I have been a Manny apologist for years. No more. The comment about Sox ownership saying one thing to him and then doing something else is the straw that has broken the camel's back.

This is an organization that not only pays him handsomely but has run interference for him in every juvenile situation he has found himself in. If it is true that he was fined for pushing an employee, well he should have been. I'm sure he can afford it.

But Manny's latest comment was a slap in the face to John Henry who is a class act. Even when firing back at Manny, Henry still praised Manny in his statement saying that he was instrumental in allowing the Sox to win two WS titles.

Manny has become the poster boy for the spoiled athlete. I've had enough of this clown's act. We have witnessed his lack of hustle, stupid comments, juvenile antics, etc for nearly a decade. I, like many others, have been guilty of making excuses for this guy. This season alone he has had a dugout incident with Kevin Youkalis, shoving the Sox traveling secretary and now basically calling the Red Sox owners liars. These are the people that pay this ungrateful nitwit 20 million dollars to play a game that little kids play for free whenever they get the chance.

Manny being Manny, like long running plays on Broadway, needs to have the curtain come down and it's run come to an end. Say bye bye to Manny's 20 million dollar/year salary and bring in a couple of 10 million dollar/year pitchers and I would be smiling.

If Manny hasn't grown up by now, he never will

Is there ANYTHING for Lobel to actually back these rather lofty claims up, or is it all just conjecture?

Bob Loebel is an idiot. He and Buckley were almost calling for a Manny lynching in 2005 because he wasn't running out every ground ball (even though his OPS was over 1000, and only about 5 guys in MLB run out everything).

Manny was overmatched on the three pitches. Not the first guy to be overmatched by Rivera; and by the way the replays showed the last two pitches to be outside. When Manny is gone, the press will work over the next Red Sox megastar, to get him out of town. Just the way it goes in Beantown.

I agree 100%.

This is just the first shot at Manny's attempt to either get a contract exrension or not get renewed. Scott Boras must be licking his chops at this...

When I watched Manny take 3 straight strikes from Mariano, I knew at that moment that something was definitely wrong.

I don't know if Manny has ever taken 3 straight strikes as a professional ball player.

But in Yankee Stadium, bases loaded, game on the line, and with Mariano pitching, it almost doesn't get any better than that. Big moment. Moments that Manny lives for.

And he takes 3 straight strikes?

Manny, you just betrayed your teammates and your coaches and all Red Sox fans.

A 5 year old would intentionally spill the milk jsut to get back at their parent.

But to get back at ownership, you quit in Yankee Stadium with the game on the line?

Your teammates must love you for that.

Here's your option: I'll pay you 5 cents to play in Boston next year/

How's that sound? 5 cents equals the value of your character.

Go someplace else - we don't need your childish sabotage here.

Baseball is to fun of a sport for us as Fans to be worrying about, how much a player gets paid, and also whether the ownership is being straight foward or not. I think that we Boston red sox fans act childish when we start jumping on the players for saying stupid comments. We all had so much admiration for Brett Favre playing in so many staright games and how big of a team player he was, Yet it only took one interview to make him look like the most selfish and selfcenter sports figure in history. So remember fans just enjoy the game and the players on how they play, but to get involved in contract talks or what a player says and doesn't say it's irrelevant cause we never know the whole story never.... We can pretend we do but then who is being a child

As great as he has been, he's ready to be shipped to a National league team (hello Mets) for some prospects and at pitcher. Ba-bye Man-well

I think it is ridiculous that anyone would think that a professional baseball player would throw away an at bat. This is nothing more than the Red Sox front office character assassinating another baseball player. They did this to Nomar and now they are doing it with Manny.

I hope that the sox get their way and all you fair weather fans get your wish and Manny leaves. There are only 3 baseball players in the "history of baseball" that have a higher lifetime batting average and over 500 home runs.

Babe Ruth
Ted Williams
Jimmie Fox

I agree about the three strike pinch hit at bat - pretty much him saying "this is my day off". If they don't win the World Series he is gone.

To Jonathan and deggy -

You 2 are nothing more than the typical Manny aplogists who excuse EVERYTHING Manny does that embarasses himself or the team.

So I suppose when Manny blew off the spring training visit to the Vets Hospital you would come up with the lame reason " IT wasnt a MANDATORY trip!!"..

Adios Manny...Good luck to the fool team that gives you that 4 year deal.

Manny being Manny... disgrace and time for him to move on

It's time to send Manny packing.

Granted he is a very talented player and like Gary said give credit to a very well restrained John Henry for praising his left fielder despite his childish behavior towards the Sox ownership.

That being said however, enough is enough with this clown who calls himself a "professional" baseball player.

Manny is very fortunate to have the God given talent to play ball and make millions because if he couldn't, he would have trouble holding down a job flipping burgers at McDonald's.

Send him to Chicago or better yet LA where he could easily blend in with some of the other whackjobs.

All I have to say is I would rather be seeing Matt Holliday playing left field making 17mil a year rather than Manny.

Manny shows no respect for anyone, and never has. What sickens me about this juvenile is that he shows no respect for the game of baseball. He is a loafer.

And he only seems to hit when it doesn't matter. Put him at the plate when the Sox really need him, and he strikes out or hits into a double play and saunters down to first base. He turns doubles into singles by not hustling.

Get rid of him.

Manny's actions seem to diverge from his stated wish to stay with the Sox. I think it is bye-bye time.
Robin

Gary, you couldn't have put it any better. I have actually been looking for a "Manny being Manny" shirt recently as sort of a joke, but not any more. It's really ceased to be funny at this point.

"Is there ANYTHING for Lobel to actually back these rather lofty claims up, or is it all just conjecture?"

Exactly what I was thinking. And isn't he supposedly leaving WBZ? I HATE , HATE, HATE all the conjecture - fans and media alike. Not one of us is privy to Front Office and/or Manny Ramirez conversations/meetings/or lack thereof and it's SO typical of Boston fans (first) to jump on a guy who they perceive to be out of line and even more typical (second) of the media hacks who are supposed to report the news, not create conjecture and innuendo. Memo to Manny - DON'T TALK TO THESE GUYS, they'll use every word against you.

WHO THE HECK IS BOB LOBEL..I CANNOT BELEIVE NO ONE ELSE BROKE THIS STORY....LITTLE SHADY..LIKE TO MORE DETAILS AND FACTS FIRST

posters like deggy just make me sick. he is just so full of himself and hatred that he totally misses the point. It doesn't matter if Lobel or deggy thinks Manny tanked it. What Lobel was asserting, and given that he is a quality reporter and has sources, was that the FRONT OFFICE saw it that way. THAT is the story. Theo has never been a Manny guy, and now with John Henry clearly offended personally, it just seems a no-brainer that the man/child needs a new playground.

how does loebel know what goes on in manny's head or john henry's or anybodys--he's just writing copy--making his paycheck--frankly, manny's the most interesting thing about the boston red sox--i do think he misses his alter ego, ortiz----does he have any other friends to kabiz with??--no, everybody who manny has enjoyed playing with has been dumped to other teams--yeah, he's a pain in the butt sometimes, but so aren't all of us and the people around us have to put up with it--some people out there would probably just love to be manny!!!--

Lobel being Lobel... blah, blah, blah...

manny being manny is a free ticket to be selfish and have others accept it. the guy is a great player, no doubt, but pushing an employee for something as stupid as tickets for a ballgame is unacceptable and he should be punished for that. Any of us would have been fired. it's one thing to admire an athlete ; it's another to allow idol worship to enable atrocious behavior.

deggy YOU are the idiot. Manny not only did not run out the ground balls, he headed straight to the dugout without even heading down the basepath. He quit.
More recently, Jacoby Ellsbury sent a routine fly ball to right field and dug it out. The right fielder missed the ball and Ellsbury wound up with a double because he DIDN'T quit.

At the end of the 2006 season, Manny saw the Sox fading in the standings and guess what? HE QUIT AGAIN!

And Lobel didn't say that Manny definitely laid off those pitches from Rivera. He said the front office PERCEIVED it that way. And history is kind of on their side.

Manny is a spoiled child. Don't get me wrong, I love watching him play when he's into it. But a quitter is not fun to watch. Coddling him is getting old. He gets paid very generously to play REGARDLESS of whether or not the team is winning.

Throwing Henry under the bus is yet another example of Manny's selfishness. Great hitter, yes. Decent human being, not so much.

What does this Bob Lobel know? Nothing, I bet one person in the FO told him that so now everybody has to think that way. If the organization thinks that Manny didn't give all in that AB they are kidding themselves, what a joke, Manny was struck out on two balls, what did they want him to swing at everything like their beloved Capitan Jason Varitek? Besides Manny was struggling and it had nothing to do with Manny rather than everything to do with Mariano, Manny can't hit him.

It's kinda funny because as I sat there and watched that at bat I felt he mailed it in right away! If history hasn't taught us anything, if those pitches were actually balls outside of the zone Manny would have bitched about them, what did he do, nothing, he turned around and walked away! I was on ESPN that night chatting with the fols on the game blog and him not swinging was commented simlarly by everyone who wasn't a Yankee fan. He wasn't overmatched be couldn't be bothered. Manny can go be Manny somewhere else I am tired of his antics.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Bob Lobel's predecessors berated Ted Williams everytime he struck out or went into a slump. Bob Lobel himself used to blast Yaz for "dogging it" and failing to hustle if he had a bad game. Now they're at it again with Manny. In 20 years when Manny's in the Hall of Fame, all these same jerks will be singing Manny Hosanas and making money off books, magazine articles, DVDs and God Knows What Else while they and their descendants in the press corpse (misspelling intended) are bashing the next Hall of Fame leftfielder because he had a bad game. It's ridiculous. But it will never change.

Manny should have been released for assaulting a co-worker, everyone else living in the real world knows this. The MLB should change to SEB or Sports Entertainment Business.

I don't know about all of you but I would rather have the Sox spend Manny's money on a real money player, can you say Matt Holliday. I would love to see him out in left field, can you imagine his numbers if he played at Fenway? wow!

Not running out ground balls is one thing, not even leaving the batters box is something completely different. Or lagging behind to admire his homerun only to have it stay in the park and Manny ends up with only a single.

As for his AB on July 6 - he didn't even flinch or make a check-swing at any pitch. In the situation of the game where they were still in it, I find watching 3 pitches unacceptalbe especially after being down 2 strikes. At that point even a little leaguer knows anything close you have to swing.

Just because Manny is a mega-star does not mean we should forgive his transgressions.

Fostergrant
Did you see the broadcast on TV. Last two pitches clearly off the outside corner. Are you promoting the idea of batters swinging at balls? Is the message that anyone who takes a third strike could be doing so out of spite? If you don't recognize the pattern and manipulation here, so be it. But the fact is the pitches were outside. This is the typical railroading that has been attempted many times with Manny. It's for guys like you who don't know jack about teams and sports.
I feel badly for you if you believe half of the stuff in the paper.

manny's not a whackjob, he's the man and he's one of the best hitters to ever play the game, anyone who doesn't want him here as long as possible is a moron.

Wait until the next time he hits one over the monster, where will all the "get rid of him" folks be then?

"overmatched" by Rivera???? You idiot, the guy's a first ballot HOF (manny). He sat there with the bat firmly planted on his shoulder you boob. When you're "overmatched' you're swinging right through a pitch or buckling on a nasty offspeed pitch. You apologist weiny. Get a clue. Manny's gone, good riddence.

Fostergrant, I didn't say anything except ask if there really was the slightest bit of evidence to back this up. Let's not make this personal, alright? I don't appreciate the pot shots.

Anyways, I've got to agree with the comment up above to an extent. I don't see the organization doing anything wrong, but this seems like a clear cut case of Boston media committing a pretty egregious incident of assumption.

You all cry "ship him out" and "who needs the bum," but when you're all done railroading him out of town and he's knocking home runs off us in the 2008 ALCS in pinstripes, you'll all be crying "traitor" and "money grubber." You know what, though? We, as a fandom, will have had it coming. We're not so far removed from the misery that was pre-2004 Red Sox fandom that I'm going to just forget all that Manny has given this team because of some incidents that have nothing to do with the field. I call BS on this "took three strikes on purpose" thing. I call about ten levels of it. That's not, nor has it ever been, the way Manny plays. This is the same media outrage that Boston's been committing since Manny first came into town. This is one step above Dan Shaugnessy levels of garbage reporting and you're all taking it, hook line and sinker.

This is one of many times since 2004 I've been almost embarrassed to associate myself with the short term memory and trigger happy mentality of the new Red Sox fandom. Textbook armchair quarterbacking right here.

I liken this to George Costanza trying to get fired by dragging the championship trophy around the parking lot, getting dressed up at body suit man and messing Babe Ruth's uniform..........His behavior is nothing but a ploy to get released so he can get a long term deal elsewhere.
Think about it.......if the Sox pick up his option(s) Manny gets his cash. But guess who doesn't get any cash........His new agent... Guess who that is?......Scott Boras, that's who........So if he goes elsewhere and get a multi year, let's say 80 million dollar contract, Boras is looking to score about $5 million or so......he gets nothing if the sox pick up the options. Then two years down the road, who is going to offer manny a long term deal? unlikely....

I love how this Lobel theory that he struck out on purpose is being reported like it's a confirmed fact. Anyone can think of something, it dosent mean it's true. A six-figure fine for pushing a guy? That's ludicrious, I could see 10k, maybe 50k, but 100 or over? Give me a break. I dont blame Manny for being in a bad mood, I would be too.

Manny should have been released for assaulting a co-worker, everyone else living in the real world knows this. The MLB should change to SEB or Sports Entertainment Business.

The claim that Manny kept his bat on his shoulder to send a message to ownership is completely conjecture. We've seen him have inexplicable bad at-bats, do base-running blunders, be asleep and get late starts on catches, and have the sudden lack of hustle many times, and it's my personal opinion its moments of apathy that cause it. But aside from that, Lobel does tend to go off the deep end in his comments, though the feelings behind those sorts of comments are usually righ on the money. Manny likely was very miffed at his punishment...but there's no reason to make up stuff to try to make an example to show it when there's no real evidence.

Everything else Lobel said that's quoted here has got plenty of backup, which is obvious to see for anyone not trying to make more excuses for Manny. The first commenter put it very, very well. Manny is an extremely talented, but spoiled man-child who needed to be disciplined several time thru the years by the Sox, but since they haven't, his tantrums will be tough to deal with.

Here's the evidence Manny was upset with being fined. His comments about Red Sox ownership not being straightforward are those of a guilty child who's been caught red-handed, and will say anything and everything to get the focus off themselves. It is completely disrespectful to an organization that has given him everything he's asked for, and allowed him special privileges to boot. Being an early childhood educator, I recognized the baby his first two months here. I worried then we might have another Irving Fryer on our hands. Little has changed, as evidenced by the regular issues he has.

We will miss his talents greatly if he decides to leave. What we won't miss is Manny being Manny. The charm has more than worn off.

I'm getting sick of Manny's act, too, but...there is no way he watched three straight strikes go by without swinging the bat just to get back at management. That's ridiculous. I don't buy it, and anyone who does has their mind made up already on this, and is feeding into the "company line" on this.

Manny is concerned with his stats, for God's sakes! Why would he intentionally strike out?

A more realistic scenario, if he were trying to punish the Sox, would have been to REFUSE to pinch hit in that spot...either outrightly or by feigning some illness or injury.

I've seen a Manny K like the one against Rivera dozens of times. To suggest that it is because he was being a child is just wrong and strictly conjecture. Rivera threw 2 borderline pitches and got the call on both. Manny didn't keep the bat on his shoulder, but started his leg kick as if to swing. It wasn't a great at-bat, but it wasn't a slap-in-the-face at-bat.

And just so we're clear, this is the same team/ownership that put Manny on irrevocable waivers before the 2004 season. I'm sure they were totally up-front and honest about that move. There is always some gamesmanship from both sides when this much money is involved, so don't read too much from Manny's or Henry's comments. Quotes sell papers, especially during a S-L-O-W sports news week.

Just pick up his option and go out and win.

"I think it is ridiculous that anyone would think that a professional baseball player would throw away an at bat."

I'm sorry, but that is just being naive.

dude can mash. end of story.

I would always write off his antics as cute or funny. Nice to see someone liven up a sometimes boring sport. However even before I read this blog I'm realizing more and more that he's just a spoiled child who holds the ball. Everyone that doesn't do exactly what he wants at all times doesn't get to play with it.

We have some really great players. 7 all-stars and others who would have easily been all-stars if it wasn't for baseball not wanting to put the Red Sox vs. the NL. We can easily get rid of Manny and be just fine. Bring in a couple good relievers or try to pick up another power hitters contract with his 20m a year option.

I'm certain all he does is bring the team down and I'm sure they're all sick of explaining to the media that it's a family issue.

Yeah! Manny is coming home to the Yankees baby! New Stadium and Manny!

He should never have come to Boston in the first place. Everyone in NY and Cleveland knew that. So didn't the Beannies! Boston tagged him with the 'idiot' label well before he ever stepped onto the field. The usual rhetoric... he's a good player... just not a smart one! I'm sorry, did I say player...I meant HITTER. I believe that's what the local media has reduced him to. It's just like Kevin Garnett only brings energy to the court! Or Rodney on brings hard hitting intensity to field. The good news! All hockey players are SMART!

I'm going to enjoy watching Manny go into the Hall of Fame with pinstripes. All ball players should. Boston can start its own hall of fame for the 'smart' players. Perhaps a Hall of Fame for the local media that have driven off descent human
beings, but stupid players!

Deggy - to be overmatched, a batter must attempt a swing. He looked like an Ace from an NL club being told "don't swing the bat"

Why are we surprised when Manny acts like a child? That is his mental capacity. An idiot -baseball savant, if you will. Seen in this light, his antics aren't so troubling. Compared to many NBA and NFL types, he's an angel. The Sox management needs to figure out if he's worth $20 million, factoring in that the Yankees will likely snatch him up. To be honest, I don't want to see a riled up Manny every time the Red Sox play the Yankees. If it's possible, I wouldn't mind an off-season sign and trade to an NL team, who give him the extension/payday Boras is looking for.

Ramirez was in a terrible slump when Rivera blew the three cutters by him, and it wasn't the first time in his career he got caught looking. The downside of Raimirez' 'setting up' pitchers is he sometimes waits too long for 'his pitch." This time he got faked out on the third cutter.

Lobel is a joke. He has carried on the Ramirez vendetta so long that he can't tell truth from his own gossipy fiction anymore. He's been telling this fable for weeks- first to Felger now to the Ramirez haters club at WEEI.

Ramirez is one of the greatest players who has ever suited up in Boston. Not without his foibles, and he darn well should have been fined heavily for the McCormick meltdown. Now it's time to move on about that incident..

But he remains a fan favorite because of his production, personality, and his place in Sox history.

Lobel is a rumour mongering out of work hack.

Ramirez was in a terrible slump when Rivera blew the three cutters by him, and it wasn't the first time in his career he got caught looking. The downside of Raimirez' 'setting up' pitchers is he sometimes waits too long for 'his pitch." This time he got faked out on the third cutter.

Lobel is a joke. He has carried on the Ramirez vendetta so long that he can't tell truth from his own gossip fiction anymore. He's been telling this fable for weeks- first to Felger now to the Ramirez haters club at WEEI.

Ramirez is one of the greatest players who has ever suited up in Boston. Not without his foibles, and he darn well should have been fined heavily for the McCormick meltdown. Now it's time to move on about that incident..

But he remains a fan favorite because of his production, personality, and his place in Sox history.

Lobel is a rumour mongering out of work hack.

If the NY at-bat is true, then Manny will do something akin in the playoffs...in a game that really matters if he knows he's not getting an extension (which he is not). With Manny it's all about Manny.

I'd trade him for a dollar and the proverbial player to named later to some NL team that has no shot at a WS and that we won't play next year. I'm tired of his attitude and his ugly mug. We'll win without you.

Santana for Manny.. hahahaha

Where's the evidence Lobel? Just another example of a Boston sportswriter creating a story where there isn't one if you ask me...

To all those who are sticking behind Manny in terms of his strikeout July 6th.
Did any of you backing him up actually watch the game? Or are you still blindly following behind Manny again. He clearly threw that at bat away to send a message.

As for him not wanting to ruin his stats. If anyone here believes for a second that he cares about 1 single at bat, then you haven't been watching him for the past 10 years. He knows he is Manny Ramirez. Do you really think one of his hundreds of at bats this year even matters? David Ortiz started off in the low 100's avg wise this season, did you really think it would continue? So do you think for a second that .001 off Manny's average is going to change anything?

It is obvious to me that this years issues are not just Manny being Manny. because it is an option year, Scott Boros is probably coaching Manny to act out and to use the disrespect card. He wants the Red Sox not to pick up his option. This will allow him to get a better deal on the open market and Scott Boros will make out with his commission. It really is "Manny being Manny and Scott being Scott"

Rivera has the biggest srike zone in the majors.

Lobel is a fool if he doesn't understand what happened that night. He'd prefer to attribute ulterior motives to Manny than to try to understand what he's looking at.

I can't believe you are giving Manny so much credit. He is not the sharpest marble in the bag. He works hard at baseball but not at the life that goes with it. He is not smart enough to try and think that he screw the team over by no swinging.

He is the best right handed hitter in baseball history. Do we remember other people that were the talented, but fans did not like their personality, Willy Mays, Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Ted Williams.

Remember these people have been given everything since they were in high school and they don't know the difference. Just sit back and enjoy the hitting display he puts on, and be happy you don't have to deal with him every day yourself.

yeah but he can hit...

I'm a Manny fan but he has gone to fare and I'm sick his "Manny being Manny garbage as he is acting like a child again and again. I also like Lobel and I'm sure he would not just make his up. He is a legand in the sports broadcasting world here in Boston. I will always remember his famouds line of "why can't we get players like that ?"

John Henry is so full of it. Manny is 100% right in this regard. The Red Sox ownership has always been very coy, pragmatic, and somewhat duplicitous in it's player contract negotiations. The yhave rules one day, break them the next day. Henry is living in a bubble. Get real.

Also how do we know that the McCormack guy wasn't nasty to Manny i nhow he spoke to him. He probably was.

I'm a Manny fan but he has gone to fare and I'm sick his "Manny being Manny garbage as he is acting like a child again and again. I also like Lobel and I'm sure he would not just make his up. He is a legand in the sports broadcasting world here in Boston. I will always remember his famouds line of "why can't we get players like that ?"

go manny,

Manny IS a whackjob and if I had my way should be wearing a Dodgers uniform.

He would fit in perfectly out there in "Blah Blah" Land!

Next thing you'll hear about is that he will be going to the Kaballah temple with Madonna and A-Rod.....

Let's remember one thing here. The Yankees, or any other team for that matter, could have had Manny 4 years ago for nothing. Why do you think the yankees are going to grab him if the Sox don't re-sign him this year?

In addition, I have no problem with him disciplining Youk. Youk needs to get a grip and needed a lesson. Many of his teammates were tired of Youk's baby antics.

the Sox are in a no win situation going forward with Manny. Pick up the $20M option and half the town complains he isn't a model ballplayer. Let him go, and half the town complains you've let the best right-handed hitter of the decade leave. He isn't worth the $20M option, no one is anymore, but do you sign him for a 2 year extension at say $35M to lock him up for 2 years? Which is what Manny wants, to be locked in for a definitive amount of years, although I get the feeling Boras will have a phantom team offering him a 4 year deal. If they don't pick up one or both options, they run the risk of a bidding war with other teams and no viable replacement in the outfield or lineup. The only 2 hitters capable of carrying Manny's jock in outfield defense/lineup presence are Matt Holiday and Ryan Braun. Holiday is a free agent at the end of '09, and Braun is locked up with the Brewers and is a cornerstone of their organization for a while. Pick up one option, and go from there, he may not be happy with it, but it keeps him having to play for another contract for the next season. Then sign Holiday once he's a free agent; 5 yrs, $75M.

Say all you want about Manny, but he is a first ballot Hall of Famer and a living baseball legand. I read that he got into the tiff with Youk b/c he told Youk (and rightly so in my opinion) that Youk needs to chill out and not freak every time he strikes out. Tito's told him the same thing. Manny's lack of emotion on the field is often taken for not caring but like in golf, if you let emotion get the better of you, your game suffers. He's so good precisely because he has the personality he has. I can't explain the incident with the travelling secretary but any true fan of the game knows that Manny is exceptional. He skipped media day at the All-Star game--do you blame him? The only person who Manny ever felt comfortable talking with was Kevin Millar. Manny will leave Boston b/c he wants a 3-4 year deal and the Sox won't give him that--I don't blame him when he goes. His numbers are what they are and speak for themselves.

"why can't we get players like that ?"

Manny Ramirez comes to mind. Lobel should go away quietly.

You people are rich. Bob Lobel throws out his theory and suddenly it's fact?

In the off-season between 2003 and 2004 the Red Sox put Manny on unconditional waivers. They were giving him away for free and no one (including the Yankees) took him. He was also mentioned in trade talks when all the ARod stuff came up.

Did he dog it in 2004 to protest?

Oh wait, that was the year he was the World Series MVP.

What everyone's forgetting is, to Manny... it's just a job, nothing more, nothing less, he does these kinds of things like hiding in the Green monster, taking cell phone calls etc...because the team allows it. Do you think Jed Lowrie or Brandon Moss could get away with anything even close to that behavior.......me either.

Hopefully Lobel, has some credible sources and he's not just mouthing off, if he is then he should be disciplined by WBZ also.

I was amazed with the three pitch strikeout of Manny in the Yankee game. I thought it was strange. Now after reading this it's seems plausible for Manny to pull something like that. We may not be able to replace his bat, but I believe we can win without him. We may be better off without him. It's sad to say this about grown men making so much money with so little respect for the game or themselves for that matter. I guess we will all see what happens with Manny soon enough.

Manny can be a likeable guy - kind of like an overgrown child - I find it hard to believe that he would intentionally take three straight strikes - if that's true, it's totally inexcusable & I would absolutely send him packing, either now or at the end of the season.

Also, no excuse for shoving Jack McCormick - this would get most people fired, and the Sox and most of us have given this guy way too much slack for his childish antics and crimes against baseball for years.

One way or the other, this is most likely his last year in Boston!

All over for me here, too - had enuf - SEE YA LATER MANNY!!

This sort of crap is why Manny doesn't talk to the media... The guy has done nothing but win in Boston... and has been a key to creating this winning culture. The point is... how easy we forget that having a future Hall of famer in the line-up makes everyone better... not to mention the batter in the spot in front of him... you think they may see better pitches?!?

Manny said when he got here that he was here to bring a championship to Boston... and he has twice... 20 million with no comitments for the next two year is the deal of the century for a guy like Manny... put yourself in his shoes... what if he gets hurt?

Look at the bracket of elite players Manny is in... Manny would comand 25 mil + on the open market... you know why? 'Cuz he's a bad man.... and he ALWAYS gets his hits. That sort of consitency on the ball field is not easy to replace... So be carefull what you wish for.

2 thngs seem to never change... The media nit picks and hates on Manny about OFF FIELD issues... but on the field Manny hits and makes reveryone in the lineup around him better.

The Red Sox had not won a World Series championships in 80 years before Manny. They have won 2 since.

The Red Sox do not pay Manny 20 million dollars a year to run out routine ground balls to major league infielders who seldom make throwing errors. They pay him for once in a generation offensive production. Manny's presence in that lineup makes everybody else better. Take him out of the lineup and you have a gaping hole.

However, now that Manny is 36 and his offensive dominance is diminishing, he needs to realize that the Boston Red Sox front office may not perceive his value to be 20 million dollars per year anymore.

If Rivera has the biggest strike zone in the majors shouldn't Manny have expected those calls to be strikes and protect the plate? Get rid of this guy and go after Holliday.

Bob Lobel is completely irresponsible with these comments. He goes too far with his comments that to the listener completely blur the line between what Lobel thinks in his bitter brain and what is actual fact. Manny sent a message by striking out against the greatest closer in the history of baseball? Didn't Manny come right back last week with two huge hits in consecutive games to help the Sox win games?

Lobel....yet another sports reporter that loves to stir the pot to make a NAME for himself.
Lay off Manny...he like everyone else in this world makes mistakes. sure Manny was wrong for pushing McCormick...no one is denying that. but to come out say Manny (possibly the best 2 or 3 hitters) in the last 20 years took 3 strikes from the best closer (ever) to send a message to the Sox Managment...that's damn crazy.
Pure reckless speculation on Lobel's part. Best to keep your opinions to yourself...before Manny pushes you. And believe me...all us Manny suporters would gladly pay his fine for shoving you...who actually deserves it!

Hey Manny, you're supposed to be a role model to young kids - not a spoiled brat not getting his way. You should be ashamed of yourself.

You know what this means: Another two weeks of "Will Manny be traded?" talk. In 2004, I was not at all surprised when Nomar was shipped out of town after the way he told the Sox with his actions that he wanted out. The same could be true for Manny. It was incredible to me that it took trading a then-superstar like Nomar for the Sox to win the World Series. Could the same be true with Manny? I wonder if the Rockies would take him as part of a package with Hansen and Bowden for Holliday and Fuentes.

2 Words...Matt Holliday

I think all the Manny Hate is bull! Are you happy we won two World Series Championships? Well if we didn't have Manny that would be zero. The issue between him and Jack McCormick should have been handled internally. Furthermore Jack wasn't punished at all and I am sure he said something to Manny to set him off.
The bottom line is Manny is a fun and exciting person to watch. Why do you watch Baseball? To be entertained thats why. Manny is part amazing hitter and entertainer. If I am going to pay $100 to go see a game I want to be entertained. All the things Manny does, his antics, are just that entertaining. Trust me we will miss him if he's gone. Be carefull what you wish for because it could happen.
We need Manny. I think there has been way to much Manny hate the past 5 years. No wonder he always threatens to want to leave. If you lived in a town that did nothing but hate on you no matter how important you were to their success, you would want to leave to. SHOW MANNY LOVE NOT HATE!!!

Is Lobel still running around town like a shrill hyena trying to peddle this garbage?

Well, he got no takers at Comcast.

I guess the bloggers here have as much time on their hand as Bob does.

Sad.

I agree. How could anybody strike out against Mariano Rivera. Incredible. It had to be intentional . ..Give me a break! This is just another example of the Boston sports media trying to run Manny out of town.

For what it's worth, I've now heard Lobel give this speculation three times now. He said the same thing on Felger's ESPN radio show right after the yankee game. As has been pointed out, he has no sources. My guess is the fine is accurate, but this "feeling" that he tried to K is his own

"He is a legend in the sports broadcasting world" -- He is not a legend anywhere else but the old folks homes of Boston, Mass. "Why can't we get players like that?" Because they know if they come here, then jerks like Lobel will crucify them too. If Matt Holliday, Vlad Guerrerro or any other player who also happens to be a human being (as all of them are) come to Boston, Lobel will be blasting them too, just like he did with Yaz when I was a kid.

Let me make this short and I have weighed the pros and cons at least from my perspective....And that means exactly nothing...

He is the "gifted" child who is both spoiled and petulant. and apparently struggles mightily with concepts like accountablity especially when Papi isn't there to babysit.

Sign him or don't sign him at your own peril....

Let's keep the idiot. Why get rid of him? The Sox are in a perfect position. Come September and (hopefully) October Manny will be under pressure to perform so that....

(A) the Sox pick up his option

or

(B) he gets an offer of ~$20m from someone else.

Ignore his idiocy, fine him when he crosses the line, and keep him in the frying pan. He obviously cares about money more than anything else so the Sox should squeeze what they can out of an outstanding hitter under their terms.

This is a great situation. The Sox hold two one year options. They do not have to exercise them until after he performs. All this crap is just a way for Manny to try to get the Sox to change the terms so he has the leverage. To heck with him.

Go Sox. Keep the puppet dancing!

To Wizard of War,

I hate to burst your bubble, but the once proud Yankee franchise is rapidly becoming a laughingstock. First the Mitchell report shows us how many Yankees were jucing during their last string of success. Now they have a buffoon for an owner that embarrasses the organization every time he opens his mouth.

Where will it end for the Yankees ? I believe they will suffer their worst nightmare this season.....no playoffs.

And let's not even talk about the ignorant and boorish Yankee fans that verbally attacked Jonathon Papelbon's pregnant wife during the All-Star parade.

Sorry to inform you, but the Yankees are rapidly becoming an esample of a dysfuntional organization rather than one to be looked up to.

Lobel - He is what he is...........

What? Do you guys doubt that Lobel can get inside stories? He's been here longer than the Tobin Bridge for god's sake.

It is time for Manny to leave. Manny being Manny off the field is tolerable being he is a "Super Star" but once he starts disrupting his teammates and not giving his all during a game it's time he goes somewhere else. The National League would be perfect place and the Rockies have some talent we could use.

What ever happened to baseball and apple pie? The all-American game?
What do kids see these days from these leaders of baseball? At least the owner has been cool. Kids look up to Manny and what are they learning from this? The whole game seems to be going the way of business, and losing its charm. Seeing a pitcher clearly mouth profanity the other night, I became fed up.

A Mom

Lobel's report rings absolutely true. I hadn't connected the Yankee Stadium at bat to the McCormick episode, but it sounds as if the team understood it that way. That also explains John Henry's conclusion that he had to do something publicly, on behalf of the organization (including his GM and manager).

Whatever else one may think of Lobel, he has good sources and usually gets his facts straight.

Ortiz is right -- this should alll be put on hold until the season is over. But the guy has to go.

I'm not buyin' that Manny intentionally took three straight pitches from Rivera. They showed him in the dugout getting ready for his pinch hit AB and he looked very eagar to do it. Also, as aloof and flakey as Manny can be , he's still a professional athelete who's been very successful and to do that you have to have a competitive nature. For him to tank it on national TV at Yankee Stadium just doesn't add up.

I love the drama. Nobody knows the whole story but we do know Manny's past. I say we deal him for a couple of prospects and try to get either Texiera or Holliday to replace his bat. I wouldn't mind dealing youk for texiera as long as we can get a catching prospect in return. Tek is on the back nine and will be on the sox' coaching staff in a few years.

I think Manny's time here has come full circle. His numbers are not what they used to be and it may be time to go younger. Yes, he is the best righthand hitter in sox history, but it is time to let history be history. Let him go play with Pedro in NY.

"It was incredible to me that it took trading a then-superstar like Nomar for the Sox to win the World Series. Could the same be true with Manny?"

You mean the Manny who helped the team win two championships?

Do you even THINK about what you write?

I have no doubt that Manny was fined for his unprofessional behaviour when he shoved the Red Sox elderly press secretary. But to suggest that Manny deliberately took 3 strikes to "get back at" the Sox is purely conjuecture. I watched the game too. I was disappointed that a pinch hitter, especially one of Manny's caliber, never got the bat off his shoulder. That being said, he has had other at bats like that in his illustrious career. The only way to truly know what his intentions were during that AB is to ask Manny. Everything else is based on a hunch. Manny frequently suceeds by guessing right during his ABs. He's faced Rivera many times in his career. Maybe he was looking for something else.

Let's face it.... Manny is one of the best hitters in Baseball...EVER. He has let his ability go to his head, & has no shame. That's his problem. Knowing how well he has done against Rivera over the years, I might be inclined to believe Lobel's story, especially compared to the person, or lack there of, whom Lobel is talking about. If Management decides to keep him around for the next year or longer, it is not a bad move on their part, unless we continue to see incidents in the dugout or locker room or elsewhere around the Club. That would obviously be a detriment to the team, & he would need to be allowed to leave at the end of the season. As far as I am aware, Manny has a no-trade clause & I doubt he would agree to any trade, & if the option was mentioned to him, he may do worse than just take 3 pitches in a game or playoff changing situation. We would be lucky if he only went so far as to feign injury & take himself out of play for the rest of the season. I would hate to see the disruptions he would cause if he were still going out on the field. The new Redsox ownership has done everything right to keep Manny happy so far. Let's hope they continue to work in that direction, if only for the sake of having him up at the plate for us instead of them.

manny is the man. he can do whatever he wants, whenever. he's better than all of you

Type your comment here...

Reply to #3.....Come on .... he's a big leaguer. Kids in lttle league know to swing if it's near the plate when you have 2 strikes on you. Given the situation, I can buy in to being out guessed on pitches 1 and 2. But with the count 0-2 and given the situation, he couldn't be sitting waiting for his "optimal pitch". He laid down ...case closed.

Did anyone who is defending Manny's at bat actually watch it? It was clear to me that night he wasn't going to swing. It's not like he was fooled on three straight pitches...he never protected the plate. He didn't care he was selfish....while not trying to be judge, jury, executioner on this, but it's clear that something needs to happen...and John Henry isn't going anywhere...i'd rather trade Manny to the Rockies for Holliday and lock him up for the next 6 years...We'll get over it...we did with Pedro, Damon, Nomar and every other Red Sox we thought we could never part with.

You people are sheep. Remember when Lobel said Michael Jordan was going to be a Celtic during the ML Carr era...simply because they played a round of golf together? one too many shots of jack during commercial breaks for Lobel.
Does everyone forget Mariano Rivera is arguably the greatest closer of all time? What? he struck someone out on 3 pitches? No kidding! I bet thats never happened before.

Shame on the boston globe, this is garbage.

manny was in a slump,that's why he was on the bench that game. He's the only reason why I watch the Red Sox!!!!! Keep hitting Manny !!!! The heck with all these haters!!!

This is just another case of the Red Sox using their media shills to do their bidding. They tried running Manny out of town before 04, and now they want to tarnish him, so their not renewing will seem logical and his fault. Manny is right to call them out for being two faced, the whole front office crew!

Bob Lobel? Why can't we get rid of sportscasters like that?

Somebody tell Bob Lobel he's irrelevant.

He also has NO IDEA what resonated up in the front office. They don't talk to him.
He creates a straw man and supports it with no fact, just suppositions and proclaimations.

He adds the "revelation" from Bradford (another know nothing) that Manny said "if they don't pick up the option I'm a free agent I'll play elsewhere..."

Well that's the way it would work wouldn't it. How is that even news.

Righ

I'm not trying to be a Manny apologist, but I can see how this one AB could be misinterpreted. My first thoughts when watching was what the heck are you doing, Manny? But after thinking about it I was able to come up with a logical explanation. How many times have you seen Manny take strike one? He does it all the time. He's a patient hitter and likes to get his timing down the first time he sees a pitcher in a game. And in this case he was coming off the bench so the timing thing was even more heightened. Strike two he thought was outside, and it was certainly one that could have gone either way. Strike three, well that one's easy. Pitchers almost always waste a pitch when ahead 0-2 in the count trying to get the batter to chase, so Manny was playing the odds

There yo go again.... getting on Manny's case, Manny not only is a great player but a great clutch player, specially against the hated Yankees for that reason alone Sox fan and sport writers in particular and owners should adore him, without him it would be very difficult to have won not one but two World Series, no to mention that as far as I know he is a great FAMILY MAN, loves his mother, wife, kids, never has he done anything to embarras his family or the Red Sox Nation, but ...........go ahead trade him for A-ROD, you will get plenty to write about, except winning the World Series again , as far as Mr. owner, see if he can hit a 95 miles an hour fast ball, Manny's option should not only have been picked up already but signed to an extention.

you sox fans are unreal. It must hurt to keep jumping on and off bandwagons like you do. Without Manny you dont win any world series and winning makes all his other baggage tolerable. David Ortiz became the hitter he is because Manny bats behind him...the proof in that is the month JD Drew put up when he got slotted in front of Manny. Drew is mediocre at best and with mannys protection he became an all star. So as a yankee fan i say please get rid of Manny...if you think you wont have a huge dropoff with Matt Holliday you must be stupid.

Let's just close out this outrage, by asking ourselves: how many times has Bob Lobel appeared on television while intoxicated?

Case closed! He probably had 3 to many before appearing on that sports radio show which should get an over-haul of all their radio show personalities, starting with the 2-5 pm show!

I agree that Manny did it to get back at the front office. I've always been a Manny fan and I've always defended him. But taking 3 straight fastballs down the middle of the plate in a spot where we needed him the most? That's a bitch move. Ortiz would've launched one in the upper deck.

And how can you NOT get on him for making dumb comments? You people act like these guys are holy Gods who are entitled to do or say whatever they want. These players are just people like you and me. They're going to screw up and say stupid things, and they're going to hear about it when they do, JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! We get on him because WE essentially pay his salbeen reduced to somewhat of an average player it makes it even wary with our ticket money. I'm starting to get really sick of all this crap that Manny pulls. It was one thing when he was hitting 40 home runs a year, but guess what? HE DOESN'T DO THAT ANYMORE! If he hits 30 home runs I'll be surprised. Yes he still has the talent and potential to hit 40, but at this point, he basically decides when he's going to hit. You can call it far-fetched all you want, but that's what Manny does.

I absolutely CAN NOT STAND when someone looks at strike 3, never mind when someone looks at ALL 3 STRIKES, never mind when the at-bat comes with 2 outs and the bases loaded against our hated rivals in a crucial point in the game. All Manny had to do was DECIDE to put ONE GOOD SWING on one of those pitches, and it would have been a grand slam. But he knows actions speak louder than words, and decided to throw an indirect tantrum on national television, over something he started anyway. If he pulls this shit in the playoffs, he better be prepared for MAJOR consequences. This is Boston, not Kansas City. Cut the shit Manny or they'll cut your salary.

Manny is obviously upset, but his timing in "acting out" right now is terrible. By playing at less than 100% and showing us all that he's unhappy, Manny is simply making it easier for us, and the Red Sox, to say "Goodbye, Manny".

It's really sad that Manny's huge salary and his sterling career stats are no longer enough of an incentive to produce his best efforts on behalf of the Red Sox..

"He is the best right handed hitter in baseball history." Some baseball " fan" actually posted this ridiculous comment about Ramirez today. Hey pal, ever heard of these other Right Hand power hitters;

Willie Mays, Jimmy Foxx, and Hank Aaron?!

Please....

it's just Lobel being Lobel again.

a tired old washed-up hack looking for some attention.

You guys are all being ridiculous. Manny isn't going anywhere, they aren't trading him or releasing him. That's just ridiculous.

You want Matt Holliday? The guy is good, but he's being overvalued because he plays in Colorado. Don't believe me? Do some research on his home/away splits. He's a stud at home, but he's not on the road. Don't get me wrong, he's still very good, but he's no Manny. And he's just as bad as Manny in the OF.

Now, if there was some actual PROOF that Manny laid down during this at bat, fine. I'm all for getting on him if that was actually the case, but no one besides Manny will ever know that .

To ship someone out because he didn't run out a few groundballs over the course of thousands of at bats, or to ship someone out because you THINK he laid down on ONE at bat is not how you run a baseball team.

Yeah, lets dump one of the most productive sluggers OF ALL TIME (because of one at bat) and then trade all of our prospects to Colorado for an inferior Holliday. That makes way more sense.

Get a clue.

Manny is a great ballplayer?.. of course.
Manny is selfish?... Yes.
Does he lollygag up the basepaths?... Yes, get over it.
Would I be happy if he was on the team next year?.. yeah, I'm not an idiot to have that bat.
Would I put it past Manny to throw an at bat?.... no.
Did I see that at-bat?.... no I was out of the country

Do I believe what the media says and how they say it....No way.

bottom line: Youkilis should backhand him.

ftt

For all you people wanting Matt Holliday, we aren't trading Manny for him. The Rockies have ZERO interest in that. If we wanted to get Holliday, we'd have to trade at least 2 or 3 of our best prospects. Theo isn't going to do that. Plain and simple, Manny isn't going anywhere until after the season so stop your complaining.

This report is coming from FORMER WBZ reporter Bob Lobel. A guy who is a notorious raging alcoholic. And I can say that for myself as I've seen him more times than I can count getting smashed in the Brighton area (at the Stockyard). I can't believe people are listening to a word this guy says.

Jake,

You said :
i'd rather trade Manny to the Rockies for Holliday and lock him up for the next 6 years...We'll get over it...we did with Pedro, Damon, Nomar and every other Red Sox we thought we could never part with.

You're aware Holliday is yet another product of Coors field right? .277 on the road, .363 at the beer launching pad for his career. His OPS is 200 points higher in the bandbox at Coors than it is on the road. Dante Bichette anyone?

It seems we have many shiny new RSN members in here, $50.00 member card and all. Take the tags off your new hats, and pretend you know what you're talking about.

"There was a perception..." is BAD JOURNALISM. Very consistent with Boston sports reporting generally, Red Sox reporting more specifically, and a brand of BoSox sports reporting even more specifically. Unfortunately, Lobel (along with Ryan and Shaugnessy) are part of that brand.

This is a non-verified story leading off with "There was a perception...", using passive, third-person voice, and is non-attributed. It also indicates a few OTHER things:

1) No source.
2) A leading question from the reporter such as, "Could there have been a perception...?" and the source saying, "I guess..."
3) Someone with an axe to grind.

Note that Lobel's name is in the middle of the story. Whether or not he has a good reputation, his involvement indicates that, among other things, he has a stake in the story gaining traction. That is a marker for bad journalism.

Just thought I'd remind everyone. Regarding Manny's behavior, I have no comment until I hear something from Amalee Benjamin.

Many people seem to overlook the fact that Manny Ramirez is unquestionably one of the top 25 greatest hitters to ever play the game and arguably one of the top 5 right handed hitters of all time. Not only would the Red Sox not have won 2 World Series without him, they would have been lucky to make the playoffs anytime this century without his contribution in the middle of the order.
While his off field antics may consume the Boston media, his production in the batters box is a phenomonel display of the hard work and dedication to the game that Ramirez posses. Anyone who has scrated the surface of who Ramirez is will know the stories of him waking up in the wee hours of the morning to train while in high school in NY and studying endless film of opposing pitchers before his teammates get to the park.
One day, probably after Ramirez has long left the MLB people will apprechiate him for his incredible ability and hard work and forget about anything but his jaw-dropping statistics.

He took three pitches. Yes, very unlike him. But they were balls. Was anyone watching the next two games, when he WON IT FOR THE SOX in the 8th.

I'll never get why there are so many haters in Boston. Possibly, the majority of you guys are stuck in the past, where Boston sucked (at sports and in general) and are neck deep in negativity. Can't change an old man. Manny is NOT LIKE YOU AND NEVER WILL BE. HE IS DIFFERENT. DEAL WITH IT.

We won twice with Manny. He's one of the best ever. No defending him for pushing an old man to the ground, but seriously...

this guy is a moron. There is no proof of anything that he is saying. 2 of those 3 pitches were outside. Ok, he struck out with the game on the line. but let me ask you a question, is he the only on the redsox to strike out with the game on the line? no way. Ortiz has done it, Varitek has done, Youk has done it, everyone in the majors does it. Its not a new thing. If striking out looking is sending a message to the team, then is Varitek or Youk or Papi doing the same thing. No, are the other people in the Majors doing the same thing? no. So this writer needs to find some facts before ruining a great ballplayers reputation. GO SOX!!!

During that game, does anyone remember when the announcer, Joe Morgan, made a point by repeatedly saying how "Many told me he' d start hitting tomorrow." He was right, because that night is when he pinch watched and did not swing the bat until the next day.

Anyone who has ever said, "Manny just being Manny" should have to complete 1,000 hours of community service. It is the most ridiculous created excuse.

The Lynch mob speaks. I love it how everyone can tell what is going on in a person's mind by watching them at bat - a person, mind you, that they haven't met and who is a total flake.

For the resord, Manny lifetime BA against Riveria is .211 with 12 K's in 38 at bats. Which means that Manny is 50% more likely to strike out against Riveria than get a hit. And considering Riveria is having a particularly good year, I would say that the chances are even high this season. Riveria's era is the lowest it's ever been.

2 strikes on the inside part of the plate followed by a cutter that started outside and then tailed back in to clip the outside part of the plate. That was an amazing pitch.

Now if he struck out on 3 straight against a stiff, that might warrant a raised eye brow, but against arguably the greatest closer of all time who is having his season ever? Please.

As a Yankee fan, I've never been unable to understand Boston fans' attitudes toward Manny. He's one of the greatest hitters of all time and, despite my general hatred of the Sox, I've always loved watching him play, even against the Yanks. (He does happen to be the greatest Yankee-killer ever.) Instead of the hundreds of runs he's driven in for their team every year, though, Boston fans and media insist on harping on a handful of incidents that, while weird at times, don't amount to a hill of beans. There must be something about the psychology of the Boston sports fan that makes being able to play the game better than almost anyone else not quite good enough--you also have to "hustle," or at least regularly dispense inspirational quotes to the media. (Then again, A-Rod gets the same treatment in New York, so maybe it's not confined to these parts.)

The fact that Lobel was speculating on this long before he bothered to report it is enough to expose it for exactly what it is. You think Manny didn't want to get the game winning hit against Rivera and the Yankees? You honestly think that? As great as Manny is, he does go through slumps like any other baseball player, and at that point he was in the middle of a pretty brutal one. But, if you honestly believe Lobel, you can keep your irrational love for all those "hustlin' ballplayers" and let Manny go to the Yanks. Guys like Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, as well as they're playing this season, aren't fit to hold Manny's jock.

Typical Boston Media nonsense. When no story exists, invent one.

Only this town could continually complain about a guy who has averaged 300/400/600 over the last 8 years.

And, when Manny leaves for another team and is hitting home runs and driving guys in, what's Lobel going to be saying? You know what! "How come we can't get players like Manny?"

Time to put Lobel out to pasture. Six figure fine seems pretty ridiculous to me. Who gets that money - Henry?

Why can't we get sports anchors like that here in Boston?

You know what, I specifically remember that at bat and how weird it was that Manny just took those three pitches. I would not be suprised if Lobel was right.

I've seen Manny overpowered by high 90's fastballs plenty of times. Only a very few people can hit the high heat. Manny has not been one of them for years.

All this is ,is a "has been" local reporters opinion on what happenned. What happens when Manny is the best player in the second half??? Do we still let him go because he got in few feuds? Will Papi be the same Papi after this wrist injury?
Was Nomar ever the same after his?? I just too many people take the Media's word as GOD.....I think we should remember the Tomasi situation and stop listening to here says.

"And he only seems to hit when it doesn't matter."

Michael, get your facts straight! Like him or not, saying he hasn't produced when needed is idiotic, or at the very least grossly uninformed.

I agree with what one of the posts said: as fans we have no idea what really goes on other than the baseball you see and the interviews. even what is reported is all biased, one way or the other.

let's see what he does the rest of the season

If Manny didn't want to swing the bat, he never would have walked up to the plate.

I personally don't think any player's worth 20 mil a year. I like Manny as a player, and he's got a reputation as an incredibly hard worker when it comes to hitting. He's a passable fielder (remember the embarrassment of the '04 series, though...MVP despite some ridiculously poor OF play) with a good arm and quick release, some range, and he clearly enjoys playing. But he's not "professional" by any stretch; then again, that's part of his "charm." Unfortunately, physically assaulting somemone for not getting you seats for a game is totally unacceptable in my book. I don't care what he hits or if he's suddenly reborn on defense, I just don't want a guy like that on my team. If Manny were "the man" as claimed by Jim in comment 99, he'd act like one, publicly admit his wrongdoing, and apologize. Faulting ownership is juvenile and it's going to get him made a free agent at the end of the year. As far as that's concerned, well, Manny's in decline...if your best argument is that he's a HOFer, that holds minimal weight for me, given that he's not a .330/40/140 guy anymore. Manny's replaceable, and there are guys out there (Holliday's an example, and there are trades possible as well) who can equal his numbers without his malaise. Don't get me wrong, because I'll miss the silliness to some extent, but he's going off the deep end as far as I'm concerned. Somebody made a comment about "not knowing [jack] about team sports" earlier, but my guess is, if you know anything about team sports, a declining player with increasingly problematic behavior is NOT good for any team. Attacking another person's judgement or character simply because they disagree with you has nothing to do with the actual discussion, and really only serves to distract from it...meaning you have nothing better (i.e., substantial) to say. With regards to the bat on the shoulder in the Stadium issue...I think it's childish, but Manny has shown himself to be very childish at times...I wouldn't be surprised if he did it, but I can't say that I'm certain he meant to take those pitches. That, of course, is why Lobel reported that it was the front office's "perception," and not as fact. Only Manny knows the truth.

I'd love to see Manny in LF for the Yankees at $20mil a year, by the way. He's just not scary as a hitter anymore (hasn't been since the '06 fade), and if the Yankees want to blow more money to languish in 3rd, fine by me. Johnny D (who always vastly overrated his skills) was fun to have on the Sox, but I don't miss his act one bit...Manny can do the same. Heck, put Brandon Moss out there. He might only hit .275/25/80, but he'll give you better defense, he'll play hard, and if you look at Manny's numbers over the last two years combined, it's not much of a drop-off (and he's got upside). Besides, I'll take that $20 million and parlay it into a few prospects, a #1/#2 SP, and some bullpen help.

I actually like the idea of a Manny-Santana swap, but I don't see it happening (and, like I said, I don't think any player is worth 20 mil a year, except maybe Pedro or RJ circa '99-2000).

People who are saying that we should get rid of Manny don't pick up his option, his act is wearing thin, we're tired of his antics, this that the other thing need to wake up and get off their proverbial soapboxes.

I'm sure these are the same people chanting Manny's name when he blasts a 3 run walk off homer against the American League saves leader IN THE PLAYOFFS. By everybody's account Manny had a down year last year. Then what happened, October rolled around and it was right back to game winning hits, clutch RBI's, and a near .400 batting average. It's a very simple axiom to follow here people, you find me a player who I can count on to deliver 35-40+ homeruns per year, 130-150 RBI per year, a near or above .300 average every and somebody who plays that wall as well as Manny Ramirez and I will be the first person in line to offer him a multi year 20+ million dollar contract. Manny has delivered time and time and time again for this franchise. Is he eccentric? Absolutely. Maybe more than a little crazy? No doubt about it. One thing Manny Ramirez is not is stupid. He knows more about the science of hitting and prepares harder than any natural hitter since Ted Williams. Manny has been one of if not the most feared hitter in baseball for 10+ years. I guarantee you if you were to take an opinion poll of major league pitchers Manny would be in the top 5 of hitters who they are most afraid to face. He hits everybody, and he hits everything. Manny is not the type of hitter who you can plan on getting out with any one given pitch. If you strike Manny out you did your job well and believe me Manny has way too much pride to strike out on purpose against the Yankees at the Stadium in his hometown in front of friends, family, etc. The suggestion that he tanked on purpose is laughable at best.

You find me somebody who can replace Manny's production and who can do what he does in LF at Fenway Park and I'll be the first person to say we should send Manny packing but for a guy in his mid 30's he is still just as dangerours, and just as good a hitter as he ever was and that is offense that we simply cannot replace. Manny needs to be signed to a long term deal and he needs to finish his career in a Red Sox uniform. Pick up his two options after this year and next and ownership needs to do everything in its power to make sure that Manny Ramirez never again sets foot in Fenway Park wearing a visitors uniform.

Lobel has a lovely way of braiding facts with opinion.

Oh, and six figures for a shove? WTF?

If indeed his at-bat antic was a message, it seems to me a pretty straightforward tit-for-tat message. But remember, the "fact" that it was a message is really only an "opinion." Lobel is a hack, who has been bashing Manny since forever.

I'd like to wait and see before I buy into any belief that Manny's not coming back. Theo has spent a lot more stupid money than $20M on the most talented savant in town. John Henry may have his little blonde nose hairs in a tizzy over Manny's statements, but he's not stupid enough to not realize Manny's fan-base appeal, his talent, and the emotional ties with key players on the team.

However, if your prediction is correct, I suppose I can just trade my shirt. 'Cause I'd follow that man off the edge of a cliff in Norway. Or to the Bronx. Or to Shea Stadium. Wherever.

Yeah, it's about that time for Sox fans and the local media to do what they do best... run a one-time favorite out of town!

LOUD NOISES! SHEEEBITTYBEEBOPBOOOP!

Manny Ramirez is by far the second greatest Red Sox hitter of all time.

Calling him names, laughing at his goofs, questioning his motives, questioning his intentions, doubting his sincerity etc with such high and mighty judgement is childish and pointless. Hence sports reporters and writers (particularly those out of a job) do it all the time to stir up the pot.

He's just a baseball player, one of the greatest of all time. As a fan, I consider myself lucky to see him swing the bat (or even yes, leave it on his shoulder) each time he strides to the plate.

There's really nothing more to say, is there? An "apologist"? Frankly it's kind of ignorant and offensive to use a term like that, historically coined while discussing facists, nazis, the holocaust etc for a baseball player.

I think it's interesting to note, that last year Manny was a hero. He and Papi were cranking the runs out, and he was the up there as the most patient hitter in baseball and now it's popular to bash him and run him out of town. Now wonder we lost all those great players over the years.

Who is at fault here, Manny being Manny or the Boston fan trying to understand Boston management. If what he did was so bad why didn't you fired him! He was fined for his actions! Let it go! You have created this Manny being Manny cliche'and it was quite funny at the time. But you have allowed him to act this way for years because he was your superstar. He has played a major role in Boston's Success. But now that you have won a couple of World Championships you have gotten sick of him. Shame on you! A Yankee Fan!

Hey Randall J. I SAW the at bat. I can't get into his head (nor can you...or, can you?), but there was nothing about it that indicated to me he was "throwing the at bat away." NOTHING.

Rivera is a tough pitcher on a roll this year...Manny was in a slump at the time, and has NEVER been a good pinch hitter, even when hot.

He fell behind, then he decided to look for a pitch. At that point, down 0-2 in the count, you have nothing to lose. He was waiting for a pitch in a certain location, or HOPING for it...and it fooled him.

Simple as that.

Read what you want into it. No way he threw that at bat away to send any kind of message. NO WAY.

Manny hits a walk off home run to clinch first place for the Red Sox on the last day of the season. The Fanway faithful, cheering "Manny, Manny, Manny" go crazy. The Globe headline reads "Manny Rules!"
What now, ye bloggers?

If there is a fine they we can only assume Manny was at fault. In that case I hope the $100,000.00 went into the Cops pocket.

Lobel is a bully, as are all the sports writers in Boston. They're jeolous little babies who pick on people to make themselves feel more important.

Manny can go play for someone else. But the Red Sox need to replace that bat. All these people that are in love with Holiday probably don't remember Phil Plantier...He started out strong then ended being a bust....Holiday only does his damage in Coors Field, his road numbers are about average, maybe even Lugoish...Red Sox have to be smart and find someone prior to letting go or they have no choice but to keep him for a couple of more years.

If Manny didn't want to swing the bat, he never would have walked up to the plate.

One thing I hope all people can agree on: There is no excuse for not running out every single groundball or flyball. Not running out a ball is a disgrace to the game of baseball. Not running out a ball is also a disgrace to your teammates. No one can deny that Manny gives up on ground ball all the time. That is where my displeasure with Manny begins and the more reports of Manny's behavior like Bob's Lobels that I believe, the worse my opinion of him becomes.

If what Lobel says is true, then Manny is right to say there are folks talking behind his back.

this is all about one thing : money, period.

the front office is as guilty as anyone of using the press to push their own agenda, so do the players. They both cry 'foul' over innocuous events on and off the field.

but the bottom line is that theo and manny are trying to figure out how much money to pay [theo] and how much money to accept [manny].

if manny leaves, it'll somehow be linked back to his history of 'antics'. if he stays, everyone will proclaim the relationship is headed in right direction. M O N E Y

Calm down, people. Lobel is almost as bad as Shaughnessy. This is all hearsay. This is just a byproduct of the fact that there is nothing new to report since the Sox have had the last two nights off. Give me a break!!! I thought I was getting one but apparently not.

Yankees won't sign him, he would have to cut his hair and hitch up his pants. This guy has made serious $ in his career, why is he worried about his 2 options at this point? Security for his family? Or insecurity like a 12 year old. Looked to me like he was somewhere else in his mind when he took those three called strikes against Rivera. Sorry for the inconvenience, Manny, the Red Sox should have not asked you to pinch hit while all that other stuff was weighing down your pea brain. Incidentally, for physically assaulting a 70 year old man, he should have been arrested and suspended, not slapped on the wrist with a fine. I am sure the victim has been well compensated by the club in return for not filing a police report. or a law suit. Keep enabling Manny, the spoiled rich kid.

Trade him before the deadline. Get some return for him. He is old and slow. His act is old. Unclog the hole in left and put one of the kids out there. 20 Mil is WAYYYYYY TOO MUCH to pay for a clown who doesn't care. Re-model the team. No more Schill. No more Manchild.

Hip Hip Hooray for Bob Lobel!!!Calling out Manny like that while the whole of redsox county apologizes for this Jack As_s they call Manny.
Manny should have thrown out of the League and you P-Ukes (the bandwangoneers of redsox municipality)apologize for this self centered meatball!

Y'all have a nice weekend now...ya hear?!

it's time the media moguls shut down some of the "old" guys of a certain background who can't stand anyone "different" from them. and take phony "RSN President" Remy with them as well.

I don't know who this guy is but he's making some pretty bold statements and you have to wonder where his information is coming from. But Manny is a Red Sox and should remain a Red Sox, period.

I can't believe I'm saying this - but good riddance Manny. And for those fans who accuse that kind of sentiment as being "fair weather” - Manny would don a Yankees uniform as quickly as Damon -- which I'd have to say is beyond fair weather. The arrogant behavior has just become too much.

Recommended reading the fair weather accusers - and Manny (if he is able):

'We Would Have Played For Nothing' by Fay Vincent

I can't believe how brainwashed people are. During his tenure in Boston, Manny has:

1) Took a beeline directly to the Red Sox dugout after hitting a weak ground ball in Tampa

2) Indicated he was too sick to play an important game against the Yankees but then met up with Yankee player Enrique Wilson for drinks later that day.

3) Refused to pinch hit in another important game during a pennant race.

4) Refused to step in and play on his day off when injuries badly handcuffed the team during another important pennant stretch game

5) Routinely demanded to be traded including the trade deadline in 2005.

6) Essentially quit on his team during the final days of the 2006 season.

7) Pushed to the ground a 64-year-old team employee.

8) Bad mouthed the ownership group that has done nothing but kiss his a*s since the day they took over the team.

9) Blew off the All-Star Game after being the top vote getter.

10) Blew off the visit to Walter Read medical Center to visit with some of our country's real heroes and brighten up their day.

That is ten things just off the top of my head, some more egregious than others, in which Manny basically said F-U to his teammates and fans, and yet people still have this sick mancrush for this guy. The Red Sox will be just fine without him next season. If they sign someone like a Pat Burrell to play left field, and they receive improved production from the center field, catcher, and shortstop positions, they will more than make up for his loss. Couple that with starting pitching that will only get better with experience, and you have a championship caliber team. How did the Yankees and Blue Jays win titles in the '90's? Strong starting pitching, great closer, and a balanced lineup--exactly what the Sox will have in 2009 and beyond without the headaches and sideshows.

IS ANYONE LISTENING- WHYARE WE WORRIED ABOUT THIS?

Let's keep the idiot. Why get rid of him? The Sox are in a perfect position. Come September and (hopefully) October Manny will be under pressure to perform so that....

(A) the Sox pick up his option

or

(B) he gets an offer of ~$20m from someone else.

Ignore his idiocy, fine him when he crosses the line, and keep him in the frying pan. He obviously cares about money more than anything else so the Sox should squeeze what they can out of an outstanding hitter under their terms.

This is a great situation. The Sox hold two one year options. They do not have to exercise them until after he performs. All this crap is just a way for Manny to try to get the Sox to change the terms so he has the leverage. To heck with him.

Go Sox. Keep the puppet dancing!

I am not a Manyy apologist. I think his actions this year have been a bit upsetting. However I do think he has a bit of fire under his _ss and is pretty motivated to have a good season, with his contract status up in the air. That said, I dont think there is any way he sent a message in that pinch hit at-bat vs Rivera. Who came up with that? Lobel? If you recall they showed all 3 pitches on the pitch tracker and 2 were just outside and 1 just inside. Manny just has an amazing eye and he actually laid off 3 balls, but the ump had wide strike zone. Judge Manny's actions if you want but everytime that guy gets in the box, he's serious.

Who knows what really happened at Yankee Stadium against Rivera. Manny deserved the fine, if he did get fined. And if he was not happy about it maybe he did take 3 to send a message.When you have a strong media market as we do here in Boston,when these so called experts in the media such as Gerry ""I'm so close to being a racist bigot"" Callahan on WEEI railing daily for Manny's departure, it would not surprise me if Manny sent a message to all. It also would not surprise me if what Lobel is saying is true, Lobel pulls a lot of weight here in the Boston sports market and I'm sure he has his contacts that he can and we can trust to be accurate. But to get back to Gerry Callahan...........lol

Boston fans have to whine about something. Might as well be Manny. So why do you all keep cheering when he hits homeruns.

See ya Manny, you helped bring us two world series and hopefully a 3rd. But enough is enough, I was tired of your act two years ago.. Bring in Matt Holliday, he'll put up the same, if not better stats than Manny at a cheaper price. And I don't think we'll be mentioning it's just "Matty being Matty".. It's all about Manny, it's as simple as that. Good luck with Yanks.. That's where you always wanted to be

JD Drew also let three strikes go by him without swinging with runners in scoring position in one of the games preceding the one where Manny struck out to end the game, but I haven't heard anyone complaining about that. Was it just "JD being JD?" Let's move on...

Manny has to be traded,
Too many things already , and he is not a beast anymore,,
Good times are gone...
Sox should talk to the Rockies for Holliday...

Let's separate a few issues. What Manny may or may not have done recently is one thing, but he has behaved like a boorish, graceless, self involved, cad more times than I can recall. Manny has been kept around The Sox all these years because the team would not get anything like equal value for him in trade. If Mr. Ramirez is no longer able to produce as he once did, then given his less than scintillating personality, tell him politely, but not too politely, to piss off to another (preferably losing) team.

The idiot grew up a Yankee fan. He made comments in the past about playing for the Yankees someday. Rumors flew just two years ago about a possible move to the Yanks. Hey, ever see Manny during the pre-game with a notable Yankee? He always looks like he's kissing up. Personally, I like Manny's output but can not stand his yearly "Manny being Manny" crap. I agree with John Henry that Manny was key to winning both Worlds Series, BUT, with what he's being paid, I say, invested in a couple of guys that grew up and became men.

Unless you know that Manny took those strikes, in retaliation for the fine, you should'nt print it. At the very least you should either name your source or state it as your belief. Remember the Herald, and those comments made about the Pat's totally wrong, you maybe just as wrong.

I can't wait to see everyone's faces when he's playing for the Yankees.....Is that what you want??!!
Cuz that's what the Yankees want!
.....Just get him for another year....we dont HAVE to give him 4 years

Now I know that most of you are Red Sox fans, but i have read a few times that you would rather the Sox spend their money on Matt Holliday.

He's not a free agent, not until after 2009 I believe. That means acquiring Holliday costs a boatload of young talent + a boatload of Cash. You might want that. Then again, you might be pretty angry if you see Jed Lowry included in the deal. Who knows.

That said, Manny is a ridiculous excuse for a ballplayer. If this article is about the perception of the front office that Manny isn't giving it 100%, the real response should be outrage at the front office's impotence to do anything about it. A six-figure penalty hurts. Being DFA'd hurts beyond the checkbook.

You call the Red Sox ownership classy. I call them cowardly if they're not willing to drop a guy they think is throwing games.

(No, I'm not a Yankee's Fan.)

I would make two deals right now - trade for matt holliday and trade manny away.

So Manny was correct when he said the Red Sox say one thing - we will keep issues in house - and do something else - talk to Lobel and release details of the fine. Mr. Henry you need to silence the big mouth in your front office or shut up when your organization is accused of being two faced.

I watched the july 6th pinch hit and it was apparent that he struck out to send a message to management. He doesn't care about his team mates or the sox fans.
It's time to send him packing before he ruins the younger player's.

I should also note that there is nothing ignorant or offensive about the word--not term--apologist. It was not first coined with regards to the nazis or fascists. It has no special historical connection to nazis or fascists escept for in the minds of the ignorant and easily offended. This word is not sacrosanct.

It's time that Manny moves on. He's a complete disgrace to the "Sox " who over the years have busted their butts on a daily basis. He didn't take the bat off his shoulders against Rivera in yankee stadium not to show the sox brass (as Bob Lobel suggested) but rather he can't catch up to the fast ball anymore and didn't want Mariano to embarass him. The $40 million that would be owed to that ingrate the next 2 years could be better spent on someone who'll be proud to represent our team. I say let Manny be Manny elsewhere.

In this region.. Manny is loved for his teenage personality OR he is hated for his contract. Quite frankly, its become tiring to here the same jealous blue collared people complaining and nit-picking as if they are the caretakers of John Henry's money! Manny deserves his fine and the team was CORRECT in trying to keep it in-house. Its none of your (yeah you, the fans) business what they do. You have zero say in the financial running of the team, yet these fans continue to chest thump their opinions as if their lonely little ticket is 49% share of the team.
Manny's value as a preductive all-star player is clearly on the downside. Without a doubt they are going to go hot after Texeira or Holliday next year,who are hitting their Apex in productivity. Why can't fans, media, and the organization just accept this as a part of sport evolution? Why must mudslinging be an accepted practice to rip aging stars?? Let him be a free agent, and give thanks that he gave us some of his best years and two championships as a player to the Sox.

As far as everyone getting upset about how Manny "disrespected Henry" with his comments, let's remember that this team is also owned by Larry Lucchino, and he has a long history of being less than honorable in his dealings. Have people forgotten about the spears he threw into Nomar's back as he was on his way out of town? A totally unnecessary thing to do to someone who gave his all for this team, but Lucchino did it for very Macchiavelian reasons. And how about the hatchet job Lucchino and CHB did to Theo that prompted him to walk out the door? Let's remember this is a multimillion dollar business, and the owners of this team are not a bunch of goody-two-shoes. Manny's comments probably reflect what he's seen in his time here, more about Lucchino than Henry I'd say.

As a fellow dominican myself, I should cover my ears and "nah nah nah nah" to every criticism against Manny, but enough is enough; I, for one, feel embarrased with the McCormick issue and Manny's behavior. If you expect people to respect you, you should respect people, your co-workers, your bosses, your fans. Nice to have you as a player, thanks for 2 championships. Good luck your new team. Good ridance.

Manny is cheesed off because he feels disrespected by the Red Sox. His tantrums this year are worse than ever. And trust me, they will get much worse before this thing is over. He can't tank it and fake injuries like he did in previous years. As this could be a free agent year he needs to put up numbers.

Right now he is a good but not great hitter. At age 37 he will likely be a 25 HR 85 RBI .290 AVG. kind of player. Not bad but certainly not worth $20M when you consider all the baggage he will bring with him. One poster said that Scott Boras is licking his chips right now. Not true. In his head he is going "shut up shut up shut up".

The Sox would be better off spending the $20M on a younger player with more upside rather than a spoiled 37 year old with declining skills.

The Sox may try to resign Manny but it sure is hell won't be at $20M. In the open market Manny might fetch $12M. If he tops 30-110-.300 by the end of the year he might get $15M. My prediction is that he winds up with the Mets or the Angels. The Yankees will not take him or his BS. Not their kind of player.

The bottom line is that Manny's act has become tiresome. Anybody that believes that he is some kind of idiot savant is greatly mistaken. Everything he does is calculated and scripted. Time for him to go elsewhere.

I think that Bob Lobel has hired Scott Boras in an effort to get his name out there and land a national position. He must think Cocoon was real.

I don't think this is even about Manny. I think the "promises" gripe has to do with release of Julian Taverez. Tavarez was Manny's only close friend on the club and his presence was the reason Ramirez was so relaxed last year. Without Julian we're back to the manic happy/griping Manny.

I agree that it's frustrating to watch players not run out hits; but I think it happens to Manny because his head is still in the at-bat, not because he doesn't care.

Matt Holliday--5HR, 14RBI away from Coors Field.

There's the baseball side of this equation, and there's the "Manny is a jerk" side.

From a pure baseball perspective, the Sox would be CRAZY not to pick up Manny's $20 million option for 2009. Heck, they should announce right now that they're picking up the option for 2010 as well. Manny can flat out HIT. The moment the Sox break up the Big Papi-Manny one-two punch, the Yankees reclaim the division.

But ... are people only NOW waking up to Manny lacking class?

Can any of you defend the way he stands at home plate and admires his home runs? Think that's classy? Think DiMaggio or Ted Williams did that?

Act like you've done it 500 times before, Manny ... just put your head down and run the bases.

No one likes K-Rod's antics when he closes out a game, and no one should stand for Manny's bush-league behavior.

I hear a lot of sniping at Lobel, but zero explanations for the Yuke or press sec'y incidents. No one made those up, and here the Manny apologists are silent, contenting themselves by calling everyone else "haters". Sorry, but that doesn't play.

Don't pick up his contract, and let that make headlines. Meanwhile, try to stay under the radar as much as possible while trying to pick up Halliday or (better yet) a certain OTHER Ramirez they never should have let go.

Manny will hit well for a few more years after they let him go. But then again Pedro pitched for a while a few years after they let HIM go, too. It's just time to part company, and put that money to use in filling other needs. When they signed Manny, they hoped to build a team around him. Now they have a team, and Manny is expendable.

That's right. EXPENDABLE.

Manny has never EVER EVER taken three straight pitches that were in or around the strike zone, especially from the Yankees and Rivera, and it did seem as if he was just going to the box as a body, no motivation, no nothing..

HOWEVER, Manny is still one of the best hitters in baseball, and for the Red Sox not to pick up his options would be foolish...yes it was ridiculous for Manny to push a 64-year-old man to the ground and take three pitches, but this is also a guy who cut off a throw in the outfield and high-fived a fan in the stands

JERK! Manny lost my support over the last few weeks; his "act" has reached an unacceptable level. Red Sox - please blow this guy out of a cannon and replace him with hard-playing professionals like Mike Lowell, Kevin Y., Dustin P., Curt S. and all of the other Red Sox players that earn their money with talent, hard work and CHARACTER.

He's Manny and he can do whatever he wants as long as he doesn't kill anybody.
We all loved him in 2004, we weren't happy when he shut it down in 2006, and we love him again after we won it all again in last year.

We weren't happy that he pushed the old man down, but be honest; wasn't there a part of you that was happy when he gave Youk the backhander for all

Winning makes us forget.

Manny should leave this stinkin' city behind and move on to a place where they'll appreciate his talent.

I heard that the people harassing Pap's wife during the parade were Manny's relatives from the Bronx!!

all of you people are morons...the red sox would never have won either world series without him (not clutch? if i remember he won a freakin world series MVP, not to mention the walk-off against anaheim in the playoffs) and so what if he's juvenile, he could be a cancer like bonds, would you rather that? the sox have put up with him not hustling and creating trade distractions for 8 years and won 2 world championships, this is just another one of those times...but august the sox will be winning and no one's gunna care

Bob Lobel is an idiot and always will be. He has been making accusations that have no backing for many years. Why would you want to chase a superstar who had helped(in a big way) win 2 world series for the red sox

Everyone needs to slow down with annointing Matt Holliday the next coming of the baseball jesus. He's a young player who hits in Colorado and the NL. Coming into the AL east and into an environment where pop-ups don't fly out of the park will have an impact on his offensive numbers.

Manny's not always the model citizen everyone would like, but seriously he's gone over the line once since he's been in Boston with the shoving incident. He's hit less than 20 home runs exactly twice in his 15 year career (his rookie and second years) and both were in short seasons. No one in the game works harder at hitting than he does. His attitude masks his incredible work ethic and drive to be the best and too many people don't get that. He's one of the top 5 hitters in the history of baseball and everyone that's wants to run him out of town is just plain silly.

If he doesn't want to talk to the media why should he? If he wants to take a leak in green monster who cares? The management of the Red Sox have tried to get rid of him year after year for no other reason than they approach baseball from business only and nothing more. It's always about who and what else is out there they can go after. Manny's contract is huge, sure what else do you expect for one of the top players in the game? A-Rods contract is bigger and he's completely useless every year when it counts and in the playoffs. When you have the best you keep it and Manny should be here until he doesn't want to play anymore.

I have been a Sox fan for many years..not a bandwagoner. Manny being Manny is a statement...nothing more..nothing less. Unless all of you know for certain what is going on.....stop bashing the guy. He is part of the Red Sox team......and a team player....but most of all human. I guess none of you make mistakes, or do things to get a point across. Yes, he makes alot of money, and by all means if you have his ability, go for it. I bet the people you work with think the same thinhs about you.

Manny is NOT getting 20 mil from the Sox, whatever chance he had at that money went out the window over the last 3 weeks... pushing an employee, not swinging at a pitch in a huuuuge game, squawking to the press about not getting respect from the Sox management. Sounds a little bit like a Dominican pitcher that left after 2004 doesn't it??? Manny will be looking for $$ that won't be there because no team will put up with his antics. Ya he's a great hitter but at what expense. If you look at free agent outfielders there's Adam Dunn and Pat Burrell. Either one of them would be better than a 37 year old baby!

There appear to be quite a few naive fans among us. These recent moves by Manny are very calculated and no doubt orchestrated by BOR-ASS! In the year in which Manny had to be extremely well behaved for the Sox to even consider triggering the first option, Manny has once again shown what he truly is all about. A great hitter, lousy teammate and about as immature a 36 year old as ther can possibly be on the face of this earth. If Manny needs to spit some venom, he should look no further than his ego maniac agent. They agreed to the ridiculous 8 year contract (the last two stripping him of any leverage) in the first place. The Red Sox owe him nothing other than paying him for the remainder of this season. His days as a Red Sox are over at the conclusion of the season. THANK GOD! I don't care if he puts up ridiculous 2nd half numbers. There will be many options to replace him and I'm sure that the Red Sox have already mapped out there plan of attack.

This is why Boston hadn't won championship since 1918. Boston has some of the most rediculous fans who nit-pick every athlete. All these claims are speculation. I'll pay Manny 20 mil a year for the rest of his career if he continues to win titles and hit at clutch times. If the sox don't sign Manny next year and Ortiz is getting walked in every situation, everyone of you haters will be crying that we should have signed Manny. Everyone acts like replacing him will be easy but theres no player like him.

Can you hurry and trade Manny so I can come to a contender???

It will be worth picking up the $20 million option both years just to keep him off the Yankees, which is where he will end up if they trade him or let him go. Then all the Manny haters will be crying the loudes when he comes back here to torture us and bring more WS trophies to the Bronx. People who say Manny can't hit in the clutch are crazy. The guy didn't get a World Series MVP trophy because he's a humanitarian.

If you want to meet an outstanding employee, give a tip to the underpaid and underappreciated peanut vendors. If you want a role model for youth, go check out your local scoutmaster or math teacher. If you want some idiot who can't get his facts straight to make your blood boil, listen to Bob Lobel.

But if you want the Red Sox to keep winning, keep Manny on the team.

that could be the stupidest thing i have ever heard...manny sending the red sox a message by purposely striking out....thats just plain stupid

To the poster who wrote that Manny is not smart enough to pull off a stunt like that (the at-bat against Rivera) maybe you're right. But I also wouldn't be suprised if Manny is dumb like a fox. In an interview recently, he actually smiled and used the phrase, "Manny being Manny." So he's more self-aware than we think. My theory is that Scott Boras is trying to get the Red Sox to not pick up his option so that there will be an opportunity to get more money for his client--that's the Boras way. The altercation with Youk, shoving a 60+ year old man, making a phone call in the Monster, the Rivera at-bat, the comments against management...for the most part, he seems very laid back. Nothing fazes the guy. The only time I've seen him angry (and granted, I only watch some games on TV) is that game at Fenway with Roger Clemens pitching. I think it's Boras's doing. Manny was a model citizen at the start of the season. Now he's slumping and seems disinterested and lashing out? Gotta be Boras pulling Manny's strings.

Let's be clear, you or I do to a 60+ yo coworker what Ramirez did and the LEAST that happens is a SEVERE REPRIMAND if not outright loss of job, or JAIL. THAT'S JAIL FOLKS. A six figure fine is appropriate and he' s lucky. If it's proven that he quit on his team by failing to swing to send a message to management, he should be benched for 10 games.
Those who defend him should find out how many times in the last 3 years Ramirez has struck out, then struck out without swinging, and then how many times against the Yankees and Riviera he has struck out without swinging. Might help answer the question

Does it really matter? Lobel was fired and really has not the ground to stand on. Do I believe him...Manny??? Who knows, who cares...the bottom line is Manny will play for the Sox next year unless they can acquire a slugger that can hit as well as him...not many available out there, but the bottom line with this team is to win...WIN...at almost any cost. So be it Manny next year or not, as long as we have a bonafide run producing ball smasher to take his place it doesnt matter.

Manny will be back next year . I dont see anyone filling his shoes just yet.

Hey Ed Sarkavakian,

Did you anywhere in your list notate that Manny has averaged close to 35-40 homeruns (if you average it out over a full season-- and he has NOT missed a whole lot of time since he came here), 120 rbi, and over .300 average each and every year?

THAT'S why they pay him the money. THAT'S why he can get away with what he gets away with.

Double standards are nothing new. They had them in this town for Ted Williams, and Carl Yastrzemski...not to mention Roger Clemens, and probably Wade Boggs.

You put the numbers up, you get preferential treatment.

YOu can get a lot of .250 hitters who might jack you out 10 homers and drive in 50 if they're lucky...but they'll run every ground ball out, and hustle, and cheer on the bench, and look sad when they lose.

Guess what? If you fill your roster with guys like that, you'll have a hustling, hard playing LAST PLACE TEAM.

Enough of this "give me a hustling player!" crap. These guys are pros, and are paid by what they CONTRIBUTE to the BOTTOM LINE.

Manny contributes to the bottom line. They've won TWO championships since he's been here. THey won ZERO in all the years prior that I rooted for them (which covered 1967-2000...34 seaons).

I'd say Manny has been a wise investment, all things considered.

"Bring in Matt Holliday, he'll put up the same, if not better stats than Manny"

now that is laughable! do you really belive that? if so, you are the pea brain

Say goodbye, Manny. Send him in a trade to a last place team.....Pittsburgh/Seattle

That's the first time I've heard Lobel's name since he was let go. That may tell you something about this story.

The mob mentality at its best.

Now read what Edes had to say and if you've got any decency, apologize to 24 as he did to Mr McCormick.

To Pat(comment #37), You think a 6 figure fine for pushing an old man is ludicrous? You realize Manny makes about 125K/game, and that is if he plays all 162 games. In the real world he would've atleast missed a week's worth of pay(almost a mil), if he was lucky enough to keep his job at all.

Manny being Manny is just another way of turning our backs on a deeper issue here. Manny may be a 'talented' baseball player, but as a person he has his share of problems. More times than not ball players and celebrities are put on a pedestal for how we perceive them.

Bottom line is they may be the deal makers and entertainers of our generation but as people they have much to be desired.

Manny's no hit 3 strikes at bat on July 6th was the actions of a child throwing a temper tantrum. No one LIKES to be fined, but for his actions they fined him.

When ever he is called upon to speak or asked for a public appearance he shows up dressed in his own tasteless attire rather than looking like a ballplayer. For the 2004 World Series Duck Boat ride through Boston every other Red Sox player is in uniform EXCEPT Manny. He's all in white from head to toe looking like a rapper wanna be.

Manny as 'great' as he is for the REDSOX, personally has no class.

He may not like the fact that he was fined , but if he were anyone else in that situation he would have been arrested for assault and battery.

well now the reports say Manny paid 10,000-15,000 ......Hey Lobel get your facts right before you say it on the air. You Manny basher!!!!!!! Hope the Sox sign him for 5 years just to spite you!!!!!!!

The Red Sox press corps has a history here, so does Manny. Truth is, no one will ever know. To light up Manny like this, based on conjecture of an unemployed sportscaster who is desperate to stay in the media spotlight, however, seems unfair. Two of the pitches were clearly not strikes, so the benefit of the doubt has to go to Manny in this situation.

"it's just Manny being Manny"... Haha! I love all the excuses the fans and media make for this guy. Boston enabled him and deserves what it gets... Let's go Yankees!

MANNY IS A JERK...But then again... some of the most successful sports figures in history were also JERKs.

Wherever Manny plays, the team and contends...and wins.

Bless the day he came to Boston.

'Nuf said.

I'm not a big fan of Manny's, but this looks very Patriots-ish.

You know how management whispers to media about players "on the back nine of their careers" (in the pats case--anyone not named Brady who turns 30).

I think THIS management is taking a page out of Foxboro--doing the "foxboro whisper"---to soften the blow of letting go of Manny which we all know is a done deal.

When you sleep with dogs you wake up with fleas - that is all that needs to be said about Manny's complete career in Boston.

wow, 201 comments based on wild speculation by Lobel.....no comments posted on Gordon Edes follow up....that it may be wrong.

I agreed 100 % with writer # 3

you people are so stupid i bet half of you who are bashing manny and calling for his head own about 2 of his jerseys and his t-shirt. how can you possibly believe what bob lobel is saying. since when is he the red sox insider? didn't he get canned? if you ask me he is trying to get his name back on the map by creating some crazy theory with no sources or factual evidence just by what he saw/claims to hear. does this remind you fools of anyone...JOHN TOMASE!!! please stop hating on manny cause all you phonies know you will be cheering for him once he hits his first homerun in the post season. and if you still think we should get rid of manny please get off the red sox bandwagon because we dont need people with your lack of intelligence claiming to be true red sox fans you clowns

there seem to be two sides here.... the Manny lovers and the Manny haters. lets agree on this.....He is a very talented player, but what people are tired of is his lack of respect, lack of hustle and basic lack of character. As for the at bat against Riveira.... he either tanked it or proved that his skills are declining quickly and is not worth the 20 million dollar option.....either way he didn't do himself any good with that last stunt.....love to see him hit....but would love to see him gone after this year!!

bob lobel ... looks like he had too much to drink again, all over weei today, on a six figure fine, and manny's retalliation at the july 6th NYY game taking three straight for John Henry ... my,my, my bobby you look bad on this one, and weei looks bad for putting you on as a vacation replacement for "'mr. factual" michael holly and dale 'the bruin" arnold. too bad felger has not started on weei.com yet bobby, are you aimimg for his job .... your credibility really gone down the tube booby how the mighty have fallen ... can't wait too hear from another know it all during the olympics; mr. six toes bobby neumeyer

Apparently having 3 days off with no actual games, has driven the morons in the Boston media to "create" a new controversy, and as usual, Manny is one of their favorite targets.
People like Bob Lobel are dunces. No talent, hangers-on, who cannot stand it if they are not in the spotlight anymore.
Manny Ramirez ranks just behind Ted Williams and Babe Ruth as the greatest hitter the Red Sox have ever had, and yes that includes Yastrzemski.
Manny is an incredible hitter, a friendly guy to fans, a great teammate, and more fun to watch than just about anyone in the game. The Red Sox should re-sign him for at least two more years, and then retire his number. Manny is a first ballot Hall of Famer. Bob Lobel is a two-bit hack.

Manny being Manny has become exactly what the Red Sox nation deserves.

Manny can do anything and you guys allow it with a smirk and a it's just Manny being Manny. This behavior should have been stopped YEARS ago, but the RedSox let it go. Now they have reaped what they have sown. Manny attacks a team official and NOTHING is done. Manny should have been suspended, but no the RedSox, with Pappi hurt couldn;t do that. So he gets a fine. What a joke, Nation.

The RedSox sold everything their soul to the "idiots" to win a title and now your stuck with them.

Now that the Lobel claims are seen to be poppycock, why is the commentary stifled?

This is just another example how Boston sports fans and the media drive our best players away.

If you print something false, then let people comment on it.

What Lobel did was character assassination...and he's been about that for years.

Boston fans are amoral, blind sheep. Frauds and phonies. They deserve a goony slimeball like Manny Ramirez. But they are typical of the MORONS who watch sports in this country today...bread and circuses for the fools.

KEEP Manny - getting rid of him is ridiculous. He provides great entertainment and produces at the plate. . . Who cares if he said something stupid. If you think about your job, you would want to know whether your employer wants you or not next year - although there's no media go around asking you, I'm sure he's not the first person to bad mouth his employer. And also who cares about that stupid incident about shoving a 60 year old, I don't care if he's 60 or 30. . who cares? He apologized and life moves on. There are plenty of arguments, fights that go on.

I think it will be a huge mistake for the Red Sox to let Manny go. I have been a fan for over forty years and remember all too well the way things used to be. I have never been a huge advocate of keeping veterans too long, no matter who they are. But, Manny is different. I mean that in the best sense. He is a far bigger part ogf the team than some of you realize. I do not want to see the Red Sox become a team of cookie cutter players no matter how good they are. BORING. If Manny goes, so does alot of interest in the team. To the Manny haters, sorry but you have no clue and should read what Edes posted. Jealousy is an ugly thing.

Manny, Manny, Manny! When are you going to grow up? Never? I love to read all of the pro Manny remarks. It just shows that their are plenty of fans out there today that could care less about what a player does or says as long as he hits the ball out of the park in Manny's case. I saw his catch earlier this season when he ran up the wall slapped a fans hand I think it was and then comes back off the wall and throws in back in. Yeah, that is the way to play the game, huh? Do you think The Babe, Mr. Williams, or any of those great stars of the past would have done something like that? Heck no, to clean it up. They had a respect for the game while on the field. They would have never done anything like what Manny did!
Unfortunately the Red Sox have bred their own monster in this case, with the help of ESPN and others who just say Manny is just being Manny when he does something stupid. All because he hits the ball out of the park alot. If someone had of put him in his place a long time ago, like the Sox, and ESPN and other sports networks would have not continued showing the circus he actually might have matured some by now. Yet, the sports network who has people who claim they respect the old way of baseball and other sports act nothing like that most of the time. There are a few that are not hypocritical but as long as there is a show by a player like Manny they will show it a hundred times if needed. Why..because they think that is what everyone wants to see! Not so guys! The only reason I watch the station is to see some of what is going on and some of the games, otherwise I don't waste my time with the cartoon network of sports where the personalites think they are bigger than the sports they cover. Having called the play by play for tv and radio for the big sports over thirty years I was always taught that the game is what people tune in to see or hear. Not the announcer. But I regress...that is one of the reasons that players like Manny do what they do. If you give them rope eventually they will hang themselves.
For the Sox put up or shut up. Reign your guy in and remind him who he works for and who signs that ridiculous check! Man with what Manny and some get nowdays could you imagine what the Babe would be worth, Or Ted Williams, or Lou? There would not be enough money to pay them.
Let's get back to baseball and quit condoning childish acts by the primma donnas who get paid more than people that really do something worthwhile in the world.

it is not one story or incident with manny,this is to person who wrote that we don,t know what is going on behind the curtains.manny slapped youk,layed down on his team and worse knocked an old man to the ground.you jusst don't do that it is wrong and it is assault and he should be in jail.the man showed class by saying it was no big deal and everything is fine.the red sox have every right to wait before deciding on manny's contract,a contract that he signed.he got 20 million a year for a long time,that is a colossal amount of money so he is trying to play the tough guy and force the red sox into securing his next 2-4 years

Everybody just shut your mouth and keep your thoughs for yourself... you are just a bunch loosers that don't have anything good to your own life than keep track of what manny does.... Forgetting every day that no matter what he's going to be hall of famer... that no matter how much you run mouth or in this case how you write he's the one that get paid millions...the one that hit the homeruns.. you're just a bucnh of envious people that wish to have the talent the money...and the coolnest he has..... life your own life bunch of loosers......

Matt Talvi:

David Ortiz does all of the things that you summarized in your post, and does it with class. He can actually earn his paycheck, hit key home runs, and not throw 64-year-old workers around or quit on his team for two months. When a team is paying someone $20M, is it that far out of the question to expect that person to behave like a professional?

Say what you want about management or Manny, but the truth is, the Red Sox tried to dump him twice in the past, meanwhile telling him they wanted him as a part of the team. So Manny's comments are accurate. It's a business and that's what a negotiation is. you say one thing but you intend another. For the Red Sox to deny this is a procedure they've followed is blatanly false, and Manny is just playing his role in future negotiations right now.
Since Manny joined this team he has been unquestionably the best player on this team. UNQUESTIONABLE!
When he is not in the lineup the team falls apart. As much as I love Papi, Ramirez is the ROCK of this team. If the Sox want to continue to compete for CHAMPIONSHIPS, they ought to pick up the options. But I agree with doing it year to year, at the end of the season for as long as that's an option (2 years)

Manny is too proud to purposely strike out in front of the world no matter how angry he is with the front office.

I can't believe that so many of you expect all baseball players to be boy scouts. These men got where they are by being the "alpha-male" and have had their asses kissed for years. Of course some are going to act childishly, they are grown men who play a game for a living. They are there b/c they are good at what they do, not b/c you'd love to have a beer with them.

As far as management, I wonder if Bronson Arroyo feels that they were open and honest throughout their negotiations? Gentleman's agreement my a$$.

Pick up Manny's options and try to deal him in the 2nd year. Otherwise you are looking at the Yankee's next DH. With Matsui and Damon hurt don't think it hasn't been mentioned.

I REALLY HOPE THAT MANNY LEAVES BOSTON, AND OF COURSE, GUESS WHO WILL FOLLOW HIM??????? BIG PAPI!!!!!! JUST FOR YOU UNGREATFUL FANS. BE CAREFULL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, IT WILL BE 300 YEARS BEFORE BOSTON GETS ANOTHER WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP WITHOUT PAPI AND MANNY. DON’T WORRY, THE METS WILL PAY………….

Manny is a huge talent that I'd hate to see playing against the Sox. Yes, his behavior is out of line at times, but the people who are most responsible for that is management. He's gotten away with it so many times and apparently, doesn't get called on it. I love the guy and don't want him to leave, but he does need to learn that he's the EMPLOYEE.

Adding to this subject, am I the only one who's getting sick of Papelbon's big mouth and ego? I loved him when he first came up, but his ego is getting out of control. At this rate, he'll be totally insufferable in another year or two.

lets see, the redsox put him on waivers in 2002, tried to trade him in 2003 for Arod(thank god it didn`t happen as Manny won ws 2004 mvp),tried to trade him again at 2005 All-star break. Manny is right, they treat him like expletive.

they should fire and fine that loser for getting in manny's way. two world series for some insig towel boy. resign manny. WIN AT ANY COST!

i love what manny has done for the organization and is still one of the best hitters around, butletting him go after the option year and picking up a Matt Holiday ( a Boras client) from the rockies would be interesting for the sox. Matt would be a defensive upgrade

Sorry to say, but it is time for Manny to go. Thanks for the 2 World Series, but his act getting old.

Sal show Nicky this article.Thisis one of the many reasons I want to trade lazy Manny.

Sorry to say, but it is time for Manny to go. Thanks for the 2 World Series, but his act getting old.

WHO CARES..LOOK,WHY DO WE AS FANS INSIST ON KNOWING EVERYTHING A PLAYER DOES OR SAYS. DID YOU HEAR BRITNEY SPEARS RAN A RED LIGHT AND SNOOP DOG GOT PULLED OVER FOR SPEEDING. MANNY IS JUST NOT A GOOD ,BUT BORDERLINE GREAT BALL PLAYER,THATS WHAT HE DOES,PLAY BALL,AND WE ENJOY WATCHING HIM DO HIS JOB. WHO CARES ABOUT HIS ARGUMENTS AND FOUL UPS OFF THE FIELD. HE ISNT THE SMARTEST GUY,BUT HE IS NOT GETTING PAID TO FIND A CURE FOR CANCER.I GUESS EVERYONE WHO BLOGS IS A PERFECT PERSON WITH NO CHARACTER FLAWS.MANNY IS CHILDISH,SUE HIM YOU PERFECT PEOPLE.

242 Posts on the subject.
Any of you think that's a bad thing?
It's not called the Entertainment Sports Programming Network by accident.
Manny is entertainment, makes a film clip a year, and makes less than Tom Hanks.

I can't wait for the re-runs.
Nevermind, NESN just produced it.

I would like to see a all white team in Boston again to see how many WS they are going to win! jajaja. Ask your grandpa to see how many WS those WHITE teams from Boston won! NOOOOOOOOOOONE> thankyou, so please shut up and let them keep winning !

If Manny hits well the rest of the season and we make it to the Playoffs, he stays. If not he goes. He will determine his own fate.

Manny seems to be hitting up a storm again and only that will save him if he still wants to play for the Red Sox. If he goes on the DL, sulks or slumps again, he is as good as gone. However, there is a real warning that the Red Sox should be cognizant of. If he goes, don't for a mnute think the team can get by with a Crisp, Ellsbury and Drew outfield next year. We all know by now that Crisp is a tanker and should be traded after the season to anyone who will take him off our hands, Ellsbury still need to develop more and work on his weakness not that the pichers have caught up to him, and you never know what Drew will be doing from year to year. Get either Holliday or Texiera in the fold before you make a decision on Manny unless you want to be in the also-ran category for the next four or five years.,

Ed baby:

I didn't say I agree with the double standard. I'm just saying there is one.

I have a LOT of problems with Manny Ramirez and his actions off the field (and sometimes on).

But, the bottom line is production. He's delivered the goods, and that's why they put up with his act. They would NOT have won two World Championships without him. That is indisputable.

Would I like Manny to act with more class and less like a spoiled baby? Of course.

All I'm saying is, all these people that want hustling players who run every ball out and look upset when they strike out and say all the right things and do all the right things and help little old ladies across Yawkey Way...that's fine. But, they better be able to perform.

Manny has performed. That's all I'm sayin'.

For $20 million a year we could get a pretty good bat and some middle relief... which at last check has cost us more games than Manny has affected!