Manny Ramirez is hitting for the season with an OBP of .339 and a SLG of .467, for an OPS of .806. 806! Ugh. That’s hot for a second baseman, but not for Manny. So at least he had that RBI double in the 9th. Hopefully that portends something better. But otherwise, what a disappointing game. Wade Miller with a 4-0 lead… then bam! 5 singles in a row. Todd Walker made a comment that reflected the general perception of Jason Varitek as some sort of guru on batters:
“It’s nice to do well and win. I have to bite my tongue in certain situations because you don’t what to give up too much information in a casual conversation. You might say something and (Jason) Varitek will go, ‘All right’ and go back and use it.’’ (AP story)
Carlos Zambrano left after spraining his toe during warmups. This isn’t as bizarre as his wrist injury ostensibly from “talking to his brother” over the Internet, but he does seem to get himself in these spots. Or maybe it’s just that Cubs pitchers tend to get freaky injuries, and having Dusty Baker as a manager doesn’t help…
It’s been interesting observing the Cubs in this series. Baker’s comment I thought was telling:
“Fans are into it. Quite frankly I wish we had this excitement almost every day because it picks us up,’’ Baker said.
Doesn’t Wrigley sell out like every game? Shouldn’t they have this kind of excitement? I suppose this is the kind of quote that adds to the perception that people go to Wrigley to party and drink beer, rather than make every game a matter of life and death…