The latest on Manny
The L.A. Times has the latest story about a possibly imminent Manny signing. It could be true, and the reported details — two guaranteed years and a vesting third based on plate appearances — make sense. Best part, though, is this Scott Boras quote:
The Dodgers open Cactus League play Wednesday; Boras previously told The Times he expected Ramirez to be signed in time for spring training. “When I talk about spring training, I talk about when the games begin,” Boras said.
And if the signing doesn’t happen by Wednesday, he’ll say “when I talk about spring training, I talk about March, because really, that’s what feels like spring training to me.” If it gets past Sunday, he’ll say “when I talk about spring training, I talk about March 7th, because that sure is a lucky sounding day, isn’t it . . .”
Hate all you want, but I sleep pretty well knowing that Scott Boras is out there somewhere, making the rest of the world seem sane and reasonable by comparison.
Well this year when I talk about spring training it is after the WBC because that is when the real spring training begins.
Well, when I talk about spring training, I talk about Game 1 of the regular season because let’s be honest: that’s all the training Manny needs to Be Manny.
Spring training is just not of equal importance to every athlete, especially not in the modern era of virtually year-round conditioning. If you are fighting for a job or rehabbing from injury, then it’s important.
Why not drop the pretense of its general importance? Isn’t the advent of the WBC with MLB’s eager consent a tacit acknowledgment that some guys can do without much of it?
Manny could hibernate all winter and still need no more that a week to fine tune his swing. He’s the rain man of power hitters, and just about as selectively aware of the world around him.
Beware the Ides of March. I prophesy that the Dodgers will call Scott Boras into the clubhouse with loving gestures and then take turns stabbing him with metal cleats.