The Manny Ramirez mystery became more curious Saturday when the Dodgers held him out of the starting lineup against the Rockies for a second straight day, preferring to go with the hot ex- White Sox Scott Podsednik in left field.
Does that mean the Dodgers don’t want to risk another injury to their aging star and ruin a trade to the Sox, who claimed him on waivers Friday? Or does it mean they are simply trying to win games and get back in the NL wild-card hunt.
The answer should come by Tuesday night, which is the deadline for the Sox and Dodgers to complete a trade which would make Ramirez eligible for the postseason roster. Ramirez would DH for the Sox, but he has to play left field for the Dodgers.
Ramirez has played in only three of seven games since his return from the disabled list for a calf injury. And he has played in only five games since June 29 because of injury. He is 2-for-12 with one RBI in those games.
“If this kid is going to come here, I just need to see his number on and I’ll put him in the lineup,” Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Frank discussion: Many former teammates will attend Frank Thomas Day on Sunday when the Sox retire the No. 35 and unveil the outfield picture of their slugger.
Guillen, an ex-teammate and manager of Thomas, said that “with all due respect to the people who played here in the past, Frank Thomas has to be No.1 in my opinion.”
“I think the next honor Frank is going to have is in Cooperstown (at the Hall of Fame).”
Guillen said he expects to join the legends on the outfield wall someday.
“Of course I’ll be there, no doubt about it,” he said. “I don’t expect it to be soon. If I’m there pretty soon I’m in big trouble.
“I want to be up there as a manager, I don’t want o be up there as a player. I want to spend more years with White Sox managing then I did as player (13 years), that’s my goal.”
To Dye for: Among the weekend visitors for Thomas’ day is Jermaine Dye, who looked fit and trim enough to play when rosters expand Sept. 1.
“Not this year,” said Dye, adding he would like to make a comeback next season if he gets an offer from a team he likes.
Extra innings: Called up to replace Erick Threets (elbow) in the bullpen was Carlos Torres, who made a spot start earlier in the season. He was 9-9 with a 3.52 ERA in 26 games at Charlotte this season. … Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira left Saturday’s game in the third inning with a bruised right thumb.
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