Believe it or not, Manny Ramirez is eligible to come back and play for the Dodgers in just over two weeks. As such, L.A. is thinking about sending him to their Class A team in San Berdoo for a rehab assignment.
In other rehab news, John Smoltz pitched his last rehab assignment yesterday. It wasn't the best ever -- a run on three hits, a walk and a wild pitch, two strikeouts in four innings -- but overall he's been strong pitching to kids: 27.1 innings, 18 hits, 21Ks, 4 walks and a 2.63 ERA. He's going to face the Nats next week, as the Red Sox adopt a six-man rotation until they can unload Brad Penny or Dice-K implodes or something.
The Red Sox are in first place. So are the Dodgers, who actually have a bigger lead in the NL West today than they did when Ramirez was suspended. For each of these teams, the return or debut of these guys is the equivalent of making a trade for an All-Star caliber player at the deadline, with the added bonus of not having to give anything up for him.
It almost isn't fair.
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Getting Manny back will have the same effect on my fantasy team. Brilliant!
My dream World Series for this year would be Red Sox vs Dodgers. Imagine Manny at Fenway (media & fans frothing at the mouth!).
Imagine Manny taking Papelbon deep to win a World Series, that would be priceless/ A new curse born for Boston (Curse of the Manbino!)
Red Sox vs Dodgers in the World Series? While it would be great TV, the Manny story, east vs west, etc., etc., I don't think it would be much of a match up. Dodgers would be over matched. Red Sox are just too deep.....in pitching, bench, hitting.....
If the Dodgers were in the AL East they would be in 3rd place at best....possibly 4th.
How did being fromthe AL east work for the Rays in last years World series? Dodgers are just as deep with no easy outs 1-8 plus solid veteran back ups. I know how hard it is for you to believe there is baseball outside the AL East.
first of all, don't talk about manny. You haven't had him long enough to utter his name. Second, Pap would strike him out on 4 pitches. Third, you could only wish for a new "curse" so you're team might have a shot at a hope to win the series. Keep on the bright side though.
Dodgers could use Penny, getting him out of Fenway back to Dodger Stadium and the NL should help his ERA and at 5 million a lot cheaper then he was last year.
It's great to see Smoltzy smiling again!
Perhaps he will get an AL World Series Ring as well! Wouldn't that be great!!
Disagree PeterPeter I think the Dodgers have a better lineup with Manny than the Sox and their bench is definetely better. Sox def have the deeper rotation and both have solid bullpens. It would be a great WS.
Getting Manny back for the Dodgers will be treated just about like last season when they got him before the trade deadline. He will be a bit rusty due to his layoff but in the end he will help the Dodgers to another NL West title. He has to be the game's best hitter of all time as he hits for power and average. His return will also give the other players a much deserved rest. I sure wish the Dodgers had a spot for Juan Pierre after Manny's return.
The Dodgers sure could use Manny... they could slot him in shortstop or behind the plate to give a struggling Furcal or Martin a breather. Kemp, Pierre, Ethier is pretty good, and without the PED's. I hope Manny gets some time behind the plate with the 66ers. Question: since Manny was juiced when he won the World Series for the Red Sox, should it really count?
Dodgers/Red Sox in the World Series. Hey, I like the sound of that!
Smoltz looks good in a Red Sox uniform. I hope he has some arm left.
For that matter, Manny looks good in blue, steroids or not.
Let the show begin!
Actually, Gregory, I'm not even a Dodgers fan (not really a Manny fan either).
I just like getting a rise out of Red Sox fans - so I thank you for delivering on that one :)
I saw Smoltz pitch in Syracuse last Friday, and he was a treat to watch. He was all business, and obviously working on different pitches as part of his rehab. Nothing but class...the Braves made a mistake by letting him go. First ballot HOF. I'm pulling for him.