glittergal Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 WOW from the Providence Journal today.Red Sox place Ramirez on waivers After deciding that his off-the-field incidents outweigh his production, Boston puts slugger Manny Ramirez and his prohibitive contract on irrevocable waivers. 01:00 AM EST on Thursday, October 30, 2003 BY SEAN McADAMJournal Sports Writer BOSTON -- In a stunning move that provides the clearest evidence yet that the Red Sox are determined to rid themselves of Manny Ramirez, the club placed the controversial slugger on irrevocable waivers yesterday, sources outside the organization confirmed last night.The waivers exist for 48 hours, running through tomorrow. If a team puts a claim in for Ramirez, the Red Sox would lose him and not be able to pull him back. However, the Sox would also be free of the more than $95 million Ramirez has owed to him in remaining base salary.Ramirez has five more years left on an eight-year, $160 million deal that was signed with Boston in December of 2000. The club also holds options on a seventh and eighth season.Boston's displeasure with Ramirez was well-known following a string of incidents in late August and early September. Ramirez missed a critical three-game weekend series with the New York Yankees because of illness, but was spotted socializing with Yankee infielder Enrique Wilson that Saturday night in a Boston hotel lobby.After failing to report for a scheduled examination with the team's medical staff the following day, Ramirez accompanied the Sox to Philadelphia for a Labor Day makeup game against the Phillies, then repeatedly declined requests to pinch-hit. The day after, as the team began a series in Chicago, Ramriez was benched by then-manager Grady Little.His actions enraged management and began internal talk of dealing him this off-season, with the full knowledge that the Sox would likely have to eat much of his remaining money.Placing Ramirez on irrevocable waivers serves a two-fold purpose for the Sox. At the very least, it signals to 29 other teams a willingness to deal Ramirez and could lead to future trade talks.Secondly, it gives the Sox an opportunity to slice Ramirez's eight-figure financial commitment from their books altogether.Baseball sources said last night that the Yankees would be the team most likely to claim Ramirez. Stinging from a World Series defeat, owner George Steinbrenner has temporarily stripped general manager Brian Cashman of his power, taken control of the team himself and signaled an intent to radically overhaul his roster.The Yankees' need for a power-hitting outfielder, coupled with the opportunity to weaken the Red Sox, may prove alluring for Steinbrenner. Ramirez has always hit well in Yankee Stadium, which is perfectly suited for the right-handed hitter's opposite-field power.While the Yankees represent the best bet to claim Ramirez, they're not the only teams likely to at least give the idea consideration. The New York Mets, also in need of outfield power and seeking to reclaim some attention from the Yankees, might also be interested.The Baltimore Orioles, free of tens of millions of contractual obligations this year and eager to again become players in the A.L. East, are another possibility. Slightly less interested might be the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.Ramirez told ESPN's Joe Morgan in late August that it was a "dream" of his to someday play for the Yankees. Though born in the Dominican Republic, Ramirez was raised in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, not far from the Bronx.At the same time, Ramirez has told players on at least one other American League team -- not the Yankees -- that he would prefer to play for them rather than remain with the Red Sox.It's possible that Ramirez, through Moorad, may have more formally communicated a wish to the Red Sox of his preference to play elsewhere.If the Sox could trim approximately $20 million from their payroll, allowing them to invest in other desirable free agents and fostering a more selfless approach for their roster, they would be only too happy to grant Ramirez his wish.In his three seasons to date with the Red Sox, Ramirez has hit .300 each year and collected more than 30 homers and more than 100 RBI. He won the American League batting title in 2002 and knocked in 100 or more runs in eight of his nine major league seasons, the first six of which were spent with the Cleveland Indians.But the Red Sox have decided that for all his offensive excellence, Ramirez is no bargain -- on the payroll or in the clubhouse.Ramirez will make $20.2 next season -- the single-highest annual salary over the life of the contract. He'll be paid $19.6 million in 2005, $18.5 million in 2006, $17.4 million in 2007 and $19.3 million in 2008. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codica3 Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 This is a smart move.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bxbomb Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 just proves how much of a punk ass/clubhouse cancer this guy is and always has been.Unfortunately or just the opposite the Yanks were always destined to get this guy, washington hts connection and his ability to hit very well in the bx. so it might as well be now while he is in his prime.I never liked this guy but he puts up absolutely staggering offensive numbers and has done it over a long stretch of timePlayin in NY he will have multiple run ins and blow ups so I am not sure if its worth the headache:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pk1 Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 Yankees are better off getting Vlad Guerreo. This guy has unbelievable talent. All around better athlete. IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glittergal Posted October 31 Author Report Share Posted October 31 As it turns out the Yankees don't want him...haha boy that has to suck being on a team you know doesn't want you but being forced to play at least another season there. And the team you want to be on doesn't want you as well. LOL too ironic I luv it. Oh well, I'd be content to make 1/5 of his yearly pay and could take anything they'd throw my way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonStephen Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 Originally posted by Codica3 This is a smart move.. Actually, it isfree up the money and get someone thats better overall like Sheffield or Guerreo and wants to play. I like the move although I doubt it will work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codica3 Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 Originally posted by djjonstephen although I doubt it will work This being the key point.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codica3 Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 And btw - looks like Boston is stuck with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonStephen Posted November 2 Report Share Posted November 2 Originally posted by Codica3 And btw - looks like Boston is stuck with him. it could be worse.....we could be stuck Jose Contreras Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codica3 Posted November 2 Report Share Posted November 2 Originally posted by djjonstephen it could be worse.....we could be stuck Jose Contreras Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lolahotass Posted November 3 Report Share Posted November 3 :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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