You know, if Manny Ramirez were even three-quarters of the hitter he's been over the course of his career, I don't think he would have lasted more than one season in the bigs. But the fact remains, the man can rake, and if you can rake, there will always be a spot available to you on a major league roster.

But even the Red Sox must be getting tired of Manny's antics and stupidity. And today's story only adds to that impressive list.

After last night's game in Seattle, when Manny was subbed out for a pinch runner, our intrepid hero apparently decided to jet out of the stadium before being interviewed. And instead of slipping onto the team bus, he just decided to wade into the departing crowd to walk to the hotel or wherever the hell he goes after games in Seattle. Everything was going perfectly until he started jaywalking. From the Seattle Times Mariners Blog:

Seems that Boston slugger Manny Ramirez was leaving the ballpark, with headphones on trying to look inconspicuous and quickly get away from the crowds still leaving the stadium. He started to cross South Royal Brougham Way, against the signals of a traffic cop who was directing pedestrians. The police officer demanded that Ramirez open his wallet and show identification. He warned him that he could face a $500 fine and possible arrest for disobeying a police officer.

It became clear to those watching that the policeman had no idea who Ramirez was. He didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but did ask Ramirez if he'd attended the game. After the brief lecture, and no argument from Ramirez, the police officer let him go with no further trouble.

Considering Manny hardly pays any attention to the action on the field, it's hard to imagine he'd take a cop's advice.

I guess the encouraging thing though is that at least Manny didn't do anything stupid to compound the situation. I have a feeling had he gotten arrested Terry Francona would have tried to keep him in the pen for as long as humanly possible.

And just because I can, here's Manny in action one more time.