Manny Ramirez @ MindSay

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig criticized Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez for opting out of the All-Star game to rest.

 

Selig told reporters before the game on Tuesday that Ramirez should have come to Pittsburgh to participate in the festivities, even if he didn't want to play because of a sore knee.

 

"Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but if you are voted on the team, it's a privilege," Selig said. "You ought to be here. He's the only person who did not participate this year. Everybody else has been here and has been terrific."

 

There are uber sketchy rumors that Manny could possibly end up in Seattle. 

I know the chances are small, but if he did...

I would probably maybe perhaps wet myself.

According to Ortiz, "Manny is not returning to Boston."

"Manny is living through a difficult situation (in Boston) that only he and his family know and he no longer wants to play there," said Ortiz after arriving early Monday in the Dominican Republic.

Ramirez has asked for a trade in each of his five seasons with the Red Sox, but apparently this one is definite.

"I spoke with him last week before he left for Brazil and he told me that he wants to go to a team in the West," Ortiz, the Red Sox's designated hitter, said.

Ramirez has three years left on his $160 million contract. Because of his status as a player with 10 seasons in the major leagues and five with the same team, he is allowed to approve any trade.

"I found out that that they are doing everything possible to trade him," Ortiz said.

The Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim have been named as a possible destination for Ramirez, as well as the New York Mets.