Nov 04 2008
Manny Ramirez in Orange and Black?
As the offseason begins, the hot topic are the three free agent prizes available in the market right now: C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and Manny Ramirez.
The Giants are in need of a power hitter and lack punch in their lineup. Ramirez, even at 36, could fill a hole their for the Giants but only if the price is right. Giants fans would love him and he would put seats in the stands with Tim Lincecum and would make the other hitters in the Giants’ lineup better. However, Giants have a surplus of outfielders in Aaron Rowand, Fred Lewis, Randy Winn, and Nate Schierholtz, with Winn being trade bait for the Giants. So there could be a fit for the Giants and Manny being in orange and black instead of D Manny’s agent Scott Boras wants 5 years and atleast an annual salary of 25 million a year. However, it is unlikely Manny would get that kind of lucrative of a contract. Maybe 4 years at 100 million at the most. Giants probably could afford that in getting Manny Ramirez but it is highly unlikely the Giants will get Ramirez, but they definitely have their eye on him, as well as on Mark Teixeira.
Manny Ramirez’s agent Scott Boras wants five years and the Dodgers aren’t going to offer that. But, L.A. probably will make a huge short-term deal, and Manny has to look at that. Tom thinks the Dodgers want two, but could go to three. Dan Patrick and Tom both agree that the Dodgers are best served by offering Manny something short term, and if he says no, then use that money to go after CC Sabathia. Tom said there’s only a 5 percent chance the Brewers keep Sabathia. Verducci says CC is from California, and all things being equal, that’s where the big pitcher wants to be.
Verducci think the Giants may be the surprise team this free-agency period. They need to make a splash and bolster their offense, so they could go after Mark Teixeira or even C.C. Sabathia if they trade one of their young starters Matt Cain or Jonathan Sanchez for a hitter like Prince Fielder or J.J. Hardy. My guess is the Giants are the sleeper in anyone of the sweepstakes for these three players: C.C. Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, and Mark Teixeira.
manny in orange and black