Manny Problems
Manny Ramirez is back in the news again.
He recently said that he would not mind being traded, and that he believed the Red Sox would not pick up his option after this season. There is no doubt in my mind that in the future, some team will give Mr. Ramirez a four-year deal in the $15-18 million range. His production is unbelievable and we're talking about a future Hall of Famer.
People put up with a lot of his nonsense and I thought he was way out of line earlier this season when he reportedly pushed down a Red Sox staff member. There was no excuse and "Manny being Manny" only goes so far. After a while, people get fed up with this.
You like to see guys like Derek Jeter, players you can root for easily. You see players with a chip on their shoulder, always aggravated and you can't understand why. They live a life that most people can only dream of having. When I see some guys who refuse to sign autographs or fail to smile when they are around kids it bothers me.
Those guys need to get a life, baby!
I spoke recently before campers at a Tampa Bay Rays camp and I told them no matter how good you are, there comes a day in your life when the party is over for the athlete. The press conference is called and then they have to live from age 35-80 and they can't make the transition to the real world.
Some of these players never learned how to say "I love you" or "thank you." Instead they have people kissing their butts and taking care of everything for them. When the cheering stops and reality sets in, it can become scary. All of a sudden, when they want 16 tickets to a game, it doesn't happen.
I am fed up with some of these guys. It is frustrating spending big money to buy season tickets to watch some athletes who have an attitude. Then you see some great guys, players who understand where they are at and love what they are doing. They appreciate their situation, love being with the fans and have a passion for what they are doing.
When you see them, you know overall it is worth it.
As a fan, you want to see a team do well. You want a reason to cheer. Let's face it, in the pros it is all about winning, which is why the Red Sox have Ramirez in the lineup. He can help them get Ws, and he has been a key to two World Series titles over the last four years.
At the professional level there is no substitute for winning. It is the bottom line and there will always be someone out there believing they can change Ramirez. When he gets in the batter's box, he will deliver.
His numbers indicate he is a Hall of Famer. That is why coaches and often teammates put up with him. Is it easy going to work every day and seeing a disgruntled guy who complains?
No.
It affects the chemistry in the clubhouse. Fans love having him because he influences the competition of the game.
For now, Ramirez is wearing that Boston jersey. How long will he be putting it on? Only time will tell, my friends.
