Thanks for the Manneries

As a Red Sox fan I suppose I should weigh in with my thoughts on the Manny Ramirez saga. I would not have traded Manny but I understand why management did it. They simply felt they had no choice. Once a guy starts calling out management in the media, the point of no return is reached and that’s what happened here. I think Theo Epstein did the best he could in getting Jason Bay considering the corner Manny backed him into. Ramirez and David Ortiz were the best hitting combo in baseball and now that is over. That makes the Red Sox significantly less effective on the field. Yes, Bay will be more of a team guy and he’s a good player but I don’t know that he’s a difference maker. And that’s why Manny will be missed. He was always a threat and a clutch big game player. His aloofness allowed him to never be fazed by anything between the white lines. He was part of the aura of the Red Sox and they will miss that dearly. As for me, I say thanks for everything Manny. You gave Red Sox fans a great thrill for 8 years and two World Series titles that no one thought they’d ever see. For that, you will always be loved. It’s too bad that you allowed guys like Scott Boras to talk you into creating this mess over money. Yeah, it’s a business so no hard feelings but now the page turns and the Jason Bay era begins. It won’t be the same without you but, after all, it’s all about rooting for the laundry anyway and Bay is now wearing it and you aren’t. Good night and good luck in L.A.