News Flash: Manny Ramirez finally reports to spring training. Manny confirms he will not play in the World Baseball Classic, but sidesteps questions about whether he’s happy to still be with the Red Sox. “I’m here� said Ramirez, adding “I get paid to play baseball even if I like it or not.�
Teddy’s Take: Sounds like an unhappy camper who will do his best to act professionally. The guess here is there will come at least one or two points in the season where Manny will act up a bit and miss a few games due to “injury.� Of course, that’s no different than any other year.
The quotes about "being here even if I don't like it" will be repeated ad nauseum the next few days, but for me, here’s the most interesting thing Ramirez said today;
"I got a beautiful career going on and I'm not gonna let little things like this mess [up] all the things that I accomplished because I think when I finish my career I'm gonna be a special player and I'm not gonna let nobody stop that and that's me. I got a goal for myself and I'm now gonna accomplish that."
A lot of people think Manny is basically a big, dumb kid. While I can’t vouch for his IQ, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand he’s a genius when it comes to his profession. He may be goofy and immature at times, but he’s also incredibly driven and focused no matter what’s going on around him. That, more than anything, explains why he’s a future Hall of Famer and why I, for one, am happy he’s still a member of the Boston Red Sox.
That’s my take……let’s hear yours! Who knows, you may end up in next Tuesday’s Lowell Sun.
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: The agreement instituting the NFL salary cap was signed in 1993. The first year with a cap was 1994. (Good work Louis Cypher!)
Today’s question; Since 1980, only four major leaguers have won a career triple crown. (At least one batting title, one HR and one RBI crown) Can you name all four?
Comments (7)
I'll take 5 shots at that . . .
Barry Bonds
Alex Rodriguez
Albert Pujols
Manny Ramirez
Jeff Bagwell
Posted by T2 | March 1, 2006 10:17 PM
Posted on March 1, 2006 22:17
Congrats to Manny for making to work a week late. What a trooper and a team player! I am somewhat pleasantly surprised with his comments regarding his career goals. I didn't think he was capable of being so far sighted. Hopefully that'll keep him motivated enough to contribute and stay in the lineup all year and not be a distraction. But I still think they will trade him as soon as they feel they get some value in return.
Posted by T2 | March 1, 2006 10:27 PM
Posted on March 1, 2006 22:27
Manny just keep your lips closed and all will be well in Sox Nation!! Let your bat do all the talking! Besides Johnny Damon has been speaking for you in Tampa no need to toot your horn while he has become your spokeman! JD, may have a promising future as a sports agent next year when his career is over.....
Posted by ROG | March 2, 2006 1:18 PM
Posted on March 2, 2006 13:18
Good thing Johnny Damon is speaking for Manny. No one in the sox org is intelligent enough to do a better job. By the way, JD's baseball career has just begun. You know it, we know it, and he knows it.
Posted by Yanksrback | March 2, 2006 1:28 PM
Posted on March 2, 2006 13:28
Please between you and I we both know that he's on the downward spiral. In deep center at Yankee Stadium JD is going to need a double cutoff just to get the ball back to second. What little arm he has left will be spent by the end of this year!!! Another over priced ballplayer that Mr. I Buy CHAMPIONSHIPS for a Living paid for!!
Posted by ROG | March 2, 2006 2:14 PM
Posted on March 2, 2006 14:14
You all said the same thing about Boggs and Clemens. How did it feel when you Wade was riding the horse around the stadium? Thanks for coming to the so called dark side Johnny. We appreciate our players here.
Posted by Yanksrback | March 2, 2006 3:51 PM
Posted on March 2, 2006 15:51
I'm fine with Boggs on a horse, never was a fan of fornication anyways.... as far as Clemens the double talker goes... thought he wanted to finish his career near his Katy Tx. home?? Guess the most direct route to Katy is through Toronto, Ny Ny, and Houston. Sorry Rangers you thought you had the second best pitcher in baseball...
Posted by ROG | March 2, 2006 7:56 PM
Posted on March 2, 2006 19:56