Managing LoMo and HanRam

Baller. via SCWS

Day 1, and Trader Jack is already disrupting the daily routine:

Jack McKeon wasted no time sending a message to his team on the first day as interim manager. He benched starting shortstop Hanley Ramirez for the team's game against the Angels Monday night.

The reason? Ramirez showed up to the clubhouse late on Monday afternoon, missing a 3:30 pm team meeting called by McKeon, according to the Palm Beach Post.

This might not be a big deal in the long run, but it bears noting that unlike with the past two managers (Fredi and Edwin), McKeon is firmly entrenched in the Jeff Loria Golden Circle. Hanley can't reasonably expect Loria to take his side in a dispute with the manager this time. Surely, there is more to come.

Meanwhile, in lineup setting news:

McKeon said he didn't know where he would put Ramirez in the lineup once he is back in it. But McKeon said he likes having Logan Morrison hit second and Gaby Sanchez third.

"He's the type of guy that gets a base on balls," McKeon said of Morrison. "I like having two pretty good hitters up there in the first inning."

Where have we heard that before?

Finally, turns out Chris Coghlan has been sucking because he's injured:

Former leadoff hitter and center fielder Chris Coghlan, who was supposed to be on his way to Triple A New Orleans, is now on the disabled list with left knee inflammation after his option was voided because of the injury.

This is the same knee he injured last year in that walkoff celebration. Someday, pro athletes will realize hiding injuries is a dumb move which only hurts their team. Until then, I will continue to think most pro athletes are dim.