Manny Ramirez’s agents, Greg Genske and Gene Matos, met with members of the media on Monday just a little while after the 12 year old reported to camp. Here is a transcript of the press conference from Extra Bases:

Why is Manny here today?

“He was ready to report, and he’s excited to be here.”

What’s situation with his mother?

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to get into the health issues of his mother. Those questions would be better addressed to Manny himself, when he’s ready to talk about it.”

Reporter: That might be October. Can you acknowledge whether she’s in the hospital?

“I’m not going to talk about the health of Manny’s mother.”

Manny is 34 now. Do you think it’s time for him to be more accountable instead of being babied like a 12-year-old?

“Well, I wouldn’t accept your characterization of his behavior to begin with, and again I’ll just say he’s reported to spring training here, he’s happy to be here he’s here before he’s required to be here, either by the team or the mandatory report date. He’s happy to be here and ready to go.”

Do you think since he’s your meal ticket, you should try to help him grow up?

“Again, I wouldn’t agree with your characterization, either of Manny’s behavior or of whatever else you’re talking about.”

He indicated March 1 was the day. What changed that he moved that up?

“Again. I think that’s something Manny would have to answer but he indicated he was ready to go so that’s why he’s here.”

What was the deal with the auto show?

“I have no idea what the deal was with the auto show. I do know Manny had never had any intention of being there.”

What has changed since he asked to be traded last fall?

“I’m not going to comment on anything about trades or speculation or anything like that right now. He’s here right now, and he’s excited to be here. You can tell that when he took the field.”

He never agreed to do the car show?

“Not that I’m aware of.”

So he doesn’t want to be traded now?

“He’s just focused on the season right now. He’s reported, he’s here and he’s ready to go.”

Why did he choose not to report with other position players?

“I think the Red Sox have already gone to the press with this. They extended him the opportunity to stay with his mother, who had surgery this offseason.”

Was it at all important for you or Manny to arrive before tomorrow’s mandatory report date?

“I think it was important for both Manny and me that he get to spring training as early as he could given his family situation. That’s why he came today, because he was prepared to come today.”

Have you had conversation with the organization at any point to discuss whether Manny still wants to be traded?

“No. We have not had any conversations about trades.”

What is his health status?

“He’s in great shape, perfectly healthy. He’s very, very excited to begin the season.”

Did he have any treatment on his knee in the offseason? Gene, do you know? Did he have any treatment on his knee in the offseason? (Gene Matos is based in Miami and also represents Manny).

Matos: “In November and December, he did. He continued the rehab he engaged in during the season.”

Ever occasion he had to go to a doctor and be checked out and discuss the possibility of whether they had to do anything more aggressive than what he was doing in Boston?

Matos: “He has consulted with physicians and he has continued rehabilitation.”

What’s condition of knee now going forward?

Genske: “I think he feels very good. He feels very good, and he’s optimistic he’s going to have a great season.”

Under any restrictions?

Genske: “He has green light ready to go.”

You say we should ask Manny. Will he answer if we ask him?

Genske: “It’s my understanding that he’ll answer questions at some point. We haven’t talked about it, we don’t have any plans, but I assume he will at some point.”

Has he received any assurances that this won’t be a chronic condition?

Genske: “I think he’s been given a green light, that he’s ready to go. We don’t anticipate any future problems, but again one never knows.”

Matos: “It’s not chronic, it’s not arthritis.”

Gene, did you know anything about the car show?

Matos: “I don’t know anything about that.”

Did the organizers get in touch with you and ask you if Manny was coming?

Matos: “I don’t know anything about it, I really don’t.”

You had zero conversations with anyone?

Matos: “I just know he wasn’t going to be there. That’s all I know.”

If neither of you think he ever intended to be at this car show, would you consider legal action against these people for using his name without his knowledge.

Genske: “We’re not considering anything at this time.”

If what you say is accurate, it sounds like they used his name inappropriately.

Genske: “Again, I’m not familiar with the circumstances surrounding the car show.”

Sox seemed miffed they got news of Manny coming late through Julian Tavarez. In retrospect, should you or Manny have done a better job of communicating, given that he wasn’t here when other position players were?

Genske: “I think we’ve done an excellent job of communicating with the Red Sox. I’m not aware of them being miffed in any way.”

Want to hear my tape? I have it in the trailer.

Genske: “Thank you all.”

The agents seemed to sidestep or as my good friend Lucie would say, “Texas Two-step”, a lot of questions by saying “you should ask Manny.” Well those guys aren’t dummies and they know that it will be a cold day in hell if Manny graces them with any sort of comments. It seems to me like someone is covering up the fact about the car show. But then again, they are agents and will do whatever it takes to protect their client.

If you’d like to listen, press play below:

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Manny’s agents lie thru their teeth
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