| Authored by Rich Cea - 27th December, 2008 - 2:52 pm
 The Yankees most recent free agent acquisition of Mark Teixeira does more than just affect the balance of power in the AL East; it also creates major questions marks on the free agency of Manny Ramirez. Earlier in the week it appeared as if the Yankees were leading in the Manny sweepstakes. Where is he most likely to land now?
Los Angeles Dodgers
In only 53 games with the Dodgers last year Manny's stats were very impressive (.396 AVG, 17 HR's, and 53 RBIs), and his success translated into first playoff series victory for the Dodgers since 1988. Combining the fact that the Dodgers finished 13th in National League in runs scored and that Manny seemed to be on his best behavior in Los Angeles, it would appear to be a no-brainer that the Dodgers would want him back. However, concerns of Manny's ability to play the field, off-field antics, and his desire for a 3-year contract have given the Dodgers pause in their pursuit of their most dangerous slugger. With the Yankees potentially out of the way, the Dodgers are hoping to get Manny back on their terms and will probably continue to play the waiting game.
New York Yankees
Conventional wisdom suggests the Yankees are not going to be willing to spend another $50-$75 million on a player considering they have already spent almost half a billion this off-season. However, it would be foolish to count the Yankees out because of money, especially when they are opening a new ballpark next year. Rumors are that the Yankees are concerned about Hideki Matsui's chronic knee issues and that he may be traded. If the Yankees do move Matsui that could be a precursor to a Manny signing, but probably only if they could get him at a discount. Overall, the Yankees are probably nervous enough about Manny's age, reputation, and potential distractions in New York (Manny's hometown) that they would only bite if they could get him on a short term deal.
New York Mets
The Mets have not been a real player in the Manny sweepstakes to this point, but like the Yankees they are opening a new ballpark next year with high expectations after the last two late season collapses. Carlos Delgado put up strong numbers last season (.271 AVG, 38 HR's, and 115 RBIs) but gave the Mets plenty of reasons to worry. At age 36, Delgado struggled during the first half of last season (.248 AVG, .328 OBP). Considering that their biggest division rival just came off a World Series victory and that their cross-town rival is dominating the back pages of all the local papers, expect Mets' GM Omar Minaya to make a late push for Manny.
Los Angeles Angels
Angels' GM Tony Reagins has already publicly stated that the Angels will not be pursuing Manny Ramirez, which was likely bad news to fellow Dominican slugger Vladimir Guerrero. While it seems to make sense that the Angels would jump at the chance to add Manny after losing Teixeira, the Angels have proven themselves reluctant to commit large sums of money to free agents. They've already passed on Teixeira and Sabathia, both of whom may have preferred to be on the West coast. There is no reason to think this will be any different.
All signs point to the Yankees and Angels passing on Manny. The Dodgers are the clear front-runner at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mets to make a last second push and add Manny to the fold for next season. |
