The Dodgers just lost two of their last three games, against the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners.
This is the first season. They hope it will be the last, with the imminent return to eligibility of Manny Ramirez, the slugger coming off a 50-game suspension.
On July 3, Manny will be able to play again in his Dodgers uniform.
Will it be up to it? Remember for a second, this season started late for Manny, who was late to spring training, because the ink wasn’t dry on his near-record contract.
Before arriving, he predicted that it would be “50%” efficient. Then he was slapped with his suspension.
His head may be in the game when he shows up again just before the All-Star break, but will his body cooperate?
It probably doesn’t matter, because the Dodgers need to wake up from their sudden stupor. The mere presence of Dr. Dreadlocks’ big-city bright-lights smile might do the trick, snapping the men in blue out of their complacency.
The Dodgers can still boast the best overall record in baseball, so what’s the concern? It’s all about momentum, and a team doesn’t want to go into the midseason on the downward slope, especially while other teams like the San Francisco Giants are trending up.
Manny gets the chance to carry the team emotionally, while they lift him up physically.
It’s a good game, what winning teams do, especially under pressure.
Even without the spread of hits and home runs, Manny can make a big impact, just by being there.
Your timing couldn’t be better!