We already know that Manny Ramirez seriously considered opting out of his deal with the Dodgers to return to the American League for a designated-hitter role. What does Manny have planned for the 2010 season? Will Manny revert to the headcase in Boston? Does Manny have what it takes to repeat the Manny Mania of 2008? The fact is that nobody knows what Manny Ramirez will show up this season. Manny knows it's in his best interest to put together a solid season in 2010. That is of course if he has any plans on playing in 2011. If the 2010 Chone Projections are right, he will. Projections have Manny hitting .280/.374/.511, and putting up 24 homers with 78 RBI's. Not too shabby for a 38 year old. These numbers seem attainable, and I think he can post these numbers with no problem. No matter what numbers Manny puts up this season one thing is for certain, Manny Ramirez will not be playing for the Dodgers in 2011.
We have already heard from Joe Torre on his plans for Manny in 2010. Torre plans on providing regular rest in hopes of keeping him fresh all season. "I expect he'll play a little less and give his legs a chance to stay strong," general manager Ned Colletti said. "He's been in contact with Joe, who said he sounds great, is working hard, is in a good frame of mind."
What impact will Manny have in 2010? If he can stay off the suspension and disabled list, Manny will have a significant impact in 2010. The fact is Manny is still Manny, and as long as he is healthy he should produce solid numbers. Manny will make any team better, and he will make any lineup more deadly and respectable as long as he is in it. I am not so sure how much the Dodgers need Manny in order to win. The Dodgers had a suspended and ineffective Manny for the majority of last season and still managed to make it to the NLCS. Had he been around and been effective, the Dodgers may have found themselves in the World Series for this first time in over twenty years. Manny could have been the difference maker last season.
What about 2011 when Manny departs to the American League to look for a full time DH role? What will the Dodgers do then? Replacing someone like Manny Ramirez is not a very easy task. Just ask the Giants, they are still trying to replace the bat that was once known as Barry Bonds. The free agent market is not very promising, and there are zero options after Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth on the 2011 free agent list. Both players will have plenty of suitors, and I don't see Werth leaving the Phillies. The Dodgers will not be satisfied with internal options, and will look to the free agent market for the answer. Since the free agent market options look doubtful, I fully expect the Dodgers to look at trading Manny in July. One scenario that comes to mind, Manny to the Cleveland Indians for Grady Sizemore. Everyone is expecting Sizemore to be traded this summer, and a reunion between Manny and the Indians could present a best case scenario for both parties. Trading Manny is the best case scenario for the Dodgers, but don't count on Colletti pulling it off.
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3 comments:
Why would cleveland give up Grady Sizemore for 2 months of Manny Ramirez..? Makes absolutely no sense, they're going to look for prospects or young major league ready kids.. not to mention they probably cant afford Manny..
P.S.. It is WAY too hard to post a comment on this thing
Manny and prospects and/or cash Cleveland may take a deal. I never said Manny straight up.
Not too much I can do about the commenting. If you set up a Google account it's actually really easy.
Seriously? That seems like a long shot. The Indians already traded away Lee and Martinez. You know they wont be in contention. The only way the Indians make this deal is if they get cash, and probably (AT THE VERY MINIMUM)3 of our top prospects. Don't get me wrong I would love to have Sizemore but chances are slim.
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