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If it's Jason Bay...good deal
July 31, 2008
I have been stating that Manny and his numbers are replaceable. I have not questioned the great career he has had, the production he has provided and what he has meant to the middle of that line-up. At this point in time, if the deal is for Jason Bay and John Grabow, that is a good deal.
The Sox will have moved Ramirez, who is essentially in the last year of his contract. They will in turn, receive a player, who over the last two and a half years has put up the same offensive numbers as Manny. All this while playing in Pittsburgh, without any type of protection in a line-up.
Jason Bay's name may not invoke the same fear into opposing pitchers as Manny Ramirez, but the numbers do not lie. I know, as a true baseball fan, there is more than just the numbers. His playoff stats for one. First the Sox need to get there.
With his current situation, I think we can all agree, it is a disruption. For any of us that have played team sports, sometimes it is better to rid yourselves of that disruption. Holding up that sign last night, while as funny as it seemed (Brett Favre trade) as a teammate, I would have been pissed!
Jason Bay, for all due respect, has never been to the playoffs. For that, we couldn't ask him to hold Manny's jock. Manny's been there, done that. Bay has played in Pittsburgh. Not exactly baseball heaven anymore. But his regular season numbers do match up. And right now, the most important thing is getting TO the playoffs.
The Sox would also get Bay for 2009 at $7.5 million. That would allow them to go after a CC Sabathia or Ben Sheets. So the Manny trade, for his money, could end up with Jason Bay, John Grabow, a quality lefty, and possibly a front line starter. For not much off of the $20 million they were going to pay Manny.
Befroe 2004, Manny was constantly asking to be traded and the fans always questioned his lack of hustle. Since the Sox have won two World Series, most people have allowed 'Manny Being Manny'. I understand the great talent, but this is Boston. We never allowed it before, now because we have won, we have become lenient? Why?
-ruff13
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