Manny Issues and Phillies Land a Starter

Manny Ramirez is one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game of baseball. Manny Ramirez is a many time All-Star, World Series MVP, and a future Hall of Famer. Manny Ramirez is also a complete goofball who always seems to be confused about something. Manny put on a circus show the other night in left field when he fell on a fly ball after originally missing it, but that is not the reason he is making headlines. Manny at the end of this season has two $20 million player options left on his contract which the Red Sox can either pick up or if they don't #24 becomes an unrestricted free agent. Manny for the past several seasons has requested these options be picked up, but the Red Sox have not done so as of yet. Manny the other day came out in an interview and said the Red Sox are lying to him and he does not feel he will be playing in Boston much longer. Haven't we heard this before. Theo Epstein would be insane to let Manny walk at the end of this season. I am 10! 0% positive next year's option will be picked up and Manny once again will be a member of the Boston Red Sox. He will not be traded because once again the Red Sox are in a World Series hunt. We go through this every season and every year it is the same: Manny Ramirez remains in Boston.
The Philadelphia Phillies watched Milwaukee and Chicago land top tier pitchers in the NL and have seen their rival New York Mets quickly creep up on them in the NL East. The Phillies knew now was the time to make a move or they could very well miss out on the NL East crown and the Wildcard. Philadelphia acquired Oakland starter Joe Blanton for three minor leaguers and have just recalled starter Brett Myers from AAA. Myers was of course demoted last month for his struggles, but Philly needs him to be the #2 starter once again if they plan on playing in October. Blanton will fill that #3 spot in the rotation giving the Phillies some much needed depth. Philadelphia was smart to make ! this move now rather than wait for the July 31st trade deadlin! e. The NL East will once again be a very tight race that will go right down to the wire.