Here’s your first look at MLB 12: The Show, courtesy of our friends over at IGN. Featuring new broadcast style presentation and move controls, MLB 12: The Show hits the PS3 on March 6.

Here’s something for your viewing pleasure — five things that are technically possible in real-life, but that a normal person can never do.

1. Throw a Major League fastball.
2. Take a cruise on the Titanic
3. Do ridiculous skateboarding tricks without ever dying.
4. Reunite the Beatles or just become a rock star.
5. Fly an F-14 Tomcat like in “Top Gun.”

What do you think? Leave comments.

The Red Sox came from behind and took down the mighty New York Yankees last night in Boston marking the beginning of the 2010 MLB season, but the excitement doesn’t stop there.

Videogame retailer GameStop revealed a baseball themed Daily Deal, affording the baseball fan some serious savings.

Today only the PC version of MLB 2K10 is going for an enticingly low rate of $2.99.

OK, it’s the PC version, BUT, the game is compatible with the Xbox 360 controller you already have, so it’s essentially the full-on game, for $3.

The game does clock in at a hefty 7GB, and my install, on my crappy Internet, won’t be complete for hours, but what do I have to do today anyway?

Enjoy the savings @ GameStop

The 2010 Major League Baseball season is nearly here. How do we know? Sony and 2K are releasing their baseball games, The Show and MLB 2K10 next Tuesday. But if baseball isn’t your cup of tea, instead favoring massively-scaled, destruction-based multiplayer combat, EA DICE’s Battlefield: Bad Company 2 frags its way to shelves Tuesday, March 2.

Those are the big three, here’s the rest.

Sunday (Feb. 28)
Aztec Treasure Hunt (DS)
City Builder (Wii)
Crazy Garage (DS, PC, Wii)
Dust Devils (360)
Ella’s Hope (PC)
Gunbird 2 Remix (PSP)
Halfbrick Rocket Racing (PSP)
House M.D. (PC)
Hubert the Teddy Bear: Winter Games (Wii)
Hunted (PC)
Party Designer (DS)
Royal Envoy (PC)
Theatre of War II – Kursk 1943 (PC)
Zooloretto (Wii)

Monday (March 1)
Alganon (PC)
Build-a-Bear Workshop: Friendship Valley (Wii, DS)
Dante’s Inferno (PSP)
Mega Man 10 (Wii)

Tuesday (March 2)
Alice in Wonderland (DS, Wii)
Battle of Giants: Mutant Insects (DS)
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PC, PS3, 360)
Foto Showdown (DS)
Lips: Party Classics (360)
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP)
Major League Baseball 2K10 (PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360)
MLB 10: The Show (PS2, PS3, PSP)
Project Runway (Wii)
Silent Hunter V: Battle of the Atlantic (PC)
Sonic Classic Collection (DS)
SpongeBob’s Boating Bash (DS, Wii)
Supreme Commander 2 (PC)

Wednesday (May 3)
Clover: A Curious Tale (PC)
Toy Soldiers (XBLA)

Source: Kotaku

We have established the Padres are the front runners for the worst team in the NL West, but I could be wrong. I have been before. Ask my girlfriend.

What makes a topic for interesting conversation and debate is where the other teams in the division fall into place. With the Dodgers ability to potentially re-sign Manny and their impressive post-season play last year, I cannot fathom power ranking them 4th. Many would naturally expect the San Francisco Giants to assume this poll position, however I am optimistic for this ball club to make improvements from 2008. I believe the team that deserves to occupy the 4th place power rank in the West is a team that will not be celebrating Hollidays this year”¦wait, I mean Holliday.

Lets take a team that finished at .500 from last year and see what happened to them in the off season. They lost blue-chip sensation, Matt Holliday in a trade to give them financial wiggle room as well as speedster Willy Tavaras and closer Brian Fuentes to free agency. Bummer. What did the Rockies recover from these losses? Some money, and Huston Street the young closer from Oakland. I like Street’s potential, however, the Rockies already have a usable closer in Manny Corpas, so I can’t help but feel that they put their eggs in the wrong basket when trading away Holliday. Why didn’t they go for a marquis pitcher to aide their stomach-churning rotation? Speaking of which”¦

The Rockies arms have to be amongst the bottom seven in the MLB. I suppose they consider their ace to be Aaron Cook, who had a good first half of last year, but proceeded to play like a skunk for the rest of the season. The rotation is followed by Jeff Francis and Franklin Morales who both battle injuries of sorts and neither may play this season. Ubaldo Jimenez could help the team out if he strays from his 100+ walks from last year, and newcomer Jason Marquis may become something good, but has a lot to prove in his first chance as a starting pitcher. For a team that plays 80-some-odd games in a stadium renowned for its home-run hitting ease, this rotation has to be scaring the pants off everyone in Colorado.

Aside from Garret Atkins being a totally overrated bust, the Rockies don’t look too shabby in the field. There is power behind (SS) Troy Tulowitzki and (RF) Brad Hawpe and breakout potential behind (C) Chris Iannetta. The rest of the field doesn’t necessarily dazzle or disappoint. If and when Todd Helton realizes that he is going to be 36-years old this season, he may start to dip in offensive production.

Plain and simply, you can get away with crappy pitching if you have a line-up like the Yankees but you can’t if you’re the Rockies. They have lost speed and power and are getting older at the corners. They will put up a fight within the middle of the pack of the NL West, but when the season is over you will see them in the 75 wins range”¦and occupying 4th place in their division.

In a disappointing upset added to an even more disappointingly upsetting winter of un-action, the Red Sox announced the team was not a contender in obtaining star slugger Mark Teixeira.

In an e-mail to Boston media from Sox owner John Henry Thursday night, he explained that “we met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor.”

Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras released statement as well: “The Boston ownership was kind enough to request and travel to meet with Mark Teixeira. While it was a very positive meeting, Mark was candid and advised he is in the process of making a decision and is now attempting to eliminate teams.”

It is now unknown where he who wants to be the $200 million man will end up.

There is word, however, that Henry might just be calling Boras’ bluff. That remains to be seen.

The National League announced their 2008 Gold Glove winners on Wednesday:

Nate McLouth, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Carlos Beltran, OF, NY Mets
Shane Victorino, OF, World-Champion Philadelphia Phillies
Greg Maddux, P, San Diego Padres/LA Dodgers
Yadier Molina, C, St. Louis Cardinals
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, San Diego Padres
Brandon Phillips, 2B, Cincinnati Reds
Jimmy Rollins, SS, World-Champion Philadelphia Phillies
David Wright, 3B, NY Mets

Philadelphia was ready to celebrate their first championship in 25 years on Monday night. The table was set with their ace on the mound and a 3-1 series lead. Then the winds and rains came, suspending not only the game, but a party and celebration only the Philadelphia faithful could host. The snow and sleet arrived on Tuesday giving the fans more time to ponder the curse of William Penn as the game was suspended for one more day. However, a town usually filled with negativity never lost their confidence in their Phillies who were about to bring them what they so desperately needed…to be called winners.

8:37 pm finally arrived on Wednesday. Rally towels that were used in the past to wipe away tears of frustration were about to be used for a different purpose…to wipe away tears of joy. So, what happened Wednesday night?

Jason Werth’s blooping single found a way to avoid Akinori Iwamura’s glove.

The fog was lifted at Soldier Field and Keith Jackson didn’t drop that pass in the end zone.

Eric Lindros kept his head up and avoided Scott Stevens’ concussion-giving hit.

Robert Horry’s last-minute three-pointer in Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals fell short.

Chase Utley didn’t throw to first, but nailed Jason Bartlett at home.

L.J. Smith held onto the ball while being tackled by Randall Gay in Super Bowl XXXIX.

The doctors didn’t find a small blood clot on Kimmo Timonen’s foot and a deflected puck didn’t find Braydon Coburn’s eye.

Eric Snow and Aaron Mckie didn’t have to play on broken ankles during the 2001 NBA Finals.

Ben Zobrist’s line drive found Jason Werth’s glove.

Brian Westbrook played in the 2003 NFC Championship game.

Alexander Perezhogin missed on a devastating hit that could have ended Keith Primeau’s career.

This was announced, “with the 8th pick in the 1998 NBA draft the Philadelphia 76ers select Paul Pierce from Kansas University.”

Blaine Bishop, despite losing a step, tackled Joe Jurevicius.

And the Phillies won the World Series…that’s what happened.

For one night everything that could have gone well…did, and anything that could have gone wrong…did not. For one night the past was forgotten. For one night the sports history of a city was re-written.

The Philadelphia Phillies are world champions and a city that supports their teams through thick and thin will be able to have the celebration they deserve. With the pressure off, and the Phillies to thank, don’t be surprised if the parade on Friday is followed by many more.

For those of you outside the Philadelphia area, the Phillies have one of the most legendary voices calling their games in Harry Kalas. He is a Hall of Famer and here he is closing out last night’s game (that’s Chris Wheeler in the background. He knows his stuff but is kind of a choad):

After 25 years, Philadelphia has finally won a championship as the Phillies took down the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 in the completion of Game 5.

The Phillies win the 2008 World Series four games to one and if anyone thinks I’m going to sit behind this computer to type out a bunch of articles this evening you are a nut job.

Cole Hamel wins MVP and Brad Lidge remained perfect as he struck out Eric Hinske to seal the deal.

What else do you need right now? Everyone played hard and never gave up and they just went out there and knew they could win and…blah, blah, blah.

I do my best to be a responsible, non-biased journalist. I really do Tonight? Screw that, I’m heading out to celebrate!

There are several important questions that have arisen regarding the exciting conclusion to Game 5 of the World Series tonight at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

First of all, will there be a singing of the national anthem? We all know that every sporting event kicks off with “The Star Spangled Banner,” but what about when you start a game in the sixth inning?

A quick Google search didn’t turn up any results. Maybe Patti Labell mangled it enough to last for two nights.

Secondly, will there be a seventh-inning stretch? Do fans that just sat down really need a break?

The answer here is most likely yes, as someone will certainly be singing “God Bless America.” And I hate to say this, but if tonight’s performer sings like the others from this World Series, put some cotton in your ears. I’m sorry, but there must be someone out there who isn’t tone deaf and would be interested in singing on national television.

And the most important question of all? When will they stop beer sales? Typically, it’s in the seventh inning, but Peter Mucha of the Philadelphia Inquirer did some sleuthing (someone should) and found out that booze will be available until the ninth inning.

“Today is considered a new event,” Aramark spokesman David Freireich said.

Amen to that.

Monday night’s rain suspension of Game 5 was an absolute debacle. The Phillies and Rays were playing in absolutely horrific conditions for the better part of three innings before the game was finally called off after the Rays tied it at 2-2 in the top of the 6th.

Coincidence? Or was MLB absolutely shivering at the thought of having a World Series won on a rain-shortened game? We all know it’s the latter.

The game should have been stopped long before the sixth inning. Like…say…how about when a Gold Glove shortstop can’t handle a routine pop up because the wind is throwing the ball around the infield and rain is stabbing his corneas as he looks up and tries to locate the ball? Would that have been a good time to call the game?

But it is what it is. Philly, once again, can’t catch a break in any sport. Call it bad luck, call it unnecessary whining. With Hamels on the mound at home and a 3-1 lead, the city was ready to celebrate. But no, instead, they get a Wednesday night game to try to finish off the final three and half innings.

I’ve broken down several reasons why the Phillies will win this series, and several why the won’t. Let’s take a look:

Why they will win:

-The Phillies have four at-bats to the Rays’ three on Wednesday night. The game starts tied 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth.

-The Phillies bullpen has been filthy this season, and matches up better against the pen of the Rays.

-The Phillies have been finding ways to win and have proved to be the better team.

-Regardless of their production in Game 5, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria have been a waste of space for the Rays.

-With the extra day gained by the Game 5 suspension, the Phillies could have Cole Hamels ready on full rest for Game 7 if need be.

-Philadelphia is due.

Why they won’t:

-Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria are too good to be this bad in the World Series. Game 5 could be proof that they’ve put their games back together and are ready to light it up.

-If the Rays finish the Phils off in Game 5, they go back to Tampa with James Shields and Matt Garza on the mound.

-David Price could give the big lefties (Utley, Howard) fits on Wednesday night and shut the Phils’ main engine down. Going back to Tampa means anything goes.

-The Rays are too good to go out 4-1 in the World Series.

-The Phillies bullpen is due for a meltdown.

And finally…

-Monday night was their night. By not locking down the win (through no fault of their own necessarily), they have opened the door and given a young, energetic Rays team life and faith that they can win. The Rays will play with a renewed confidence that will only build as they claw back into the Series.

You don’t win pennants in the offseason.‚  You don’t win them during the season either.‚  You win them in the postseason.‚  It is now October and it’s time for some baseball.‚  After six months, eight of thirty teams remain.‚  In a little less than a month, we will have our champion.‚ 

Will it be a repeat for the Red Sox?‚  A curse-breaking for the Cubs?‚  Another series for the Southsiders while their uptown rivals wait yet another year?‚  An exorcising of the Devil for the Rays?‚  A trip to baseball heaven for the Angels?‚  A ring for the LA wedding of a former New York manager and former Boston slugger?‚  A win for the City of Brotherly Love and the team with the most losses in baseball history?‚  How about champagne flooding the streets of the Brew City?‚ 

The best part of October is that anything can happen.‚  Favorites fall.‚  Teams comeback from the brink of elimination.‚  Heroes cement themselves in the annals of baseball lore.‚  There are storylines.‚  Lots of storylines.‚  Here are this postseason’s most compelling:

The New Rivalry

The Red Sox swept the Angels twice en route to this century’s titles and are 9-0 in their last three postseason series against the California-Anaheim-Los Angeles club.‚  This time the Angels are the favorites as they return with a power offense (not to be completely overshadowed by Manny in the real LA, Mark Teixeira has been the answer to the Mike Scioscia’s prayers) and the deepest overall pitching staff in baseball.‚  Still, Terry Francona is 8-0 in the World Series and 7-1 in elimination games.

Josh Beckett

The Red Sox always hog all the stories and this feature is no exception.‚  Last season Beckett joined Gibson, Koufax, Ford and Schilling as one of the all-time great postseason pitchers.‚  The news swirling out of Boston is that Beckett won’t pitch until Game 3 at the earliest due to an oblique strain.‚  Will he go and how effective will he be?

C.C. Sabbathia

Three games on short rest, three wins to send the Brewers into the postseason since 1982 and the first time as a National League club.‚  How much farther is he going to carry the team?‚  The word here in the Brew City is that the Crew was planning on going with a one-man rotation in the play-offs, then realized that would not be right because with just one pitcher, there isn’t any rotating.‚  He’s even going to throw during the day to prevent tightness from setting in.‚ 

Manny Being Manny

Manny might be the best deadline deal ever.‚  Factor in that he’s one of the best postseason hitters of all-time, the Cubs are going to have their hands full trying to get him out.‚  Can he carry the Dodgers to a Hollywood ending, complete with himself, Nomar, Derek Lowe and Joe Torre sitting in the visiting dugout at Fenway?‚ 

A-Rod

Will A-Rod be able to break his 0-220 playoff slump to send Yankee Stadium out in style with a World Series win? ‚ No.

White Heat

It took the White Sox 163 games to make the playoffs.‚  Will they ride the energy through the Rays or did they spend it all getting to Tampa?‚  The pitching isn’t bad and the team loves the longball.‚  After years in Cincinnati, Ken Griffey Jr. is finally playing in October again. But for long?‚ 

New Kids on the Block

If the Rays sold their souls to the Devil, why didn’t he insist they keep his name?‚  This team never had a winning record until this year-when they won the AL East.‚  The Rays have their youth, the favorite for Manager of the Year, a considerable homefield (or home-can) advantage and little to lose.‚  They don’t have “playoff experience” but they also don’t have experience losing playoff games, and that might be worth the most of all.

The Storyline That TBS and FOX Will Beat to DEATH

One of four teams to return to the postseason, the Phillies were swept by the Rockies who were one of the hottest teams ever … until they were swept out of the World Series.‚  The Phillies again took the NL East after an amazin’ collapse by their rival and earned a first-round date with the Brewers.‚  Will Jamie Moyer and C.C. face each other in the most-opposite matchup between two left-handers in postseason history?‚  Will fans in Philly hold off on the “Let’s go Eagles” chants for a‚  few more weeks?‚ 

The Obvious

The Red Sox did it.‚  The White Sox did it a year later.‚  Now, will the Cubs finally shake their demons or will April on Addison be more like the past 100?‚  This is their best chance as they have pitchers with functioning rotator cuffs and an all-around potent offense.‚  Some credit Lou Piniella (he won the 1990 World Series with the “Nasty Boys”).‚  Some will point out the 2001 season in which Piniella’s Mariners won 116 games and were bounced out of play-offs in the first round.‚  Some will also bring up the 1995 and 1997 Mariners but that would just be cruel.‚ 

For the Record

As a fan, I can’t and won’t pick against the Red Sox so they’re my choice to win it all after beating the Rays in war of an ALCS.‚  As much as we’d all like to see a re-match of the 1918 World Series, I’m honestly feeling Dodgers over Brewers in the NL.

Is Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard the NL MVP? Well, there are several cases for and against him.

First, why he shouldn’t be MVP:

-Howard has 190 K’s and could very well break his own MLB record of 199 strikeouts in a season. MVP’s shouldn’t be breaking strikeout records.

-His defense at first base has gotten progressively worse. It’s clear that Howard has lost more and more confidence as the season has gone on. He struggles to field the ball cleanly and his throws tend to be off the mark.

-His batting average is terrible. He is currently hitting .249 and that’s because he has been on a tear. Meaning…his average has been awful all year.

Why he should be MVP:

-He is the clear MLB (not just NL) leader in RBI’s and HR’s. As of this posting, he has 45 HR’s and 136 RBI’s. Those numbers are dominant and there isn’t anyone terribly close to taking him over.

-Who would be ahead of him? I don’t see anyone close to his power and production numbers. Albert Pujols in St. Louis is hitting .360 with 33 bombs and 101 RBI’s, and yes, those numbers are hard to argue with. Is the high average enough to overcome the disparity in power and runs driven in? Could be.

As for those clamoring for Carlos Delgado…please. He has been incredibly hot as of late, but was so terrible earlier this season that Mets fans were calling for him to be cut. That’s right…cut.

Conclusion:

Howard has the goods to win MVP, but how much do you downgrade him for poor defense, strikeouts and bad batting average? Howard is ripping the cover off the ball right now, but Pujols’ insane .360 avg. and solid power numbers could get him the MVP nod.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig says that replay could be installed in baseball before the end of the season, but first wants to make sure all the kinks are ironed out.

“I’m hoping we can get the bugs out sometime before the postseason,” Selig said. “Whether we can make that timetable or not really hasn’t been determined.”

It was not voted on during his meeting with 30 MLB executives as it was not technically an action item on the agenda. But, it is being discussed and they are working towards it.

“Well, we’re working on the whole instant replay situation — it didn’t need a vote,” Selig said. “I’m quite satisfied that we’re trying to get all the bugs out of it. It’ll be very limited in its form, as you know. I’m a little reluctant to speak out about it until I know everything is working, but we are moving in the right direction.”

Under their current replay plan, balls and strikes would not be up for review. Baseball’s version of instant replay would only be for disputed home run calls.

My problem isn’t with the implementation of replay. My issue is with the fact that they would make a major adjustment to the rules during a season. That’s just stupid. Why can’t this wait for 2009?

If they pull this off in 2008, they should go back and look at video of every disputed HR call for the season and re-adjust the standings.

Chris DeMatteo, one of the original Blast launch issue staffers, weighs in on the Manny Ramirez trade.

Friends, readers, websurfers, lend me your eyes.  I write to bury Manny, not to praise him.  His legacy in Boston will live after him.  A legacy that includes two World Series titles and a series MVP. 

I have been a Red Sox fan my entire life and a Manny Ramirez fan since before he arrived in Boston.  I will continue to be a Manny fan through his tenure with the Dodgers and wherever he goes and finishes his career.  I am not saying “good riddance,” but I am not denouncing the trade and I am not condoning his recent behavior. 

As a writer and a fan, I believe that Manny Ramirez represents the best and the worst in baseball.  He plays like a god but always reminds us that he is human.  Although this has become a trade deadline tradition, I spent much of today awaiting the news.  If Manny stayed with the Red Sox, I probably would have titled this column “Mo’ Manny, Mo’ Problems” and speculated on what would and should happen for the rest of the season.  For better or worse, the Manny Era for the Red Sox is over.  For better or worse, the Manny Era for baseball is far from it.

“Manny Being Manny.”  We have heard it, read it and quite possibly said it, but have we really thought about it?  Manny has been decried as a “man-child” and an “idiot savant of hitting.”  He has also-and accurately-been called the greatest hitter of his generation and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. 

In recent days he has been called “spoiled,” “bratty,” “whiny,” “insulting.”  He is portrayed as a clown, a slacker who is able to get by on his natural talent of hitting and not always try his hardest.  His teammates however, tell a different story.  They have said in the past that no one works harder in the cages than Manny (Julio Lugo recently said that Manny is the first one to the park).  They say that he has an aggressive personal workout.  They have said, for the most part and that may change now that he is no longer with them, that he is a great teammate in the clubhouse.  Manny Ramirez is not a man-child, brat or savant.  He is an enigma.  He is a baseball player.  We mortals cannot comprehend how someone can be so good at anything.  We cannot comprehend the money he makes.  We cannot understand him. 

Major League baseball is not the pure, innocent game that father and son enjoyed so idyllically at the start and end of “The Natural.”  There are big bucks and big egos.  We have seen drugs, gambling and cheating tarnish our game.  We also see tremendous talent and amazing games.  Baseball is a game.  Major League baseball is a business on both sides-the owners and players-and we have the strikes, disputes and contracts to prove it.  Manny’s departure comes in the wake of what has been called his annual “tantrum.” 

This is not the first time he has asked out of Boston nor is it the first time Theo Epstein and management tried to trade him.  (Before the 2004 season, he was placed on irrevocable waivers and was then tentatively traded for A-Rod).  This season was the last of the eight-year contract he signed with the Red Sox but the team had two $20 million options for 2009 and 2010.  While Manny did say at the start of the season that he hoped his options were exercised and that he wanted to finish his career with the Red Sox, he apparently changed his mind and decided he wanted to become a free agent.  There is nothing wrong with trying the open-market.  Now-former teammate J.D. Drew hit payday when he opted out of his contract to sign with the Red Sox for $75 million over five years.  His New York counterpart Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract only to re-up with the Yankees for more years.  Manny wants to play more than two years and wants a longer contract.  I would hardly call it greed.  The league and owners make billions-it is only fair that their workers who help them earn their fortunes be paid what they are worth. 

While Manny without question dug his own hole, none more than this week, I do feel he was unfairly vilified by the media-both national and local.  Maybe it is because he did not talk to them.  Maybe not.  He is far from the first or the only player to do the things he did and even worse things. 

Manny never fell out of shape, went to another team, demanded a trade to a World Series winner so he could win a ring, sign a contract that allows him special travel privileges, play only half a season, then audition his suitor teams like he was on a dating show.  If he did, would his team’s radio announcer lose it on the air?

Manny has never been linked to steroids or any other performance enhancer.  He did not have any abnormal spikes in homeruns (his 1998 total was actually below what he hit most other years) nor did he suffer a mysterious drop after the league’s new testing policy took effect.  If Manny did admit to taking steroids, would growing a mustache make everything better again?

Manny’s trade was not caused by a feud he had with a teammate.  If that did happen, which player would go to Miami? 

Manny never gambled, corked his bat or ripped his teammates (note the word teammates and not team or management) in the media.  

There are different rules for different people.  Manny was always given a lot of leeway because of his talent.  Whether it was ducking into the Green Monster during a mound conference, not running out groundballs, watching and celebrating homeruns, showing up late to spring training, taking time off, demanding trades or any of his other antics, Manny lived above the law.  The elite do.  Manny’s incident with the team’s traveling secretary in Houston is reprehensible.  Unfortunately, unlike what another Boston writer said at the time, that what Manny did would not earn him an arrest if he were not a baseball player, is not true.  Manny is an elite player-he can only be compared to other elites.  Elite lawyers, surgeons, politicians, scientists, musicians?  It is doubtful one of them would have been punished for pushing one of his or her organization’s employees.  If you are that good, you can get away with a lot.  It is the same in every sport.  Who is to blame?  Everyone. 

Because we cannot comprehend the immense talent or the money that it deserves, we fall in love with the so-called “lunchpail” players like Trot Nixon, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Varitek.  While they are still far better at baseball and far richer than we are, we still think they are like us and love that they had to work hard.  The truth is that they are also blessed with amazing talent as much as superstars like Manny do in fact work hard.  In life as in baseball, getting one’s uniform dirty only goes so far.  Talent and performance ultimately win out. 

While Manny at his worst represents the worst in baseball, when he is at his best, there is nothing better in or about the game.  As much as we have seen his business side, we have seen him at his playful side.  We saw him having fun and making the game fun.  Although it was only in 2007, one of my favorite Manny moments was his homerun off K-Rod in the Division Series against the Angels.  As soon as he hit the ball, Manny raised his arms and the ball soared into the sky to win the game for the Red Sox.  In the ALCS against the Indians, Manny did the same thing when he hit a homerun even though his team was still down three runs and lost the game.  That was Manny being Manny: he went up there doing what he always did-hit.  He hit and he hit it far and that was what he celebrated.  For that moment in time, it wasn’t about the money, management or even winning.  It was about hitting.  When the Red Sox fell down 3-1 in that series, Manny drew ire when he said that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the Red Sox lost.  He was right.  As much as it pains the players and fans, there are far worse things in the world than losing a baseball game or a play-off series.  If only more people knew that.  Then the Red Sox came out playing loose, came back and won the series four games to three.  All because Manny was what he was, a baseball player, doing what he did best, hit.  There is nothing better than watching Manny hit.  It is the other things he does that cause issue. 

Manny will be remembered for a lot in his career, especially in his almost-eight years in Boston.  He will be remembered for his great moments, his funny moments and unfortunately, his departure.  The Red Sox won two titles in his eight years and those will go a long way in healing wounds.  Only time will tell how they do without him.  I wish he could have stayed and more importantly, I wish he wanted to stay.  He will return to Fenway.  If not as a Dodger in the World Series or interleague play or with another team during the season, then as a Hall of Famer when 24 is hoisted over right field near the worthy company of 1,4,9,8,27,42 and, by then, hopefully 14.  Until then, I’m surely going to miss him.

After years of Manny Ramirez trade rumors on deadline day, one finally went through.  The Red Sox sent Manny to the Dodgers, relief pitcher Craig Hansen and outfielder Brandon Moss to the Pirates, and received leftfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates.  The Dodgers sent the Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris. 

This was as good a deal for the Red Sox as there could be in giving up one of the best hitters in the game and the best on their team.  It was a great deal for the Dodgers.  For the Pirates, maybe it will eventually make them a buyer at deadline day. 

Jason Bay will step right into leftfield for the Red Sox although he might not fill Manny’s cleanup spot in the batting order just yet.  Francona is very good at integrating players into a lineup and he may very well bat Kevin Youkilis or Mike Lowell fourth and Bay lower until he feels he is comfortable in the lineup.  Bay is not the hitter that Manny is (although his numbers this year are close).  He is however a better outfielder and baserunner (he can steal bases), younger, cheaper and definitely less of a distraction.  His runs and RBI will likely increase in the more-potent Red Sox lineup.  He does have the power that is needed to fill the Manny void.  Most importantly, he is under contract for only $7.5 million next year and may be locked into a long-term deal if he impresses this season and next.  Not to mention, he is a right-handed power hitter playing in Fenway.

Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss can hardly be considered losses.  Hansen has a live arm and high hopes but has yet to deliver for the Red Sox.  To his credit he was rushed, but still, he has had difficulty in pressure situations and when you are on a perennial contender, every relief situation is a pressure situation.  Now the Red Sox will not have the option to use him and that may in fact make their bullpen better.  He will probably do well in Pittsburgh.  Moss is a solid outfielder but he was never going to play regularly in Boston.  He does not have the power to take over for Manny in left, will not play center with Jacoby Ellsbury likely a fixture and will not supplant J.D. Drew in right.  For the Red Sox he was at best a fourth outfielder.  He can be an everyday player for a smaller team and may very well step up like former Pawtucket teammate David Murphy (who was traded to the Rangers with Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne last year).  He was nothing more than a trade chip and now will benefit by receiving more playing time. 

Manny is one of the best hitters in baseball.  He will definitely help the Dodgers and will still hit homeruns in a more-spacious Dodger Stadium.  His defensive liabilities will show more but great hitting beats weak defense every time.  A new environment will also contribute to what will likely be a tear in August and September.  Manny always hits but he hits better when he’s happy and he should be happy in California.  The Dodgers are also a better landing spot than the Marlins.  There are more veterans-including former teammates Nomar and Derek Lowe-and a manager, former foe Joe Torre, who knows how to deal with larger-than-life players.  Moreover, the Dodgers are a big-market team that can afford to sign Manny when he becomes a free agent.  On top of that the Red Sox are paying the rest of his salary this year.  Despite the crowded outfield situation at Chavez Ravine, Manny will not be sharing time with anyone.

Andy LaRoche has played only a little in the majors but has shown he can get on base and may develop power.  In Pittsburgh, he will be able to play across the infield from his brother Adam who is the Bucs’ first baseman, currently on the DL. 

Bryan Morris is a 21-year old right-hander who has only played in the minors but is doing well in A-ball after missing last season due to Tommy John Surgery.  He was the Dodgers’ first-round pick in the 2006 draft and is considered a good prospect. 

Although trading Ramirez was a pressing need, it is hard to say that the Red Sox are better, mostly because they are not.  It is possible that the trade will inject some much-needed energy into an underperforming team but with a roster of veterans and professionals such as Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek, it is doubtful Manny’s antics were responsible for its woes.  The trade failed to address the bullpen and catching situation which are both pressing needs this year and next.  Still, a waiver deal or call-up can rectify the pitching situation.  Justin Masterson is already in the pen and the team may call up Michael Bowden.  If Bartolo Colon comes back, Clay Buchholz may be moved to relief duty where he might even be more effective.  While the Red Sox are paying the rest of Manny’s salary this year, it is only money. 

The Pirates have traded away their best players the past few weeks and have gotten even younger.  While the moves signify rebuilding, it must be stated that the Pirates have been “rebuilding” for years.  Maybe they will be buyers at the deadline.  One would think that if they had this much talent to trade away, they would have enough to use and augment with a trade for a veteran in their own stretch run.

So much for the Joe Borowski era in Cleveland, as the Indians have designated their closer for assignment. The Indians desperately need to clean up their lousy bullpen and get a look at some of the younger guys.

The Indians also designated right-hander Rick Bauer, which will make room for Jensen Lewis and Brian Slocum to come back from Triple-A Buffalo.

Borowski has been dreadful this year, going 1-3 with a 7.56 ERA and four blown saves in 10 opportunities. He led the American League last year with 45 saves despite a bloated 5.07 ERA. It was the highest ERA ever for a saves leader.

Last year, I personally watched him blow a four-run, two-out, nobody-on lead at Yankee Stadium. Yes, read that again. He had a four-run lead, with two out in the bottom of the ninth with no runners on…and blew it.

The Indians will go with a closer-by-committee approach for the rest of the season. Good luck with that.

The first-place team in the National League East just sent their opening-day starter down to the minors. That’s right, the Philadelphia Phillies were forced to send right-hander Brett Myers to the AAA Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. Myers is 3-9 this season with a 5.84 ERA.

“We’re in a playoff race, and I have to be there to help my team,” Myers said. “This isn’t a question of what I want to do. It’s what I have to do. . . . Obviously, I need to get my head in the right spot.

“I wasn’t prepared to become a starter because my heart and my mind-set were still in the bullpen. That’s my fault.”

Myers’ problems are all mental, which is frustrating for Philadelphia fans. He has a blazing fastball augmented by a devastating 12-6 curveball that is beautiful to watch when he’s focused. But if he gives up a home run at any point in the game, just get him out of there, he’s mental toast.

The Phillies have several options to choose from in replacing Myers in the rotation, none of which are thrilling. The could go with Chad Durbin from their bullpen or pick from a group from their farm system: triple-A lefthanders J.A. Happ or Brian Mazone or double-A righthander Carlos Carrasco.

If the Phillies, who have been dreadful as of late going 3-7 in their last 10, can hold on to first place and get Myers right, it will be like a trade deadline deal to bolster pitching and help them into the playoffs.

At that point, they can act like just making the playoffs is the endgame and thoroughly go in the tank.

Rich Rieker, who serves as a liaison between MLB and its umpires, said in a recent chat on the Houston Chronicle’s website that replay is coming to baseball.

“Replay is coming,” Rieker said. “If done properly we have an opportunity to set the gold standard in replay, learning from pros and cons from other sports. But we must do so in a fashion that will not delay the game further.”

MLB is currently making tentative plans to experiment with replay in the Arizona Fall League.

“The times are such that our fans are used to seeing all the high technology and they’re used to seeing the other sports that use these systems to make determinations, and the fans are clamoring for all the sports to look at that,” said Jimmie Lee Solomon, MLB’s executive vice president for baseball operations.

Rieker was asked in his chat if the plate umpire would be the one to do the reviewing, and he didn’t think so.

“Probably not,” he wrote. “Use of a possible replay official could come into play and we really don’t want to take the umpires off the field to look at replays. Replay could slow down the game, but it could also eliminate unnecessary arguments. So there might be a canceling effect. But surely, there will be some delay.”

ESPN.com points out several instances that could have used replay:

• At Yankee Stadium, umpires reversed their correct call and concluded a home run by the Mets’ Carlos Delgado was foul.

• The following night in Houston, umpires mistakenly ruled a ball off a center-field wall was in play, prompting a reconfiguration at Minute Maid Park the next day.

• And, again at Yankee Stadium, a ball hit by Alex Rodriguez that struck a stairway beyond the outfield fence and bounced back into the outfield was ruled a double when it should have been a home run.

Former MLB pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed on a Venezuelan beach Sunday at the age of 33. He won 11 games for the Cubs in 1997 and was well thought of around the league.

“The Chicago Cubs are very saddened today to learn of Geremi Gonzalez’s sudden passing,” Cubs GM John Hendry said. “Geremi began his career as a Cub, leading our pitching staff with 11 wins as a rookie in 1997 and, despite an arm injury, helping the club early in the season a year later to an eventual postseason appearance. The organization sends its heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Others, such as Brewers manager Ned Yost, feel the same way.

“He was so much fun to be around. He was always happy, always smiling,” Yost said. “He was a guy that could scare real easy and then horse laugh. He was just one of those guys that when he saw you, he always had a smile on his face.”

According to a high-ranking MLB source, the Marlins have signed 24-year old shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a six-year, $70 million deal. The deal isn’t expected to be announced for a few days.

Ramirez is a stud, batting .336 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs this year.

Tampa Bay Rays (we still can’t believe they dropped Devil from the name) pitcher Al Reyes apparently likes to do it up right when he goes out on the town. Possibly celebrating his 38th birthday (in style we might add), Reyes fell down, then picked a fight, then spit blood at patrons. Does that mean he lost the fight?

We were going to type out the story, but why do that when the blog from TampaBay.com reads like Shakespeare:

“Witnesses told police the incident started around 2:30 a.m. at the Hyde Park Cafe, 1806 W Platt St., when Reyes fell against a ceramic pot inside the bar. Thinking someone had pushed him, police said Reyes began exchanging words with patron Eduardo Mora.

Mora then punched Reyes in the face, getting the attention of the Hyde Park Cafe’s bouncers. Meanwhile, police said in a news release, Reyes “began to spit blood on the people in the area and began to swing his arms about.”

The bouncers tried to control Reyes, but the 6 foot 1, 230-pound right-hander kept pushing them away. A Tampa Police officer working extra duty at the bar tried to calm the fracas, but Reyes “continued spitting blood and thrashing about,” Tampa Police Lt. William Ferguson wrote in the release.

Moments later, the officer Tased Reyes, knocking him to the bar floor. Ignoring police commands to stay down, authorities said Reyes got up and was Tased a second time.

Reyes eventually calmed down and was treated for a cut to his nose, police said. He refused to be transported to a hospital.

Reyes was charged with affray; Mora was charged with battery. Both were released on their own recognizance.”

I had a chance to preview MLB Production’s official 2007 World Series Film narrated by superstar and devout Sox fan Matt Damon.

I never, ever get enough of watching the Red Sox win. After living for years under the shadow of my entire Yankee-loving family, I’ve acquired a library of books, posters and DVD’s from all things 2004 and 2007.

The 90 minute special premiere in high-def on the MOJO HD channel January 10, and here’s how they sum it all up:

The film captures all the drama as the Red Sox overcame a three game to one deficit versus the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS to secure a berth in the World Series. They then faced the red hot Colorado Rockies who had won 21 of their last 22 games and became the second team ever to win their first seven games in a postseason. With original game broadcast footage plusoff-the-field candid moments with players and coaches inside the dugout and the clubhouse, viewers can relive Boston’s amazing four game sweep for their second World Series championship in the last four years, including their exuberant clubhouse celebration.

The film includes Dustin Pedroia’s lead off home run and the back-to-back-to-back home runs of Youkilis, Ortiz and Ramirez — first time in World Series history. They also highlight J.D. Drew’s breakout grand slam, Jacoby Ellsbury’s emergence as a star-calibur player, and Mike Lowell’s MVP performance.

I really liked that they also included scenes from the victory parade, which I was front-row for.

The 2007 team was something special, like the 2004 team, they came back from the brink in the ALCS. Then they outright swept the World Series. They just wanted it more, and they have a nation of fans behind them.

You also have to give MLB Productions credit for telling the story of the 2007 Colorado Rockies also. They were basically out of it, but they seemed to win every game in the last month of the season to somehow make the playoffs — 13 wins in 14 games and a win in a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres that took 13 innings, where they were down two runs in the top of the 13th, against the all-time saves leader, only to come back and win. Then they swept Philadelphia; then they swept Arizona. They easily could have been the story of the year.

Living in Boston, I’ve had a chance to see some amazing sports moments over the last five years — football, baseball, hopefully basketball this year. This film is another chance to take an closeup look at the team and the story.

The 2007 World Series Film will re-air January 23 at 9:30 p.m.

Unsung hero.

Workhorse.

Veteran.

In 1991 Mike Timlin, 41, broke out with the Toronto Blue Jays. He appeared in 63 games and finished the year with a 3.16 ERA. He bounced around — Seattle, Toronto, Seattle, Baltimore, St. Louis, Philadelphia, back to St. Louis. He was perfect in four World Series games between 1992-93 with the Blue Jays, allowing no runs and only two hits.

He came to Boston in 2003. In the heart-breaking American League Championship Series against the Yankees, Timlin was perfect. He appeared in five games, allowing no runs on one hit before Aaron Boone flopped a homer to left field off Tim Wakefield in the dreaded 7th game.

He appeared in 76 games for the 2004 Red Sox — five more games in the comeback effort against the Yankees in the ALCS and three games in the first World Series victory in 86 years. The tall Texan was there to break the curse of the Bambino.

This year, he was perfect in three ALCS appearances, allowing just one hit and no runs. Tonight it was Mike Timlin, who manager Terry Francona turned to to hold the lead in the clinching game of the World Series while the powerful and determined Rockies threatened in the late innings.

And hold that lead he did.

Congratulations are due to the MVP of the series, Mike Lowell for his amazing performance.

To Josh Beckett for his seamless starts throughout the post season.

To Jon Lester, who beat cancer and a stacked Colorado Rockies roster in game four.

To Jonathan Papelbon, for four saves in the post season, each of which went over an inning and stretched his arm beyond normal closer-role limits.

To Curt Schilling, who is the best post season starting pitcher ever.

To Jason Varitek, the captain who held the team together.

To Dustin Pedroia, who will be the 2007 American League rookie of the year.

To Jacoby Ellsbury, who may be the 2008 American League rookie of the year. (He didn’t have enough at-bats this year to be considered a true rookie)

To Coco Crisp, who accepted his defensive role for the good of the team.

To Manny Ramirez, who should always be Manny being Manny.

To Kevin Youkilis, who hit .388 in the postseason this year.

To J.D. Drew, the most criticized player on the team, for busting out with a grand slam in game six of the ALCS and showing us his true potential.

To David Ortiz, who is a good first baseman.

To Bobby Kielty, who never could have imagined, after the Oakland Athletics cut him this year, that he would hit the game-winning home run in the World Series in a few months.

To Julio Lugo, for never giving up.

To Doug Mirabelli, Erik Hinske and Alex Cora for being there.

To Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez and Erik Gagne for being ready in the bullpen.

To Daisuke Matsuzaka, for being worth every penny.

To Kyle Snyder, for staying ready and taking Tim Wakefield’s place on the roster when he realized he couldn’t pitch.

To Tim Wakefield, for putting the team first at all times.

But most of all, I thank Mike Timlin — not only for his pitching, but because he took the bullpen relievers and turned them into the next great American band. He was the ringleader behind the clanking and chiming in the outfield that created a motivational tune from the workhorse bullpen, started by the head horse, Mike Timlin.

Fellow baseball veteran, Tim Wakefield was being interviewed by the NESN television network during the celebrations early this morning when Timlin butted in and took the microphone.

“I just wanna say one thing. This guy right here, this win is for this man right here,” he said, Champagne dripping down his shirt, “because he was not on the roster and he showed so much heart by saying ‘I can’t be on the roster and it was good for the team.’ This is what kind of person is standing right here. I love this guy. I’m proud of this guy. It’s the hardest thing to do to take yourself out of the game for someone else, but he did it and I’m proud of him.”

Wakefield had to wipe away tears before his next interview.