Saturday, August 9, 2008

Did Manny tank it in Boston?

The dirt is starting to fly around the Manny Ramirez trade situation.

Seems that MLB is looking into whether or not Manny's agent tanked his last days in Boston, after the Red Sox would not drop his two single option years.

The report is that Manny's agent, Scott Boras, who won't see any kickback until Manny signs a new deal, called the Red Sox, saying if they drop the two option years left, Manny would play hard the rest of the year.

The Red Sox did not. And Manny's production, ironically, tailed off.


And after Manny decided he couldn't play in a key Friday night game against the Yankees despite being looking plenty healthy enough earlier in the day, the consensus in the Boston media was that Manny had to go.

Shortly after, Manny lands in Los Angeles and is seemingly reborn, smacking 4 HR in the past 6 games for the Dodgers.

Reports are that MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred is investigating the situation.

It seems doubtful that there's any proof of Manny taking a dive or that Boras made such a call. Before all this shook down, Manny often looks like he's not hustling, taking short cuts, high-fiving fans in the middle of a double play, you know, Manny being Manny.

But it sure would make for a juicy story if it's true.

Fantasy spin: Those who had the stomach to own Manny have no problems reaping the rejuvenated slugger's results on the left coast. Look for these types of numbers to continue for the most part, so long as the Dodgers are in the thick of the NL West race and there's motivation. But with the Dodgers lineup as weak as it is, he might be a perfect sell-high candidate as most of his HR have been of the solo variety.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How can you ask "those who could stomach having him" That questions is ridiculous. Owning him in a fantasy league is nothing but smart. He is one of the best hitters in baseball

Anonymous said...

Manny continues to be Manny!!