Re-signing Manny Ramirez would be bad deal for Dodgers

[cboy4]

The future Hall of Famer has been a great two-month rental, but at 36 and with a turbulent history, he'd be a poor long-term investment for Dodgers


Bill Plaschke
September 28, 2008


His dreadlocks glistening in champagne, his ears ringing with love, Manny Ramirez grabbed a microphone in front of the Dodgers dugout.

After spending two months taking Dodgers fans to a place of excitement and wonder, on Thursday night he finally gave that place a name.

"Mannywood!" he shouted.

It is. It has been. Every inch of it.

Seemingly from the moment he arrived Aug. 1, Manny Ramirez has filled Dodger Stadium with energy and imagination and hope. He has stolen breaths and exhausted lungs and carried a team.

Mannywood is everything found in Hollywood.

Including the part about not being quite real.

Acquiring Ramirez for prospects is already one of the best trades in Dodgers history.

But if the Dodgers allow these two months to sucker them into signing him to the rich long-term deal he will demand, the trade will be one of their worst.

For the long-term future of the organization, Manny Ramirez is not Mr. Right, he is only Mr. Right Now.

He is a brilliant, Hall of Fame hitter. He is also a 36-year-old man with aching knees who will want the Dodgers to pay him until he is beyond 40.

He has feasted on National League pitching, loved National League ballparks. But because of his fielding problems, he will soon be needing the comfort of an American League designated-hitter role.


http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke28-2008sep28,0,6206479,full.column

[nickgutierrez]

1. If Plaschke thinks it's bad...

...it must be good. Re-sign Manny!

[joeybee12]

2. Hmm...if Manny is a bad long-term investment....then he'll be signed by

The Yankees!