espn.com Ali Contest
Sure, Manny Ramirez has been acting strange lately, but that doesn't mean he's altogether empty-headed. Page 2 found plenty of deep thoughts rattlin' around Manny's cerebrum. Like, the way Teddy Ballgame had it in Beantown. And how the Boss fits into his future. And the status of his manager, ol' what-s-his name.
BEING MANNY RAMIREZ




ESPN TOOLS
 
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You think this little Bill Parcells-Jeremy Shockey spat is a thing of the past? You ain't seen nothin' yet. Wait 'til you get a load of the predictions Ira Fritz has for the 2003 NFL season. Oh, the name-calling! If Ira is right, we'll be seeing new winners, new careers and new lawsuits before it's all over.

Ballpark Tour Fashion Don'ts
Eric Neel faced a lonely night in the wilderness of last place in Texas, but found comfort in a stadium's nooks, crannies and . . . turkey legs??? Page 2's Ballpark Tour visits The Ballpark in Arlington.
 Jennifer Capriati's star-spangled outfit at the Open is more evidence that tennis players aren't slaves to fashion. Page 2's Patrick Hruby takes us on a guided tour of wardrobe no-nos through the game's history.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie looks at the Dodgers' Eric Gagne and sees a pitcher from another era, name of Cy. Plus, team-spotting with Lawyer Milloy and moon-walking with Neil Armstrong.


The Tigers are making a serious run at the Mets' modern-day record for most losses in a season by failing to measure up in every phase of the game. But are they so bad that they belong on our list of the worst group efforts in history?
10]  Makers of the IBM PCjr
IBM's first foray into the home PC market was an epic failure, as disk problems forced Big Blue to pull the jr off the market after 14 months.
9]  2002 U.S. Men's Basketball Team
Three losses and sixth place in the World Championships? Used to be the U.S. could win these tournaments with its eyes closed. But bad chemistry and roster holes embarrassed us all.
8]  Brains behind Premier smokeless cigarettes
R.J. Reynolds could see the anti-smoking writing on the wall way back in 1989. But five years in development and megamillions in research didn't get these ciggies lit.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Redskins 3 Jets 40½
Sunday Bills EV Patriots 46½
Sunday Browns 1½ Colts 45½
Sunday Packers 6 Vikings 46½
Sunday Cowboys 2 Falcons 36½
Sunday 49ers 7 Bears 40
Sunday Titans 3 Raiders 46½
Monday Eagles 3 Buccaneers 36
All Times ET | Bold indicates home team
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


TUESDAY MORNING QB
TMQ was uncannily accurate in his predictions a season ago. Can he match last year's haiku-water mark?

THE HOT LIST
With the season about to open, Dan Shanoff has what's sizzling and fizzling in the NFL this year.

THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy says that after what happened at Fenway Park this weekend, the whole world should come together.

BALLPARK TOUR
Shea Stadium has had its moments, but overall it's as disappointing as the Mets.

MEET THE 'MAKERS'
Page 2's Bill Simmons says ESPN's "Playmakers" is worth watching, but several flaws keep it from being a great show.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's rapper Ice Cube, left, and the sidelined Buckeye, Maurice Clarett. This match was requested by 21 Page 2 readers. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


MLB: Braves at Mets
1 p.m. ET, ESPN
Cy hopeful Ortiz on hill.
 
ESPN Presents: "Hey rookie!"
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Welcome to the NFL, kid.
 
Wednesday Night Baseball
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Red Sox at White Sox.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tue., Sept. 2: Poetry in Motion
• Mon., Sept. 1: Hot Flashes
• Fri., Aug. 29: One Nation, Divided
• Thur., Aug. 28: College Lo-Down

Other featured content:
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
• Page 2's Top 10 Pop Icons
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003
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