Marbury/Manny Comparison

[huzy]

Does anyone else find it ironic that Boston is now on the other end of this story, as quickly as seven months after the whole Manny trade situation unfolded with the Sox?

Even this morning, Buster Olney of ESPN.com wrote a column analyzing the impact Manny’s performance in LA after leaving Boston has had on his free agent status and on the same day the Celtics are reportedly closing in on a deal with Marbury:

The irony is striking if you ask me!!

Look at the comparisons:

Marbury
-Steph signs with the Knicks as Isiah Thomas’ first “big splash” and becomes the cornerstone of the “new Knicks”
-Steph goes on to alienate coaches and club personnel (Larry Brown, Thomas, the women who mentioned him the  sexual harassment suit) and teammates (see: Quentin Richardson quotes) on his way to completely distancing himself and tarnishing his reputation with the organization

Present Day: Steph is now welcomed with open arms to a team with hopes of re-establishing his identity and playing for his next contract

Manny
-Manny becomes the “big splash” signing of the Dan Duquette era and becomes one of the cornerstones of the post Clemens/Mo Vaughn Red Sox
 -Manny goes on to alienate his coach and club personnel (Francona, Jack McCormick)  and is voted almost unanimously by his teammates at the trade deadline to be sent packing

Present Day: Manny is now the king of Mannywood and rejuvenated a Dodgers franchise, whose success now hinges on his return, while playing for his next contract. While criticized by many in baseball, he is now a hero in LA. 

Interesting that so many of us, myself included, viewed the Manny situation from the perspective of Red Sox management and think Manny’s performance in LA was an indictment of his character, rather than a credit to his abilities.

Comparatively, I am now thrilled at the thought of Steph rejuvenating his career in a 6th man role for the Celtics, and could care less about his transgressions with the Knicks at this point.

Interesting to see things from the other side of the table…..

I now view myself as living in glass house. No longer is it fair for me to chastise or even look down upon Manny, as I am now someone who will be openly rooting for Marbury in Celtics green.

[Roy Hobbs]

The big difference, of course, is that Manny is 100 times better than Starbury.  Plus, baseball isn't really a "team game" in the same way basketball is.  If Starbury decides not to pass the ball, that affects four other guys on the court.  If Manny underperforms, the direct effect on his teammates isn't as noticeable.

[huzy]

I completely agree with your assessment in regards to the differences in Manny and Marbury’s capabilities and impact on their respective sports and teammates.

I think I view this topic more from the fan perspective in regards to the reaction to both Manny’s exit and Marbury’s arrival in Boston.

I find it interesting the criticisms of Manny amongst the Boston fanbase that now is welcoming Marbury, who was equally unprofessional in both his tenure and exit from the Knicks

[Chris]

The big difference, of course, is that Manny is 100 times better than Starbury.  Plus, baseball isn't really a "team game" in the same way basketball is.  If Starbury decides not to pass the ball, that affects four other guys on the court.  If Manny underperforms, the direct effect on his teammates isn't as noticeable.

I don't know about 100 times better.  Yeah, Manny is a great hitter, but Marbury is a hell of a talented player himself. 

But you are right about the difference between baseball and basketball.

[Roy Hobbs]

I don't know about 100 times better.  Yeah, Manny is a great hitter, but Marbury is a hell of a talented player himself. 

We'll see.  Starbury hasn't been a top-tier talent in probably five years; Manny is still one of the best hitters in MLB.

[Bankshot]

Manny is a proven winner on the field.  Every team he has been on has been a good team or been made good by his presence.

[Mr October]

Randy Moss, Terrell Owens or Dennis Rodman are better comparisons.

[MBz]

The big difference, of course, is that Manny is 100 times better than Starbury.  Plus, baseball isn't really a "team game" in the same way basketball is.  If Starbury decides not to pass the ball, that affects four other guys on the court.  If Manny underperforms, the direct effect on his teammates isn't as noticeable.

I don't know about 100 times better.  Yeah, Manny is a great hitter, but Marbury is a hell of a talented player himself. 

But you are right about the difference between baseball and basketball.

Yeah, but in 30 years, you're not going to say yes Marbury is one of the greatest of all time, he probably won't be in the hall of fame and you're not going to praise his talent.  I know when I'm telling my kids about the best hitter I've ever seen, I'm going to be telling them about Manny Ramirez.

[Mr October]

... but a agree with the point of your comment, huzy.

Big talent. A few loose screws. Looking for a comeback while just barely out of his prime.

[Redz]

If Marbury can come give anything close to what Manny gave the Dodgers for two months+ then he go sign somewhere else and we all can have at least something positive to say about the guy.

I still haven't heard what kind of "game shape" he's in.  Manny came to the Dodgers in midseason form.

[Roy Hobbs]

If Marbury can come give anything close to what Manny gave the Dodgers for two months+ then he go sign somewhere else and we all can have at least something positive to say about the guy.

I still haven't heard what kind of "game shape" he's in.  Manny came to the Dodgers in midseason form.

If Starbury gives us what Manny gave the Dodgers, I may campaign to have his number retired.

(Of course, to match Manny's Dodger contribution, he'd have to go for something like 35p / 5r / 11a...  Manny was a beast last season.)

[crownsy]

Randy Moss, Terrell Owens or Dennis Rodman are better comparisons.

corey dillon and rodney harrision are even better ones.

[cornbreadsmart]

even at the c's blog i can't avoid sox stuff. blecch.

[kenmaine]

I completely agree with your assessment in regards to the differences in Manny and Marbury’s capabilities and impact on their respective sports and teammates.

I think I view this topic more from the fan perspective in regards to the reaction to both Manny’s exit and Marbury’s arrival in Boston.

I find it interesting the criticisms of Manny amongst the Boston fanbase that now is welcoming Marbury, who was equally unprofessional in both his tenure and exit from the Knicks

I don't think C's fans are welcoming Marbury as much as trying to convince themselves that he can change after so many years. Basically just wishful thinking because he'll be wearing green and we want to be able to cheer for him.
But it's one thing to put up with a guy's selfishness or craziness because he's such a winner and is going to help your team- IMO that's not the case here.
Marbury's track record is pretty long, and no matter how many excuses people make for him, that other post listing his previous team's records before, during, and after his stays with them was pretty devastating "circumstantial" evidence.

Manny, and Rodman, and others previously mentioned were winners. And yeah, baseball isn't really much of a team sport anyway.

Iverson is probably a more accurate comparison.

Let's just keep our fingers crossed and hope it's a successful experiment and the C's win it all again.

[Jon]

Roy is right about Manny, there really isn't any comparison.  While you got argue that Marbury is a top 5 PG talent when he puts his mind to it, you could also argue that Manny is a top 5 outfield talent even when he doesn't put his mind to it.  I think that's the difference.  When Manny puts his mind to it, he's arguably the best hitter in baseball. 

Plus for all the gripes about Manny, he was the World Series MVP in 2004 and won another ring in 2007.  He's hardly the cancer that Marbury has been.