Umpire Makes Correct Call, Promptly Retires at Top of Game

With several controversial calls during this year's playoffs, major league umpiring has drawn a great deal of scrutiny.

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Brad Lidge Named Phillies Playoff Opponent MVP

Brad Lidge blew another save last night, giving up two runs in the Phillies 7-6 loss to the Marlins. But some good has come out of it for Lidge, as he has been named the Phillies playoff opponent MVP.

"It's quite an honor to be named MVP," said Lidge, "even though it is our opponent. But being a playoff MVP for the Dodgers, Cardinals or the wild card team is pretty cool. I'm just glad that they hold me in such high regard."

In addition to being named MVP for the Phillies playoff opponent, Lidge has been moved to the starting rotation. Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel says the move was made to give the Phillies a chance to catch up after Lidge gives up 2 or 3 runs, something that was very difficult to do in the 9th inning.

Manny Ramirez Just "Being Some Guy Named Steve" Until Playoffs

With the Dodgers closing in on a playoff berth, several players may start to coast the rest of the way. Leftfielder, Manny Ramirez, has decided to "just be some guy named Steve" until the playoffs begin.

"I'm tired of just being Manny," said Ramirez. "So until the playoffs start, I just want to be some guy named Steve. If you want me to do something random or irriational, you'll have to wait until the playoffs start."

The Dodgers promotional staff has already tried to cash in on the "just being Steve" phenomenon, as they have begun selling Steve the construction worker, Steve the waiter, and Steve the banker t-shirts.

Dodgers Acquire Thome, Will DH, Bat 10th

Jim Thome
Originally uploaded by Keith Allison

In a stunning waiver deadline trade, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired slugger Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox. Many wonder where the Dodgers can even use him. A team source tells us that he will be the team's designated hitter and will bat 10th.

"Yes, we play in the National League," said the source. "But since no one watches baseball on the west coast we figure we can get away with using an extra hitter. We'll go ahead and bat Thome 10th. We didn't acquire him to be a $14 million pinch hitter. C'mon."

Fielder Plunked; Attempts Attack on Mota, Post-Game Spread

Prince Fielder
Originally uploaded by San Diego Shooter

Following the beanball in the 9th inning last night thrown by Guillermo Mota, Prince Fielder allegedly attempted to get into the clubhouse. He would most likely have attacked Mota, but thankfully, he attacked the post-game spread instead. And Fielder is a vegetarian, so it probably consisted of donuts, pies, and vegetables...covered in ranch dressing.