Baseball Digest: Fan starts rally to ‘Vote for Manny’

Just had an interview with Jason Rosenberg, the man behind the Vote For Manny Web site.  A Yankees fan starting a grassroots campaign to get Manny into the All-Star Game.  Quite a story.

Head over to Baseball Digest to read the article.

Poll Results: Mets fans don’t want Manny anymore

The results are in and who didn’t see this one coming?

Two weeks ago, after his suspension, I asked if Mets fans still wanted Manny Ramirez on their team.  Here are the results…

• No! – 66%
• Yes! - 33%

I voted “No!”  Though he’s a great hitter, I could only imagine how he’s going to act once he gets back to the team.  It’s going to be an absolute media  circus in the clubhouse, something that could be very distracting to other players.

Though the Mets need power from their lineup, especially with Carlos Delgado out, but would Manny have been the answer?  We will never know.

Where did you fall?

The Manny Saga: See ya next year

Manny Ramirez finally signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal is structured so that after one year, Ramirez can opt-out and hit the free agent market again.

That means even though he's signed for two-years, there is no doubt in my mind we'll be going through the same shenanigans again in 2010.

That means we'll have to hear all about if...

• Daniel Murphy performed well enough in left field to justify another year there.
• The Wilpons are willing to spend the money to sign him.
• They even have enough money to sign him.
• The Mets even need him.
• Anyone will still want him.

So even though we've all made it through the Ramirez show of 2009, we just have to buck up and prepare for it all over again in one year.

Spark up the Manny rumors

The Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a two-year, $45 million deal with an option to opt out after one year if he believes he can find another deal. Apparently, that wasn't good enough for Manny, as he rejected the offer last night.

That means I'm preparing to read someone's crazy idea that the Mets can still sign him -- that the team should offer $50 million to him, or something absurd like that.

I just don't want to hear it. I don't think Manny will ever be happy.

Jeremy made a prediction last night, before we learned about the deal being turned down, that Manny will not be on a team by opening day. I scoffed at him, but now he might be right.

The State of the Mets -- 2/6/09

The fourth edition of The State of the Mets.

Today I focus on Oliver Perez, Manny Ramirez and what Omar Minaya has to do for the rest of the off season.

Enjoy.

(YouTube link here)

Another crazy Spanish language story

Here's another gem from Impacto Deportivo:
Se soltó el loco; Manny Ramírez podría botar a Scott Boras
or
Came off the loco, Manny Ramírez could throw to Scott Boras

Here's the translation of Impacto Deportivo, from Google Translator:

Scott Boras, who once was separated from his duties by Alex Rodriguez, it could suffer the same fate with Manny Ramírez.

It is hoped this Wednesday at Impactodeportivo.com.do, Ramirez is quillao with Boras.

Boras has been estimated that a very hard time to ask and that is moving away to the teams.

Ramirez could take control of a future negotiations as soon as this weekend.

The gist of that is Manny Ramirez is considering firing Scott Boras and would begin negotiating for himself.

As if the story wasn't crazy enough...

Manny Ramirez offered a contract

You read that right.

Manny Ramirez was offered a two-year contract by...the Worcester Tornadoes.

Seriously. The Tornadoes sent Ramirez a two-year, $24,000 contract on Tuesday.

Here's the explanation via worcestertornadoes.com:

The Worcester Tornadoes Professional Baseball Team has offered a contract to free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez for two years worth $24,000. The deal would pay the 12-time Major League Baseball All-Star approximately $3,000 during each month of the Can-Am Baseball Season. Unlike Major League Baseball, the Can-Am League operates with a salary cap, and the deal for Ramirez would be on par with other veterans in the league.

“I feel Manny would really enjoy playing in Worcester and hitting in our ballpark. Although I would be concerned about the cars traveling on I-290 during his at bats, it’s a risk worth taking,” said General Manager, Jorg Bassiacos. Director of Player Personnel Brad Michals added, "Manny certaintly has the stats to be amongst the leaders of the league next season. Although issues regarding health have surrounded him in the past, I think he will find that the shorter schedule will boost his performance to a new level and serve as the ultimate showcase for his natural skill."

I love minor league baseball.

What would be really funny, is if he took the contract. I'm sure Scott Boras would just go cry in the corner.

Sick of Manny

Look, Manny is a great player. He's a schlub in the clubhouse. He wants a lot of money, over a long period of time.

He wants this...He wants that...He'd be a good fit... I'm sick of it. I've had it up to here with all the Manny Ramirez and Mets rumors.

Mets Tailgate said it best:

If I read one more post by a Mets blogger about Manny Ramirez I'm going to scream.

Bingo. Enough speculation, enough projection. If they sign him, great. If not, well...too bad.

The team needs pitching more than it needs another left fielder. I give up.

Sorting through Jon Heyman's top 20 remaining free agents

Jon Heyman published an article a few days ago, and I'm only now getting around to it. This break from school is really letting the laziness take over. Anyway, here we go...

Heyman ranks the top 20 remaining FA's, according to him. Somehow, his No. 1 choice is Bobby Abreu and No. 3 is Pat Burrell.

Adam Dunn ranks in at No. 6, just ahead of Jon Garland and, inexplicably, four spots ahead of Derek Lowe. Oliver Perez ranks in at No. 11 and Manny Ramirez doesn't make an appearance until 13th.

Behind Manny? Ben Sheets at No. 14, followed by Jason Varitek, Randy Wolf and Garret Anderson. No. 18 is Freddy Garcia, who last I checked is still recovering from surgery, pitched in three games last season and may have just hurt himself in winter ball.

Cliff Floyd and Tim Redding round out the list.

Is it me, or did Heyman just throw darts at a list while drunk, blindfolded and hanging upside down?

I'm going to take the same 20 players and rank them, my way, and we all can compare.

Heyman's list	Vazzano's list
1. Bobby Abreu	1. Manny Ramirez
2. Milton Bradley	2. Derek Lowe
3. Pat Burrell	3. Oliver Perez
4. Orlando Cabrera	4. Adam Dunn
5. Joe Crede	5. Orlando Cabrera
6. Adam Dunn	6. Bobby Abreu
7. Jon Garland	7. Ben Sheets
8. Jason Giambi*	8. Jason Giambi*
9. Orlando Hudson*	9. Orlando Hudson*
10. Derek Lowe	10. Joe Crede
11.Oliver Perez	11. Milton Bradley
12. Andy Pettitte*	12. Andy Pettitte*
13. Manny Ramirez	13. Jon Garland
14. Ben Sheets	14. Garrett Anderson
15. Jason Varitek	15. Pat Burrell
16. Randy Wolf	16. Randy Wolf
17. Garrett Anderson	17. Jason Varitek
18. Freddy Garcia	18. Tim Redding
19. Cliff Floyd	19. Cliff Floyd
20. Tim Redding	20. Freddy Garcia

* denotes matches.

Of this list, the Mets have been rumored to be interested in: Ramirez, Lowe, Perez, Hudson, Wolf, Varitek and Redding.
Of that list, I think the only serious pursuits will be: Lowe, Perez, Hudson, Wolf and Redding.
And of that list, I can see only: Lowe, Perez, Wolf and Redding wearing blue and orange next year.

Wherever you rank the top 20 remaining free agents, just know that within the next 40 or so days, a lot of rumors are going to be swirling. Why 40 days (give or take)? Spring training kicks off right about then. Finally, we'll all get back to baseball.

Update: Fletcher points out that Heyman's list may not be a list at all. From 1-17, the list is in alphabetical order. If he's not ranking them, why use numbers? Couldn't he just as easily used bullet points? What's with the ABC order then? This gives me more questions than answers. My list still stands.

Manny will never stop being Manny

That doesn't mean I don't want him on my favorite team, though.

Manny Ramirez is a five-year-old. He feels ignored, so he's stomping around the playground making big, bold statements. According to Ken Davidoff, Manny is threatening retirement if no "good" deals come about.

What a goof ball, but darn can he hit.

I hope when Manny finally does retire, he becomes a coach. I'd love to see him go Ozzie Guillen on anything and everything.

Jon Heyman has lost his mind

Just read this first paragraph from Jon Heyman about Manny Ramirez and the New York Yankees.

LAS VEGAS -- Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner is said by people close to him to want Manny Ramirez in pinstripes. Unlike his father, who dreaded dreadlocks, Steinbrenner the junior is said by a Yankees person "not to give a (hoot) about his hair.''

Someone needs a nap or needs to lay off the cocktails.

What's next for the Mets?

With Francisco Rodriguez in the fold, Omar Minaya has cleared the first hurdle this off-season. The next question is, what does he do next?

I would hope that his next signing or transaction would be for a starting pitcher. I'm more worried about the two gaping holes at the back of the Mets rotation as opposed to who is manning left field when we already have people that can do a semi-decent job out there.

Everyone keeps talking about Jon Garland being a fallback plan for the Mets. Why? He's not going to be the ace of your staff, so you can live with his ERA over 4.00 every year. Plus, he eats innings, logging 190 IP or more every year since 2002. The Mets may need to pay him a little more than they wish, but they can. Garland is actually near the top of my wish list for starting pitchers for the team to acquire.

Minaya seems infatuated with Raul Ibanez, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the next New York Met. I don't necesarily hate Ibanez, but in no way would I get excited about him playing in left next year. Yes, that would move Fernando Tatis back to the bench, but that would also force Daniel Murphy either to the bench as well, or back to the minors where he can at least get regular playing time.

The Mets continue to pursue Huston Street, though it seems that Aaron Heilman may not be included in a possible deal for the ex-A's closer. The team wants a set-up man who can also fill in at closer if need be. Street would be an excellent addition to the team, but it's unknown what the Mets would have to give up.

They had offered Heilman and Pedro Feliciano, but when the Rockies called back, Minaya had changed his mind. The Rox just signed lefty Alan Embree, so their need for Feliciano is probably diminished.

Back to the starting pitching market, I keep hearing conflicting reports about Derek Lowe. First the team is courting him, then he's too expensive and then back to "the Mets are considering Lowe." I think he's too expensive for the type of pitcher he is, and looking at what the Mets need, he may not be the best option.

Ken Davidoff believes the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. I wouldn't mind that. We know what he's capable of, but Scott Boras is going to demand the bank and more for his client and I think the Mets are unwilling to pay that much for the inconsistency of Perez.

Pedro Martinez's name continues to be brought up, but as I wrote last night, I believe the team is attempting to drum up buzz about it as an act of good faith.

Oh, and don't count on Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets, as I hinted at in Minaya's notebook. I give it about a 2 percent chance of happening.

Craig Carton is hilarious

Just got this from WFAN:

WFAN’S CRAIG CARTON TO LEAD A FREE AGENT RALLY FROM CITI FIELD

New York, NY – Craig Carton, co-host of the Boomer and Carton show on Sports Radio 66, WFAN is taking Hot Stove Baseball to the streets as he leads a free agent rally live from the New York Mets new home, Citi Field.

The Rally will begin at 11am this Friday, November 14th in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Carton is not new to rallies as this past summer he blitzed the Jets training camp at Hofstra with a bullhorn leading a “Let’s get Brett” chant, in hopes of swaying Jets brass to sign hall of fame Quarterback Brett Favre.

This time Carton hopes to encourage the Mets to be very active in the 2008 Major league Baseball free agent pool and look to sign some of the top free agents available beginning this Saturday. Among the players he hopes to convince Mets management to go after are: Francisco Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, and slugger Manny Ramirez.

I love Craig Carton. What a character. Oh, and he prefers it to be "CC," without the periods.

If anyone attends, please take pictures.

Could Obama speed up the free agency process?

With President-Elect Barack Obama set to take office on Jan. 20th, 2009, some big baseball deals may want to hurry the process along to see as much of that money as possible.

I don't want to get political here, so just stick with me. Feel free to post your love / hate for politics in the comments.

Obama has planned to raise the federal income tax rate from it's current 35 percent up to 39.6 percent. This may not affect you and me, but for the multi-million dollar deals that go down in Major League Baseball, this is a big issue.

From the AP:

Next year's major league minimum is $400,000. Agent Scott Boras, negotiating eight- and possibly nine-figure deals for free agents Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira, already has thought about the possibility of asking for larger signing bonuses payable this year in some of his contracts.

"There's some consideration to be had with the impact of the election," he said.

Free agents can't start negotiating money with all teams until Nov. 14. Only a relatively small percentage of contracts are finalized before Jan. 1.

Still, for a big-money free agent earning $10 million in 2009, Obama's plan could increase his federal tax by more than $400,000.

I never really thought about how the election affects baseball and it's players, mostly because they earn enough money as it is. Still, it should be interesting to see if any players jump right in to save a chunk of change on their new contract.

Poll Results: To Manny or not to Manny?

Before the playoffs ended, I posed the question to you, the reader, if the Mets should sign Manny Ramirez.

Though the rumors linking the Mets and Manny have died down, you never know what Omar Minaya might do for one of his favorite players. Here are the results:

No -- 39%
Yes, with limits -- 35%
Yes -- 24%

I'm assuming the people that voted for just the "Yes" would pay through the nose for Ramirez. While I'm willing to heave over a big chunk of change for the left fielder, there is no way I'd give him six years like he's asking.

I don't think they'll end up making a deal, though it was fun while it lasted.

Next question: Do you want the Mets to sign Oliver Perez?

Too expensive?

The Mets may have money to spend, but it looks like they're not going to spend it all in one place. Smart move.

(Ed. note: This might be the 942,398th article I've written about this, and don't expect it to stop. Things are generally speculation, but speculation leads to discussion, and discussion is always fun.)

According to Ken Davidoff, the Mets realize that both Manny Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez may be too expensive.

The Mets have convinced themeslves that Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez just isn't worth the money he wants to close.
---
The Mets, moreover, have no intention of pursuing Manny Ramirez at this point. Too old, too expensive, too potentially disruptive.

We're all going to have to wait until after the World Series until real news starts pouring in, but this seems about right to me. The Mets have too many holes to fill to go out and spend the majority of they money on one player (especially one who only pitches one inning a game, if at all.)

I'd much rather see them pick up a bunch of good players, instead of one "great" player. Makes more sense in the situation they're in, even if it really hasn't been the style lately.

Six years for Manny? Pass

My limit was three years, maybe with a team option for a fourth, based on good behavior. No way, now how would I be willing to put up with Manny for six years.

Joel Sherman is reporting, after a long conversation with Manny Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, that he is seeking a six-year deal.

Too steep. Way too steep.

Manny is undoubtedly one of the best hitters in the game, and he continues to show that every game he plays, but he complained his way out of Boston, a town that loved him, and is only on his best behavior as he plays for a contract. I understand chasing the money, and more power to him, but I think I'd go nuts if I had to watch him lollygag for six years.

Two, maybe three years for Man-Ram. Team options for anything beyond that. Otherwise, you'd be overpaying and setting up for a whining Manny.

Manny is already on the Phillies $#!% list

Just another reason to have him sign on the dotted line.

In Game 2 of the NLCS, Manny Ramirez was at the plate when Brett Meyers decided to uncork one. The ball buzzed past the back of Manny's head, but no harm was done.

Game 3 was a completely different story. Russel Martin gets pegged in his first AB. Then he gets a bit of chin music on his second appearance at the plate. Retaliation is coming, of course, and Shane Victorino was the nearly unlucky batter.

Hiroki Kuroda spun one right past the back of Victorino's head, before Victorino grounded out to first. As the inning ended, the benches cleared. Who was the angriest member of the Dodgers? Manny Ramirez.

Don't tell me this is all part of his "plan." Don't tell me he's "playing for a contract." That's a gamer right there. And that's something, somone, the Mets need.

The Final Score (jeez, I'm linking to them a lot lately) has a picture up of Manny getting heated. I dig it.

But back to the Phillies $#!% list.

Via Tyler Kepner, in the New York Times:

“He knows the cameras are on him,” reliever Chad Durbin.

Well, obviously.

The Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez, who had a Brett Myers fastball whip behind his back in Game 2, made the biggest fuss in the fracas. He charged in from left field, and coaches restrained him from going after … somebody. The Phillies weren’t really sure, though Ryan Howard did say he told Ramirez during the game that Myers had not been trying to hit him.

Still, the heat of the moment takes over.

If the Phillies hate him, please Mets, sign him. Just another great reason for Manny to patrol left field in Citi Field.

Dear Lupica: Do your research

Sometimes, it helps to do a bit of Google-ing around.

Latest Mike Lupica article, published Oct. 12:

But you go for Manny Ramirez now, even after the way he has produced for the Dodgers, and you pay a lot more than $100 million, or whatever he and Boras are going to be looking for after the .400 finish Ramirez gave the Dodgers, after he dragged THEM across the finish line all by himself.

Article from Oct. 6 in the Rocky Mountain News:

Agent Scott Boras has let it be known through his media outlets that the expectation is for at least five years and $85 million in a deal for Ramirez.

That took me all of one minute.

Count Manny out for the Mets

My heart and dreams were shattered at the same moment.

Ben Shpigel of the New York Times is out covering the NLCS in LA, and he had the opportunity to chat with Manny Ramirez. Talk shifted to the Mets, and Pedro Martinez.

Via Shpigel:

When reminded that the Mets could use a right-handed slugger, Ramirez must have mentioned at least three times that he didn’t think the ball carried well at Shea Stadium. Reminded that the Mets are moving into a new stadium next season, Ramirez hardly seemed to notice.

Great. He won't be a Met because he doesn't like the way the ball carries at Shea.

Time to look elsewhere.