THREE UP
1. Rockies: Dead men walking now alive and well after remarkable win streak.
2. Phillies: So far into the Mets’ heads it’s time to call a psychiatrist.
3. Red Sox: Own longest winning streak against Yankees since 1912.
THREE DOWN
1. Royals: Flock of seagulls sabotages win in Cleveland.
2. Cardinals: Wanted, big bat. Preferably Matt Holliday.
3. Orioles: AL East chews them up, but they are second-worst all-time in interleague play.
AT ISSUE
Mr. Juan-derful faces a raw deal when Manny Ramirez returns
What: In another chapter of “Life Isn’t Fair,” volume 87, Juan Pierre’s days as the Dodgers’ starting left fielder are quickly coming to an end.
When: Manny Ramirez is scheduled to be reinstated July 3 from his drug suspension.
Background: Pierre’s work ethic is legendary. He told me he prepared for this season as if he would be a starter. “I don’t know any other way,” he said. The opportunity arose when Ramirez failed an IQ, er, drug test, with a banned fertility drug appearing in his system. After Ramirez’s suspension for 50 games on May 7, Pierre took over and took off. He has batted .360 with a .424 on-base percentage. He’s been a catalytic force at the top of the order. Manager Joe Torre admitted the Dodgers wouldn’t still be in first place without Pierre’s contribution.
Renck’s take: The Dodgers won’t do it, but Pierre deserves to be paroled when Manny receives his “get out of jail free” card. Pierre has enhanced his trade value, but he has $24.5 million remaining on a deal that runs through 2011. His lack of power is why he’s such a great fill-in. His swing is always ready. But that same lack of power is why nobody would take that contract. If Pierre were a second baseman, he would be a per-ennial all-star. But he lacks arm and muscle as an outfielder. Nobody should waste Kleenex on this issue — Pierre is a rich man. It just doesn’t feel right that Ramirez will be rewarded for cheating while Pierre will be sitting. Pierre deserves better.
EYE ON . . .
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
Background: The Red Sox narrowed their scope directly on Mark Teixeira last winter. They thought they had him signed when the Yankees, playing baseball’s version of “Let’s Make a Deal,” brought out a silver suitcase with more money, landing the slugging first baseman for eight years and $180 million.
What’s up: These teams make the Hatfield and McCoys look like Barney vs. Winnie the Pooh. Teixeira aggravated the Red Sox, making them feel like they got played. The Red Sox have spent this season annoying Teixeira and the Yankees, running their win streak to nine games dating to last season. Red Sox owner John Henry couldn’t help himself after the latest win, tweeting after the game “The MT curse?” is in effect. It referred to the Yankees never beating the Red Sox with Teixeira. Henry called his jab “entertainment.” Teixeira said he didn’t want to argue with a 70-year-old man. Silver Slugger vs. Centrum Silver. Gotta love it.
Renck’s take: Initially, I thought Tex made a mistake going to the Bronx, figuring he might struggle with the pressure. Well, that was before we knew that new Yankee Stadium would play slightly smaller than Williamsport. Tex was awful in April (three home runs, .200 average), but with the return of Alex Rodriguez to the lineup as his bodyguard, the first baseman has gone nuclear. He is tied for the American League lead with 20 home runs. His power is a perfect fit for the short right-field porch in the Bronx dollhouse. Even more impressive has been Teixeira’s defense. He’s been a huge upgrade over the rangeless Jason Giambi, and a big reason the Yankees set a big-league record with 18 consecutive errorless games earlier this season.
