Manny Pulls a Sosa

Remember back when Sammy Sosa went before Congress and all of a sudden couldn't speak English? Well, the newest member of the Chicago White Sox, Manny Ramirez, seems to have found that "ability".

In a moment that can only be termed as "Manny being Manny", Ramirez "refused" to speak English at his presser using bench coach Joey Cora to translate. If Ramirez couldn't speak English, it would be OK. But we all know he can and he's demonstrated that fact on quite possibly too many occasions. Here's three clips as proof.

Manny is translating for former Dodger teammate Angel Berroa after a game in this clip.





Seems fine to me.

And what about Manny's take on the famous Allen Iverson "we talkin' about practice" rant.



And can we ever forget this?



No words from Manny in this one. Only those by the individual holding the camera here. This is classic Manny.





You don't question anything Ramirez does. You go with the flow. And that is exactly what the White Sox must deal with now. The unexplained, if you will.

I'm not a Manny hater. I have learned to enjoy some of his antics in the past (high-fiving a fan in Baltimore, for one). No one can ever question his past ability to hit. Oh, the glove has always been the big question. Up until his suspension, the bat has never been questioned. Now, it is especially since Ramirez hasn't even come close to his usual numbers this season. Three stints on the DL may have derailed his 2010.

If the White Sox are to make a serious run at the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central title, Ramirez will have to revert to his old self. If he doesn't, White Sox GM Kenny Williams will most certainly take a thrashing for the waiver claim and the lost money.

Actually, Williams did the Dodgers a big favor. One less expensive asset on the books. With the McCourt's in court for the divorce, there's less "value" now.

If there is a manager that may be able to draw the old Manny out, it is Ozzie Guillen. I firmly believe that. Guillen has a different way with his players and this seemingly odd pairing might be exactly what Manny needs to resuscitate his career. They both march to a different beat.

Mannywood is no longer. Now in Chicago is Mannyweird.

Update: He speaks! After Manny's 1-3 debut in a White Sox uni, he does speak English!