The Dodgers are rumored to be talking to the Red Sox regarding Manny Ramirez. The Red Sox would have to pay a portion or all of Manny’s salary for the rest of the year. In return, the Red Sox appear to be targeting either Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp.
This is what John Perrotto from Baseball Prospectus on the Manny rumors:
The Dodgers feel they are one big bat away from becoming the favorites to win the NL West, and are in serious talks with the Red Sox about left fielder Manny Ramirez. If the Dodgers can’t get land Ramirez, they will turn their attention to Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts.
ESPN's Jayson Stark reported last night that the Phillies, rumored to be in on a deal for Manny, and the Dodgers both denied they were talking to the Red Sox. But, with the cross-town rival Angels trading for Mark Teixeira yesterday, and McCourt recently complaining about attendance and revenues, McCourt may look to deal for Ramirez for the sake of stealing headlines from the Angels and selling more seats at Dodger stadium.
Joel Sherman from the NY Post is also reporting that the Dodgers are talking to the Orioles regarding Brian Roberts, which would relegate the 2b statue of Jeff Kent to the bench as a pinch hitter and part-time player.
Finally on XM Radio's Baseball This Morning show, they interviewed Mel Antonen from the USA Today. He also confirmed the Dodgers are hot after Brian Roberts.
Roberts would fill the Dodgers need for a quality leadoff hitter and a 2bman that can move more than 5 feet to the right or the left. Antonen stated that the Dodgers feel they can win the NL West with this upgrade. Roberts would replace Kent who is only hitting .252-.305-.402 with 10 HR and 43 RBI. Not what you want from your cleanup hitter.
Perrotto also mentions that the
ESPN’s Buster Olney also reports that the
After the Mets bullpen collapsed on Monday night against the Marlins, Omar Minaya STILL hasn’t made a deal for bullpen help. With lingering questions about the health of Billy Wagner and Duaner Sanchez, Omar should pull the trigger soon. But who will he trade for?
Omar may have another injured starter with John Maine leaving his start Monday night with tightness in his right shoulder.
The Mets are also rumored to be talking to the Mariners about Raul Ibanez, but will wait till Thursday to see how Ryan Church is progressing according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
When does Pat Gillick go out and get a starting pitcher? Brett Myers pitched very well tonight, but it was against the Nationals. Can he be counted on over the next two months?