Good For You Manny

While driving around running errands this afternoon, WTOP announces at 3:15PM that Manny Acta had been named the new Manager of The Cleveland Indians. I shouted out the loudest "YEEEES!!" in some time. This guy stopped next to me at the red light looked over. He happened to be wearing a Red Curly "W" Cap too. This driver says: "What are you so happy about?"

"Manny Acta was just named Manager of The Cleveland Indians," I replied.

"Really? Well good for him," this guys stated back. "It wasn't his fault here in Washington."

And it wasn't.

You can dicker over Manny's managerial decisions with his personnel (we've done it here many times--especially over his fascination with Alex Cintron), but "The Most Charismatic Of Men" wasn't responsible for the roster given to him by Former General Manager Jim Bowden. Problems which are currently being worked out by New General Manager--Mike Rizzo.

The African Queen was so happy when I called to inform her of Manny's new found fortune--she screamed too. We love that man. We really do. He's one of the nicest people we've ever met in our lives. Hands down, not many come close when it comes to being as genuine as Mr. Acta. Manny Acta deserved another chance and we are thrilled The Cleveland Indians have made him their new field boss for the next three years (with an option for 2013).

Good for The Tribe to see past player personnel issues in Washington that ended up costing Our Former Manager his job. And Good for Manny for again keeping positive, pushing forward and landing his second job as a Major League Manager. One of just 30 such positions in The Big Leagues.

Too bad The Indians don't conduct spring training in Florida anymore, because Sohna and I would have travelled to see him in February or March. Unfortunately, Cleveland moved their spring headquarters to Arizona a few years back. Of course, if Manny had taken The Houston Astros' job--apparently also offered to him--we would only have had to travel less than an hour from Viera to visit him in Kissimmee--The Astros spring base.

But you can bet while every single Media person in Washington, D.C. is circling their calendars for the weekend of June 11, 12 & 13, 2010 when Our Washington Nationals play a three game set at Progressive Field in Cleveland--Sohna and I are looking forward to the weekend of May 14, 15 & 16, 2010. That's when The Cleveland Indians play at Camden Yards against The Baltimore Orioles. With D.C.'s Team in Denver that weekend--The African Queen and I will travel one hour north from our home in Alexandria, Virginia for the series--just to see Manny Acta--"The Most Charismatic of Men" in person and say hello.

We can't wait to see him. And his wonderful smile again.

Good For You Manny!!