The Marlins and Manny

While I write this, the deal isn't completed, but it appears as though it will be shortly. I must say, as a Mets fan, I hope the Marlins get Manny Ramirez. The Marlins are a team built around youth, energy and a never quite attitude. That is how they are only 1.5 games out yet have been outscored by their opponents this year. Bringing in a veteran who doesn't take the game too seriously, doesn't hustle and doesn't really care whether his team wins or loses, will negatively influence the young players the same way that Miguel Cabrera did. They will look up to Manny and he will show them the way he plays and they will emulate that. This means less hustle, less scrap and less heart, the three main reasons the Marlins are in the hunt. While he will certainly provide an upgrade offensively, the upside of one player cannot outweigh the bringing down of the other 24 around him: The same reason I thought the Mets would be clinically insane to go after Barry Bonds.