Are the Boston Red Sox Better Without Manny Ramirez?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Manny Ramirez and gave up virtually nothing for him.

Ramirez will bolster an anemic offense, and the Dodgers' pitching staff should be enough to win the NL West. I don’t see the Dodgers winning a playoff round, however.

The Boston Red Sox replaced Ramirez with OF Jason Bay in a three-way deal that involved the Pirates. Believe it or not, I think the Sox are better without Ramirez.

Bay is a solid, prolific hitter who will see pitches to hit while being protected by David Ortiz. Bay also gives the Sox more range in the outfield.

The clubhouse atmosphere is also improved, as it puts an end to the hoopla of “Manny being Manny.” I like this deal for Boston

The Chicago White Sox added slugger Ken Griffey Jr. to their lineup in exchange for prospects.

Some have said this deal is curious. I don’t get that assertion. Griffey will most likely play center field, taking over for Nick Swisher who, in my view, has been scuffling this season and will likely move to first base.

The acquisition of Griffey gives manager Ozzie Guillen some flexibility in certain spots, as well. It will allow him to keep both Jim Thome and Griffey’s bats fresh if he so chooses to use them in a minor platoon at the DH position.

Should either player suffer an injury it also affords Guillen with the luxury of resting either Swisher, Thome, or Griffey without missing a beat offensively. It was a solid move by Ken Williams, the Sox GM.

The under-the-radar deal of the day goes to the Marlins and Dave Dombrowski who acquired Arthur Rhodes for their bullpen, Rhodes, who missed all of last season, has playoff experience and a poised veteran who will calm a young Marlins pen. Nobody will talk about this deal but it’s a good fit.

Before the deadline, the Yankees acquired Ivan Rodriguez. This deal does NOT help the Yankees. The Yankees did not need more offense. The Yankees will NOT make the playoffs.