BOSTON – There would be joy in the streets of New York if Manny Ramirez received his wish and got traded from the Red Sox this week, but Yankees fans shouldn’t hold their collective breath.
Just in case there is any confusion over why the Red Sox tolerate the moody left fielder’s shenanigans, Ramirez offered a reminder last night by going 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Boston’s 9-2 thumping of the Yankees.
Hours earlier, Ramirez made it abundantly clear that he’s ready to put Fenway Park in his rearview mirror, and would welcome a trade before Thursday’s non-waiver deadline.
Ramirez’s contract expires after this season, but the Red Sox hold options for 2009 and ’10 that would pay the left fielder $20 million for each season.
“Enough is enough,” Ramirez said. “I’m tired of them. They’re tired of me and after 2008 just send me a letter or whatever. You don’t have to call my agent or anything. [Just write] ‘Thank you for everything. You’re going to become a free agent. We’re not going to pick up your option for ’09.’ ”
As much as Ramirez would welcome a trade, he said he doesn’t believe it’s a realistic possibility.
“Boston is not stupid. They’re not going to do it,” Ramirez said. “They can say whatever they want, but when it comes to make a deal they’re not going to do it, because they know what they’ve got here.”
What they have is a colossal headache – something that was apparent last week when Ramirez twice removed himself from the starting lineup, citing a sore right knee – but also one of the game’s most talented hitters.
Though Ramirez last night didn’t add to the 55 career homers he has hit against the Yankees, he smacked two doubles (the first drove in a run) before delivering an RBI single in the sixth.
As a player with 10 years of major league experience and five with the same team Ramirez must approve any trade, but yesterday’s pronouncement made it clear he’s ready to hit the road.
mpuma@nypost.com
