Trading Manny?

I go away for a few days and when I get back everybody wants to trade Manny -- and the Red Sox might do it!

Manny told the Sox he wanted to be traded because he doesn't get any privacy in Boston (guess I should stop giving him those base running tips). Manny's timing couldn't have been worse. As this story was coming out he refused to rescind a planned day off despite an unexpected shortage of outfielders caused by the injury of Trot Nixon. Combine this selfishness with not running out a groundball in the tenth inning and you get some very angry fans, writers, and sports radio hosts.

Some are so angry that their brains stops functioning correctly, saying foolish things like, "just get rid of him." If the Red Sox do trade him they better get more than Aubrey Huff and Mike Cameron. It is very frustrating to see Manny do some of the things he does -- especially when he poses in the batters box after hitting a single. However, he's too good of a hitter to just give away.

For the Red Sox to have success in the playoffs this year they'll need to outslug their opponents. Don't expect much from their starters and bullpen. The Red Sox will find it much more difficult to outslug other teams without one of the best hitters in baseball in their lineup.

As for the rumored deal with the Devil Rays and Mets -- don't trade with these teams. Trading for a Devil Ray is like an NBA team trading for a WNBA player. As for the Mets, it's okay to try to get one of their prospects, but do not trade for a Mets veteran. Shea Stadium is where veteran players go to watch their skills decline.