Major League Baseball is not doing itself any favors with the ladies. Once upon a time, sluggers looked sharp in tight knee-length pants with contrasting socks that showed off the definition of their calves. But during the 2005 season and Division Series, player after player looked as if he had just rolled out of bed.

Baggy pants that are too long – or uniforms that are just plain disheveled – are the norm. Even many of the Yankees, who toil under the so-called discipline of Joe Torre, look sloppy.

The heart of the problem is that players are choosing to wear their pants all the way to the ankle, rather than at the knee. As a result, they’re hiding the traditional colored socks – which in some cases were the basis of the team’s name.

There are a few players who deserve credit for showing up to work in proper attire. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, a former Yankee who is now with the White Sox, stands above the rest with his sleek black socks and trim, fitted style. Kelvim Escobar, of the Angels, wears his red socks for all to see. The Washington Nationals’ Nick Johnson is a reason to look forward to next season. And Kevin Millar, of the Red Sox, gets extra style points for wearing old school stirrups.

If clothes make the man, shouldn’t the uniform make the player?