The Workout Warrior

The Workout Warrior

Yes, We Know Manny Loves to Work Out Between Games,
But Will He Be Playing Games with Us Again in September?

Manny's Doesn't Like to Miss a Day... at the Gym

"I�ve been in baseball for nine years in the major leagues, and by far, Manny is the most consistent and most intense workout guy I�ve ever had. I think he enjoys it. He comes in in the morning, lifts and works out, goes home for some lunch and a nap, and then he�s back here, running with the pitchers every day and then batting practice.

�I know he doesn�t like to miss a day. If there�s a late game and we have a morning game the next day, he still has to do something. It�s as much of a mental thing for him than it is physical. He�s very loyal to his routine.� -- 3.2.07, Red Sox strength and conditioning coach Dave Page, to the Herald's Michael Silverman

Eric Wilbur: Trick of the Trade for Manny

"Popular opinion will always back Manny, and this I find incredulous. But I won�t argue, and frankly, as I said, I could care less. I became ambivalent about all things Manny Ramirez on that July 31 trading deadline two seasons ago, when after a week of Ramirez whining and moaning about being dared asked to come off the bench in Tampa, he emerged from the Red Sox dugout to a rousing standing ovation from a crowd that was in the dark as to whether he had been traded.

"In a way, this was the official death of the Red Sox fan I used to be well-acquainted with, and the birth of pink-hat dominance.

"That�s not to say we don�t live in a sports world that isn�t without forgiveness and absolution, just a question of how popular opinion shifted so quickly in a matter of days. The Boston fan I used to know had a deep-rooted pride - often mistaken for negativity, one that wasn't easily swayed with a Neil Diamond ditty and a happy ending. Earlier in the week, Ramirez had heard some unfamiliar boos directed his way in left field. By Sunday, everything was fine. Manny, you know. Cue Tessie." -- 3.1.07, Eric Wilbur, Boston Sports Blog

Sox 11, Northeastern 0: Big Men Beat Campus Kids
Jays 4, Sox 1: Halladay Solid in Debut
Photos: Thursday in Fort Myers, Dunedin