Identity time for the Sox

With about four hours until the trading deadline, Sox Nation watches and waits to see what happens with Manny and whether Boston can shed its recent identity as a team playing like a bunch of wet kittens.

As we know, the Angels and Yankees have taken decisive steps to improve their clubs, and the Rays still top the AL East.

While there are differences between Ramirez's funk and the past departures of Nomar and Pedro, the situation is reminiscent of 2004, when a capable but underperforming Sox team needed -- and got -- a front office-engineered jolt.

After Manny came into camp in great spirits, it's disappointing to see how things have gone south. Obviously, at this point, he can't be counted upon, even if it's in his interest to perform well for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, this image projects how his HOF plaque would look if all the trade rumors about him had come true over the years (h/t Boston Dirt Dogs).