New Nickname, Manny, and the other 24 Dodgers

Ok I'll get to the AL West but let's start with one Manny Ramirez. May 6th, 2009, Mr. Ramirez was on top of the world, and his world, "Mannywood." The L.A. Dodgers had just broken the modern day record for most consecutive home wins to start a season, and he had gotten very hot despite a slow start to the season after signing late. Now move to May 7th. "The LA Times" newspaper reported that Ramirez tested positive for a PED. That morning "Sportscenter" reported that he would be suspended for the suspicious number of 50 games. According to quotes that can be found on ESPN.com, Ramirez claims no past offenses and he didn't know the hCG he took believed to have been taken to regulate testosterone levels, was or contained a banned substance. Last offseason Philadelphia Phillies reliever J.C. Romero, who is as well currently serving a 50 games suspension, also claimed he had no knowledge he had taken any illegal substances. hCG is better known as a fertility drug for women.

So the LA Dodgers have their first significant bump in the road this season. However if you look at the rest of the team and how they are playing you might agree Manny's suspension will not be catastrophic for the Dodgers. While in Dodgers' clubhouse Manny is considered a leader I think other veteran Dodgers such as Mark Loretta, and Jeff Weaver should be able to step up and lead a young team. My preseason World Series choice was the Los Angeles Dodgers, and that will not change, because they have lost any one player. Production wise the Dodgers have at least 3 hitters in their lineup rivaling or exceeding the common offensive statistics that Ramirez has put up so far. It is in my opinion that the Dodgers will lose very few games over this.

Ok, now it's AL West time. Yesterday the Mariners began (another) 2 game series, in Kansas City at the Royals, after Texas swept them at home. The matchup was between two struggling pitchers Carlos Silva (SEA) and former Ranger Sir Sidney Ponson (KC). Ponson tossed a gem giving up 1 earned run on 8 hits spread out over 7+ innings. Silva threw for only 3 innings giving up 6 earned runs, including giving up a run homerom to Mark Teahen. He struck no one out. The Mariners are continuing to show lack of patience at the plate as Ken Griffey Jr. had the only walk. However they are putting the ball in play with ease. Ponson threw just over 63.5% of his pitches for strikes.

In Anaheim, the Angels hosted the slugging Blue Jays, and once again have paid the price for an injured piching staff. 24 year old rookie pitcher Anthony Ortega started for the Angels giving up 6 runs on 6 hits with 3 walks in only 1.1 innings. Taking advantage of this less than pleasing performance, former 20 game winner and All-Star candidate Roy Halladay threw for 8 innings giving up only one run on 6 hits. He struck out 6 and got 13 groundouts. Other highlights include 2 doubles fom Adam Lind, and a 3 run homerun from both Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay. An interesting coincidence from this game. In the 1994 movie "Angels in the Outfield" George Knox is a former catcher managing the Angels, in one scene facing the Toronto Blue Jays, Knox comes onto the field to take his struggling pitcher out. He and his player get into a disagreement and the pitcher refuses to leave the mound. They get into an altercation resulting in the ejection of Knox. Today Mike Scioscia, former catcher and the Angels current manger, was ejected for defending his pitcher Justin Speier when he recieved a warning for hitting Rod Barajas. One inning later the bench coach took Speier out of the game. Refusing to leave the bench coach and pitching coach had to get him off the field together. It was nowhere near the level it reached in the movie, but I thought it was funny.

And finally Scott Feldman (TEX) at Dan Giese (OAK). This one was another pitchers duel. Scott Feldman lasted 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on hits with 2 walks. A member of the very young Oakland Athletics pitching staff, Dan Giese tossed his 4th career start 0-2 in his 1st three. He gave up 3 runs on 8 hits in 5.2 innings. Elvis Andrus had a solo homerun in the game's first inning. David Murphy and Chris Davis also contributed for RBIs of Giese. But with a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 4th, Kurt Suzuki hit a 2 run double over Nelson Cruz's head, shortening the lead to 1 run. It was the same score as the newly nicknamed Frankie "San" Francisco came in for his 9th save situation. With 2 on and 2 out, Suzuki came up again. Francisco had yet to blow a save and hadan ERA of zero. Suzuki got ahold of an elevated fastball, that David Murphy caught just short of the warning track. Suzuki had 2 RBIs and was 10 feet short of another 3 and winning the game. Francisco began warming up in the bullpen without the instruction of any coaches. Ron Washington let him go in for his 9th save instead of giving the rookie Derek Holland a 3rd inning of work. While the Rangers are still very far from the best, their pitching staff is taxing the bullpen much less than last year. In my opinion it's due in part to the input of (Team President) Nolan Ryan.

Series conclusions will possibly be in here later in the day. I certainly hope nobody thinks I was unbiased.