It’s hard to remember a longer week in recent Red Sox memory.
It seems like ages since the Red Sox went into extra innings to beat the Seattle Mariners in the last game of the three game set just over a week ago. Looking back on it all, that game may have been the genesis of a series of events that would shape the 2008 Red Sox season as dramatically as any other this year.
When Manny Ramirez asked out of the lineup that night with a sore knee, it felt like nothing more than another “Manny being Manny” moment and a day off. Heck, we’ve become accustomed to him taking months off in the second half of the season, what was one day?
But when Manny begged out against Joba Chamberlain and the New York Yankees upon the team’s return to Fenway Park, things suddenly felt different. It was a culmination of events this season that just couldn’t square in the heads of most Red Sox fans; fights with teammates, pushing down Red Sox staff, the days he would beg out of the lineup,the non-hustle plays and seeming ambivalence at times to the context of his surroundings.
It had all come to a head.
Much like 2004 would have been remembered if it where not for a magical October as the season the Red Sox dealt away Nomar Garciaparra, 2008 will for now be dominated by the story, or maybe better coined the saga, of Manny Ramirez. And much like 2004, only another World Series trophy will both justify the ends to which the organization went to remove Manny from their sights and take some of the bite away from “paying a steep price” to do so.
While the saga of Manny Ramirez is front and center in the minds of a nation of baseball fans, it is time to take a page from the man himself and “turn the page”.
For the organization, it’s both as simple as the new marketing campaign that hit the NESN airwaves only minutes after the deadline (25…..become…..1) and as complicated as piecing together a “post-Manny” plan for the next few seasons.
For the players that Manny left behind, it’s both the bittersweet remembrances of a friend that has left and the weight in the clubhouse that kept the air surrounding the team heavy lifted. This will be a different lineup without Manny. But just as with recent Red Sox legends Nomar, Pedro and Damon who left before him, this team will find a way to rally around a new persona in his wake.
For Jason Bay, its playing for a team that matters (sorry Pittsburgh) in a city that makes it matter so much more. From the cellar to the penthouse a the snap of a finger. But as Peter Parker’s Uncle said so eloquently, “with great power comes great responsibility”. It is time for Jason Bay to step into the limelight that shines much stronger than anything he’s experienced in his career and withstand the pressure of replacing one of the most dominant right handed hitters of our generation.
For Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss, its a new beginning and a chance to make something of yourself. For Moss, the opportunity of opportunity awaits him in Pittsburgh in a way that he would have never found in Boston. Thanks for that 9th inning shot in Japan to kick us off this season. For Hansen, it’s the opportunity to fulfill on the promise of potential. If anyone just needed a change of scenery, you have to believe its Craig Hansen. Good luck to you both.
For the fans, the 2008 season starts over today. We’ve staked the Tampa Bay Rays a three game head start and the Yankees sit a game and a half in our rear view mirror with the prospect of the Los Angeles Angels swatting them around for nine more games on the way down the stretch. The fans have every right to the mixed emotions they, and I, must be feeling right now. How could they trade Manny and give up prospects to downgrade? How could Manny be so selfish to have put them in this situation in the first place? This is both bittersweet and frustrating.
For many people and in many ways, it is time to heed the advice of the immortal Manny Ramirez and turn the page.
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Rick- We were saying the same thing in ‘05 and ‘06 when Manny wanted to be traded. And then he came back and hit lights-out. This would’ve passed by next week. Not saying that’s a reason to keep from doing a move, but it would’ve passed.
Shane – yes, we would’ve been in the same position for left, but we would’ve had Andy LaRoche for the future. He’s a much better bet both short and long term.
Sean, You’re right about 05 and 06. Howevre I don’t think that this year is even close to the same situation. The one thing that Manny said that was right was that he is tired of thr Red Sox and they are tired of him. Honestly, I think that there are a lot of fans, like me, who are greatful for all that Manny has done for us, but are really tired of his act. It will be intersting to see what happens with him over the off season. Some team will pick him up. The question is, will get get the kind of contract that he is looking for? He is still one of the best hitters in the league. However, his best days are behind him and the way that he chose to make his exit from Boston will probably be a consideration for most teams that will be looking at him. If you think that clubhouse presence doesn’t matter to teams, ask Barry Bonds.
No guarantee that Tex is re-upped by the Angels, if they’re going to extend him they’ll do it very soon and I haven’t seen any indication of that. They probably can’t sign both him and K-Rod.
As for Lars ops in AA, you of all people should know about small sample sizes.
I personally believe that Lowrie can stick at shortstop although we might have to eat Lugo’s salary to make it work.
In ‘06 Manny actually did dog it for the rest of the season after not being traded.
Anyone else remember him exaggerating an injury and helping add to that embarassment?
Tex is a Boras client, no way he extends before free-agency and he will sign with the team that offers him the most, even if it’s the Mariners.
Your saying Andy Laroche is a better bet short term then Jason Bay? I love Andy Laroche but he has never played the outfield, has a history of back problems, will be 25 in September and has a .664 ops in 150 mlb at bats. Jason Bay has a .900 ops, he will outperform Laroche this year and next year. You have to remember that while you may be ready to write this season off we are only 2 games out of first.
Then again you are the same guy who thought Lester was garbage and would never be more then a #5.
I think we had better let Bay play out the string in Boston before we go about worrying about his contract demands. First, you never know, he might surprise. He’s never hit in a lineup as stacked as Boston’s. He’s never once had protection. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. But I agree there were very pressing needs that were not addressed at the deadline, like the bullpen.
Then don’t forget he makes a modest $7.5M in ‘09. Where is the extra $12M from not picking up Manny’s option going to go? To quote Lucchino when they didn’t resign Damon “We’re not going to put it in the bank”. This clears the path for a real run at Sheets or Sabathia. K-Rod is not coming to Boston. Then if Bay is lights out and demands $16M – $18 M so what? It’s very possible Holliday is a FA after ‘09 as well. There are options out there. I’d e much more concerned with what happens in the next eight weeks than 2009 right now.
Yeah, and I also said that Ellsbury was just Juan Pierre, how’d that turn out?
I would rather have a long-term solution at a position (third) than a placesitter (Bay and Lowell), who just suck up at bats.
Why would we want Sheets or Sabathia? Sheets is always injured, Sabathia falls apart in the playoffs and is hardly athletic. Shouldn’t we try to find someone who can hit for power?
Great article Tim. Today is a New day in the Nation.
Welcome to the “Nation” Jason Bay. Now get to work…
The way I see it, we have two options. We could hope Bay does well (though he’ll never do as well in the AL, and will never be an impact bat), and pray that we don’t make the same stupid mistake we did with Mike Lowell. Or, we can hope he fails miserably, so we don’t feel like we’ll have a difficult time finding a real left fielder.
For the former, we could get stuck with a .280/.360/.440 player at $16-18m a year for 4/5 years, where we’re overpaying for mediocre performance (the Mike Lowell path). For the latter, it would mean we gave up 2 draft picks, moss, hansen and a hall of famer for nothing, but that looks to be where we’re headed anyway.
This isn’t a long term solution, since Jason Bay is barely clinging to above average as it is. In the AL, he may already be just average, and if there’s one thing theo loves to do, it’s pay “average” $14m a year.
A little faith in bay wouldn’t hurt Sean O. Lets see what we get from Bay Before we start bashing him.
Look, I’m pissed that deal happened. I’m pissed that Manny started acting like a bigger jack ass and forced the issue. But lets give Bay a shot before you start tearing him down. Bay is not slightly above average, he a good player. I’m not guaranteed of his success at all, but if you take out last year (when he as injured) his career line is quite good.
I can’t believe that nobody on the team sat Manny down and said, “The only way you’ll get 25 mill per year till you’re 40 is the shut up, play like you’ve never played before and get us a third ring.” He could easily played out the year and then told them he wants out at the end. He must have told them he wanted out now and that he’d not try for the rest of the year.
Ok, now I’m getting angry at the whole situation, so I’m just going to say: Give Bay a shot, I think he’ll do well, if not great.
Ok, there are some ifs here, let’s go through them:
1). Can Jason Bay maintain his numbers in Boston?
2). Can he maintain those numbers for the near future?
3). If he maintains these numbers, do we want to re-sign him for $16-$18m a year in 2010?
#3 may be the big one. Bay is going to ask for elite money, when I think we can all agree that he is not an elite player. As a left fielder, you need to slug the hell out of the ball to be “elite.” Jason Bay is currently the 7th best LF (out of 18), and will likely get a Carlos Lee 6/$100 contract. Does anyone think that is justifiable, even if he maintains his numbers going to the harder league?
So, 4). Does anyone on this planet think Jason Bay will improve upon his numbers going to the more difficult league?
Because the only way he would be worth that amount is if he becomes a .300/.400/.550-.580, which is highly doubtful. I know I’m looking into the future, but since the front office has no interest in doing so, someone should.
Jason Bay won’t demand $16-18m a year, even if he maintains his production.
Why, Corey? Carlos Lee has a line of .289 .342 .502, and Bay has .281 .375 .515. Both were around 30 when they hit free agency. Carlos Lee gets 6/100, why wouldn’t Bay ask for the same?
I think the Red Sox will let Bay play out his contract and then decide what to do. I think he can maintain his numbers in Boston with the energy of a playoff push and the help of the monster. Is he a top 5 Left Fielder, no. But I think he is an “impact bat” whatever that arbitrary term means. I think the big thing for the future is the extra money we get with Manny and Schilling off the books. Bay at 7.5 is cheaper than any LF we could have found in the offseason with comparable production. That savings makes it easier pick up another pitcher (Sheets? CC? Darvish?) or if you prefer a new slugger (Tex? and then spin-off Youk?). In terms of the future it gives the Sox a lot of options.
That’s the thing, there are no free agent options. CC is obese and we don’t need a pitcher. Sheets plays more for the DL all stars than the brewers. Tex is going to be signed by the Angels. Yuu isn’t going to be posted for another 4 years, and doesn’t want to play in the US.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html
Unless we get K-rod, there isn’t anyone i want on that list. Pat Burrell? Adam Dunn? We still have no shortstop or catcher. I can only hope Theo will actually think and take on some stupid contract if it means we get a top prospect as well.
Future’s not looking good.
The Future is not looking good. What on Gods green earth are you talking about Sean O. We have a top 5 Farm System. Stay away from the Bottle Sean O.
And no hitting prospects Troy. TINSTAAP, and not a single hitting prospect. Even if he’s young, I’m not thrilled with Lars’ .530 OPS in AA. And the team has shown no interest in addressing problems.
Sean O, I agree with you about Bay after next year is over, but how is that different than the situation we’d have had with Manny around? We’d still need to find a replacement for him at that time.
Let me start by saying that for the better part of the last 8 years I have been a Manny fan. Certainly there were times of frustration due to his lack of effort, show boating or just “Manny being Manny”. However, through a good part of this season, he has shown himself to be an extremely self centered, disrespectful, spoiled rotten little brat who, when he doesn’t get his way, will hold his breath until he turns blue. You don’t EVER put your hands on another staff member. Especially a staff member who is 65 years old. You don’t stand at the plate with the bat on your shoulder when you’re asked to pinch hit on your day off. You don’t make public statements like: The Red Sox don’t deserve a player like me. Clearly, there was a lot more going on here than any of us are aware of. This organization, in fact most organizations, tend to keep these types of issues, in the clubhouse. Manny decided to make them public. Is there any doubt, based on the teams recent performance, that there has been some kind of distraction? Is there anyone who thinks that Manny was not the biggest cause of that distraction? Based solely on Mannys history, is there anyone who believes that, if the Red Sox had not traded Manny, he would have been productive over the next 2 months or would not have become an even bigger distraction for the team? Manny being Manny means that you never know which Manny will show up on any given day. I believe that Jason Bay will be at least as good as the Manny who would have showed up for the next 2 months, regardless of the numbers that he puts up in LA. We, as fans, have to give Jason Bay a chance. He is not and never will be Manny. That doesn’t mean that he can’t be a productive member of the team. While I am very aware of the huge hole left by a player of Mannys caliber, I also feel that the Sox are better off without him. Theo and the Red Sox ownership have brought us 2 World Series titles since they took over. I am confident that they will figure out a way to through a difficult transition period. We need to give it time to play out. Considering the product that they have put on the field over the last few years, I think we owe them that. See ya later Manny. Don’t let the Green Monster hit you in the ass on the way out.
Sean:
Bay’s got 22 homeruns this season in 393 at-bats, playing half his games in a park that favors pitchers. Is it really inconceivable that he might slug 35 next year, with the benefit of Fenway’s dimensions, if he adjusts well to the AL?
I’m probably not the only one who would’ve preferred dealing Manny to Philly for Burrell, but the Phils weren’t interested, and Bay was the next best OF that could be had.
For the record, if the Angels don’t extend Teixeira, I’d be in favor of trading Youk during the offseason and using the money coming off the books on him.
Wow if you consistently read Sean-O’s comments from this site you would think the Sox haven’t won anything in 100 years and are continuously in last place.
I mean I’m luke-warm about this deal but by no means do I think this one trade ruins the future of our team for the next 5-10 yrs.
If you read Sean-O’s comments over the years you’ll see that he does not just focus on this one trade ruining the future of the team for the next 5-10 and he admits when he’s wrong.
I’m hoping he’s wrong but he at least offers good critical/cynical analysis in a land of fans that too often blow smoke and sunshine and forget what it’s like to lose for so many years.
The reality is that all that’s left to do this year is hope Bay takes to Fenway and look to make some improvements in the off-season. Playoffs would be nice but I doubt we’ll make it very far.
I dont know, maybe we can come back in 3-4 years to discuss how it turned out. You seemed to worry an awful lot about the future but like to right off young players pretty quickly. You’re already getting pissy over Buccholz I see, much like you did with Lester. Manny had to go, they traded his .927 obp for two months of Bay’s of Bay’s .895 obp and basically traded a reliever who has struggled and a 4th outfielder for one year of .900 obs at the reasonable price of 7.5 million versus Manny walking for a likely late first round pick. Also, when considering Bay keep in mind that he has absolutely no line-up protection for most of hs career and PNC park is 29th this year in deflating offensive stats…letting him take aim at the green monster I think he’ll do very well. He won’t be Manny but he will be good for the remainder of this year and next. You have to look at the trade as a singular event and can’t judge within the Lowell signing and shit that has already happend.
Tito and Theo’s press conference about the trade is being shown on mlb.com, seems to be about 20 minutes into be there might be some left:
javascript:void(playMedia2({w:’reflector:32070′,vid:’7759′,pid:’gen_video’,cid:’mlb’,v:’2′}));
Ok, Theo and Tito just went off as I posted, Jason Bay is up now
everyone talks about trading youk after sign Tex….why? Youk is a big part of the team’s heart and soul and is a very good third baseman….cut lowell anyone, they got the money…. i’d take youk at third with tex at first any day of the week then trade him….
BTW coming from a yankees fan…what are you going to get from a guy that is afraid of a inside fastball???