To Manny or Not to Manny, that is the question?

Everyone across the baseball nation, especially in Red Sox nation has seen what Manny Ramirez can do. He can bring his big bat and his antics along with it. He is one of the best hitters in the Majors, but his fielding can be considered lackadaisical at times or less than perfect. He brings his big smile and long dreaded hair, which he kids and says brings him his hitting power (Samson Effect?).

The question is do the Mets go and get this slugger and will he make this team better?

There is no question that he will make this team better in terms of offense. He would probably bat 4th in a lineup surrounding Delgado, Beltran, and Wright. He would make each batter better because there will be more protection in the lineup for each of these players. Omar Minaya has a decision to make in terms of changing the face of this team. This team has no atttitude and lack that winning spirit. Manny's carefree approach and cockiness will give this team some attitude and confidence that it lacks.

Another question is does he want to play in NY? He is from here (Washington Heights), will that be a distraction? Will that get him in trouble being back home? The Mets have to look at that as well, and the Mets like guys that are trouble-free especially after all the Vince Coleman's of the world..

Here is a look at Manny's last three seasons:

2006 BOS 130 449 79 144 27 1 35 102 100 102 0 1 .321 .439 .619 1.058 2007 BOS 133 483 84 143 33 1 20 88 71 92 0 0 .296 .388 .493 .881 2008 BOS 100 365 66 109 22 1 20 68 52 86 1 0 .299 .398 .529 .926 2008 LAD 53 187 36 74 14 0 17 53 35 38 2 0 .396 .489 .743 1.232 Career 2103 7610 1444 2392 507 18 527 1725 1212 1667 37 31 .314 .411 .593 1.004
You can't deny what Manny has accomplished...But is it all for a contract next year?

This guy is HR/RBI Machine with a career 527 HR's and 1725 RBI's. He also has a career .314 batting avg.

The negatives are he only averages 138 games in the last 3 yrs and he will be 37 next year. He will demand a contract somewhere around 5 years and 85 Million. That would make him 41 at contracts end. He also makes crazy decisions on and off the field, which is certainly Manny being Manny. He does the unusual which can make himself sometimes a circus act, but some sees it as having fun. He also does stupid stuff like watching the ball off the bat like last night, which can drive a manager crazy! The problem with the Mets is they have to get back to having fun..They seem way to tight at times, that can have a cause and effect to losing.

My endorsement is to get Manny only if they can get him for 3 yrs or less...He is a great hitter that will look good in a Mets uniform. I believe that number 24 is available...Also he would bring some fun back to the Mets and the fans will enjoy seeing players that are having fun playing this game at Citi-Field next year!
Not to mention, he will draw ticket sales...LOL