Starry eyed
I think I have a new movie idea for the "Batman" series. It would star that Dynamic Duo, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. For these are truly bat men.
The villian: anyone with a nasty curve, slider or fastball.
Is there a better 3-4 punch in baseball? I think not. When you have two of the most powerful bats in baseball in one lineup it makes it quite difficult for the opposition to pitch around.
Ortiz (still the biggest steal in baseball) and Ramirez (well, not the biggest steal in baseball) account for 45% of Boston's offense. As a result the Red Sox lead the majors in runs scored.
The Boston Globe says Manny is off and running.
In fact, thanks to these two, the Red Sox have averaged over seven runs a game over their last nine. Amazing. It's no wonder that according to ESPN.com, Ortiz leads all major leaguers in All Star votes. Albeit, there isn't much competition in the DH department.
Speaking of All Stars the Sox will be well represented. Manny leads all outfielders in votes so far and Jason Varitek leads all catchers. Holy Mackerel!
It will be interesting to see who else may appear on July 12. My bet is that Johnny Damon will be on the roster. How could he not make the list? His average is second in the league and he has scored more runs than any other outfielder.
I'd love to see Matt Clement make the team. He would join Chicago's Jon Garland, Toronto's Roy Halladay, Rangers' Kenny Rogers, and the Angels' Bartolo Colon. My gut says Detroit's Jeremy Bonderman would make the club as well.
There has to be at least one rep from each team. So it may be difficult to get him on the list. Especially when last year's Cy Young winner, Johann Santana from Minnesota, will undoubtedly represent his team.
Since his team won the title last year, Terry Francona will be the A.L. manager.
I'm excited for the All Star game. I love the home run derby, but I want more skills contests. I'd love to see double-play combinations and fielding practice. Oh, the things these guys can do.
Or maybe an accuracy contest for outfielders. We can put a board down at home plate and cut out a square and see how many of the All Star outfielders can get it through the opening. The best of 10 throws.
It's only three weeks away, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself. There is still lots of baseball to be played before then. Luckily I get to watch the All Stars every night.
E-mail this entry to a friend