hiway29

let's see-if the Yankees are the Evil Empire, the Red Sox should have a fitting nickname. What with the racial undertones that always seem to resurface, maybe they should be the KKK. It's a baseball symbol, and is just about as insulting.

The NL west is hurting for hitting, and every team has holes to fill, so it makes sense that Dunn wound up with the Dbacks. Speaking of Dunn, that's the word for the Yankees. I haven't heard that old evil empire crack around here for awhile,but I realize that most of the nation must speak in buzz words. First 'Manny being Manny' moment last night at Dodger Stadium. He was nowhere to be seen as they took they field in the 9th. Seems he was taking too long in the bathroom, then finally appeared with some goofy looking pinkish red glove.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'll gladly take em from Red Sox Nation. I've said my piece. If it makes someone feel good to be 'special', then go ahead and feel good. Baseball is supposed to be fun. Rule away.

Geisha- I grew up around your parts-just about on the dividing line between Sox and Yankee fans in Connecticut. I grew up a passionate Yankee fan-during a time when they were baseball's worst team by the way. I know all about the 'nation'. My only point is there are a lot of teams with 'nations'-just without the title. It's all good. Maybe the most important thing to happen for me as a fan was to move around the country and realize the sun didn't rise and set on the Yankees. I live close to Dodger Stadium, go to about 25 games a year. I was just at Angel Stadium to watch the Angels dismantle the Yankees. You think fans are nuts in Boston-you haven't seen anything like the Angels 'rally monkey'-you have to be there, maybe, but it's possibly the most intimidating thing in baseball.Try telling those fans they don't 'rule'. I'm hardly a Sox hater, having rooted for them several times in my life. I simply contend that the team and it's fans are no more special than anywhere else. There's a lot of wonderful baseball everywhere without one 'nation' needing to 'rule'-a term I still don't understand. Anyway, glad you're here and please stick around. This is just an old back and forth I've had with Mstar for way too long, anyway.

the nation rules what? what does that mean ? at the risk of my beating an old dead horse, I get so tired of fans of one team thinking they're better , or they 'rule' but if it makes you feel better....... and by all means, don't let me comment stop you from posting and ruling

abzolutely kerect, waysider

"Layla', Eric Clapton- I may be one of the few who hates the slow version new one "Ma, take this badge off of me, I can't use it anymore"

It was a good game until the Yankees derailed completely in the 8th. sheesh. The kid Griese (sic) held the Angels to 2 hits through 6, then was pulled for reasons unknown to me. I could smell a disaster looming at that point and wasn't disappointed. Angel Stadium is some fun. Had great seats on the 'club' level, right next to the press box.The Angels are mighty strong, and if I were to pick, I'd pick 'em. 2 miles in Anaheim IS across town, and I scooted over to Dizzyland after the game. Between the raucous music piped at Angel Stadium, and the raucous music during the parade at the rat house, my ears could stand some rest. I'll be back to see the Twins in a couple weeks. All in all, a fine summer Saturday.

Got a nice surprise this morning. Looks like I'm off to Anaheim for the Angels-Yankees. With Lackey pitching, and the Yankees starting some AAA call up, my moneys on the halos. It's a bit of a conflict for me. I like the Angels, and always pull for them when I go, but of course I can't root against the Yankees. I'm going in wearing neutral colors, hoping the Yankees win as they need a win more, but mainly looking forward to a good game with some of baseball's best-which is something I haven't been able to say at most Dodger games. The Angels have 2 of my favorite players in Torii Hunter, and Vlad, and the Yankees have my favorite player in Jeter. I think I'll just enjoy the game and not worry about it. If I get really crazy, I may go across town to Disneyland afterwards.

Hey, there are worse things than going to the Dodgers. You'd be welcome out here, Mstar, in fact it would be fun to take in some games with you while Manny is still here, without the Sox-Yanks feud. I'm enjoying Manny while I've got him. Right now he's talking about wanting to end his career here, but I take that with a huge grain of salt. Still, the reception for him has been like nothing I've seen, which has made Manny beam. I don't see McCourt wanting to see him go, as he's the best thing for business LA has had in many a year.

That sounds ugly over there, Mstar. I haven't been keeping track, but it's sad if the racial thing is rearing it's ugly head. I haven't heard that about Boston since the Jim Rice days, and thought it history. I'm almost feeling guilty having Manny in my backyard. Not TOO guilty, as he hit his 4th homerun since joining the Dodgers yesterday.That's 2 more than Dodger left fielders combined had hit all year ! It was an ugly situation and a weird trade, but just what is Selig planning on doing ? He's going to stop the Boras monster ? How ? Reneg on the trade ? That would go over great in LA and I'm sure Manny would love to be ordered back to Boston. If not, who's he going to fine ? I would love to see Boras tarred and feathered and run out of baseball, but I don't see Mr Selig being the one to do it.

They began as the LA Angels, but they were in the middle of LA then. Theyplayed in 'Wrigley Field', near he Farmers Market, where I THINK the Hollywood Stars played before. Many baseball scenes in movies were filmed there, and the Home Run Derby program, which ESPN reran , many years ago, with such no names as Mickey Mantle, and Hank Aaron. The Angels even shared Chavez Ravine for a couple of years, which is somewhat like when the St Louis Browns shared the same park with the Cardinals.

I dunno. I've watched the guy on tv a few times, and he gives me the creeps. Maybe I'm jaded.

Tom's Gehrig joke made me laugh. Good one. I have to say that after one weekend, I understand Mstar's,Manny love more than in all the years he's talked about it. Of course, I'm seeing Manny on his best behavior, hitting a ton, and bringing life to a franchise that usually just wallows in mediocrity. A couple of days in St Louis prove that Manny can't do it by himself, even hitting over .600. The Angels are worlds better than the Dodgers, but are forgotten in Manny Mania. Incredibly, I hear more about people still peeved about the LA Angels name, both from those in LA proper, and those in Anaheim, who feel slighted. Maybe they should have just stayed the California Angels. My opinion is that I never heard a complaint when the LA Rams played in Angels Stadium, so why is this different ? Rays vs Dbacks in the WS ? Could happen. The all-expansion team series- from the same year even.

Texeira was big news until Manny right now it's nothing but Manny

Lost in Manny-mania is Casey Blake, who is quietly hitting .364 since coming over. Hokey smokes-I'm starting to think the Dodgers can not only win the division, but get to the Series ! Somebody hit me ! (I know Rocky will offer) Of course Nomar just went back on the dl, after a brief return to the lineup, so some things never change. Lost in Manny-mania is Casey Blake, who is quietly hitting .364 since coming over. Hokey smokes-I'm starting to think the Dodgers can not only win the division, but get to the Series ! Somebody hit me ! (I know Rocky will offer) Of course Nomar just went back on the dl, after a brief return to the lineup, so some things never change. another double post-maybe I just can't take the excitement

so far today, Manny is 3 for 3 with a home run. OK, I get it.

I was at the Dodger game last night. Manny owns LA right now. The home run was one of the sweetest I've seen at Dodger Stadium, and he also hit a rope up the middle. The fans are going crazy for a change, and Manny seems to be having fun. I enjoyed watching him and Don Mattingly interact. They seemed to be deep in conversation throughout the game. Wish I had that bugged. A fine night at the ballpark.

the Manchester Fisher cats sounds like a place I'd like to be ! I love living by Dodger Stadium, but you can't beat those great minor league parks for fun. I went to a Bridgeport Bluefish game in CT a few years ago, and bought a t shirt. Iwas wearing it at the gym in Pasadena, when a guy noticed it who turned out to be the son of my 4th grade teacher ! Looked just like him, too.

hey, I'm thinking I may become a Manny fan-which makes me wonder if we're living on the Bizarro world now ! There are times when home runs in Dodger Stadium are as rare as a Gagne save.Of course it doesn't hurt to have players that can actually hit them ! I'll keep you posted on any Manny news you may not get otherwise, mstar.

When I was a 'wow', a roving wow ambassador had me take her on a 'date (only in the way). I took her to see Harold and Maude, and I'm not sure she's recovered yet. Her only comment was 'it's interesting to see what you're into'. I admit I enjoyed her discomfort immensely.

Hope you're feeling better, Mstar. I had food poisoning last year, and wouldn't wish it on a Mets fan. I worry about Lyme disease every time I get back east-hope they deal with it better these days. Manny has the town buzzing , and he's not even here yet. I'm glad I got my Saturday tickets the day before the trade, or I may not have been able to sit in my favorite section in the loge.He better be playing , or the fans may revolt. Dodger Stadium is notorious for turning home run hitters into has beens. The ball just doesn't carry here.Manny should focus on hitting ropes to the gaps. Get better Mstar, and don't worry. The Bosox will be in the playoffs. maybe as the wild card behind the Rays ! I'm still not believing the Yankees can do it.

Now that the shock is over, I'm starting to look forward to Manny. One thing is certain-the days of sleepy Dodger games are over for awhile. I figure Manny will be on fire for awhile, and that should get Chavez Ravine rocking like it hasn't since Mike Piazza was here. The Red Sox will be fine. All good things come to an end. The way mstar felt about the last 8 years, is similar to my love for the Yakees in the 90's.It was magic-but couldn't last forever. For me, the end came when Paul O'Neil retired, and I realized it was time for the next phase. If Derek Jeter were to leave the Yankees I'm not sure I would know how to accept it, so I think I know how you feel, mstar. I've decided this is going to be fun out here. yikes double post

Now that the shock is over, I'm starting to look forward to Manny. One thing is certain-the days of sleepy Dodger games are over for awhile. I figure Manny will be on fire for awhile, and that should get Chavez Ravine rocking like it hasn't since Mike Piazza was here. The Red Sox will be fine. All good things come to an end. The way mstar felt about the last 8 years, is similar to my love for the Yakees in the 90's.It was magic-but couldn't last forever. For me, the end came when Paul O'Neil retired, and I realized it was time for the next phase. If Derek Jeter were to leave the Yankees I'm not sure I would know how to accept it, so I think I know how you feel, mstar. I've decided this is going to be fun out here.

WTF ? Manny to the Dodgers ????!!!!!!!!!!!! I better look into this.Wonder who they're giving up. I'll be at the stadium Saturday with the Dbacks. If Manny is here it will be some evening. Why don't I see Manny fitting in with laid back LA ? Wonder what Joe Torre is thinking right now ? The Dodgers are building with a lot of youngsters that have already gotten a reputation for not listening to veterans or coaches. Manny will be a wonderful influence, I'm sure. This is weird. I just read Tom's post again. The Dodgers gave up not much for a potential nuclear bomb.