David Wells, like Manny Ramirez, asked/requested/demanded a trade this off-season. David Wells, like Manny Ramirez, didn't get his request. David Wells, like Manny Ramirez, was not traded because the team couldn't find a good deal. David Wells, like Manny Ramirez, doesn't want to play for Boston anymore. But unlike Manny Ramirez, David Wells isn't guaranteed a spot on the roster, let alone a starting position. David Wells has only been with Boston for a season, unlike Manny who has been here for 5. David Wells has been paid a few million dollars by the Red Sox. Manny is bordering the $100 million mark. Yet David Wells was still able to show up for camp. David Wells was still able to work out with the team. David Wells is still DOING HIS JOB! So while criticising Manny, let's give credit to David Wells and all the other players that are doing their jobs.
Let's also stop with the Keith Foulke criticism. People are complaining that "how can you be bored when you get paid $7 million?" I'm sure there are a good number of people in this world with boring but high paying jobs. Foulke never said that he was bored when he pitched, either. I think he meant that he doesn't like to watch the game, he only likes to play in them. And you know what, THAT IS FINE! I don't care if he is having fun sitting in the bullpen. Hell, a lot of releivers don't even watch the game until the 5th or 6th innings. If Foulke goes out and pitches like he did in 2004 or 2003, I don't care how he feels about baseball. Again, it is all about doing your job and doing it well. If Foulke does, he can call me Mr. Burger King or KFC Man for all I care.
Steve Buckley wrote a harsh piece in the Herald today about Manny laughing at the Red Sox as he plays games with them. I don't think Manny is so maniacal. I just think Manny is immature. He has no boundaries or restrictions. He's a spoiled brat that simply can'd listen to discipline. I see them all the time at school. Do you know how many rich, spoiled New Jerseyans go to my school? Manny reminds me of them. They get everything they want 99% of the time and in that 1% of the time they don't, they can't take it.
Someone commented on my last post that if you get 140 RBIs, you can do whatever you want. Sadly, this is true. However, it will be very interesting to see what happens if Manny doesn't get such huge numbers this season.
This might be the best situation. Manny never shows up, thus making him in violation of his contract. This means his contract would be voided, freeing up millions of dollars for the Red Sox in the next few years. It is sad that it might come to this.
Just a question to ponder: would we have been better off if the Manny for A-Rod trade went through? That's a tough question to answer.
Yeah, Manny is immature, he whines, etc etc. He's worth putting up with--there are few who can produce the way he can. Meanwhile, the media sensationalizes everything he does. I am unconvinced that his antics have a significant negative effect. In fact, maybe by keeping CHB et al from harassing other Sox, his behavior is helpful in a weird way.
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