Location: Boston, Mass. | Ballpark: Fenway Park (36,336) | Spring Training: Ft. Myers, Fla.
Owner: John Henry, Tom Werner | GM: Theo Epstein | Manager: Terry Francona | World Championships: 7
Manny Ramirez has found himself -- once again -- amidst a firestorm of criticism and rumor after the wacky slugging savant criticized the Sox ownership and front office for doing things behind his back.
Then came a report on Friday morning that a six-figure fine had been imposed on Ramirez for his shoving incident with Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick -- an ultimately misguided rumor that proved to be unfounded. The television report further intimated that the Sox were wary that Ramirez might have given up an at-bat during a pinch-hitting appearance against Mariano Riviera -- a tacit protest of the punishment meted out for the shoving incident.
According to the Boston Globe, Ramirez was fined between $10,000-$15,000 that was agreed upon by the player, agent Scott Boras, the team and the players' union and the money went to an agreed-upon charity.
Ramirez didn't deign to make any comments to reporters prior to Friday night's game in Anaheim against the Angels, and Boras wouldn't confirm any disciplinary fines when reached by the Boston Globe.
The only issue Boras would confirm was that the agent planned to meet with Ramirez during Boston's series against the Angels to discuss his future -- a bone of contention in recent days with a pair of $20 million team options in place for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
"We handled it how we thought was appropriate," said Sox manager Terry Francona to reporters. "Things that happen, we take very seriously. But for us to react differently because something got in the media, I don't know that I agree with that. I don't think that because we don't say things, we're spineless. But everybody's entitled to their opinion."
ANGELS 11, RED SOX 3: 1B Kevin Youkilis and OF Manny Ramirez both went deep in Boston's first game after the All-Star break, but it wasn't enough as the Sox fell back into second place in the AL East. RHP Clay Buchholz was erratic with all of his pitches right out of the starting gate, and surrendered eight runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched.
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The Royal Rooters, that's what a should've called my thread! How silly of me! Justa nice little spot for Sox fans to b!tch and moan like most of Bostonites like to do! But be forewarned, the rules are the same, talk of anything you want, speak your mind, just no politics! (or religion)
The best 2 records is the AL play each other this weekend. Pitching Match-ups are Clay Buchholtz v John Lakey, Josh Beckett v John Garland, and Tim Wakefield v Joe Saunders. Looks lik
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How many more years will Manny Ramirez play in Boson? Now that were over half way through the season and this is the last year on Manny's contract what do Red Sox fans think hes gonna or want to happen?
