Manny being Manny, LA edition. (Steve Lopez calls Manny out.)

It was surely just a matter of time, and that time has come.

After all the initial Mannywood euphoria and dreadlock wig sales, after all the poor-Manny-how-could-anyone-stand-playing-ball-in-Boston-that-terrible-place, after all the forgive and forget once he returned from his 50 day suspension for steroid use: LA has finally realized just what kind of a bargain they made when they took on Manny Ramirez last year from the Boston Red Sox.

The evidence?

The other day, LA Times columnist Steve Lopez called Manny out big time, and is offering World Series tickets - should the Dodgers make it - to the fan who writes the best 50 word sermon directed at Manny. When last I looked, Steve had about 500 entries.

Here's what put him over that all-so-familiar edge:

On Aug. 23, with the Cubs in town, Ramirez outdid himself. A ball skidded past him and he barely moved to go get it.

He jogged.

He slummed.

He might as well have thumbed his nose at all the plumbers and teachers and gardeners who paid hard-earned money to get into the park. For once, the adoring fans booed, a rare show of disapproval, while the Cubs rallied and won the game.

That did it for me.

Just like watching Manny take three in a row from Mo Rivera of the Yankees, in a do-or-die ninth inning, with the damned bat glued to his shoulder.

It's unlikely that the Dodgers will see the Red Sox in the World Series this year. While I wouldn't exactly bet against the Olde Towne Team at this point, I'm not exactly going to run out and put any money down on them. Stranger things have happened, but our boys just don't look that sharp this season, and the second half has been one protracted psychodrama after another.

But if the Red Sox are there, and if the Dodgers are, too; and if the Red Sox are leading 3 games to zip; and if we've got 2 out in the ninth, with a 10 run lead I wouldn't mind seeing whoever's on the mound drill Manny in the arse.

Meanwhile, Steve Lopez' column reminded me that, over the years, I have gotten some blog fodder out of Manny, the gift that just keeps giving.

Enjoy!

Gone, Manny, Gone. (August 2008)

Caveat, eBay Bidder (March 2007)

Why I'm glad Manny doesn't report to me. (December 2006)