Wake-up call: USC’s DeMar DeRozan, a Manny Ramirez poll, the Rays’ seadog vs. the Phillie Phanatic

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First things first: I need to catch up to the start of college basketball season. So I might as well start with USC, which has one of the most talented members of the nation’s freshman class: DeMar DeRozan. He scored only 7 points last night (the game really belonged to Taj Gibson, who had 22 to lead USC past New Mexico State 73-60) but just about every basketball writer ranks DeRozan high. Here is a photo of DeRozan from last night’s game. Diane Pucin recently wrote about how the standout from Compton High has a mature approach, so much so he appears to be NBA-ready. In fact, his name seems to be everywhere you look. But let’s not forget that rapper Lil’ Romeo is the one we can thank. He is best friends with DeRozan and Lil’ Romeo (and yes, Romeo does play, sort of) wanted USC (both got scholarships from Floyd). With Gibson and Daniel Hackett, the Trojans will be formidable this year. It’s only too bad Angelo Johnson decided to transfer back in August when Coach Tim Floyd wouldn’t guarantee him a spot in the starting lineup.

Polling for dollars: Now that Manny Ramirez didn’t get MVP it is time to figure out where he might end up when he signs that new contract for tens of millions of dollars. Here is a little poll. Keep in mind the latest news (as of this writing): The Red Sox traded outfielder Coco Crisp to Kansas City in exchange for a reliever. Royals may be the answer for Manny, but you decide. You have until midnight tonight (Pacific time) to vote. I’ll have the results in Thursday’s ‘Wake-up Call.’

Another kind of poll: In the latest ‘Totally Random’ on the Fabulous Forum, Mike Penner talks about the Tampa Bay Rays firing Kelly Frank, the woman who was Raymond, the seadog mascot. We’re pretty sure the Rays were upset with how Frank perfected the seadog’s butt shimmy. She was told by the team that she was out-enthused by the Philadelphia Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, during the World Series. Out-enthused. Well, we went looking for video of these two mascots and found these two recent performances. You be the judge.

-- Debbie Goffa

Top photo: New Mexico State’s Wendell McKines, left, loses the ball after Daniel Hackett (13) swatted it away. At rear is USC’s Keith Wilkinson. Credit: Danny Moloshok / Associated Press

Pop-up photo: DeMar DeRozan dunks the ball on a break-away as New Mexico State’s Robert Lumpkins, right, can only watch. Credit: Danny Moloshok / Associated Press