Manny Ramirez totally swears he'll be reporting to spring training on time this year. Promise. Honest. This offseason, he's been working out at Athletes Performance in Arizona, with Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Kyle Snyder and other major leaguers. He spoke with the Boston Herald during one of those workouts, and said:
I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing. What will everyone have to freak out about if Manny reports on time and in perfect shape? Never fear, he's destined to continue to give the media "controversial" soundbites they can blow out of proportion and flip out over.I'll be there on the 21st (of February).
Case in point - Manny's television interview with Comcast New England on Friday.
video courtesy of Comcast New England
Manny, you really need to dial back that enthusiasm about spring training. Just chill out a little, relax. And this quote about his future with the Red Sox?
Stuff like that is guaranteed to freak out the sensitive Boston media. Even though, really, what he's saying is pretty much true- if he has a strong season and they exercise his option but don't end up signing him to a contract extension, of COURSE he's going say he wants to move on and go elsewhere, because he's going to continue the same song and dance in the media he always has. He said something similar in the Herald article:I want to stay in Boston. But I got two options, you know. And, like, in '09, if I don't get a deal... I don't think I'm coming back. [starts to sip coke] Right- [if I don't get an extension] in '09, I'm not coming back. [sips Coke]
He sees himself as a long-term player- he mentioned in the Herald article he "wants to be like Julio Franco and play until he's 48." So I suppose if the Sox don't pony up and give him an extension so he can live out that long-term dream, he'll be wanting to hit the highway."Every year is the same," Ramirez added when asked if he was excited about heading to spring training. "I look forward to '08, '09 and maybe move on."
I also find it hilarious that even though he was given tickets to the Super Bowl by the Patriots, and he's already right there in Arizona, he's not going to the game. He gave the tickets away. And the Comcast guys are pretty sure Manny doesn't even know who the Pats are playing in the Super Bowl.
photos credit: Matt Stone
on February 3, 2008 9:13 AM
I disagree with those Comcast guys. Is it really that out of the question for Manny to realize that this is a contract year and, uh, actually do what he's supposed to? He's quirky, obviously, and we love him for it, but it doesn't mean he's insane.
I just want him to stay a Red Sock. I don't know if I could bear having him on any other team. He's been one of my favorites ever since I've liked baseball at all.
Also, who knew Youk was a big football fan?