Manny's future...

[thedude]

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Boston slugger Manny Ramirez wants to finish his career with the Boston Red Sox but doesn't plan to ask the club to pick up his option for 2009.

Ramirez said Thursday that he won't ask the Red Sox for an extension. He said they hold his option and it's up to them to approach him. He also said that once the season starts he'd prefer to wait until after the season to talk about 2009.

The outfielder is in the last year of an eight-year contract. The team has options for the next two seasons at $20 million each.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[teddy ballgame]

I just realized this is the first time in a while where Manny didn't demand a trade in the offseason.

[CadensDad]

I just realized this is the first time in a while where Manny didn't demand a trade in the offseason.

Yea, I had just thought about that myself, wonder why the sudden change of heart? Maybe too old for childish games? Or no room in the OF in LAA?

[pappymojo]

he also came to camp on time (early even) in the first time I can remember. I am hoping he falls to me in the third round this year. I expect a huge year of manny with something to prove.

[CadensDad]

he also came to camp on time (early even) in the first time I can remember. I am hoping he falls to me in the third round this year. I expect a huge year of manny with something to prove.

Well he jsut dropped some stuff off in camp, he didn't actually work out

[AussieDodger]

His drop in HRs is very worrying.
He might be turning into Todd Helton.

[sblinyy]

His drop in HRs is very worrying.
He might be turning into Todd Helton.

yikes! and with a lower batting average at that!

[Sp_Da_Man]

I expect a pretty nice bounce back season for Manny this year. I think a .300 average, 35-40 hr's & 110 rbi's are a real possibility.

This is essentially a contract year for him. Even if the Sox don't pickup the option, he's basically auditioning for someone.

The idea of any draft is to get a guy you think will outperform his draft status. That is Manny this year.

[RugbyD]

I expect a pretty nice bounce back season for Manny this year. I think a .300 average, 35-40 hr's & 110 rbi's are a real possibility.

I could see this as an arguable point if we're strictly discussing his prorated stats over the last 3 years. What will prevent you expectation from coming close to happening IMO is that he simply doesn't play enough. The past 2 years he's a 130-game player. Even when he's not hurt, he gets a ton of days off. He won't play enough to compile those stats.