Manny Ramirez is a "pimp"

[B in ALB]

According to Johnny Damon, manny has every right to "pimp" on the field, with his 354 home runs, and he hopes to see more "pimping" from him this year.

Presumably, that includes popping off to last night's Indians starting pitcher after he launched a tape measure shot with his team on the losing end. An excellent display of both class and "pimping."

But it made me think - hmmmmmm.....ARod hit his 350th Home Run last night at the ripe old age of what? 28? There was no "pimping" - there was no "grandstanding" - there was no "showboating" or "showing up" of the pitcher, the opposing team, the fans, or the game. Just a gentle trot around the bases - a kind of "been there, done that" attitude.
Kind of like what Barry Sanders used to say - "Act like you've been there before."

Manny's a great hitter - perhaps the best hitter in the AL right now, a tremendous talent, and the posterboy for baseball skill at the plate. However, I think this latest display of "pimping" by Manny Ramirez clinches it for me - he's selfish, classless, and careless.

[NicktheStick36]

I don't know if you watched the game, but Ramirez launched one, watched it land put his head down and went into his jog. This ball was so far gone that Matt Lawton didn't move, or turn around to see where it landed.

Indians pitcher Jason Davis walked towards the line, and started yelling at Ramirez. Manny didn't 'pop off' to Davis, it was vice versa.

Watching bombs like that is part of the game now. While it might be classless (I don't think it is), it is not at all selfish, or careless, whatever that means.

I will never understand why fans of the game hate it when players are fans of the game too. Excitement over a job well done should be part of the game.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by NicktheStick36
I don't know if you watched the game, but Ramirez launched one, watched it land put his head down and went into his jog. This ball was so far gone that Matt Lawton didn't move, or turn around to see where it landed.

Indians pitcher Jason Davis walked towards the line, and started yelling at Ramirez. Manny didn't 'pop off' to Davis, it was vice versa.

Watching bombs like that is part of the game now. While it might be classless (I don't think it is), it is not at all selfish, or careless, whatever that means.

I will never understand why fans of the game hate it when players are fans of the game too. Excitement over a job well done should be part of the game.

I saw the game and most media outlets including ESPN are stating that Manny was the instigator last night. It was a tremendous shot, a mammoth home run, a great accomplishment (Lawton just standing there with his head down was great) but there is no reason to have any other reaction than what is deemed necessary by the fact that his team was losing, they were on in a 5 game losing streak, and it's the second month of the season. Then for Damon to state that it's ok for Manny to "pimp" - while at the same time i see ARod hit his 350th and act like a winner should - is somewhat pathetic.

[YankeeClemens22]

I don't think a slow movement into your run on a big home run is classless. It's alright to watch it a bit.

IMO, you can't:

- Flip the bat at the pitcher.
- Jaw at the other team.
- Showboat your way around the bases.

Take a look at Ruben's grand slam on Sat. He stood to watch it.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by YankeeClemens22
I don't think a slow movement into your run on a big home run is classless. It's alright to watch it a bit.

IMO, you can't:

- Flip the bat at the pitcher.
- Jaw at the other team.
- Showboat your way around the bases.

Take a look at Ruben's grand slam on Sat. He stood to watch it.

Oh, that's all it was?

[CrazyNY]

I'm not sure what the big deal was. Who started it? Well, if watching the home run for a bit before running is starting it, then I suppose Manny did. But that's all he did until the pitcher walked towards him yelling as Manny was jogging towards first. I'm not sure how this make him "classless" and selfish.

And, by the way, many pitchers will say that having a fielder not even move is a fairly selfish act that shows up the pitcher.

[Sixty one]

If that was Clemens or Gibson who gave up that homerun, you can bet the house that the next time he came up he would be admiring the dirt with his face at home plate!!&po'd& &po'd&

[Doc's Private Stash]

Originally posted by B in ALB


I saw the game and most media outlets including ESPN are stating that Manny was the instigator last night. It was a tremendous shot, a mammoth home run, a great accomplishment (Lawton just standing there with his head down was great) but there is no reason to have any other reaction than what is deemed necessary by the fact that his team was losing, they were on in a 5 game losing streak, and it's the second month of the season. Then for Damon to state that it's ok for Manny to "pimp" - while at the same time i see ARod hit his 350th and act like a winner should - is somewhat pathetic.

Ah, and if ESPN "experts" say it, it must be the case. Apparently Nick the Stick and I were watching a different ballgame than everyone else, because I saw the same thing. He absolutely crushed a titanic shot, stood there for a couple seconds watching the ball (he didn't yell anything, didn't look out at the pitcher, didn't even clap his hands or aynthing), then he started jogging to first. It was Davis that got all up in Manny's face, not the other way around. You could just as easily put fault on Davis here: you're up 6 runs, you made a bad pitch and gave up a long homerun, now you're still up by 5- shut up, go back out there and throw strikes, and secure the victory for your team. No need to call out the other team when you're winning comfortably.

As for Damon's comment, it's a pretty idiotic thing to say. But since he's Jesus and all, I guess we have to take his word for it...

P.S.- You'd think Jesus would be hitting better than .250, no?

[DiMaggio5CF]

I suppose "pimps" don't have to suck it up and take it like a man when someone buzzes them up and in.

I've never seen anyone go from "showboating pimp" to "whining, complaining bitch" as fast as Manny Ramirez.

[flutie22]

Originally posted by B in ALB
According to Johnny Damon, manny has every right to "pimp" on the field, with his 354 home runs, and he hopes to see more "pimping" from him this year.

Presumably, that includes popping off to last night's Indians starting pitcher after he launched a tape measure shot with his team on the losing end. An excellent display of both class and "pimping."

But it made me think - hmmmmmm.....ARod hit his 350th Home Run last night at the ripe old age of what? 28? There was no "pimping" - there was no "grandstanding" - there was no "showboating" or "showing up" of the pitcher, the opposing team, the fans, or the game. Just a gentle trot around the bases - a kind of "been there, done that" attitude.
Kind of like what Barry Sanders used to say - "Act like you've been there before."

Manny's a great hitter - perhaps the best hitter in the AL right now, a tremendous talent, and the posterboy for baseball skill at the plate. However, I think this latest display of "pimping" by Manny Ramirez clinches it for me - he's selfish, classless, and careless.

All Manny did was watch it for a second before he started his trot.. The indians pitcher yelled something at him and he yelled back at him as he was circling the bases. selfish, classless and careless? gimme break guy.
include the whole quote by damon next time .you left a few things out.

Tempers flared in the sixth inning when Cleveland starter Jason Davis took offense at Manny Ramirez flipping his bat and taking his time beginning his home run trot after launching a 459-foot blast to left. The 23-year-old righthander walked toward the line and yelled at Ramirez, who spewed back a few invectives. "I hate pimping, but that ball was crushed and Manny has hit 350-plus home runs," Johnny Damon said. "Manny has earned that right. I think [Davis] realized when he yelled and our bench yelled back at him that Manny is a premier player. I hope to see Manny pimp a few more times this year." . . . The Sox dropped a fifth straight game for the first time since last June 3. They had not committed an error in four straight games before Mueller made two in the fourth inning.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal...e_to_wait?pg=2

[KC]

If you want to watch, then go outside, buy a ticket and sit in the stands. If you want to play, then run your ass around the bases.

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by KC
If you want to watch, then go outside, buy a ticket and sit in the stands. If you want to play, then run your ass around the bases.

Did you ever watch Reggie Jackson hit a home run?

[flutie22]

Bonds watches pretty much all his homeruns.

[Sox1918]

it's a beautiful thing when manny can fully extend and get a hold of one the way he did last night. the dirty helmet, the chewing tobacco, the little strut...it's must-see-tv. it can obviously be demoralizing for a pitcher. he probably doesnt show up anyone consciously; it just seemed that way b/c it was such an absolute bomb. hey, i admire my high absolute fouls in softball (that's right), why shouldnt manny admire his 460-foot absolute bombs??

and so what if davis jaws at him or manny jaws back. not exactly baseball sacrilege. from a fan's perspective, the entertainment level increases.

[KC]

Originally posted by NDBoston
Did you ever watch Reggie Jackson hit a home run?

Yep. And it pissed me off then, too.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by Doc's Private Stash


Ah, and if ESPN "experts" say it, it must be the case. Apparently Nick the Stick and I were watching a different ballgame than everyone else, because I saw the same thing. He absolutely crushed a titanic shot, stood there for a couple seconds watching the ball (he didn't yell anything, didn't look out at the pitcher, didn't even clap his hands or aynthing), then he started jogging to first. It was Davis that got all up in Manny's face, not the other way around. You could just as easily put fault on Davis here: you're up 6 runs, you made a bad pitch and gave up a long homerun, now you're still up by 5- shut up, go back out there and throw strikes, and secure the victory for your team. No need to call out the other team when you're winning comfortably.

As for Damon's comment, it's a pretty idiotic thing to say. But since he's Jesus and all, I guess we have to take his word for it...

P.S.- You'd think Jesus would be hitting better than .250, no?

I don't know about different ballgames - it was probably the same one. I guess the fact that Damon's "pimp" comment could lead one to believe that he had seen the same thing i saw means nothing. Damon just came up with that outta thin air - or perhaps he was watching a different game? :rolleyes:

Either way - i stand by my opinion stated above - Manny's a great player of questionable character.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by flutie22


All Manny did was watch it for a second before he started his trot.. The indians pitcher yelled something at him and he yelled back at him as he was circling the bases. selfish, classless and careless? gimme break guy.
include the whole quote by damon next time .you left a few things out.

Tempers flared in the sixth inning when Cleveland starter Jason Davis took offense at Manny Ramirez flipping his bat and taking his time beginning his home run trot after launching a 459-foot blast to left. The 23-year-old righthander walked toward the line and yelled at Ramirez, who spewed back a few invectives. "I hate pimping, but that ball was crushed and Manny has hit 350-plus home runs," Johnny Damon said. "Manny has earned that right. I think [Davis] realized when he yelled and our bench yelled back at him that Manny is a premier player. I hope to see Manny pimp a few more times this year." . . . The Sox dropped a fifth straight game for the first time since last June 3. They had not committed an error in four straight games before Mueller made two in the fourth inning.

http://<br /> <br /> <a href="http..._wait?pg=2</a>

Says something about.....about.....about.....flipping his bat or something...i guess you's guys in beantown interpret that as "watch it for a second before he started his trot." Even YankeeClemens22 questions that action...

All this coming from boston.com and a bosox fan, i presume? What was the score when Manny hit the HR?

[CrazyNY]

I still don't see why anyone really cares? For goodness sakes, this is a game. Why are people so sensitive? (people being the fans who complain and, in this case, the pitcher) He watched a mammoth homerun. Sports are supposed to be fun. I like when people look like they're having fun out there. I like it when the pitcher pumps his fist when he gets a big strike out. And I don't see why the batter can't admire a homer. They might get paid as if it's a big business, but why not let them act as if they are playing a kid's game. Really, why do you care!?!?

[DaBomber25]

It's all worth it just to watch Manny admire one that hits off the top of the wall. Or to watch Manny give up a triple just so he can stand and admire his beautiful accomplishment before he starts jogging...yes jogging, not running. At this point it might be a brisk walk.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by CrazyNY
I still don't see why anyone really cares? For goodness sakes, this is a game. Why are people so sensitive? (people being the fans who complain and, in this case, the pitcher) He watched a mammoth homerun. Sports are supposed to be fun. I like when people look like they're having fun out there. I like it when the pitcher pumps his fist when he gets a big strike out. And I don't see why the batter can't admire a homer. They might get paid as if it's a big business, but why not let them act as if they are playing a kid's game. Really, why do you care!?!?

I don't know - i guess my pops taught me as a kid to be a good sport - win or lose. I played ball at the Division I level in college and i've been witness to and victim of people who've exhibited good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship - the short of it, it's ugly and disrespectful to a fellow athlete who makes sacrifices just like you do.

[ojo]

ramirez most definitely jawed at the pitcher. he turned his head twice to do so.

and i wonder how many women 'pimps' have smacked and beaten into submission.

'pimpin'

does that mean manny smacks da biitches around too?

what words aren't acceptable? pimps are? what about the whores and johns that complete that equation? the aids? the dirty needles?

pimpin'.

nice work mr damon...

[Yanks21]

I think if I were Jason Davis, I'd be more pissed at Matt Lawton. Not that he had a chance to make the play, but at least move back and look up...

[CrazyNY]

Originally posted by B in ALB
I don't know - i guess my pops taught me as a kid to be a good sport - win or lose. I played ball at the Division I level in college and i've been witness to and victim of people who've exhibited good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship - the short of it, it's ugly and disrespectful to a fellow athlete who makes sacrifices just like you do.

I don't think we disgree about the importance of sportsmanship. I just think that he didn't do anything to show up the pitcher. Until the pitcher came after him, he didn't look at the pitcher or say anything in the direction of the pitcher. I know that old-time baseball people would say it shouldn't be done, but I just don't see what the big deal is. We talk about Manny being too sensitive when pitchers come up and in; well, maybe the pitcher is too sensitive when Manny hits one long and hard. Again, it's supposed to be fun.

By the way, when the pitcher pumps his fist after a big strikeout, do you think that qualifies as showing up the hitter?

There are enough sports out there that have sucked the personality and joy out, I'd prefer to let baseball players have some fun.

[OilCan]

My God.

You people get worked up over the silliest things.

[1-2-3 inning]

It's annoying to me, but only when the home run might not actually be far enough for a home run (you know, one of those off-the-wall ones or close to the wall). You should be running hard out of the box if it's close.

If Manny's wasn't close (I have yet to see the incident) then I suppose I have no problem with the admiring-- although it's not anything I like, even when a Yankee does it; it just shows lots of disrespect.

[flutie22]

Originally posted by Yanks21
I think if I were Jason Davis, I'd be more pissed at Matt Lawton. Not that he had a chance to make the play, but at least move back and look up...

wasnt even close

[hugelongtermdeal]

Originally posted by B in ALB
Manny's a great player of questionable character.

Please... How do you know anything about his "character"? He stood and watched a long HR before running. How does this say anything about his character.

Was Jeter a player of "questionable character" when he constantly harped at the umps over balls and strikes during his Ofer streak? Of course not.

B - You need a reality check.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by flutie22

wasnt even close

Even iff Matt Lawton magically turned into paul bunyon with the help of a genie and his three wishes, I don't think he could have caught Manny's shot. He needed a f'ing space shuttle for that one...

[YanksFan#43]

Originally posted by ojo
ramirez most definitely jawed at the pitcher. he turned his head twice to do so.

and i wonder how many women 'pimps' have smacked and beaten into submission.

'pimpin'

does that mean manny smacks da biitches around too?

what words aren't acceptable? pimps are? what about the whores and johns that complete that equation? the aids? the dirty needles?

pimpin'.

nice work mr damon...

I have to admit, the word "pimp" hit a really sour note with me. Pimping--is that really the word to use? Hm, on the other hand, maybe its just my training in literature that makes me sensitive to word usage.

(OOPS, did I just "pimp" myself?)

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by hugelongtermdeal



Please... How do you know anything about his "character"? He stood and watched a long HR before running. How does this say anything about his character.

Was Jeter a player of "questionable character" when he constantly harped at the umps over balls and strikes during his Ofer streak? Of course not.

B - You need a reality check.

Yeah, i see what you're saying - questioning a few balls and strikes while going 0-34 or whatever is certainly a similar guage of character as showing up the opposing team (and he didn't just watch the HR, you know as well as i do that there was more to it) while down 7-1.

Yes, on field or sports-related actions and activities DO create the perception that the public holds regarding the character of players.

Unfortunately for your hero Manny, flipping a bat in the air and smugly admiring a home run while your team is down by 6 runs creates a different perception than simply arguing balls and strikes.

[CrazyNY]

Originally posted by YanksFan#43


I have to admit, the word "pimp" hit a really sour note with me. Pimping--is that really the word to use? Hm, on the other hand, maybe its just my training in literature that makes me sensitive to word usage.

I think that the word is getting a bit of a different connotation these days (witness MTV's Pimp My Ride).

[YankyDave]

Here's the difference:
ARod = has a brain
Manny = huh? wuh? duh?

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by CrazyNY
I think that the word is getting a bit of a different connotation these days (witness MTV's Pimp My Ride).

You're right about that - pimp is defined as a man who solicits clients for a prostitute or when used as a verb, defined as, to work as a pimp. Manny wasn't doing either of those things. I'm not as bothered by the word as i'm bothered by the fact that Damon feels that it was okay for Manny to "pimp" while his team was down 7-1 to the Indians.

[CrazyNY]

Originally posted by B in ALB
Yeah, i see what you're saying - questioning a few balls and strikes while going 0-34 or whatever is certainly a similar guage of character as showing up the opposing team (and he didn't just watch the HR, you know as well as i do that there was more to it) while down 7-1.

So I'll ask again, is pumping your fist after striking out a batter a sign of showing up the other team? What about making a celebratory gesture after striking out a guy, even though you gave up the lead run that same inning (as Tom Gordon did against the Sox)?

Please, Oil Can has it right--you're getting worked up over something silly. If the pitcher hadn't responded as he did, nobody would have even noticed that Manny did anything.

[NDBoston]

If Manny Raimerez was on any other team besides the Red Sox, this thread wouldn't exist here.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by CrazyNY
So I'll ask again, is pumping your fist after striking out a batter a sign of showing up the other team? What about making a celebratory gesture after striking out a guy, even though you gave up the lead run that same inning (as Tom Gordon did against the Sox)?

Please, Oil Can has it right--you're getting worked up over something silly. If the pitcher hadn't responded as he did, nobody would have even noticed that Manny did anything.

It's a good point, for sure. A double standard of sorts. Perhaps it's viewed by the players and fans as more of an individual celebration for the batter (no one else is in the box with him) and more of a team oriented celebration for the pitcher (he's got 8 other guys on the field playing defense for him). I'm not sure - you bring up an excellent point, though.

I'm not really worked up over something silly - but i do feel that being down by 6 runs to the Indians warrants less admiration for individual accomplishment and more get my ass back to the dugout and fire up the rest of the troops.

[CrazyNY]

Originally posted by B in ALB


It's a good point, for sure. A double standard of sorts. Perhaps it's viewed by the players and fans as more of an individual celebration for the batter (no one else is in the box with him) and more of a team oriented celebration for the pitcher (he's got 8 other guys on the field playing defense for him). I'm not sure - you bring up an excellent point, though.

I'm not really worked up over something silly - but i do feel that being down by 6 runs to the Indians warrants less admiration for individual accomplishment and more get my ass back to the dugout and fire up the rest of the troops.

Fair enough. And I generally agree, if you're losing by six, maybe it would be preferable to just put your head down and run. It was a titanic shot, though--or maybe I should say "Ruthian" around here!

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by YankyDave
Here's the difference:
ARod = has a brain
Manny = huh? wuh? duh?

Community Standards

Bashing Players, Managers, the Media, etc.
Bashing of players or anyone who works for the Yankees or covers the Yankees will not be tolerated. That goes for ALL players and ALL teams.

[B in ALB]

Originally posted by CrazyNY
Fair enough. And I generally agree, if you're losing by six, maybe it would be preferable to just put your head down and run. It was a titanic shot, though--or maybe I should say "Ruthian" around here!

It was a bomb for sure. Not sure what the temp was in Cleveland last night but imagine if he hit that in the dead of summer! 500 feet at least.

[DaBomber25]

459 feet.

[TannerBoyle]

http://www.nevtron.si/borderline/deadhors.gif

[pacewon]

I don't like it when any player show boats. Whether it be Manny, Sierra, Soriano last year on the Yankees... I even made a thread in spring training that I found Tom Gordon's celebration to be a bit excessive (though I've since found out it's a tribute to family members he's lost). That being said, if Davis has such a problem with Manny watching his homer for a sec he should plunk him next time they face each other. There's no sense in barking at him.

[ACPS]

Not like Manny is going to fight him or anything.

[NYYFAN]

Manny made up for it by striking out to end the game with the game on the line...

[Dave in MD]

A Red Sox fan I met at the Stadium put it best. Manny Ramirez is the best 9 year old in the game.

[stevethesoxfan]

Originally posted by B in ALB

But it made me think - hmmmmmm.....ARod hit his 350th Home Run last night at the ripe old age of what? 28? There was no "pimping" - there was no "grandstanding" - there was no "showboating" or "showing up" of the pitcher, the opposing team, the fans, or the game. Just a gentle trot around the bases - a kind of "been there, done that" attitude.

However, I think this latest display of "pimping" by Manny Ramirez clinches it for me - he's selfish, classless, and careless.

But ARod isn't selfish or classless? He signed a deal with the devil in Texas for $250M that crippled that team's chance to win. He could have taken "only" $150-200M and let them have a better chance of building a winner. But no, he needed the spare change to buy $5000 gold-plated toothbrushes...

Then, because he tired of losing -- losing that his obese contract indirectly caused -- he desperately whined to get traded to Boston (and later NY). But, of course, he did so while covering his bets by getting all dressed up in his $2000 suit in Texas to pledge at a press conference that as the new Rangers captain he was excited at being part of the great Ranger future.

If you are going to attack Manny, you need to remember how your new 3rd baseman speaks with forked tongue. He's EXTREMELY talented, but he's the baseball equivalent of Bill Clinton when it comes to believability. And for the record, I would still be saying this if he were in a BoSox uniform instead.

[Dave in MD]

A-Rod's contract didn't prevent them from winning. It was the Chan HO Park contract and others like it that prevented them from winning. I'm sure you didn't view him as selfish when was about to give back money to play for the Red Sox.

[WindRavenX]

Originally posted by Dave in MD
A Red Sox fan I met at the Stadium put it best. Manny Ramirez is the best 9 year old in the game.

Priceless, absolutely priceless.

[Sox1918]

Originally posted by stevethesoxfan


But ARod isn't selfish or classless? He signed a deal with the devil in Texas for $250M that crippled that team's chance to win. He could have taken "only" $150-200M and let them have a better chance of building a winner. But no, he needed the spare change to buy $5000 gold-plated toothbrushes...

Then, because he tired of losing -- losing that his obese contract indirectly caused -- he desperately whined to get traded to Boston (and later NY). But, of course, he did so while covering his bets by getting all dressed up in his $2000 suit in Texas to pledge at a press conference that as the new Rangers captain he was excited at being part of the great Ranger future.

If you are going to attack Manny, you need to remember how your new 3rd baseman speaks with forked tongue. He's EXTREMELY talented, but he's the baseball equivalent of Bill Clinton when it comes to believability. And for the record, I would still be saying this if he were in a BoSox uniform instead.

whatever the A-Rod issue (and i dont disagree with your points), it doesnt preclude criticizing Manny.

but in this case i dont see its merits. he hit a mammoth shot and watched it for a second or so. and then quasi-stomped a little bit. then he was on his way and was definitely confused when Davis started saying "hold me back, hold me back" or whatever he was saying.

all of this becomes pretty irrelevant when we take note of the real, all-important issue: the half a pound of tobacco in Manny's right cheek that he continuously doesnt choke on. how the man prevents that softball of tobacco from KILLING him at any moment is beyond me. maybe he's so absent-minded b/c he's always in this amazing fight for his life. i mean, he's already phenomenal at 2 things: hitting and not chocking. is it really fair to expect of him to simultaneously follow baseball etiquette to a tee.

[stevethesoxfan]

Originally posted by Dave in MD
A-Rod's contract didn't prevent them from winning. It was the Chan HO Park contract and others like it that prevented them from winning. I'm sure you didn't view him as selfish when was about to give back money to play for the Red Sox.

I agree that Park's didn't help -- you are right -- but don't dismiss a $25M per year iron chain (talented chain, I agree) from weighing down the Rangers. If he had settled for only $20M, that would have gotten them another good position player to help out, or a couple of solid relievers.

I actually still saw him as selfish -- I'm not kidding -- when he was coming to Boston. He wasn't being treated like Mother Theresa by us even during that offer of paying back. We saw the crap he was saying beforehand.

I'm not knocking his talent -- he is fantastic, and he would look good in the Sox lineup, but I would have regarded him in the same way I regard our current $17M pitching diva --warily.