Manny

The title of this post is simple because there is only one "Manny." No matter how many other uniforms he wears, there is only one Manny to Indians fans.
He has a head for hitting and it appears not much else. He is an idiot-savant, studying pitchers, working tirelessly in the batting cage, perfecting his craft.
When it comes to life in general ... that's another story.
Manny does what Manny does and Manny wants what Manny wants. What he wants today might not be what he wants tomorrow, but Manny is a real "here and now" kind of guy. It's a big part of what makes him such a good hitter. He never concerns himself with the past or the future in between the white lines of the batter's box.
Manny thought Cleveland was all right. But then he hurt his hamstring in 2000 and then-general manager John Hart accused his prize hitter of sandbagging and milking his injury for time off. It should be noted that this was in the heat of a furious playoff push that was ultimately unsuccessful.
Manny grew upset with Hart. Strange messages began appearing on his batting-practice spikes, though the origin was never publicly determined.
As a free agent that off-season, Manny tore up any chance of a hometown discount for the Tribe and bolted for Boston. He told the media he was sick of being in Cleveland and just winning the division every year. He said he wanted to go someplace where he could win the World Series.
Many of us in Cleveland laughed, including me. After all, no franchise was more cursed than the Red Sox, right?
It took a few years, but Manny, like a cat, always seems to land on his feet. Not only did he get his championship, he received World Series MVP honors.
Last October, Manny's time in Cleveland officially became a footnote to his career, kind of like Randy Johnson's spell with the Expos.
Now, Manny wants something new. He did it all in Boston, and apparently he wants out. Rumors are flying that he could be shipped to the Mets as part of a three-team deal by Sunday's trading deadline.
Or he might stay put. He was almost gone to Texas for Alex Rodriguez two years ago when Boston grew fed up with his inability to be a baseball soldier. He was caught commiserating with Enrique Wilson, a member of the blood-rival Yankees, after a game in 2003.
We understood in Cleveland. Those two went way back as members of the Indians. But not in Boston. Even if he's your twin brother, you do NOT have idle chit-chat with a sworn enemy.
The deal was in place on paper, but Boston management couldn't justify taking on Rodriguez's huge salary. The rest is history.
Now, Manny appears to be the one who wants out. He's the king of Boston, he's rich, he's a champion, he has everything anyone would want from life. So why does he want out? If he's willing to go to New York, it sure as heck isn't to get out of the spotlight glare.
The answer might be that there is no answer. Boston fans, obviously upset with his trade desire, booed him during his first at-bat Friday night at Fenway Park. Manny was later seen smiling in the Red Sox dugout, but David Ortiz took umbrage in a postgame rant aimed at Boston fans.
Others care how Manny is perceived by the outside world. Others worry about what's going on in his head. Others spew their love or hate toward him. Manny is unfazed.
Manny wants what Manny wants. It frustrates others no end. Not that Manny cares.