The Phillies are on their way to the World Series. But the big news out of the NLCS today was that Manny Ramirez headed to the showers early during the Dodgers’ Game 4 loss to Philly on Monday night after being replaced by Juan Pierre late in the game, a move that showed zero allegiance to his teammates and to the Dodger faithful.
I know the LA fans have a big fat mancrush on Mannywood and Ramirez’s exploits, but they’re slowly starting to learn of his tired act. First it was the steroids, which everyone conveniently forgave him for, but now the shoe is on the other foot. I loved Manny just as much as everybody else while he was still in Boston, but he effectively quit on us back then, and it looks like he’s still up to the same old tricks.
Granted, he had been replaced, so it’s not uncommon for any player to take to the clubhouse early, but in the midst of a playoff series? And with the Dodgers still in the lead no less? Could it have hurt to at least pretend like he gave a shit?
Bill Plaschke killed him in his column today, and I can’t blame him. Sure, when Manny and the Dodgers are going good, it’s real good. But when things turn south, he heads for the exits. Kind of like the fair weather fans out west (not that we don’t have our fair share in Boston). Well, you asked for it, Dodgertown…and here it is. Ladies and gentlemen, the real Manny Ramirez.
Enjoy. I’ll take Jason Bay any day of the week.
