This is a discussion that I had with a number of people on Twitter last night and garnered some strong reactions. With the Dodgers in a bit of turmoil and having had some success with Manny suspended, it is conceivable that a team could steal Manny Ramirez at a low cost in terms of prospects. I suggested that there are worse options out there for the Yankees than Manny Ramirez. Let’s run through the pros and cons.
Pro: Manny spent most of his career in the AL and is one of the greatest hitters of all time. He is not afraid of the big moment.
Con: Manny’s OPS decreased each month, and he looked slow on fastballs late in the year.
Pro: he still matched his career OPS+ of 155 and had a .991 OPS outside of Dodger Stadium. He had an amazing .418 OBP, showing that he still has a stellar eye.
Con: He cannot field.
Pro: At least he can play out there a bit, so he can be a good DH/LF candidate.
Con: He’s Manny. That means major distractions and effort issues.
Pro: The Yankees are used to dealing with distractions and have a very strong clubhouse that should be able to handle Manny.
Con: He costs 20 million dollars.
Pro: It is a one year deal. Jason Bay and Matt Holliday have never had a 155 OPS+ in their careers, and they want close to 20 million for 5+ years.
Con: He was a Red Sox.
Pro: It will drive their fans crazy.
Is Manny my first option? No. But would he make more sense than some of the big names out there? I think so. What do you think about Manny?
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11 Responses to Discussion: Why Not Manny?
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TIQ IQ
That ship has sailed…adding a poor outfielder with baggage who probably won’t perform to their career offensive standards…not a good idea.
I don’t the Dodgers are wanting to ship him out that quickly. ANd Scott’s right..don’t need the baggage.
The baggage doesn’t bother me a ton. Your first point is the key for me: if they want real prospects on top of salary relief, I pass.
20 million dollars, club house virus, shrinking offensive numbers, lackluster postseason numbers and he is a really bad fielder.
Maybe next year as a DH.
No good or ambidextrous prospects, only as a DH, and only if the cost is comparable to Matsui because I’d prefer a lefty bat.
…and Matsui is probably going to cost what 5-8 million tops? No way Manny takes a contract that small next year and no way the Dodgers let us pat that much only.
I don’t see the Yanks ever tolerating a player like this no matter his skills (see Jose Tabata). Manny would have to act like a professional. I doubt he can do it.
This is not the teams of the ZOO days…I would pass, poison is poison, no matter how it is given!
F-k MANNY, HIS STEROIDS, APPEARANCE AND ATTITUDE! NO WAY JOSE.
For shits and giggles maybe we’ll sign Manny. Maybe.