Theo's initial comments

Theo, what r u going to do. who is going to bail you out from your disasterous trades as you have broken up Manny/Ortiz combo?

Creep

I and many members of my family are upstate New York Red Sox fans. Once again, we support Sox' management decision to make the Manny trade. Congratulations to Theo and Company for a) asking for input from team members and then b) pulling the string you did. Many of us have short memories. Have we forgotten so soon almost flawless timing in saying goodbye to superstars Nomar and Pedro? I really want to see our guys (and that includes our new guy, Jason) play with the focus and passion of a cohesive unit. Never mind the results, guys. Just do the job you're paid to do and we in Sox Nation will both adore and support you! Yoooooouuuuk can do it!

Manny has mental peace when scotty boras tells him he does. Manny doeant think for himself, and his pupils have turned into Dollar $ign$. Plain and simple. Ill bet you tonights TV ratings for the sox game are huge! Bring on The Bay!
Besides Manny fits in to LA, land of the fruits and Nuts.

Who is a Creep NEG?

I blame you John Henry for not going with your gut! You KNEW we shouldn't have gotten rid of Manny. I really hope this all works out for everyone. This is by far the worst trade EVER made!

Good luck Manny we love you and we'll miss you and we'll always be your fans.

The trade had to be made. Manny was a cancer on the team. The veteran players demanded he go after the last couple of weeks. Theo did what he needed to do. All you fans who criticize the red sox management remeber he quit on the team in 2006 and was ready to do it again this year. Any team that signs him for a big contract needs to have their heads examined. He is 37 years old and still acts like a child because he can simply hit a baseball. LETS GO SOX.

Adios Manny!

Very, very classy remarks by Theo. I'm really impressed that the Sox decided to take the high road on this at last. Manny lost me when he shoved the traveling secretary, let alone when he flat refused to play the game.
For all of those who are bemoaning his lost "production," you can't produce if you arbitrarily decide not to play in the biggest games of the year.
In this decision, Theo and the front office put teamwork ahead of stardom, and professionalism ahead of winning at any cost.
Bravo.

Over the last couple of weeks most hardcore Red Sox fans (myself included) wanted Manny gone. That never happened before in 7.5 years. He was booed Wednesday night for dogging it to first to break up a no no. I cannot remember that evr happening. He ran his course. We will be better off.

Good riddance to the $168+ Million dollar spoiled brat! Kudos to Theo for pulling the trigger on the deal!

Yea Theo...What do you have to show for your time as GM now? Besides 2 World Series Championships you've done nothing. You're a real bum!

Good thing we have these self-important globe columnists to provide a non-stop drum-beat of negative stories about the players. Whew!

steveh,
eat s--t and die. LA well teach man-ram how to play ball and be a winner, and not a winney like your nation

what kind of crap is theo pucking out now. I hope he chokes on his own puke.

I learn a long time ago you root for the uniform, players come and go all the time. Manny needed to go.

Now let's get back to playing some decent baseball.

Go Sox!

If I analyze the trade as losing Hansen and Moss to get rid of Manny, I get mad. But if I think of it as Hansen and Moss for Bay, and putting Manny out for a garage sale then I feel much better.

Its the name on the front that counts, not the one on the back and Manny was never going to get that for the rest of this season. It was all about money...he had to go. Will we miss him? Of course!!! But this needs to be a team, first and foremost. Kudos to the front office for standing up and getting rid of him.
Thanks for Manny for 7 great years...i'll choose to forget this one.

I think we all supported manny when he actually cared and played his tail off, but that hasn't happened for years. The Sox won the World Series last year, but they probably could have won it w/o the flake. He is a bad example for kids, giving up on his teammates and the Sox. I am happy they got rid of the cancer in the clubhouse, and nomar can whine all he wants to but they did offer the injury prone ss 60 million.

GOOD JOB Theo, you did whats best for the team

Good move and adios Manny. How could anyone defend his antics over the past few weeks. Imagine being the owner and paying this guy who gave up. imagine being on the team and watching a player not put out but earn so much more than the others. It doesn't matter how much he contributed in the past--its all about NOW and he couldn't care less. So fans who think this was a stupid decision should ask themselves these questions. I, for one, stopped watching them because I was sick and tired of "Manny being Manny". I felt sorry for the players and the owners. The team, since Manny began his foolishness, has gone down hill and it is no coincidence. If you are truly a Sox fan, you should be relieved and rejuvenated. Manny was a selfish, stupid, brat and misguided by his agent. Now we can get back to baseball, win or lose, and at least we will know that they ALL are putting out. Go youuuuuuuuuuuuk.

One of the proudest moments in Red Sox history. I can actually tell the grandson, as we watch tonight's game, that the Red Sox dumped Manny because of HIS unacceptable conduct,........Might be a lesson for the young guy.

when I was asked in 2004 what I thought about Nomar being traded.., I replied; "I'll let you know in October." I have concluded that I would be the worst general manager in Red Sox history if given the job. I'm too attached emotionally to the team. I grew up in the lean years and am now sharing the good ones with my children. Everyone should sit back and wait and see how this unfolds. Because decisions for the team has to be made in a business way and not personal.

Manny has been a blight on this team for years. In spite of his "great" numbers, he is probably the second least clutch performer on this squad. In a tight situation, when you really need someone to perform, Manny seems to be in another world and leaves the bat on his shoulder. He is a selfish individual with no respect for the other members of the team, nor the community at large. Trading him, even at the high price that the Sox paid to move him out of here, will, hopefully, be the shot in the arm this team needs to start playing at their potential again. The Sox ownership and management put up with his antics for too long. His remarks about ownership, particularly John Henry, were totally out of line. This ownership has shown how this team should have been handled over the past 60 years. The improvements at Fenway, the performance of the team, the inclusion and honoring of former players,the entire spirit of this city has been transformed by the rejuvenation of this team by this group of owners (don't forget Theo). So long Manny, don't catch your hair in the door on the way out.
Let's wish the best to Jason Bay and hope he plays so well that the phrase " Bay State" takes on new meaning.

Why not just waive Manny, like they did a few years ago? Would they still have had to pay his salary? I hate to see Moss go. I'm not so sure about Hansen, as his control issues didn't seem to be getting better, but I love the way Moss plays. Manny definitely needed to go. His silly games got tiring. Let me add one more thing by saying that Scott Boras should be banned from representing any player in any league.

"putting Manny out for a garage sale"

Best quote in this whole sorry situation! LOL!

A LOT OF MONEY IS FREE FOR THE BIDDING OF C.C SABATHIA NEXT YEAR LIKE $15 MIL A YEAR FOR 4 YEARS AND STILL HAVE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. THANKS MANNY FOR THE 2 CHAMPIONSHIPS AND MORE TO COME WITH NEW AND YOUNG. GO SOX

It never was about "Manny being Manny." It was always about Manny being a big kid -- a 36-year-old kid who left team discipline behind him. It was about Manny confronting another teammate and the traveling secretary, about dogging it during regular season games, about taking superstar pay yet not wanting to take superstar responsibilities. Teams have won in the past without Manny, and teams will go on winning, not needing manny.

I think Manny was a jerk to liken his situation to Nomar's and Pedro's.

It will be interesting to see how Manny does in the NL. He won't be hitting in Fenway half the time and have Allstars around him in the lineup. My guess is that his production drops quite a bit. I find it hard to believe that any team will pay him more than $15M/yr for more than 3 years when he is a free agent. His best days are behind him and he's a head case.

Of course we will miss Manny's bat but his attitude was horrible. No I in team....Don't forget, he was gone at year end for nothing...at least we got Bay for him and Bay is $13 mil cheaper and signed for next year. I trust Theo and lets see what else he has up his sleeve this winter. Nice move Theo, once again you showed you have guts and believe in a team concept.

To Bloggers like "nathan" who rip Theo and Sox management --

Manny did this to himself; not a very smart move in a contract year... I loved Manny, but things got out of hand and he has no one but himself to blame. Manny was not going to be on the team next year no matter how you look at it... So instead of him leaving with no return... we got Jason Bay, a proven Major League ballplayer.

Nathan -- you sound like you're ten years old with the "puke" line -- and maybe you are... but when Nomar was traded in '04 it all worked out for the best.

How you (or anybody) can rip Sox' management at this point is beyond me -- not after two World Championships in four years.

Grow up!

Child is as child does.
Manny, you were a GREAT player and hitter, but it's past time to put away childish things and get to work. you did neither this year.
it's time to grow up.

the Red Sox need to be a TEAM and get down to business.

Go Sox

I'm a transplanted Sox fan in Houston, TX. At first I was horrified by this trade. I heard about it over dinner last night and literally dropped my fork. But after much reading and soul searching, I have to say it was the right thing to do. I was at the first game of the series in Houston, sat in the left field boxes near Manny and thought I noticed a lack of enthusiasm from him (not to mention he looked fat). I loved seeing the Sox in person, the first time in over 30 years. Dice-K was magnificent that night. Hope Jason Bay helps the Sox win another World Series.
GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a transplanted Sox fan in Houston, TX. At first I was horrified by this trade. I heard about it over dinner last night and literally dropped my fork. But after much reading and soul searching, I have to say it was the right thing to do. I was at the first game of the series in Houston, sat in the left field boxes near Manny and thought I noticed a lack of enthusiasm from him (not to mention he looked fat). I loved seeing the Sox in person, the first time in over 30 years. Dice-K was magnificent that night. Hope Jason Bay helps the Sox win another World Series.
GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So long Manny - thanks for the ride. I wonder if Torre will make him cut his hair?

Manny is 37 not 29. Manny will be a top tier player for a couple of years tops and then will be a middle of the road player for another three to four years. The problem is that he wants top tier money for 8 years and he's really only got 2 more top years left. If you argue that, you could be right, but it is safer to assume that he has 2 awesome years left versus mortgage your future on youger ball players.

Another thought, Deon Branch, Asaunte Samuel, Ty Law, Layer Milloy, Willie McGinnist; isn't this a page out of the Patriot's playbook? When a player decides to cash out toward the end of their career, the Pat's never pay them top dollar right?

Last thought, many in Red Sox Nation come from an ethnic background where it is more manly to be stoic and hold your stuff together, and venting is a sign of weakness of character. The Japanese culture is sort of like this, these guys are relatively quiet and fierce competitors, and that aligns with the values of a lot of Red Sox Nation. Other cultures see a relationship like George Costanzas parents as healthy because they vent and don't absorb bad feelings. They don't get bad blood because they wear their emotions on their sleeve and you always know where you stand with them. Some actually respect Manny's behavior because they don't see him as being fake. To some, Manny was a baby, and to others, he was passionate. Funny how passionate Manny didn't like to get a whiff of Youk's after strike-out exhaust.

The thing with hitting the old guy; that was out of the strike zone for me. Who knows what transpired, but that sort of exchange in the rest of the context would make anyone not present err on the side of the old guy and not Manny...

well put, Pike. losing hansen and moss stings, but lets not forget that giant hole in moss's swing and hansen's inability to put it together in nearly 4 years of pro ball. this wasn't the best trade, but it was the best trade that could have been made considering the situation manny put the team in. here's to hoping they move bay to 4th soon b/c i just don't see lowell holding down that spot for the remainder of the season.

Nothing sadder than a 120 million dollar whiner....thank you Manny for the great years in Boston.....but don't let the door hit ya in the arse on the way out. Buh bye you amazingly talented pouty cry baby. Good riddence. There is no "I" in team.

My sons, 10 and 11, loved Manny when he played the way ball players should. Some of his recent behaviors and comments have not been role-model material for kids in general. I don't expect ball players to be perfect, but Manny was being Manny too often. We'll miss most of his talent and personality, but the Sox and their fans will move on. Theo did the right thing...

life long sox fan theo is the man 2 world series in my life time my dad 0 can I say more

It is easy to think of Manny's production over his entire Hall of Fame career, but if we look at the number this year and last, Bay has been as close ( in terms of productivity) as anyone we conceivably could have brought in to back-fill Manny. At $7.5 million next year, aren't the Sox considerably better off in 2009 with Bay's production and whatever the additional $12.5M of Manny's salary can bring from the market?.........if Bay has a productive 2 months this is an excellent trade for the Sox.................BTW- statistics never tell the whole story, if they did, Veritek would have been benched and the Sox would have traded for Pudge (a clear upgrade both defensively and offensively.........) Winning teams have leaders, role players, chemistry (and great pitching). Winning teams also don't have guys who 'lollygag around the bases

Does Manny feel any mental peace? No. He still does not know where he will be playing in 2009. What a load of baloney he is.

Manny Ramirez has amazing talent, but he is not a GREAT ballplayer. A great ballplayer plays like he enjoys the game of baseball, plays with all his heart, a great ballplayer is a dirt dog. Manny has never been a dirt dog. He has never had that fire, he simply has talent.

Manny being Manny... nothing but an excuse. An excuse for not trying, for putting himself before the team, for thinking he is bigger than the city.

I watched Manny come in as a pinch hitter and watch 3 strikes go by him without even moving his bat, I watched Manny miss a cath and then bumble around like a little leaguer in the outfield, I've watched Manny disappear into the wall, I've watched Manny disappear on his team.

I have loved Manny at his best, and hated him at his worst. It sounds hypocritical to say that, but Manny comes with too much baggage, I can usually overlook that baggage when Manny is putting up huge numbers, but when he is not he is nothing but a distraction and a cancer.

LA fans, enjoy Manny the next few weeks while he has something to prove. Because after that, Manny has a short attention span, good luck keeping him happy and keeping him motivated.

Im going to miss Manny. But I also missed Nomar and we all know how that turned out. Manny is just going to poison that clubhouse just like he did here.
F%^k Manny

I can't wait for the season to be over to see who is going to give him a 4 yeat 100 million dollar contract. The Mets who have no left fielder and who could have gotten Manny for a bag of balls didn't even want him. Good Luck Manny!

Manny, Manny, Manny... If you would have just shut your mouth and play ball with your god given ability. How hard would that be ? Just play ball, what a concept. I applaud Theo and the sox on the trade. If they didn't pull the trade off then things could have gotten really ugly in the clubhouse. First, Manny could pack it in for the season with another mystery ailment. Second, he would continue to disrupt the chemistry of the team. Third, aggrevate the fans with his behavior. And lastly, he would keep the focus all about him and not the team. Manny was in integral part of the 2 recent WS rings, but the marriage had to end. Too bad the Sox didn't have a clause in his contract that stated he would be limited to 3 mystery illnesses in the same week, and if he exceeded that they could void his contract.

Manny, Manny, Manny... If you would have just shut your mouth and play ball with your god given ability. How hard would that be ? Just play ball, what a concept. I applaud Theo and the sox on the trade. If they didn't pull the trade off then things could have gotten really ugly in the clubhouse. First, Manny could pack it in for the season with another mystery ailment. Second, he would continue to disrupt the chemistry of the team. Third, aggrevate the fans with his behavior. And lastly, he would keep the focus all about him and not the team. Manny was in integral part of the 2 recent WS rings, but the marriage had to end. Too bad the Sox didn't have a clause in his contract that stated he would be limited to 3 mystery illnesses in the same week, and if he exceeded that they could void his contract.

Good riddence to a spoiled self-centered egomaniac. Now let's concentrate on winning games again. The circus has left town and has gone to Hollywood.
Good luck, Joe Torre.

I'm sure most hard-core fans agree with me that this year was different with Manny and his trade requests. I have always been a HUGE Manny fan and supporter, never wanting him to be traded and hoping he wouldn't be. This year I lost all respect for him. Dogging it in the field, on the bases, and even at the plate. Shoving old men down, and saying we don't desereve him. This year was the the straw that broke the camels back. Thanks for the rings, but good riddance you selfish self-centered prick.

Boston Herald columnist Gerry Callahan got it right on the oney, Manny was a Cancer to the organization!

Thank You Boston Red Sox, indecivesness looses battles! Good Riddence to the Selfish Bum!

Hopefully we start playing like a Team now!

The total salary paid Manny, Lugo and Schilling equals the total salary of Bay, Holliday, derby flash Hamilton with some $20 million left over to buy pitching. Which set of problems would you rather have?

Great job Theo & the Red Sox. Tough decision, but the right thing to do. Manny was a self-centered puppet for BorASS. Manny first, the rest of the Team second. For all you Theo bashers, your heads are so far up your a$$es that you didn't notice the dark cloud lift from above on Thursday. The whole team is relieved- and I have no doubt they won't rally the rest of the way. The facts are that Manny was a great bat, but him giving 100% for the rest of the year was a huge question mark. What if the trade line passed and Manny decided to shut it down (remember 2006, fair weather fans?) like he's done before? Manny was gone after this year anyway...
Great move front office.

I'm surprised that so many people here are bad mouthing this trade and the organization. What was the other option? Manny had quit, plain and simple. He may have had a legitimate beef with ownership (I don't think so though) but he quit on his TEAMMATES. That, plus pushing a 60 year old man to the ground and it's time to go. Clearly he wanted out of Boston and was doing everything he could to get out. The organization gave him what he wanted and good riddance. When veteran players are telling the GM "he has to go", that's it. He and his childish actions were a distraction to everyone and if we hope to have any shot at the post season then we need 9 guys on the field who WANT to play for Boston and want to be here. Period.

Theo and the rest of the front office did a gutsy thing. They finally called Manny's bluff and gave him what he said he wanted. Now, I read that Manny changed his mind right after the trade was made. Sorry Manny! You asked for this and you got it. No last minute "I'm staying!!" performances. You can save that for the Dodger fans who'll get hooked because you might actually try harder out there until you get a new contract, but then the real Manny will return. I actually feel sorry for the team that signs him as no matter what they think, they've got major headaches ahead.

The real sad part of this story is the kids who looked up to Manny. What kind of message has he sent them and to his own kids? Manny's athletic abilities are to be admired, but he's no role model.

Commissioner of Major League Baseball, should Fine and Suspend Manny, and have him submit to a mental evaluation prior to him playing again this season....

Maybe Manny should call Pedro to ask "who's my daddy"....Maybe its Jimmy Piersall

Two and 0 since the trade... just watching the team on Saturday night they seemed to have a different swagger then they had for the past month or so. Perhaps all this Manny stuff did weigh heavily on the team and the chemistry. Theo did the right thing and hopefully with surgical precision, was finally able to cut out the cancer in the club house. The entire complexion of the team has changed from a fans perpective.. I enjoyed Manny while he was here, but maybe it's just because of his childlike ways and him just being different. When he was focused, man could he HIT... but you never knew what you were going to get. I truly believe that it was time for him to go. Now he's making statements that he'd like to finish his career in LA and has his "inner peace"... good for him. Inner Peace until it's contract time. The Dodgers will soon find out the real Manny and good luck to them dealing with his circus act. Jason Bay was the best player on a really bad Pirates team... now with Papi, Youk, Lowell and company around him, he should hopefully only get better. Getting rid of Craig Hansen helped the Sox bullpen by addition by subtraction. People may be upset by getting rid of someone that throws so hard, but if he can't get anyone out.. what's the difference. Brandon Moss should see more playing time in Pittsburgh. Good luck to Hansen and Moss, welcome Jason Bay and good bye and good luck Manny Ramirez (and take your baggage with you) Hopefully we'll see you in the world series.. When you come to play in Boston, you might have another mental breakdown and tank it like you were probably going to do the 2nd half of the year anyway. So great job Theo... let's focus on winning, catching and passing the "Rays" and getting back to the big dance.

This was a divorce. Divorces are costly, but the price is never so high that it causes a couple to remain in their marriage. Seven million dollars and two prospects is a big price, but it was necessary to get this baby out of the clubhouse where he was a distraction. I don't like that we got rid of Moss, because there was reports that he could've been dealt to KC straight up for Ron Mahay (a welcome addition to the bullpen).
The Sox got back a legitimate All Star in Bay who has a friendly salary for next season. The Sox still have a good farm system, and now plenty of money to spend in the winter. I'm just more concerned with the pitching after the Angels lit up Dice-K and Beckett last series.

If Jason Bay brings a good work ethic, and 20-30 HRs then its not much of a loss compared to Manny's epic bat and awful feilding and terrible attitude. If Jason shows up to play like a professional everyday than we survived getting out of Manny's enormous contract pretty well. We also got rid of Craig Hanson, who's big contract and aenemic performance has cost the organization far too much over the years as well...so this trade really fixed some of the bigger contract problems the organization has. I find if you Trust in Theo Epstein, he knows how to win a World Series.

Bay Pride!

I am happy Manny is gone. Yes, he helped us win two world series, but, how were we going to win another one with him doggin it to first base and rollin around in the outfield not giving 110 percent? Now we have a real team again. Everyone committed to winning, everytime!! Way to go Red Sox management!!! Welcome Jason Bay and lets get back on track to winning again.

theo didn't bring two world chamionships dan doucette did