Manny being Manipulated

[johnnyrondo]

I repeat that the Dodgers got a steal in Manny and we got 25 cents on the dollar if that.

We ended up with Jason Bay.  The guy who just hit a 3 run homer in Game 2 of the ALCS.  I couldn't care less if the Pirates got two middling prospects, or the Dodgers got an extra $7 million.  Manny for Bay is a fair deal, and I'm happy it was made.

We've been through this a few times now. I like the Bay addition. Bay could have been acquired with or without jettisoning Manny. Manny straight up for Bay is a fair deal. That's not what went down though. Now if you have a link to a story that said the only player the pirates will trade Bay for is Laroche then you might have an argument. Honestly laroche is not considered a "blue chip" prospect right now, and he really isn't worth much more if any then the two high draft picks manny will get the Dodgers. You might not be a fan of hanson, moss, or what 7 million dollars can get you, but they held a lot of value. For example, let's say you want to trade Lugo, you'd get no takers. You add a young cost controlled slugger, a young possible closer and 7 million dollars to the package and you can get something good. Adding money to the Renteria deal got us a top prospect from the braves at the time. I love that Bay is doing real well and that the Sox won again tonight. I have nothing but good things to say about Bay.

[Roy Hobbs]

The Red Sox won't have too much problem adding $7 million to any deal this off-season, especially when they win the World Series (something they wouldn't have been in a position to do with Manny, which I firmly believe.)

[TheReaLPuba]

My big problem with Sox Management is they are the perfect symbol for MLB and steroids. The MLB turned a blind eye to steroid use because they were profiting from it.

The Red Sox gave in and enabled special rules and allowed unprofessional behaviors to continue with players like Manny, Pedro, Mo, and Clemens because they were winning. But the minute times get rough or if the players want fair-market value on their next contract the Sox turn a complete 180 and smear their names and reputation making them out to be the bad guy.

In reality Manny hasn't changed...he's never changed...he's been the Manny we always knew he was and if you don't believe that then you're ignorant and turned a blind eye just like Sox Management for many years.

[LB3533]

The Red Sox got lucky they with the end of the year schedule of cup cake teams to finish off the season and "win" the WC.

Yeah...  let's not let the facts get in the way of our anti-Sox agenda.  Good idea.

The Sox played their final 21 games against teams that finished .500 or better.  17 of those games were against teams that finished with 86 or more wins. 

I admire your defense of the Sox, it's very admirable.

But like Simmons presented in his article:

34-19 after trading away Manny, 19-16 against teams not named Baltimore (68-93), Oakland (75-86), Kansas City (75-87), and Texas (79-83)

Of the games the Sox did face, who finished with 86 or more wins, those teams were the Yankees, Blue Jays and White Sox.

The Yankees won 89 games and it was considered an abysmal season for them. Sox went 3-3 against an abysmal Yankees team down the stretch of the season.

The White Sox won the same 89 games as the Yankees did. Sox went 4-3 against those awesome White Sox.

7-5 against the Blue Jays.....2-4 against the D-Rays....

3-1 against the 81-81 Indians.

I am pretty sure the Sox would have done similar to the 19-16 with a disgruntled Manny still on the team.

Heck even with Mark Kotsay playing everyday, I am pretty sure the Sox would have also gone 15-2 against the scrubs of the American League.

[LB3533]

My big problem with Sox Management is they are the perfect symbol for MLB and steroids. The MLB turned a blind eye to steroid use because they were profiting from it.

The Red Sox gave in and enabled special rules and allowed unprofessional behaviors to continue with players like Manny, Pedro, Mo, and Clemens because they were winning. But the minute times get rough or if the players want fair-market value on their next contract the Sox turn a complete 180 and smear their names and reputation making them out to be the bad guy.

In reality Manny hasn't changed...he's never changed...he's been the Manny we always knew he was and if you don't believe that then you're ignorant and turned a blind eye just like Sox Management for many years.

I agree with this. Basically the Sox just pick and choose when it is OK to give special treatment to players and when it's not OK to give special treatment then it's time to slander that player.

But for me, personally, my problem with the Red Sox is they keep getting rid of the players I fell in love with and who made the Red Sox exciting.

I don't get the same type of feeling watching the Sox play anymore. It's very different now.

[Sweet17]

^^^ I like this team to. The Manny teams were great - but we have some characters now like Jed, Ellsbury, Crisp, Pedoria and so on. This is an enjoyable team to watch..

But yeah the Sox are pretty skilled at stabbing a guy in the back when they are getting rid of him. Part of it like Bill Simmons said is their total media control. The NYTimes owns significant a share of them - and they own the Globe. They also have NESN. So it's pretty easy for them to vilify the guys going out..

I felt that Nomar was unfairly kicked around..as well. He is a sad case as that wrist injury wrecked his promising career - and now he is like a Freddie Lynn. But I thought all that loner stuff was over the top..

Pete