It seems like every couple of years we go through the charade of making a big deal out of Manny Ramirez wanting to be traded. Nothing ever happens, and after a few weeks Manny and the Red Sox shrug and go about life as usual. We haven't yet reached the shrugging phase this season, though, so bear with me as I follow-up on a rumor that probably never had an ounce of truth behind it in the first place ... Yesterday the New York Post cited Philadelphia as a likely destination for Ramirez, citing his relationship with skipper Charlie Manuel. The New York Times contacted the Phillies to gauge their interest, and not surprisingly, GM Pat Gillick denied having any in no uncertain terms:
"At this point, there's no interest on our part," said Gillick, in a telephone interview. "We have no place to play the guy."He's right. Manny hasn't played right field since making seven appearances there in 2002. The last time he played the position with any regularity was back in 2000 when he was still with the Indians. And considering Pat Burrell has been every bit as productive as Manny without any of the headaches, it makes no sense for the Phillies to swap left fielders with the Red Sox simply for the sake of change.
[...] "Burrell has to play left field and I don't think Ramirez has played right field in seven or eight years," Gillick said.
So where will Manny be playing by the end of the season? Some reports still say the Mets are interested, but I don't think they have the tools (or the stomach) to pull the trigger. Instead, if you couldn't tell from my first paragraph, I'm completely convinced he'll finish the season in Boston, which will make all of this time we're spending talking about his possible destinations seem a little silly.
