The news that former Red Sox outfielder, Manny Ramirez, was set to a be a minor league coach was certainly a surprise to most people. While Ramirez clearly loved the game, his commitment to be a good citizen in the MLB was usually in question. Now that Ramirez has moved into the other side of the game, which generally isn’t a place for the comedy Manny provided as a player, former Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera is questioning whether or not Ramirez would be the kind of example that would be required to lead a team.
I can’t say I fault Rivera’s doubts. ‘Manny being Manny’ isn’t going to help keep the focus on the field for young players coming through the baseball minor leagues. Obviously, there was something someone saw in him to take the chance, but, for now, the questions will linger until Ramirez proves himself as worthy of the job.,
[h/t Sports Illustrated]