Manny Ramirez article, anyone agree?

[dipset]

http://www.fanball.com/bb/article.cfm/ID.6333

Do you guys agree and think that Manny wont hit well this year and his stats will drop a lot or do you still think he will do what he does every year?

[noseeum]

He's Manny. He'll be fine. If you're worried, you should still get at least 2nd round talent for him.

[willy-t]

when you look at his numbers you'll see that he's on pace for about 35HRs, and given his poor start theres absolutely no cause for concern.

[Prooks25]

And as this guy was writing this article, Manny hits a bomb off a sinker ball pitcher, drives in 3, lifts his avg. up to about .300

[nuggets]

He did about worse or the same early last season. I think he ended up ok.

Even if his slides a bit due to age or whatever, he won't be a bad value at his ADP.

Which hitters have a good chance to finish ahead of Manny?

Pujols
ARod
Vlade
Ortiz
Hafner

Thome

[Doughhead]

My concern is the RBI. Manny could have a couple of really hot weeks and get back on track in the HR department. But to put up anywhere near the 144 runs he drove in last year is all but impossible. Even with his slow start last year, he still had 38 RBI on May 22, compared to 19 (less than half) in 2006.

I should have traded him for Chris Shelton.

[Super Manny]

I'm not really concerned about the RBI totals. Youkilis and Loretta are setting the table, but Ortiz has been bringing them in before Manny gets a chance. Things will turn around.

[Laean]

well loretta's been horrible in april, and coco crisp's been out as well. i don't think manny will reach 140+ rbis total this year either, but rest of the way, he can be on a 140 rbi pace.

[Matthias]

Yah. Manny was really down at some point last spring or early summer and then went on a tear and ended up, unsuprisingly, being Manny.

Personal rule: studs are studs until you have really good evidence to the contrary or a good reason for thinking they're not.

Good evidence = at least a season of playing off along with some sort of mechanical explanation

Good reason = coming back from injury, having a history of injury, or being at an age that you're just waiting for the other shoe to drop (think RJ on this one).

But a quarter of the season to stack against a consistent decade+ of production? I'll bet on Manny every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

[Doughhead]

Tonight: 3/5, 1 HR, 4 RBI...I guess that's Manny's response to me for ever doubting his offensive prowess. Go Manny!