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 25

manny can't become a yankee, picture next years playoffs, do you want manny hitting against the redsox

dan, boston

Ramirez isn't worth the headaches he causes. See ya' later man-child!!!!!

MIke, Middletown, CT

Assuming we can unload him, and in his place sign a stud like Vlad Guerrero, Sheffield, or even Pettite (at a lower cost), then I would have to say it sounds like a good move. I agree Manny lives in "Manny World" and he's pretty oblivious to his surroundings, but he does produce runs, even with his lower RBI output this season, he's still nasty with men in scoring position. I also think he is a better outfielder than what people would like to give him credit for. The thought of unloading him and not signing another marquee player leaves a large void in their lineup. If that¹s how it unfolds, then I would have to disagree with putting him on waivers without first trying to trade for another player of equal market value. My first choice would be Vlad Guerrero though, hands down in my opinion.

Jonathan, Saugus

funny coincidence that today is the day elias released the statistical rankings, manny at #2, with 98.293.

chris, brooklyn, ny

Look at it this way, if we take the money and get Vlad, who we could get for less money since he had arguably his worst season in the bigs this year, we get a guy with just as much power and consistency who is also among the elite in fielding and SBs. It could also leave money fo Milwood - forget about Colon he's another Manny in waiting. I loved watching those dramatic booming moon shots over the Monster, but when the money is on the line it's clear that Manny's head is elsewhere.* *If the Yanks get Manny he will feast on Sox pitching forever.

Hinesy, Brighton

Yes that way it would free up alot of money to keep all the good players we have now who are now in there last year of contract. Manny was to moodey and wanted it his way all the time...Let him go for the good of the team.

Joe, Escanaba, Michigan

MANNY should learn a valuable lesson from the MARLINS and YANKEES: you gotta play with your heart, not with your wallet, respectively!

SIMON, Miami, Florida

I think it will benefit the Sox immediately! Manny has an average arm, cannot run, defense is suspect, and really has not pulled the ball with consistency this year. There are better ballplayers out there for the $$$. We play at Fenway Park - let's get someone who can utilize the Green Monster!

Scott, North Reading

A wonderful way to create team chemistry--and to blow up the clubhouse. Brilliant--NOT.

Robert, Swannanoa, NC

Putting emotion aside for a moment...The lack of Manny's presence in the middle of the lineup would be difficult to fill. That being said, I'm in favor of the move from a purely financial perspective. I believe that this would allow the Sox to upgrade the pitching while at the same time not taking a huge step back in hitting. Let's face it, the team hitting records were nice, but the WS will be won with a balance that includes better pitching.

Tim, Brookline