It's going to be a huge weight off the Red Sox's shoulders when they decline their $20-million option on Manny this autumn. And, of course, it's going to be a huge assignment to replace his production.
"I know they've got me. But hey, enough is enough," Ramirez said. "I'm tired of them. They're tired of me. After 2008, just send me a letter or whatever - you don't even got to call my agent - and say, 'Thank you for everything. You're going to become a free agent. We're not going to pick up your option in '09.' "
That'll happen. But not before the Red Sox make one more run with Manny. As the Yankees know all too well, a Manny Meltdown doesn't preclude Manny Merriment in October.