Manny Ramirez is once again expected to be moved by the Red Sox this offseason. It could come pretty soon or maybe it will turn out the way it has the past few years when Boston was entertaining getting rid of their prodigious righty slugging left fielder but wound up holding onto him. Just think. If they had pulled the trigger back in 2004, they most likely don’t break their World Series drought. Sometimes, the best trades you make are the ones you don’t. The 34 year-old former George Washington high school standout has had one of the best careers. In 13 seasons with both the Indians and Red Sox, he’s slugged 470 home runs and driven in over 1500 (1516) while hitting .314. Just awesome overall numbers from one of the premier hitting talents. So, why does Theo Epstein want to trade a guy who’s averaged 39 dingers and 119 RBI’s in six seasons while hitting over .300 in five of those six? Granted, this isn’t your normal player. Ramirez is a bit odd and certainly beats to his own drum. Or as it’s become better known as “Manny being Manny.” So what if he doesn’t play every game? Or what if he doesn’t always play a solid left field? He’s still one of the most lethal sluggers in all of baseball. Do the Sox really trading him and replacing Manny with J.D. “DL” Drew is going to improve their ballclub? Come on! Nothing against Drew who when healthy should hit 25-30 homers and drive in over 100 and play a solid outfield. But he’s not even close to Manny Ramirez! Take him out of their lineup and that handcuffs David Ortiz. Big Papi will not see as many good pitches and will get frequently pitched around. The Sox should do the wise thing. Forgive Ramirez for sitting out 30 of their final 38 games after that embarrassing five-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees at Fenway. Ramirez will comeback with a vengeance. He always has been a lock for 35-40 HR and 120+ RBI’s. Last year, if he didn’t miss time, he’d have hit close to 50 out and driven in at least 130 if not more. He’s just an awesome player. For all his defensive shortcomings and zaniness, he’s still one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. And it’s not like they’re going to get equal value back for him. I’ll take Manny any day. The Red Sox do this and they probably miss the postseason once again next year. Ramirez might be a lot of things but he’s THE MAN!