Manny Reports On Time - Its Sox Time
Well, since I am not actually at Spring Training, I am going to go ahead and rip off the Extra Bases blog for their classic picture of Manny reporting.
How silly does he look? But I guess that is just Manny being Manny… But hey, at least he actually showed up on time this year! No trips to Atlantic City for car auctions this year.
Manny also answered some questions from the media, which yielded some unexpected answers. You can read the full text at Manny Speaks on Extra Bases, but basically, he indicated he’s happy in Boston, doesn’t mind that he had a sub-Manny year last year since they won the World Series anyway, and wants to retire a Red Sox. This, I don’t really get. He’s basically saying that he will sign here or anywhere else as long as the price is right. We’ll see how the year goes, but I am predicting big things from Manny this year. Yes, he’ll be 36 in May. Yes, his 20 home runs last year were the fewest of his career since he first came up to the big leagues. And yes, he is a space cadet who really doesn’t seem to care. But he still hit just about .300 (296) with an OBP of .388, which still isn’t bad. He also struck out a lot less than usual, with <100 Ks. These are not signs of a guy who is in decline, or at least not in an extreme decline.
He’s been working out all winter in Arizona, so he is coming in to camp stronger than ever. He showed up on time, which shows he is serious about this year. He wants that $20 million extension for next year and the year after, and there is no way he gets it from another team (OK, maybe the Yankees or Mets would give him a crazy contract, but I’d rather not think about that). He is at least saying he still wants to stay in Boston, or at least wouldn’t complain if the money was here.
Another key to Manny’s performance this year, in my opinion, is JD Drew. Drew should be hitting 5th behind Manny and in front of Lowell to preserve the L-R-L-R match up. I think having JD the statue behind him last year allowed pitchers to pitch around him a little more than they would have liked to. If Drew can be a real threat in the lineup this year, Manny will be that much better.
I predict a lower average, with a return of power numbers to seal the big contract. After all, you don’t become a “maniacal workout warrior” so you can hit more singles. My bold prediction: .282 average, .375 OBP, 32 HR and 107 RBI. I’d put the over-under on games played at about 140, becuase Manny is still going to be Manny and sit out a few times when he doesn’t feel like playing. Anyone want to take that bet?
Stumble it!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Manny was wearing a shrit in the cage the other day.
On the front, “Just do it……”
And on the back?
“……with the guy next to you”
That’s just Manny being Manny (and slightly gay).