I don't see what the problem with Manny Ramirez is. The guy is driving in runs and keeping Boston in games.

But, you say, you don't like his attitude.

So what? I'm not inviting him to give a motivational speech ... I'm not asking how mature he is. In some respects, I already know the answer ... He is not a role model ... He is a baseball player who helps the Boston Red Sox win. With no Manny Ramirez, does Boston have two World Series titles in the past 4 years?

Doubt it.

So why are some folks so eager to see Manny Ramirez traded right now?

The big reason is that he appears to have faked a knee injury. A serious charge and one that cannot be completely proven. But let's say there is evidence (like a clean MRI on both knees). Then there is concern that Manny does it again and takes his ball (and $20-million) and goes home.

This, to me, is the most serious concern. If the Red Sox really think this could happen, then they should trade him.

But, if they believe Manny Ramirez will see the light (a.k.a. as seeing the money) and realize his production could be turned into a big free agent contract next year (somewhere else), then Ramirez can be valuable for the rest of 2008.

Disclaimer: It is truly pathetic that Ramirez cannot simply be the best ballplayer he can out of loyalty to his teammates and a commitment to fulfill his contract. Instead, the childish one must be lured with more goodies.

Here are the options with Manny Ramirez.

1. The best one, I believe, is keep him this year and then not pick up his options and let him go as a free agent (which means Boston get two extra top round draft picks).

2. Keep him this year, pick up his option and then trade him. A little risky, but it means Boston has control of what team he goes to.

3. Keep him this year, pick up his option and hope he plays hard next season. I can wish but, um, I don't see it.

4. Trade him now. The problem with this idea is that you are not going to get equal value, and Ramirez's bat may be needed. The Red Sox could gamble and send Ramirez away for spare parts, maybe using a three-way deal to get a reliever, extra bat and/or even prospects (the Phillies have a prized minor league catcher named Lou Marson).

The trade deadline is Thursday. Should be fun to watch.

Not much going on in the minors ... Iggy Suarez hit 2 homers for the Sea Dogs ... Lowell lost in 18 innings to Vermont. Catcher Matthew Cooney went to the mound in the 18th and gave up the winning run on two hits and two walks ... Ryan Khoury went 2-4 for Lowell, on a rehab assignment from Portland.

In the Gulf Coast League, the other shortstop from high school (second-round pick Derrik Gibson) played third base and went 3-for-5. He's hitting .310 in 9 games.

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