_is_wiser: Then we'll put a do-rag on Manny Corpas and let him play instead. You can't play baseball right now, just deal with it. You didn't want to play anymore anyway!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: what if manny went an play for clevelan indians, hit home run into dour city
	bud_is_wiser: No, right now the Indians are still technically a major league team.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: can i play for boson red sogs
	bud_is_wiser: Sure! Why not.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i, uh
	MannyTheTorpedoes: no nevermine manny is suspented it woul no be fair
	MannyTheTorpedoes: can manny at lease be the funny dotcher in the chat room who make evrybody heart shine with laughter
	bud_is_wiser: Nope, you've already been replaced there, too.
	Online Host Meanwhile, in the Los Angeles Dodgers Chatroom...
	Pierrepants: Okay, I got one! What did the tree say to the baseball player!
	EthierOr: What?
	Pierrepants: Babe Root? Wait a minute, I messed it up
	CunningStults: Man, you are terrible at this.
	EthierOr: Yeah, but did you notice how scrappy that joke was? His comedic intangibles are great.
	Pierrepants: /steals two bases, befriends online community with mistimed knock knock joke
	Online Host Back in the MLB General Chatroom...
	MannyTheTorpedoes: oh come on budd why woan you let me do any thing
	bud_is_wiser: Because you were suspended for 50 games for violating our Performance Enhancing Drug policy.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: what happen happen, i talk to frank magort, i apologize. i spoag to joe, my tea mates, i am ready to move on
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i did no kill anybody, i did no rape anybody, so thats it, i just gonna come and play the gay
	MannyTheTorpedoes: rape an murder are the only thing i shoul ever be discipline for
	MannyTheTorpedoes: is not like i compare you to adolf hitler the man, say that you concentrate on jews an make holocosts, perhap that would be groun for suspention
	MannyTheTorpedoes: rape, murder, callin you adolf hitler the man an maybe steeling if i steeled somethin big like a gar
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i just gonna come and play the gay
	bud_is_wiser: Nope, you aren't going to do either of those things, you're going to stay at home and watch cartoons and keep thinking up dumb things to say so people will write about you.
	Online Host bud_is_wiser has signed off the chatroom.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: aw
	MannyTheTorpedoes: papi what has happen to our hood, all the ol red sogs player havin troubles. manny is suspented...
	OrtizItThisOne: I'm doing so badly I've been bumped down to 11th in the lineup. Francona has me batting behind Wally.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: even papelbom is messin up
	KingOfPap: no im still jawsome
	MannyTheTorpedoes: o
	KingOfPap: u wan play spies
	MannyTheTorpedoes: k
	OrtizItThisOne: That sounds like fun! I'll play, too.
	KingOfPap: ok manny me n u play the good spies, papi u play terrible bench spy

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: How Manny Is 50 originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hong-Chih Kuo Is Powered by Subway

Pat Lackey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Video

Tired of the incessant "$5 Footlong" Subway commercials, with their double entendre and stupid, catchy jingle? Maybe you're lucky you don't live in Taiwan, where Hong-Chih Kuo sells NT$69 subs (that's about two dollars in the States) with a 180-km/hr (111-mph) fastball that literally catches on fire and moves the catcher two frictionless feet backwards. In my book, there's only ever been one better Subway commercial.

Hat tips to Diamond Notes and BBTF for giving me an excuse to make a Happy Gilmore reference.

Hong-Chih Kuo Is Powered by Subway originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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