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Manny Says Sox Are Free To Trade Him

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 28, 2008

BOSTON - Manny Ramirez is "tired" of the Boston Red Sox and would agree to a trade that would make both him and the team happy.

But he doesn't think it will happen and Boston, battling for a playoff spot, needs the production of their cleanup hitter despite its oft-contentious relationship with him.

Four days before the non-waiver trading deadline, Ramirez said Sunday, "I'm tired of them. They're tired of me."

The Red Sox have until Nov. 9 to pick up a $20 million option for next year on Ramirez, who would have to approve any trade as a 10-year veteran with five years on the same team. They also have a $20 million option for 2010. Ramirez is in the final year of his guaranteed eight-year, $160 million contract.

Ramirez spoke for less than two minutes in Boston's clubhouse before Sunday night's game with the New York Yankees.

Ramirez originally told ESPNdeportes.com on Sunday that he wouldn't object to a trade if the Red Sox are better without him.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he wasn't aware of the ESPNdeportes interview.

Ramirez told ESPNdeportes he doesn't have any preference for a team he'd want to be traded to.

"I could choose a team that offers me the best conditions or one in the chase for the postseason," he told ESPNdeportes. "I don't care where I play, I can even play in Iraq if need be. My job is to play baseball."

Keyword: Sports, for the result of Sunday night's rain-delayed Red Sox-

Yankees game.

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