By now you have heard the Manny spin. The man who wanted a four-year, $100-million deal, "settled" for two years at $45-million. (Boston had two $20-million option years with Manny Ramirez, but Ramirez wanted more and quit on his teammates to get out of the contract)

(One emailer wondered if Manny actually got more than what he would have received in Boston, what with California's tax rate, and the deferred money in the contract).

So he didn't get the gigantic bucks. Manny shrugged and said two years with people who "love me" are better than 8 years in a place where he suffered.

Yes, he used the word suffer.

Does that really need any commentary?

While Ramirez is enjoying his Mannywood experience, other baseball players are sweating it out in spring training, trying to win or keep a job.

I think of Sea Dogs catcher John Otness, the ultimate teammate and gamer. The Red Sox keep bringing in new blood, especially catchers. So far, Otness has been able to hold on.

But this spring, so far, Otness is not playing. He is in rehab after arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the off season. It will be an uphill challenge, for sure.

Through it all, you will not hear a complaint from Otness, nor any self pity about how he is suffering.

When Otness does eventually walk away from the game he will do so with integrity

Can't say that about the other guy.

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