Before leaving work yesterday, I listened to an interview that ESPN's Colin Cowherd did with Ned Colletti. Ned mentioned that he had a 1 1/2 hour meeting with agent Scott Boras the night before to discuss several of his clients, namely Manny Ramirez. He mentioned that the meeting was very productive for both sides. He also mentioned something I had never heard before-he has been dealing with Scott Boras since Greg Maddux was in his 3rd year in the majors. That was a LONG time ago. Made me think that Manny would become a Dodger come hell or high water.
Well, per Tony Jackson at the LA Daily News, Colletti made an offer to Manny Ramirez last evening that would make him the 2nd highest paid player in the history of the game. From TJ's blog over at the Daily News:
What he said was that this is the most lucrative contract ever offered in the history of the Dodgers franchise (in terms of average annual value) and that it potentially would make Ramirez the second-highest paid player (presumably based on average annual value) in baseball behind A-Rod. Ned also said the AAV of the offer is somewhere between the $20 million Manny would have made next year if his option had been exercised by the Red Sox and the AAV of A-Rod's deal, which if you do the math is $27.5 million.
Jackson went on to say that the offer could be for 3 years-$72 million, or an AAV of $24 million/season. Nothing confirmed, but I am sure we will hear more about this offer in the very near future. Signing Manny may be the carrot that helps Rafael Furcal re-sign with the Dodgers, as Furcal apparently wants a 4 year deal, and I would be shocked if any team gives him a 4 year deal with his injury history the last few years.
In addition to the Manny offer, there is a report that the Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is not demanding a premium pitcher in return for Matt Holliday or Garret Atkins. Troy Renck of the Denver Post had this update in his blog last evening:
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd increased the likelihood of trading Matt Holliday, and to a lesser degree, Garrett Atkins with his admission today that the club doesn’t necessarily have to get pitching in return.
During afternoon meeting at the St. Regis, O’Dowd said the following:
“There is not much pitching in the market available. Period. And any pitching we get will likely be projection pitching. Not that guy that been there done it. We are completely open-minded to anything.”
He goes on to say that since a premium starter is not a requirement, it will open the door for many teams, including the Yankees and Rays who have young pitching to offer in return.
Finally, Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose News floats the rumor that the Phillies will listen to offers for SS Jimmy Rollins. I think this rumor smells like the Russell Martin rumor we heard yesterday....it will be shot down pretty quickly.