What do you think of the decision to put Manny Ramirez on irrevocable waivers? Will another team -- (gulp) Yankees -- take on the $104 million remaining on his eight-year, $160 million contract? If no team claims Ramirez, will the All-Star slugger get traded?

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This could free up a lot of salary money to sign the team's franchise players and increase the team's chances of landing Millwood or Colon or another FA this winter. This could also backfire in a huge way. The Yankees will spend whatever it takes to get the players they want so the Red Sox will likely loose any FA bidding wars regardless of what Steinbrenner has to pay Manny if he takes him. Doesn't matter how much money gets shaken loose in the Sox' wallet - - the Yankees will always have more. I love to watch Manny hit. We may not see a better pure hitter in a dog's age. So if Manny's not here next season I will be disappointed. If Manny's absense means I get to see Colon pitch behind Pedro, I'll be happy. Manny's flakey nature doesn't bug me one bit. Also, the fact that Manny doesn't seem to care about much could work to the team's advantage if nobody picks him up on waivers - - it's hard to imagine Manny being deeply offended by anything because it's hard to imagine Manny having a strong emotional reaction to ANYthing.

Brian, Newburyport

Please, Oh God, Please, someone pick up this lollygagger's contract ! We need the cash for Tek, Trot, nomar, and DLowe. Lastly Pedro can take 17.5 million and walk after next year for all I care. Him and Manny will good in the Bronx.

Tim, Winthrop

Great idea! He is a one dement ional player and a distraction to all-else that goes on on the field. $20M/yr is ridicules for his immaturity and will provide the Sox the $ they need to get quality help with the team.

Joe , Forestdale

Let's see, $20M / year divided by 35,000 seats / 82 home games means the ticket prices can go down by almost $7 per seat for every home game. Let's find some more fat to trim away. These tickets prices are a joke.

Will, Wayland, MA

Manny, for all his faults, was a strong offensive force. His left field defensive play was much improved, especially coming up throwing. The only way it makes sense is if it allows the Sox to dump the payroll. If the Sox have to pay to get rid of him, it's a loser. With a new manager, there was an opportunity to handle Manny differently. I might have used the Manny and Pedro prima donna situations as my key determining factor in selecting my next manager.

Steve, Westford

Hopefully someone will pick him up so we can get Vladimir Guerrero who will hustle and is the most talented player today...

Lenny , Foxboro

YES! It is the right thing to do. This player was NO team player. He was egotistical and self centered. Let Georgie write a check for him and let's focus on players who are committed to the team!

Poochie, Marshfield

You have got to be kidding me. One of the best hitters in baseball is placed on waivers. Is Dan D. back in charge of the Sox? If Manny is picked up on waivers, the sox better get Colon and Vladimir.

Kevin, Baltimore MD

As a lifelong die-hard,I'm ok with it; will also be ok with a Nomar trade; these guys were'nt/aren't worthy of the big bucks they got/get, and were definitely no-clutch, and were shown up by the workers/grinders on a very good club this year. Manny's behavior this year was disgusting, and very symbolic of the spoiled superstar syndrome. I realize what we would be losing here, but there are other good players out there that will help us, and may even talk to us.

al , binghamton, ny

When you consider the short and long term priorities with regard to signings, I am not surprised at all by the move. My guess despite the stats the last two years is that the "Maintenance Man's" era has come to an end in Beantown. Maybe he and Giambi can share a philisophical chat about post season batting strategies......

Jim , Naples, Florida