This is why Dr. Frank Jobe should be in the Hall of Fame. (ouch)
In baseball “50 up and 50 down” would normally mean you are a mediocre team but in this sense its ironic. Ironic that after serving a 50 game suspension for violating MLB’s drug policy, Manny Ramirez, arguably one of the greatest right handed hitters in history, returns to a team that has won 50 games and holds the best record in baseball. 50 games ago I suggested that the Dodgers might be able to pull off a .500 record (25W – 25L) in that span and maintain a 6.5 game lead on the Giants. I was close but underestimated the team a little. Instead the Dodgers went 29-21 in that span maintaining the same 6.5 game lead over the Giants (depending on Thursdays Giants vs Cardinals game) and continue to have the best record in baseball as I already mentioned.
One of two things will happen now; The Dodgers will go on a tear of epic proportions and finish the season with 120 wins which would establish a Major League record, or they could struggle to reaquaint themselves with Manny Ramirez cause a rift in the club house due to his lack of presence during the suspension and the displacement of Juan Pierre who filled in amazingly during the suspension and the Dodgers implode. I’m guessing the former.
The Dodgers were 21-8 with Ramirez in the lineup. If they play at that same pace for the remaining 83 games (wishful thinking) they will be 60-23 (or in that neighborhood) leaving them with a 110-52 record. I think its definitely possible for me to be wrong and they add another 6 – 10 wins to that considering they won 4 more than I had expected during the suspension. By the way, 116 wins is the major league record for wins in a season established by the Chicago Cubs of 1906 who played a 154 game season and had two rain outs that were never rescheduled or played and the 2001 Seattle Mariners who also won 116 games but played a 162 game season. Coincidentally the 1962 Mets lost 120 games establishing a dubious record. (That ones for you Scoot)
Manny Ramirez will play his first game back from suspension July 3rd in San Diego. I will be driving there with a few friends to support the often misunderstood left fielder and to cheer him on.
Go Dodgers.
Tags: Dodgers, Manny Ramirez —
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I love the Dodgers and am conflicted but hopeful regarding Manny’s return.