Manny Ramirez...Heading to Taiwan?

Looks like it's time for Manny to be Manny again.  Again.

And, yes, I apologize for using one of baseball's most overused, but it's true...according to ESPN Deportes, the disgraced slugger is has a deal in place to join the EDA Rhinos of the China Professional League.

"It will be a new experience, experience another culture while I keep doing what I love and all I've done in my life, playing baseball," Ramirez said.

Apparently the agreement won't be completed until March 7 because, well, dude is still holding out hope that he gets a deal from a Major League team.

Man, I can't wait to see if there's going to be a wacky Taiwanese animation about this, because the other one they did was awesome.

 

Manny Ramirez Has Still Got It

If one swing of the bat is any indication, Manny Ramirez has still got it

The 40-year-old slugger connected on the first pitch he saw during his Dominican League debut Wednesday. Ramirez, who has hit 555 homers in 19 Major League seasons, sent a Daniel Cabrera pitch over the right field fence.

"I'm not thinking about the big leagues now," Ramirez said when he joined the Los Aguilas Eagles. "Right now I'm thinking of helping the Eagles to win games and then, if any offer, then I'll think of baseball."

Me thinks Ramirez might want to continue being content banging baseballs in the Dominican because, well, that big league call back to Mannywood probably won't be coming any time soon.

Oakland Interested in Manny Ramirez?

What do Mike Piazza, Frank Thomas, Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Giambi have in common?
They were all brought in by the Oakland Athletics in hopes to provide veteran leadership and add a little pop to an otherwise lackluster lineup.

Now, I'm not sure what sort of anything Manny Ramirez would bring to the A's, but according to ESPN Deportes...the team is interested in the 39-year-old slugger.

Last week, ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com reported that the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays had a look at Ramirez batting in an indoor cage.

"The Orioles and Blue Jays saw Manny work and Baltimore liked what it saw, but Oakland has been the team that has expressed the most interest, even before having him work out," the source said.

It's a mystery as to who or why anyone would take a chance on the 12-time All-Star, but whoever does...they're looking at Ramirez spending 50 games on the sidelines while he serves his pending suspension.
Your move, Taiwanese animators.

Japan to Manny: "No Thanks"

With nothing else going on in sports, I, for one, am glad we still have Manny Ramirez to count on to make news.

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark...the 2004 World Series MVP had a workout in Florida a couple weeks ago for Japan's Fukuoka Softbank Hawks...but the workout "didn't go well."

And they consider Matt Murton good.

This, from Rotoworld.com:

"The Japanese don't like 'baggage' in a player," the source told Stark, "no matter how talented he might be." We're not sure why the Hawks didn't know about Manny's baggage before the workout, but, regardless, it appears that heading overseas might not be an option for the 39-year-old. Ramirez wants to return to baseball next season, but if it's with a major league team, he'll have to serve a 100-game suspension for a second positive PED test.

Back in April when Ramirez disappeared from the baseball world, I hoped that that wouldn't be the last we heard of the slugger.

Something tells me...dude's story is not over yet.

T-Shirt Company Hopes for Manny's Return

Last week, the baseball blogosphere (or at least, maybe, this site) let out a collective "ugh" when it heard that Manny Ramirez was considering making a comeback.

Seriously, do we really need Ramirez coming back and trying to salvage whatever shred of "Manny Being Manny" swagger that might still exist?  Does anyone even care?!?

The answer to that is a easy one.

You remember URtheFan.com, right?  They're the guys that cooked up the popular "Manny Ray" shirts that hit the scene also immediately after Ramirez inked a deal with Tampa Bay.

They care.

"We're certainly for it," the t-shirt company's head honcho Jacob Reuter said, "sales have suffered and we still out stuck with TONS of inventory that we cant give away!"

But what to do if Ramirez doesn't come back...much less in a Rays uni?

"End of the year, we'll donate what is left for tax purposes," Reuter added.  "Manny hurt us very badly, but we still love him."

Currently, you can snag a "Manny Ray" shirt for pretty cheap and, if you're so inclined, why not show your love for Evan Longoria, Sam Fuld or Ben Zobrist while you're at it?

Reuter and the boys have plans in the works to add some shirts of some other popular Rays players.  Is there one in particular you'd like to see?  Leave your comment below!

Manny Ramirez Plans on Coming Back

I used to be a huge Manny Ramirez fan.  No, really...I was.

But now, I'm getting a little tired of the guy.

After years of "Manny Being Manny", he got popped for violating the league's anti-drug policy.  Less, than two years later, he got caught again...and up and quit.

And then, earlier this month, he was arrested following an "altercation" with his wife.

Now this...from ESPN.

Manny Ramirez upon learning he will not be able to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic because he's on MLB's inactive list, told ESPNdeportes.com Thursday that he will formally request reinstatement.

Ramirez said that upon reentry, he would serve his 100-game suspension for a second violation of MLB's drug policy.

"I would comply with my pending sanction and I would be available for any major league team," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas via telephone from Miami. "I already informed (agent) Scott Boras of my decision to return and begin the process.

"If any team wants to sign me, I would play. If no one does, I would look to play in Japan or any other place. I was not prepared for retirement."

Ramirez cannot serve his suspension until he signs with a major league club.

Ugh.

While I'd love to see Ramirez just walk away...I do think this thing has a chance to become a beautiful disaster for all of us to watch.

Three potential postives.

• Ramirez returns and allows the boys over at URtheFan.com to create some awesome new t-shirts.
• Ramirez doesn't make it back to the Majors and ends up playing independent ball with Jose Canseco and his merry band of misfits.
• Ramirez throws an orange back in the ole blender and gets popped again for juicing.

Let's say Ramirez DOES come back...what are your hopes for the former World Series MVP?

Just Manny Being Ani-Manated! Or Something

I've seen the mugshot, read the police report and watched Manny Ramirez shoving cameras and microphones out of his face, but, frankly, this is my favorite part of his most recent battle with the law.

And, yes, I realize you shouldn't have a favorite part, but come on...have you seen the video below?

It's got Ramirez constantly wearing an "MVP" gold chain, bikini-clad women giving him massages (while he's on the phone) and, for some reason, the former All-Star putting an orange into a blender...that is connected via an IV tube to his arm!

All I know is that I've called other videos "the best ever" or my "favorite" and I can tell you...I was lying.

This video takes the cake.

That is, of course, until Jose Canseco does something stupid and the fine folks with Next Media Animation decide to make another baseball-related video.

Enjoy!

Manny Ramirez Popped for Domestic Violence

It was only a matter of time, really.

The downward spiral of the man who was once one of the best and most feared hitters in the game is continuing...to the surprise of no one.

You'll remember this past April, Manny Ramirez left baseball amid controversy, a suspected failed drug test and the possibility of being banned for 100 games.

Of course, the 12-time All-Star and 2004 World Series MVP, in true "Manny Being Manny" (ugh...I hate that term) form, up and "retired".

Now, well, this is what the fine folks over at the Thirty Mile Zone are saying:

Witnesses tell TMZ Ramirez was taken out of his Weston, Florida home at around 7 PM ET in handcuffs. We're told Ramirez' wife was in the house. Two witnesses tell TMZ Ramirez and his wife were involved in an altercation.

Ramirez' wife, Juliana, left the house shortly after Ramirez was taken away in the back of a police car.

So, um, yeah, let's not print those July 2017 boarding passes and trip tickets to Cooperstown anytime soon...because this might just add to the reasons why dude ain't getting in.

So...um, Manny's Done

It was just a matter of time before Manny Ramirez went all (to steal a phrase from EVERY other story written today) "Manny Being Manny" on the Tampa Bay Rays, right?

Well, today is/was that day.  Circle it on your calendars, folks...the once future Hall of Famer is done.

This from MLB.com:

Manny Ramirez is retiring as a player, Major League Baseball announced in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

The statement said Ramirez had "an issue" under MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and informed the league he is hanging it up rather than "continue with the process under the program."

The statement, in full, reads as follows: "Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the drug program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."

And if what Michael Schmidt of the New York Times says is true...the 38-year-old tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in Spring Training.

Oops.

Ramirez inked a deal this past off season with the Rays and was (along with the rest of the team) struggling to get it going starting the season 1-for-17.  He finishes his 19-year career with 555 home runs, 1,831 RBI and a .312 average.

In 2009, Ramirez was suspended 50 games by MLB for violating the league's drug policy.  If this most recent issue was indeed a drug violation, he would be facing a suspension of 100 games.

BUT...something tells me we might never know.

Tampa Bay Enlists Damon and Ramirez

Last month, stories started circulating that Johnny Damon was looking to play closer to his Orlando home and sign with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Also part of that story...Gary Sheffield.

Well, here we are, a month later, and the Damon story has come to a close.  According to numerous sources, the 37-year-old outfielder has agreed to a $5.25 million dollar deal (plus incentives) to suit up for the Rays this upcoming season.

And while the Sheffield part of the afore mentioned story didn't pan out...the "Damon to the Rays" headline doesn't end there.

Joining Damon in Tampa Bay...his former Boston Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez.

That's right.  The Rays, who have been losing players left and right this offseason, opened up the checkbook and inked both Damon and Ramirez.

There's a zillion punchlines to be made here...but I think Jonah Keri summed it up best.

Throw in Kevin Millar, Dave Roberts, and Pedro's little person, and les jeux d'idiots sont fait.

Last season with the Detroit Tigers, Damon hit .271 in 145 games. For his career, he is a .287 hitter and is sixth among active players with 2571 hits...two behind Ramirez and his 2573.

And speaking of Damon's teammate with the 2004 World Champion BoSox...he hit .298 with nine home runs in just 90 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.  With 555 home runs, the 12 time All-Star is third (behind only Alex Rodriguez and Jim Thome) among active players.

Source: Manny to the Angels

Figuring out where Manny Ramirez is going to land for this upcoming season seems to be dependant on who you ask last.

As late as Friday, ESPNDeportes.com's Enrique Rojas had the Angels, Twins, Rangers, Rays and Blue Jays all still in the conversation.

Now, MLBBlogBuzz.com is coming out and saying that the Angels have all but locked up the slugger.

The reason...wigs!

Really?!?

There is a completely unsubstantiated rumor from someone close to the Angels organization that the Angels received a huge shipment of Manny Ramirez wigs last night. According to a source there were six crates worth. This could mean that the Angels are close to signing Manny.

Now, if Ramirez ends up back in Los Angeles (albeit this time with the Angels) to succeed Hideki Matsui as their DH, this wig thing looks genius. 

But if he doesn't...it's probable that the "unsubstantiated rumor" was nothing more than another in a long line of hoaxes.

What's Next for Manny Ramirez?

Earlier this off season, it was reported that Manny Ramirez would be open to playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, but, apparently, the feelings between him and Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos weren't mutual.

Then, it appeared as though the New York Yankees might have been looking to enlist the services of the 38-year-old slugger.

Now, according to a tweet by ESPN's Buster Olney...Ramirez won't be taking his sideshow to the Big Apple.

Heard this: The Yankees have no interest in signing Manny Ramirez. Jorge Posada will be the full-time DH, and they have three OFers lined up

On the flip side...Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times sees Ramirez as being a potential fit for the vacant Tampa Bay Rays DH hole.

In a real-life version of musical chairs, it would seem the Rays could score a good deal here given the number of openings vs. free-agent candidates. Possibilities include Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, with (Dan) Johnson again a fallback option if they get a first baseman.

So what's next for Manny Ramirez and his lifetime .313 batting average and 555 home runs?

The guy can't play the outfield any more so the National League is out of the question and with more and more American League teams publicly saying "not interested"...can the one-time lock for Hall of Fame find a ride for the 2011 or will he be forced to sit it out?

Only time will tell.

Manny the Blue Jay? Not So Fast

Will anyone sign Manny Ramirez?

The other day, the question was asked and right now...close to 60% of you think someone will.  Now, we're a long way from the start of the 2011 season, but if you pay any attention to the Hot Stove chatter, there appears to be really only one option for the 38-year old slugger.

The Toronto Blue Jays.

And why the Blue Jays...because HE said he'd play there.  It wasn't the other way around.

“You have to weigh each case by itself," Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos told the Toronto Sun the other day when asked about the prospect of the team inking Ramirez.  "If it’s the right player, the right fit, the right talent at the right price, you’ve got to be open to it.”

So, yeah, basically Anthopoulos said he wouldn't be scared off by the idea of inking Ramirez, but, by no means, does that suggest that they are going to go out and try to sign the guy.

And before I see any more stories about how much Ramirez likes new Toronto skipper John Farrell...it isn't like they spent THAT much time together.  Farrell landed his gig in Boston following the 2006 season and Ramirez was shown the door a season and a half later.

Oh, and I'm not certain, but do you really think the superstar outfielder spent a second hanging out with the team's pitching coach?  Plus, didn't he say the same thing about Joe Torre in 2008 when he was shipped to Los Angeles (yes) and last season when he agreed to join Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox (another yes)?

Ramirez is doing what he does best...giving reporters the proper lip service to makes headlines.  It's classic "Manny Being Manny" and, subsequently, Anthopoulos is being Anthopoulos.

But, as long as agent Scott Boras (and, yes, he does represent Ramirez) is involved...it doesn't matter who is being who.

I'm inclined to think that Ramirez is going to attempt to pull off what Pedro Martinez did in the 2009 campaign (which was essentially what Roger Clemens had done in the past)...wait it out to see how the smoke settles, then show up in time to take the prettiest girl to the dance.

That said, we all saw how effective Martinez was with that strategy last season considering the last time he toed a rubber was two Octobers ago.

So, where is Manny Ramirez going to take his traveling circus to next?  Who knows.  But the bigger question might be this...does anyone care?

Will Anyone Sign Manny Ramirez?

Free agent Manny Ramirez is coming off, arguably, one of the worst seasons of his career.  Granted, he hit .298 and knocked in 42 runs in just 90 games...but still.

Now entering his 19th Major League season, Ramirez is an old 38, been battling some nagging leg injuries (he hit the disabled list three separate times in 2010) and is probably relegated to DH-only duty.  Also, considering he's only surpassed 20 home runs ONCE (he hit 37 in 2008 and twice hit 20) in the last five seasons...you've gotta wonder if the dude is done.

ESPN's Keith Law says of Ramirez..."(he's) lost enough bat speed that when he squares a ball up it doesn't take off the way that it did for him before the 2009 season.  The explosiveness he had at the plate well into his 30s is all but gone."

Add all that together and it begs the question, if he's not done...will anyone sign him?

Super agent Scott Boras recently dropped this gem when talking about his Hall of Fame-caliber client.

It's just like Vlad Guerrero. His last Angels season, where he had an injury season and he had 50 RBIs, was not a customary Vlad Guerrero season. He went to Texas and reestablished himself. This is really the course for great veteran hitters. We've seen, following an injury season, a player goes out and performs at optimum levels, because these players are still uniquely skilled. They're still great hitters.

But, given what Law said about his batspeed, can Ramirez possibly replicate the .300 batting average, 29 home runs and 115 RBI that Guerrero put up for the Rangers in 152 games last season?  Probably not, seeing how Ramirez has only appeared in that many games (or more) a handful of times in his career...but I guess we'll find out.

But only if someone takes a chance.

So what do you think?  Will anyone take that chance and sign the 38 year-old slugger?  Go vote! 

***Also, a big thanks to Tim over at MLBTradeRumors.com for use of the Boras and Law quotes.***

Manny Heading to Chicago

Ladies and gentlemen...cue the crazy!

Following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan and Ken Griffey Jr., Manny Ramirez looks to be the latest superstar to look awkward in a White Sox uniform.

In what had to have been the least secretive waiver claim EVER, Ramirez looks to be leaving Los Angeles for the Southside of Chicago.

This past week, the White Sox put in the claim and have until Tuesday to work out a deal with the Dodgers.

But, according to reports late Sunday night, the deal is done...and all it'll cost Chicago is the nearly $4 million the 38 year-old slugger is due. They are hoping the slugger will be able to replicate the late heroics he pulled off in 2008 when he helped the Dodgers win the National League West.

Of course, no one is talking about it officially, but if/when the deal is finalized, the 11-time All-Star would join the White Sox when they travel to the team that he debuted with...Cleveland.

In just 66 games this season, Ramirez is batting .311 with eight home runs and 40 RBI.

Albert Pujols Favored to Reach 600 Next

After Alex Rodriguez went deep last week and became just the seventh player in Major League history to accumulate 600 or more home runs, I had to ask...who will be the next player to do it?

Future Hall of Famers Jim Thome (579 career bombs) and Manny Ramirez (554) are both within shouting distance of the milestone...but at 39 and 38 years old respectively, their best years are behind them.

While it would be hard to root against Thome because he's 21 long balls away from 600...does he have enough in the tank to do it? He's hit just 15 this year and I'm not so sure he'll continue to get the at bats next season.

Ramirez, on the other hand...well, he looks to be close to done.

At just 30 years old, Washington's Adam Dunn (347) has done nothing but crush the ball since he entered the league. In each of his last nine seasons, Dunn has hit at least 25 or more home runs. From 2004-2008, he became just the second player to hit 40 or more home runs in five straight seasons.

The other? George Herman Ruth...who did it in seven straight years. And with 31 so far this season, Dunn looks to have 40 back on his radar after stalling out at 38 last year.

Second generation superstar Prince Fielder has the most home runs of anyone under the age of 30. With 185 home runs at the age of 26, the Milwaukee Brewers first baseman is making a name for himself as one of the National League's premier power hitters.

Not surprisingly, Albert Pujols seems to be the odds on favorite to be the next guy to do everything. Friday night, the 30 year-old hit career homer number 394 and barring sudden injury, will become the second youngest player to reach 400.

Here's how the vote panned out.

41% - Albert Pujols
40% - Jim Thome
6% - No one
5% - Prince Fielder
4% - Manny Ramirez
2% - Adam Dunn

So what do you think? Who has the edge...who did I miss? More importantly...will we see anyone get to 600 again?!?

Curious about A-Rod and his march to the milestone? Here are ten things you might not have known about his 600 home runs.

Ooops!

Obviously, the Hall of Very Good is a fan of Manny Ramirez. Let's face it...he's a great character AND he brings it night after night.

Well, apparently, his "bringing it" might have been enhanced.

Major League Baseball is expected to announce today that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games, The Los Angeles Times is reporting.

***UPDATE***

According to ESPN, the Dodgers star said he did not take steroids and was prescribed medication by a doctor that contained a banned substance. The commissioner's office didn't announce the specific violation by the 36-year-old outfielder, who apologized to the Dodgers and fans for "this whole situation."

However, two sources told ESPN's T.J. Quinn and Mark Fainaru-Wada that the drug used by Ramirez is HCG -- human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.

"Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a statement issued by the players' union.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons."

Ten Milestones to Watch for This Season

Welcome to Opening Day!

Every season begins with a number of milestones on the horizon (and if you followed the divisional breakdown the last few weeks...you know them), and 2009 is no different. Gone are history-makers like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Greg Maddux.

So, before the Bronx Bombers open the doors to their newest version of Yankee Stadium, let's look at ten milestones to watch for during the upcoming baseball season.

And because of injury, you'll notice that I conveniently ignored Alex Rodriguez. I harbor no ill will toward the man.

Maybe.

Ron Villone, TBD

Ron Villone, who changes uniforms so fast, team photographers can't keep up with him, will inevitably suit up for his major league record-tying twelfth team. When he takes the bump next, he'll tie pitcher Mike Morgan on the all-time list. Close on their heels? Matt Stairs. Stairs is currently with Philadelphia, his eleventh team.

Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals

The Nationals enter their fifth season since re-locating from Montreal with little to no fanfare. For the four Adam Dunn fans out there, you’ll be glad to know that he’s 22 homers away from 300 for his career, and if he gets to 40 this season, he’ll have done so for six straight seasons. Only Babe Ruth did it more consistently when he hit 40 out in a record seven straight seasons.

Joe Torre, Los Angeles Dodgers

Aside from Manny Ramirez (more on him later), the Dodgers do have some milestones to watch out for. Off the field...or more specifically, in the dugout, manager Joe Torre is 44 wins away from leap-frogging Sparky Anderson (2194) and Bucky Harris (2157) and moving into fifth place on the all-time list.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

When 2008 came to a close, Albert Pujols became the only player in major league history to hit at least .300, with 30 or more home runs and at least 100 RBI in each of his first eight seasons. The only other players to accomplish the 100 RBI feat were Al Simmons, who did it in eleven straight, and Ted Williams, who stalled after eight. All in all, “Prince Albert” is 31 home runs away from 350, 23 RBI from 1000 and 53 runs from 1000.

And oh yeah, he just turned 29.

Greg Maddux/Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Cubs

While not exactly a milestone, the Cubs are doing something pretty cool and pretty monumental on May 3. Before the “North Siders” take the field against the Florida Marlins, they’ll retire number 31 for Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux. Each hurler won a Cy Young Award and combined for 300 victories while wearing the pinstriped 31.

Carlos Delgado, New York Mets

Raise your hand if you ever thought Carlos Delgado was going to be a member of the 500 home run club. No one? After Gary Sheffield hits number 500, which should have come in the first week of the season...Delgado is up next. The slugger has 469 home runs and should, barring injury, close out the Mets’ first season at Citi Field with a milestone.

Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Last year, Ramirez came into the season needing 10 home runs to get to 500. This season, Manny comes in with 527 and looks to pass up Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, and Reggie Jackson on the all-time list. Factor in his 2,392 hits and, by season’s end, you’ll be looking at just the sixth player to have more than 2,500 hits, 500 doubles, 550 home runs and 1800 RBI. The others: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Robinson, and Babe Ruth.

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Mariano Rivera is 18 saves away from joining Trevor Hoffman as the only two closers with 500 saves. Next on the active list is Billy Wagner with 385. Savor save number 500, baseball fans. It’ll be awhile until we see it again. Saves are tricky to predict because it’s all dependent on how the Yankees fair this season. If you’re curious, Rivera has claimed his 18th save as early as May 29 (in 2004) and as late as August 6 (in 2007).

Gary Sheffield, New York Mets

A major leaguer at 18, Sheffield got off to a quick start by getting his first hit and first home run in the same swing. Now, 498 home runs later, Sheffield is on the cusp of becoming the 25th player to hit 500 long balls. Also worth mentioning, Sheffield comes into 2009 with 1633 RBI. Everyone who is Hall eligible and has more RBI than “Sheff” is enshrined in Cooperstown.

Randy Johnson, San Francisco Giants

Not since Bonds was knocking on the door of every home run milestone have the Giants had a milestone (or two) to watch for. Randy Johnson brought with him to the Bay a number of things worth noting. First and foremost, “The Big Unit” is five victories away from 300 wins. Only 24 pitchers have accomplished the feat. The closest active pitchers include Jamie Moyer (246), Kenny Rogers (219) and Andy Pettite (215).

And while he hasn’t hit 200 or more strikeouts since 2005, it’s worth mentioning that Johnson is 211 Ks away from becoming the second player to strike out 5000 batters. He won’t touch Nolan Ryan’s record at 5714, but burying his closest active competition in Pedro Martinez (3117) and John Smoltz (3011) has to be a little gratifying.

Also within reach for “Unit,” he is 15 hit-batsmen away from surpassing all-time leader Walter Johnson. He probably won’t get there (he has only 10 in the last two seasons), but passing up Eddie Plank (196) is a possibility. Something tells me that, deep down, Johnson wishes that hit-by-pitch magnet and former teammate Craig Biggio (who, ironically, “Unit” NEVER hit in 16 plate appearances) was still out there swinging a bat.

It finally happened, kids!

I'll admit it, I thought it was pretty cool last year when Jim Thome, Frank Thomas and Alex Rodriguez all hit number 500, but in the past two weeks…we witnessed, arguably, something more impressive.

Of course I am talking about Manny Ramirez quietly hitting number 500 and, finally, Ken Griffey, Jr. doing what we’ve been waiting for for the last twelve years…hitting home run number 600.

Since he reached his milestone first…we’ll talk about Ramirez first.

Manny has quietly been one of the best (if not THE best) hitters in the game for each of his fifteen seasons. Considering he’s NEVER hit less than .290 in any full season that he’s played (incidentally, Ramirez has the fourth highest career batting average of anyone in the 500 Club)...I’m not sure why he gets such a bad rap.

Tell me it is because he’s a bad fielder and I’ll tell you that if I can get a guy with the potential to hit 40 home runs, knock in 120, hit .320 AND allow my team to get an equally dangerous bat in the lineup at DH…and I’ll take his fielding every day of the week.

Tell me he’s a bad teammate and I’ll point out the watch he gave Dustin Pedroia for winning the American League Rookie of the Year last year.

Tell me the guy is flighty and I’d agree. I’ll follow it up by reminding you that he is durable, keeps his mouth shut, absolutely a monster in the clutch AND certain to be the first dreadlocked player in Cooperstown.

Now…on to the other guy.

Unless you lived under a rock, you know that Ken Griffey, Jr. became the sixth player to hit 600 home runs. Of course, as mentioned before…you would have been hard pressed to find substantial press leading up to it.

Maybe the mainstream media was keeping it “hush hush” so Junior wouldn’t be jinxed. Maybe they just forgot about “The Kid”.

Junior’s list of accomplishments are sick and I could go on and on…but I’ll leave that to SportsCenter. They’ve spent the last couple of weeks NOT building up to number 600…perhaps now they can spend some time appreciating it.

Take his durability out of the conversation, and you really can’t come up with a reason to NOT call him one of the best all around players of the last 20 years.

Of the other 23 members of the 500 Club, Griffey’s .289 career average is better than Eddies Murray and Mathews, Willie McCovey and eight others.

His 1729 RBI puts him eleventh among those with more than 500 bombs. Compare him to contemporaries Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire and they pale in comparison.

Remarkably, the once slender Griffey hit 40 or more home runs in seven seasons. Memo to world…Frank Robinson did it once, Reggie Jackson twice.

Junior will bring a ton of Gold Gloves with him to Cooperstown as well…ten to be exact. He won one EVERY year in the 90s and among the others in the 500 Club, only Willie Mays and Mike Schmidt have as many.

Put both Ramirez and Griffey together and you’ve got a duo that rivals very few that have played at the same time. We’re living in a fortunate age right now…let’s hope it stays this way for some time.