Finally! The somestimes off-again/on-again-ocassionally testy contract negotiations ended with Dodger OF'er Manny Ramirez in the fold for --at least another year. Hopefully--for Los Angeles--more. But that's doubtful. If Manny has a very good season, he's ONE & DONE! For him, 2009 will be a 'showcase' season, as he tries to sell his baseball prowess to another team--preferably-a contender (NL or AL, makes no difference). The Dodgers really can't afford him.
He sign a 2-year contract, which pays him $25M this season. The remaining $20M sets is in an 'option' year (2010), and he will have until November (2009) to comit for the final season or opt out. Part of the money will be deferred. One might say that both sides got what it wanted, and Manny's dream of a 'multi-year, $100M deal was just that...A 'Pipe Dream'. His agent,Scott Boras, is good, but not that good... .as in miracles!
After Manmny has his excellent season (offensively), look for him opt-out, an offer his services to a high-bidder. Again, it won't be for the kind of $$ he wants, but he'll be at an age (39)(2010) that MLB clubs are relunctant to offer large salaries and long-term contracts.
As a team, Los Angeles shouild be formidable in the NL West--a very weak Division. One thing is certain. They will make the playoffs, and endure a ONE & DONE exit. But they will feel good during the long season, including the 'dog-days'. Plus, the LA fans and players can now breathe a sigh of relief. The 'worst' is over.
He sign a 2-year contract, which pays him $25M this season. The remaining $20M sets is in an 'option' year (2010), and he will have until November (2009) to comit for the final season or opt out. Part of the money will be deferred. One might say that both sides got what it wanted, and Manny's dream of a 'multi-year, $100M deal was just that...A 'Pipe Dream'. His agent,Scott Boras, is good, but not that good... .as in miracles!
After Manmny has his excellent season (offensively), look for him opt-out, an offer his services to a high-bidder. Again, it won't be for the kind of $$ he wants, but he'll be at an age (39)(2010) that MLB clubs are relunctant to offer large salaries and long-term contracts.
As a team, Los Angeles shouild be formidable in the NL West--a very weak Division. One thing is certain. They will make the playoffs, and endure a ONE & DONE exit. But they will feel good during the long season, including the 'dog-days'. Plus, the LA fans and players can now breathe a sigh of relief. The 'worst' is over.