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November 09, 2005
Manny Ramirez
In an interesting MSNBC article where the Red Sox Larry Lucchino talks about wanting Theo Epstein to come back to the team, the Sox Prez also admits that Manny Ramirez wants out of Boston:
Before going to California, Lucchino told The New York Times that Manny Ramirez wants the team to explore trade possibilities.
“He has made it clear that he would like us to consider a trade,” Lucchino was quoted as saying in Wednesday’s editions of the paper.
“He has asked us before, and it’s only reasonable that we explore possibilities, particularly at this time of year when all types of trades are considered and kicked around,” Lucchino told the paper. “So it seems respectful of him, and it seems our job is to consider these kinds of possibilities.”
It makes me wonder - should the Yankees try and get Manny through a back door - say, like in a three way deal where some team trades for Ramirez and then they trade him to New York?
Even if the Yankees could pull this off - should they? Is Manny's offense worth putting up with all the hot dogging and recalcitrance? After all, Ramirez' Batting Average and OPS have gone down for four years in a row now. Who is to say that he's not just a Dick Allen type who is just about ready to go away?
Well, first of all, part of the reason why Manny's numbers have been going down is because his 2002 season was so off the charts. There's really no where to go but down from there. And, he's still one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
Secondly, despite the image of being a guy looking not to play, Manny has only missed 28 games over the last three seasons.
But, when you look at what's going on now with Terrell Owens in the NFL, and the effort that's required to deal with that, and then you think about all the "Manny being Manny" stunts that Ramirez has pulled in the past, this just seems like something that the Yankees should not chase down. It's not as if the Yankees are in dire need of hitting. Maybe if that were the case, I would feel different about this case.
And, of course, there's the matter of the amount of money left on Manny's contract.
The Yankees should let Manny go to the Mets - and maybe even help that move, if it's possible - and then just be glad that he's out of the American League (and leave it at that).
Posted by Steve Lombardi at November 9, 2005 12:31 PM
Comments
Manny could possibly be an upgrade over Hideki on offense (bat him in front of Sheff and Giambi), but I suspect he'd be a downgrade defensively (I don't have park independent defensive statistics in front of me) and a severe downgrade in the clubhouse. His Space Cadetism and goofiness don't bother me, that could help add a bit of levity to a clubhouse that seems a bit too uptight, but he's far too selfish & whinny.
Posted by: rbj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 9, 2005 01:17 PM
Manny is NOT T.O.
If the Yanks can get him, go for it. Declining numbers or no, he's still a damned good hitter. As true as it is that the Yanks don't need any more hitting, if you have an opportunity to add a bat like that to your lineup, do it. Let the mound chips fall where they may.
I don't see it happening; I wouldn't give up some sort of package to trade him just to turn him around to a team like the Yanks. Who could the Yanks offer to get him?
I could live with a Manny - Matsui - Sheffield outfield... Don't know about the pitching staff, tho' :D
Posted by: Raf at November 9, 2005 01:53 PM
Heaven forfend!
Can anyone envision a disaster of an OF with Ramirez in LF, Matsui in CF and Sheffield in RF? That would be a pitcher's nightmare. A fan nightmare.
Posted by: Don at November 9, 2005 02:15 PM
Yeah, I'm with you. No Manny.
Posted by: pokeefe at November 9, 2005 08:12 PM
Can anyone envision a disaster of an OF with Ramirez in LF, Matsui in CF and Sheffield in RF? That would be a pitcher's nightmare. A fan nightmare.
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An offensive dream, tho. They could be far and away the best 1-6 in the majors.
Best part is, Yanks get stronger, while the Sox get weaker. Win-win!
Posted by: Raf at November 9, 2005 10:10 PM
I suppose you could trot out that outfield when Wang is pitching. Otherwise there'll be an awful lot of awful 10-9 games.
Posted by: rbj at November 10, 2005 10:21 AM