Manny being Manny once too often
The Red Sox have put up with a lot from Manny Ramirez over the past few years, but they finally drew the line when his words and actions called into question the integrity of the management and ownership, and threatened to unravel a contending team.
It would be easy to say the Sox finally just got fed up with him, but it was more than that. They have put up with his foolishness before -- smoothing things over with all that Manny-being-Manny garbage -- and probably would have again to make another postseason run. He just made it too clear that keeping him would be more painful than throwing in a couple of decent prospects to get a solid run producer in return for him. I'm guessing they won't be sorry they picked up Jason Bay in the deal.
Now Manny is Joe Torre's problem, but that won't be a problem because he'll be motivated to put the Dodgers over the top and thumb his nose at the Red Sox. What happens after that is anybody's guess.
The Red Sox dropped their options on 2009 and 2010 to get the deal done and agreed to pay the rest of Manny's salary for this season. He'll be a free agent in November and hopes to make one last big score. It'll be interesting to see what the market is for him after what happened this week.
While we're waiting to find out, here's one more look at Manny being Manny in a good way -- hitting his 500th career home run at Oriole Park two months ago.
Comments
Not a Manny item (since everything seems to be about him lately ... ugh Damned Red Sox) but it looks like Felipe Lopez was released by the Nats. Any thoughts on the O's getting him? They have collected enough minor league SSs how about a Major League one that hits like a minor League SS?
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I'm guessing they just stick with Juan Castro and try to straighten out the pitching. pete
Posted by: Shawn | August 1, 2008 2:11 AM
True, the Red Sox unload "Manny being Manny," but they also unload a future Hall of Famer who is still one of the best hitters in the game. I'm guessing they WILL be sorry they picked up Jason Bay in the deal, because now teams will be able to pitch around David Ortiz.
As good as Bay is, I think the difference in the lineup is going to be pretty noticeable. Don't get me wrong, it's still very good, but who do they plug in the cleanup spot, Mike Lowell? Probably, but he's no Manny either.
When all is said and done, they've got to be lovin' this in the Bronx. Brian Cashman beat Theo Epstein this time with the players he's acquired. I'm looking for the Yankees to suprise a lot of people and win the AL East, then go on to the World Series, which they'll win in the final season of the House that Ruth Built (a fitting symmetry--as they also were World Champs 85 years ago in the stadium's first season, 1923).
Posted by: Ken Francis | August 1, 2008 3:36 AM
Manny really doesnt care where he plays, as long as he's getting paid.
Posted by: JWBBZ | August 1, 2008 7:56 AM
Pete, what makes you think us Oriole fans and Sawx-Manny haters would want to see this?
Tell you what, you DID go to the trouble of linking it, so I'll watch the Gunsmoke montage one more time ...
Posted by: Kevin on Shore | August 1, 2008 8:18 AM
I'm just glad the O's won't have to face him any more this season. I hope he does put the Dogers over the top into the playoffs. I would love to see the Yankees string of playoff appearances be broken, while Torre continues his in LA.
Posted by: Roy | August 1, 2008 8:20 AM
I already had to see this video linked up on the Orioles' ESPN home page for a couple weeks. Not here too! I'd rather see Adam Jones' grand slam.
Posted by: Almost Believin' | August 1, 2008 9:50 AM
Did you have to put the youtube video in? No Orioles fan wants to see that junk. How about a video of Jim Johnson striking him out with bases loaded? Come on Peter.....
How about a update on the Spring Training location? Now we know the Dodgers are definetely out of Vero Beach, what is the timetable for the Orioles to make a decision?
Posted by: Del | August 1, 2008 10:24 AM
Juan Castro? YMBJ. He's terrible. Luis Luis would be a better option, or Cintron. I think Cintron was the one I liked, I can't keep them straight anymore :) But seriously, they need to keep the revolving door moving until they find someone who works out.
You're wrong for that Manny video. I'd rather see the one where he missed and then rolled onto the ball. I never get tired of that one
Posted by: excatcher | August 1, 2008 10:34 AM
Ken Francis -
On your Yankees prediction. Don't necessarily count out the Rays in the AL East. As for the WS, I like Angels & Cubs. Yankees pitching very weak. The Angels were the best team in baseball, and that was before they got Tex!
Posted by: TX O's Fan | August 1, 2008 10:47 AM
The Red sox took a step backwards. Manny is still one of the top hitters in the league. Who do you think opposing pitchers fear more; Manny or Jason Bay? No contest. David Ortiz will be hurt the most seeing far fewer good pitches.
Posted by: yeah, right | August 1, 2008 1:37 PM