Manny Ramirez lacks buzz for the first time in his career, writes Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times. Agent Scott Boras was upfront in his conversation with Shaikin, explaining that Manny is seeking a one-year, incentive-laden deal as a designated hitter.
"It's just like Vlad Guerrero. His last Angels season, where he had an injury season and he had 50 RBIs, was not a customary Vlad Guerrero season. He went to Texas and reestablished himself. This is really the course for great veteran hitters. We've seen, following an injury season, a player goes out and performs at optimum levels, because these players are still uniquely skilled. They're still great hitters."
Boras went on to explain that Manny's sports hernia was correctable, and his calf injury came from playing in the outfield.
Running through potential suitors, Shaikin notes that the Athletics "say they are not interested in Ramirez." If Guerrero stays with the Rangers, that leaves only the Tigers, Rays, Blue Jays, and perhaps Orioles in Shaikin's estimation. I should add that the Tigers prefer left-handed hitters and the Orioles may be content with Luke Scott serving as DH. Technically the Royals, Twins, and Mariners aren't locked in at DH, but they don't seem like matches for Ramirez.
If Manny never played another inning, I’d be happy.
Why is that? You don’t like the guy for some reason?
Personally, I’d love to see Manny wind up on the Rays next year. Also love to see how he’d fare as a DH.
Well, he kinda-sorta ‘roided, but besides that……
I’d love to see it, too, but it’s not going to happen.
The Rays can’t afford to bring back almost any of their free agents. On top of that, arbitration raises are going to eat them alive. If they could afford Manny after that, the fanbase (what fanbase hurr hurr) would eat them alive for not bringing back Pena or someone else.
The guy never played the game how it should be, lazy, bad attitude, self-centered. I honestly never heard the guy say “we” once in his career
That’s the most logical I’ve ever heard Boras speak of a client of his in a FA year. I think Manny @ 1/$4 mil guaranteed and the rest in incentives sounds reasonable. Playing Red Sox 18x a year might help bring back the competitive juices…..Rays?
You know, I was thinking the same thing. IF Manny can indeed return to being a .290/.370/.480 or better hitter, which is not unreasonable to think, who’d be a better fit then the Rays? He would help supplement some of the power lost should they not resign Pena (as I expect they wont). He could play an occasional day in the outfield if need be and has extensive experience in all AL East outfields except New Yankees Stadium, which is basically the same as old so he would have a certain comfort level. And not to mention his power numbers shouldn’t be hurt simply by moving back to 18 games at Yankees Stadium or Fenway Park, both parks he has flourished in.
rays dont have the money… I see him landing a 1/8 plus incentives plus 10 mill option with 4 mill buyout
$12m guaranteed? No freaking way.
the jays would be a better fit then the rays.. 😉 manny has an excellent relationship with farrell and stick manny in a line up packed with power inside a hitters ball park and he could reestablish himself for a few more seasons
Where would that leave Adam Lind?
1st base
Ah thanks for clearing that up, as of right now who is the Jays’ DH?
At first base, after a full winter/ST training in order to become at least a par defenceman, and at DH against RH if Manny may fall a bit against them
I want to believe that Boras actually said that. But I can’t believe that Boras actually said that.
The end is near for Manny.
As a Red Sox fan, I see NO way in H*ll Theo and John Henry go down that disaster road again. That being said, I cant see the Yankees signing him either. He only has a few teams that will take a chance on him. The Angels would NOT put up with Manny’s crap. I could see the Rays taking a flyer on him. But his best days are long behind him. He did nothing in LA and Chicago this year and a year older means a year more of diminished skills. He can’t get around on the good hard fastball anymore.
No but he is a very good fit if the departure hadn’t been so ugly. They need a strong right handed DH power bat that could play the outfield. I don’t think they are looking short-term, Manny/Vlad types. They are more interested in locking up Werth I would think.I don’t disagree with you that Manny’s best is behind him, but I don’t think its unlikely he returns to a .300 hitter and hits 20 home runs. And Manny can still turn on a fastball. He was hampered by a hernia last season and is starting to feel the effects of aging. Manny has the hardest workout regiment in the majors and spends almost all day improving his game. Its hard for me to believe he won’t rebound and that his bat speed won’t return with a few months off.
he batted .290 while being injured the majority of the season… granted his typical power numbers weren’t close but he got on base well above average
.300+/.400+/.500+ is doing nothing?
Boras sounds suspiciously….well, rational. What’s he up to?
Guy’s got a proven track record, is a professional hitter if there ever was one. Personality perceptions (no one really knows what happens inside these teams etc ) aside, seems like a perfect low-risk if at low guaranteed price situation.
If truly looking for a “one-year, incentive-laden” contract, then let’s throw a very cheap guaranteed deal with unbelievably high incentive bonuses in it and see if he bites.
If he does then we’ve got a nice cheap investment that would be worth the payoff should it perform. If he doesn’t, then no harm being because no one really believes he’d play here or be a good fit anyway.
I wouldn’t mind if the Dodgers re-signed him.
$4 million + incentives? Heck, I’m in.
yeah but there this thing that the NL has no DH, so………No.
Well change that, The NL West would welcome that idea.
Never happen in a million years. Manny is done. The Dodgers need to go young and re-boot the team.
I still see Manny going to the Jays as their new DH. Adam Lind in my estimation could be the odd man out, especially if the Jays decide on trading for a 1st baseman like Adrian Gonzalez. I’d love to see a heart of the Jays order being Manny, Adrian, and Bautista in ’11.
What do you mean new contract, 09 silver slugger Adam Lind is “the odd man out?” He’s not going anywhere. They are not going to sell low on him, and he has way too much offensive upside to just let walk. Also, I am pretty sure the jays are not trying to land Adrian Gonzalez. Most likely scenario is that Adam Lind plays 1B next season.
I hate to say it, but if Adrian does hit the trading block and Hoyer decides to seriously listen to offers, the relationship with Theo and the rumors don’t lie. Whatever is offered by any other team, he will likely get a chance to 1 up them and I fear he will. I would prefer to hang onto our young talent personally, but if he’s being dangled to other teams, I can’t see Epstein not pulling the trigger and letting go of a Kelly or Iglesias. He (or the Yankees or Rays) won’t allow the Jays to become that big of a threat in a division that has hosted a World Series participant something like 7 times since 2000. Just a prediction on my part, but I just don’t see it. The Jays are building long-term and will wait for a more strategic time to strike when one of the big 3 falters long-term and rebuilds. Sadly again, likely the Rays due to financial reasons.
If the Jays went full out to pursue Gonzalez, the red sox wouldnt have a chance, we have far superior prospects then kelly and iglesias.
I’m not saying the jays would, but saying things like the yankees and sox wont let the jays become that much of a threat is ridiculous because its a trade not free agency, the Jays can offer a much better package, plain and simple
that would be ridiculous but i dont see the jays getting rid of lind after just signing him to an extension
Jp Ricciardi? Is that you?
Trading away a 27 year old player, one year removed from a silver slugger and a new contract extension to clear room for a 38 year old player coming off an injury riddled season looking for a 1 year deal is a great way to get back in to the playoffs!!
If Manny was in the AL and was a DH all year, Manny would’ve played 110-130 games and we wouldn’t be talking about Manny being “injury riddled”. Manny should’ve stopped playing the OF 2 years ago IMO. Despite the injuries, Manny still maintained a high OPS+. Manny is due for a Vlad-esque renaissance season in ’11. Look, I really like Lind as much as you do (seeing your avatar) and I didn’t realize he got a new contract, but I don’t believe Lind will have another ’09 season in Toronto again….unless he went to San Diego. Even in ’09, Lind’s BB/K difference was horrible (58 BBs, 110 Ks). Even worse this year (38 BBs, 144 Ks).If they land Adrian, at least they have a guy that’s a 2-time Gold Glover, a more experienced and great defender at 1st, is more disciplined at the dish than Lind, is capable of hitting 40+ HRs a year (he would’ve did it this year if he was 100%), and would be a Silver Slugger award winner already if there wasn’t a guy in the same league by the name of Albert Pujols. Manny is one of those guys who’s risk is worth the reward….and the reward is the postseason, where Manny really shines. Even if Manny leaves after one year, don’t they have another slugger in Eric Thames waiting in the wings?
1. There have been several unconfirmed reports of Manny signing with the Blue Jays today.
2. Alex Anthopoulos confirmed he made a signing but would not reveal who it was.
3. Manny Ramirez has been in Toronto for the past several days, reasons unknown.
What are your sources on this stuff? I’m not doubting you, just want to check them out.
Are you following Mr. Anthopoulos around? If you are, please stop. He’ll appreciate it.
“Several unconfirmed reports”…care to share one of the several?
Responded with links confirming all three points, just need the mods to approve it.
All of the sources are covered in the most recent “drunk Jays fans” blog post. Just google that and the answers will be there.
Anthopoulos said he didn’t complete the signing. He said he was close though. Manny won’t sign anywhere before Nov 23 though. That way the team won’t have to surrender a draft pick.
true on the ramirez sightings,, he was spotted at the eaton centre not long ago… i hope you’re right, where did you hear about a signing?
2. Anthopolous said he’s almost done a signing, ON THE PHONE, which is why he had blair waiting for him. If it were Manny, why would Manny come to Toronto, only to work on his deal over the phone.
3. Manny was here for the Buffalo Bills game, apparently Manny likes losing teams who give half arsed efforts
heyyyyoooo
Manny for the M´s, 400 OBP helps any team, plus 300 hitter with more than 20 homers. 4 millions + 3 millions in incentives for the complete season, at least he´s better than Matsui or Berkman, I´m not sure if he´s better than Branyan right now and how Safeco could kill him…
SAFECO is short for Right Handed Power Hitters/Pull Hitters Nightmare. The powerdrop would be as big as Beltre. Matsui is a Lefty and Berkman is a Switch, so it would be better to look at them.
I’d like to think Manny has enough power to not suffer a huge dropoff at Safeco. I mean, look at Mauer at target Field, and Thome at Target Field. Guy is 40 years old and made that ballpark look microscopic. Guys than can truly hit, can hit anywhere
I personally don’t see the Mariners doing, still. SAFECO is honestly the worst park for right handed hitters to hit at. Target field isn’t as big a pitching park that the Safe is. and would like to have a guy like Berkman that could in emergency could play 1B and mentor Young players.
Substitute “Magglio” for “Manny” in Boras’s comments, and you wouldn’t know the difference.
By “incentive laden” that could mean lots of bonuses, or a nice fat club option with a buyout.
Say $ 5 million with an option for $ 10 million that vests with X number of plate appearances, and a $ 1 MM buyout. The payday is in being healthy and having that option picked up.
One big difference between Manny and Vlad.
Vlad still has some pride and self respect. Manny is only out for the cash and is a quitter.
So Mr Boras….how much do you think a quitter is worth?
Blue Jays, let’s go.
I want milestones. I want OBP. I want ticket sales. I want dreadlocks.
You want a quitter and clubhouse cancer also
I don’t think that will happen. One reason why Manny wants to sign with the Jays is their new manager who he enjoyed working with in Boston. Some of Manny’s best and well behaved seasons were with Farrell in Boston, so I don’t see him being a cancer… especially when he’s going to a sign a put up or shut up incentive based contract.
Manny also has sick numbers in Toronto, he loves hitting in the Rogers Centre.
What do you mean he was well behaved in Boston during his short time intersecting with Farrell? In 2007 he milked an injury most of September to save himself for the postseason. In 2008 he basically implied he’d be disappointed if Boston picked up his option because he couldn’t maximize his value and got into a fight with the traveling secretary. The team pretty much traded him because they had it.
Oh and actually Manny’s career numbers in Toronto are worse than his overall career line.
Maybe he was honestly hurt in 2007 and wanted to protect himself? He did have a slump that August (.264/.340) and did rebound to have a great post-season @ .348/.508/.652 w/ 4 hrs and 16 rbi.
Manny has definetly neen a jerk but sometimes Manny being Manny has caused people to doubt him even when he may have been truly injured. One thing about Manny is hat he always wants to perform well when there’s money on the table like during a walk FA year. If he were to sign a 1 year deal with the bulk coming in incentives then what’s the risk? As long as he’s healthy Manny is going to do his best to make his money and to try and secure a guaranteed deal for the next year.
Obviously your talking about Manny, but for some reason that description reminds me of Gary Sheffield
Would not mind the Cardinals getting in on Manny if he comes cheap enough.
perhaps Holliday would move to RF?
That would probably be the best defensive outfield, ever.
Whatever team it is, He should be paid 3Mil plus 7-10mil worth of incentives consisting of Plate Appearances, Games Played(Yes there is a difference). MVP/All Star appearance, and maybe a statistic such as RBIs or OPS. Manny i believe can still play if given the right motives.
You can’t have incentives based on stats based on production like RBIs or OPS, pretty much only plate appearances, games played, etc. The player I can think of who has incentives based a production stat is Arod and the only reason he has home run mile markers in his contract is due to the revenue the yanks would make through media coverage.
“you can’t have incentives based on stats based on production”
“The player I can think of who has stats based on production is…”
Ok that doesn’t make sense at all.
Let’s just let the Jays sign Manny and deal with it.
It could be that Manny has worn out his welcome, and because it’s “all about Manny,” he will finally go off into the sunset, never to play again.
Boras comparing Manny to Vlad, seriously? Vlad has never quit on his team, or been suspended for using illegal PEDs, can anyone say the same about Manny? Vlad is a future HOF player, Manny is just Manny, and Manny is done.
I don’t think Manny has been using steroids since his days with the Red Sox when they won those Championships. Oh wait, he was caught with the Dodgers =X
oh wait, that was just a banned substance not steroids.
A masking agent to hide steroid use… there is a reason he always showed up late for Spring Training.
Something has to be wrong with this story. Boras actually sounding reasonable. Not possible.
I defniitely think someone in the AL will sign Manny if his cost is reasonable. What will be interesting is to see what kind of contract he gets in comparison to Magglio.
Man, I need to have Boras write my resume. He can make anyone look like an all-pro.
Me too, especially in this job market
ugotrpk3113, is not only the best unemployed free agent ever, his ops has increased steadily from year to year, his bb/k ratio is impeccable and not to mention he is also much better then Jason Bay defensively and should be compensated as such.
Sincerely,
Scott Moth#^&*## Boras