Ramirez Factor Affecting Odds
Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox left fielder, is perhaps the most dangerous hitter in the game, and the best RBI man in the last five decades. He is also one of the characters of the game, and has demanded a trade from Boston on a few occasions.
Boston has generally ignored him, knowing that they can not make a trade that will give them a chance at the 2006 World Series. If Ramirez stays against his will, he is likely to have one of his famous 'turns'. Or maybe just go through the motions of playing Baseball - without really 'being there'.
He has 40 home runs and 122 RBI’s on average in five years with Boston. It would be best for all concerned if that could continue.
Last year the Sox scored over 900 runs for the third year in succession. They became the first team since the Yankees in 1930 to manage that.
It basically won't happen again easily without the this man.
Ramirez is the most productive cleanup hitter. Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Trot Nixon are down the order at number five at best.
The odds have already been affected. For example, Red Sox are around 3/1 to win the AL East and the Yankees are 4/9, Toronto is 9/1 and Baltimore and Tampa Bay way out.
If contract issues arise or Ramirez is traded, Toronto are suddenly a very interesting pick at 9/1. It is safe to say that a lot rests on the Red Sox and Ramirez sorting it out - so the man stays happy.
Boston has generally ignored him, knowing that they can not make a trade that will give them a chance at the 2006 World Series. If Ramirez stays against his will, he is likely to have one of his famous 'turns'. Or maybe just go through the motions of playing Baseball - without really 'being there'.
He has 40 home runs and 122 RBI’s on average in five years with Boston. It would be best for all concerned if that could continue.
Last year the Sox scored over 900 runs for the third year in succession. They became the first team since the Yankees in 1930 to manage that.
It basically won't happen again easily without the this man.
Ramirez is the most productive cleanup hitter. Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Trot Nixon are down the order at number five at best.
The odds have already been affected. For example, Red Sox are around 3/1 to win the AL East and the Yankees are 4/9, Toronto is 9/1 and Baltimore and Tampa Bay way out.
If contract issues arise or Ramirez is traded, Toronto are suddenly a very interesting pick at 9/1. It is safe to say that a lot rests on the Red Sox and Ramirez sorting it out - so the man stays happy.
