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?

Page 18

It makes no sense! He is the BEST player on the team!!!! He is the closest to a sure thing in baseball!

Melissa, Boston

The Yanks would be doing the Sox a big favor to take Manny and his over priced payroll off their hands. What have the Sox won with him? NOTHING. Let's give the Marlins approach a chance now and see what happens. Now get rid of Peeedro and we will have no more "ego issues".

Brad, Rochester, NH

It is a bold move, hopefully with the intention of signing Vladmir Guererro in mind. But if you wanted to dump salary... why not Pedro? Doesn't $17.5 million for a 14-game winner seem a bit high?

Rich, Brockton

Wouldn't it be nice if the sox could proceed with their search for a manager without having to worry about how well prospective candidates would "get along with Manny." Give me a break! For 160 million, he should play like its game 7 of the World Series EVERY DAY, no matter who the manager is.

Mike, Derry

I think they should reavaluate what they just did! If I see Manny in pinstripes I might be forced to stop watching the Sox !!! Should be interesting but I don't think anyone is going to pick up his tab......

Keith, Peabody

Why can't the Sox try to get a few people for him rather than just letting someone pick him up, and that's only a maybe. We're either going to get stuck with an already temperamental guy who knows that he's not wanted on the team-and we're going to pay him $20+ million-or the Yanks will pick him up and he'll bite us in the butt next year (Clemens?). Typical Red Sox, and Boston sports in general, fashion-let your best players go and don't try to get anything in return. And these new owners are from out of town?

John, Marblehead

Unbelievable. The best right-handed hitter in the American League, possible the best right-handed hitter in all of baseball, and you are going to give him away? Lets be real, folks. You may not like him personally because he seems so aloof, but wouldn't it be better to keep him and try to put up with the occasional mental lapse?? He's really not a bad guy: he just isn't all that bright. Easily the best hitter in the American League when combining power and average, and they are giving him up. There is NO WAY the Sox would have made the playoffs in 2003 without him, and NO WAY they make it next year without him. And do you really think Vlad Guerrero is that great?? I am quite fed up.

Erich, Glastonbury, CT

Good, hopefully the Yanks will take him. Then Theo can use to money to resign Todd Walker!! And wouldn't it be nice if we could sign Andy Pettitte... Kevin Millwood would be good too.

Liz, Lynn, MA

Well they didn't win the World Series with him........

Pam, Quincy

Teams that aren't willing to tolerate a little volatility don't win championships. It takes good management and discipline to do it - but it does create explosive chemistry that wins games. By getting rid of Grady and now Manny, Sox management are demonstrating that they only want "company guys" and "yes men". Those types lack the balls to win.

Paul, Maynard