Manny Watch Continues

Honestly, I'm getting a little sick of all this so I'm going to make this my last post discussing the Manny Ramirez situation until he's signed - here or elsewhere.

Last night took an interesting turn in the saga as the Dodgers offered up a one year, $25 million dollar offer that would have:
a] Allowed the Dodgers to dangle the free agency carrot over his head all year, presumably ensuring maximum effort while also ensuring he would be able to hit the free agency market next winter when he could hope for better results
b] Make Manny the second highest paid player in the Major Leagues - not too shabby
c] Keep the Dodgers payroll-flexible beyond this season

Within 24 hours, Manny and his puppetmaster had rejected the deal. No big surprise to me. I didn't think his pride [or Boras' bank account] would let him take a one year deal after all the bluster about needing 4 or 5 years. Apparently, somewhere and somehow, Boras must think there's a better offer out there.

Not from the Nationals who shot down rumors of their interest today. The Mets did likewise last week.

That basically leaves the Giants as the only other team with public interest and they appear to not be willing to go past two years. So, will they go higher than the Dodgers originally offered for the two year + option deal? If they don't, Mr. Boras may find himself minus one high profile client in the near future.

So, will the Dodgers stay in this little race?

Right now, the odds are pointing against it. Check out these little tidbits.

** Once again, the Dodgers are showing signs of weariness at dealing with Boras. Frank McCourt was quoted as saying, "His agent is challenging to work with. It's been over three months, and [we're] two weeks away from spring training, and we still have not received a specific number from the agent. At some point in time, it's time to move on." Now that may be a lot of public posturing but it could also mean that I'm not the only one growing tired of being jerked around by the Dreadlocked One and his minion.

** There has been an increase in rumors over recent days that many in the Dodgers Front Office are advocating spending the Manny money on Randy Wolf, Orlando Hudson, and either Bobby Abreu or Adam Dunn. Coletti restated the team's interest in Abreu today as well according to Abreu's agent. Dunn is playing the waiting game as well as the Dodgers are apparently his top choice if the Manny negotiations go south.

** "We have tried to bring closure to this," McCourt said. "Three times, we've tried to bring closure to this. It's not for a lack of effort. What should be clear to everyone is that signing Manny was -- and remains -- a priority. How long that remains a priority will depend on other things that happen as we get closer and closer to the real season."

Closure, huh?

Sounds kinda nice, doesn't it?

Despite signs pointing the other direction, Coletti apparently did not contact the agents for any of the Dunn/Abreu/Hudson triumvirate today - holding firm to the company line that they're still trying to bring back Manny.

I'm sure I'm not alone - Larry Bowa agrees! - in thinking that (a happy) Manny is the Dodgers' best option and if at all possible, they should make that happen.

By the same token, they can not allow themselves to be held hostage by Scott Boras and Manny Ramirez at the possible expense of other free agents that could be gotten to make the team better. Is Adam Dunn a better player than Manny? Hell no. But at a fraction of the cost and to go into Spring Training with your full squad? Possibly.

I think the Dodgers owe it to themselves, their fans, and to Manny to make one final offer. Make it the very best offer you're willing to make and slap a deadline on it. 24 hours, 48 hours, 5 days - whatever works.

If it's accepted, the streets of Los Angeles will be lined with dreadlocks and dreams of playing in October once more.

If it's rejected or ignored, it's time to move on - for all of us.