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Big League Stew

Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:27 pm EDT

MLB-a-Culpa: We're so sorry if we caused Juan Pierre any pain

By 'Duk

Big League Stew posts at least once a day, often times much more, nearly every day of the year. At such a volume that means, every once in a while, somebody's going to say something really, really stupid.

That's where MLB-a-Culpa comes in. Because for the sake of transparency, honesty and credibility amends must be made when an egregious error is made.

Dear Mr. Juan Pierre(notes): 

It seems like eons ago, but it was really just back in May that we were smirk-linking to Juan Pierrewood novelty t-shirts and suggesting that you weren't going to come close to filling Manny's suspended shoes.

Now, 50 games later, you're headed back to the bench while we offer a sheepish "our bad".

MLB-a-Culpa!

Though Dodger fans will no doubt be glad to see the return of Manny Ramirez's(notes) power stick — if not necessarily his shtick — against the Padres tonight, their eagerness isn't a reflection on your performance. You're stonewalling the media with claims of "No Manny talk, no Juan talk" but you really should be standing by your locker and puffing up your chest over a job well done. Hey, you certainly earned it.

Over those half-hundred games, you batted .317/.381/.411 with 32 runs, 21 RBI and 21 stolen bases. The Dodgers went 29-21 under your tenure and didn't lose their grip on the NL West lead. Your teammates, Orlando Hudson(notes) and Matt Kemp(notes), think that should be enough to earn you a ticket to St. Louis for the All-Star Game. Are you free?

Look, you've always been a proud (if somewhat moody) guy and it's probably not very easy to be squeezed out of a crowded Dodgers outfield that was so weak only a season ago. You were looking for a trade before Manny got pinched and one assumes you'll want the same now that you're back to being Joe Torre's occasional outfielder. Your big contract will make such a swap tricky, but at least there are a few teams out there that would value the consistency you just showed over the last seven weeks — the Braves, Mets and even your ex-Cubs.

Still, here's hoping that Torre can find you more ABs if you stick around and that you can rest easy on a job well done for the best team in the National League. And, hey, one never knows when Manny might "pull" his next hamstring or "accidentally" ingest a handful of female fertility pills, so keep in game shape, will ya?

Best,

'Duk

PS — Tracy sends her his love

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56 Comments

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  1. smalltimehustler
    1. Posted by smalltimehustler Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:02 pm EDT

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    Yes, it will be tough for Joe to set the roster for the outfield with such a performance like Pierre's. It also looks like he has another tough spot to fill at 2b wether to use furcal( the starter who's been strugggling with the bat) or use Juan Castro who's been consistent with the bat. Joe is a good mam\nager who will know how to configure the DOSGERS on their continued success.
  2. Coach Isiah Thompson
    2. Posted by Coach Isiah Thompson Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:17 pm EDT

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    An anonymous source in the Dodger locker room reports that Juan Pierre was overheard saying, "I know Manny Ramirez is returning tonight. But, it's not about me though. It's all about the U. Everyone here puts the U first. If I feel he's coming for my legs, I'm going after his legs first. I'm a soldier!" And now you know the rest of the story......good day! Discuss!
  3. smalltimehustler
    3. Posted by smalltimehustler Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:41 pm EDT

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    Manny is Baaaaaaaaaaack!!!! GO DODGERS!!!!!!
  4. cuffablimp
    4. Posted by cuffablimp Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:45 pm EDT

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    After an excellent performance as a 29-21 temp he will get in there as often as possible one way or another. A start, a late inning D replacement, pinch runner, pinch hitter, or perhaps on the mound! He made a statement and it blared loudly. He's still a quality player, period. LA knows what a gem they have.
  5. stumes
    5. Posted by stumes Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:07 pm EDT

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    The dodgers need to find a way to keep Juan at the top of the line up, and have Manny bat third, my solution, bench Furcal, let Juan play second, and leadoff, and Hudson play ss and bat second, with Manny third, and Either and Kemp rounding out the outfield!
  6. Justin W
    6. Posted by Justin W Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:25 pm EDT

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    Except I doubt that Pierre's arm could make the throw from second to first...
  7. glok
    7. Posted by glok Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:35 pm EDT

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    put pierre in as catcher! no one will be able to knock him over. he is unstoppable.
  8. glok
    8. Posted by glok Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:35 pm EDT

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    immovable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  9. Berettas
    9. Posted by Berettas Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:07 pm EDT

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    Since lefties "can't" play any infield position other than 1B, bench Loney and convert either Ethier, Pierre or even MANNY to a 1B. Seriously, why not bench Ethier? Pierre is the perfect leadoff man. If he's on at first and second is open, its almost automatic that he'll be in scoring position for Hudson and the #3 hitter a few pitches later.
    Have Manny hit in the cleanup spot like he did for us last season. Bat Martin in the #3 spot, that'll wake up his bat, guaranteed.
  10. Kevin J
    10. Posted by Kevin J Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:00 pm EDT

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    Manny at first base sounds like the best solution to me.
  11. Bucs4Life
    11. Posted by Bucs4Life Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:01 pm EDT

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    If there was anything good to come out of Manny's suspension,it was the way Juan Pierre stepped up and played great ball.His trade value is at the highest it is going to be,so I think Colletti should seriously think about trading him for another starting pitcher.I would hate to see us lose a consummate team player,like Pierre,but I honestly don't think our "overachieving"starting rotation,can keep this going all season,into the playoffs and hopefully the Series.That being said,"BE TRUE TO THE BLUE!!!".GO DODGERS!!!!
  12. jjjc
    12. Posted by jjjc Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:07 pm EDT

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    Pierre wants to win he is a teammate and he will play a huge role when the Dodgers make it to the world series this year. Any ways GO DODGERS!!!!!!
  13. j morrison
    13. Posted by j morrison Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:13 pm EDT

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    Manny should have been banned for life . If any of us poor woking stiffs fail a urine test our jobs are gone . PERIOD .And that stigma follows us forever . Doesn't mater -Manny will be a broke ass crack head 5 years from now .
  14. bsawyer
    14. Posted by bsawyer Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:19 pm EDT

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    Pierre to the Mets for a stud minor league pitcher, cash or another mid level prospect would sound fair for both...... He is a starter.....
  15. uhhh, clem
    15. Posted by uhhh, clem Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:40 pm EDT

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    Juan Pierre is a pinhead and those dah_yers suck
  16. uhhh, clem
    16. Posted by uhhh, clem Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:42 pm EDT

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    HOF'er Mike Schmidt, is appalled by the idea that that's what we've come to.
    "Accountability, morality, substance, trust, honesty and so on, are all on a steady decline in our country," Schmidt said.
    "In Manny's world, like some other 'worlds' we know, is perpetuating it. At this rate, 20 years from now, pro sports are going to be just like pro wrestling -- marketing to the masses who just want to be entertained."
  17. uhhh, clem
    17. Posted by uhhh, clem Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:44 pm EDT

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    Schmidt ticked off a long list of ex-players who have been demonized for their crimes against baseball -- Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Pete Rose, Roger Clemens -- and the image they gave off:
    "Tough, cocky, surly, aloof, wealthy" were the words Schmidt chose.
    But Manny? He's "soft, flawed, happy, innocent, smiley, goofy," Schmidt said. So he's crafted an image as "warm and affectionate, which the media and fans gravitate toward."
    Seriously, though, folks. Is that really what Manny is? Warm and affectionate? Soft? Innocent? It's a great persona if you can pull it off. But in actuality, Schmidt said, that innocence -- or what Schmidt pointedly called Manny's "innocent act" -- is really "a cover-up to the dark side of his existence as an athlete."
  18. uhhh, clem
    18. Posted by uhhh, clem Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:47 pm EDT

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    Manny's statement of "confession" -- that he was given a prescription for a "medication" that was "not a steroid" for a "personal health issue" -- was obviously a giant baloney sandwich. And the only apology he has issued was to his teammates, for screwing up their fun-filled season.
    Plus, Manny has that list of heinous transgressions on his rap sheet: like the outrageous pull-the-plug act he sprung on the Red Sox last summer just so he could chase more dollar signs. ... not to mention slapping that old man down in Houston. You don't get that combination of sins real often in one package, do you?
  19. rs_board_monster
    19. Posted by rs_board_monster Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:52 pm EDT

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    Manny is an ongoing American tragedy in its 2nd Act.
    In Act 3 the crowd will turn on him ---- but that's a story for another day
  20. victor
    20. Posted by victor Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:09 pm EDT

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    Post the othe 100-plus roid heads in the report!!!
  21. Shirley
    21. Posted by Shirley Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:09 pm EDT

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    sorry pierre. ur only problem u have is u cant throw. but u did an outstanding job in mannys absence and dont sweat it, u will prolly play at least once or twice a week to give others rest.hold ur head up dude and just be a team player cuz one dude cant win it all. go big blue crew and gooooo manny!!!!!!!!!
  22. BlueBlooded
    22. Posted by BlueBlooded Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:14 pm EDT

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    I appreciate the passion....However, lets discontinue the crazy and outlandish banter! Manny can't play 1B!!! Defensive liability (not that hes not in the OF) Plus, I like J. Loney in the line-up. And he's one of the best defensive 1B in all MLB.
    Pierre at 2nd??? Trade an un-tradable contract???.....lets be real.
    Juan will be valuable to the dodgers all season in a more limited role. 2-3 starts per week. PH and PR duties--ALOT OF THEM!
    Just know your role Juan. Your a professional. Your a veteran. Act like one. Don't forget you signed up for this!
    If we could unload him and pick up a SP I would be all for it. Just not gonna happen!
    TO BE CONTINUED...............................
  23. JoshuaC
    23. Posted by JoshuaC Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:17 pm EDT

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    Juan had a great April/May but after that came back down to earth. Since June 1st every stat has gone down dramatically with the exception of stolen bases and if you take a close look at that 5 of his 11 came in 2 games. Juan was a great boost when Manny first was suspended but he became the player of old as the games went on. I'm a big Dodger fan and go to several games a month and all he does is frustrate you till the end. At opening day I wore my Manny wig and cheered the whole time but since the suspension my Manny wig will never be worn again. He is a great player that owes nothing to anyone but the Dodger fans and teammates. He has a lot to make up for and hopefully he can do just that, but in the mean time I've moved my tickets over to the other side of the field so I don't say anything stupid that will get me kicked out of the game.
  24. Gabby's Dad
    24. Posted by Gabby's Dad Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:19 pm EDT

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    I'd love to see Juan Pierre in Motown. Then Granderson could bat behind Cabrera. Finally giving that team a legit speed option and leadoff man. Pierre, Polanco, Cabrera in the top of the 1st is gauranteeing someone gets on base for Grandy or Marcus Thames. I smell Grand(erson) Slams and stolen bases. Heck, Brandon Inge could even get more RBI now, he is tied for the most HR on the team.

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Big League Stew is an MLB blog edited by Kevin Kaduk. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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