Regarding Manny ...
August 2, 2008
Hi Everyone,
As you are well aware, Manny is no longer swinging a bat at Fenway. Having been around Manny for several years, I have mixed emotions regarding his departure.
On one hand he is irreplaceable. It will be very difficult to replace his stats as well as his persona. On the other hand it was clear that he had become a very disruptive force on the team.
Regardless of whom you choose to blame, he had to go. Like most of you, I have always been always a Manny supporter. Although, as I have mentioned many times during broadcasts, his apparent lack of hustle at times was enough to drive me over the edge. In general, it was his likeable personality, and talent, that won us over.
Over the years their have been several episodes where he acted, or said things, that were hard to explain. So we learned to explain it away as "Manny being Manny." The lasts few weeks however can only be described as "Manny being maniacal."
As the saying goes, it always takes two to tango. However, a large share of the negative atmosphere that has been swirling around the team lately falls on Manny’s shoulders. And he brought it on himself for reasons that are very difficult to understand. Management cannot be held responsible. As of late even his teammates were having a difficult time talking to the media positively about Manny.
The Red Sox will now be able to clear the air and move on, Terry Francona will sleep much better I am sure, and Jason Bay should be welcomed with open arms.
I honestly wish Manny the best in the future and I hope he finds the peace he says he is looking for.
Jerry
-Jerry Remy
| 
