Manny's new contract
Maybe I'm crazy, but after looking at the reported terms of Manny Ramirez's new two-year contract, I've got to believe that his ability to opt out of the deal after the first year actually works more for the Los Angeles Dodgers than it does for Manny.
Think about it. If he had signed a straight two-year deal for $45 million, there's a pretty good chance he would have come into camp feeling like he got dissed by the entire sport, which would surely have had an impact on his motivation to play hard every day of the 2009 season.
I'm not saying that Manny would have dogged it, but he proved in Boston that he's not a whole lot of fun to have around when he doesn't get his way, so the opt-out clause looks like a clever case of reverse psychology to me. Now, Manny has to treat this season as another free agent option year, which should give him plenty of incentive to keep his value up in case the free agent market loosens up next winter.
If he plays great and then opts out, the Dodgers get their money's worth and have the option of offering the same deal again next year. If he decides to stay, then he's right back in the same situation again -- playing next year for his next contract.
Brilliant!
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Comments
I'm glad Manny signed just to dampen the player's union cause for a collusion action against the owners this offseason.The player's union couldn't care less that we're in a near depression which could kill attendance this year and they are just being cautious.They want salaries to go up every year regardless. The guys the Yanks signed didn't get cheated either but the union will probably still whine about the second teir players like Dunn and Garland.
Posted by: John | March 5, 2009 6:53 AM
While Manny has HOF numbers offensively , he has hall of shame ethics . Too bad LA showed their hand so early in the bargaining , as Manny essentially had no other suitors ( sound familiar ?) . I guess one consolation (to me) is that Manny didn't get that huge long term deal he thought he could get after he weaseled his way out of Boston .
On a side note, Scott Boros again comes across as a complete a _ _.
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | March 5, 2009 7:21 AM
This shows you how stupid teams are.
They put so much emphasis on hitting,that they're willing to pay this much to a two tooled player who really isn't a team player.
He hits for average and power.He has no speed.His defense is non-existent,and he has a rag arm.
Posted by: O fan in Fl | March 5, 2009 7:26 AM
cmon man.
.320/35/125
That's what you go in expecting from Manny. And maybe the best postseason hitter ever. Your crazy O fan in Fl
Posted by: MATT GIBERSON | March 5, 2009 8:16 AM
The funny thing was, the Dodgers were bidding against them selves.
............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Yeah, but they never really changed the offer. It was always $45 million for two with deferred money. It was just a matter of how much was deferred and when.
Posted by: Ron | March 5, 2009 8:27 AM
I am disgusted at the Dodgers for caving in and signing Manny. They made good offers and he turned them down. They should have walked away...especially after they claimed they would have to start negotiations from the begining after he turned down the last 2 year offer for $45 million.
Just like the Yankees and A-Rod...they said they were done after he opted out, only to re-sign him to more money -- make me kind of hope his hip thing ends his productive career.
Oh well...gives me another reason to root against these teams.
Posted by: O's Fan in Nebraska | March 5, 2009 8:56 AM
Watching Manny get an obscene contract like this makes me sort of glad that the O's are rebuilding from the bottom up with enthusiastic youngsters that still feel that it is a privilege to play the greatest game in the world and get paid to do it. A pox on Manny and the Owners that go along with this lunacy.
Posted by: Patrick | March 5, 2009 9:09 AM
I know Manny can be a pain in the hine parts, but really you look at his numbers and the fact that he got better when he went to LA, it makes sense to me and he will most likely finish his career in the top five in all time Home Runs, top 10 RBI and top 25 in runs scored. So those numbers kind of negate the ruffled feathers, and face it if the Dodgers did not think he was worth it, they would not offer it. So I am sure that all will be happy....Maybe
Posted by: cb coach | March 5, 2009 10:42 AM
Pete ? My take on Manny Ramirez's signing with the Dodgers' is because he painted himself into a corner . He is like Baseball version of Ray Lewis . Demanding special treatment , his advancing age, his overestimation of his market value , his problems with Indians and Red Sox , should I list more facts?
Manny should be grateful that Dodgers still willing take him , otherwise he would standing in Unemployment Office with Barry , Sammy , Rafael , Rickey , Mark and...........
Posted by: Allan | March 5, 2009 12:23 PM
Hey Pete ? Any chance agents David Dunn and Scott Boras are related ?
=)
Posted by: Allan | March 5, 2009 12:28 PM