Manny In The News - Again...........

[KCBOOMER]

SuperStars with big long term contracts who don't hustle are a managers ticket to the unemployment line. Tough to kick ass when you have to give one guy a pass.

The difference in Manny and Frank Thomas is productivity and a more passive personality.

[Duque]

If he was playing in somewhere other than Boston (excepting say, New York or Philadelphia), these kinds of actions would just be kind of shrugged off, like moose says.

[moose]

Originally posted by poorme
I think a lot depends on how he finishes off his career. People seem to remember those last few years the most clearly.

(while i agree in general,) my point was more that manny doesn't really seem to be an ass... rather, just a bit spacey. so while he may rub people the wrong way, it's not like he's out there jabbering about things.

[RedSeat]

Originally posted by poorme
I think a lot depends on how he finishes off his career. People seem to remember those last few years the most clearly.

That's true. And to take your example to an extreme, I look at the way he finished off that game and remember more clearly that he hit the game-winning homerun than the fact that he didn't bust it down the line on a sure out. Do I wish he hustled more? Of course. But I can't really blame him for not hustling on every ground ball. Giving 100% effort would've made him out by 20 feet instead of 90. Difference in the outcome of the game? Nothing.

I'll take his production any day and will gladly look the other way when he gives up on lost causes.

[Qman]

There is an article by Bob Ryan in today's Globe that is right on concerning this topic.

[poorme]

Originally posted by Qman
There is an article by Bob Ryan in today's Globe that is right on concerning this topic.

that kills me. if the day ever comes when he's hitting .235 and 10 at the all-star break, we'll see how enduring his little "quirks" are. Good thing I don't have any kids to try to explain this to.

[nyyfanfrombirth]

Originally posted by poorme
that kills me. if the day ever comes when he's hitting .235 and 10 at the all-star break, we'll see how enduring his little "quirks" are.

Don't get me wrong, I love Manny and I know he certainly doesn't mean any harm. His behavior will probably continue to be tolerated for as long as he's producing like he is. If the day mentioned by poorme ever comes, it'll get real old, real fast.

Good thing he's not a Yankee. Given Steve and CC's feelings about Bernie, methinks their heads would explode

[NCFella19]

If Manny was a cocky jerk who ran at the mouth at everyone, his antics would definitely be more frowned upon. But as long as he keeps producing such great numbers (and playing hurt to boot) in his easygoing manner, Manny will be accepted for what he is, which has been beaten to death here:

a space cadet

Not a knock on Manny, but he's not a finalist for any Mensa awards. He doesn't have to be. Just watch him keep that sweet swing going, accept his occasional flubs on the field, enjoy his genuine love for the game, and watch him drive in runs year after year after year.