Spring Training tidbits...

The Manny Chronicles continue. It certainly didn't take long for Manny being Manny to make an appearance. His reluctance to show up with his teammates isn't a good sign. He's showing up on March 1st. Why? Because the MLB CBA requires him to. Reporting dates are set by the individual teams, but players are not required to show until March 1st. The good news? He's not playing in the WBC, not as of today anyway. The Dominican manager hasn't been able to contact him either. At least he's unresponsive to everyone. And Manny, if you don't want the media attention, pull a Ricky Williams. Otherwise, get to camp, lace up your cleats, and quit your whining. March 1st is going to be "Ringling Bros, Barnum & Manny" time...
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You've got to love Terry Francona. Everyone has different opinions about the day to day decisions (without knowing the circumstances or reasoning behind them by the way), but he doesn't get enough credit. He continues to take heat for his players. Manny is the latest, and Wells is the other. Francona is way too underappreciated in Boston. Here's a perspective:
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Picture walking into a locker room. Your health sucks and it hurts just to walk. You've got salsa music blaring in the background. Manny is only wearing a do-rag and one sock, dancing. Big Papi is dancing but has his back to Manny unaware. Millar is in motormouth mode in the corner talking to the press about not playing. The media is in your face about yesterday's lineup, today's lineup, why didn't you try to steal second, why you didn't bunt, how much they water the infield, when injured players are returning, young players performances in Single A, and expiring contracts. You get "advice" in truckloads of "fan mail". Then Pedro knocks on your office door and wants to go home early for the break. Then Manny wants his day off even though you're short a player. Your team just played like crap at home, multiple injuries occured, and some reporter wants to ask you why everything sucks so bad, during post game interviews. You coach in one of the biggest media markets, have one of the highest payrolls, and get paid near the bottom of the league. You work everyday from 9am to 11pm.
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Holy crap. Who in their right mind would sign up for that? For $350k? What a bargain for the Sox. Oh and by the way, he has a World Series under his belt...
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Georgie Boy just couldn't help himself. In his latest faux-pas, he's declared the Yankees will win the World Series this year. Nothing like heaping more pressure on your own team. Nothing like adding more stress and wear & tear on those aging bodies. So, thanks George. The Nation appreciates your efforts. And special thanks from us - the "YEAR 2000!" campaign continues to gain steam...
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Damon looks good in pinstripes. But not to most Yankee fans. We've heard many commentaries, but there is one that stands out amoung the rest. Referring to Damon's performance in game 7 of the ALCS: "It's like someone sleeping with your wife, then having him marry your sister." Enjoy Johnny everyone!
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The latest Pedro rumors have him missing the initial part of the WBC. We'd actually be surprised to see him pitch at all, especially since he hasn't been able to throw off the mound yet. Very interesting tidbit from last week was that his "toe" has been an issue since the playoffs in 2004. Apparently he was administered cortisone during those playoffs, and it was a recurring issue in 2005. So it sounds like the "special shoe" has been in the works for a while. Surprising that it's only been reported now. Remember too that the Mets shut him down early last year once they were out of it. Makes Sox management look smart by not re-signing him. Not sure he has another 3 years left...
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Special note: Condolences to the family of Curt Gowdy. The sportscasting legend was 86 and will be truly missed.