The Rain Held Off and Manny Musings

I went to the Sox game last night with my sister and some of her coworkers. A great game was played, and thankfully, the rain held off! The pictures above are from two years ago when I attended a very rainy game. We had fun, but it was a little miserable weather-wise.

On to the Red Sox and what is on tap for them - Manny Ramirez, the ever-controversial ex-Red Sox outfielder for the Sox, will return to Fenway Park for the first time, as an LA Dodger. It feels like yesterday he patrolled left field, for better or worse. From a branding standpoint, he was everything the Sox did not envision their players to be - selfish, immature, and behaviorally unpredictable. He would sulk and pout when he wanted to, but the organization (especially the players, Terry Francona, and the upper management) chose their words and actions carefully because his sheer talent was an unbelievable asset. There is no doubt the Sox would not have won championships in 2004 and 2007 without him. My question to you, fellow bloggers and followers, will you boo or cheer him? My bet is that the majority will cheer. Sox fans love their players, but especially love great players. I also believe upper management will have nothing but good things to say about him when asked tomorrow and this weekend - burning bridges is never a good idea. Look at the Nomar Garciaparra example - upper management was undoubtedly irritated with him in 2004 for his sulking and offputting behavior, but they welcomed him back when he retired and had a pre-game ceremony for him. I agree this was the right move, but it is interesting to see how strategic decisions must be made all the time about what kind of organization the Red Sox are - and I believe them to be very, very classy. Their brand will only grow stronger through embracing retired players and contributers to the organization. Here is a link to a great columns on Manny - Tony Mazarotti's. I hope you will watch tomorrow night, I know I will be :)

RL