12/23/08

Manny's weakening market.

The Yanks won't get Manny now that they have Tex. They got their hitter, and they have an excess of corner OF/DH types now with Swisher, Nady, Matsui, and Damon all possibilities.

Angels' GM Tony Reagins says that the Angels will not sign Manny.

It seems like his only known suitor now is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

We know that I already think the Blue Jays should pursue him, and I feel even stronger about that now that his price tag is dropping. He is the hitter they need and he will bring fans to the games. I see other possible suitors being the Nationals and Athletics. The Nats missed out on Tex, and Manny is a good alternative for them. He is a great hitter, which they need, and he'll most definitely put fans in the seats. On a short term deal Manny brings in fans while the Nats rebuild, then hopefully when his contract is up they have enough good players to retain the fan base. The A's already traded for Matt Holliday, and it seems like they really plan to contend in 2009. Rafael Furcal turned down their deal, so perhaps they spend a little more dough, but for only 2 or 3 years, and get Manny. A lineup that has Matt Holliday and Manny Ramirez in the middle of the order is a big improvement from a lineup with Holliday and Eric Chavez in the 3 and 4 spots. Again, a Manny signing is a great way to bring in fans. the A's don't get a lot of fans at their games, if they have Holliday and Ramirez, more fans are sure to show up to the ballpark. If they can get those two and also sign Randy Johnson to a one year deal, the A's might have their best attendance numbers in recent history.

Whoever gets Manny will benefit from his hitting and the fans he brings to the games, but they will also have to deal with his attitude, slow speed, poor fielding abilites, ridiculous comments, fighting of traveling secretaries, and increasing age. I really hope that Manny ends up making a lot less than he is asking for and that he has to play for a non-contender, that's what he deserves for the way he acted in Boston this year.

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