2008 MLB Season

[rams80]

The Angles' John Lackey has a no-hitter thru 8 against the Red Sox.

Stay tuned.

No . the Red Sox, Manny, Tito. God I hate watching this.

FREE JED LOWRIE! FREE SEAN CASEY! CORA SUCKS, DAMMIT!

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

[gingerbreadmann]

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

Yeah, they're obviously not dead yet (you are correct, there are 162 games and I'm not about to pronounce death on a team 1 game back like fans of a certain team here) but the fact is if Terry keeps starting Alex Cora and keeping Sean Casey on the bench while we collectively suffer through another agonizing late-inning big-situation :censored:show Varitek at bat, I might kill myself. I wish some reporter was brave enough to ask why the :censored: he (seriously) keeps doing that. I haven't lost faith but if this keeps happening, well let's just say it doesn't exactly work out, well, ever.

[rams80]

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

Yeah, they're obviously not dead yet (you are correct, there are 162 games and I'm not about to pronounce death on a team 1 game back) but the fact is if Terry keeps starting Alex Cora and keeping Sean Casey on the bench while we collectively suffer through another agonizing late-inning big-situation :censored:show Varitek at bat, I might kill myself. I wish some reporter was brave enough to ask why the :censored: he (seriously) keeps doing that. I haven't lost faith but if this keeps happening, well let's just say it doesn't exactly work out, well, ever.

It could be worse. Jason Isringhausen could be your closer (again).

[See Red]

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

Yeah, they're obviously not dead yet (you are correct, there are 162 games and I'm not about to pronounce death on a team 1 game back like fans of a certain team here) but the fact is if Terry keeps starting Alex Cora and keeping Sean Casey on the bench while we collectively suffer through another agonizing late-inning big-situation :censored:show Varitek at bat, I might kill myself. I wish some reporter was brave enough to ask why the :censored: he (seriously) keeps doing that. I haven't lost faith but if this keeps happening, well let's just say it doesn't exactly work out, well, ever.

Well, it's no secret that Terry Francona's relationship with his players is really his plus as a manager and as a result of that, sometimes he's loyal to a fault. But I don't understand what he thinks Cora does, or even could, bring to the table. The Sox will be fine. It's easy to overreact after almost being no-hit but they had the same highs and lows in 2004 and 2007.

I'm not backing off of my Teixeira/Youkilis thoughts, I think the move that needs to be made is Manny. The issue being that Manny won't be the easiest guy to move before the deadline. I just desperately, desperately want Matt Kemp.

[BigEd76]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

[See Red]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

For whom, Burrell? That would actually be kind of an upgrade for the Sox.

Not my favorite alternative -- again, I really, really want Matt Kemp -- but I'd take it.

[CC97]

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

Yeah, they're obviously not dead yet (you are correct, there are 162 games and I'm not about to pronounce death on a team 1 game back like fans of a certain team here) but the fact is if Terry keeps starting Alex Cora and keeping Sean Casey on the bench while we collectively suffer through another agonizing late-inning big-situation :censored:show Varitek at bat, I might kill myself. I wish some reporter was brave enough to ask why the :censored: he (seriously) keeps doing that. I haven't lost faith but if this keeps happening, well let's just say it doesn't exactly work out, well, ever.

Red Sox fans complaining now? I will gladly trade my roster for yours.

[See Red]

Ahem.

"162 Game season"

Yeah, they're obviously not dead yet (you are correct, there are 162 games and I'm not about to pronounce death on a team 1 game back like fans of a certain team here) but the fact is if Terry keeps starting Alex Cora and keeping Sean Casey on the bench while we collectively suffer through another agonizing late-inning big-situation :censored:show Varitek at bat, I might kill myself. I wish some reporter was brave enough to ask why the :censored: he (seriously) keeps doing that. I haven't lost faith but if this keeps happening, well let's just say it doesn't exactly work out, well, ever.

Red Sox fans complaining now? I will gladly trade my roster for yours.

it... let's combine 'em.

I'm not complain'... one really crappy night doesn't make a season, nor does one bad stretch against good teams. I do think Theo needs to make a move though. There is some reason for optimism... this teams never really clicked at the same time yet... if they do, look out world.

[gingerbreadmann]

Red Sox fans complaining now? I will gladly trade my roster for yours.

OK Chris, I hereby forbid myself to voice any displeasure with any aspect of Red Sox baseball solely because they are ahead of the Blue Jays in the standings.

Well, it's no secret that Terry Francona's relationship with his players is really his plus as a manager and as a result of that, sometimes he's loyal to a fault. But I don't understand what he thinks Cora does, or even could, bring to the table. The Sox will be fine. It's easy to overreact after almost being no-hit but they had the same highs and lows in 2004 and 2007.

I'm not backing off of my Teixeira/Youkilis thoughts, I think the move that needs to be made is Manny. The issue being that Manny won't be the easiest guy to move before the deadline. I just desperately, desperately want Matt Kemp.

That's definitely part of it, but sometimes I think he has to realize it can go too far. Hell I bet even Varitek knows he's going to cost the team when he strides up there, but Terry is so proud he won't change his methods at all.

I'm not saying go out and shop Youk, but for the rumored deal offered for Teix I think you would have to take that. I guess we'll have to disagree here but it's useless since he's off the table.

I really don't want to trade Manny during the year. there's just no way to replace what he does and while I'd drool for Kemp (hell, get Loney too ) I think if you want to win this year at all you have to hold on to Manny until at least the end of this year, cause we're not going far without him.

[NJTank]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

Of course the Phillies won the Nationals live for letting the Phillies win, I think they enjoy the Phillies company because they dont give half the effort to the Phillies that they give against the Mets.

[See Red]

Red Sox fans complaining now? I will gladly trade my roster for yours.

OK Chris, I hereby forbid myself to voice any displeasure with any aspect of Red Sox baseball solely because they are ahead of the Blue Jays in the standings.

Well, it's no secret that Terry Francona's relationship with his players is really his plus as a manager and as a result of that, sometimes he's loyal to a fault. But I don't understand what he thinks Cora does, or even could, bring to the table. The Sox will be fine. It's easy to overreact after almost being no-hit but they had the same highs and lows in 2004 and 2007.

I'm not backing off of my Teixeira/Youkilis thoughts, I think the move that needs to be made is Manny. The issue being that Manny won't be the easiest guy to move before the deadline. I just desperately, desperately want Matt Kemp.

That's definitely part of it, but sometimes I think he has to realize it can go too far. Hell I bet even Varitek knows he's going to cost the team when he strides up there, but Terry is so proud he won't change his methods at all.

I'm not saying go out and shop Youk, but for the rumored deal offered for Teix I think you would have to take that. I guess we'll have to disagree here but it's useless since he's off the table.

I really don't want to trade Manny during the year. there's just no way to replace what he does and while I'd drool for Kemp (hell, get Loney too ) I think if you want to win this year at all you have to hold on to Manny until at least the end of this year, cause we're not going far without him.

I don't think Burrell would be such a downgrade. I don't care to look into any further than the numbers for now, but ya know...

[infrared41]

I know he is a head case and all but there is not a player on the market that is worth Manny Ramirez. It's not like The Red Sox can't win with him on the team. Unless you can get someone in the Bad Vlad or Josh Hamilton tier of players, you're getting screwed in any trade. InTheEnd88 wants Matt Kemp. I have one question for you. It's the bottom of the ninth, you have a runner on second in a tie game. Who do you want at the plate? Matt Kemp or Manny Ramirez? I don't know all the details on why Manny is suddenly trade bait so I am basing my opinion solely on Manny as a player. Maybe it's just my lack of information on the situation but unless there's a comparable player on the other end of the deal there's no way I'd trade Manny. The guy is the best right handed hitter in a generation. You want to let him go for Matt Kemp?

[HedleyLamarr]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

Of course the Phillies won the Nationals live for letting the Phillies win, I think they enjoy the Phillies company because they dont give half the effort to the Phillies that they give against the Mets.

So you're saying the Mets struggle beating a team they're supposed to beat?

Seems to me that you should place blame on the Mets for not taking care of business.....

[See Red]

I know he is a head case and all but there is not a player on the market that is worth Manny Ramirez. It's not like The Red Sox can't win with him on the team. Unless you can get someone in the Bad Vlad or Josh Hamilton tier of players, you're getting screwed in any trade. InTheEnd88 wants Matt Kemp. I have one question for you. It's the bottom of the ninth, you have a runner on second in a tie game. Who do you want at the plate? Matt Kemp or Manny Ramirez? I don't know all the details on why Manny is suddenly trade bait so I am basing my opinion solely on Manny as a player. Maybe it's just my lack of information on the situation but unless there's a comparable player on the other end of the deal there's no way I'd trade Manny. The guy is the best right handed hitter in a generation. You want to let him go for Matt Kemp?

I do, I think that's a great deal. Ideally, I'd want Manny in that spot... but I'd rather have Matt Kemp locked up for a few years, cost controlled and with his best years ahead of him than Manny, who really appears to not want to be here. So I guess I'd settle for Kemp in that hypothetical.

Here's the issue with Manny, in the past few months he's dodged facing elite starters by his knee or hammy acting up -- Felix Hernandez twice, Joba Chamberlain twice, Volquez, Verlander -- attacked an old man, pissed off management, and hasn't been shy about expressing how "tired of Boston" he is. It's really an act that's growing tired -- and I'm sure I forgot stuff even. Right now, it's deal Manny or lose him in the offseason anyway because Theo and company don't want him back next year.

As for Kemp, I see him being a 30/30 guy in Boston. Absolutely a guy I would want for Manny Ramirez.

[njmeadowlanders]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

Of course the Phillies won the Nationals live for letting the Phillies win, I think they enjoy the Phillies company because they dont give half the effort to the Phillies that they give against the Mets.

So you're saying the Mets struggle beating a team they're supposed to beat?

Seems to me that you should place blame on the Mets for not taking care of business.....

Yeah the Nats go 10 games scoring a total of 5 runs and then explode for 20-something runs in a 3 game series w/ the Mets...happens all the time. Why? It's because the Mets always have trouble with them...and it goes back to their Expo days...

In the meantime, I was at the game @ Florida again tonight, and this time the 'pen did a complete 180 from last night, and the Mets won 4-1. But I still would like to see an arm added before the deadline rolls around...you can't have too many arms in the bullpen. It's a good problem to have.

And as for the Angels...DAMMMMMMN that team is sexy...if they're not the favorite to win it all as of today, then I don't know the meaning of the word...

[FiddySicks]

Phils win 2-1 at Washington

Utley had a 2-run HR then screwed up an easy DP in the 8th that led to the Nats' only run, so he factored in all the scoring.

Meanwhile, Heyman @ SI.com thinks the Phillies are going to get Manny

Of course the Phillies won the Nationals live for letting the Phillies win, I think they enjoy the Phillies company because they dont give half the effort to the Phillies that they give against the Mets.

Well then I guess they take their off days against the juggernaut San Francisco Giants too, who they're 0-7 against.

[mania]

Mark Texiera is now an Angel.

I like the deal: We get a decent minor leaguer and a decent 1B in return for Tex. Very nice deal, IMO.

It makes the Rangers haul last season look far more impressive, even though there was a throw in of Mahay and an extra year of Tex(that didn't get the Braves anywhere).

[infrared41]

I know he is a head case and all but there is not a player on the market that is worth Manny Ramirez. It's not like The Red Sox can't win with him on the team. Unless you can get someone in the Bad Vlad or Josh Hamilton tier of players, you're getting screwed in any trade. InTheEnd88 wants Matt Kemp. I have one question for you. It's the bottom of the ninth, you have a runner on second in a tie game. Who do you want at the plate? Matt Kemp or Manny Ramirez? I don't know all the details on why Manny is suddenly trade bait so I am basing my opinion solely on Manny as a player. Maybe it's just my lack of information on the situation but unless there's a comparable player on the other end of the deal there's no way I'd trade Manny. The guy is the best right handed hitter in a generation. You want to let him go for Matt Kemp?

I do, I think that's a great deal. Ideally, I'd want Manny in that spot... but I'd rather have Matt Kemp locked up for a few years, cost controlled and with his best years ahead of him than Manny, who really appears to not want to be here. So I guess I'd settle for Kemp in that hypothetical.

Here's the issue with Manny, in the past few months he's dodged facing elite starters by his knee or hammy acting up -- Felix Hernandez twice, Joba Chamberlain twice, Volquez, Verlander -- attacked an old man, pissed off management, and hasn't been shy about expressing how "tired of Boston" he is. It's really an act that's growing tired -- and I'm sure I forgot stuff even. Right now, it's deal Manny or lose him in the offseason anyway because Theo and company don't want him back next year.

As for Kemp, I see him being a 30/30 guy in Boston. Absolutely a guy I would want for Manny Ramirez.

Knowing all the facts, I can see why you'd want him gone. Still, it's going to be a tough deal to make for The Red Sox. Between the money and the problems I don't know who you could get to take him. If I'm the Dodgers I'm hanging on to Matt Kemp. Let's face it, even with Manny in their lineup The Dodgers aren't winning anything this season so why trade away the future for an expensive potential problem? It should get interesting to say the least.

Also, helluva a pick up for The Angels.

[See Red]

I know he is a head case and all but there is not a player on the market that is worth Manny Ramirez. It's not like The Red Sox can't win with him on the team. Unless you can get someone in the Bad Vlad or Josh Hamilton tier of players, you're getting screwed in any trade. InTheEnd88 wants Matt Kemp. I have one question for you. It's the bottom of the ninth, you have a runner on second in a tie game. Who do you want at the plate? Matt Kemp or Manny Ramirez? I don't know all the details on why Manny is suddenly trade bait so I am basing my opinion solely on Manny as a player. Maybe it's just my lack of information on the situation but unless there's a comparable player on the other end of the deal there's no way I'd trade Manny. The guy is the best right handed hitter in a generation. You want to let him go for Matt Kemp?

I do, I think that's a great deal. Ideally, I'd want Manny in that spot... but I'd rather have Matt Kemp locked up for a few years, cost controlled and with his best years ahead of him than Manny, who really appears to not want to be here. So I guess I'd settle for Kemp in that hypothetical.

Here's the issue with Manny, in the past few months he's dodged facing elite starters by his knee or hammy acting up -- Felix Hernandez twice, Joba Chamberlain twice, Volquez, Verlander -- attacked an old man, pissed off management, and hasn't been shy about expressing how "tired of Boston" he is. It's really an act that's growing tired -- and I'm sure I forgot stuff even. Right now, it's deal Manny or lose him in the offseason anyway because Theo and company don't want him back next year.

As for Kemp, I see him being a 30/30 guy in Boston. Absolutely a guy I would want for Manny Ramirez.

Knowing all the facts, I can see why you'd want him gone. Still, it's going to be a tough deal to make for The Red Sox. Between the money and the problems I don't know who you could get to take him. If I'm the Dodgers I'm hanging on to Matt Kemp. Let's face it, even with Manny in their lineup The Dodgers aren't winning anything this season so why trade away the future for an expensive potential problem? It should get interesting to say the least.

Also, helluva a pick up for The Angels.

I agree... I don't know why the Dodgers would be interested in this, but they are, I guess. Kemp's a good player NOW. It's not like he is a few years away by any stretch of the imagination. He is a guy that would help the Sox now. There are teams interested, so we'll see what happens.

[infrared41]

I know he is a head case and all but there is not a player on the market that is worth Manny Ramirez. It's not like The Red Sox can't win with him on the team. Unless you can get someone in the Bad Vlad or Josh Hamilton tier of players, you're getting screwed in any trade. InTheEnd88 wants Matt Kemp. I have one question for you. It's the bottom of the ninth, you have a runner on second in a tie game. Who do you want at the plate? Matt Kemp or Manny Ramirez? I don't know all the details on why Manny is suddenly trade bait so I am basing my opinion solely on Manny as a player. Maybe it's just my lack of information on the situation but unless there's a comparable player on the other end of the deal there's no way I'd trade Manny. The guy is the best right handed hitter in a generation. You want to let him go for Matt Kemp?

I do, I think that's a great deal. Ideally, I'd want Manny in that spot... but I'd rather have Matt Kemp locked up for a few years, cost controlled and with his best years ahead of him than Manny, who really appears to not want to be here. So I guess I'd settle for Kemp in that hypothetical.

Here's the issue with Manny, in the past few months he's dodged facing elite starters by his knee or hammy acting up -- Felix Hernandez twice, Joba Chamberlain twice, Volquez, Verlander -- attacked an old man, pissed off management, and hasn't been shy about expressing how "tired of Boston" he is. It's really an act that's growing tired -- and I'm sure I forgot stuff even. Right now, it's deal Manny or lose him in the offseason anyway because Theo and company don't want him back next year.

As for Kemp, I see him being a 30/30 guy in Boston. Absolutely a guy I would want for Manny Ramirez.

Knowing all the facts, I can see why you'd want him gone. Still, it's going to be a tough deal to make for The Red Sox. Between the money and the problems I don't know who you could get to take him. If I'm the Dodgers I'm hanging on to Matt Kemp. Let's face it, even with Manny in their lineup The Dodgers aren't winning anything this season so why trade away the future for an expensive potential problem? It should get interesting to say the least.

Also, helluva a pick up for The Angels.

I agree... I don't know why the Dodgers would be interested in this, but they are, I guess. Kemp's a good player NOW. It's not like he is a few years away by any stretch of the imagination. He is a guy that would help the Sox now. There are teams interested, so we'll see what happens.

If The Red Sox can find someone silly enough to make a deal, like say Kemp for Ramirez or something similar, more power to them. We'll know in a day or two. Actually, I'd be curious to see how The Red Sox play after Manny is gone. They're pretty good with him, despite all the problems he causes.