Cleveland Indians Fans Rejoice! We Can't Afford To Bring Manny Ramirez Back

Throughout this offseason, I have heard excited whispers in chatrooms and at bars about the possibility of Manny Ramirez coming back to Cleveland. I have to admit that I am surprised; not so much at Cleveland fans' optimism, but rather that anyone would want Ramirez back in Cleveland.  

I understand the allure Ramirez's bat brings, but what about his detrimental presence in the clubhouse. Everywhere the man goes he brings negative media attention and distractions.

For starters, remember what he did to Cleveland? The Indians developed Ramirez into an All-Star and the fans loved him. He helped get the Tribe to two world series and was an instrumental part of their All-Star lineup.  

Then when his contract was up what did he do? He turned his back on the city that loved him and signed with the Red Sox for more money.  

One can hardly hold this against him since it occurs so much in professional sports today, and it would be easier to forgive Ramirez if he hadn't done the same to his new team.

After being embraced by the city of Boston and helping the Red Sox break their 86 year World Series slump, Ramirez demanded to be traded. In 2005, Manny decided he had had enough of Boston and threatened not to show up to Spring Training if management would not meet his demands.

When no trade agreement could be met, Manny eventually changed his mind and told ESPN Deportes that he was dropping his demands.  After helping Boston win another title in 2007 (one that, in all honesty, the Indians probably should have won) more problems began to arise.

Ramirez got into a dugout altercation with teammate Kevin Youkilis in June and reportedly assaulted one of the team's traveling secretaries in July. Unhappy with his contract situation ($200 million for 10 years) Ramirez began to show a lack of enthusiasm in both running out groundballs and his fielding efforts.

Eventually, on July 31, the Red Sox traded Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is an ongoing investigation by major league baseball into the circumstances of Ramirez's trade and it is reported he was purposely not showing up to practices and giving a half-hearted effort unless Boston either traded him or dropped his 2009 option.

Of course, the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles treated Manny like royalty.  In return Manny did what he does best, he hit the ball. Ramirez had a stellar second half, propelling the Dodgers into the playoffs where they eventually lost to the Phillies.  

At the end of the season, Ramirez became a free agent and is reportedly looking for a four-year, $100 million contract.

It is undeniable that Manny can hit the ball, he always has; but is it worth the turmoil he brings to both the teams that sign him and cities that embrace him? Earlier today, the Indians officially announced that they have no interest in signing Ramirez, mainly due to monetary reasons.

This has sparked some disappointment from fans who were part of the "Sign Manny" movement.  However, I would encourage Indians fans to be grateful because even if the Indians were willing to shell out the money for his contract, I do not think we could afford to bring Manny back.