Should Manny get the benefit of the doubt?

[Ragnarok]

I'm conflicted on this subject.

On one hand I think Manny should get some slack if he decides to be "Manny".

Let's face it. The man has produced for Boston. He's in the Hall. Think about it, he's a ****ing hall of famer. With Manny in the middle of the lineup Ortiz is able to produce and thus Boston has won two World Series in the last 4 seasons.

At the same time, he's practically exorting Boston right now by dogging it because he doesn't like his contract. He's got extentions each year and he thinks he's too valuable and should be locked up long-term. Does Manny have a point? Without Manny is Boston a WS contender? Or should he earn his current contract like the rest of us blue collars and give it all every AB because he signed his name.

The reason I ask is because front management is literally threatening to trade Manny if he waives his no-trade clause.

Does Manny right now get the benefit of the doubt and deserve his beef with front office or should he play as hard as he can because that's his job?

[hackattack]

I think Manny's biggest problem is he doesn't care about Boston or baseball...just the money. I remember his "just a game" comment during last years playoffs. And then this year the altercation with Youkilis and Manny doesn't get it why he cares so much so he slaps him across the face.

I usually back Manny up but the Yankees are in town and he doesn't want play...it's sacrilegious.

[MonkeyF0cker]

They go through this every single year with him. I know I get pretty tired of just hearing about it let alone having to deal with it. There are plenty of great outfielders in the league that could replace Manny. A guy like Carlos Lee could easily fit in that role (and do just as well or better)...

[JBC77]

They go through this every single year with him. I know I get pretty tired of just hearing about it let alone having to deal with it. There are plenty of great outfielders in the league that could replace Manny. A guy like Carlos Lee could easily fit in that role (and do just as well or better)...

He's one of the top 5 hitters in MLB. As long as he hits the ball.......the Sox don't really give a sh1t what he does. Guy could park a lawn chair in the outfield and it wouldn't matter.

I don't think Manny cares about baseball. He's a thug. A year or two back.....he hit a ground ball to shortstop and instead of running it out he just walked back to the dugout.

[Doc JS]

I saw Francona interviewed on PTI recently. When asked about "Manny being Manny" he said..."we're not a Cub Scout troop. We're trying to win baseball games. And as long as the production is there, quite honestly we just look the other way on a lot of that stuff".

And in all honesty, I think that's pretty much they way the BoSox feel. Now, at some point, when his production falls (and it will), the BoSox will part ways with Manny. But I don't think there is any denying, he's the best right handed hitter in the last 20 years, maybe more.

[zootiehead]

Sox knew what they were getting when they signed him.

[Doc JS]

Sox knew what they were getting when they signed him.

No agrugment there...And they've won two World Series since he's been there (after not winning any since 1917).

Has he, from time to time, been a monumental pain in the @ss? Absolutely.

Knowing what they know now, would the Sox make the same deal again? In a heartbeat.

World Series titles do not grow on trees and neither do RH hitters like Manny...

[no chance in hell]

can't stand Manny, screws me no matter what. Him and Big Fat Pappy

[Ragnarok]

But I don't think there is any denying, he's the best right handed hitter in the last 20 years, maybe more.

Many people would disagree with you and say A-Rod is. There career numbers are practically identical but if you look at individual seasons A-Rod has had more monster ones. A-Rod has 3 MVP awards, Manny has 0. Then again, Manny has a World Series MVP award and 2 rings while A-Rod has 0 but that's more a testament of your team then individual right handed skill at the plate.

A-Rod also has been doing it without the benefit of the green monster for right handed batters.

[2PLAYSMAX]

A quote from Manny from before tonight's game

"I don't have any preferences. I could choose a team that offers me the best conditions or one in the chase for the postseason. I don't care where I play, I can even play in Iraq if need be. My job is to play baseball,"


Iraq. Send in Manny and send back 3 of ours boys

[THE HITMAN]

Manny is an a hole and a club house cancer