Manny being one of the best players in Red Sox history

Well, the deal is done now. I don't like it, but it's time to just accept it and move on.

As for Manny, I know a lot of people will remember how he shot his way out of town. They'll remember how he whined and moaned for eight years. They'll remember him for being a slacker and for being a goofball on the field.

Sure, I'll remember those bad moments too. How can I forget him taking a bathroom break in the wall or cutting off Johnny Damon's throw in center field (the best catch he made in eight seasons). 

But I'm really going to remember him as one of the best LF in club history. There's Teddy Ballgame, Yaz and Manny as the class of LF in Red Sox history. No one else belongs in that group.

I'm going to remember the two World Series Manny was instrumental in bringing to this town. He was the best player on the team in the 2004 regular season, and he won the '04 WS MVP. Then in 2007, Manny followed a subpar season (for him) with a phenomenal postseason, carrying the Red Sox offense at times. He did some great things with Boston, from hitting 500 HRs to high fiving a fan while turning a double play. There was never a dull moment when Manny was on the field.

He was fun to watch, and he was great. I'll remember that most of all. And I will miss him. And eventually, Red Sox Nation will miss him as well.

For now, let's enjoy the good old times as we prepare for a new era in Red Sox baseball.