Out of the Dodger Blue (MLB)

O.K., when we last talked the trade deadline had ended, Manny was still in Boston and I had just chastised him for his juvenile on-field behavior.

Thinking I had another story in the bank I took a nice bike ride to my local brewery to enjoy a frosty, celebratory beverage, and what should I see scrolling along the ESPN’s bottom line on a soundless television?

“Manny Ramirez traded to the Dodgers in a three-way trade with Pirates”

I almost choked on my beer!

Apparently an 11th hour blockbuster deal was struck and will send the embroiled slugger to the Dodgers. In return, the Sox receive Pirates outfielder Jason Bay and the Pirates receive four minor league prospects, two from each team.

So congrats Manny, I guess. Your wish has been granted. Your whining and cute little dugout signs paid off. The Red Sox are paying the remaining 7 million dollars of your contract and your tumultuous relationship with Boston is over.

Too bad for Boston though, they are (at least on paper) a worse team than they were before. Bay’s 22 homers and 64 RBIs are certainly welcome and comparable to Manny’s 20 homers and 68 RBIs. But I just don’t think he is nearly the same player as Manny (when he tries), especially in the post season.

In fact, I think this trade could effectively kill Boston’s shot at the Playoffs, not to mention a return trip to the World Series.

But never mind me. Enjoy the West Coast.

After all you “deserve” it.

–Aaron Whitebread, RED Editorial Staff.