Manny "cannot be Manny" anymore.

I am a fan of Manny Ramirez. He is arguably the best right hitter in the game today. The best RBI machine. The reigning World Series MVP. Inspite of a poor average, he is within top two leaders for both home runs and RBIs in the American League. I, a grown man of 29 years, spent $70 on a jersey that bears his number last Novemebr.

What is not to like about him? To me, his dislike of the media spotlight is certainly a point of admiration rather than aversion. His crimes on the field (defense and base running) can be forgiven. What can not be overlooked is his attitude. His tantrums. Manny thinks he is bigger than the game itself, let alone the team. Every season he suddenly becomes frustrated with the media, fans and the spotlight. Once in every 30 games or so he wants to sit out. Sometimes he wants to DH. And Red Sox have given in more times than they should have.

Manny is clever although he appears to be crazy with his bad hair and wierd slacks. He rarely shows any emotion on or off the field. That is why he isn't hated like others who have issues with the team. Remember Nomar and Pedro? But with him, its always "Manny being Manny" BS.

Manny was trying to gamble with the talk about Mets being interested in an outfielder. They are only team stupid enough to shoulder some of his humungous contract. Red Sox would certainly not give up their best run producer without the other team taking a big chunk of what is owed to him over the next 3 years. Ramirez certainly wouldn't want to go the Royals or the Reds. He would like to stay on the East coast, preferably in New York, where he grew up. He has constantly expressed his desire to be a Yankee, but that a'int happening. Matsui is doing such a great job for the Yanks and Torre wouldn't want to deal with Manny's idiosyncricies.

What should the Red Sox do? I would say any trade offer that takes up
a reasonable percentage of his contract is good enough. Manny never seemed to really fit in. He is 33 now and offense isn't going to get much better than what he has now. If all that money is spent on pitching (both starting and middle relief) and on getting better defensive players, it could make a difference. Specially in the close game losses.

Other news:
Toga Party next Saturday. It will be my first one. I have been to very few costume parties and its going to be fun. Since my parents are coming the Monday after, I need to party hard. It will be a while before I can do that again.

Watched "Last Waltz" while I was out sick on friday due to a digestion problem (possible food poisoning, I think). This was the first time I heard so many songs by "The Band". I cannot say that I am a huge fan of folk rock. But these guys are very good musicians, especially Robbie Robertson. It was totally disappointing to see Muddy Waters not play the guitar and just sing "Ain't that a Man"!.

It was the first time I saw many of those artists perform on stage. The most important facet of the movie was a chance for people like me who were born after the flower children had turned to fruits or "gone back to the seeds" to see what rock n' roll was really like. The pleasure it gave you, and the toll it took while you were travelling with it on the road. Martin Scorsese, still in his thirties, captures on camera so beautifully how it was to be a rock musician before the money and show biz took over. Like Robbie Robertson remarked, the Last Waltz was truly a celebration, and I wonder when we can see another one again.