While Manny has been one of the best hitters of our time, averaging .314, with 41 HR and 133 RBI per season throughout his career, he also has his fair share of drawbacks.

He will turn 37 early next season. While he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down yet, he's nearing the age when guys really hit the wall. Signing him to more than one or two years could prove to be very costly. He's also a liability in the field. While an AL team might be able to utilize him as a DH to avoid that problem, an NL team would simply have to tolerate his many lapses in the outfield. His biggest issue, however, is his attitude. At the end of his time in Boston, he completely stopped trying. He has had no problem freely admitting that he cares only about the money, going so far as to say "I want to see who is the highest bidder." His loyalty is shaky at best, and once he gets his contract, there's no telling what he will feel like offering the team, if the going gets rough.

That being said, the fact remains that when he's hitting well, he's the best hitter in baseball. He showed that at the end of this season, as he led the Dodgers into the postseason. In 53 games with the Dodgers, Manny batted .396 with 17 HR and 53 RBI. If he kept that pace for a full season, that would be 52 HR and 162 RBI. His numbers would have won the Triple Crown this year, had he maintained that pace for a full season.


Is Manny Ramirez worth $80M or more for the next 4+ years? It's hard to say, due to his sheer unpredictability. If he feels like playing, then he's worth it, beyond any shadow of a doubt. But he'll need to be handled with kid gloves. In less than 1/3 of a season, the Dodgers made over $10M in added attendance and merchandise revenue simply from Manny. If that's true, then maybe he IS worth over $20M per year. Even in a bad year, Manny is good for .300/25/90, and a few entertaining moments. He's a proven winner, and has an uncanny ability to come through in clutch situations.

Some teams that have been rumored to be interested in Manny are: the Yankees, Dodgers (obviously), Cubs and Mets. They are the typical big spenders that could afford someone like Ramirez, and they each could use another big bat in the outfield.

If I was running a team, there's no way I would sign Manny for more than 2 years at this point in his career. As much as $30M per year sounds like too much, I think the Dodgers had it right when they offered him a 2 year deal. The deal that he's looking for, which should be worth at least $80M over at least 4 years is just too long for someone as unpredictable as him, and quite frankly, he's getting too old.

If I had to guess, I'd say he signs with the Mets. Omar Minaya is a horrible GM, and will probably throw 5 years and $100M at him, and that will be enough for him to rejoin Pedro in the place where old Red Sox legends go to watch their career die.

Happy trails, Manny. This should be an interesting offseason.