by wjr953 » August 5th, 2008, 7:02 pm
Manny will most likely not act up again this year. Now he is out to prove that he deserves a multi-year big money contract, and he will start hitting like crazy. Simply because he's now motivated and has control of his own destiny. With the Red Sox holding on to those two options for 2009 and 2010, Manny had no say so over his future. Truth be told, his hitting skills are starting to break down, just a little bit. He knew that and he also knew that if the Red Sox exercised the last two options, he was most likely going to be a free agent for the 2011 season. Knowing that his skills are on the decline, what he did was smart for him, not that I agree with any of his crap. He purposely pushed the Red Sox for an answer on the option years and I'm sure with the blessing (if not the encouragement) of Scott Boras, he set out to alienate himself from the Red Sox, leaving them with no choice but to get him out of Boston. Obviously, the organization, and more importantly his fellow players could no longer trust him to give the Red Sox his best effort each and every day. Now he will get that long term big contract next year and we will see him again as an American League DH, maybe even in New York. A smart business move on his part, absolutely yes. As one of the best hitters to play this game, his actions were both deplorable and reprehensible. A stain on both the integrity and honor of Major League Baseball. More importantly, a huge stain on Manny himself and his HOF stats. His allegiance is to the almighty dollar, it always has been and it always will be. I too will miss Manny. He was an exciting hitter to watch, and I would much rather have him on my side when the game is on the line, than stepping up to the plate against my team. I have watched him do some incredible things with his bat over the last 7 1/2 years. Without him, the Red Sox do NOT win the World Series in 2004 or 2007, period. I have seen him carry this team on his back, producing all kinds of offense with his potent bat. Having said all that, enough is enough. Manny said it better than anybody, "they're tired of me and I'm tired of them". I wish him good luck in the future, and we should all know that he will be back in the American League in 2009 with a brand new long term contract, and miles and miles of baggage. Just Manny being Manny.
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