September 27, 2007

EL GUAPO ANNOUNCES

MANNY RAMIREZ AS RUNNING MATE

  EL GUAPO- MANNY TICKET NOW ESTABILISHED

FOR PRESIDENT OF RED SOX NATION

NASHUA, NH ? Rich ?El Guapo? Garces has named Red Sox Outfielder Manny Ramirez as his running mate and potential Vice President of Red Sox Nation if he should win the Presidency.

In a statement from his home in Venezuela today, Rich said ?I spoke with Manny and he is very excited to support my campaign for President of Red Sox Nation.  I cannot think of a better person to serve with me to run Red Sox Nation if I win.?  Manny will play an important role in my presidency.  Now you can vote for El Guapo and Manny, Papi? 

For more information on El Guapo for President please visit his Major League Baseball Blog at

www.elguapoforpresident.mlblogs.com

I am sorry that I was not able to attend the great debate yesterday.  I was visiting sick children in the hospital near my village and I lost track of the time.  But I got to watch on a short-circuit feed sent to by NESN and I wanted to comment on what I saw.

The candidates showed that they all care about the fans and the team very much.  And there was much excitement there along with surprises.  Doris Kearns Goodwin withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Rob Crawford.  Mike Barnicle withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Peter Gammons.  Peter Gammons stayed in the race, but endorsed Cheryl Boyd.  Cheryl Boyd left the race, got back in, left, and ended up back in, but failed to endorse herself.

Then, Jerry Remy, should he win, chose Jared as his running mate.  Sam Horn then did the same.  And then Jerry Remy and Sam Horn went running off arm in arm up the aisle while Tim Russert sang, "You’ll Never Walk Alone."  It was quite an experience.  You will see it tonight (Friday) on NESN.

But my announcement is no less important and shocking.  Right here and now, I would like to announce to the world that I, too, have selected my running mate.  If elected president of Red Sox Nation, my running mate will be none other than Manny Ramirez, left fielder for the Boston Red Sox.

You may ask why I would choose a current player.  In my effort to draw the fans closer to the team, I believe someone on the inside could help me.  And what better player and friend than Manny himself.  He will allow access to the fans, he will be allowed to talk to management about the moves they make, and he will break his silence to the media when asked about fan matters.  Manny being Manny will be Manny being Vice President.

Now is the time for you, the members of Red Sox Nation, to go out and vote.  Vote for the candidate you would like to see representing you and leading you into a bigger and brighter future.  I believe I am that guy. 

Por favor, VOTE FOR GUAPO/RAMIREZ in ’07!!!

Mucho gusto,

El Guapo

This campaign reminds me of the 1999 pennant race.  Each team was excellent and if not for a legendary turn by Pedro, we would have lost to the Indians.  As it turns out, we lost to the dreaded Yankees.  Everyone remembers that bad call on Offerman at second base that sent the fans into a frenzy.  (By the way, I was reading the book "How to Talk to a Yankee Fan" on my flight down here to Venezuela and laughing all the way.  It really is very funny.)

But my point is that each of the teams was worthy of winning the World Series and it came down only to one or two close plays.  My opponents and I all speak with great ideas.  There is not a clear victor.  Like the American League East, this race will come down to the wire. 

Think of what you want in a president.  I bring optimism, determination, intensity, unselfishness, and friendliness to the table.  If you’ve ever seen me on the mound, you have seen that I cannot be rattled.  I am up for any challenge.

I shall bring Red Sox Nation closer to the team than they have been before.  It will make the experience of being a Red Sox fan that much better.

Enjoy the final week of the campaign!

Mucho gusto,

El Guapo

As I was sitting down tonight at one of my three dinners, I thought of you and how you have always treated me like family.  But now I see that there is a whole new fan base of our "family."  Since 2004, more people have realized there is no better pasttime, than rooting for the Red Sox.

That is pretty cool to me.  It’s no problem that the new fans may not remember when I pitched for the Red Sox.  It’s no problem that they may not be able to tell me from Wally the Green Monster.  (he is the green one.) 

All I know is that I hope their new experiences as Red Sox fans have been heartfelt, intense, and most of all, fun. 

As president of Red Sox Nation, I will bring the new fans together with the old fans so they can experience the fun together as I saw it back during my days on the team.

One way to welcome the new fans into our hearts is to show the Red Sox on free television at least once a week, just like in the old days.  Fans have often told me stories of their friday nights watching Channel 38 or 25 or 68.  NESN is wonderful, but it does not allow for all fans to enjoy it. 

Consider my request.  And please consider me for President of Red Sox Nation. 

Mucho gusto,

El Guapo

The season is winding down and so is the campaign.  I see from my home in Venezuela that the bullpen of the team is having some trouble.  This is where I come in.

If a drag bunt was needed, than Candidate Remy would be your choice.  If a 3-run home run was needed, than Mr. Horn is your man.  If a political biography was needed, I would say to vote for Doris Kearns Goodwin.  But a closer would be the best choice for Red Sox Nation.

I have acted in the role of set-up man and now closer for the Nashua Pride.  My job is to finish the job that has been started.  Your current president has gotten Red Sox Nation spread all over the country.  I will spread them even farther.  With my popularity and reach through Latin America, I will expand the Nation around the Globe.

Please consider this when voting for president.  I will close out the campaign as I have been doing all season.

Mucho gusto,

El Guapo

Greetings from Venezuela!                                 

After helping the Nashua Pride win the Can-Am League championship, I have come back to my native country to help build a field for the underprivileged youth and teach them the fundamentals of baseball.  I believe in giving back to the community that gave to me as a child, when I was "El Guapito," a mere 120 lb. 4-year-old, barely able to squeeze out of my highchair.

Some of the fundamentals I am teaching pertain as much to the game of baseball as they do to life.  I am working on instilling teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice in them.  But most of all — fun. 

The game is meant to be fun.  As a player on the Boston Red Sox, I showed up every day and worked my tail off (though you wouldn’t know it by looking), but had fun.  We must remember that.  Not to worry about the Yankees or any other team, but to enjoy ourselves.  The winning will come. 

The campaign to me is fun.  And because of that, I will win. 

I look forward to writing you frequently during my time here and am prepared to return in mid-October, with your support, to proudly assume the duties of President of Red Sox Nation serving under the greatest fans in the world.

Mucho gusto,

El Guapo