Joe Torre

On Sept. 16, 2009, the New York Yankees and several other Major League teams released their preliminary 2010 season schedules. When looking at the Yankees' schedule there are several series that stand out.

Two of those are the season-opening and closing series against the rivaled Red Sox. Series against the Red Sox are always highly anticipated because of the long grudge that these two teams hold for each other.

But the countdown has begun for the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If you’ve followed the National League West this season, complete this sentence:

Each July we celebrate and commemorate baseball's greatest over three select nights, remembering the greats of America's national pastime. Those celebrated are not only today's All-Stars, but the stars of tomorrow, and the stars of yesteryear.

During this timespan, all cities across the nation send forth their best players to join together for one night only to compete in the All Star Game. Fans choose representatives as the players from each league join together in hopes of gaining the home field advantage in the World Series

"Manny was of a mind, 'Just let me take batting practice.'  I encouraged him to play games.  If he's going to miss 50 games, then he's going to have to do something."  Joe Torre stated this in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated's Dan Patrick.

Yes, Manny should continue to play and practice baseball.  With him missing 50 games, that is a lot of time to get out of shape.

Why should Manny get to return before his 50-game suspension?

They have had the best record in Major League Baseball all season long. They have the lowest team ERA in the league. They have a top-notch closer with 18 saves.

Despite all of the above-mentioned success, the Los Angeles Dodgers have something in common with Rodney Dangerfield: They get no respect.

A true Dodgers fan understands the meaning of the upcoming interleague series against the team's cross-town American League rival. These Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim—so called for marketing reasons—are not true rivals in our book. 

The Dodgers and Angels cannot go back in history and recall any turbulent battles between the two teams. Each organization does have its history of great players, though they never met in a meaningful game—let alone the World Series.

May 7: A day Dodgers fans would like to try and forget. 

Manny Ramirez, immediately embraced by the Dodger Stadium faithful after coming from the Boston Red Sox in a trade last July 31, found out he was forced to sit out the next 50 games for his actions.

Joe Torre needs to reconsider his bullpen usage before he has no arms left in October.

Torre has the Dodgers (31-15) keeping a steady pace ahead of the surging San Diego Padres. Even with the aid of a 10-game winning streak, the Padres (23-22) have only crept within 7 ½ games of the Dodgers.

NOTE: Team W-L records updated through Sunday Morning, May 24.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (30-14, Last Week: No. 5)

This team is back in the top spot once again because they play great offensively and their pitching staff (at the moment) is second to none.

They have the best pitching staff in the majors (only giving up 165 runs over 44 games), and are ranked No. 4 in runs scored (238). And they've won eight of their last ten games. They are no longer showing any signs of missing Manny.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (17-8, Last Week: No. 2)

The Dodgers are the hottest team in the league right now. Hands down. I had a hard time picking between them and the Blue Jays for the top spot. Having a 17-8 record (tied for best in the majors), and winning seven of their last ten games. How can you not put them at No. 1? Oh! and they got Manny!

2. Toronto Blue Jays (17-9, Last Week: No. 4)