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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at the very least, Manny will know that no one thinks he is worth what he is being paid and that the Red Sox would prefer to ship him out ot town rather than deal with his behavior.

Chad, Weston

Personally, I would've placed Pedro on waivers rather than Manny. Manny's feared, Pedro isn't as much anymore. Just being patient and raising Pedro's pitch count takes him out of the game ( see game 7 vs Yankees). Keep Manny, trade Pedro and go after Millwood AND Colon. Why pay 17 mil plus for a pitcher who misses 2months out of every season now and that figure could conceivably rise with his age.

Dave, Kissimmee, Fl

This is solid business decision on the part of Theo and the Red Sox. If there is a team out there like the Yankees, Dodgers or Baltimore who would be willing to pick up the $20 mil a year contract of Manny's, then the Red Sox would be better off. There is a rich, talented free agent pool out there this season, and it would also give us more flexibility in retaining most, if not all of our key free agents after the '04 season. If we can get Manny's contract off the books, I would push hard for Andy Pettite.

Al, Manchester, NH

Now if they could only dump Johnny Damon. Do you think Manny is even aware that he's on waivers?

Mike, Methuen

Yeah we'll sign him!!! What a few mil? We'll definitely have what it takes to win it all next year!

Typical Yankee Fan, Bronx, Ny

This is taking a step back if they let Manny get away. If you're looking to unload salary, start with Pedro. We may need pitching, but lets be realistic, Pedro isn't worth the money we pay him if we have to baby him all year and have to hope he can pitch 7 innings? Pedro isn't what he used to be and isn't worth the money anymore. He WAS one of the greatest pitchers of all time, but i'd rather have a number one guy on the mound that i don't have to cross my fingers everytime in hopes he doesn't throw too many pitches. OK Manny makes an absurd amount of money and behaves childish at times, but at least you know what you're getting with him (.300 avg, 30 HR, 100 RBI's) Pedro? well who knows with him? Could be 25 wins or he could be on the DL half the year......your choice, as for me I'll take my chances with Manny.

Steve, Mendon

As much as I would hate to see one the best hitters in the game leave our team, the team's money is probably better spent resigning four or five excellent baseball players and team leaders (Nomar, Pedro, Nixon, Lowe, Varitek) and possibly even freeing up enough money to go after a big time free agent (Bartolo Colon, Kevin Millwood, Vladimir Guerrero?? ) rather than securing ONE slugger who continues to plague the team with his off-field/clubhouse antics. Although I was extremely surprised and somewhat angered this morning when I heard the news, the more I think about it the better I feel about it...

Joe, Newton, MA

Buh Bye. We wont miss ya. Nomar should be next since he wants to get back to the west coast anyways and his contract is up soon.

Steve, Belmont

The Sox would lose a lot of offensive punch, while removing a defensive liability and self centered individual. Hopefully, someone will take him and his salary can be devoted to less spectacular, but better all around players.

Lew, East Greenwich, RI

Let him go. I'd rather sign guys like Nomar and Trot and make a pitch for Vlad Guerrero and a top notch pitcher. Will losing Manny hurt? Maybe a bit, but given the strength of the lineup, we should be able to replace him without losing too much.

Michael S., Philadelphia, PA