Manny Ramirez with Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 2003); Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 1995) not pictured
I know that my bloggers in crime who are Red Sox fans will have far more eloquence and gravitas than I could possibly provide on this subject, but it’s been a fun fucking 7.5 years watching Manny be Manny with the Red Sox. As of this afternoon, Manny is a Dodger, Andy LaRoche is a Pirate (ouch) and Jason Bay is the luckiest guy in Pittsburgh as he’s headed for the Sox, the first time he’s ever been on a winning team.
As one of the last members of the Red Sox to have been acquired by Dan Duquette, it’s really worth mentioning how much Boston is indebted to the Duke. The man was responsible for Manny, Pedro, Nomar, Varitek, D-Lowe, Damon, Youkilis, and (most importantly) Carl Everett, AND he was smart enough to let go of Mo Vaughn. Yet all he gets remembered for is not re-signing pre-HGH Roger Clemens after he had four pretty mediocre seasons. He scored amazing trades like getting Pedro from the Expos for Carl Pavano and Tony Armas, and getting Varitek and Lowe for freakin’ Heathcliff Slocumb. He even drafted Gary Sheffield (for the Brewers). Yet he’s out of Major League Baseball forever.
Theo looks better on TV, but there’s no doubt in my mind who is most responsible for the Sox’ breakthrough.
Here’s to you, Mr. Duquette.
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