Manny doesn't seem to understand what a “clean-up” hitter really is

In the top of the ninth inning of Game 4 between the Phillies and Dodgers Monday, Jonathon Broxton was heaving 101 mph fastballs at hitters, trying desperately to keep Los Angeles alive in the postseason. Somehow, someway, shortstop Jimmy Rollins managed to turn on a 99 mph heater, doubling in the game-tying and game-winning runs in one quick, Dodger-killing, monumentally clutch moment. This you probably already know. But do you know where Manny Ramirez was?

Taking a shower.

No, really. Taking a shower.

Juan Pierre had replaced the big louse in the top of the ninth for defensive purposes. While you and I were sitting at home hanging on every pitch, Manny didn’t even care enough to sit in the dugout and watch with his teammates. He was out of the game, so he went to take a shower.

For God’s sakes, Manny, can’t you just pretend to care? Is the real reason you bounced early that you needed to take some more fertility drugs in your attempts to get pregnant? That would be better for your image at this point.

The Dodgers have a young team in need of leadership, and Manny is exactly the type of veteran that could have a major impact on his squad. He’s got Hall of Fame numbers, is a two-time champion and has come up with some big hits in his career. But instead of boosting team morale in the final moments of their season (I know the series is 3-1, but Rollins effectively ended it Monday night), Manny went to spend some quality time with his loofah.

Manny told reporters Tuesday that he caught the highlights after the game. So some producers on ESPN and Fox actually saw the demise of his team before he did. I bet the putz was all smiles as his teammates walked in and probably asked, “Hey fellas, how’d we do?”

You make $20 million a year to play a game that so many would play for free, and you can’t stick around for 20 extra minutes? You’re an absolute disgrace, Manuel.