Manny Ramirez has seen his batting average go from the mid .150's to .315 in the past few weeks. (PHOTO: MLB.com)
Ramirez the Man again in Boston
Friday, May 7, 2004
By Phil Swift
The Boston Globe
There was a time earlier in the season when Manny Ramirez thought he was a goner in Boston.
"Fans were booing me. I couldn't hit a lick. Folks in the clubhouse kind of kept their distance, like they do when you're a short-timer someplace," Ramirez said during the Sox road trip in Cleveland.
With his batting average making Mendoza look like a star, the Internet rumors started flying in early April that Boston would trade the $14 million outfielder. Manny for Larry Walker? Manny for Todd Helton? Manny for Vladimir Guerrero? Manny for anyone that can hit?
"I started picturing myself hitting in Coors Field," Ramirez said with a sly smile. "That would have been something."
Then, Boston manager Terry Francona pulled Ramirez aside during the last game of the Yankees series at Fenway on April 19. He said simply, "You are our guy. Go have some fun."
Since then, Ramirez has done just that. His batting average has soared -- from the .150s to .315. He's been finding his home-run stroke, including a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays that landed 459 feet away from home plate. He's now got eight on the season, plus 24 RBIs.
No more trade rumors now.
"I'm glad the team didn't give up on me," Ramirez said. "I was in a funk there for awhile, but I want to see the Sox win the Series this year. We've got a great team this year."
--> See Ramirez, Page 4C<--