BOSTON — There weren’t too many Manny-being-Manny situations this season.

If there were, most didn’t notice because Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez was camouflaged by so many other issues facing Boston this season that he quietly went about his business of hitting baseballs.

Other than his recent hiatus, when he missed 24 games due to a strained oblique last month, the 35-year-old left fielder for the Sox played in a total of 133 games this season and compiled a .296 average. He added 20 homers and 88 RBI, his lowest totals in both categories in a decade.

“I thought, from an effort standpoint, it was his most consistent season since I’ve been here,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “I think he’s in a real good place; he seems real happy.”

Still, Ramirez has an intimidating presence when he steps into the batter’s box, which helped teammate and fellow slugger David Ortiz turn in one of the best offensive performances in the league this season.

“He’s one of the best,” said Ortiz.

Ramirez has certainly had his share of odd moments during his career, most of them occurring in a Boston uniform. He doesn’t share his life on and off the field with the public, and only his teammates, friends and family really know the true Manny.

“Fortunately, for me, I get to see that other side of him,” said Francona. “I’ve witnessed some of the hiccups along the way, but there’s also a side of him we’re very proud of.”

Because there was a ton of attention on Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka’s major-league debut this season, along with the tremendous season all of the young players in the Red Sox’ organization had, Ramirez was under the radar more this year than at any other time in his career.

“I don’t know if he cares where the radar is,” said Francona. “I just think he likes to play baseball and stay under the radar.”

The one aspect of Ramirez’s career that most people definitely don’t know about is his work ethic. You always see him heading into the batting cage or leaving it, and it’s obvious he concentrates more on that aspect of the game than anything else.

Defensively, he’s an average player. His aggressiveness on the base paths could increase, though he has been legging it out of late. His contributions at the plate, however, overshadow any of his shortcomings.

“Manny has been the best hitter in the big leagues,” said Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo. “He’s consistent year in and year out. He’s just the best. You can’t replace Manny.”

The Red Sox have tried to replace him the last few seasons, but were unsuccessful in wooing any takers. He is signed through the 2008 season, with club options for 2009 and 2010, but it remains to be seen how much longer he’ll be in Boston.

Heading into the ALDS against the Angels, Ramirez has been dialed in at the plate in the final regular-season games. His past batting average in a total of eight division series with Cleveland (five from 1995-99) and Boston (three from 2003-05) is a paltry .218.

He does get better in the ALCS, with a career .303 average in five games, and has a .246 average in three World Series. During his MVP performance for the world-champion Red Sox in 2004, he hit .412 in the four-game Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ramirez will have a chance to come out from under the radar in this year’s playoffs, and if he is able to do so, the Red Sox could enjoy a long run.

jmcdonal@projo.com