Tuesday, July 26, 2005
MANNY'S MOOD SWINGS
Manny Ramirez wants out of Boston. Again. The Red Sox leftfielder has asked to be traded for at least the third time in the past four seasons. He told team officials he is unhappy in Boston, particularly with his lack of privacy off the field. The Red Sox have no intention of trading Ramirez (.277, 27 homers, 90 RBIs) -- not during the season, anyway. They could field offers in the off-season for Ramirez, who is due $57 million over the next three years.
Boston has learned to live with Ramirez's moods in order to keep his bat. He asked to be traded in spring training 2002, and again after the '03 season. However, when Boston agreed in principle to trade Ramirez to Texas as part of the ill-fated Alex Rodriguez deal, Ramirez telephoned owner John Henry late one night pleading to stay.
The Sox also inquired about Jays reliever Justin Speier.
-Verducci(SI Exclusive)
HUB OPINION:
Planet Manny almost gets a pass because unlike guys like Whiner Jay Payton, he has requested a trade behind closed doors.
I say almost, because although he apparently has requested this privately, it is still likely a distraction to his teammates during the season. I have no problem with a guy asking for a trade behind closed doors during the offseason, but asking in July puts his team and his general manager at a competitive disadvantage.
His act has grown tired, and I am not so sure that, under similar circumstances, guys such as Clemens, Vaughn, or Nomar would be getting a free pass from the fans and media..."Just Manny being Manny" doesn't cut it. It never really did. Hall of Fame hitter; One of the worst fundamental ballplayers ever.
