Mannymania Part II Almost!

Well, I’ll be damned!  I never thought it would happen… and it hasn’t actually happened, partially because the Baltimore Orioles medical staff is legendary for killing deals due to medical reports or actual physicals.  It’s possible it could still unravel… remember Peter Angelos is the owner of one of the worst-run franchises in baseball.  Hopefully it is finalized soon, so we can get on with it.

When the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez back in the day, I said “I would rather lose without him, than win with him.”  I felt that Manny Ramirez was not a person I wanted on the Dodgers.  Oh, he certainly gave us some wonderful moments, but ultimately, his character determined his fate.  Manny Machado carries none of that baggage… and Manny is now almost a Dodger.  For how long?  Maybe for the next 10 years, because I think the Dodgers will be players in trying to sign him long term.  10 years/$350 million seems about right.

Of course, some fans will say that is not part of FAZ’s M.O.  Like I said a few days ago:

“It still seems like something FAZ would not do, but this is a new paradigm – FAZ has never been in this position.  They have always had several “dead contracts” on the books.  They were prepared to have “Dead Kemp” but he was resurrected! They ARE committed to staying under the salary cap and re-set the tax threshold, so that is an issue they have to work around.

I guess it is going to depend upon what they have to give up.  The farm system is deep, and while there are only a few who have “star potential” (Verdugo, Ruiz, Diaz), there are many others who have an opportunity to evolve into star caliber players. Like every Front Office, FAZ has had their share of mistakes.  Even the Cubs and Astros had their share of mistakes – it’s just easier to cover those mistakes when  you have a bunch of high draft picks, year-over-year.  FAZ has never had that luxury, so you really can’t use the same measure.  The last two starters acquired by Theo (Quintana and Darvish) have not delivered like expected.  Houston whiffed on their #1 draft pick two years in a row. Stuff happens.

Fans complain that FAZ won’t spend the money, but they HAVE spent the money.  They have paid more in salary than any team in baseball the past 5 years!  I am still very concerned about the “in fighting” and legal issues at Guggenheim.  That has the potential to wreck this team.”

I am always reminded of Mannymania, Part I with this song:

Maybe it will be part of Mannymania Part II. Who wants to sit in Mannywood?

This is a game changer and the trickle down effect should be interesting. I think there will now be other trades.  Puig, Toles, Pederson… even Chris Taylor could be on the move. The Dodgers need another lockdown reliever,  Maeda and Wood could fill that role, but maybe they are violently opposed to it.  After all, being a starter will get you many more dollars on the open market.  If so, one or both may be moved.

I can tell you a few things that Manny Machado brings:

1. He is a much better shortstop defensively that you may think.  He is a great athlete and this is this first season back at SS in a long time.  He will get better;
2. His low strikeout, high contact rate and the fact that he is RH cannot be underestimated.  This should help the Dodgers’s offensive struggles at times;
3. His enthusiasm will be contagious.  He plays with pure joy.  Now, as part of a winning team, he should do even better.

I was not sure FAZ would trade enough prospects t get Manny, but evidently they did.  The Rumors are the Dodgers are sending Yusneil Diaz and maybe 4 other players to the O’s.  We have heard that Dustin May, Errol Robinson and others are involved, but this is not confirmed.  Hopefully, the deal is finalized soon, but I do not trust the Orioles. This deal is really not done… YET! Did I mention that I do not trust the Orioles?

Dodger News

• Doc was determined to rest Kenley during the All-Star Game;
• Matt Kemp is like a little kid in a candy store.  I never thought I’d call him a “clubhouse leader” but he is.  What a story!
• New McDonalds Item: Smoked Chicken Strips… sorry Ross! I couldn’t resist… bad day!