Dodgers invade Fenway: Will Manny Ramirez hear any cheers amid the boos?

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He’s a villain! A very bad man. Probably never tells his mom he loves her, kicks dogs, spits on Faneuil Hall and actually comprehends the secret inner workings of Ron Artest. Quit on his team, God, country and V-energy.

He’s a hero! A blessing from the baseball heavens. Helps old ladies cross Beacon Street, kisses babies, sweeps up at the Old North Church and is certain the Celtics were ripped off by the officials in Game 7. One of the greatest sluggers in Red Sox history.

Oooooh, it is Manny time!

Through the quirks on interleague baseball, Manny Ramirez returns to Boston today for the first time since he was booed out of town. (Check that, he was never booed.)

Hmm. What’s a good Red Sox fan to do?

The reception Manny receives as the Dodgers open a three-game series Friday has been the subject of great speculation, in the media and out.

And although most expect him to be royally booed, not everyone does. And not everyone believes he should be.

Here’s some of the better views on what has been a national story:

-- SI.com’s Tom Verducci argues that Manny deserves a warm reception from the Fenway fans because his eight years of superior play and helping bring two World Series titles far outweighs his final ugly month.

-- CBSsports.com’s Scott Miller talks to Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who says the Fenway reaction ‘could range anywhere from them throwing a parade to a riot.’

-- The Times’ Dylan Hernandez talks to Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who tells him: ‘I just want them to recognize him for what he was a part of.’

-- Dodgers.com’s Ian Browne talks to current Red Sox, who seem as curious to the locals’ reaction as anyone. Said Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia: ‘It should be interesting, but I don’t know what to expect. It’s going to be fun to see what goes on.’

-- Foxsports.com’s Ken Rosenthal said it would be hypocritical of the Boston fans to boo Manny now, since they failed to do so while he was with the Red Sox. He expects most fans will cheer him.

-- Yahoosports.com’s Tim Brown says however the Fenway fans react, it will be to a very different player than the one they last saw in 2008. Brown said scouts told him this is a diminished player, that his bat speed has clearly slowed.

-- ESPN.com’s Buck Showalter writes that managing a unique player like Manny requires an open mind.

-- Steve Dilbeck