Manny - being Manny?

So, maybe now we're seeing a new Manny. First he came into camp looking buff, having spent a chunk of the off-season at the Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona. He's spoken to the press on several occasions. He's hitting well in ST.

We've always heard that his teammates love him. A little glimpse of that was seen in Joe McDonald's blog over on the Providence Journal:

Manny Ramirez just made Dustin Pedroia’s day.

The Red Sox slugger presented the second baseman with a Rolex watch for winning the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007. Ramirez handed Pedroia a box and then hit it pretty hard with his bat, denting the box. When Pedroia opened it all he could say was “Damn!”

“He’s the best,” Pedroia said before he walked around the clubhouse showing his teammates the generous gift. Along with the watch Ramirez wrote Pedroia a little note, prompting Pedroia to comment, “Now I finally have your autograph.”

And this little tidbit from the Boston Herald

One of the more intriguing sights in the clubhouse was Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez reading the self-motivational bestseller “The Secret” with a highlight marker.

Okay, first we learn that Josh Beckett keeps a journal. Now Manny is reading a motivational book. What's next? Lowell brewing ginseng tea? Papelbon practicing yoga? Pedroia chanting and practicing TM?

I guess whatever works!