I like it when Manny acts funny, but...

[OldFatGuy]

Whatever happens in a trade (which is going to be difficult to accomplish), this is Manny's last year as a Red Sox. The only question will be whether the owner's "collude" against him next year in the same way they did Bonds this year. I think the answer to that is no. Someone's gonna pick him up next year. Wouldn't surprise me if it were the Yankees.

[Pavelb1]

Whatever happens in a trade (which is going to be difficult to accomplish), this is Manny's last year as a Red Sox. The only question will be whether the owner's "collude" against him next year in the same way they did Bonds this year. I think the answer to that is no. Someone's gonna pick him up next year. Wouldn't surprise me if it were the Yankees.

As I've said elsewhere, the Yanks might pay him 20mill just for the psychological aspect...but I don't think any other team will pay him that much.

[robinhoodnik]

I don't think it's collusion with Bonds or Clemens for that matter. If you don't have to deal with all of that negative cr@p, why bring it upon yourself? They're both old players, both @**holes, and both in potentially BIG trouble. You'd be a fool to set yourself up with one of those two right now.

[OldFatGuy]

I don't think it's collusion with Bonds or Clemens for that matter. If you don't have to deal with all of that negative cr@p, why bring it upon yourself? They're both old players, both @**holes, and both in potentially BIG trouble. You'd be a fool to set yourself up with one of those two right now.

While I agree that I don't believe its actual "collusion" in this case either (i.e., they've gotten together and agreed to not sign them), I also think the same case can be made for the negatives of Manny, so I'm still wondering whether the treatment will be same.

[dickay]

Whatever happens in a trade (which is going to be difficult to accomplish), this is Manny's last year as a Red Sox. The only question will be whether the owner's "collude" against him next year in the same way they did Bonds this year. I think the answer to that is no. Someone's gonna pick him up next year. Wouldn't surprise me if it were the Yankees.

You guys are nutz. Please don't lose this thread, remember it. He's approaching the upper 30's and wants to try to do a 3 or 4 year deal this offseason. They most likely will pick up the 20 mil option and trade him...which will be difficult to accomplish as the team he goes to will have to be approved by him and willing to sign him to 3 or 4 years. Difficult, but it is most certainly the most logical occurence and definetly possible. They may sign him to a 3 year extension themselves. Unlikely but it wouldn't shock me. I doubt it'll happen though.

I think the Sox would love to sign the one year option and have him play next year at 20 mil but they know he'll be pissed. He's doing nothing no other player in his position and with his talent wouldn't do, its just being highlighted here because it is Manny.

Should he go to FA, or more likely after he's traded, with the year he's having and his talent unquestionably he will get a 2 or 3 year contract worth near 20 mil if not more than that.

[Pavelb1]

You guys are nutz. Please don't lose this thread, remember it. He's approaching the upper 30's and wants to try to do a 3 or 4 year deal this offseason. They most likely will pick up the 20 mil option and trade him...which will be difficult to accomplish as the team he goes to will have to be approved by him and willing to sign him to 3 or 4 years. Difficult, but it is most certainly the most logical occurence and definetly possible. They may sign him to a 3 year extension themselves. Unlikely but it wouldn't shock me. I doubt it'll happen though.

I think the Sox would love to sign the one year option and have him play next year at 20 mil but they know he'll be pissed. He's doing nothing no other player in his position and with his talent wouldn't do, its just being highlighted here because it is Manny.

Should he go to FA, or more likely after he's traded, with the year he's having and his talent unquestionably he will get a 2 or 3 year contract worth near 20 mil if not more than that.

You Yankees want Manny next year for a 4 year contract at 21 mill per year? You're welcome to him. Just what you need, another slow 1B/Dh type at 20 mill a year.

[OldFatGuy]

Should he go to FA, or more likely after he's traded, with the year he's having and his talent unquestionably he will get a 2 or 3 year contract worth near 20 mil if not more than that.

If talent was all that mattered, Bonds would've had a contract by now.

[cartman00000001]

According to ESPN, he would accept a trade (remember he's got a no trade clause) but doesn't think that is likely.

[metsguy234]

I'd love for him to come to the Mets!

[cartman00000001]

I'd love for him to come to the Mets!

my guess is that you would change your tune once he's out for 6 weeks with a "sore hammy" (2006)

[dickay]

my guess is that you would change your tune once he's out for 6 weeks with a "sore hammy" (2006)

Or my guess is they'd be thrilled with what pretty much is consistently an approximate 500+ AB's per, 30HRs, 100+RBIs

[Pavelb1]

Or my guess is they'd be thrilled with what pretty much is consistently an approximate 500+ AB's per, 30HRs, 100+RBIs

Martinez was great in the first year of his contract too.

[dickay]

Martinez was great in the first year of his contract too.

True. A few important points;

1. The Mets, although hes not playing much now, do not regret the Martinez signing. This has been stated by their GM, as well as team execs. and their fan base as well in general.

2. Pedro, being an aging pitcher with a recent history of injury prior to the signing was definetly more suspect than Manny will be after this season.

3. Hitters typically have more longevity than pitchers, quality wise that is.

4. There are a handful of major leaguers who give the quality offense Manny does. These 'antics' are overblown. The market value has also substantially risen in the past few years (see Andruw Jones) and Manny will have no problem getting 3 years at, near, or maybe even over 20 mil per.

At one year, if the Sox could excersise the option and Manny was content with it, it would be an absolute steal. Manny however will not be happy, and that should be understandable. This happens all the time in every sport, he's aging and wants security of a long term deal. Its business.....but the Sox fan wants to make it personal. The guys earned that massive salary...I'd love to see them have him for 20 mil next year, but realize Manny's gotta play his cards too.

[Arctic Blast]

If talent was all that mattered, Bonds would've had a contract by now.

Ramirez doesn't come with a tenth of the media crush Bonds does.

[Pavelb1]

True. A few important points;

1. The Mets, although hes not playing much now, do not regret the Martinez signing. This has been stated by their GM, as well as team execs. and their fan base as well in general.

2. Pedro, being an aging pitcher with a recent history of injury prior to the signing was definetly more suspect than Manny will be after this season.

3. Hitters typically have more longevity than pitchers, quality wise that is.

4. There are a handful of major leaguers who give the quality offense Manny does. These 'antics' are overblown. The market value has also substantially risen in the past few years (see Andruw Jones) and Manny will have no problem getting 3 years at, near, or maybe even over 20 mil per.

At one year, if the Sox could excersise the option and Manny was content with it, it would be an absolute steal. Manny however will not be happy, and that should be understandable. This happens all the time in every sport, he's aging and wants security of a long term deal. Its business.....but the Sox fan wants to make it personal. The guys earned that massive salary...I'd love to see them have him for 20 mil next year, but realize Manny's gotta play his cards too.

A very good post. You're missing one thing. If a player tanks an AB (especially against the Yanks!) or misses a game with a phantom injury (Against the Yanks!) to make a point...then it *is* personal. A sporting event is a contract between the fans and the players who in effect pay their salaries. The fans buy a ticket to see that player try as hard as he can to win. When a guy who makes 20 million a year breaks that contract with the fans he's disgracing the sport.

Ring Lardner-"I'm forever blowing ballgames, pretty ballgames in the air. I come from Chi, I hardly try, just go to bat and fade and die. Fortune's coming my way, that's why I hardly care. I'm forever blowing ballgames..."