Snake’s Take: L.A. Embraces Manny

I got back from Manny’s debut game this evening and had a few interesting takes on it. I love how L.A. has decided to embrace Manny Ramirez. I remember fans, including me, cheering for him as if he hit a HR while he hit a simple ground out to Orlando Hudson. He actually got a standing ovation for that. Fans went insane for Manny when he caught a normal everyday fly ball out in left field. The press says it is playoff atmosphere, and I disagree, it isn’t there yet. I have been to sports playoff games. I went to three Mighty Ducks playoff games when they play New Jersey in the Stanley Cup a few years back. I know playoff electricity, and this wasn’t it. It was close but the electricity that was given to Manny would be given to all in a playoff environment. Fans are definitely excited about Manny and I’ll tell you why. It isn’t his .299 Batting Average, it isn’t his 20 Home Runs, and it isn’t his 68 RBI that is all the best with the Dodgers in each statistical category before he even played a game in Dodger Blue, but it is the hope that he brings to a club that has struggled. Now the Dodgers did lose 2-1 tonight, while Manny raised his batting average to .301 by going 2 for 4. Manny played an almost flawless game. Before tonight the Dodgers were a middle of the road team and were more than a long shot to make the playoffs. But with Manny, there is hope in L.A. again. The Dodgers could beat out the Diamond Backs for the division and thus propelling the Dodgers into the post season. Will it happen? Wait and see. Manny is still going to be Manny and most likely cause trouble. But this is one player that the team and fans will turn the other cheek to those actions. Manny is the savior, and L.A. has embraced him.