Sounds like the child he is; "I'll be good IF you..... " It was time

So Boras and Manny get their proof that the Red Sox are willing to trade him, then they come up with this offer of 'no trouble the rest of the year'? Unbelievable. It just shows what the Red Sox have been dealing with. Why do people continue to hire Boras? He almost blew it for Dice-K, then A-Rod, now he plays an integral role in a messy departure from Boston by Manny. Great work, Scott.

I think they were courageous in saying "Adios, Manny!" Regardless of how he was trying to get his way....he still had an obligation to his team mates.
Manny didn't step up to the plate for the Sox. I love Manny, but his antics were getting tiresome.

I think Manny's antics were coming directly from his agent Scott Boras. Boras doesn't get a paycheck if the Sox pick up Manny's option. This is event in the fact that he called the red sox to tell them that Manny would stop being Manny if the club would drop the trade. Well Manny, sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for and as for Scott Boras, I think he is the typical bottom feeding agent. Its sad really that these sports agents play a major role in the make up of ball clubs. Look what A-Rod did to the Yankees last year.....really sad.

Too late...Can't believe that Boras would actually even call back to ask this. Well I can...the guy is a snake.

I wouldn't believe everything you read in the paper....I'm not saying that Edes is making this up, I am saying that whoever fed this story to him (Red Sox) are spinning this trade like crazy. If Manny wanted to stay he would have just rejected the trade, because he had a no trade clause.....this story makes zero sense.

With the exception of the Yankees, which is where I expect Manny will end up next year, I suspect that every other GM in baseball is going to think very hard about whether they want someone like Manny on their team who will jake it when he doesn't get his way. Thanks for 7 1/2 fantastic years, Manny, and good luck to you wherever you end up.

The Sox had no choice but to do what they did. At some point, the corrosive, disruptive behavior far outweighs Manny's big bat benefits. In almost any other organization in the world - military, corporate, partnership - Manny's behavior would have been the cause for dismissal long ago. It's a sad commentary that major league sports is one of the few venues that actually rewards this type of calculated, disloyal, and undermining behavior - as long as the stats are there. Sure, the Sox had no leverage and didn't get market value in return, but, if nothing else, at least I can show my kids one instance where organizational integrity actually won out.

I think it shows the courage and intellect of the Sox management. They knew Manny had to go, they worked a deal which would benefit the club, and they stuck with it. Boras/Manny then wanting to come back and scuttle it, just shows that they were trying to play the Sox and keep control. I think it sends a clear message to the TEAM - that Epstein and Management are going to do whatever is best to keep this TEAM in shape and away from any distractions. It shows they have confidence in their players to get the job done and get to the playoffs.

I wouldn't believe everything you read in the paper....I'm not saying that Edes is making this up, I am saying that whoever fed this story to him (Red Sox) are spinning this trade like crazy. If Manny wanted to stay he would have just rejected the trade, because he had a no trade clause.....this story makes zero sense.

Glad he's gone. His 'hitting' production is down, but his childish antics are on the rise. Now the rest of the team can 'Play Ball'!

The Manny who left Boston is not the Manny of 2004. It was great to know you but the privaleges of greatness were excessive for the degree of greatness shown in 2008. A man who quits his team is no hall of famer for me. He will get there but with an asterisk. We will survive without this 10 year old star. Tell David Ortiz we love him and everything is going to be okay.

I wouldn't believe everything you read in the paper....I'm not saying that Edes is making this up, I am saying that whoever fed this story to him (Red Sox) are spinning this trade like crazy. If Manny wanted to stay he would have just rejected the trade, because he had a no trade clause.....this story makes zero sense.

Get past the histrionics............It was always all about the money, and in this case it was all about leverage. Boras has a history of maximizing leverage for his clients and in this particular case he found himself in the unpleasant situation where the team had the leverage for the next two years.

So what does he and Manny do? They attempt to regain leverage by orchestrating the not so subtle behavioral antics of "Manny being Manny"...........the implicit threat being that if they didn't get their way, that Manny would 'dog it' for the rest of this season. Enough is enough.....shameful, but not surprising that they would stoop to that level.

Manny and Boras - a pair of putzes... Glad Manny is gone and the Sox are now rebuilding.

It shows me the Red Sox really don't deserve a player like him, they deserve someone who comes to play every day, not if he happens to feel like it. He got away with far more than other players, and far far more than any of us would get away with in our jobs. I am pretty sure if I shoved a fellow employee at my job for not giving me what I wanted, I would be unemployed by now. The "promises" meant nothing, Manny has stretched the truth before--the "family" problem that made him late for spring training (when he was scheduled for a personal appearance in NJ), the "knee injury" in Seattle and that kept him from playing against New York show that Manny is nothing but a spoiled child. Good luck to Joe Torre.

Unbelievable.
If this is in fact true, then Boras really is The Devil.

What does this sound like: the LAD win a division title with Manny or even win a tour to the WS (hypothetically, he does a due workload), but they refuse to sign him a 4-year 100 plus M deal after that, they just wanna use him on the cheap, like paper napkin?

The Sox and Manny should have sat down as soon as Manny started acting up and asked Manny what he wanted. If he and Boras had told them then that he just wanted the options dropped, then the Sox could have decided then and there that they would let Manny go at the end of the season and keep Manny until then. Manny could have then got back on board and played like he was playing before Seattle. What happened was an unfortunate combination of poor communication, management unwilling to sit down with one their biggest players and talk, and a player/agent combo allowing a player's anger/unhappiness to cloud their judgement. I hope Ortiz pulls out of his funk and realizes he's got to shoulder a good deal more now.

Manny played a game both on and off the field. This time it backfired on him when the Red Sox started to play the off the field games too. Manny will be taken care of by the Yankees next year and he will play is dreadlocks off this year to ensure he gets the most $ possible. As far as Manny blocking the trade, not possible once he accepted the trade and all the paperwork had been signed. Sorry Scott that this one blew up in your face (remember A-Rod kicked you out of the talks with the Yankees because you were screwing that one up).

I wish the Red Sox luck because I think David Ortiz is going to head out of town when his contract is over. Manny was a cancer that spread to many of his teammates.

Manny has not done that much lately (2 years) except hit ground outs and into double plays. Manny is no longer the Manny of old and on the decline. He is also a child pain in the ass. I already like Bay. Welcome Jason to Bay town.

Adios Manny. You may be a great ball player, but you are a small man. Tanking it in the middle of a pennant race; refusing to see injured soliders at Walter Reed; refusing to meet with children with cancer. We don't need you that bad.

Didn't you see Manny jogging after a ball hit to left center in his first Dodger game, turning a double into a triple? This is what he has become. Jason Bay can play. Manny doesn't want to. It will be fun watching Boras try to extract a big contract out of someone this winter. Glad it won't be the Sox.

Actually, no, Philip. Manny relinquished his no-trade veto power in writing, before the Red Sox began negotiating the deal. He had a no-trade, but the Sox obtained a written "approval" of a trade from Manny, which contractually superceded the no-trade provision of his contract.

Is this man bipolar? I`m so happy this dirtbag is gone.

Not surprising. Unfortunately, Manny's I'll-play-when-I-want-to act could very well have cost the Sox some wins and therefore a playoff spot. Even if this story isn't true, Manny didn't want to be in Boston. Sore knee, pulling himself out of the line-up against top-notch pitchers, dogging it to first on a potential infield single ... sprinting to first base for the Dodgers. What a bum.

You are all too hard on Manny. I love him and miss him, warts and all! I'm sadder than David Ortiz looked at the fens last night. I wish him well.

He had a no-trade clause. If he didn't want to be traded, he would have exercised it.

Horrible reporting

All along I expected Manny to reject any offer in the end because he has the no-trade clause. The Red Sox/Globe are spinning this. Manny could still be a Red Sox. This story makes it look like he is admitting to misbehaving.

Diehard Yankees fan here...If this story is true, then the Sox saved their season despite the heavy trade outlay. I wouldn't be surprised if Boras pushed the buttons on this stunt (see A-Rod). So Manny won't be Manny if they drop the option years? Absolutely disgusting. Now, I'm certainly elated that Ramirez is gone, since he destroyed us time and time again. But the Sox ship should settle down now, and Bay is a solid player. Do I want Manny on my team next year? Love the numbers, but we've got enough drama. I do want Tex, though, but his agent is, oh yeah, that's right.......sonuva...

Another Manny moment. Now he's gone and Jack McCormick can sleep at night. It's for the best, even if the RS overpaid for Jason Bay. The Dodgers didn't even give up top-of-the-line prosepcts to get Manny. Unreal. But we all move on. Jason Bay may actually come to like that short left field wall.

I had the incredible fortune of sitting five rows above the Red Sox on deck circle during the Manny walk-off home run game ALDS 2007 against the Angles. This seat gave me an incredible, almost on the field view of that ball just sailing off into the night, long gone over the Monster. Pure baseball magic, a once in a lifetime moment any baseball fan lives for. And for that I am very sad to see Manny go.

In year's past when the subject of trading Manny or putting Manny on waivers came up I was typically worried that they would pull it off. As a high school baseball coach I have admired Tito for the way he has been able to look past all the nonsense and still get his team to produce each night. While I have never appreciated the antics I never saw anything that Manny did as detrimental to the team, only classic "Manny being Manny' stuff.

That all changed for me this year and in particular the Sunday night game against the Yankees when Manny was called upon to pinch hit against Mo Rivera in the 9th and he stood at the plate and watched three strikes hit the mitt, when the game was on the line. It was at that moment that I realized that Manny had brought his discontent onto the field. To essentially quit on his team was unacceptable and disresectful of his teammates and the fans.

Manny may be one of the best hitters of his era but he showed me that he cared more about Manny than his teammates and while it may be hard to replace his production, the Sox will be a better team in the long-run. After all, Manny was not going to be on the 2009 roster so to jettison him now and take their chances with Jason Bay is fine with this 40-year fan.

If you do something for me then I will try? Pretty much sums up why he had to be traded.

He had already waived his no-trade clause, then tried to go back on it

The smear campaign continues.

This has the smell of mutual duplicity on behalf of Scott Boras and Mr. Ramirez. The inkling of foulplay was there before but now this seems to add weight to the theory that the delinquent behavior of the bad boy was premeditated and abetted.
Seems to me there must be some legal action the Red Sox could take against Boras. Of course, this still is hard case to prove, but Manny might leak out a few more details. After all, not playing when healthy would appear to be a breech of contract.

You people who keep saying he had a no trade cause are idiots. Have you even been follow what has been going on with Manny? He dropped his no trade clause when he started all this BS. Do your research before you post!

while i agree it is hard to trust everything you read, i would also have to say that if you take the statement for what it is and assume it to be true, the red sox would be better with a content ramirez. he is better than bay at the plate and i would argue that his non bat-swinging antics cost fewer games than his offense wins. the variables however are how the team functions as a single entity with him still around.

This story is Bullcrap, Manny got traded at his own free will, if he wanted to stay, it would took one phone call, "im sorry, it wont happen again. that would been the end of the story. You really think Theo wanted BAY?????? Bay best numbers is mannys sick day. This story is bogus and Garbage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Add another title to John Henry's distinguished CV: child psychologist.

This is definitely a publicity stun orchestrated by Boras. I don’t believe it at all

This whole episode was crafted by Boras. Now he'll be able to cash in on Manny's new contract. Boras would not have been able to reap a dime for two more years if Boston had opted to keep Manny.

Add another title to John Henry's distinguished CV: child psychologist.

Yes, I agree that Manny Ramirez was a cancer to the Boston Red Sox. Sure, not a lot of players could replace his bat, but many players could upgrade his fielding ability, his hustle, and his clubhouse prescence. When the Red Sox aquired him in 2001, they simply payed him to go and perform mainly with his bat, and with no argument, that's what he did and people were happy with him. But as the years went on he became indifferent. At first the front office shrugged it off, but it soon became apparent that things were not going to get better but only worse.
We'll miss Mannys' bat...... but not his attitude.

May Manny jog in peace. It's good for him, only, that his brain wiring doesn't include a conscience. What's going to happen to his foundation and other civic endeavors?

Manny waived his no trade clause in advance of the trade. HE DID NOT HAVE A NO TRADE CLAUSE to exercise if he changed his mind or if his game backfired.

It was impossible for the Red Sox to make Manny happy, it will be impossible for any team to make Manny happy. The Red Sox did everything they could for him, and in the end did exactly what they needed to do. I loved Manny's talent, but I hate his attitude.

I hope someday Manny remembers what it means to love and enjoy the game of baseball, and how lucky he is to have that talent.... hopefully before it runs out.

May Manny jog in peace. It's good for him, only, that his brain wiring doesn't include a conscience. What's going to happen to his foundation and other civic endeavors?

I actually doubt that Boras was behind Manny's antics - we've never seen such deliberate nonsense from other clients. Manny is a 36 year old spoiled child and was becoming a clubhouse cancer. I suppose the fact that he is aging and his production is down made it easier to trade for a younger (but more mature) player with similar power numbers. Bay will never be the hitter that Manny was in his prime but if he hits 30 homers and 100 RBIs in the middle of the Sox order, it will be well worth it. I doubt we'll ever see him dogging it to first or being lacksadaisical running down balls to the outfield.

When I learned that Manny skips the visit with cancer kids during every spring training since he was signed AND skipped the trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit wounded soldiers ,sailors and Marines this past spring, that was it for me. Adios, amigo. Vaya con Los Angelinos.

Do you think Manny would have made it to third and came home on an infield hit to win last Night?

Do you think Manny would have made the play Bay made in the fifth inning?

No.

Notice none of the Sox' veteran players have come forward and denied the story regarding meeting to discuss Manny's leaving.

Notice the win in a tight, well pitched game last night.

Would we have won with Manny instead of Bay?

No.

He's gone. And needs to be gone. The team celebrated the victory last night like they won the pennant!

That alone should tell everyone how the players feel about it.

And if the Boras story is true.... what a manipulative piece of flotsam both he & Manny are.

I think Boras was behind ALL of this.

This spring Manny was ready to rock. So what changed?

Boras planted the seeds and Manny sowed them. Now he's a Dodger and the Sox are a real team again.

This is gonna be fun watching these guys play now. They looked alive and refreshed last night.

I'd take Jason Bay over Manny ANY day. Just watching him play last night was refreshing. The whole team looked more "up" than they have been in weeks.

Not to worry. We're there.

We're gonna get to the Series this year.

To psp312 :

This story did make sense to me. If Manny denied the trade, his option clause in the contract with Red Sox is still alive and that's exactly what he and Scott Boras want to avoid. The whole story is consistent with that Manny and Scott want Red Sox to drop the option years all along.

If this story is not true, then why doesn't Scott Boras stand up to deny his calling back to Sox?

For those of you who think Manny could just veto any trade that option was gone. He had already agreed in writing at the beginning of the week to waive his 10-5 rights to veto any trade. I don't know if the story is true or not, but stop using that excuse to say it isn't. He had no choice but to go once the trade was done. To be honest, I loved Manny, but at this point in their careers, Jason bay is a better all around player.

Type your comment here...

My personal view has been that Manny wanted out of the Options from the first day this year; that way he could negotiate a four year deal with someone, even the Sox. If the Sox had come to him and said they wanted to re-negotiate or renew him for four years. he would have been happy. We'd see the occasional "Manny being Manny" (MBM) events, but he'd be happy. If one or two of the Option years were picked up by the Sox, Manny would have had trouble getting the years he wanted in a new deal. MBM did not always have a negative afffect on the other players. However, considering the disruption he has recently caused, I think the Sox did the right thing. I'm sure I'll miss seeing him play, but I'm a 60+ year old fan; I want to see some more championships; I want to see the TEAM win. And I don't think they could be successful with Manny staying. If I need to see Manny hit or jog in the field or to first base, I'll turn on a Dodger game the rest of the year.

I was one of Manny's biggest fans - he was easily understood even when the high IQ's of CHB and other writers couldn't. But he lost me in this episode and I hope he gets into a horrific glue sniffing accident in the off-season. And Boras is pure slime. He'd represent Hitler if he could make money off him. The fact Varitek and J.D. Drew have him as their agent makes me wonder about those guys too. Good people don't need sleezebags.

First of all, he didn't have a no trade clause, he had ten-five rights, so you calling bad reporting and misstating the facts yourself look like an idiot. Secondly, he had given the sox written approval that he wouldn't veto a trade if his options were dropped. You think they're going to get a trade all done and then have it blow up because Manny changed his mind?

Nice try. They're not stupid. And clearly having it in writing saved all their work put in on the trade in the end.

Picking on an article when you can't even get it right, nice.

I think Boras scripted this whole thing... When Manny said, "The Red Sox don't deserve a player like me..." that was Boras. That statement, in my opinion, did not sound like Manny - I could hear Scott's slimy little voice in it. I think he was manipuilated by Boras, no question. Boras was not making a dime off the relationship until a deal could be made. That said, I'm glad Manny's gone. He was a distraction the last 2 years, and as a Red Sox fan I was done with all the crap. Jason Bay will be just as productive moving forward (if not more productive) and he'll be a good team player!! Welcome to the Bay State!!!

Another wonderful news leak by the Sox....I wonder if Edes knows truth from fiction?? The truth is the Yankees got better with two great trades, the Angels got even better with one great trade and the Red Sox got worse!!! But Theo is still the Golden Child

It was a good move for the RS. They HAD to do it. There is no way they could have continued to put up with the pouting (thanks nomar) childish behavior and still made it to the playoffs. They may still not make the playoffs but think of the possibilities that exist in 2009/2010 without schilling and ramirz salaries. It allows management to assess the needs and go out and get it and also get younger overall. This team needed to get younger anyway. Perhaps they can orchestrate matt holiday's arrival as a christmas present for big papi. a team with papi, holiday and bay in the middle is something i can live with. GO SOX!!

In a game of poker it's much easier to call someone's bluff when they are a complete idiot. Let this moron take his sorry butt elsewhere. What a fool.

This revelation is truly astounding. It certainly does solidify the fact that this outrageous behavior was planned. Whether the words and actions were orchestrated by the puppet, Manny, or the puppeteer, Boras , will always be interesting to contemplate but it is clear now that anybody who has knocked the Red Sox management for getting rid of this monster, this malignancy, must readily recognize that this HAD to be done. I believe Bay's combination of skills, plus his character, will more than replace Manny's one skill and totally unacceptable character.

20 mil a year and just play hard and you'll get 20 mil a year for 2009 and 2010. Ramírez's pledge of good behavior just shows you what kind of piece of shit he and Boras really are.

I wish I could make Manny a manager and give him a whole team of "Manny Ramirezs" as players and see how he likes putting up with all the BS.

I think Jason Varitek should shut up and put up. What has he done for the club this year. He is hitting .216 and Cash is throwing out more baserunners with a knuckleball pitcher.

And oh by the way Varitek has the same bottom feeding agent that Manny has. He is the man behind all this BS. Shame on Manny for playing along and then wanting to reverse it all. Shame on the Red Sox for not keeping their word and sitting down with Manny after last season and ironing out the option years and perhaps a contract extension. Most of all shame on Agents like this one that will stoop to all time lows to earn a fee where they weren't going to get one. I think this is tampering and Arlen Specter would be of good use here......Call for a hearing and clean these bottom feeding agents out of sports.

Play ball Varitek, you should be keeping as low a profile as you have with your on base precentage.

To those of you that are knocking this report because of Manny's "no trade clause," please pay attention. Manny signed off on a trade to ANY TEAM before they completed a deal. He had already waived his no trade clause. Now, whether this story is solid or not is still up for debate, but not because of Manny's right to veto a trade. He gave that up before the deal.

I'd like to have Boras bargaining for me! Sounds like he got Manny exactly what Manny wanted....

This is what happens when players listen to their agent. Boras screwed A-Rod for opting out of his Yankee deal last year, and he probably orchestrated Manny's mahem last week thinking the Sox would crumble. Manny is a tremendous talent and a tremendous pain in the neck. If Bay just plays his game, the Sox will be fine, even if it weakened our bullpen with the loss of Hansen. The down side is that Manny will sign with the Yankees to get even!

The Boston Globe "spinning" a story? NEVER!

This verifies what I suspected and stated in a blog with this paper: That after talking with Boras in Seattle, he WAS encouraged to be disruptive so the SOX would release or trade him and his new agent (Boras) would be able to negotiate his new contract and receive 5% for his services! Manny is a child w/o many "smarts" so he was totally maneuvered into this action.
This is the second time Boras has made a fool of the SOX (during the world Series with A-Rod's announcement)
Boras is making Baseball a mockery in this day and age for his benefit!

umm psp13 , manny already signed off on the trade, you have to read the story. it says AFTER the trade was made boras called the sox. As in its a done deal ,m nayy signed off on it. you cant indian give trades.

86 years of suffering Manny helped to end, and not only that but he brought a second championship to Boston as well. I don't approve of Manny's lazy play of late, no doubt intentional, but the bigger issue is the policy of this organization to dump players as soon as they stop putting up HOF numbers and the sad lack of over site by the fans of Boston as they become complicit with this approach.

This revelation is truly astounding. It certainly does solidify the fact that this outrageous behavior was planned. Whether the words and actions were orchestrated by the puppet, Manny, or the puppeteer, Boras , will always be interesting to contemplate but it is clear now that anybody who has knocked the Red Sox management for getting rid of this monster, this malignancy, must readily recognize that this HAD to be done. I believe Bay's combination of skills, plus his character, will more than replace Manny's one skill and totally unacceptable character.

86 years of suffering Manny helped to end, and not only that but he brought a second championship to Boston as well. I don't approve of Manny's lazy play of late, no doubt intentional, but the bigger issue is the policy of this organization to dump players as soon as they stop putting up HOF numbers and the sad lack of over site by the fans of Boston as they become complicit with this approach.

86 years of suffering Manny helped to end, and not only that but he brought a second championship to Boston as well. I don't approve of Manny's lazy play of late, no doubt intentional, but the bigger issue is the policy of this organization to dump players as soon as they stop putting up HOF numbers and the sad lack of over site by the fans of Boston as we become complicit with this approach.

Hmmm...I think this is a case of Larry Luccino (or one of his minions with specific orders) strikes again! Is anyone truly surprised? Even in a case where probably 99 percent of Red Sox Nation agrees with the move, I suspect old LL won't be happy until all 12 members of the (figurative) jury are convinced. WEAK!!!

Thank You Manny for the many wonderful moments you gave every fan of the Nation. I wish you the best of luck in LaLa land. I however would have done the exact same thing were I in Theo's position,your attempting to subbort your way into getting getting your way and costing the team victories and much consternation was the gross act of a greedy human being!!! I forgive you for your trangressions,as I'm sure you would forgive me for mine!! You as a person and former player with the Red Sox need to apologize to your former teammates for tanking games which cost them much grief and made them look like co-consperitors your attempt to commit Fraud for personal gain!!! God Bless and again enjoy your new team....Say hello to Nomar and Derek for the collective RSN,and if in the conservation the subject of playing in Boston comes up just look at them and tell "Hey I'm just Manny being Manny"The saddest part of your personal departure is you could've gone down in the history as one of the greatest players in Red Sox history.You blew it!!!! I side with management...

It appears that Boras had Manny thinking, if Boras actually suggested to him that he allow Boras to make the published concession to the Sox:

"Gotcha, now let's just move on"

And I agree with another published opinion that General Managers will think twice, and then stop and re-think, before not only drafting a prospect but also signing a free agent who plans to retain Boras to represent them......Boras is only thinking of his commission when he negotiates, with poor Manny's unthinking consent, the cancellation of the option clauses in the contract with the Sox....thus ensuring his commission when he gets a contract for four years, not for $25m, but $20m tops per year.....

Thank God he is gone. After watching his lack of effort over the past few games, it was time for him to be traded. The SOX are better off.

If this report is accurate it sounds like the Sox may have a breech of contract action and perhaps could avoid $7 million for the balance of the season. I would expect the commissioners office to weigh in from a discipline perspective on both Manny and his agent.

You have to love LIBERAL AMERICA............ Manny and Boras are examples of the stupidity and GREED that comes from our dysfunctional Washington D C.......Red Sox NATION will be better off without the ungrateful jerk !!!! America does concern me ????

I smell the foul stench of Scott Boras all over this. When are players going to wise up and realize that when you hire a reprehensible snake to represent you, you become one?

While I can't quite bring myself to wish a season-ending injury upon Manny (I think Joe Torre has earned a break or two), I can still hope that when he does become a free agent, that he gets A-Rodded big time and no one comes close to the money he could have made if he'd stayed in Boston and behaved himself.

What a couple of greedy monsters....

Welcome to Jason Bay. We wouldn't have won last night's game without him, and we wouldn't have won it if Manny had been playing left field, even IF he had decided to show up and play.

Onward.

Whoever thinks they should have traded Manny, obviously doesn't watch baseball! Join the Fenway Park Boycott this month and show management that they can't win you over with no-name baseball players who don't pull hijinks for the fans!

Sounds like you need another poll option. It affects my opinion. To me, it proves that the Sox did the right thing letting him go. Obviously, all of his actions were calculated and he was just looking for attention. Also, if he really wanted to stay, he shouldn't have waived his no trade clause in the first place.

I actually doubt that Boras was behind Manny's antics

I disagree. Scott Boras was not the agent for his current contract.
Scott only gets paid if Manny signs a NEW deal. It's probably worth
anywhere from 2 to 5 million in commission if Manny signs a new
deal at the end of the year

God I love baseball. This is better than any soap opera or movie of the week!!
Manny was being Manny, but it's time to move on and play ball. I hope Mikey's hip is better today. I'm more concerned about that then this whole story line.

So let me get this straight. Manny signed an 8 year deal with the Red Sox in 2000, with options for two additional seasons. We must of all missed the contract clause that says Manny reserves the right to "show up" or "play hard" ...unless told to do so by his agent. It's like Manny agreed to wear the uniform for 20 million a year, but if you want me to play in the uniform, well, I'll have to talk to my agent about that.
Give me a break. What a loser....what a shame.

Jo-Jo, I don't worry about 'Tek because he's always played hard and besides, the way he's hitting this year - or not hitting, as it is - few teams would be willing to spend big on him. Also, we have more than a couple of Boras players. 'Tek, Drew, Dice-K, Ellsbury, are all Boras clients. Craig Hansen was a client, as was Julian Tavarez. That's not to say I don't think Boras was behind the Manny baloney. I think he was, 90% (I don't think he would have had Manny push the traveling secretary). But the Sox really have no issues dealing with Boras on the whole (some teams, according to rumor, won't deal with Boras clients at all). The problem for Boras was that he stood to make zero $ if the Sox or a trade partner picked up those two option years. That's the entirety of it.

It was a good move for the Sox. Now in the off-season Joe Torre will have to get a degree in psychology to learn how to deal with "Manic Manny." No small task.
Scott Boras should be banned from dealing with MLB players. He is inept, period. Anyway you slice it, Manny didn't want to be here. He is a manchild, whose antics (though funny at times) became boring. He turned his back on his team....that is unforgivable! Theo knew this. Papi will get over it.

Like many, I loved Manny. Of course I let his antics slide, not only because he was a great player, but because he had an affable, human (yes, goofy and selfish are human traits) quality he expressed to the fans. Unfortunately, he forced management's hand and had to go. But management does have a sly way of talking out of both sides of their mouths. Lets see, Theo can appear to take the high road and not point fingers, yet at the same time, we hear that in his meeting with team vets, they agreed that Manny must go. What happened to keeping team matters in-house? How about all the info the team made public about Manny's MRIs? How about the latest info that Manny asked out of the trade after the fact? I can go on and on. It seems to me that both sides had a role in this.

Has Manny probably been manipulated and taken out of context recently? Yes. Does Manny have a strong work ethic and a razor sharp focus on playing baseball at the highest level? Absolutely. When he has a bat in his hand, he's zeroed in and swinging hard. And he has consistently produced. I wish him all the success in the world on the West Coast. Life goes on. Thanks for the memories, Manny.

There was no way around this. The only one who wins in this situation is Boras who will now get his commission on whatever contract Manny signs this offseason. It is amazing how this agent is able to manipulate so many talented athletes.

This team can contend if Beckett gets his act together. His recent struggles are far more crucial than losing Manny.

www.checkswing.net

To Bill Dumas (izzat yer REAL name?)... this has nothing to do with politics.

Yer on the wrong forum, sport!

To FORMER Red Sox Nation Member.... fans want teams that WIN. Period.

And. as someone that wants more "hijinks" in their life, you might want to try reality television. It's on 24/7 from your favorite cable provider.

A Fenway boycott? Right.

People get loans to buy access into the hallowed shrine. For every sellout there is probably another sellout's worth of fans wanting to get in.

I think you need to watch a little more baseball.

Good bye Manny, hope the door didn't hit you in the aazz. You weren't hitting like you used to, you fall down in the outfield, you don't run the bases, and it's everybody is against me! We would love to have your talent and money, but it might be time to grow up before your career ends. You are not the first waste of talent and you have no respect for your fellow teammates. Good.........bye!

......Manny being Manny...Thanks for the memories.

Manny will fit in perfectly with the L.A. work ethic and attitude. He can commiserate with Kobe. You need a TEAM to win championships; can't win it alone. Hats off to the Sox for standing their ground. They will be better off in the long run with someone who puts the needs of the team over their self-centered agenda.

Boras has proved with this request that "manny will be good if the sox drop the options" what he and Manny's intentions were all along. Now if he had said he'll be good and we'll deal with the options after the season as the contract states then that's putting a different light on his request. All he succeeded in doing was getting his client traded in the middle of a season where he's playing for a contract and eliminating one of his potential suitors in the process, the Redsox. I'm sure there are other GM's out there that will pay this guy his 100 mil but with his declining skills and Manny being Manny behavior you can bet his next contract will also end badly down the road. Manny is now the enemy and all we can do as sox fans is say, "thanks for the memories but don't let the door hit your axx on the way
out."

The Sox were wise to dump this loser. I leave near Dodger stadium and will not go to a game till this loser is gone.

This guy has wanted to get out of Boston for years now. Doesn't anyone realize that? Finally he got his wish. He didn't want to be here. Just accept it.

Enough! Lets play ball the Manny era is over. I can not count how many times i cringed watching his lack of hustle. there is no doubt that he was affecting the entire team. lets get on with the season we still have a chance to win it all. if we don't at least it will not be because of him. 60+ year fan.

Manny - grow up, cut your ridiculous hair, and enough with the ghetto fabulous, gangsta baggy uniforms for christs sake.

Its a shame that he held the SOX hostage and they had to give up Hansen and Moss just to trade the slacker. Boras is a piece a trash. The SOX should refuse to deal with him and make it known. So Varitek, if you have any interest in resigning here--- get a new agent!

Manny got two cheaps hits last night and hit into a clutch double play. Did you see him sprint to first last night for the Dodgers? I have never seen him run so fast. THe sox have to tell Papi NOT to sacrifice his big body diving for first base to avoid a double play. Papi was visibly upset last night. I hope time will heal him and he gets back to his old self. I don't credit Manny's "protection" for Ortiz's success. Time for and eight game win streak.

Some times even the bestest/greatest get "led astray " by someone (Scott
Boras) who has B I G $$$$$$$$$ in the pot, All he sees is $$$$$$$$
and the H~ll with everything/everybody else. THe more he can 'get' the more
HE makes
NO MATTER WHAT - the world keeps on turning
MR C U @ wold series
Red Sox = keep on a rollin and ROLL RIGHT OVER THEM ALL
73 years Young and a SOX fan all that time

Manny is a great hitter, but he was becoming like Nomar was in 2004...a CLUBHOUSE CANCER. Applause to the Sox veterans for telling Theo what he had to do with ManRam - run him out of town.

Jason Bay is a two-time All-Star who's a solid player (and he grew up amongst a family of Red Sox Nation members, so he knows about the passion of the Fenway Faithful). He'll be great for this club. Reminds me of Orlando Cabrera when he was traded to the Sox in '04. He fit right in. Bay will, too.

The Boston Red sucks? Who cares?

In the following quote from Derke Lowe, "you started hearing more negative stuff about the guy," CHB either fails to recognize that Lowe is talking about "journalists" (CHB being one of the main muck-rakers in these matters of "reporting" negative content), or CHB is unwiling to acknowledge his twisted little role in muddying the waters.

Either way, Shaugnessey is one perverse little man. Perverse.

This news that Manny lobbied after the trade sound more to me like exceptionally poor communication: wasn't he sleeping during the trade? Why did the Red Sox not contact him at all, before the trade, to offer to drop the two option years?

Sounds eerily similar to what happened in the negotiations with Pedro, on the tarmack, in the Dominican (read Feeding the Monster for the details).

Thank you for sharing my comments in your blog.

Comment # 77 Former Sox fan you are an idiot. Please boycott Fenway and sell your tickets to me on Craig's list. My 10 year old son would give anything to get into Fenway to see the sox. Go for it! And remember sell your tix at face value or you are another Boras, fool.

Manny is a great player and was an integral part of the best Sox teams of all time. Despite his antics and disagreements with the front office, he was definitely not a cancer in the locker room; he got on well with the other players and was a consistent fan favorite. The real villains here are the asshats on WEEI and poison-pen pricks like Shaugnessy. Manny will get the ovation to end all ovations when he comes back to Fenway, and it will be well deserved.

I have to thank Manny for the past years of service to the Sox and helping bring 2 WS's to the Nation. However, his time was up in Boston and he had to go. I can understand some of the thoughts of others on this where they said management wanted to have him go and started to make moves to have fans have negative views of Manny. You all must remember that this is a FOR PROFIT organization and the fans want to see winners winning championships. I have no problem in seeing a player like Manny, future HOFer, being traded if he is being a detriment to the team. Look what A-Rod is doing to the Yankees.

[to redpr]

Boras HAD to pass along Manny's offer. He has a legal obligation to do so as his agent.

The Sox owners and management are running a business. If they had let Manny and Boras put a gun to their head and capitulated to their demand for free agency in exchange to playing hard for the next 2 months, the Sox would be sending a message to the other players that would have led to anarchy and anything but another shot at the WS. It's clear that Manny and Boras got what they wanted - free agency without any team options at the end of the season - and the Sox got a solid overall player 7 years younger who is committed to playing hard, though candidly, not the intimidating hitter that Manny is. As the Rolling Stones know, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need."

the guy is worth over a hundred million dollars. He should and does get what he want's. When he's not in a baseball uniform, like every other very rich person, he's eating at only the best restaurants, driving the most expensive cars, flying in private jets, and so on.
He should be treated like royalty, since he's worth more than most royalty.

My respect for Red Sox has grown after this trade. I'm a Mets fan & I remember rooting for the Mets to get rid of Strawberry because of his disruptive behaviour, always talking about playing for the Dodgers & the lack of respect he got from the Mets management. More teams should be like the Red Sox and say "enough is enough" and get rid of players who cause problems no matter how talented they may be. Well done Sox.

Sounds like Manny just being Manny....

When are GMs going to take a collective stand against Scott Boras, or at least publicly criticize the way he conducts business? There is no doubt he was Manny's worst enabler. He easily could have reigned in his client, yet he did and said nothing. Next to steroids he is the worst thing to happen to baseball.

Of course Manny wanted to stay all along. He has lived here for 8 years. He has raised his family here and his wife has developed her own life here in Boston. Plus, he was one of the most popular Red Sox players in history (albeit, not over the last month or so). What this goes to show is how involved Boras was the whole time, and what a horrible influence he will ultimately end up being in the life and legacy of Manny Ramirez. (It also goes to show that Boras is a fool -- why would he call the Red Sox after the trade has been made and make an offer as lame as that?) Sometimes, Scott Boras, making a few more million bucks is NOT the best thing for the player. I know, we can't blame Boras -- Manny makes his own decisions -- but Manny has clearly poured a lot of trust into his agent, and his agent has led him down a path that might get him more dollars before he retires, but might also make him unhappier, overall. The kind of agent Manny really needs isn't one who's #1 motivation is money. Manny needs an agent who has ALL of his best interests in mind. Someone who truly loves everything about the guy -- a life advisor, not just a contract advisor. And I don't hold this shortcoming against Manny. This is just who he is -- a not-so-sophisticated, naiive, but good-hearted fellow who happens to be one of the best right-handed hitters of all time. The way this has all gone down is just a shame -- but not for Jason Bay, who just hit the professional baseball player lottery by winning a chance to follow Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Mike Greenwell, and Manny Ramirez as the chief steward of the Green Monster.

I only wish he'd been traded to the Yankees,

then he would have had to cut his hair !!!

That would have been sweet justice....

Adios Jake-Master Manny

of course he was being disruptive on purpose and i fully believe this year his agent wanted him to do it, and encouraged him to act like a fool, to get the sox to drop his options. I think both thought they wouldn't find a partner to trade with, but guess what, ...they did! Did you see manny run down to first last night, i've never seen him hustle so fast. Oh well, try to keep that up every night, it ain't happening, i give him two weeks in LA before they start complaining about his lackluster performance, and good luck patrolling the left field.

Everyone says the sox gave up too much.Take '06, '07, and to the trade '08 stats for each player.
Hits; Manny 396 - Bay 407
Runs; Manny 229 - Bay 250
HR; Manny 75 - Bay 78
RBI Manny 258 - Bay 257
Yes, the (once) mighty Manny only led in RBI and that by 1.Let's see, Manny had Ortiz, Lowell, Youkilis, and Pedroia to get on base for him and protect him. Bay had Nady, Wilson, LaRoche... you get the idea.Manny's best days have come and gone(mid 30's), Bay is 29 with his best days ahead. Thanks Theo !

Manny is one of the best offensive stars in baseball (when he wants) but he lacks the character and consistency of an Albert P. With a team full of talent ... character and chemistry is what will get the BoSox another title and Manny clearly is a liability in both areas.
Jason Bay? Who is this guy? He is a throw back, a classic hard working, modest ball player who will work his butt off everyday and be a great teammate. He will do it quietly without arrogance and media distractions. His numbers may be a bit lower but all the other aspects he brings to the team on and off the field make him as valuable as Manny - arguably more valuable.
A look at this year's stats are very close and consider Bay's former team, he could easily have much better numbers had he been in Boston all year.
Bay is 6 years younger. Manny has a few DH years left. Bay can play defense and more importantly.... Bay wants to play.
Boston fans will love this guy - they should keep him for a long time. GREAT TRADE BoSox.

After all of Manny's rhetoric earlier this year about wanting to finish his career in Boston, he did nothing to back up his words. When one is in the last year of his contract, the only way he can increase his value to future negotiations, either to have his options picked up or in the free agent market, is to have a great year. His antics, probably under Boras' direction, have blown up in his face and he probably won't even see offers as high as the $20M options Boston had on him.

As much as I loved some of the "Manny being Manny" episodes, I'm sorry that I didn't fully realize that he was a great 36 year old athlete with a 12 year old's mentality. Thank God it's over.

The entire concept of "Manny being Manny" SUCKS! How about "Manny being a professional", you know - do your job the right way, carry yourself the right way... He was a great player for the Sox, but COME ON! -

These latest comments only prove the point that he admits to being completely unprofessional! "Oh ok, alright... I'll be a good boy if you please let me stay the rest of the season...." WHAT A JOKE! and Boras' representation is a joke too...

Good luck in LA Manny - you wining little spoiled brat! You'll fit in just PERFECT in Hollywood! ...and cut your hair - you look like an idiot!

Ya they won last night (2-1 against the lowly A's), but left several men on base and for 10 innings couldn't buy a timely hit. They won on a walk-off double clutch, and the ball hit by Bay in the 11th, although it looked like a bomb when it left the bat, turned out to be a "wall scraper". Get used to life without Manny.

Hmm A thought here folks, i hear a lot of people telling Curt Schilling to shut up. ( not me i like intelligent ballplayers who tell how they feel without a lot of repeated catch phrases over and over)
can we now ask Pedro and Nomar to Shut up please?, you know i loved pedro, and honestly i dont think there will ever be a pitcher who will ever have a more dominating season than he had from 97 to 2000. he absolutley defies logic and made me smile a lot. But he left boston, and broke down, just like red sox management was afraid of, then shot his mouth off at the fans as well. sigh.
Nomar- if you look back you will see that Nomar turned down a 4 year 60 million dollar deal at the start of the 2004 spring training season, then after being hurt for 40% of the first half of the season the red sox offered him only 48 mil since he was injured and doc's told them he would be out for most of the year. Nomar says that was an insult, somehow baseball players dontget it. if you get offered a job for 100 grand a year and turnit down, then you get fired for something or get demoted lets say, then go back to that company 3 months later and ask for he same money again, and they say nope, your only worth 75k a year, is that wrong? or is it your fault? So Nomar threatened to sit out the next season if neccessary. and the sox traded him sparking the team to a world series. Oh and if the red sox FO was so bad, why did they allow the players to vote on whether or not to give Nomar a ring. they coulve just quietly done nothing and legally and under league rules they did not have to give him one.
By the way , when every other member of the red sox who was not with the team when the rings were recieved thier rings they flew in, or waitied until they played the sox, or made a video thanking the fans and were genuinely happy. Nomar did nothing he decided to have litle private ceremony in chicago.
By the way n0omar hasnt played a full season since before he left the red sox. , so whatre these guys griping about again?
Nomar- screwed himself outof 60 mil. and blames the sox
Clemens-howdy mr steroid, ( red sox gm thought he was done, course he didnt realize he would make himself immortal with HGH and steroids) soon to be convicted felon roger clemens.
Damon- hey i love my long hair and carefree wild attitude, ...so ill sign with the yankees and cut my hair and act straight laced? huh? oh and i wont even give the sox a chance to counter offfer.
Mo- i dont even have to explain this do i?
Manny- 20 mil a year isnt enough for him. and rather than take the high road and leave atthe end of the season he demands a trade then says, oh dont trade me Mr red sox, ill be a good boy for the rest of the year. After the trade is already done!!
Hey Manny theres no door in the dodgers right field wall. Oh and Jason Bay may not be a hall of famer. but he certainly hustles like a guy who loves this game and would love to be there, unlike you, who just expects it. Sorry to all you latino and dominican etc fans who hate anyone who isnt your nationality. ( i actually had a conversation with a dominican gentleman on the train the other night, he heard me taling about the manny trade and he said manny never did anything to anyone, he was only being scapegoated because he wouldnt bow down to the red sox management. I asked him about attacking youk, and the traveling secretary, and he said they never happened, (even though youks attack is on camera?) he also said that boston hates latin players, and only wanted Jason bay because he was white. He said that phone call picture from inside the green monster during the game, was theo calling manny to make him look bad. I asked about manny's frequent taking "days off" and he said and i quote, "he works hard, he deserves time off , its no different from any other job". umm you mean besides the 20 mil ayear, catered lifestyle, private planes, meal money, plush hotels, people carrying your bags, personal on call barber, adoration of millions, celebrity status, and all he has to do is what comes naturally to him? , well unfortunately it was my stop, so he never got to answer that part.

When a player starts loudly demanding to be traded, that's an insult to Boston: he is saying this isn't a good enough place to be.

Good bye, and don't let the door hit you on the way out.

BS... the Red Sox are pretty arrogant, after he is traded, they come out saying players had been asking upper management to trade him for years. Well, don't you think that may have been what he meant when he said that he had been disrespected and they didnt deserve him?

After all, this was the MVP of the Sox first World Series in years. The Red Sox would like to pretend that the two most important players in their first Series lineup, Damon and Ramirez, are the spawn of Satan, and that they never played on the Red Sox in the first place.

The night before Manny dogged it down the line in a no-hit bid, he jacked a home-run off a nasty K-Rod breaking ball, first pitch of the at bat. Well, if the Red Sox make it to the AL Championship Series, welcome back K-Rod. He would have been pitching to David Ortiz with the game on the line, but instead he is getting walked, and Jason Bay, a lifelong Pirate, will hold the future of the Red Sox in his hands... Nice Trade!

Manny was and continued to be a media Jackass for a long time. It came down to Manny being Manny was a blackeye for the Red Sox. What did he think...no one was watching. His bat was remarkable, too bad he couldn't just be quiet and go to work.

Baseball is a team sports with the rest of 24 players. Clearly, when it comes to Manny, it's all about the selfish Manny. He couldn't care less about anyone but himself!!

Good riddance. We need a ball player, not a whiner in the club!!

Scott Boras is a jerk.

We saw this with the A-Rod announcement during last years World Series.

It is too bad that some athletes don't choose a representative with more integrity.

Last night I watched Manny's first at bat with the Dodgers (I live out of Boston and order the baseball package every year so I can watch the Sox...bonus is I get all the other games as well)...I commented to my daughter, who was watching with me, that Manny looked....blah. She agreed, and said, "do you think he's had second thoughts?" I said, "no, he made it clear he was done with us. Its sad, but it was time." All I can say is, Goodbye, Manny - I still love all the goofy moments and game winning hits....I won't miss the temper tantrums...and Jason Bay? Welcome to the Fens we already love you. I was hoping he'd do something great in his first game....and he started off well.

After every trade/departure of a star, whether Manny, Nomar, Pedro..., unnamed sources put out a story to Edes or Shaunessy that reflects badly on the player. Actually, they did the same thing with Theo, so you have to think it is Luccino. Regardless of these people's weirdness, if Luccino or whoever doesn't have the balls to be identified, the Globe writer shouldn't run the story. "...Edes discovered..." my foot; someone in the Sox organization called him up and told him and they did it for a reason. If John Henry is personally offended when players say the organization isn't straight with them, maybe he should talk with Luccino.

Manny is a player who plays in slow motion, drives me me nuts and watching Bay running the bases last night was a relief !! Bay is going to be a better improvement for the Sox than Manny overall......

This whole thing was about becoming a free agent at the end of the season, and the Sox should feel good about telling Manny to get on the next flight to LA, it was the right move. I hope teams look at this before making him an offer when he's a FA. There would be nothing better then seeing him end up with a 3 year deal for under $60 mill.

It further validates what I felt all along, which was that this was an orchestrated maneuver on the part of that money grubbing talentless HACK, Scott Boras. He is bad for the game. As much as Manny can and has been a pain in the a**, he has always been a run producer. He ruined our last Manny moments for us.

More teams should do what the Yankees did last year when having to deal with A-Rod's contract; they should REFUSE to work with him. They forced A-Rod to deal for himself.

In the end, Manny won't get a bigger contract than what we could have given him. He's older now, he's slower, and now he's not just a lovable clown but a conniving, whiny baby man in bed with the devil. Will Boras dump Manny when he can't get a big commission? This is a huge negative for baseball. At least the truth is out. Tragic.

"but the bigger issue is the policy of this organization to dump players as soon as they stop putting up HOF numbers and the sad lack of over site by the fans of Boston as we become complicit with this approach."

Nick, that's called winning! Should they've kept Pedro and his 2-3 record?

It's a business, and the business is winning. You win by getting rid of players who are on the decline and signing new ones who can step in and do better. See the Pat's 3 super bowls.
It's cold but ultimately you're rooting for laundry and management.

PS This story reeks of Larry Luchino. Just shit up, let the player leave without the smear campaign. Show some class, otherwise Theo's gonna put on the gorilla suit again.

the sox blew this one...they put up with manny's BS and great hitting for 8 years and then couldn't do it for 2 months more????
clearly the guy wanted to be a free agent at the end of the year...why didn't they agree to tear up the two remaining years of his contract and let manny play his ass off for the sox the final two months before free agency? now he will give max effort to the dodgers (while the sox pay his salary) as he and boras get ready for free agency.
theo should have used manny and boras's greed to the sox's advantage, instead manny got exactly what he wanted.....and the sox got a decent player, but at he's no manny.

There's a word to describe this act, if it is indeed true: EXTORTION. "Change the terms of the contract and Manny will start holding up his end of the contract".

Boras and Manny should be sued for the remaining $7 million for breach of contract - but of course the corrupt Players' Union would never let this happen.

Gordon,
How will this entire fiasco impact the Red Sox realtionship with Boras? He has Jason V coming at the end of the year...

This is just another BS way for the Sox and Boston journalists to make Manny out as the "bad guy." Does anyone really believe this? Boras isn't an idiot. He knows that once a deal is done, it's done. An hour after the deal was made ... really??? The deal went down right at the deadline. There was no hour to negotiate. I'm a huge Red Sox fan, and I can totally see why they tired of Manny, but they and the Boston media need to let this go. Manny helped the Sox win two World Series, which they would not have done without him. Give the man the respect he deserves. He's gone. LET IT GO!!!

He was a pox on the team, and he had to go. He brought it on himslef. This last twist is just another example of "Manny being Manny", jerking people around to his own whims and advantage, and we had had enough of that. The physical violence was going way too far.

I admire Theo and the others for sticking to there guns, even though they knew the trade was a net loss in terms of raw baseball power. Even if Jay Bay only makes half the batting contribution Manny did, the extra 5% we will get from everyone else on the team - and extra 50% from Terry - will more than make up the difference!

Manny won't change his spots. Good luck Joe! Good luck Dodgers!

Manny is not happy without drama in his life...he is probably a middle child. Manny didn't want to leave Boston and dared the Red Sox to trade him because he has an inflated view of his own worth. He never imagined it was possible they could make a deal for him. He wanted to come back after the trade deadline to a standing ovation, like last year (or was it the year before). He really is just a big child. All this being said, Manny is not a bad person, he's just very immature. I wish him luck in LA, and hope that he has learned something from this. The Red Sox did what they absolutely had to do, and in the process made themselves a better team next year, and with Manny's behavior prior to the trade, a better team for the remainder of this year.

Manny ...who? (what you talkin' 'bout, Willis?)

Joe Torre is the one I feel sorry for> First the Yanks mess all over him and now he has to put up with a lazy good for nothing ex RS brat.

Regardless of how this turns out this season, next year or down the road Theo and the trio did the right thing. Manny maybe a hall of fame hitter, bu he turned into a hall of fame a** as well.

If any of you out there run a business, any kind of business, would you tolerate one of your employees, even your best employee, bad mouthing your company in public (to the media) like Ramirez did to the Red Sox?

The answer to that is a resounding hell no.

He is/was manipulative in his ways,I am mostly of the belied that Scott Boras possibly coached him in this and in the end those two deserve each other. I hope when Manny Ramirez hits the free agent market in November that the other 29 teams remember this.

Buyer Beware!

Well what if he was getting traded to a different team? Would Boras have placed that phone call? Just because he was moving to a lackluster offense Manny wanted to stay. If Manny wanted to actually stay, he should have called earlier. He'll be in New York next year, for one of those teams. But, last night if Manny hit the ball of the wall, it's only a double, and the Sox don't win that game. Let's go Jason Bay take us home buddy!

The cold hard reality here is that baseball is a business and greed over these staggering amounts of money can bring out the worst in people. Mo Vaughn, Nomar, Pedro and now Manny all cited how the Red Sox showed them "no respect" while maintaining all along it "wasn't about the money." The Red Sox expected each of these individuals to live up to their contracts, play hard and then negotiate professionally. None of them did. They all chose to hold the Red Sox at bay by spouting off in the media not realizing or perhaps just not caring how it effected the team. All of them pouted like children. For each of them it was all about their perception of what they were entitled to all the time and had little to do with personal integrity... of handling things professionally. Hopefully Manny and Boras become the official poster children now for everything that is wrong with these so called "professional contracts." Manny tanking in the middle of a pennant race, citing the lack of respect the Red Sox showed him for expecting him to live up to his contract that he willfully signed ? Manny forgot that the contract that he signed with the Red Sox was one of the most lucrative in sports history and that surrounded him with other great players. At least Damon had the guts to say it was about the money the Yankees offered. The cold reality is that Manny's approach here cost the Red Sox his bat, 7 million, Hansen and Moss. That approach has nothing to do with loyalty much less personal integrity and certainly shows no respect. All his mysterious knee injuries will all disappear in LA... now that it's all about Manny again. The person who "just wants to play" but can't stand being out of the spotlight form more than a day or two at a time. Good riddance. "Manny being Manny" was better translated as "Manny's all about Manny." At least on the field and in the clubhouse the Manny Ramirez soap opera is finally at an end in Boston.

Are you KIDDING me? NICE TRY Manny and Boras! Those two planned this whole entire thing. I loved Manny, and will always have fond memories of the "good ole' days" with him, but this has made me lose all respect for him as a player.

When this year is over...don't be surprised to see him in pinstripes in 2009...it would be just like him to go to the enemy...just like Damon did when he didn't get HIS way on his contract.

Favorite quote from Manny's LA press conference yesterday when asked if he had to cut his hair..."They got some rules here, I don't want to be treated me different than the other guys!" WOW! I believe THAT don't you Joe Torre?

This unfortunately shows how easy it is for Boras to manipulate Manny who has a high school education (maybe) and allows himself to look like a fool. I'm sure he'll no longer have any knee problems or anything else physically wrong with him now that he will be a free agent and go to the highest bidder. Of course, Boras is the winner since he wasn't due any percentage of the two options if the Sox had picked them up. It's a sad commentary on the state of the game with someone like Boras handling these guys. One day Manny will look back and regret that he didn't finish his career with Boston...or maybe not. One thing is for sure and that he will sign with the highest bidder this winter and who do you think that will be? Will be hard to see him in pinstripes. But the Sox are better off without him in the long run.

As much as I've enjoyed Manny's antics [we need individuals who make the game more than runs, balls and strikes,] as someone already said, :It was time...." I, personally, think that he is unable to deal with his 'star' fading and someone else taking his place in heroics... Drew, for instance. I wish him well. And, I wish the best for Jason Bay. He's playing amongst the best fans in all of baseball.

Who do you think is going to pay him the kind of money he thinks he deserves? We were GIVING him away and had trouble doing that! The Yanks might but they already have alot of players that are older. They should be looking for young blood that will hustle and last more than a couple of years

Barry Bonds thought he would be snapped right up also...

One question. If Manny truly faked an injury and tanked at bats, how is this worse than anythign Pete Rose did?

He should be banned from baseball immediately.

"If Manny wanted to stay he would have just rejected the trade, because he had a no trade clause.....this story makes zero sense." Excellent point. The logic here is impenetrable. Edes story is illogical. Bahston fans ah supposed to be smaht! So I am surprised at how stupid some of the opinions ah he-ah .Do we really want another shot at the World Series in '08? Who then to have in right field: A lifetime .280 hiter or a future Hall of Famer and 2004 WS MVP? Hmmm. Maybe we are just tie-ahd uv these championships. I have to get up early in the mahnin. And these games run wicked late.

While it might have been time for Manny to go, and Jason Bay may be what the Sox need, I don't think giving away Brandon Moss and Craig Hanson was smart. Moss will be a Major League outfielder if he isn't already, and Hanson could well learn how to pitch. Both of them are under 25, and really beginning their Major League careers.

So, what should the Sox have done? How about either putting Manny on the DL, or better, sending him down to the minors for rehab? That way, they maintain control of the situation, and keep two prospects. Either way, they pay most or all of Manny's salary, and maybe his price next year isn't as high as he'd like. Perhaps even the threat of such action would turn him around for the rest of the season.

I agree that the Manny antics had gone way, way too far and that the Red Sox did the right thing to trade him. Obviously, the team did not deserve what he was doing, all to be able to sign a new contract at the end of the season. However, the reason doing the right thing is so hard, is because it come with consequences. The Red Sox are no longer the best team in the AL East. The Rays will fade, and probably take 3rd place about 5 games out of first. The Yanks will probably win the division, and the Red Sox have a good chance of the taking the Wild Card. Manny may have not been the Manny of 2004, but he still was an elite player, and much better than Jason Bay, and yes, it goes beyond the numbers. Bay will never have the same heroics as Manny, and Bay's inflated HR's stats are because he played at PNC Park, a launching pad. Also, the biggest hole left in the Sox line up is the lack of protection for David Ortiz, Manny was integral for Big Papi's success. Here are the facts, 1.) The Red Sox probably did the coolest and most noble thing I have ever seen in sports 2.) the Red Sox got worse, will probably still make the playoffs, but the WS is now an afterthought 3.) Manny will sign a large 4 year deal at the end of the season between 80-100 mil, prob not with the Dodgers 4.) Bay is good, but will not be able to replace Manny on the Red Sox in the long run, Boston... look to sign another big bat this offseason to ensure continued success as the AL East Powerhouse

I never doubted that Ramirez' behavior was anything but a ploy to get those options dropped. See also for reference Alex Rodriguez. It's worth noting that the veteran players also knew damn well what was going on.

Of course, the behavior would ONLY change with the dropping of the options. It wasn't enough the guy was getting paid to perfrom, it had to be sweetened.

Now, if only the Sox had a recording of that phone conversation, they could get a nice lawsuit in order and get some compensation for the trouble and resources they expended.

I can't believe people are wasting thier breath on two parasitic mercenaries like boras and manny.people should wake up and realize that money and the pursuit of it has corupted sports our government , religion,and most of all our children.

Let me start by saying that one of the happiest days of my Sox Fan career came the day Manny was signed by the Sox. Thursday ranked up there with 78 (Dent) & 86 (Stanley NOT Buckner) as one of the sadest. With that being said Manny was wrong for how he handled himself this year but wasn't the only one at fault here. It ain't hard for me to believe that this whole thing went down the way it did simply because you had to know it was going to happen at the start of the year. Manny was never in a "CONTRACT YEAR" he had a contract that was more then appealing to the sox if he would put up his normal numbers. Anybody who follows the Sox must remember the conversation Manny had with A-Rod earlier in the season. Manny came out of that conversation convinced, in an open market, he is worth 25 mil a year for 4 years and why not with, the kind of money being thrown around baseball these days. Restructuring of contracts happen all the time in sports so it wouldn't have been completely unheard of to do so with Manny. Nobody knew more then the Sox front office that this could and probably would happen had they not addressed this issue before the season. If they didn't want Manny, and by all accounts they didn't, (who can blame them) they should have just dropped his option years at the beginning of the season and let all of us enjoy seeing one of the best hitters of our era play for a contract next year. That would have had made much more sense then this. I hated to see Manny go out like this but it was of his own choosing. All I have to say is good luck Big Papi with Pop em up, ground em out Mike batting cleanup. This should be another interesting off season and lets all hope we're not in it sooner then the Yankmes

How do we say it? Let me count the ways...Cry Wolf!...Too much too little too late...Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone...Wake up and smell the coffee...Think before you speak...Sorry 'bout your luck (Southern phrase)...Don't tug on Superman's cape.. Don't %#$& into the wind...Don't rock the boat, baby..........etc. Au revoir...Adios...Auf Wiedersehen...Don't let the door...Good day and Good night. Now, what are we to do? Let's play TWO!

I'm glad so many people see right through this. Manny HAD to waive his no-trade clause, as part of the scam. Otherwise, his claims that he was being 'mistreated' and he wanted out would have rung hollow. Boras figured there's NO WAY the Sox manage to get a trade done. In fact, Manny was QUOTED saying that the Sox would never trade him, because they 'needed him too much'. (Actually, he and Boras knew it because there wasn't enough time to make what would be a complex deal. They know what happens when a big-ticket player like ARod comes on the block - it's tough to move a guy like that.)

There's a much bigger spotlight in Boston, where the world champs now play, than in LA. That's better for Manny. Boras knew it, and panicked when the deal went down.

It makes complete sense. And it's completely disgusting. Sox' management did the right thing - and they really came through in the clutch here.

To everyone kicking Manny's butt as he leaves town, don't worry...he's coming back next year in Pin Stripes to haunt us once more...the Yanks weren't high fiving in the locker room Wed PM for nuthin'...their on their way to a playoff spot and they KNOW the Convicted Felon's son will pay what it takes (which was Boras' goal all along, thank you very much Theo!) to stuff this move down Boston's collective craw...New York writers are a cynical lot, but unlike their Boston bretheren they'll roll out the welcome mat and take their shot to watch Manny...he'll use the right field porch to his advantage after peppering the Monster with "I told you so's!" all next year..Carlton Fisk redux.....Knowing the Felon, he's already figuring a way to get Roger back for a late 2009 run...imagine that scene with Roger, Johnny, Manny and who knows who else from Beantown....stay tuned for more theatre...!

To Phillip B.,
If Manny had rejected the trade, the two club option years would've remained in place. I think the object of this whole episode was to get Manny to free agency. It remains to be seen whether or not Manny will profit. He'll probably get a three-year deal from someone, but I question whether or not it will be for more than 15 or 16 million a year. When you throw in Boros' commission, does Manny really prosper?

I changed my whole attitude about Manny a couple of weeks ago.. There is no doubt in my mind that if Manny promised to play hard, he would have. But I think that the damage was done and last night provided instant gratification. Bay had a better overall game than Manny and the Sox won and the dodgers lost. Go Sox!

Bottom line is this..... He was gonna shut it down in the next 3 weeks. We all know that his mysterious knee injury would have had him out. He would have been a complete distraction. Championships are won on chemistry. I didnt like giving up Hansen, he hasnt shown much but you cant teach a 24 year old kid to throw 98mph, they had plenty of time to work on his control and another pitch. Regardless the sox were not picking up his option years so in essence we traded Hansen and Moss for Bay and im sure any of us would have done that in a heartbeat. Bay is a VAritek type (leave everything on the field) player. He makes 7 mil a year which free's up 13mil plus Schill"s 8mil gives us plenty to keep guys we love like Youk, Papelbon and Lester.

This is one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard. Manny and his agent have basically admitted that the last few weeks have all been an act as to try and get Manny into free agency. This to me proves once and for all, that the player truly was in control of his effort put fourth on the field. Manny broke the number one cardinal rule in team sports, put out a full effort. For yourself. For your team. For your place in baseball history. Especially with the money your making. It was time for Manny to go no matter at what cost. As was agreed with by management by the actions they took. Manny has left me with some great memories from the last eight years, but his unwillingness to put out a full effort every night as every other one of his teammates is something that will never escape me. Thanks Manny, Thanks for Nothing!!!

Manny will not play for the Yankmes.He does not want to cut his hair.LOL

This undoubtly was another of Manny's ploys. The time had come for him to go. It certainly will be worth watching him play in the bigger outfields of the National League. Just seeing him in his first game he was unable to run down a ball hit in the gap. Dlad to see him hit into a double play to end the game and see Justin Bay score the 2 runs for the Sox.
Thanks Manny for all you gave us abd best of luck but don't plan on getting a contract like you had with the Red Sox next year.

The way i see it is that manny will always be loved for what he did up til about 3-4 weeks ago. we would be in first place right now if manny would have played like manny can play. i feel this was a plot to try to get the redsox to make a deal and wave the 2 option years and i think they would have dealt with manny at the end of the year but i also have see scott at work and he did bad dealings for a-rod as well. personally i feel relieved that is finally over and i am ready to watch 9 players on the field play as one team and have fun doing it. at one time that was what they did they played the game because they loved the game not because of the money they make. funny how talent and money can change a person but this was not the first time manny has let his team down look thru the past 7 1/2 years there are manny of times he has let the team down and it wasn't about the red sox office its about the team and the players he played with he should have taken his dealings with the front office to them if boras called to try to get him out of the trade he should have called to tell manny to play the game not the media. hope manny has a good life in la and hope he does go to the yankees next year so he can come play against the sox for the next few years and see what it's like to be beat by the sox. go sox!!

Two words sums this all up...Scott Bor-AS(S)! Need we say more?

This is only the first step in Manny getting what he wants. The second step is the mega-bucks, multi-year (they never care how long, or how much) deal with the Yankees this winter. He's going to bat No. 5 behind A-Rod and fulfill his fantasy of playing where he grew up. The Yankees have not had a legitimate No. 5 hitter for years and Manny is going to so love being WANTED.

Who cares about all the crap!! Behind the scenes, in the media, behind closed doors, agent stunts, Manny "hissy fits"! He is "HISTORY"! He did a great job in the first few years of his contract, gave us some of the greatest and most ridiculous moments in baseball lore! We the (RED SOX NATION) are beginning a new chapter with young and talented players, aggressive and loving the "GAME" of baseball. Playing with heart and enthusiasm on every play and hating themselves when an error is made on their watch! "Bay" ran like the wind on the bases last night and a bottom of the 12th tripple off the "MONSTA" that would have been a walk off "HOMA" in most "PAAAAKS" . Hello JASON good bye MANNY. Thanks for the" MANNERIES"! We've got a Division to win!!!!

The Manny move is a sign of great leadership at the Red Sox helm. No player should hold his or her team hostage. The Patriots are the same way. All hail Red Sox Nation. I love Manny and all he has done, but the time has come. Manny is not "the team" and the Red Sox have one heck of a team.

Even if Manny did try to get the Red Sox not complete the trade, why would the Red Sox do that. From time immemorial people have learned not to burn bridges. Manny had already pushed the Red Sox way too far and why would the Red Sox want him still playing for them, if the Sox did not still hold Manny's Options. If would just give Manny further leverage to try to blackmail them. Despite the Sox having the team's back to the wall, a very good, younger ballplayer, who will fit in very well with the team concept, was acquired and I bet the Red Sox chances of winning is enhanced, despite Manny's Hall of Fame history.

Move on people-Manny did, now the Nation should.

After watching both Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez address the media after the trade, Theo and the Sox Management did the right thing. Jason Bay is a consummate professional and for Manny Ramirez, no comment (I have nothing good to say). I read a comment in the Orange County Register (Los Angeles Based Newspaper) this morning which said:
“Manny Ramirez was right. The Boston Red Sox don’t deserve a player like him. They deserve better!” Jason Bay welcome to Boston and wish you much success. You are a breadth of fresh air.

I enjoyed Manny for the years that he was here. I will always remember the recent play where Manny caught the ball in left, jumped up to high-five a fan, and then threw the ball in and caught the man returning to first. I recall seeing Sox players watching the replay and laughing and cheering. Good memories...

However, something happened this year. Manny has always been an easy-going relaxed sort, and this year he starts hitting people? This was an absolute ploy, and I give Boras at least 45% of the blame (hey, Manny went along with it...). And I also expect Manny in pinstripes next year, but he won't be getting any 20M from NY or anyone else.

I am thoroughly disgusted hearing this. What bothers me the most is I remember the long night I spent on the internet when Manny was going to decide between resigning with Cleveland or coming to Boston. I was never more excited about the Sox that night when I found out he was signed. Now, I can't stand him and I hope he never hits again.

Scott Borris had a hand in this. While Manny is the ultimate ahole here...I have no doubt that Borris "advised" him that behaving like this would help his cause. Borris is dispicable to the game of baseball and should be banned from being an agent. Fans and sponsors pay so much money which go to the player salaries. For an agent and player to conspire acts that nearly destroyed the team chemistry and had a direct effect on the level of play on the field is a disgrace. Borris should be banned and I pray Manny never hits above .250 with 15 homeruns again.

Guys, Mannie is gone, kaput, no more. It's over except for your hype. Give it up. No more Mannie stories... please?

"Ya they won last night (2-1 against the lowly A's), but left several men on base and for 10 innings couldn't buy a timely hit. They won on a walk-off double clutch, and the ball hit by Bay in the 11th, although it looked like a bomb when it left the bat, turned out to be a "wall scraper". Get used to life without Manny."

Uh... that was life WITH Manny, as well. Here's the REAL diff: Manny NEVER catches the fly ball that Bay caught, NEVER hustles to third in extra innings and NEVER scores on Jed Lowrie's hustle.

In other words: WIth Manny, the Sox LOSE that game. Sorry sport, but THAT I can get used to.

#133 Varitec should be offered a one year deal with maybe a one-year team option just in case he decides to hit next year. If Bor-ass doesn't like the offer tell Varitex to enjoy all the great offers he'll get next season

Manny only has a high school diploma, and unfortunately I think his agent Scott Boras took him for a ride. It is a shame because at the end of the day I think Manny did want to stay - obviously on his terms which would be the ability to become a free agent in the fall of 2008. According to LA Times, Manny called Scott last winter, and Scott said he had to explain the options part to Manny, and Manny said "how did I get into this situation?" Going forward, my advice to Manny would be to dump Scott Boras and start on a college degree ASAP (with a class in negotiations). Although having a college degree has not helped Roger C. I think Manny is not stupid just not educated and when happy is a not a total brat but a great hitter who doesn't take himself too seriously. Manny - Thanks for the two World Series. Last but not least, is there any way for MLB to cap these barely-educated ball players' salaries?

"To everyone kicking Manny's butt as he leaves town, don't worry...he's coming back next year in Pin Stripes to haunt us once more..."

Uh huh. Can't wait to see his first confrontation with Posada, Rivera and Jeter, or the first time he comes to blows with ARod or Messina. The Sox' veterans aren't the only ones who'll have trouble with that ASS.

Next season, he'll be a .280 hitter with 25 home runs, and a real liability in any left field larger than Fenway (i.e. ALL of them). The league will survive his return.

Manny is SO over. This is now the Bay State.

This sounds like more garbage. Every day there is an additional story that "magically" comes out about Manny Ramirez to help demonize him further. I fully expect to read tomorrow that the Globe has learned that Manny is really a terrorist and a member of Al Qaeda.

Whatever they need to do to justify their trade. It is a smart move actually, the media has done this sort of thing for years and they know it will go over well with the South Boston crowd.

No surprise here.....especially with that sleaze bag Boras pulling the strings. It just proves all along that Ramirez was doing stuff on purpose just because he could, knowing that the Red Sox would have to put up with his antics. Well not anymore.....this time they called his bluff.

Goodbye Manny....good riddance. And oh BTW.....thanks for the memories.

I'll miss his swing but the reality is that it was only there when he wanted it to be. We will be better off in the long-run without him.

I realize MANNY is a PIA BUT...........

Why didn't we just shut him down for the season and get 2 compensation picks for next year when he signs with someone as a free agent?

I think we will find out that MOSS and Hansen were pretty good. Could we have made an attractive offer to Pittsburgh without MAnny?

Who is the right handed bat to protect Ortiz?
I would like to see Youkilis move behind Papi.
With Lowell hurt is there a bat that can clear waivers??
TEjada? Might make Big Papi happy. No way they bring Bonds here.

I am afraid you do not have enough offense to get the job done.
I think what Theo and Tito has done is awesome. But the Yankees look really strong and Cashman has done a phenominal job of re-tooling.
If its ever time to Cowboy up - ITS now and I hope the Variteks, Drews and LOwells rally around Tito who has been awesome!!!

At what point does MLB step in and "for the good of the game" look at Manny's behavior, his agents actions/non-actions and the ramifications.

At what point does MLB on behalf of the Red Sox, with "proof" of Manny's intentional behaviors, look to recover for damages to their brand.

Of course years ago the commisioner of MLB would have had some power and something to say ... but the owners gutted that position years ago. Maybe the owners deserve what they are getting after all.

New England fans have been mislead by a dis-information campaign lead by Red Sox management. The front office has weakened the current team with this cowardly trade. Manny Ramirez deserved better treatment and management should have been able to come up with a win-win resolution to this contract dispute. I suspect that Manny would have performed at a very high level for New England fans and the Red Sox if the Red Sox had agreed to put in writing that they would not pick up his options for 2009 and 2010 and allowed him to go to free agency. The Red Sox had no obligation to do this of course but frankly I see it as a small price to pay in return for two World Series championships. Manny is a special hitter and I can't think of another major league player who I would rather have as in the clean-up spot going into the playoffs. I think this deal has sunk the 2008 team.

there is nothing negative about tradining manny. if you keep him and lethim go at the end of the year you get nothing in return. bays numbers are solid.they will be even better in a good lineup. if yo take away the namemanny ramirez from the numbers hes put up the past 2 or 3 years they are average at best. thanks for the 2 rings and the memories manny and good luck joe torre.

It's too bad that the players' union has such a stronghold on the game; it's a shame that Bud Selig is the commissioner...because somewhere, somehow, Boras and Manny should be punished for pulling this type of crap. That's all it is, and I hope that no one gives Manny the money he could have earned here, had he just tried to act somewhat better than the average three year old.

There's a word for this, I think, and it is blackmail. Scott Boras is a truly malign influence on major league baseball. And there's simply no excuse for Manny Ramirez. May I join the legions of other Red Sox fans in saying, "Good riddance." If the difference between having Manny and not having him is missing the postseason, I'd rather miss the postseason. At least I could be proud of my team.

I don't think anyone's brought this up, but when I read this article, it almost sounded like Boras and Ramirez were validating the Red Sox fears that Manny was putting games in the tank and would continue to do so. "He'll behave and try hard (to paraphrase)," claims Boras. This now erases all doubts about Manny deliberately taking three pitches down the middle against Rivera in the ninth inning recently. "Oh, he was just fooled," said apologists. Hey, what would happen if they caught a guy deliberately missing two free throws in the final minute of an NBA game, or a QB deliberately throwing three bad passes on the last drive of the game, so his team wouldn't win? You know the answer. I would hope baseball would investigate this, but I won't hold my breath. Selig and company are gutless.

Welcome to Boston and instant Dirt Dog status: The Fenway Faithful greeted him with a standing "O" and “Bay State” posters and Jason Bay delivered. He proved he is the real winner in this deal and although apparently awed by his new surroundings, he came through in the clutch in his Red Sox debut. As the player of the game, his comments afterwards exuded class, dignity, and humility; a refreshing combination in today's era of spoiled and pampered superstars. History tends to repeat itself; don’t forget that in the last unthinkable trade in Red Sox history, a sniveling Nomar Garciaparra was sent packing… and the rest of the story is for the ages!

If true, how sad. If Manny & Boras were soley concerned with the option years in the contract, they could have approached the Sox a long time ago to discuss it, and work it out behind closed doors. Instead they acted cowardly and selfishly in public to such an extent that Manny's teammates, fans, Sox management were alienated and other teams will now be wary of him.

He screwed the Sox, but also himself. He'll never see the $100 million he craves.

I don't think anyone's brought this up, but when I read this article, it almost sounded like Boras and Ramirez were validating the Red Sox fears that Manny was putting games in the tank and would continue to do so. "He'll behave and try hard (to paraphrase)," claims Boras. This now erases all doubts about Manny deliberately taking three pitches down the middle against Rivera in the ninth inning recently. "Oh, he was just fooled," said apologists. Hey, what would happen if they caught a guy deliberately missing two free throws in the final minute of an NBA game, or a QB deliberately throwing three bad passes on the last drive of the game, so his team wouldn't win? You know the answer. I would hope baseball would investigate this, but I won't hold my breath. Selig and company are gutless.

Was I the only one that saw this coming? Of course Manny was in a bind due to the two $20 Million options. And of course he was going to pout.

But had mgmt simply waived the options at the outset, Manny would have had every reason to perform down the stretch. What with free agency waiting at the end of the season.

Instead it costs us Brandon Moss, (Hansen, who cares?). And instead of a tried, true and motivated Manny, we get a big question mark in Jason Bay.

Again, my point is that Manny's lying down on the job was predictable, and if we were going to let him out of the optionable years, we should have done it in April.

How much of this was Manny being Manny?
How much was Scot Boras?

Should the question be how much should a team take of Manny being Manny or
how much should Major League Baseball take of Scot Boras?

This makes a lot of sense . . . and the more I think about this trade, the more I think the Red sox got what they wanted. Look at it this way. Manny (and Boras) wanted to be a free agent at the end of the year. Had the Red Sox dropped their right to exercising the options on his contract, likely Manny would have stayed, and been a good, productive boy - these antics have only hurt manny's chances at getting the contract he wants (which he'll get anyways, but it wouldn't make sense to jeopardize that by acting like a bad teammate). The issue is the Red Sox, knowing that they wouldn't pick up his contract at the end of the year, saw that there would be a void that they would have to fill next season in the absence of Manny. They saw that they had a chance to use Manny as a commodity to obtain leverage to minimize what they would have to give up in trades to get a productive hitter. Manny's gone anyways, maybe they felt that Hansen and Moss + manny for something like a jason bay was a better deal than whoever they would have to trade without the manny factor to get something like a jason bay at the end of the season. I feel thinking about this trade a little more, that this was perhaps one of theo's shrewdest moves. In the end, it seems everyone got what they wanted, manny gets to be a free agent next year, gets to play in a big high profile market (ehem with the former manager of the Yanks, ehem, a bonus), and the sox get to start filling a gap by minimizing what they would have to trade to get another hitter - playing with houses money, so to speak. It's disappointing this had to end like this, but I think it's not all that bad for anyone involved. Interesting that fans to the end seem to excuse the bitterness and antics based on past performances and give a final "manny being manny" shrug to these events.

While all the writers who are discounting the call to remain in Boston are saying that Manny was able to reject the trade is that Theo didn't pick up the phone to shop him around until AFTER Manny waived his "No Trade Clause."

As businessmen, does anyone really believe that the Red Sox wouldn't have that waiver signed and in hand prior to negotiating a trade that Manny would say no to.

If this was not some sort of contrived plan by Boras/Manny, then why did an easy-going, fun-loving Manny suddenly start hitting people? If I were running the Red Sox I would have traded Manny as well - that kind of crap cannot be tolerated. Did the Sox make a great deal? Under the circumstances (a player who has publicly stated he wants out), they probably made the best deal possible.

The Dan Duquette era is finally over. He made 1 great trade (Tek and Lowe)

Great job Theo and Co.

Josh

What do Fred Lynn, Mo Vaughn, Pedro Martinez, and Manny Ramirez (among others) have in common?

They all tried to get more than their value from the Red Sox and got sent packing - then watched their stats shrivel (Manny pending) and the teams that picked them up disappoint their fans.

The exception is Roger Juice - who has now disgraced himself and his family while imporving his stats and getting his ring.

At least Wade Boggs, while no longer the player he had been -continued to play hard and honorably for a championship team.

This strategy by Boras directly cost the Sox 7 million plus two prospects. We could have been left to believe that Manny was simply a self centered moron but when we hear that we get a call from Boras telling us that the option was the realproblem then we know for sure that Boras cannot be trusted to make a deal and stick by it. One can only hope that Manny is Manny down the stretch for the Dodgers, his skills are eroding he gets a 2 year offer next year for 5 million a year as a DH. Even better perhaps he has a great stretch drive and then theYankees spend aboslutely stupid money on him and then he is an underperfoming cancer ion their club house for 4 years.

This was all Boras' fault. he knew he wouldnt make any money if manny stayed with the sox and got his options picked up. Boras: Manny, behave like a jerk and I will make you (and me) some money.

Yep but Boras was not the one who trotted down to first base and pulled out of games with an imagined injury for the umpteenth time-disrespecting his team mates and us the fans... not even having the guts to tell Francona, who- rightly or wrongly- supported him and ultimately got dumped on by Manny for having the two qualities Manny doesn't have: class and loyalty.

Don't blame management, don't blame Borassss - he's an easy target... the buck stops with the guy with an age the sam eas his years at Fenway, step forward Mr Manny Ramirez

I get the earliest edition of the Globe, and Gordon Edes did NOT have this scoop in it.........I heard it on WEEI, then went online to check it out. Edes obviously heard the story and changed his column.

I think Edes is one of the best columnists Boston has.

I will miss seeing Manny up at the plate........what a natural swing! I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed his foolish antics; but, realized he had to go after the Yuk incident and then the disgusting McCormick issue in Houston.

GO SOX ! ! !

I can't believe so many people are blaming Boras for this. Manny was being paid 20 million dollarrs to play baseball this year and quit on the team. It doesn't matter why. It's disgraceful. He could've stood up and done the right thing but chose not to. Blaming someone for Manny's behavior is weak. That kind of thing is how Manny got to be the person that he is now. I used to be a big fan of Manny, but now I hope he is miserable in LA.

Its done and over, thank God.

But maybe one more good thing will come of it. Based on the comments of the Manny apologists here, he is very popular with the Pink Shirts. Maybe they will now stop flooding Fenway and leave seats available for some real fans of the TEAM. I managed to get tickets to Fenway this past June for the first time in four years and was disgusted by the sheer number of faux Sox fans who where there simply because its now trendy. They showed up late and left early, yapped on their cell phones or spent the game texting...when they weren't buying bags of souveniers. The few times they paid attention to the game was when Manny came to bat, simply because they recognized his name and thought he might get a home run (proabably the only baseball term they knew). Good riddance all the way around, and yes please "Metrowest" Pink Shirters, get going on your boycott - I'd like to get some tix!

Its done and over, thank God.

But maybe one more good thing will come of it. Based on the comments of the Manny apologists here, he is very popular with the Pink Shirts. Maybe they will now stop flooding Fenway and leave seats available for some real fans of the TEAM. I managed to get tickets to Fenway this past June for the first time in four years and was disgusted by the sheer number of faux Sox fans who where there simply because its now trendy. They showed up late and left early, yapped on their cell phones or spent the game texting...when they weren't buying bags of souveniers. The few times they paid attention to the game was when Manny came to bat, simply because they recognized his name and thought he might get a home run (proabably the only baseball term they knew). Good riddance all the way around, and yes please "Metrowest" Pink Shirters, get going on your boycott - I'd like to get some tix!

Glad to see him gone. I love the game and the Sox more than I ever cared for the whole "Manny being Manny" gig. That was just rationalization for all the enablers. Manny is a disgrace to the game because of his chronic disrespect to teammates, opponents, staff, and ultimately, the fans. He only cares about himself. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season, whether the Sox win or not. I think Ramirez going to Hollywood, I mean LA, is a perfect place for the consumate Drama Queen.

Manny. Basta es basta! Enough is enough! Your act got so old. Soon, you will too.
You are clueless. Adios.

Over the past two seasons Manny choked in many situations where he was the tying or go ahead run late in the game. Don't get me wrong, he has had his moments but the devastating clutch hitting Manny of the past was quickly becoming a memory. Wait until he pisses of Jeff Kent and then the cancer is now in the Dodger clubhouse. What disgraceful stunt will Scott Boras pull then? He's probably already planning that one. Maybe Theo should have taken a page from the Packers managerial handbook and offered Manny money to just stay home. Don't panic, there are some good days ahead!

This is not even new for Manny -
Within hours of being traded TO the Sox, Manny contacted Cleveland officials to ask if there was a way to rescind the trade to Boston and return to the Indians.

Do you notice there aren't any pro-manny hacks tonight.. it's because Boras, and his mom are out in LA with him ... how's Bay look now.. all over the field last night .He hit a triple that Manny would have stood at home taking pictures of until he had to run ... probably a long single .. and tonight Bay hits a go ahead 3 run homer, and the Sox look like they've got a new fire lit under them... The good news for manny is he'll have plenty of senior citizens to slap around out there in LA LA land.. I'm sure he'll love playing in a half empty stadium as well... adios Manny.. don't let the green monster hit you in the ass on the way out....

Last night.

Bottom 9th, Dodgers down by 1, 1 on, 0 out. Manny grounds into DP.
Bottom 12th, Tie game, 0 on, 2 outs. Bay hits a triple off the wall and ends up scoring the winning run.

I'll take the win, thanks.

Theo, You did what was best for us sox fans.... Thank You!!!! Keep doing what you do, how can anyone argue with what you have accomplished!!!!! Keep up what you do!!! Thank You

I wish everyone in Boston would take the Bill Belichick approach to players that are no longer here.That being,they don't talk about them.Manny's gone...good riddance.

Boras is an ass, and Manny is just plain dumb. Makes for a dangerous combo. Nothing like admitting your client was tanking it. Makes me even more in favor of the trade.

Manny was being paid $20 million to play for the Red Sox now, in 2008, regardless of the status of the option for 2009 or what was going to happen next year. He and his sleezy agent forgot that or didn't care. Nice work in getting rid of him, Sox!

Reminds me of the whole Terry Glenn deal. He basically quit playing unless a new contract was redrawn.

Manny who?

Manny just hit a home run in his first at-bat tonight, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Batting .600 as a Dodger.

Dumb trade, IMHO.

(I've never minded taking the unpopular side in a debate. I loved Manny being Manny. Bor@ss is to blame here.)

Does the HOF vote on character or just numbers? My vote would be NO if I had one. What a piece of garbage for putting himself ahead of the team.

That just confirms HOW manipulative and selfish M. Ramirez is. He didn't care if the team went down in flames, he just wanted to get 'his' money - and soon! The Sox really don't need to kiss his fanny anymore and Bay has proved a welocme addition so far.

As usual it is horrible reporting. It just goes to show you these guys report on people just saying "stuff". Its bad enough they write wrong information , they say things without thinking, they should be held accountable. Another reason I cancelled my subscription. Im not going to support anything these guys support because it makes me sick and they just keep on doing it.

I think this whole thing blew up on Boras and Manny. I don't know a soul alive who does not believe the Yanks tampered with Manny and got word to him the big bucks were waiting. BUT that said, after what Boras pulled with A-Rod, Sheffield and Kenny Rogers, he and Manny are going to find it very hard to get into a bidding war with the teams.

However I do find Manny's comments and Damon's comments very childish, especially from Damon who reminded us all this is a business and players make decisions based on business. Well the Red Sox made a business decision that at first glance gives the player exactly what he wants- out of his options. For either of them to trash RS Management for trading him after he asked and after both players putting their own finances first and foremost in their decisions to leave Boston just convinces me it was time for Manny go, just like it had been time for Damon to go.

The True Red Sox players that love the city is guys like Mike Lowell, who leave a few mil on the table to play in a town they love with guys they respect. Manny might be the greatest right handed hitter in history but I would take a Mike Lowelll over a Manny any day.

Who's this guy "Joshua" who says Dan D. made only one good trade (Slowbum for Tek &Lowe) , what about trading for Pedro (once with Montreal and once for Boston!) Also signing Manny and Damon beats signing Lugo, Schill (the 2nd time), and the whole Renteria double whammy.
No Dan...no rings.

Manny will have 3 good Redsox bashing years with the Yankees, break numerous records, be in the top 5-10 in every meaningful career stat list and wear a Yankee hat for his induction. Jason Bay about .220 clutch, Manny .310 clutch, 'nuff said? over and out.

Manny who? Way to go Jason Bay!!!!

There is no way this story is true. There is no way Boras would ever allow his client to do something like this. Manny should sue the Boston Globe just for the pure stupdity of the staff and their writing. You ran the guy out of town. He's gone. Why is he still getting more print than your current players? Massholes!

The main thing is that Manny is finally gone..YAY!!! Lets move forward and focus on the rest of the season. I'd like to see the newspapers contribute to that by forgetting about Manny and writing useless articles about him. His face is splattered all over everywhere. He's gone, time to move on and write about the players and the team matters; the one taking the field today and the remaining games. GO SOX!!!!!

Can't get him out of your system, can ya? I see at least five (count FIVE) articles, not to mention countless comments, about Manny. As a Sox fan, I am saddened that they let such a great player get away so easily. Well, he's gone now. And that really stinks. I have become a Dodger fan overnight. Lucky for me, I've got MLB channels, so I can watch the Sox AND Manny. He's great, thrilling the crowds, being asked for curtain calls, selling piles of tickets. And he's HAPPY! He's always laughing and smiling. Not to mention having a monster first week in LA. Jason Bay is good, but Manny he is not. (choppy swing). I miss him greatly, so in order to get my Manny fix, I've got to watch Dodger baseball. But Manny's there, so you all know there are going to be absolutely thrilling moments in an otherwise humdrum league. At least Joe Torre is there, so I'm familiar with someone besides ManRam. I was on the Dodgers message boards tonight, and there is no press bashing him, former fans talking trash about him. They wan't him BADLY...actually calling him "God." Check it out....Manny wins this one. I'll be rooting not only for the Sox, but for the Dodgers as well.

The Boston sportswriters are just covering their tracks...

They screwed the team and now they want us to believe that living in Boston under their sarcastic, jealous eye is something so desirable that Manny (the granddad- beating , lazy, incompetent, unhappy son of Darth Vader) and his money-seeking (gasp!) agent were on their knees begging and crying to come back.

Self-serving crock of bull.The press now feels guilty about what they done so we see such articles coming out....

Who do you believe? Edes (who was not there and an unnamed source) ?or Boras who was there.

All diatribe and innuendo meant to dupe the masses and deflect attention from the journalists sorry role in helping the game's greatest current hitter to exit from Boston.

After schilling was no longer around to toy with , they went for the next easy target (manny). Who's next ? Josh Beckett? Why not hey , he's a hero to some...let's tear him down....

I am shamed by the avg Boston fan's amnesia and willingness to swallow this stuff.Where is our appreciation for all the good moments : 2 WS , great , historic at bats ? All gone because manny didn't run our 1 or 2 grounders to 1st base as fast as the hacks thought he should.becuase he got into a fight with a retired State Trooper. Now he's Micheal Vick ???

Wake up folks. The Boston press corps is an expert at manipulation of the public interest. It's their job and you and the front office have been duped.

Censorship!

Manny has a criminal mentality. He had to go.

Blame Manny, not Boras. If a player can't understand where his best interests lie, then it's his own fault. I could choose to hire a cheating sleeze to represent me. Is that the sleeze's fault? Or my own?

Breakdown:

Option 1: 2 years at $20 million option

$40 million for Manny
$0 for Boras

Option 2: 2 years at $14 million per year

$28 million for Manny
$2 or 3 million for Boras

Who's to blame? Manny.

Personally, while I was sad to see Manny go, I felt the team did what was best for the team and was quite happy to see Jason Bay acquired.

But, while I am not a Ramirez apologist, I wanted to think kindly of Manny for all that he brought to the Sox. However, after the last couple of weeks of lacksadaisical "effort", his comments, reading this story, coupled with his enthusiasm in LA, has dashed any chance of that ever happening.

Should Manny ever return to Fenway, I would heartily boo his presence because he quit on the team and his teammates.

He should be ashamed but I know that is asking too much of a petulant, spoiled man-child.

I will surely miss Manny's batting talent and able fielding in left. However, he's a professional getting paid $20M a year. Play like it. It's your job. You signed the contract and agreed to it, so play for it. The Sox never missed a paycheck, so why should he stand there with his bat on his shoulder and watch three pitches go by?

We'd get fired for similar conduct.

Everyone talks about Boston's pressure. Well, has anyone ever noticed we like loyal, hard-working folks who once in a while turn our way and acknowledge the fans that pay for their kingly salaries?

Manny's a dolt for leaving Boston. He'll never have an environment and loyal fan base like he had here again. He'll never make a salary like he made here. Boras turns his clients into tools. He may get maximum leverage, but after the A-rod affair (of which Fox shares equal blame in broadcasting it during the WS) and this one, I think we're seeing the beginning of the slide down for him. He's a cancer to the game in more ways than one.

I will surely miss Manny's batting talent and able fielding in left. However, he's a professional getting paid $20M a year. Play like it. It's your job. You signed the contract and agreed to it, so play for it. The Sox never missed a paycheck, so why should he stand there with his bat on his shoulder and watch three pitches go by?

We'd get fired for similar conduct.

Everyone talks about Boston's pressure. Well, has anyone ever noticed we like loyal, hard-working folks who once in a while turn our way and acknowledge the fans that pay for their kingly salaries?

Manny's a dolt for leaving Boston. He'll never have an environment and loyal fan base like he had here again. He'll never make a salary like he made here. Boras turns his clients into tools. He may get maximum leverage, but after the A-rod affair (of which Fox shares equal blame in broadcasting it during the WS) and this one, I think we're seeing the beginning of the slide down for him. He's a cancer to the game in more ways than one.

I want Manny back.

hiya,
what it is ive just got my sim card through the door today and i just want to know when ill get the phone????