Wow. Thank you Charles Pierce. You articulated for me every stray thought I've had about this bizarre situation. As a RS fan, I'm appalled they did this. Yes, Manny was a nutcase. Yes, he offended the fans and the org by saying they "didn't deserve him." Yes, he was coddled and babied by many in the org., who sprouted migraines protecting him and covering up for his messes. But as you also point out, he was probably no odder than a dozen other insanely talented players, including past RS giants like Ted Williams (who had the weirdest hate-hate relationship with RS fans on record). This too would have passed...but Theo, as you say, has been jones-ing to get rid of Manny for quite a while. His antics don't fit in with his buttoned down approach. Now the RS have made a stupid trade, and are not the better for it, as they STILL have no middle relief. Their chances for getting into the post season this year are probably gone, by both this trade and the lack of any middle relief. But Tito Francona and Theo will be able to sleep better without the annoyance of Manny! And that's about all this trade accomplished. Thanks again for going against the conventional "wisdom" amongst the fossils in the Boston media (like the overdue for a trade Dan Shaugnessy...Please, LA, can you take him too? Isn't there a home for him at the LATimes, so he can continue to bedevil Manny and open up a spot at the Boston Globe for a truly insightful sportswriter like the former Globie Michael Holley?) who are crowing that they finally drove Manny from town. Good job fellas! And as you say -- good luck Mr. Bay. I hope I'm wrong and he's every bit the medicine the RS need. But I highly doubt it.