Red Sox going after Carlos Beltran?

[Fenways Faithful]

I not talking about clubhouse presence. If Manny's gone Ortiz starts getting pitched around alot more. Which lowers Ortiz's stats. so than were going to have to start hoping that any of those players you named to make up for not only manny's numbers but also ortiz's. And if you havent noticed singles arent getting ortiz from first to home. He needs someone with power. Its a miracle if ortiz goes from first to third.

[Fenways Faithful]

beltran has never hit over 30 Hr's and He has peaked 100 rbi's barely 4 times. So what if he had a sweet playoff. I do think Soriano would help but not enough. And like someone said earlier do you really want a devil ray trying to step it up when the game is on the line. Its our freaking pitching that we need to improve. Not our Batting.

[ORS]

Beltran hit 38 last year between KC and Houston. If you neglect last year, which I think was a bit of an anomaly, he's averaged 28 HR and 104 RBI in his 5 full seasons. Certainly nothing to scoff at.

[JimBrown32]

If were getting anyone on this list or who can even come close to it than i think we should consider it. But its not likely.

 

Helton's only on their because he plays in Colorado, Manny would hit 80 homers and would break SO MANY RECORDS if he played in Colorado. Helton's nothing without Colorado.

 

Edit: also note if we need pitching Santana is under 6 million, he's cheap for his amazing talent.

[yankeessuck013]

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, Manny Ramirez is no longer interested in playing for the Mets and a Carlos Beltran trade hasn't been discussed in some time.

 

The Beltran deal was something the Red Sox reportedly proposed at the trade deadline. "The ironic thing is that by the end of the weekend, Manny said he would not go to the Mets," says Greg Genske, Ramirez's agent. "I know people have speculated about Pedro [Martinez] and his influence, but Manny does not want to be traded to the Mets." Genske added that if Ramirez does again request a trade Genske says "his preference would be Anaheim. He also still loves Cleveland, and would go back there." Gammons believes Arizona and Texas are also possibilities. Ramirez gains no-trade protection this winter, so it's up to him whether he wants to leave Boston.

[ORS]

Helton's only on their because he plays in Colorado, Manny would hit 80 homers and would break SO MANY RECORDS if he played in Colorado. Helton's nothing without Colorado.

 

Edit: also note if we need pitching Santana is under 6 million, he's cheap for his amazing talent.

Yes, Helton's career is largely due to the thin air up there. He's about a .900-.950 OPS guy in another ball park.

 

I'd love to get Santana, but I don't see it happening. If you are going to propose we trade for a player, I'd appreciate it if you outline a strategy to do so.

[elsrbueno]

Yes, Helton's career is largely due to the thin air up there. He's about a .900-.950 OPS guy in another ball park.

 

I'd love to get Santana, but I don't see it happening. If you are going to propose we trade for a player, I'd appreciate it if you outline a strategy to do so.

 

If Theo could pry some of the following talent from Anaheim: Kendry Morales, Casey Kotchman, Jake Woods, Ervin Santana...... for Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox would be stupid not to do it.

 

If we have to be stuck with Manny's selfish attitude, lack of effort, can we at least be spared his bad defense and have him DH? If Mo Vaughn can play first base, so can David Ortiz.

[ORS]

If Theo could pry some of the following talent from Anaheim: Kendry Morales, Casey Kotchman, Jake Woods, Ervin Santana...... for Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox would be stupid not to do it.

 

If we have to be stuck with Manny's selfish attitude, lack of effort, can we at least be spared his bad defense and have him DH? If Mo Vaughn can play first base, so can David Ortiz.

The Angels are deep with young infield talent. Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick, and Kendry Morales are tearing up the AFL right now. And when you add Dallas McPherson, Casey Kotchman, and Eric Aybar, they have 6 good young players competing for 4 spots. It's not a stretch to suggest that we could get them to part with at least one of them as part of a package deal. Our needs right now are corner infielders, so Aybar, Wood, and Kendrick would only add to the logjam of middle infielders we are looking at in our farm system.

 

I don't think they are going to be willing to part with Santana, especially not since Colon experienced his injury troubles at the end of the season. Perhaps we could get them to include Jered Weaver in the deal?

 

Supposing we do get a Morales/Weaver combination, where does that leave us? It will certainly affect our competitiveness in 2006 since Weaver and Morales haven't cracked AAA yet. Now, if the FO is looking more toward the future when we could be fielding Ramirez, Pedroia and our rotation would include Papelbon, Lester, and Sanchez, then this wouldn't be a bad move. But, it will piss a lot of fans off knowing that they will have to wait for a serious contender.

 

Papi in the field? Depends on how good he can field at first. When you put a weak link on the field, it is more reasonable to stick it in left field than at first base where there will be much more action.

[MANNYHOF24]

Are you retarded, he was nothing compareed to earlier in the year, he had a slump, so shut your mouth and stop talking. Are you an idiot, three high quality players is better than one overpaid prick. I believe YOU should do the research.

 

Edit: You can't f***ing blame s***** numbers on the cold, Minneapolis is way colder than Boston. Manny is getting older with each year, what is he, 33, some guys start falling apart by then, also, would you want a selfish childish prick on your team?

 

Are you a complete idiot, manny was cold for one month (may) but then was his normal self for the rest of the year, i believe i did the research you have no numbers to back up your idiodic comments, if you actually watched games down the strech you would have realized along with ORtiz, manny carried this club. Manny isnt much a off the field disturbence in the club house, from what i hear he pretty much just keeps to himself, and your comment about Ortiz not liking him is so far off, they are good friends, Ortiz this season defeding Manny on everything he did. Oh by the way I really hate how people say Manny doesnt play as much as he needs to, thats ******** he plays as much as everybody eles on this team does, he played in 152 games. A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO GAMES, Edgar played in 153 which lead the club other than Ortiz who is the DH, um Billy mueller played in 150 games so all this Manny not wanting to play everyday s*** needs to end, its completly based around one game in Tampa that the Red SOx won anyway, let it go

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

If Theo could pry some of the following talent from Anaheim: Kendry Morales, Casey Kotchman, Jake Woods, Ervin Santana...... for Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox would be stupid not to do it.

 

The Red Sox should package David Wells with Manny to make a trade. Considering Wells age I don't believe we could get much in return. Well my goodness the Angels are going to lose Washburn most likely and need a lefty to help there rotation. They could use one more bat as well which I'm sure they would love to pair Manny with Vlad...I admit that would be a nice 1-2 punch.

 

We should deffinitly be moving these guys for young talent. All those prospects you mentioned are perfect for a deal. I would love to discuss Brandon Wood in that deal and maybe we could steal someone from there bullpen. There is deffinitly a deal to be made here and could help us in the present and future. Then if the Sox improve there pitching we are set for the future and have a very young talented team on hand to win many ballgames this year. Anaheim is deffinitly the team to talk to.

[Manny Goes Boom]

Are you a complete idiot, manny was cold for one month (may) but then was his normal self for the rest of the year, i believe i did the research you have no numbers to back up your idiodic comments, if you actually watched games down the strech you would have realized along with ORtiz, manny carried this club. Manny isnt much a off the field disturbence in the club house, from what i hear he pretty much just keeps to himself, and your comment about Ortiz not liking him is so far off, they are good friends, Ortiz this season defeding Manny on everything he did. Oh by the way I really hate how people say Manny doesnt play as much as he needs to, thats ******** he plays as much as everybody eles on this team does, he played in 152 games. A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO GAMES, Edgar played in 153 which lead the club other than Ortiz who is the DH, um Billy mueller played in 150 games so all this Manny not wanting to play everyday s*** needs to end, its completly based around one game in Tampa that the Red SOx won anyway, let it go

 

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one backing Manny.

[jimmycarter05]

The Red Sox got outplayed because the team lacked solid fundamentals. If we can improve our defense by getting Manny the hell out of left field and getting an outfielder in left who can track down some balls, and also a center fielder who can throw, that'll go a long way towards improving the defense.

 

Yes, we need better pitchers, but ask any pitcher who has someone like Mike Cameron, Andruw Jones, or Torri Hunter behind them-- those guys save runs and win baseball games with their defensive ability.

 

My point is that we need to be able to win baseball games when we're not hitting homers. Being able to manufacture runs (instead of getting two guys on base and have three guys strike out trying to hit the 3-run homer) compliments your ability to hit the ball out of the yard.

 

I'll admit Manny Ramirez drives me crazy with his bad attitude and huge paycheck. Frankly, I think we're stuck with him because nobody else is stupid enough to take on that contract for a one-dimensional player.....

 

The Red Sox do not need Manny Ramirez to be a competitive team, plain and simple. Can they win WITH him? Absolutely, they proved it last year.... they just need to surround him with players who actually give a crap.

 

 

amen

[jimmycarter05]

But they didn't manufacture all that many. The won because of great starting pitching, which is what we really need to worry about. Especially in the playoffs where the 1-2-3 guys start most of the games.

 

As for the topic subject, I would only consider this trade if I were 100% sure that last year was a fluke year for Beltran. I just don't see how this trade makes sense when one considers Beltran's gigantic salary. With Manny, we know have one of the greatest hitters ever.

 

 

they didn't need to manufacture that many...thats the benefits of a great pitching staff...look at the astros, they won most of their games by 3 runs or less

[Cityofchampions33]

I would love to get Torri Hunter for CF, he's great defensively, speedy somewhat and can hit the ball well. He'd the OF immensely and would probably help young players learn some things.

If we are to trade Manny, we should trade him to the 1st decent offer coming from the NL. Look what Billy Beane did, he traded Hudson to ATL and Mulder to StL, now they don't have to face them during the regular season, very smart move. If beltran gets involved and some promising prospects are thrown in, I don't see why we shouldn't do it.

That would leave us with a VERY good OF that could stay intact for years to come, and hand it off to our young spects in the Minors. We could re-do our OF this year completely, and that includes getting rid of Nixon. Beltran in LF, Hunter in CF, and Giles in RF.

Not only does that OF help inprove our defense sufficiently, but it also provides a much more speedy and less power orriented offense. All 3 of those guys can hit the ball out of the park, but can also make good contact and hustle out infield grounders for hits.

 

1) SS Renteria

2) CF Hunter

3) LF Beltran

4) DH Ortiz

5) RF Giles

6) 1B Huff

7) C Varitek

8) 3B Youkilis

9) 2B Pedroia

 

That's my dream lineup and looks very solid as of now. That is a VERY solid 1-6 and a more stable 7-9 than the last few years.

[Manny Goes Boom]

I would love to get Torri Hunter for CF, he's great defensively, speedy somewhat and can hit the ball well. He'd the OF immensely and would probably help young players learn some things.

If we are to trade Manny, we should trade him to the 1st decent offer coming from the NL. Look what Billy Beane did, he traded Hudson to ATL and Mulder to StL, now they don't have to face them during the regular season, very smart move. If beltran gets involved and some promising prospects are thrown in, I don't see why we shouldn't do it.

That would leave us with a VERY good OF that could stay intact for years to come, and hand it off to our young spects in the Minors. We could re-do our OF this year completely, and that includes getting rid of Nixon. Beltran in LF, Hunter in CF, and Giles in RF.

Not only does that OF help inprove our defense sufficiently, but it also provides a much more speedy and less power orriented offense. All 3 of those guys can hit the ball out of the park, but can also make good contact and hustle out infield grounders for hits.

 

1) SS Renteria

2) CF Hunter

3) LF Beltran

4) DH Ortiz

5) RF Giles

6) 1B Huff

7) C Varitek

8) 3B Youkilis

9) 2B Pedroia

 

That's my dream lineup and looks very solid as of now. That is a VERY solid 1-6 and a more stable 7-9 than the last few years.

 

What's with everyone wanting to drop bombs on our lineup and get speed guys? Last time I checked we won with power, and a great staff and bullpen. We still have the power, we should focus on pitching. I don't see why we need to bring the wrecking ball to the lineup.

 

And Hunter, Beltran, Giles and Huff's salaries would not be less than Mannys.

[example1]

That is a powerhouse lineup and I think it would provide sufficient protection for Ortiz throughout the season that he wouldn't be hurt by losing Manny. It's not happening but it is a fun one to think about.

[Cityofchampions33]

What's with everyone wanting to drop bombs on our lineup and get speed guys? Last time I checked we won with power, and a great staff and bullpen. We still have the power, we should focus on pitching. I don't see why we need to bring the wrecking ball to the lineup.

 

And Hunter, Beltran, Giles and Huff's salaries would not be less than Mannys.

 

It might barely be under Manny, Damon, Nixon, Millar, Muller, Wells, and possibley Arroyo's contracts put together, dont ya think?

Also, I'm not talking about switching ot an NL lineup with speed, but what I meant is that we should get more versatile guys that can hit HRs and also get a few SBs. Not only would we improve our lineup, but we would make it more dynamic, therefor garunteeing at least 2 runs a night. You saw what happened when Manny wasn't hitting, we lost to TB and TOR in cruical games, granted the pitching didn't help.

[example1]

What's with everyone wanting to drop bombs on our lineup and get speed guys? Last time I checked we won with power, and a great staff and bullpen. We still have the power, we should focus on pitching. I don't see why we need to bring the wrecking ball to the lineup.

 

And Hunter, Beltran, Giles and Huff's salaries would not be less than Mannys.

 

Its not about the speed, its about the defense. It is so easy to just forget what defense adds to games, but a good defensive play can have the impact of a homerun on a game. Think about some of the plays that have happened in the playoffs: Houston's DP to beat the Cards, CWS throw out a sox player at third from second. Who knows what would happen if not for those plays, but they can be enough to win or lose a game. The sox outfield is NOT quick at this point. Nixon is diehard and he goes for everything like a bulldog, but he's not fast. Manny is a little quicker, but clumsy and doesn't have great defensive intelligence. He's got good accuracy but a poor arm. Damon can run well, but occasionally drops balls, can't jump very well and has a noodle for an arm. The outfield could be upgraded, which would make our pitchers more confident and unite the team a little more. Right now defense is really just the time our guys spend while waiting to hit. For other teams it is possible to play defense like a good football defense would: attacking the other team and smothering them with solid pitching, good plays in the field and the ability to make runners think twice before taking extra bases or trying to steal.

 

The two (lots of runs and good defense) do not have to be mutually exclusive. The sox could probably still score 850 runs if they replaced Manny intelligently and upgraded Millar.

[Manny Goes Boom]

It might barely be under Manny, Damon, Nixon, Millar, Muller, Wells, and possibley Arroyo's contracts put together, dont ya think?

Also, I'm not talking about switching ot an NL lineup with speed, but what I meant is that we should get more versatile guys that can hit HRs and also get a few SBs. Not only would we improve our lineup, but we would make it more dynamic, therefor garunteeing at least 2 runs a night. You saw what happened when Manny wasn't hitting, we lost to TB and TOR in cruical games, granted the pitching didn't help.

 

But thats what I mean. Why blow up our lineup/team when it works fine. Its our staff thats the problem. I agree get a firstbaseman but other than that (if Damon stays) I don't see a need to get anything else offensively. If Damon leaves, a CF would be needed but nothing beyond that IMO.

[Cityofchampions33]

But thats what I mean. Why blow up our lineup/team when it works fine. Its our staff thats the problem. I agree get a firstbaseman but other than that (if Damon stays) I don't see a need to get anything else offensively. If Damon leaves, a CF would be needed but nothing beyond that IMO.

 

I totally agree, we need bullpen help, not so much the rotation, thats a project to be solved with our farm. IMO Damon is leaving, Youk is ready, Graffanino may play half a season, and perhaps the full season, but none farther than that. All of the OF change is subject to manny being traded.

[riverside sluggers]

And Hunter, Beltran, Giles and Huff's salaries would not be less than Mannys.

 

huff would be a trade obviously, which sox wouldnt have to shell out that much if the trade is even with both teams

[Sizzlin22]

I've said this once I've said this a million times trading Manny would be unbelieveably idioc for anyone ofther than like Barry Bonds.

[MC Hammer]

I've said this once I've said this a million times trading Manny would be unbelieveably idioc for anyone ofther than like Barry Bonds.

... getting Barry would make absolutly no sense.

[Cityofchampions33]

If we can trade him, and basicaly find a way to get Beltran for him, Torii in CF, and Giles in RF I'd be all for it. That's 6 strong right there in the lineup I showed.

[elsrbueno]

I've said this once I've said this a million times trading Manny would be unbelieveably idioc for anyone ofther than like Barry Bonds.

 

I disagree. Manny Ramirez is a prolific slugger, but he's just ONE guy. Granted, hit presense in the lineup impacts the team more than just his 3-4 ABs (because I'm sure people start thinking about Manny Ramirez when Damon/Renteria are batting because they don't want Ortiz/Ramirez batting with guys on base, which no doubt means Renteria and Damon and Ortiz get more strikes thrown at them with Ramirez in the 4-whole than they would if Carlos Beltran or Aubrey Huff were waiting behind Ortiz. That's common sense.

 

I remember getting into regular arguments on here and with friends on how badly I wanted Ramirez gone. In fact, I remember after the 2003 season telling everyone who'd listen that Manny Ramirez was the Red Sox biggest problem. I'd continued to believe that until I saw a graphic in the 2005 division series comparing the numbers Ortiz and Ramirez have put up as a duo to none other than Ruth and Gehrig. When you consider that Ortiz/Ramirez are mentioned in the same sentence as that duo, you stop and think about the impact losing one of those players would make on the opposition.

 

No doubt in my mind the Red Sox would be a different team without Manny Ramirez. The nature of losing someone of his caliber would demand change. That having been said, I believe, and nobody has convinced me otherwise, that the Boston Red Sox could not only stay competitive, but IMPROVE themselves if they played their cards right and moved Manny Ramirez.

 

The team is old, fat, and slow. Typical Red Sox I know, but worrysome nonetheless. The rotation is dependant upon three players well past 35 and no doubt injury risks based on age alone: Wakefield, Wells, and Schilling. The most reliable reliever? Mike Timlin, also old. The 2005 corner infield of was either worthless (Millar), or old injury prone (Mueller). The leftfielder is careless, lazy, selfish, and slow. The centerfielder is fast and hard-headed, but maybe a little too hardheaded and definately is on the wrong end of 30 and already has a weak arm. The right fielder has his heart in the right place (and I love Trot Nixon), but hasn't become the superstar we all thought/hoped he'd be years ago and seems destined to fill a platoon role throughout his career.

 

What does that leave us? An overpaid (but quality) shortstop, a solid catcher, and a decent (but free agency bound) second baseman. This team could no doubt benefit (in my opinion) from an infusion of speed and youthful enthusiasm.

 

Dustin Pedroia will probably be given an opportunity to win a job out of spring training, and the Red Sox seem committed to Kevin Youkilis as the everyday third baseman in 2006. That's a decent start, but neither one of these guys figures to be a superstar, and the only guy in the system who has that kind of potential (Hanley Ramirez) is at least a year away.

 

What's my point? The Anaheim Angels are seemingly desperate to add a potent bat to their lineup. They are overflowing with young talent, and have an owner who wouldn't be scared of taking on salary.

 

I'm nowhere near as hellbent on trading Manny Ramirez as I've been in the past, because his offensive production cannot be ignored and he shouldn't be dealt on the sole premise of getting him out of town-- but the team has many urgent needs:

 

bullpen help

young starting pitching

a first baseman

a centerfielder

a 4th outfielder (one who can hit lefties and fill in for Trot Nixon)

bench help

a second baseman (if Pedroia needs more development time)

a third baseman (if Youkilis doesn't pan out as well as the organization thinks he will)

 

If the Red Sox take the Yankee-esque approach of trying to fill all of these voids through free agency, they're going to end up in the same boat as the Yankees-- having an empty farm system and a major league team impaired by bad attitudes and big contracts.

 

The right way to build a championship team is from the ground up. If trading Manny Ramirez can net a few young, cheap, potential cornerstone guys, this would be the right move in my opinion.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

You do need to take a look at how the Red Sox have changed in the past couple years though. The farm system is easily the best the Sox have had in many years. You need to give some guys more time such as Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury. Luis Soto and Brandon Moss are both very young. We could have answers on our team. I wouldn't mind trading Manny but I want top youthful talent which is close to the majors and guys who can make a real impact. The nice thing about this situation is I'm sure Theo has an idea of who the right prospects are. He has done wonders with our farm system after showing up here with nothing. If the Sox cannot find a deal like that which can help them I say keep Manny. As poor as those positions were that you mentioned you should consider.....the only real area the Sox struggled was the #5 hitter. If the Red Sox were to aquire someone like Aubrey Huff...you are talking about a middle lineup composed of Renteria, Ortiz, Manny, Huff....yikes...followed by Varitek and Nixon....and adding a couple young guys in Pedroia and Youkilis. There is nothing wrong if the team keeps Manny. In the end I could see Ellsbury leading off with Pedroia batting behind him...talk about speed.

 

My biggest concern is the pitching and where we will be when our fat, slow, old pitchers move on. I know we have some guys coming up and thats what the Sox need to focus on. I wouldn't mind moving Manny for a top quality pitcher. I want a rotation looking like Burnett, Zito, Papelbon, Lester, and (Sanchez once Schill retires)....with Craig Hansen to close it out.

[elsrbueno]

You do need to take a look at how the Red Sox have changed in the past couple years though. The farm system is easily the best the Sox have had in many years. You need to give some guys more time such as Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury. Luis Soto and Brandon Moss are both very young. We could have answers on our team. I wouldn't mind trading Manny but I want top youthful talent which is close to the majors and guys who can make a real impact. The nice thing about this situation is I'm sure Theo has an idea of who the right prospects are. He has done wonders with our farm system after showing up here with nothing. If the Sox cannot find a deal like that which can help them I say keep Manny. As poor as those positions were that you mentioned you should consider.....the only real area the Sox struggled was the #5 hitter. If the Red Sox were to aquire someone like Aubrey Huff...you are talking about a middle lineup composed of Renteria, Ortiz, Manny, Huff....yikes...followed by Varitek and Nixon....and adding a couple young guys in Pedroia and Youkilis. There is nothing wrong if the team keeps Manny. In the end I could see Ellsbury leading off with Pedroia batting behind him...talk about speed.

 

My biggest concern is the pitching and where we will be when our fat, slow, old pitchers move on. I know we have some guys coming up and thats what the Sox need to focus on. I wouldn't mind moving Manny for a top quality pitcher. I want a rotation looking like Burnett, Zito, Papelbon, Lester, and (Sanchez once Schill retires)....with Craig Hansen to close it out.

 

Maybe I rambled on too long and didn't do a good job getting my point across.... I'll try to be short and sweet:

 

IMO, the Red Sox need to get younger, cheaper, and faster (in that order). If trading Manny Ramirez can accomplish that, it needs to be at least considered. That being said, considering that Ortiz/Ramirez is easlily the top 1-2 punch in baseball, it'd have to be a sweet deal.

 

My only point was that trading Manny should be considered, but is not necessary. At this point, I'll be OK with either result as long as the 2006 team is better than the 2005 team.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Maybe I rambled on too long and didn't do a good job getting my point across.... I'll try to be short and sweet:

 

IMO, the Red Sox need to get younger, cheaper, and faster (in that order). If trading Manny Ramirez can accomplish that, it needs to be at least considered. That being said, considering that Ortiz/Ramirez is easlily the top 1-2 punch in baseball, it'd have to be a sweet deal.

 

My only point was that trading Manny should be considered, but is not necessary. At this point, I'll be OK with either result as long as the 2006 team is better than the 2005 team.

 

Oh yeah I wasn't stating your wrong in any way...in fact I'm agreeing with you like always. If the right deal came across I would take advantage. I was simply showing the points where the Sox are still ok with keeping Manny. We have young talented players with speed in the minors. Its yet to be seen how they will end up and there is no such thing as having too many young prospects. Having a farm system capable of churning out tons of talent is deffinitly a great way to go. If we can't I think adding one more 30 HR bat behind Manny would be a great luxury to have. This basically depends which direction the team wishes to go.

 

Adding the extra bat this season as opposed to removing one will give better immediate results.

 

Adding young talent can certainly help the Sox down the road and give them more speed.

 

In the end I don't think it matters unless the Sox get better pitching. We can have all the speed, talent, power in the world...if we can't pitch we aren't going to win anything. Having the power of the Yanks, the speed of the Devil Rays, or the talent of the Mets means nothing unless you can pitch like the White Sox or Astros.

[Fenways Faithful]

overall i think trading Manny is retarded unless we get a good hitter and a sweet pitcher. BUt who knows where we could get that. Even if we did i still think the idea sucks.

[Cityofchampions33]

Didn't he say he was retiring at the end of this contract anyway?