Manny fires back at Boston .

[NateGrey]

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http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/images/2008/03/21/manny_ramirez_prays_for_royale_with.jpg

 

 

Former Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez, who has tempered his comments on Boston and the Red Sox since being traded to the Dodgers in mid-season, had plenty to say to T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times in a column published yesterday.

 

Ramirez told Simers that he was unhappy during his entire eight-season tenure with the Red Sox. "The first time I stepped foot in Boston, I said to myself, 'Whoa.' I told Pedro Martinez, 'Damn, man, I just want to get traded and get out of here; this place is not me.' I was unhappy for eight years in Boston but still put up great numbers."

 

More interesting tidbits from Simers' conversation with Manny:

 

* Ramirez told Simers the fans in Boston supported him, but the media made his life difficult.

 

"Baseball in Boston is like a Sunday football game, but played every day," Ramirez said. "We lose in LA, I go to breakfast and people say, 'Well, you'll get them tomorrow.' In Boston, it's 'Hey, what's going on, the Yankees are coming.' It's just a different atmosphere. The fans in Boston got your back no matter what, but I'm talking about the people who write all this bull because it means so much to them. If your happiness depends on Boston winning or losing, you have to get a life."

 

* More from Ramirez on the differences he perceives between Boston and LA.

 

"I would bring my kids to the park [in Boston] and I want my kids to be kids, but there'd be people trying to interview them. That's so stupid," Ramirez said. "I'd go to the parking lot after the game and 20 people I didn't know would be offering food, CDs and things -- then wanting something in return.

 

"[in LA], the game ends, I go to the elevator, my car and no one bothers me."

 

* In a roundabout way, Manny seemed to admit to Simers that he did not always give a full effort running to first base while in Boston:

 

"I love to hit, to compete and would never do that; that's just people looking for stuff," he says, while admitting he now runs everything out in L.A., "and I don't even have to think about it."

 

That suggests he wasn't running everything out in Boston, and while he tries to explain, he's interrupted. There's no explanation for such behavior after signing a contract and being paid $20 million a year to give his all.

 

"You're right," he says. "You're right."

 

* While Manny didn't challenge Curt Schilling's accusations that Ramirez was an ongoing problem in the Red Sox clubhouse, he responded to the charges:

 

"I don't wish him anything bad, although it did make me madder and play harder to show everyone who I am," Ramirez said. "I don't disrespect or takes shots at anyone. I don't want someone going to one of my sons and saying your dad is a punk and talks bad about people behind their backs."

 

* It sounds like Manny just wants to move on, and hopes Red Sox fans can do the same:

 

"Just let me be happy someplace else," Ramirez said. "I'm against the clock."

 

* He also appears to be loving life in Los Angeles. "It's just great here; I don't feel like I'm in a cage. The fans in L.A. are unbelievable -- never in my 16 years have I received such a reception."

 

We’re sure some folks who frequented Fenway Park for the last eight years would take umbrage with that last statement.

 

* Ramirez shed some light on the shoving incident between he and Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick in June:

 

As for the incident that had him knocking down a Red Sox executive, "I was wrong," Ramirez said.

 

He said the relationship with the executive had been deteriorating for some time, and a day earlier the guy had said some nasty things to Ramirez in front of Ramirez's teammates.

 

Ramirez went home troubled, returned and asked for a meeting with the executive. "I told him, 'I can't have you disrespecting me in front of my teammates.' "

 

When he didn't get the response he liked, it escalated into a shove.

 

"I didn't handle it the right way," he said.

 

* Manny, who is a free agent at the end of the season, on his future with the Dodgers: "I think I can play four or five more years. And the way the division is, the Dodgers can win it the next four or five years, but they have big decisions to make. It just depends on how badly they want to win."

 

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> http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

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[Paradisecity]

Well Mr Crunchy- I guess manny just refuted the "manny never wanted to be traded" defense once and for all.

[TheKilo]

Nah, this is just a smear campaign by the FO. Grade A hatchet job.

[Paradisecity]

uhhhh OBVI???

[BigPapiEnFuego]

in b4 inevitable shitstorm.

 

Just another player to add to the list who hates Boston because of the media.

[Gom]

Nah' date=' this is just a smear campaign by the FO. Grade A hatchet job.[/quote']

 

Exactly. He's done nothing but say that the FO was a bunch of *******s, and that the Red Sox fans were tremendous.

 

Pretty much what everyone who ever leaves Boston says. I'll say this. Regardless of winning/losing, in the last decade or so, players end their contracts and would love to remain in New York. In Boston, most can't wait to get the f*** out. I really wonder why, since I don't live in Boston. Can some of you guys shed some light on this?

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Can some of you guys shed some light on this?

 

Because in Boston player's can't even take a piss without media swarming the urinals, and fans standing at the ready to shake when they finish.

[TheKilo]

Exactly. He's done nothing but say that the FO was a bunch of *******s, and that the Red Sox fans were tremendous.

 

Pretty much what everyone who ever leaves Boston says. I'll say this. Regardless of winning/losing, in the last decade or so, players end their contracts and would love to remain in New York. In Boston, most can't wait to get the f*** out. I really wonder why, since I don't live in Boston. Can some of you guys shed some light on this?

 

Dude, that was sarcasm.

 

Maybe the reason people love playing in NY is that the fan base has the intellect of 4 year olds and give curtain calls for taking a dump after the 7th inning stretch.

[TheKilo]

I don't disagree with what Manny says, but this irked me a bit:

 

"People think I don't take this seriously, but then why am I up early every morning working with the strength coach? I'm just playing around to keep everyone loose. When I was in Cleveland I asked a sportswriter if I could borrow $50,000 to buy a motorcycle. He wrote it like I was serious.

 

"It's just great here; I don't feel like I'm in a cage. The fans in L.A. are unbelievable -- never in my 16 years have I received such a reception."

[schillingouttheks]

That is also the only part that irked me. I don't take issue with any of what Manny said throughout the article until that point.

[BoSox21]

In Boston' date=' most can't wait to get the f*** out. I really wonder why, since I don't live in Boston. Can some of you guys shed some light on this?[/quote']

 

Kevin Millar says hi

 

Most guys who leave seem bitter that the Red Sox chose not to keep them rather than they couldn't wait to get out of town. Hell, even after Manny got traded, Boras called and said Manny would stay if they dropped his options.

[Paradisecity]

 

Maybe the reason people love playing in NY is that the fan base has the intellect of 4 year olds and give curtain calls for taking a dump after the 7th inning stretch.

 

Classic.

 

 

 

Randy Johnson loved New York. He was begging to stay.

 

So was Javy Vazquez. And Jose Contreras

 

I bet Carl Pavano will be begging the front office for a contract. I bet people buy him drinks every night.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

I don't have an issue with a thing Manny said in the article, and I'm happy he likes L.A.

[CrespoBlows]

I bet you that Riverside was one of the fans that asked for Manny's kids' autograph.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

I bet you that Riverside was one of the fans that asked for Manny's kids' autograph.

Nice avatar. LOL that's good s***.

[TheKilo]

He basically admits to dogging it when in Boston, though.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

He basically admits to dogging it when in Boston' date=' though.[/quote']

Everyone knew he was dogging it. It wasn't news to me. Quite frankly I don't care that much.

[Gom]

Classic.

 

 

 

Randy Johnson loved New York. He was begging to stay.

 

So was Javy Vazquez. And Jose Contreras

 

I bet Carl Pavano will be begging the front office for a contract. I bet people buy him drinks every night.

You can add Sheffield and Kevin Brown and Jeff Weaver.

 

Certain players the fans don't like. Look at Edgar Renteria. However, the difference here is players who were brought in who didn't do the job. I'm talking about beloved players, players who grew up with the team and came up through the ranks like Clemens and Boggs, and players who were absolutely adored like Damon.

 

None of those players you listed count. This would be like the Yankees running Rivera or Posada or Jeter or Bernie out.

 

Next on the list will be Varitek, and then Youkilis. There is no FO that does a better smear campaign on their own players than the Red Sox. I'm wondering why.

[TheKilo]

You can add Sheffield and Kevin Brown and Jeff Weaver.

 

Certain players the fans don't like. Look at Edgar Renteria. However, the difference here is players who were brought in who didn't do the job. I'm talking about beloved players, players who grew up with the team and came up through the ranks like Clemens and Boggs, and players who were absolutely adored like Damon.

 

Clemens wasn't doing the job anymore. Damon left on his own accord.

 

None of those players you listed count. This would be like the Yankees running Rivera or Posada or Jeter or Bernie out.

 

Except, you know, you did run Bernie out.

 

Next on the list will be Varitek, and then Youkilis. There is no FO that does a better smear campaign on their own players than the Red Sox. I'm wondering why.

 

There's also no FO better at running a baseball team. Take that however you want.

[Gom]

Clemens wasn't doing the job anymore. Damon left on his own accord.

You're right about Clemens. Was it two or three Cy Youngs after he left?

Except, you know, you did run Bernie out.

Even the FO wanted Bernie back, just not as a full-timer. Bernie had really lost his skills. Not like Damon, Boggs, or Clemens.

There's also no FO better at running a baseball team. Take that however you want.

Can't argue this point.

[BSN07]

The Sox old FO let thought Clemens was done, that FO was the reason they sucked and where horrible for a stretch.

 

Boggs wanted to win a WS, at this point the Yanks where the creme of the crop, and again the Sox old FO let him go.

 

Damon left for an extra year added to his contract, it was finacial, and I am pretty sure he didn't bad mouth the FO and vis versa.

 

The only players who bitch about the FO are the ones that where bigger then life stars in the Boston area, and basically didn't get what they wanted, Pedro wanted a 4 or 5 year deal, Manny wanted an extension or have his options dropped. Neither got what they wanted and complained about it all the way outta town.

 

Alot of those guys sound like the ex-girlfriend/boyfriend who complains a year or so after the break up about the significant other. Bad mouth them, say they where never actually happy blah blah blah. But we all know the reason for this, there still in love with the other and are bitter about not being together anymore. Maybe not in Mannys case because of his mentality, but Pedro was bitter.

 

The media in Boston has an annyoing habit of trying to smear or some how diminish players who leave Boston, but its the local media, just take it with a grain of salt. Maybe this is just how they cope when a player they liked leaves, so they say bad things about them to help heal there bleeding hearts.

 

As far as running Tek and Youk out of town I doubt it. They will offer them the deals they think are right for them and the team, and if there not good enough then they will part ways.

 

The Sox will continue to win, and the Yanks will continue to over pay for those type of players the Sox won't.

 

The Sox FO has shown they have the balls to get rid of the Popular players for the good of the Whole team, if this is the way, and it leads to WS titles every few years, then so be it.

You can hold onto the players Gom, I'll enjoy the titles:D

[BoSox21]

The Sox FO has shown they have the balls to get rid of the Popular players for the good of the Whole team, if this is the way, and it leads to WS titles every few years, then so be it.

You can hold onto the players Gom, I'll enjoy the titles:D

 

Truth.

 

Those who are "bitter" once they leave Boston see it as the FO has some of the deepest pockets in baseball and they think that because they are beloved faces of the team (ie. Manny, Pedro, Damon), the FO will spend whatever it takes to keep them, only when they don't, their ego can't handle it so they go off bashing the organization and pretending they're so much happier where they are now.

 

Looking at the facts, the Red Sox are the most successful organization in baseball this century and when you look at why, the ability to produce young talent is #1 but their ability to know when to let go of certain players is not too far behind

[Mr Crunchy]

The 1st time i heard manny say he was unhappy in boston comes 2 months after he got traded and 8 years of mvp like #s..I cant argue with anything he said in this article,Boston is a tiny city,Los angeles is 100 miles east to west and 40 north to south,he can hide in losangeles where there are other celebrities,in boston you have ben affleck...Lots of these guys feel smothered and the media in this town does run people out,nobody can deny this but the difference between a dan shaughnessy and a will mcdonough is shaugh is a sneaky little jealous pissant who thinks he invented the game while gammons would be more objective and a guy like will mcdonough would fight you,fight anyone for that matter.

now we have the steve buckleys of the world,these goatee wearing ****s,tony mazzarotti who sounds like my bisexual aunt only more effeminate...

Who gives a f***?

Manny is the best hitter in the national league, we are trying to repeat as champions.

The Mets collapse tells me Manny will be playing in Flushing next year while hopefully the sox are playing for their 3rd title in a row.

We arent as good with Manny in Los Angeles, you're fooling yourself if you think we are but things happen and Jason Bay is a good hitter,a clutch hitter and a guy hungry for jewelry.

i like our chances and I love LA'S chances against the cubs....

The only nl team that now frightens me is los angeles..

 

Brewers +145

Phillies -175

 

 

 

 

Dodgers +200

Cubs -240

( WOW, thats a huge line )

 

 

Red Sox +105

Angels -125

[jacksonianmarch]

With a front 3 of Zambrano, Harden and Dempster, I'd be afraid of the cubbies. Philly is a one man pitching show with Hamels. LA has Billingsley and Lowe, two guys I think are beatable. MIL will be in it too with Sheets and Sabathia. Rumor has it, Gallardo may be back to help out too. Regardless, I think the cubbies have this thing in the bag so long as another Bartman doesnt hinder their chances.

 

In the AL, the Angels are stacked. Good D, good speed, a great manager, good rotation and phenomenal pen. If Becks can go, then I like the sox 3 man rotation over the Halos. If Becks cannot, then it was a good yr for you guys.

[BoSox21]

Rumor has it' date=' Gallardo may be back to help out too.[/quote']

 

Not only may he be back, he's starting game 1

[TheKilo]

Zambrano has sucked the last month (no-no aside), Harden is solid and Dempster is a product of Wrigley Field.

 

I agree the Cubs are the team to beat, but it's not wide open. I love Billingsley, btw, think he's gonna have a monster postseason.

[ORS]

Isn't Sheets unlikely to be on the roster for the Phillies series at this point? I recall hearing/reading was "probably" done for the season. I don't like their chances against Philly if that is the case, but you never know what will happen.

 

I think the Dodgers have a better shot than some are admitting. They have good starters, and most importantly, Manny Ramirez. Chicago can pitch, and hit, and field, and blah, blah, but they don't have a guy like Manny. Manny's special in the sense that even against the best pitchers, he can kill them when he's locked in, and he pretty much has been since he went to LA. I think Chicago will win the series, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see LA in the LCS.

 

Tampa is probably going to beat whichever team they face. The Twins and CWS still have one more contest to fight for their playoff lives. Tampa can set its rotation, is at home where they play excellent ball, and should be up for their first ever playoff series. That can work two ways though. Tampa should win, but they are inexperienced here. A split at home and I could see some of the young guys pressing on the road.

 

I think the toughest series to call in the first round is the Sox vs LAA. On paper, the Sox are the better team, full stop. About 1/2 a run better per game on offense and about the same ERA and a better defensive efficiency (.699 to .692). Too bad they don't play on paper. The Angels were a better situational hitting team and they had a better bullpen. Good performance in those two areas is a good formula for winning baseball games. This one is a coin flip, IMO.

[Cocos Disciples]

I think I did hear that Sheets wouldn't be on the LDS roster. And I agree, taking a step back and looking at the Sox-Angels series is tricky.

[BSN07]

LAD is a team that thinks they are better then they are and has no pressure. CHC has all the pressure. If they don't win game 1 watch out. You will have the wildly emotional Zambrano pitching a huge game 2 that will have a ton riding on it. Emotions will be hi and Big Z is known for cracking under the pressure then handling it. LAD also has Lowe, an experienced SP in the post season( 18 app. winning record).

 

Either and others are going to have to step up tho. Because I say Manny see absolutely nothing to hit in this series.

 

The winner of the NL comes from this series I think. The other teams lack pitching depth. Philly and Milwaukee's lineups are good, but we all know, good pitching beats good hitting.

 

 

TB probably has an advanyage against whoever they play. With Crawford looking as tho he might be able to play, the only thing that could hinder them is how they react to the pressure.

 

 

BOs and LAA is problematic. LAA has been coasting for a month, and may have trouble kicking it back in gear. The Sox are not sure about Beckett, this series could really go both ways.

 

 

Either way, the PlayOffs look good this season :thumbsup:

[jacksonianmarch]

If Beckett isnt full speed come game 3, then the sox are done. I think Lackey wins game 1 and DMats wins game 2. If Becks is in gear, the sox will have the chance to close it out in their park. If he isnt, and this thing goes back to ANA for a game 5, then its over, IMO.