Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Violence widens ahead of Greek austerity vote

Manny's toxic presence will drag Dodgers down

L.A. needed a no-nonsense competitor, not a freak show with talent

Image: Manny RamirezGetty Images file
Manny Ramirez is a guy who just doesn’t get it, and it’s highly unlikely that a trade to the Dodgers will suddenly make him see the light, writes NBCSports.com contributor Michael Ventre.

And what of Torre, who has been a father figure to the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and others? The answer to that is: What is Terry Francona, chopped liver? He’s liked. He’s respected. And the Red Sox skipper couldn’t keep Manny from destroying a championship team.

The McCourts are from the Boston area, and obviously they spent lots of time watching and admiring the exploits of Manny Ramirez. So naturally they have fond memories of his slugging prowess on the big stage. But nostalgia can have a detrimental effect. The savvy baseball owner should have both eyes pointed ever forward. If Frank McCourt took a more sober assessment of the situation, and noticed the Brett Favre sign stunt Manny pulled the other night, he would understand that Manny’s only concern is Manny.

Manny wants a new contract after this season and reportedly has a highly inflated opinion of his own worth on the open market. Such players tend to bear down and produce when they know their own personal fortunes are at stake.

But in the case of Manny, he can play at half-speed, jog after fly balls, walk to first base when he should sprint while at the same time putting up sparkling numbers at the plate – and still drag an entire team down.

Just ask the team that couldn’t wait to get rid of him.

Michael Ventre is a contributor to NBCSports.com and a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.


< Prev | 1 | 2

advertisement
More news
Milwaukee Brewers v St. Louis Cardinals - Game Four
NBC Sports
Who made the better move?

SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?

Image: Detroit Tigers v Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty Images
DeMarco: Dodgers can become power

DeMarco: Plug in a well-heeled ownership group and negotiate one of those mega-bucks TV deals that are going around, and the Dodgers could become the west coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.

Video
Minnesota Twins v Boston Red Sox
  Message for Manny
July 31: Matty just being Matty has one thing to say to Manny Ramirez.
Special feature
NLCS: Cardinals v Astros Game 4
The Art of the Deadline Deal
NBCSports.com takes a look at memorable trades made under pressure.

NBCSports.com

Interactive
Rangers Spring Baseball
Maps to spring training sites
Your guide to sites in Arizona, Florida
Slideshow
Houston Astros
  Unbreakable records in baseball
A look at the most unbreakable records in baseball including Nolan Ryan's seven no-hitters.
Slideshow
Image: Albert Pujols
  The top tools of baseball
You hear a lot about the tools of baseball, but who are the best hitters, fielders and pitchers? We break it down.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos