Now that he is in Los Angeles playing for a contract, Manny Ramirez [stats] has been ultra-productive for the Dodgers as their cleanup hitter. But how have the Red Sox [team stats] fared in the No. 4 spot since Aug. 1, after Ramirez’ departure? Not too shabby.

The Red Sox cleanup hitters have just four fewer RBI than Ramirez in two fewer games. While the Sox boast a better top-third of the lineup than the Dodgers, Ramirez’ fill-ins have helped make Ramirez’ absence far less painful than it could have been.