I'm getting pretty sick and tired of this drivel. First he wants to go - a statement he makes every year. Then when there seems to be a nibble here or there, he adds to his demands. In this case he wanted Baltimore to fulfill the two option years on his contract adding $40 million dollars to his contract - an action the Orioles wanted no part of. Now, after all this he tells ESPNdeportes.com that he wants to stay in Boston and apparently, since he has the final say on any deal, will stay.

Manny went on to say that he wanted to play for a contender. He believes that Boston is indeed a contender.

It is true, however his fickleness has hand tied the Sox this offseason. Because the front office was running around focused on trading the disgruntled outfielder, they lost sight of other holes, some much larger than left field.

If the Red Sox do not contend, I can only blame one person, well two really, Manny and Larry Lucchino.

At least the best right-handed hitter in the game will be there to protect Big Papi.

The interview was interesting. Never has Manny sounded so, well, intelligent. I only wish that he had this revelation, two months ago.

Now perhaps, they can put their efforts into acquiring a shortstop and centerfielder.

The only centerfield options that I saw are no longer available. Preston Wilson, who by the way is good for and easy 25-30 home runs and at least 90 RBI, is now going to take the field in Houston. And according to the Chicago Tribune, Corey Patterson was traded to Baltimore (a great move by the way; he still is young enough to reach his potential and a different environment will do him a world of good).

Rumor has it that Tampa Bay has offered to mend the holes. The Devil Rays say they would do a Andy Marte for Julio Lugo or Papelbon for Lugo and Gathright. Gee, thanks, but no thanks. This would be the ultimate panic move.

While many may not know about Marte, I can assure them of this: long before he was traded for Edgar Renteria, just about every team in the Bigs had inquired about him. That should say something about his talent and potential.

While Lugo is an adequate player maybe even above average, he's 30 and will only be in Boston for most likely a season.

So, Larry, don't trade Papelbon or Marte; look for other options. In fact, the Boston Globe is tossing a three-team deal around that involves David Wells, the Dodgers and Athletics. Stay tuned...

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