Is Manny Ramirez Bad for Baseball?

Manny Ramirez is one of the all time best hitters of this era. Maybe one of the best all time. But a lot of people, including myself, have absolutely NO respect for him.

Sure, he has two world series rings with the Red Sox, but he can't go a game without being the center of attention. I have heard of the phrase "Manny being Manny." What does that mean, exactly?

Does that mean he can do what he wants without being punished? I mean just because he is a professional athlete does not mean you don't need to respect the game. 

“The Red Sox don't deserve a player like me. During my years here, I have seen how they (Red Sox) mistreated other great players when they didn't want to try to turn the fans against them.”

"The Red Sox did the same with guys like Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez, and now they do the same with me. I love Boston fans, but the Red Sox don't deserve me. I'm not talking about money. Mental peace has no price and I don't have peace here."

WOW! Where does he get off saying the Red Sox don't deserve him? If he does not take the team seriously, how do they take you seriously? Let's take a look at some of "Manny being Manny" antics over the past few years:

• Removed himself from lineup this year against the Yankees and the Mariners, creating a rift about his knee
• Shoved a secretary ( Jack McCormick) to the ground because he was upset about the number of tickets he would be allowed
• Had an altercation with teammate and First Baseman Kevin Youkilis June 5 in the dugout
• Arrived late to Spring Training in 2007 due to what Boston called a "Family Emergency" but was really scheduled to attend a car auction
• Refused to pinch-hit in 2003 vs. the Phillies; Manager Grady Little then benched him
• Socializes with Yankees Infielder and friend Enrique Wilson after he said he was too sick to play
• Angered Commissioner Bud Selig when not attending 2006 All-Star game because of his knee
• Went into the Green Monster to take a bathroom break during a pitching coach's visit to the mound and barley returned for the next pitch, in 2005
• Climbed into Green Monster to make a call on his cell phone during a pitching change in July of this year

I think it's clear of what kind of player Manny Ramirez is. Maybe the new change of scenery will clean up his act. But until then he need to shut his mouth and play the game.