Several media outlets have not been in favor of the Dodgers’ acquisition of former Red Sox’ outfielder Manny Ramirez.
– Michael Ventre of NBC Sports says that Manny’s “toxic presence will bring the Dodgers down.”
– Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times says that while Ramirez will bring his bat to the Dodgers, he’ll also bring his baggage.
– Gerry Callahan of the Boston Globe just thinks that Manny is a, “Bad, bad man.”
I don’t disagree with any columnist hammering the Dodgers for acquiring such a dynamic (and sometimes destructive) personality in Manny Ramirez. But say this – you always know what you’re going to get with Manny. The Dodgers know that, and that’s why they didn’t hesitate putting a deal together. They need his big bat in their lineup and they’re hoping Joe Torre can manage the attitude. It’s not a match made in heaven, but it’s not like the Dodgers’ clubhouse has been a church choir over the years. This move was purely about acquiring talent.
