Manny Being Manny

Manny wants to be back playing baseball in the Major Leagues. His reason, he claims in a recent interview posted on ESPN.COM, is that he wants to be a role model.

Manny left MLB last April when he was faced with a 100 game suspension for failing a second performance enhancing drug test. 5 months later he was back in the news for a domestic incident. According to Manny, he almost lost his family.

Today, Manny wants to return to MLB. He is hoping to teach his children that people can change, and that if you make a mistake, you should go back and fix it. You shouldn't quit.

According to the interview, Manny has reached a deal with MLB that would allow him to start playing with a team during Spring Training, but would be subject to a 50 game suspension beginning Opening Day.

ESPN reports further that Manny will hold a workout for MLB scouts to come watch him later this month. But who will take Manny? Who will be willing to take a chance on Manny?

Everyone who watches baseball knows that "Manny being Manny" means lots of different things. It can mean clutch hits, home runs and World Series MVP....it can also mean half-hearted swings, injuries, drug violations and acting like a prima dona.

Manny has made mistakes, serious mistakes. He broke the rules and should face the punishment; but, if a team is willing to take a chance on him, he should be allowed to play. He should be held accountable for his actions and shouldn't be given any special treatment. His behavior has likely cost him entrance in the Hall of Fame. But, the bottom line is that Manny is one of the greatest hitters of all time in MLB. Unfortunately, he is still a person who makes mistakes.

Should Manny be given another chance - why not? People make mistakes and they should be allowed to make things right. We want to watch great baseball and Manny has provided some amazing baseball moments.

Should he be a role model - I don't think so. Should any athlete should be a role model? Kids should look up to athletes for their work ethic, approach to the game, community service and their treatment of family and those around them. They shouldn't look up to athletes because of their athletic ability alone.

If Manny does get a chance, I predict more great baseball moments and more "Manny being Manny" moments.