Fasten your seat belts Dodger fans, because we’re in for a whopper of a series against the Snakes. I estimate that the Dodgers need to at least take two out of three this weekend in order to stay in the race. The reason I say this is, looking ahead to next week, 13 of the last 22 games are on the road for the Dodgers (a place that has not treated them well – they’re 28-40 away from Chavez Ravine in 2008).

Still, the team just looks happy! Watch them after a huge hit or home run – they’re like little kids, jumping around in the dugout. I really think that a lot of the credit for this goes to Manny Ramirez, but I’ll have more on Manny later in the weekend. In the meantime, let’s keep the streak alive and LET”S GO DODGERS!!!!!

Watching the Phillies complete the series sweep against the Dodgers last night (nationally televised, no less) I did a double-take. Sure, I knew Manny Ramirez hadn’t delivered an RBI for the Dodgers in the previous six outings and that Dodger hitting was in a slump overall, but I really believed that they were all trying. And then…I saw a shot hit to the left field corner and Manny Ramirez jogging…yes JOGGING to go get it.

Not only have the Dodgers slid back into pre-Manny form, it appears that Manny has also slid back into pre-Dodgers form.

Even Torre commented on the phenomenon, calling Ramirez “tired”.

Now, all of the Dodgers woes can’t be placed at the feet of Manny Ramirez. Nor can Manny take credit for all of L.A.’s success since his arrival. However, Manny does seem to be a pretty reliable barometer of the team’s current and future performance. That barometer is currently pointing toward failure as the Dodgers approach a crucial series in Arizona against the first-place NL West D-backs.

Not all is lost, however. Basides the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers won’t play an above-.500 team. Perhaps the less-mediocre team will carry the day. The Dodgers are only 65-55 with 31 games left after all

Manny Ramirez has yet to finish out his first week as a Dodger and he’s already talking about retiring with the team.

In an interview with ESPNdeportes.com, was quoted as saying he feels “comfortable” in L.A., that he finally has peace of mind after his tumultuous years with the Red Sox, and that he thinks the Dodgers brought him in to play his final seasons on the West Coast (according to an article in The Sporting News)

“I like this city, the environment, the energy in the fans. I think that I’ll play here for the remainder of my career,” Ramirez was quoted as saying.

He added, though, that no contract discussions have taken place.

No Doubt Dodger fans would enjoy seeing more of Manny after this season, as he’s already had an immediate impact on the team – particularly helpful this past series against the D-Backs who are leading the NL West. In his first three games, Ramirez was 8 for 13 with five RBIs. On Sunday, the 12-time All-Star went 4 for 5 with a home run and three RBI as the Dodgers beat Arizona 9-3.

There is definitely electricity in the stands as well. Over 125,000 jerseys bearing Ramirez’s name and number 99 have been sold already and the next home stand will feature brown and blue dreadlocks for sale at souvenir stands. Chants of “Manny, Manny!” are everywhere and Ramirez gets cheers for every at-bat – even if he strikes out.

So regardless of whether Manny retires as a Dodger or not, the fun is definitely back at Dodger Stadium and so is the talk of a division run – and this time I’m not a skeptic.