“Man ram” already loves L.A., wants to finish his career there

For Ramirez and the Dodgers, the honeymoon continues. Manny continued the unending praise of his new team, claiming that “they have his back” and pledging his loyalty in return. He also had nothing but good things to say about Southern California, suggesting that once “his future with the team is secure” that he’s looking forward to buying a house and moving his kids out west. For the Dodgers’ part, the team is still in awe with the offensive threat Ramirez poses and his intimidating presence in the lineup. Even noted tough guy Joe Torre has softened his tone for once, suggesting that Ramirez take care of his personal business “like getting an apartment” before worrying about his personal grooming like a haircut—significant as an unruly coiffure has always been a pet peeve of the no-nonsense manager.

Back east, the name calling and recriminations from Red Sox fans and players continued. Outspoken pitcher Curt Schilling suggested that the entire deal was orchestrated by Ramirez’s agent Scott Borash to maximize his revenue. His comments were tamed compared to the tirades of callers to Boston sports talk radio shows, who’ve quickly forgotten the essential role that “Man Ram” played in ending the team’s legendary post season drought. For all of the “venting” from the New England sports community, however, none of the comments seem to have registered with Ramirez who for the moment at least is having too much fun playing baseball in California to notice.

The excitement from Ramirez’s Friday night Dodger debut was muted, but just slightly, on Saturday as a near sellout of 54,000+ packed the stadium at Chavez Ravine to watch their new superstar slugger. At the very least, he’s bringing some excitement to a franchise that hasn’t had any since the 1988 World Series highlighted by Kirk Gibson’s legendary “one handed” home run. If he continues his almost deferential behavior toward his new team and city, produces on the field as he’s clearly capable of and continues to draw sellout crowds to the ballpark he’s very likely to be offered the long term contract he desires.