I Can't Believe I Am Saying This, But Trade Manny Now

I think this a bit overdue. The smart move would have been getting him out of town after last year (The Red Sox have done a better job of late getting rid of fan favorites in a timely fashion--Nomar and Millar are two that come to mind). Its not that he is not productive (.298 19 63) and I believe, if he sticks around, he will be a huge contributor in the Red Sox run to win the East, he just needs to go. You have to get rid of guys while there is still some something there. I also believe that he is a cancer in the clubhouse this year. There is no Kevin Millar in the clubhouse anymore and you tend to believe that sitting out against the Yankees is the worst, most selfish thing that a guy can do; even selfish for Manny.
He has a no trade clause and a 20 million dollar option for '09 so this doesn't make him a very movable piece. No way they will get equal value for him, but getting rid of him in a trade right now might be better than getting nothing for him in the off season.
The Red Sox are a mess right now. Starting pitching is hit or miss, the bullpen is embarrassing. A rotation that includes Beckett, Lester, and Dice K should be thought of as one of the best in baseball, but with a bullpen that can't keep them in the game, their efforts turn fruitless. Delcarman, Hansen are young but ineffective and Timlin's better days are far, far behind him.
In order for the Red Sox to win the AL East and make a legitimate run at another championship a couple things need to happen.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury has to pick it up. He is 5 for his last 46 and has only scored twice in the last 10 games. A lineup with Ellsbury, Pedroia, Ramirez, Ortiz, and Youkilis should be the best five in baseball. Without an effective leadoff hitter nothing gets going.
2. A deal must be made for bullpen help. No Larry Anderson for Jeff Bagwell deal, but something to get a good lefty like Fuentes in Colorado. I still think Okajima can get the job done, it just doesn't feel like Francona believes that.

The Yankees are hot and made a deal which makes me believe that the Pirates are owned by George Steinbrenner. Nothing is more demoralizing than getting swept by the Yankees at Fenway Park. Big game tonight.