CHICAGO — Ted Lilly admitted he's a little disappointed Manny Ramirez won't be in the Dodgers' lineup Friday when the Cubs lefty faces L.A. in Game 2 of this four-game set. Ramirez is serving a 50-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy, and won't be a factor in this series.
"One thing — and it sounds kind of funny — but there's a certain challenge that goes on with Manny in the lineup," Lilly said. "I always looked forward to facing him when he was in Boston. When you get him out, you're feeling pretty good. You know you're not getting away with many mistakes with him in the lineup."
There are still plenty of capable hitters in the Dodgers' lineup, which is one reason why they have the best record in the Major Leagues. Lilly has a 2-0 record in four career games against L.A.
The lefty is available, but a little poorer. He was fined $1,500 following his ejection Monday by umpire Bob Davidson. On Wednesday, Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was ejected, and on Thursday he was suspended six games for his actions.
"I don't know if it's good for a club," Lilly said of the fiestiness. "It's something I would rather not have as the focal point of our club. Certainly, these situations have occurred as far as run-ins with the umpires and that sort of thing. I don't think it's something I expect to see continue throughout the year."
Lilly also didn't expect any carryover with other umpire crews.
"These guys are professional and have been around a lot longer than some of us have been playing," Lilly said. "There are guys who have a ton of experience.
"I can't say umpires are always wrong, but there are times when they are," Lilly said. "At the end of the day, they're the ones making the calls. The most important part is I don't think there are any premeditated decisions. I think they're out there trying to do the best job that they can even though at times, it might not appear that way to the players or the hometown fans."