Will Manny go home?
The Red Sox's clubhouse had a twilight zone-like feel to it in the hours leading up to Wednesday's game with the Angels. At around 5:30, the following blurb appeared on the ESPN crawl: "Red Sox engaged in serious conversation to trade Manny Ramirez to the Marlins." At literally that exact time, Ramirez walked past that television with a plate of food in his hand, but didn't see it.
About 20 minutes later, Ramirez, obviously aware, or made aware by teammates, said with light-hearted enthusiasm, "Oh yeah, Marlins. Tax free. Stay at home." Then he gave Hideki Okajima's interpreter -- Jeff Yamaguchi -- a mock hug good-bye. Yamaguchi simply smiled and shook his head.
For years, Ramirez has owned a residence in South Florida. How serious are the talks?
MLB.com reporter Joe Frisaro -- live on the scene in Miami -- said that baseball sources are not dismissing it. Frisaro added that earlier in the day, one of these same sources was talking about a deal with Ramirez in a joking matter. In other words, don't rule it out. The Marlins have never been shy around this time of year of making an aggressive play for a big-name player.
And this is from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. "If the Red Sox make a deal with the Marlins, it is likely they would kick in money to offset Ramirez's salary, and they would look for three young players in return -- perhaps outfielder Jeremy Hermida or outfielder Josh Willingham, plus pitchers."
Ramirez is in the lineup tonight, batting fourth and playing left field.
Ian Browne
About 20 minutes later, Ramirez, obviously aware, or made aware by teammates, said with light-hearted enthusiasm, "Oh yeah, Marlins. Tax free. Stay at home." Then he gave Hideki Okajima's interpreter -- Jeff Yamaguchi -- a mock hug good-bye. Yamaguchi simply smiled and shook his head.
For years, Ramirez has owned a residence in South Florida. How serious are the talks?
MLB.com reporter Joe Frisaro -- live on the scene in Miami -- said that baseball sources are not dismissing it. Frisaro added that earlier in the day, one of these same sources was talking about a deal with Ramirez in a joking matter. In other words, don't rule it out. The Marlins have never been shy around this time of year of making an aggressive play for a big-name player.
And this is from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. "If the Red Sox make a deal with the Marlins, it is likely they would kick in money to offset Ramirez's salary, and they would look for three young players in return -- perhaps outfielder Jeremy Hermida or outfielder Josh Willingham, plus pitchers."
Ramirez is in the lineup tonight, batting fourth and playing left field.
Ian Browne
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