Speculation is swirling that Manny Ramirez could be moved before Thursday’s 4pm trade deadline. Will it happen? Odds are that it won’t. We’ve heard and seen this song and dance before. Manny upsets the Sox by pushing down a clubhouse attendant, faking an injury, speaking out in the media (which he rarely does, but did the other day), then Manny demands a trade, etc. And through it all they remain together…yada yada yada.
It has always seemed to play out the same way during this 8 year up-and-down marriage. But no divorce papers have ever been filed by either party. Why? Because it just doesn’t make sense for the Sox, especially in the heat of a pennant race. It does make sense for Manny, because he isn’t too worried about another ring. He’s just worried about getting his last monster contract to finish out his illustrious career. Can you blame him? Well, yeah, maybe…Because the logical thing would be to play his butt off this year and hope the Sox don’t pick up the option and then he can cash in somewhere else. Right?
The problem lies in the fact that the relationship is always fixed someway, somehow and they continue on together in this insane romance. Even with Manny’s recent public comments about being willing to accept a trade and for the Sox to not pick up his option and to just “send me a letter,” their still seems to be no true resolution in sight.
The Sawx have a few choices.
Trade him (I am sure the Yankees will send a car service to take him to the airport) for prospects.
Let him stick around this year in hopes of winning it all and pick up his option for next year and hope he gets his head on a little straighter for another run.
Let him stick around this year, but don’t pick up his option for next. Just make sure you send him that letter!
If they take#1, they are showing that they are not totally in it to win it this year. And that just wouldn’t be the Sox “M-O.” Getting a bunch of prospects would really irk the Sox brass, players, and fans. If they go with door #2, they are risking Manny being a distraction, but also risking that he can help them win it all, like he has in the past. A risk that will probably have to be taken. If they go with #3, they will make a run this year, but if they fall short, will let Manny walk for nothing.
So will this soap opera have it’s usual ending? Will the Sox and Manny kiss and make up and live happily ever after? With the trade deadline looming just over 48 hours away, stay tuned to our site for the most up to date info.
Notes: Possible Manny landing points and players that can be offered:
Phillies: Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Brett Myers, Jason Donald
Mets: Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese
Yankees (small joke): Phil Hughes, Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, Melky Cabrera
Diamondbacks: Conor Jackson, Chad Tracy
Dodgers: Matt Kemp, Derek Lowe, Andre Ethier
In non-related Manny news, Mark Teixeira may be on the move again, for the second straight year at the trade deadline. Kind of strange for such a great player, no? With the Braves clearly being out of contention, and the notion that they will not meet his asking price, they have been actively shopping Big-Tex around the league. The hot rumor right now is that he may be headed to the D-Backs, although the D-Backs already have a sold young 1B in Conor Jackson.
**Update: The Angels, Rays, and Red Sox are 3 other potential Big Tex suitors. The Yankees and Dodgers have now at least contacted, or as another source has put it, “flirted,” with the idea of trading for Big Tex as well. **
The Phillies are discussing a move for some bullpen help. The likes of Ron Mahay of the Royals has been one name that has surfaced. In a possible deal for Mahay, the Phillies would be giving up highly touted (and U.S. Olympic baseball team member) SS Jason Donald. One would think the Phillies could get more for such a prospect. Stay tuned.
Update: Big Tex is headed to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and a prospect. What a steal for the Halos.
According to Yahoo, negotiations between the Braves and Diamondbacks for first baseman Mark Teixeira are “pretty far along.” Henson talked to a front office source from another team interested in Tex. The Braves reportedly want a prospect plus Chad Tracy or Conor Jackson.
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