This may be the last straw when it comes to dealing with Manny Ramirez.
Rumors floated around the ballpark last night that the Red Sox front office was considering suspending the Boston left fielder due to questions over whether his supposed knee injuries were really affecting his ability to play. Terry Francona sent Manny for MRI’s on both knees during last night’s game and they came back negative, and once again the Red Sox expect Manny Ramirez to be available to play today in the Saturday late afternoon tilt.
A rumor circulated from an XM radio report that the Red Sox are fed up with Ramirez’ latest act in what seems to be a disturbing trend in his contract season. Manny has never dealt with his future being uncertain and seems to be pulling more negative stunts than ever- the usual Manny Hammie’s problem being an issue unexpectedly, the Jack McCormick press secretary situation, quotes to the press blaming owner John Henry for giving him false information- so Ramirez is beginning to cross the Manny Being Manny line and entering just plain Spoiled Child being Spoiled Child territory. Tom Werner commented last night with a final, “we’re not happy Manny isn’t in the lineup” comment.
Francona is about to meet with the media 20 minutes late as I type this. Stay tuned to see if Ramirez is in the lineup. If not, the Red Sox could suspend Ramirez for faking his knee injury, and this could get really ugly. Why Manny would pull something like this is beyond me. Reportedly once player called the Manny situation “a disgrace.”
Dan Shaughnessy and Buster Olney weigh in on the situation.
This makes me believe Manny Ramirez will not be in a Red Sox uniform past this season. And it won’t be strictly due to his declining hitting ability, either. Which is sad.
EDIT: Manny is in the lineup today in the #4 spot. Even though this situation is far from over, we can just focus on beating the Yankees now.
