Dropped Third Strike

Man-Ram Stays in L.A., Cuddyer Will Likely Invest in Parkas

Recently in MLB:

- Manny Ramirez will once again be wearing Dodger blue when the 2010 season starts. Ramirez is wise to exercise his $20 million option, as it's unlikely that many teams would be lining for his services this winter after what was a controversial season for the star left fielder off the field, and subpar one (at least by Manny's lofty standards) on it.

- Looking ahead, the Minnesota Twins have exercised their $10.5 million option on outfielder Michael Cuddyer for 2011, assuming their new outdoor stadium isn't buried under a snowbank by then, of course.

- Obviously hoping for a rule change in the offseason that will allow hitters to steal first, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired light-hitting outfielder Carlos Gomez from the Twins in exchange for shortstop J.J. Hardy. 

- Tim Lincecum has reached a deal with Washington state authorities that could settle his misdemeanor marijuana charge. Congratulations?

Cliff Lee Can Now Afford Many Geno's Cheesesteaks

In what can only be described as a victory for common sense, the Phillies picked up Cliff Lee's option for 2010. It's a win-win really: Lee makes $9 million, and Philadelphia's starting rotation might not be completely awful next season. Meanwhile, teammate Jamie Moyer lamented "the amount of money these kids are making today to play a game", and reminded anyone within an earshot about how "Hershey bars used to cost a nickel".

In other option-related news:

- The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up star pitcher Brandon Webb's 2010 option ($8.5 million), thus banking, literally and figuratively, on his surgically-repaired right shoulder being ready for opening day.

- Jermaine Dye (White Sox, $12 million) and J.J. Putz (Mets, $9.1 million) had their respective 2010 options declined by their clubs.

As if the Hair Didn't Give it Away...

Apparently former N.L. Cy Young award winner and future radical reconstructive arm surgery candidate Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges in his home state of Washington following a traffic stop.

I'm a big believer in the old saying, "never judge a book by its cover", but, come on now, let's not act surprised here.

The White Sox Get Teahen! Oh, and There Was That World Series Thing...

Over the past 24 hours in MLB:

- The White Sox traded infielders Chris Getz and Josh Fields to the "Royales With Cheese" for utiliyman Mark Teahen. Advantage: K.C.

- The Angels re-signed right fielder Bobby Abreu: Two years for a cool $19 million guaranteed, excluding incentives. Not exactly Kevin Brown scratch, but not too shabby either.

- The Red Sox acquired Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for, you guessed it, prospects.

- No. 27 happened.