Manny being a typical Manny pain

It's a famous phrase in baseball: Manny being Manny. It's also a major copout.

The phrase is meant to explain and excuse the curious behavior of outfielder Manny Ramirez. But how do you explain his latest comments? He starts spring training for the Los Angeles Dodgers announcing that this would be his last year with the team. Why would you even start the year with that kind of negative talk? It makes no sense. People will say it's just Manny being Manny. I say it's just Manny being a typical pain in the butt.

Manny has been a major distraction for the Dodgers, with a contentious, drawn-out contract negotiation and a bust and 50-game ban for steroid use last year. He also single-handedly renewed interest in baseball in Los Angeles. He's been both a blessing and curse for Joe Torre, who's used to such distractions from his time with the New York Yankees.

You would think Manny would just want to keep his head down, have a typical Manny year and hit the free agent market on a high note. Instead, he reminds us once again why the Boston Red Sox were so determined to get rid of him despite his power and importance to the team. Just stop talking, Manny!

Thanks to shgmom56 via Wikipedia for the photo.