En Route To Retaining Ramirez…

This post applies only to those readers of my blog who are members of Red Sox Nation.

As most of you are likely already aware, due to conflicts with the Boston media and fans, star slugger and quirky loveably aloof icon Manny Ramirez has requested a trade. In the past, Manny has overreacted and claimed that he wanted out, but he always came around with a quick smile, a new hairstyle, and a clutch homerun to win back our hearts. This time however, he could be serious, as he has put his $6.9 million Boston condominium on the market, and his teammate (and supposed best friend on the team) David Ortiz said recently that he doesn’t believe that Ramirez will be back with the Red Sox next season. Ramirez has always been a target of the Boston media as he is often criticized for his defensive lapses (although he had a very good year defensively last year with 243 putouts and 17 outfield assists) and for his lack of effort, especially in running out ground balls. How quick they are to overlook his defensive improvement and his offensive statistics that have remained consistent in the era of MLB A.S(after steroids). Not only has he been a great hitter (putting together a string of seasons since his arrival in 2001 that rival those of all-time Red Sox greats) but in an age where few statistics are believed or untarnished, a clean one as well.

Red Sox fan Jeffrey M. Guinee, who created a website earlier this week (KEEPMANNY.com) urging fellow members of Red Sox nation to sign a petition expressing their love for Ramirez, believes (as do I) that "because of the media there's this undertone that Manny's not wanted here; but, we think that if the masses were heard it wouldn't even be close. It would be like 10-1 to keep Manny." As of Wednesday afternoon over 14,000 Red Sox fans (including myself) have signed the petition and I urge you all to do the same.

Click Here to Enter KeepManny.com