Can Manny Pitch?
You would have taken my money had you bet me that the White Sox would win a game that included two innings pitched by Scott Linebrink (let alone a game-winning HR by Brent Lillibridge).
But they survived another blown save by Bobby Jenks -- burning through more bullpen in the process -- and now prepare to welcome their odd, new teammate for tonight's game.
Ken Williams hinted yesterday that Manny Ramirez would be cutting off his natty dreads. Recent news, however, may tell us otherwise.
TMZ quotes a Sox official as follows: "Marketing representatives have reached out to the Dodgers to see about also acquiring Manny Ramirez wigs since the Dodgers have the stock and likely won't have any other need for the items for the rest of this season."
Not much of a market for that stock at US Cellular if Williams is right. Could Jerry Reinsdorf be persuaded to soften his stance on player appearance if it means wig-money to mitigate the money due Manny? Kidding.
Get used to Lillibridge at second for a little while. Gordon Beckham's hand took a pretty good shot, and he's lucky to have escaped with a mere bruise.
Remember the bizarre column by Dan Pompei in the 7/28 Trib? The one with this:
"It's easy to get swept up in July euphoria. The sky is so blue. The fruit is plentiful, crisp and sweet. The grass is green and the trees are full. Most of us aren't so Vitamin D-deficient.
And no one has hit anyone in months.
So maybe I'm caught up a little in this feel-good time of year. But as the players are packing their pillows and gadgets for training camp, I like what I see in this Bears team. In fact, I feel better about this Bears team's makeup than I've felt about any Bears team in recent memory."
Today, the same guy now thinks the Bears might not be very good. "Caught up a little," indeed.
If my eyes are not deceiving me, Derrick Rose looks more muscular than ever in his Team USA uni. If he is weightlifting dedicatedly, too, his progress could accelerate markedly. I do believe he'll receive MVP votes this year, and I am open to changing my mind about him being the best player on an NBA champion.
Steve Rosenbloom sits in for Terry today, and we have two stops for the Bud Light "Who Needs Two?" Tavern Tour this week: Thursday at the Tilted Kilt in Elgin, and Friday at The Lantern in downtown Naperville.
