Double Steal

We got 2 for 1.  At least that’s what it looks like to me.  Not only did we get Manny Ramirez back (who looked like he han’t played for about 50 games), but it appears that he brought Rafael Furcal back with him.  What a great deal.  I mentioned that this was a possibility yesterday.  If Raffy hasn’t been hurt, then all he has to do is change his mindset (easier said than done).  But sometimes, an event like Manny’s return can help you develop a new mindset.  Manny didn’t hit, but the Dodgers felt his effects in the lineup.  Vin Scully keeps calling to have Andre hit 3rd (”he knocks the ball lopsided from the 3-spot when he sees fastballs ahead of Manny”), and says that when he hits behind Manny “he just another player (i.e., “he’s soft!”).”  I too have been calling for that.  Then we might get a 3 for 1 steal.  MEMO TO JOE:  Put Andre at #3 and Manny at #4 – you will double your pleasure!

Great Mannyism:  “We humans, we make mistakes…dere was only one man that was perfect, and dey keel him, so…that’s how I look at life.”  (stolen from Kensai @memoriesofkevinmalone.com)

Bill Plaschke of the LA Times writes:

The entire night was reminiscent of the constant scene around the San Francisco Giants several years ago.

A player was bigger than the game. A drug issue elicited more responses than the score. The buzz was initially interesting and fun, but later bulky and onerous.

On a night when Manny Ramirez was supposed to return as a shamed drug cheat, he actually created a stir befitting the greatest home run hitter in baseball history.

All you Dodgers fans who secretly coveted Barry Bonds?

You got him!

Rants & Raves

• Russell Martin had 2 hits and 2 RBI, but the hits were more of the “seeing-eye” variety, which makes up for a game earlier in the week where he was robbed of a couple of hits on sharply hit balls.  Hopefully he can build on this.
• It’s still April for Kuroda – give him time.
• Our pen continues to shine.
• We remain locked in a First Place tie with the Giants for the best ERA at 3.55.
• Lincecum and Cain are the best 1,2 in the league right now, but after that, the Giants rotation gets “iffy.”  Randy Johnson is 44 and I would be amazed if he makes it through the season.  His ERA is 4.70 and he is not the power pitcher he once was.  Barry Zito has had a few good games, but for the most part has been marginal, at best.  His ERA is 4.84.  Their fifth starter is Sanchez who is 2-8 with a 5.30 ERA.  They have a few good arms in the pen, but I believe we are currently as good as they are – actually better!  Our depth is better.  I would argue that beyond Cain and Lincecum, none of their starters could crack our rotation.
• Our #8 hitter is better than your #8 hitter. Matt Kemp is projected to hit .303 with 20 HR, 88 RBI, 22 Doubles, 10 Triples and 39 SB’s.  We must have one hell of a lineup!
• The only thing keeping Dee Gordon at Low A is his defense.  He has about 600 errors, but is hitting .315 (.374 OB%)  with 42 SB’s after going 4-6 last night.  As I have mentioned before, he is raw, but incredibly talented.  Watch him grow over the next 1.5 years.  My question is “Will Raffy be a starter the last year of his contract?”

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