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You said, "...but as long as he drives in runs I personally can over look his shenanigans."
There's no question that you're not alone in that thinking. And I am NOT saying those of you who believe that way should be faulted. Not at all. 'Cause if that's the way you feel, then that's that. Period. And as often said, it'd be a boring world if everyone agreed on everything.
However... I think Ramirez brought a new standard to the game. At least in Boston. Boston is where fans put up with the likes of Don Buddin, for example. As someone here on the forum reminded us, even a Boston sportswriter had quipped that the number on his license plate should be "E-7". But as bad as he was, he tried his best. And that, I believe, is what caused some fans to be somewhat forgiving. At least for a while.
Another example is #^&#^&#^&#^& Stuart. The Boston fans gave him the best nickname in baseball. "Dr. Strangeglove." He could hit and he could field. That is, he could field as long as the ball was smacked to either side of him. The harder the better. But if a ball came straight at him, half the time you could forget about it. But the guy tried. The fans loved him when he'd plant the ball over the fence, but they'd boo him when he booted a ground ball. Yet he was a fan favorite. The guy was always giving it his best shot.
Now along comes Manny. A pure hitter. When he's on, he's as good as it gets. No question about it. But up above I mentioned that he brought a new standard to Boston. And I honestly believe he did. Sure, he produced big time. But he also displayed a lack of hustle I never witnessed before in Boston. Maybe here and there, but Manny raised the bar. Notice I'm not referring to his sleeping on the base paths, unfortunately that happens to others as well. (Although Manny probably does that best.)
The fact is the guy is lazy. He flat doesn't hustle. How many times have we seen him lope to first after hitting a grounder? Hell, I remember one time he never left the batter's box. Yet he's still a fan favorite. Hard to figure, because Boston fans weren't known for being tolerant of players who didn't always give it their all.
I think most fans will put up with almost anything except ball players who don't hustle. And for me, that's the ONLY thing I have against Manny Ramirez. In fact, it's funny in a way... because we've all seen Manny hoofing it full speed 'round the bases while the announcers took special note of him running hard. As if a ball player running hard should be something out of the ordinary - and something that should be pointed out. Fact is, for Manny it is.
Anyway, that's my take on Mr. Ramirez. If I was a Red Sox fan AND could choose my left fielder, it'd be someone like a healthy Gabe Kapler for example. The guy plays hard and gives his team mates and the fans 100% all the time. And there are others... that while they don't have the bat that Manny Ramirez has, you can be sure they won't lay down on their team either.
Oh, for the days of Freddy Lynn...
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