Manny Ramirez

[48.7 is Approximately 49 Times Better Than You]

As you all should know, Man-Ram is back with the Dodgers after a 50-game suspension for using a substance banned by Major League Baseball. He has been welcomed back by the fans and has gone 1-6 in two games with a Solo-HR and a walk. The Dodgers are 23-8 with Manny in the line-up and 28-21 without him.

What are your thoughts on Manny? Was he using performance enhancers? Does he deserve to be welcomed by the fans? What does this mean for the Dodgers?

1.) I like Manny. He's the sort of guy who has a personality that you can't really hate. He's out there to have fun and it shows.

2.) Nah, I think he was smoking weed. Even if he was juicing, he's still one of the greatest hitters of all-time.

3.) Yeah, man! He's done great things for the Dodgers! He deserves the loyalty of the fans.

4.) I think he'll get back on track and lead them to a World Series (but a loss to the Yankees). He was hitting almost .340 before his suspension with OBPS over 1.000 and was driving in runs like mad. He's a great hitter and getting Manny back can do nothing but good things for a team.

 

[X]

Well as a lifelong Red Sox fan, I think I have a pretty good perspective on Manny.

Manny is a cunt. Plain and simple. The ONLY thing the man cares about is money, and that has always been the case. Is he one of the greatest hitters of all time? Your damn right he is. Is he an immature little boy that pouts and flips out every time he doesn't get his way? Damn right he is.

And it's pretty obvious he was using steroids PYT. You don't take the female growth drug (AKA steroid masking agent) that he did if you're just smoking weed, there are SO many easier ways to pass a drug test if you smoke weed then using a damn female growth drug, one that is on the list of banned substances specifically.

Why does he deserve the loyalty of the fans? Boston fans gave him their lives and he spit in our faces. That isn't to say the fans shouldn't root for him, of course they should he plays for their team. But I sincerely hope that Dodgers fans don't actually think that Manny is loyal to the Dodgers. As soon as his contract is up, it's highest bidder wins time again.

And 48 I really doubt the Dodgers will make it to the WS, and if they do, it damn sure won't be against the Yankees. For the Yankees to make it to the WS they'd have to get through the Red Sox, which they have not yet been able to do a single time this entire year. The Sox have swept them every time they've played, and made them look foolish. They're better then the Yanks in pretty much every category except for power HR numbers. Maybe I'm biased, but it's true.

 

[48.7 is Approximately 49 Times Better Than You]

Well as a lifelong Red Sox fan, I think I have a pretty good perspective on Manny.

My team has played him 18 times a year for a large part of his career and I was SportsCenter nearly every night. Me too.

Manny is a cunt. Plain and simple. The ONLY thing the man cares about is money, and that has always been the case.

See: The majority of professional athletes.

Is he one of the greatest hitters of all time? Your damn right he is.

I'd venture to say that he is the greatest right-handed hitter of all-time. That good.

Is he an immature little boy that pouts and flips out every time he doesn't get his way? Damn right he is.

So?

And it's pretty obvious he was using steroids PYT.

See: David Ortiz. (Zinger!)

You don't take the female growth drug (AKA steroid masking agent) that he did if you're just smoking weed,

Did it ever come out what he was taking? I don't remember hearing. Doesn't matter to me, really. I'm not a purist. Steroids make baseball more exciting. Besides, everyone is on steroids, except Derek Jeter. God bless his soul.

there are SO many easier ways to pass a drug test if you smoke weed then using a damn female growth drug, one that is on the list of banned substances specifically.

Oh. I didn't know what he was taking.

Why does he deserve the loyalty of the fans?

Because he could have gone to New York and the Dodgers wouldn't be in first place if he had.

Boston fans gave him their lives and he spit in our faces.

That's because Boston fans suck. (Yankee fan. I can't help but think that.)

That isn't to say the fans shouldn't root for him, of course they should he plays for their team. But I sincerely hope that Dodgers fans don't actually think that Manny is loyal to the Dodgers. As soon as his contract is up, it's highest bidder wins time again.

He'll retire a Dodger. He'll be 40 when his contract is up.

And 48 I really doubt the Dodgers will make it to the WS, and if they do, it damn sure won't be against the Yankees.

The Dodgers have the best record in baseball and the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball. It's destiny.

For the Yankees to make it to the WS they'd have to get through the Red Sox,

While the Red Sox have been losing to the Mariners, the Yankees have been wining 8 of 9 of their last games. They're only one game out. The Sox have to hold of the Yankees and the Red-Hot Rays to even make the playoffs.

which they have not yet been able to do a single time this entire year.

We've got ten more chances. We have our full team running on all cylinders now, something that we didn't have the eight previous times we've played.

The Sox have swept them every time they've played, and made them look foolish.

We hardly looked foolish.

They're better then the Yanks in pretty much every category except for power HR numbers. Maybe I'm biased, but it's true.

We're better in almost all offensive categories and the pitching is about even. Our rotation is just beginning to come on, too. You've got the edge in defense, but I'd like to see you defend against home runs.

 

[Lil Wes]

As a player, he's one of the best, and I couldn't give 2 shits who uses or doesn't use anymore. It's taken over baseball before, and while it's somewhat cleaned up now, there's still plenty of shit out there that isn't detectable. It'll never go away, so I've just accepted it for what it is. Especially when baseball gets the shit end of the stick with the media. The NFL is full of juicers, and Shawn Merriman just broke it last year. What happened? Swept under the rug like nothing happened, just because it's the precious NFL. It's bullshit but that's for another discussion. Back to Manny. If he was juicing, fine. Doesn't change my opinion on him as a player. As a person, and teammate, he's a twat.

 

[CH David]

I am fairly indifferent when it comes to Manny. I agree no doubt he is one of the best power hitters of todays game, and in the top 50-100 of all time, there have been so many greats, it is hard to give an exact top amount.. But, if he was juicing, I don't believe that he should be in the Hall of Fame, unless they build a steroid wing. Any steroid user, shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame, no matter the accomplishments, Barry Bonds is my example. If it was just smoking weed, he served his 50 and he is back so here we go. Manny's personality is great for the game, but if you tick him off, he will not try, and I hate that about him, hence last year with the Red Sox. He can be lacksidasical (sp?) in the field, but he is a great hitter so I guess it evens out. He will help the Dodgers, so enjoy it while you can.

 

[48.7 is Approximately 49 Times Better Than You]

I am fairly indifferent when it comes to Manny.

Fair enough.

I agree no doubt he is one of the best power hitters of todays game,

He's the best power hitter in the game, hands down. Albert Pujols is better all-around, but Manny's power is untouched today.

and in the top 50-100 of all time,

Name fifty better and I will tell you why all but maybe five pale in comparison to Ramirez.

there have been so many greats, it is hard to give an exact top amount.. But, if he was juicing, I don't believe that he should be in the Hall of Fame,

Everyone around him was juicing. Roger Clemans, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire, A-Rod... That's how you keep up. He has hall of fame talent, steroids or not.

unless they build a steroid wing. Any steroid user, shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame, no matter the accomplishments, Barry Bonds is my example.

I'd vote Bonds, Sosa, McGuire, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Palmero, etc. in. Why? This is the steroid era. They were all spectacular players and would have been with or without steroids. They were facing pitchers on the juice and other hitters were on roids too. It's not as though they were facing all sorts of people on the straight and narrow.

If it was just smoking weed, he served his 50 and he is back so here we go. Manny's personality is great for the game, but if you tick him off, he will not try, and I hate that about him, hence last year with the Red Sox.

As a Yankees fan, I thoroughly enjoyed that.

He can be lacksidasical (sp?) in the field, but he is a great hitter so I guess it evens out. He will help the Dodgers, so enjoy it while you can.

Things like jumping on the green monster after a catch, cutting off throws he shouldn't, throwing the ball into the stand with two outs, etc. makes the game more entertaining. I love it.

 

[CH David]

He's the best power hitter in the game, hands down. Albert Pujols is better all-around, but Manny's power is untouched today.

Not at all. Pujols is the best power hitter we have in the game right now. He has 30+ home runs already, and 80 something RBI. Manny would be in the 20's right now, but I will admit he is an RBI machine, so probably 70-80 RBI. Very good power hitter, but no where close to the best. Not even the best hitter.

Name fifty better and I will tell you why all but maybe five pale in comparison to Ramirez.

50 is too many to name on here. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Hank Aaron, Pete Rose (hits not power). Freaking Mickey Mantle had he not fucked his knees up. Ken Griffey Jr in his prime in Seattle, not his time in Cincy.

Everyone around him was juicing. Roger Clemans, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire, A-Rod... That's how you keep up. He has hall of fame talent, steroids or not.

But the fact that he took steroids, no Hall of Fame, in my opinion, but I'm currently not a baseball writer, so I'll leave it to Buster Olney, Peter Gammons, and the rest of the baseball writers when Manny is up for the Hall of Fame.

I'd vote Bonds, Sosa, McGuire, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Palmero, etc. in. Why? This is the steroid era. They were all spectacular players and would have been with or without steroids. They were facing pitchers on the juice and other hitters were on roids too. It's not as though they were facing all sorts of people on the straight and narrow.

Bonds was an amazing talent, he didn't need steroids. He took them and fucked up his career with all of the controversy. Doesn't help he is an asshole. Sosa, I live near Chicago, he needed steroids, and also a cork. End of story. McGuire, he won't make the Hall of Fame, he hasn't been voted in yet has he? Not even close, he only gets like 5% of the vote. A-Rod is a dumbass and didn't need steroids. He was the future of the game, still is to some people. Taking steroids was the biggest mistake of his life, next to being with Madonna. Palmeiro could have been like Cal Ripken Jr. Came to the park everyday, did his job, and quietly collected 3,000 hits, and hit 300 or 400 home runs. In short, if you are a great hitter, you don't need steroids to hit a pitcher on them. Did Frank Thomas need them to hit Clemens?

Also quick question, so people like Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, Jeff Bagwell, and countless others, who didn't take steroids, that still hit pitchers that were on steroids, should share the same hall as people that did? I should also add that I am a purist.

As a Yankees fan, I thoroughly enjoyed that.

I'm sure you did.

Things like jumping on the green monster after a catch, cutting off throws he shouldn't, throwing the ball into the stand with two outs, etc. makes the game more entertaining. I love it.

I never said he wasn't entertaining.

 

[X]

My team has played him 18 times a year for a large part of his career and I was SportsCenter nearly every night. Me too.

Seeing as how I've watched literally thousands of games involving Manny over the course of a decade, have been to a few dozen games in that time in person, and have actually met Manny (autograph signing so yeah it's not like we were hangin' out or something, lol) I think I have a bit of a better perspective on the man then you do 48. It's no offense against you, I'm sure you know a whole shitload more about Derek Jeter then I ever will.

See: The majority of professional athletes.

That's not true. The majority of professional athletes care about a whole lot more then Money 48. You could get the biggest contract in the history of baseball and if you're team is losing 100 games, you're not happy. Theres A LOT more then just money taken into consideration for most pro athletes in deciding what contract do sign.

I realize there are alot of men who care about only money, but does that make it right? No, it doesn't. I wish all pro athletes would take a cue from Tim Wakefield and have some respect for not only the game, but also the club that you play for.

I'd venture to say that he is the greatest right-handed hitter of all-time. That good.

Ummm...no. That's crap. Hank Aaron and Willie Mays were both much better. And in a few years Pujols and A-Rod will both surpass him.

So?

So? So you asked us our opinion on Manny, I gave it. Is there a problem with that?

Sorry, I don't praise a 37 year old man who acts like a six year old being refused candy.

See: David Ortiz. (Zinger!)

That might be humorous if there were any evidence to support that claim, which there isn't. To be honest though I agree with you, odds are that Ortiz juiced at some point. Odds are that 99% of all power hitters in the majors have juiced at some point man.

Did it ever come out what he was taking? I don't remember hearing. Doesn't matter to me, really. I'm not a purist. Steroids make baseball more exciting. Besides, everyone is on steroids, except Derek Jeter. God bless his soul.

Yeah it's been known for monthes now that the drug he tested positive for was a female fertility drug which is used primarily by athletes to mask steroid use. It's pretty much an open and shut case that Manny was juicing.

I agree with you though, I'm not much of a purist when it comes to steroids. Steroids can only make you big and give you strength, they can't teach you how to hit a baseball.

Because he could have gone to New York and the Dodgers wouldn't be in first place if he had.

...Ummm, huh? You really think the Yankees had any intentions of signing Manny? Not a chance in hell. If the Yanks had wanted Manny, they would have signed him, end of story. They don't give a shit about money demands.

The ONLY team that was ever going to re-sign Manny was LA. Nearly no other team wanted him/had the money he wanted. The only reason Manny is in LA right now is because it was his only option.

That's because Boston fans suck. (Yankee fan. I can't help but think that.)

You really want to get into this petty Yankees-Red Sox bullshit? I have respect for the Yankees and their fans (only the intelligent ones though, and not the ones who only know the words "We wun 23 titlez we da bestz duh!"), I don't see why you can't.

And Boston fans are some of the most loyal in the world. During Ortiz's slump, not once did the fans start booing him. Every time he stepped up to the plate the fans cheered loud as hell for him, giving him all the support they could to help him get out of his slump. Unlike New York fans who would have been booing him out of the stadium monthes ago if he were on their team.

He'll retire a Dodger. He'll be 40 when his contract is up.

Haven't you heard Manny say he plans on playing well into his 40's? He's said this several times. But I wouldn't be shocked it the Dodgers were the last team he played before, because who knows how well he'll be able to hit at 40 and if anyone will want him.

The Dodgers have the best record in baseball and the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball. It's destiny.

The Dodgers also play in the worst division in baseball, and last time I checked the Yankees were 2nd in the AL East to the Red Sox, a team they have yet to be able to beat this year.

While the Red Sox have been losing to the Mariners, the Yankees have been wining 8 of 9 of their last games. They're only one game out. The Sox have to hold of the Yankees and the Red-Hot Rays to even make the playoffs.

Wow, 2 losses to the Mariners surely spells the end of our season 48! We should just start planning for next year right now huh? Ridiculious.

The Yankees are missing one major thing that the Red Sox (and the Rays) have in spades: DEPTH. Without it, they won't go the distance.

We've got ten more chances. We have our full team running on all cylinders now, something that we didn't have the eight previous times we've played.

I'm sure the Yanks will take a few games from the Sox this year, the odds are in your favor. The Sox are still a better team though.

We hardly looked foolish.

Being continuously swept makes you look pretty foolish to me. Those games pretty much prove my previous point: The Yankees have no depth, and without it, they won't go the distance. I'm sure they'll make a damn good run at it, and odds are they'll probably win the Wild Card, but I don't see them winning either the division or the WS this year. Not with Mr. Anti-Clutch A-Rod as the staple of your lineup.

Oh and did you just claim that Manny is the best power hitter in the game? Clearly you weren't watching his last year and a half in Boston, in which he forgot how to hit home runs. Pujols is better.

Oh, and Ted Williams > Manny. Just thought I'd add that for fun.

 

[48.7 is Approximately 49 Times Better Than You]

Seeing as how I've watched literally thousands of games involving Manny over the course of a decade, have been to a few dozen games in that time in person, and have actually met Manny (autograph signing so yeah it's not like we were hangin' out or something, lol) I think I have a bit of a better perspective on the man then you do 48. It's no offense against you, I'm sure you know a whole shitload more about Derek Jeter then I ever will.

I don't see what all there is to know. I read the Red Sox bored on ESPN and gather the perspective of a group of your fans. I watch the highlights of all the Red Sox games. I know Manny's stats, watch his blunders, and have seen the majority of his 534 home runs hit.

And you're right. I'm a Derek Jeter fanboy.

That's not true. The majority of professional athletes care about a whole lot more then Money 48. You could get the biggest contract in the history of baseball and if you're team is losing 100 games, you're not happy. Theres A LOT more then just money taken into consideration for most pro athletes in deciding what contract do sign.

Not really. Most of the stars that command those salaries only care about the money. See: A-Rod to Texas, Clemans to NY.

I realize there are alot of men who care about only money, but does that make it right? No, it doesn't. I wish all pro athletes would take a cue from Tim Wakefield and have some respect for not only the game, but also the club that you play for.

Tim Wakefield was on a great ballclub and wasn't going to make loads elsewhere. He would have gained nothing by leaving. It doesn't bother me that players do what is best for themselves by following the money. I can't find fault with them.

Ummm...no. That's crap. Hank Aaron and Willie Mays were both much better. And in a few years Pujols and A-Rod will both surpass him.

Hank Aaron had a lower career batting average, more home runs, more RBIs, and six more years. In six years, Manny could very well hit 200 home runs and 500 RBIs. Hank Aaron was blessed with longevity. Never had injuries. His body lasted a long time. I think Manny is better, though. If Manny plays six more years to match Willie, his stats will be better than his as well.

A-Rod and Pujols are very close though, I'll give you that.

So? So you asked us our opinion on Manny, I gave it. Is there a problem with that?

Perhaps.

Sorry, I don't praise a 37 year old man who acts like a six year old being refused candy.

Bitter berries, xfear?

That might be humorous if there were any evidence to support that claim, which there isn't. To be honest though I agree with you, odds are that Ortiz juiced at some point. Odds are that 99% of all power hitters in the majors have juiced at some point man.

Everyone who isn't a Sox fan knows he was juicing!

Yeah it's been known for monthes now that the drug he tested positive for was a female fertility drug which is used primarily by athletes to mask steroid use. It's pretty much an open and shut case that Manny was juicing.

Again, doesn't bother me.

I agree with you though, I'm not much of a purist when it comes to steroids. Steroids can only make you big and give you strength, they can't teach you how to hit a baseball.

Which is the hardest thing to do in all of sports.

...Ummm, huh? You really think the Yankees had any intentions of signing Manny? Not a chance in hell. If the Yanks had wanted Manny, they would have signed him, end of story. They don't give a shit about money demands.

Brian Cashman said they were talking with Manny after Winter meetings. I know this.

The ONLY team that was ever going to re-sign Manny was LA. Nearly no other team wanted him/had the money he wanted. The only reason Manny is in LA right now is because it was his only option.

Of course they were the only team that would re-sign him.

You really want to get into this petty Yankees-Red Sox bullshit? I have respect for the Yankees and their fans (only the intelligent ones though, and not the ones who only know the words "We wun 23 titlez we da bestz duh!"), I don't see why you can't.

26.

And Boston fans are some of the most loyal in the world. During Ortiz's slump, not once did the fans start booing him. Every time he stepped up to the plate the fans cheered loud as hell for him, giving him all the support they could to help him get out of his slump. Unlike New York fans who would have been booing him out of the stadium monthes ago if he were on their team.

Yankee fans aren't loyal. We care about winning and solely winning. If you don't produce, we don't want you here.

Haven't you heard Manny say he plans on playing well into his 40's? He's said this several times. But I wouldn't be shocked it the Dodgers were the last team he played before, because who knows how well he'll be able to hit at 40 and if anyone will want him.

It's doubtful he'll be able to go that long.

The Dodgers also play in the worst division in baseball, and last time I checked the Yankees were 2nd in the AL East to the Red Sox, a team they have yet to be able to beat this year.

NL East, anyone? AL Central? AL West? The D-Backs and Giants are playing great right now.

Wow, 2 losses to the Mariners surely spells the end of our season 48! We should just start planning for next year right now huh? Ridiculious.

Go ahead. Gives the Yankees an easier task.

The Yankees are missing one major thing that the Red Sox (and the Rays) have in spades: DEPTH. Without it, they won't go the distance.

But our starters are better than yours!

I'm sure the Yanks will take a few games from the Sox this year, the odds are in your favor. The Sox are still a better team though.

I would like to respectfully disagree that the Red Sox are better.

Being continuously swept makes you look pretty foolish to me. Those games pretty much prove my previous point: The Yankees have no depth, and without it, they won't go the distance. I'm sure they'll make a damn good run at it, and odds are they'll probably win the Wild Card, but I don't see them winning either the division or the WS this year. Not with Mr. Anti-Clutch A-Rod as the staple of your lineup.

We'll see.

Oh and did you just claim that Manny is the best power hitter in the game? Clearly you weren't watching his last year and a half in Boston, in which he forgot how to hit home runs. Pujols is better.

This isn't his last year and a half in Boston is it?

Oh, and Ted Williams > Manny. Just thought I'd add that for fun.

I agree. Lifetime .341 batting average with great power numbers. I said Manny was the best right-handed hitter, though.

Not at all. Pujols is the best power hitter we have in the game right now. He has 30+ home runs already, and 80 something RBI. Manny would be in the 20's right now, but I will admit he is an RBI machine, so probably 70-80 RBI. Very good power hitter, but no where close to the best. Not even the best hitter.

You can't fault Manny for being suspended. Who knows what his stats would be?

50 is too many to name on here. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Hank Aaron, Pete Rose (hits not power). Freaking Mickey Mantle had he not fucked his knees up. Ken Griffey Jr in his prime in Seattle, not his time in Cincy.

Babe Ruth is better, as is Ken Griffey. The others are iffy.

But the fact that he took steroids, no Hall of Fame, in my opinion, but I'm currently not a baseball writer, so I'll leave it to Buster Olney, Peter Gammons, and the rest of the baseball writers when Manny is up for the Hall of Fame.

Old baseball purists, they are. We just need to accept steroids. It happened.

Bonds was an amazing talent, he didn't need steroids. He took them and fucked up his career with all of the controversy. Doesn't help he is an asshole. Sosa, I live near Chicago, he needed steroids, and also a cork. End of story. McGuire, he won't make the Hall of Fame, he hasn't been voted in yet has he? Not even close, he only gets like 5% of the vote. A-Rod is a dumbass and didn't need steroids. He was the future of the game, still is to some people. Taking steroids was the biggest mistake of his life, next to being with Madonna. Palmeiro could have been like Cal Ripken Jr. Came to the park everyday, did his job, and quietly collected 3,000 hits, and hit 300 or 400 home runs. In short, if you are a great hitter, you don't need steroids to hit a pitcher on them. Did Frank Thomas need them to hit Clemens?

Sosa was a great hitter, though. Steroids only make you stronger. I think The Big Hurt was juicing too. Big guy.

Also quick question, so people like Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, Jeff Bagwell, and countless others, who didn't take steroids, that still hit pitchers that were on steroids, should share the same hall as people that did? I should also add that I am a purist.

They didn't hit them as well as the others mentioned, did they?

 

[CH David]

Sosa was a great hitter, though. Steroids only make you stronger. I think The Big Hurt was juicing too. Big guy.

They didn't hit them as well as the others mentioned, did they?

Three things with this. Sosa was a good hitter himself. Power hitter? Nope, and you could tell he was on steroids, he was a skinny little fuck, and then he was huge a year later.

Actually they did hit them just as well. Plus they flew under the radar consistenly hitting 30-40 home runs a year.

And to say the Big Hurt was juicing is ridiculous and makes you look like an idiot. Go read up on him, so you don't look like such a dumbass. He played football at Auburn until he got injured, and he was a huge tight end, as well as playing baseball, kind of like Bo Jackson. If he were juicing, why in the hell would he be such an advocate for steroid testing? Especially as early as 1995? And also why wouldn't his name have been mentioned in the Mitchell Report? Frank Thomas was a freakishly huge beast. He tore the cover off the ball, but he could also hit for average.

 

[X]

I don't see what all there is to know. I read the Red Sox bored on ESPN and gather the perspective of a group of your fans. I watch the highlights of all the Red Sox games. I know Manny's stats, watch his blunders, and have seen the majority of his 534 home runs hit.

Have you read thousands of local articles on Manny over the course of the last decade, have you spent years of your life living in Boston? No? All right then, let's move on.

Hank Aaron had a lower career batting average, more home runs, more RBIs, and six more years. In six years, Manny could very well hit 200 home runs and 500 RBIs. Hank Aaron was blessed with longevity. Never had injuries. His body lasted a long time. I think Manny is better, though. If Manny plays six more years to match Willie, his stats will be better than his as well.

I would say there's a better chance of you growing wings and flying away to the Kokiri Forest then of Manny getting 200 more HRs and 500 more RBIs. The guy just does not have that much left in the tank, he's 37. Do you ACTUALLY think that Manny is going to belt out more HRs then Hank Aaron? What are you smoking, and where can I get some?

And Willie Mays is by far a better player, and you know why? Because he was a five tool player, whereas Manny has always been strictly a hitter. Mays could do it all. If you want to talk strictly hitting, again, Mays is better.

The fact that they played longer then Manny doesn't change the fact that they were better right-handed hitters.

Bitter berries, xfear?

I'm not bitter at all, Manny helped us win 2 titles and I'll always have respect for him for that reason. Doesn't change the fact that he's a high-maitenance primadonna who's subject to temper tantrums.

Everyone who isn't a Sox fan knows he was juicing!

How? Show me some evidence. Being big and hitting HR's doesn't automatically mean you've used steroids. You can't say jack shit about Ortiz because there's never been even a HINT of steroid abuse connected to the guy.

Brian Cashman said they were talking with Manny after Winter meetings. I know this.

Winter Meetings are basically an excuse to talk to any and everyone in baseball. The Yankees intentions of signing Manny were completely miniscule at best.

Of course they were the only team that would re-sign him.

Brain-freeze, I obviously meant sign and not re-sign.

Yankee fans aren't loyal. We care about winning and solely winning. If you don't produce, we don't want you here.

Which is why they are some of the worst fans on Earth. True fans stand by their team no matter what.

NL East, anyone? AL Central? AL West? The D-Backs and Giants are playing great right now.

The NL East has the fucking World Series champions, the West has the Rangers & Angels both playing well. The Central is pretty bad, but not as bad as the NL West. The NL West is by far the worst division, and it's not even close.

But our starters are better than yours!

Not really. You guys have slightly better hitting, our defense is better, and our pitching is better. I'd say we have the advantage.

But seriously 48, this thread isn't about the Yankees-Red Sox, so why the hell are we talking about this?

I agree. Lifetime .341 batting average with great power numbers. I said Manny was the best right-handed hitter, though.

I know Williams was a lefty, I never said that he wasn't.

 

[CH David]

The NL East has the fucking World Series champions, the West has the Rangers & Angels both playing well. The Central is pretty bad, but not as bad as the NL West. The NL West is by far the worst division, and it's not even close.

NL East is a good competitive division. NL West is actually not as bad as I had thought. Dodgers are running away with the division, but Giants and Rockies are playing well. Granted SD and AZ suck badly this year. NL Central is not really living up to what everyone thought it would be. Everyone felt the Cubs would run away with the division. Sorry. Little tangent to dis the Cubs. NL Wildcard should be fun to watch.

But I am an AL kind of guy. AL East, what can I say, best division in the AL if not the league right now. Boston and New York fairly close, and the Rays had been playing well, that will be a good race to watch. AL West is surprisingly strong this year, but I don't know if I buy the Rangers taking down the Angels. Seattle is playing surprisingly well, but King Felix is a stud. And finally the AL Central. In 05 and 06, the AL Central was arguably the best division in baseball, and it has since been relinquished to the AL East currently. Obviously me being a White Sox fan, I will watch this race closer than any other. It may not be the best, but it is going to be one damn competitive race, with the Tigers, Twins, and my White Sox within 2.5 games for 1st place.
X, or Towelie, lol, would you agree with my assessment? And I want your opinion of the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas.

 

[X]

NL East is a good competitive division. NL West is actually not as bad as I had thought. Dodgers are running away with the division, but Giants and Rockies are playing well. Granted SD and AZ suck badly this year. NL Central is not really living up to what everyone thought it would be. Everyone felt the Cubs would run away with the division. Sorry. Little tangent to dis the Cubs. NL Wildcard should be fun to watch.

Yeah the NL West is definately better then it has been in the last few years, but it still has the Padres. Any division with the Padres isn't a very good one.

But I am an AL kind of guy. AL East, what can I say, best division in the AL if not the league right now. Boston and New York fairly close, and the Rays had been playing well, that will be a good race to watch. AL West is surprisingly strong this year, but I don't know if I buy the Rangers taking down the Angels. Seattle is playing surprisingly well, but King Felix is a stud. And finally the AL Central. In 05 and 06, the AL Central was arguably the best division in baseball, and it has since been relinquished to the AL East currently. Obviously me being a White Sox fan, I will watch this race closer than any other. It may not be the best, but it is going to be one damn competitive race, with the Tigers, Twins, and my White Sox within 2.5 games for 1st place.

I'm obviously an AL guy as well, being a Red Sox fan. AL Central is very competitive, even if the Tigers look like total fools with the amount of money they've shelled out for players and yet their team hasn't delivered.

AL East is definately the best division in baseball right now, the only team in the division that isn't playing well is Baltimore, and that's to be expected quite frankly.

X, or Towelie, lol, would you agree with my assessment? And I want your opinion of the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas.

I'd agree with your assessment.

As for Frank Thomas, what can really be said? One of the most feared hitters in the history of baseball, during his prime in the 90s there wasn't a better power hitter around. He's fallen off in recent years, but that's to be expected with every player once they reach a certain age. He still makes a valuable addition to any ball club though, if not just for his sheer knowledge of the game and help he could provide to younger players. Guy's a HOFer for sure.

 

[CH David]

X, if I had the money and time to take off work, I would love to fly up to Boston and catch and Red Sox-White Sox game with you. I really want to visit some time soon. Plus you are very knowledgable about the game of baseball. We could have some good baseball discussions.

Also, Frank was not on juice. I don't know what PYT is thinking. He is huge and always has been. The fear in pitchers eyes was awesome to see, plus the pipe he would swing in the on-deck circle didn't hurt either.

But back on topic, Manny has not even had the stats to match Frank Thomas in the same timeframe. Hell Carl Yastremski was the last Triple Crown winner, how is he not added to the topic of best hitters?