"I should call somebody from Hollywood. He's a better actor than shortstop, I guarantee you that." (MLB.com)
From my vantage point last night, it looked like Alexei Ramirez' hand could've shattered into 20 different pieces when Fausto Carmona threw a pitch up and in on a bunt attempt. But after some theatrics, Ramirez got up and jogged to first. He then went on to hit a two-run double and make a great diving catch in what was an all-around great game.
After going to the tape (right) and listening to Ozzie's postgame remarks (above), it's pretty clear Ramirez didn't get hit by the pitch. It was cold Thursday night, so Ramirez could've experienced some pain stemming from the ball hitting the bat in 50-degree weather. But that was hardly enough to justify rolling around like his hand was shot off by a rifle.
Ramirez sold the phantom beanball to the point where the umpires had no other choice but to send him to first. It was a pretty epic flop, if for nothing else the over-the-top antics that followed the ball hitting Ramirez' bat.
I'm inclined to think Ramirez' acting skills are better than that of Derek Jeter, too.
Jeter jumped around after this phantom hit-by-pitch last year in Tampa Bay—a good job of acting, sure, but he acted like a baseball had just hit his finger. Ramirez acted like a bomb exploded on his hand. Advantage: Alexei.
But it's not by much. While Ramirez beats out Bosh post-flop in rolling around on the ground, Bosh's delayed reaction "oh, I should fall down" flop is tough to beat. And the fact that this makes me laugh every time I see it means Bosh beats out Ramirez. Advantage: Bosh.
But Ramirez' dive yesterday isn't the best one to come across in the last 24 hours.
That kid's got a future in the EPL. Advantage: Kid.
Finally, if Ozzie is serious about Ramirez having a future in acting, maybe the shortstop took some cues from Rodney Dangerfield:
Advantage: Al Czervik. I wonder if Jorge Posada will use that strategy next time he wants out of the Yankees' lineup.
hmm interesting i figured teahen would go on the DL but bring up a guy who had an ok spring? i would've though viciedo or danks woould've been a better choice but as long as he swings the bat i don't see many issues
Posted by: MBT Sale | 08/08/2011 at 06:31 AM