Could it have cost the game? Possibly. Did it, and did he not also contribute with two RBIs and a run scored?

And hell, sometimes his lolly-gagging and admiring has a purpose. Was it last season, or two seasons ago, when Scott Proctor said very publicly that "Being" was an easy out? Next time he faced Proctor, he took him very deep, and admired it for a long time. And I honestly think he deserved to do so.

Furthermore, how "professional" is it for individuals and journalists to make blanket statements about someone having a mental condition and/or being lazy without personally knowing that person? What's that saying about glass houses?

And c'mon. Management does not condone this behavior across the board, because Manny is really the only non-injured (Papi) player on this team who doesn't run everything out fully. This includes "lazy" J.D. Drew, who has turned a few GBs to the infield into hits this season.

If it angers you so much, then I'd almost suggest you find another team to root for. Manny's here for at least another season, no matter what rumors might fly, and the way in which he behaves will be here as well. Whether you like it or not, it's kind of a take it or leave it situation. Because at this point in his career, he's not changing his style, and it's foolish (if possibly a good thought) to expect him to.

P.S. We've called players out for unprofessional behavior before, most notably the game in which Papi was thrown out for arguing balls and strikes. Completely unacceptable. However, even if Manny might've had a double (I think a claim that he definitely would have is the claim of someone not being truly honest with themselves), he still was an integral part of the offense tonight.