2008 Stats: 53 games, .396, 17 homeruns, 53 RBIs, 1.232 OPS (Full Season: .332, 37 homeruns, 121 RBIs)2008 Analysis: Manny really had two seasons in one. His first season was not bad. Through 100 games with the Red Sox, he had 20 homeruns, 68 RBIs, and he was batting .299. He was bored, he was playing lackadaisically, he wanted a new contract. Then he was traded on July 31st.
And he started giving 100%.
He almost matched his entire offensive output for the season in half the games. He was playing like a man looking for one last nine figure contract. And boy did that benefit the Dodgers. 30-23 after the trade and a first place finish in the NL West.
2009 Outlook: Manny is hoping for a big payday and multi-year contract, and so far, he really hasn't gotten many buyers.
There aren't many teams that can afford a Manny contract. The Yankees may be interested, the Red Sox certainly aren't, the Mets and Angels might be long shots. We really might end up being the best fit for Manny.That said, I've got very mixed feelings about Manny. I do like him, and I'd want him in the lineup for the next several years if there was some guarantee that he won't give up on us a year in. We've seen what Manny can do when he plays at 100%, and we've also seen Manny play at about 50%. When he's playing at 100%, it's a beautiful thing. When he's not, you'll want to pull your hair out.
Ah, screw it. We gave up Andy LaRoche for him, might as try to get more out of him than a trip to the NLCS...
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