Tim McCarver: Manny Ramirez 'despicable' in Boston

You thought Bill Plaschke was rough on Manny Ramirez when he wrote that the Dodgers shouldn't sign the best hitter and most luminous clubhouse presence they've had in years after this season.

Tim McCarver, seldom at a loss for words, makes Plaschke's comments sound like they came from Mister Rogers.

McCarver tells the Philadelphia Inquirer that Manny Ramirez was "despicable" in Boston. He backs it up with a laundry list of sins.

But he does acknowledge that Ramirez has been a different person for the Dodgers.

Chicago media were somewhat smitten with the Cubs last week, 16 of 17 forecasters in the Tribune and Sun-Times choosing the local team over the Dodgers. Only Mike Downey in the Tribune chose the Dodgers. Of course, he also picked the Lions over the Bears.

Philadelphia media so far are a little more circumspect, saying the series between the Dodgers and Phillies is too close to call.

That's probably wise. Philadelphia's sports teams haven't won a major professional championship in 25 years.

If the Phillies do win, they're thanking the Mets. Omar Minaya, Mets general manager, is the one who took Billy Wagner off the Phillies' payroll. Practically stole him.

The Phillies will keep the same starting pitching rotation against the Dodgers that they used against the Brewers: Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton. Old Dodgers friend Rudy Seanez might be added to the roster.

Dodgers fans can read it and weep. Chase Utley could have been a Dodger -- chose to go to UCLA instead.

-- Randy Harvey

Photo: Left to right, the Dodgers' Pablo Ozuna, Rafael Furcal, Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake do  sprints during baseball practice Wednesday in Philadelphia. Credit: Julie Jacobson / Associated Press

Comments

[Abo Tighkobo]

Whats up with Tim McCarver. I'm not black, so its rather obvious that McCarver has something against Black Athletes who are quirky. Dieon Sanders ring a bell. Now this. If Boston had treated Manny better, remember those trade rumors that had to have had some affect on Manny, than there might have been reciprocal support instaed of the nasty divorce. Looks like McCarver only likes those Black Athletes like Michael Jordan who never offends.

[derrick]

manny isnt black

[Ben J]

These comments were outrageous. McCarver told this to the Philadelphia Inquirer. It's just all so crooked and influenced by a lot of folks who want to see Manny fail (any Boston or Chicago faithful). I hope the Dodgers play the Red Sox in the WS and take it in 4.

[Chris R]

Manny dogged it in Boston. Manny is a better hitter than Jason Bay by far. However, Jason Bay is a better teammate, baserunner,defensivesly better. Anyhow Manny has to say the right things help his younger teamamtes because his contract is up. Do not forget it is all about MANNY

[A. C.]

Folks like to forget that Manny had the same problems in Cleveland. Several team mates and management members were very upset at Manny's extended stay on the DL with hamstring problems. Folks in the Cleveland organization felt that he milked his time out and hurt the team when they needed him most. Sound familiar? He'll do the same with his next team after he has signed a long term contract. All we have to do is wait and see...........

[Clay]

If only real reporters could write something like this: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1052

[Bell]

Tim McCarver the pitcher would keep his mouth shut about Manny Ramirez... Tim McCarver the (sub-par, often embarrassing analyst) can say whatever he wants - who's listening?