Though Boston Red Sox fans might have a difficult time swallowing the idea, Manny Ramirez would be welcome in many dugouts, according to statements by some prominent baseball people.

He's the ultimate pro, according to recent comments by L.A. Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly. And the Angels of Anaheim's manager Mike Scioscia stated a month or so ago that Manny would fit right in with his group, and even be a definite plus.

Well, maybe in the seventh game of the World Series, with the winning run on second and Manny at the plate. Yeah, he would fit right in there, since he is the best right-handed hitter in many, many years.

But these guys forget that Manny likes to take some time off during the regular season, and will fake an injury so that he can turn his back on his teammates for a few days. And they forget that, if pressed into service, Manny will stand there and take three down the middle and then go sit down. Is that what they mean by taking one for the team?

And they forget that he doesn't like to go full speed all of the time, even if he could get his team a run by beating out potential double-play grounder.

And they forget that he will strike one of his teammates in the dugout because Manny doesn't like the guy getting upset after making an out. Imagine: Manny doesn't like somebody else's attitude because the guy cares too much!

And they forget that Manny will knock around some old guy who's only job is to solve problems for the players.

Yeah, so you say, it's all OK, because Manny can hit (except when he doesn't feel like it) and he's good in the club house (unless somebody makes him mad because he's not being catered to) and he's a terrific teammate (except when he's loafing or pushing one his teammates around).

That's all a given with Manny, of course. But what I wonder is: How can the media give him a free pass on all of this? He quit on the Red Sox and forced his way out of town, bagging the last two option years (totaling $40 million!) of his contract.

Aren't there some ethics here that were trampled? If it's not immoral to force your employer to dissolve your contract—by behavior that was termed "malingering" when I was in the army—then what is it?

Mattingly and Scosia have years of experience playing and coaching in the majors. How can they see Manny as Old Reliable?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?