Although it appears unlikely that the Giants will sign free-agent slugger Manny Ramirez, there is a belief that he would have difficulty being productive if he did land in San Francisco. Teams facing the Giants could opt to give Ramirez the 'Barry Bonds Treatment' and hand him an excessive amount of intentional walks. "In theory, I think that thought process is right on," a National League scout said. San Francisco lacks a viable No. 5 hitter to protect someone like Ramirez in the lineup. Bengie Molina is expected to hit fifth should the Giants land a big-time clean-up hitter. "Bengie hits third or fourth only with San Francisco," said another NL scout. Other scouts don't think it's fair to put Ramirez in the same conversation as Bonds. "Bonds was so far above the crowd," one scout said. "I'd joke about it on the advance reports, but it was true. If you were ahead by one run in the ninth inning with Bonds coming up, walk him intentionally and play for a tie." Said another scout, "Manny Ramirez is probably the best right-handed hitter in baseball, with the possible exception of Pujols. But he hasn't been labeled 'great' yet. They didn't pitch to Bonds because he was indeed great."