The Boston Red Sox are looking to unload Manny Ramirez due to the latest outbreak of “Manny being Manny”.  If you put your ear to the rumor mill, you might hear that Manny wants to come to Philadelphia to reunite with his old Cleveland Indians pal Charlie Manuel.  This news should excite any Phils fan until the realization sets in that Boston would probably want someone to fill their left field hole in return for Ramirez’s services.  At this point in the season, I shouldn’t have to explain to you that Pat Burrell is the best player in baseball.  Getting rid of him, even for a player of Manny’s caliber, would be stupid.  Unfortunately, the Phils have made questionable moves in the past so a move like this isn’t outside the realm of possibility.  For a number of reasons a trade of Burrell for Ramirez would be a disaster for the Phillies, although it presents an interesting opportunity for Pat Burrell…

Pat Burrell is the front-runner for the NL MVP.  I can’t fathom a worthwhile argument against this.  If Pat is traded to the AL mid-season I see no reason to block him from the NL MVP award which he’s clearly already earned.  In the American League, most pitchers are unfamiliar with Burrell’s ferocity at the plate and will likely be unable to effectively pitch to him.  His already-ridiculous stats would obviously skyrocket making him an immediate favorite for AL MVP, not to mention the holes he’ll put in the Green Monster.

Pat Burrell could potentially have the opportunity to become the first double MVP in MLB history.  This is very unlikely due to the number of things that need to happen though.  First, Boston would have to make the questionable decision to actually get rid of one of their best players.  Second, Philadelphia would need to make the terrible decision to get rid of Pat Burrell.  Third, this would need to get done within before the trade deadline which is 24 hours away.  The only certainty is that if the deal does get done, Pat Burrell will hold up his end of the bargain and achieve the greatest feat by any individual professional athlete in history.