Manny Ramirez: Can Canada Handle the Man-Ram Traveling Circus?
Manny Ramirez has made some interesting comments recently concerning his future in baseball. It seems he has taken quite a liking to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays hired Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell. The former Red Sox slugger has taken note and has offered his services. Canada should be happy and a bit afraid at this news—you never know what you are getting with the flighty outfielder.
As with any acquisition, there are pros and cons. With Manny Ramirez, the difference between the two is canyon-esque. So here we have reasons for and against a possible Man-Ram trip to Canada.
5: Good for Canada: Production
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Manny Ramirez can still produce. Even if it is not as much as he has in the past, it is still something. He offers the Man-Ram mystique.
Pitchers are still willing to pitch around the slugger. This was evident even when he moved to the Chicago White Sox. Pitchers pitched to the Manny of old and not the one that has diminished power. So, the White Sox lineup was that much more potent.
Paul Konerko had a huge last month as he had the protection and walk ratio of Ramirez in front of him. So if Manny is not the same, his reputation is enough to get positive results.
5: Bad for Canada: Not the Same Manny
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As I mentioned, his reputation may still be that of a consistent hitter, but the reality is far different.
Manny Ramirez is no longer a .300 hitter. Even more startling is his lack of power. His last year in Los Angeles was dismal. Even when he was healthy, he showed only warning-track power. It was the first time in his career that home run balls would die at the fence.
4: Good for Canada: Added Left Fielder
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The Blue Jays have a hole in left field. While Ramirez would like to DH, his signing would allow them to platoon Adam Lind and Manny Ramirez in left field until a viable option is found.
The caveat is that you have now sunk money into two DH players that are bad fielders.
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4: Bad for Canada: He Is Now a DH
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Manny Ramirez is no longer a fielder. Not that he ever was, but he is definitely not one now. Toronto would not be getting a versatile player that can roam the field. They would be getting a hitter only. The Blue Jays have to make sure they are getting a DH that can last the entire season and be productive.
When you sign on a player to DH only, you want one that is a consistent hitter. I am not sure Ramirez is even that now.
3: Good for Canada: Marketing
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Manny Ramirez sells. For a cash-strapped organization like Toronto, you have to think Ramirez could sell an awful lot of merchandise.
The Dodgers realized this early on and sold t-shirts, wigs, posters, balls—basically anything with his name or moniker attached. Manny Ramirez is worth millions in this area.
3: Bad for Canada: Bad Publicity
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Just as Manny boosts your marketing viability, he also brings baggage with him. At every stop he has had, bad story lines have followed.
Whether it is his lack of motivation, his poor fielding or his steroid abuse, he will always bring a negative spin to his stay. So if the Blue Jays are planning on cashing in on the Man-Ram experience, they have to accept all that comes with it.
2: Good for Canada: The Blue Jays Would Matter
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Every sport has a Siberia. It is a place that players go to be forgotten. In the NFL that place is Buffalo, in the NBA it is Charlotte and in the MLB it is Kansas City and Toronto.
Jose Bautista had to have the best year of his career even to be noticed by the national media. By acquiring Manny Ramirez, the Blue Jays would go a long way toward getting coverage every night. At the very least it would put butts in the seats.
2: Bad for Canada: Manny Could Go Out with a Whimper
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The stop in Toronto could be Manny Ramirez's last. The picture of him in a Blue Jays uniform would then forever be known as the sad end to a great career. It puts a bad spin on a fine organization.
Imagine Willie Mays in a Mets uniform if you think I am crazy.
1: Good for Canada: New Manager
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It is always tough for a new manager to gain respect and credibility in the clubhouse. Getting a former player and future hall-of-famer to have your back is an added plus.
Immediately, John Farrell would have the eyes and ears of the roster, from the seasoned vets to the rookies. Having Manny Ramirez may actually make the transition between coaches that much easier.
1: Bad for Canada: Ego
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Like most sluggers, Many Ramirez has an enormous ego. It is what made him believe he would never get caught for performance-enhancing drugs. It is the reason his "Manny being Manny" moments are so abundant.
What the Blue Jays brass would have to ask is whether they can control an ego the size of their stadium. At some point Manny will be unhappy. He may play nice now, but the times he has imposed his selfishness are ubiquitous throughout his career.
Conclusion
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Sign Manny.
Sure he brings a tremendous amount of baggage, but you are Toronto. Players are renowned for leaving your country and looking for greener pastures on teams in the states. So when there is a player that actually would like to play in your country, you take it. You sign him and worry about the rest later.
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