News Flash: Red Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training Saturday, with the first official workout slated for Sunday.
Teddy’s Take: Great! Now we can begin answering some of the lingering off-season questions about the health of Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett and Keith Foulke. Unfortunately, we have to wait a few more days to answer the team’s biggest question mark; what is Manny Ramirez’ state of mind?
People point to Schilling, Beckett and Foulke in trying to figure the Sox success or failure this season, but for my money, the Ramirez situation is the one that’s really intriguing. Will Manny report on time? What kind of effort will he put forth if and when he shows? As of right now, no one knows and if they do, they’re not telling, so the situation bears watching the next couple of days.
The BoSox have enough pitching depth to keep them in the playoff hunt, but have you seen that batting lineup? Take Manny’s lumber out of there, and there’s not a lot of pop left. At this point, if Ramirez is unhappy and becomes a distraction, it’s too late for the Red Sox to get anything of substance in return for their All-World slugger. Subtract Manny from the mix, and David Ortiz will take more walks than the elderly at Pheasant Lane Mall.
Like it or not, the 2006 Red Sox season depends on Manny being Manny...in Fort Myers and in Boston!
That’s my take…..what’s yours?
Comments (3)
You're absolutely right in your evaluation of theSox line-up. These guys, Manny and Papi have been incredible to watch. They are a manager's nightmare and rank right up there with Ruth-Gehrig, Mantle-Marris,Mays-Mcovey and Robinson-Powell in3-4 offensive production.Manny simply cannot be replaced. Unless you have 2 20-game winners at the top of the rotation, the Red Sox simply will not compete without Ramirez.
Posted by bobcallary | February 19, 2006 3:22 AM
Posted on February 19, 2006 03:22
Don't forget about Theo being Theo.
Posted by Louis Cypher | February 19, 2006 9:07 AM
Posted on February 19, 2006 09:07
Personally, I'm getting sick of the Manny crap. He's so dumb, he doesn't even realize nobody wants him on their team for the price he's asking. There's no question what he brings to the plate. But I think the Red Sox would have put him on waivers again this past off season had there been any top of the line sluggers available in the free agent market.
I think he's one injury away from making Boston fans realize just how stupid it is to put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, he's not worth the $17 mill/year. Two players who average 30+ HR's a year for $9-10 mill/year each filling in two spots in the lineup and probably provide better defense would be a much better situation than paying his elephant contract which fills only one roster spot with average (at best) defense.
If he really wants to leave Boston, then don't wait till someone shows interest and then demand a 2 year exension, like he did with Baltimore this off season. I'd take Tejada over Manny ANY DAY! Unfortuantely, it'll never happen unless Baltimore management is more inept than they like to show.
Unfortunately, the Sox and Manny are stuck with each other and hopefully he makes the best of it for one more year.
Posted by T2 | February 19, 2006 10:30 PM
Posted on February 19, 2006 22:30