Dodgers Trade Rumors

Red-hot Rockies now a bigger threat to Dodgers
Comment
June 30
Denver Post
 
"With the red-hot Rockies set to take on the division-leading Dodgers tonight for the first of a three-game series, both clubs are playing down the matchup. The Dodgers have no reason to acknowledge the Rockies as a threat. They have beaten them eight times in nine games this season. And Dodgers manager Joe Torre admitted today: "Regardless of what happens, if we win the series it's not going to change how they think about themselves or affect either team's pysche." Perhaps. But in this month-long redemption tour, it wouldn't hurt the Rockies to stare down the division bully, take a punch and give one back. The last time the Rockies and Dodgers faced one another the Rockies were last in the ..."
Manny Ramirez's minor league tour coming to end
Comment
June 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Manny Ramirez's weeklong tour of the minors probably will end tonight in San Bernardino. Ramirez is tentatively scheduled to play for the Class-A Inland Empire 66ers again on Tuesday for their series finale against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, but sources in his camp are saying he probably will skip the game because of its 11 a.m. start time. Ramirez had a quiet night Sunday, as he was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts and a walk. He also played six innings in left field. The night was a memorable one for Quakes starter Alexander Torres, a 21-year-old left-hander from Venezuela who pitched in the California/Carolina League All-Star game last week. Torres was saddled with the loss in the 66ers' ..."
Dodgers may be interested in Jarrod Washburn
Comment
June 27
Los Angeles Times
 
"Jarrod Washburn is friends with Jeff Weaver and in a fantasy football league with Doug Mientkiewicz. The possibility of Washburn joining his pals in Dodger blue appears very real. The Dodgers are interested in the Seattle Mariners starter, a durable left-hander who could bolster an injury-plagued rotation. Washburn has pitched at least six innings in 12 of his 14 starts this season. He also likes Dodger Stadium. "It's a great park and there's always a big crowd and the team's winning, so that would be good," Washburn said Friday before the Mariners played the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Complicating the efforts of the Dodgers -- or any team -- hoping to acquire Washburn is the fact that the ..."
Costly acquisition via a trade is up in the air
Comment
June 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"As the trade deadline approaches, General Manager Ned Colletti said Tuesday he has not had a definitive conversation with owners Frank and Jamie McCourt to determine whether the Dodgers can take on a big contract through a trade this summer. The Dodgers' gate revenue has dropped this season. The team did not raise prices on tickets or parking, and attendance has dropped 6%, as compared to the same number of home games last season. The Dodgers refused to take on a big contract last summer. They paid in prospects but not in cash to acquire Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake and Angel Berroa, and they picked up a $500,000 share of Greg Maddux's contract. Colletti reiterated he hopes to acquire a ..."
Ten ball clubs that can add payroll
Comment
June 22
SI.com
 
"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."
Dodgers rumored to be interested in Washburn
Comment
June 22
MLB.com
 
"Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti is not with the Major League club this weekend, having gone on a scouting mission to watch the team's Minor League prospects around the country. The likely reason is to determine who to keep and who to include in deals as he looks to bolster the starting rotation. One veteran rumored on his radar is Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn."
Red Sox want rotation depth, will keep Penny
Comment
June 20
ESPN.com
 
"Be realistic. Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1. Drayton McLane is not moving Roy Oswalt. Jarrod Washburn could probably be had, and would be a good pickup for a National League team with a big ballpark (cue Dodgers, Mets and Giants). And that's about it. Oh, Brad Penny would probably be the best starting pitcher out there, but unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace -- which isn't going to happen -- they are going to hold onto Penny, who is two years removed from finishing third in the NL Cy Young race. Early in the season, Penny came out throwing 88-90 mph in the first couple of innings and gradually worked his way up ..."
Dodgers' Ramirez may start rehab in Triple-A
Comment
June 20
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Manny Ramirez circus returns to cities near you next week. Ramirez is set to make his rehabilitation start as early as Tuesday, and one report has him scheduled to play at Triple-A Albuquerque until Single-A Inland Empire is done with its All-Star break. A club official would not confirm the report but a tentative schedule for Ramirez has been made. Ramirez has played his entire career under a microscope, but it promises to be nothing compared to his return from a 50-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Dodgers manager Joe Torre doesn't think he needs to give Ramirez any advice. "The fact he played for Boston for eight years, he understands it," Torre said. "Whether ..."
Manny Ramirez now set to begin minor league assignment Tuesday
Comment
June 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"Mannywood is headed to New Mexico. Manny Ramirez is tentatively scheduled to return to the playing field Tuesday with the Dodgers' triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, according to sources with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Ramirez, who will be eligible to play again for the Dodgers on July 3, can play in as many as 10 minor league games at the end of his 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. According to preliminary plans Ramirez and the Dodgers made Thursday morning, he will be in Albuquerque for a four-game series against Nashville. Ramirez will be off June 27 and report to ..."
Ramirez is likely to begin minor league stint next Thursday
Comment
June 18
Los Angeles Times
 
"Manny Ramirez is scheduled to return to the field next week for the first time since his May 7 suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. And Manager Joe Torre said Wednesday that Ramirez's first game would likely be with Inland Empire, the Dodgers' affiliate in the Class-A California League. "That's what we're thinking about. Just for the convenience of the whole thing," Torre said. Playing for Inland Empire would allow Ramirez to commute to games from his home in Pasadena. Ramirez is eligible to begin playing minor league games on Tuesday, but the California League is taking three days off next week for its All-Star game. That means Ramirez would likely return during Inland ..."
Dodgers' Pierre will be back on bench
Comment
June 10
L.A. Daily News
 
"Despite all he has done, a spot on the bench still is in Juan Pierre's near future. Manager Joe Torre confirmed Tuesday when Manny Ramirez returns from his 50-game suspension early next month, he plans to sit one of the team's hottest hitters. Pierre entered Tuesday's game against the San Diego Padres batting .360 with 21 RBIs. Since Ramirez went to the sideline May 7 he has bated .362 with 10 doubles, 18 RBIs, 23 runs, 12 walks and 12 steals. The Dodgers were 18-12 over that stretch. "Yeah, I really didn't consider any other option," Torre said. He called Matt Kemp his best option in center field and Andre Ethier one of the team's best power threats. As for Ramirez, he's in another ..."
Jamie McCourt: Dodgers fans will be happy when Manny Ramirez returns
Comment
June 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Dodgers fans will support Manny Ramirez when he returns in early July from his 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, Chief Executive Jamie McCourt said Saturday. "I think I speak for a lot of people when I say all of us are disappointed," said McCourt, who owns the team with husband Frank McCourt. Still, "I think people will welcome him back, will be happy when he's back," she said after unveiling a new ZIP Code (90090) designated for the Dodgers, a move she spearheaded. "Let's face it, he's a great athlete," McCourt said of Ramirez. "Everyone will be happy to have him back as part of the team." McCourt said she had not spoken to Ramirez since his suspension May 7, ..."
Future for Dodgers' Kuo still uncertain
Comment
June 2
MLB.com
 
"Last year, to the utter shock of anybody who has seen an MRI of his left elbow, Hong-Chih Kuo stayed healthy enough to finally showcase that star-crossed arm, winning MLB.com's Setup Man of the Year Award. The 42 appearances and 80 innings, however, took their toll. In mid-September he was shut down, missing the first round of playoffs. He was activated for the National League Championship Series and pitched three innings. Despite being babied this Spring Training and making the Opening Day roster, Kuo suffered through a shaky April (6.75 ERA with four walks in 5 1/3 innings), was placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 30 and he's still there with no sign of a return. His loss ..."
Gagne eyeing return to Majors -- with L.A.?
Comment
May 28
MLB.com
 
"Former record-setting closer Eric Gagne is currently gearing up to return to his roots in Canada and play in the independent Can-Am League. But if that provides an alternate route back to his other roots -- with the Los Angeles Dodgers -- that would be just fine with him. "I'd love to," Gagne said Wednesday while speaking on a conference call to announce his signing with the Quebec Capitales, in quotes provided by The L.A. Times. "I always loved L.A." It's with the Dodgers that Gagne established himself as one of the game's best closers over a three-year period, when he saved a record 84 straight games from 2002-04, won a Cy Young Award in '03 -- when he saved 55 ballgames -- and created a ..."
Sources: Records had key evidence
Comment
May 12
ESPN.com
 
"The story of how Manny Ramirez was nabbed by baseball's drug-testing policy is rooted as much in the language of the collective bargaining agreement as it is in the fact that the Los Angeles Dodgers' slugger had synthetic testosterone in his body when he was tested this past spring. Ultimately, Ramirez was brought down by his own private medical records -- records that the Major League Baseball Players' Association turned over on his behalf, as required under the sport's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The Ramirez saga, as described by three sources with direct knowledge of the case, began to play out in spring training when the 36-year-old outfielder provided a urine sample ..."
Manny Ramirez's prescription for suspension
Comment
May 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"Manny Ramirez abruptly dropped an appeal of his drug suspension within hours of a scheduled hearing last week, cornered not by test results but by a prescription for a banned substance that appeared in his medical records, sources told The Times. The substance -- human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) -- is classified as a performance-enhancing substance in baseball's drug policy. Although a test result revealed elevated levels of testosterone and triggered an investigation, Ramirez ultimately accepted his suspension on the basis of a little-known clause in baseball's drug policy enabling the commissioner to levy suspensions "for just cause," the sources said. Within the first two weeks of ..."
Source: Ramirez's substance a sexual enhancer
Comment
May 7
Yahoo! Sports
 
"A source close to Manny Ramirez(notes) said Thursday that the illegal substance for which the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger tested positive was not "an agent customarily used for performance enhancing." At least not on the baseball diamond. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the substance is supposed to boost sex drive. It is not Viagra, but a substance that treats the cause rather providing a temporary boost in sexual performance, the source said. Ramirez tested positive for the substance during spring training, then was administered a second test more recently, and it also was positive. Major League Baseball notified Ramirez of the second positive test after Wednesday ..."
Manny Ramirez will be suspended 50 games for positive drug test
Comment
May 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games starting today, The Times has learned. The test result and suspension is expected to be announced later today. The Dodgers informed triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul this morning that he was being promoted to Los Angeles. Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue, according to a source familiar with matter but not authorized to speak publicly. With the suspension taking effect with tonight's game at Dodger Stadium, Ramirez will not be eligible to return to the team until July 3. Ramirez would become the biggest star ..."
No timetable for return of Kuroda, Kuo
Comment
May 5
MLB.com
 
"Hiroki Kuroda played catch Monday and Hong-Chih Kuo did not, but there's no timetable for either disabled pitcher to take the mound again for the Dodgers. Kuroda, the Opening Day starter who has been disabled since April 7 with a left oblique strain, played light catch on flat ground just to keep his shoulder loose. But trainer Stan Conte said until the lingering tightness in the injured area is completely gone, Kuroda won't take the mound. And even when he does, it will still be weeks before he's activated as Kuroda essentially will need to go through a Spring Training to rebuild the arm strength needed for a starting pitcher. "It's a tricky injury and if you move too fast at the end, you ..."
Dodgers to keep Weaver at Triple-A Albuquerque for now
Comment
April 24
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Dodgers' relief-pitching problems apparently aren't bad enough yet to warrant a roster move. Manager Joe Torre admitted Thursday that Jeff Weaver's name has come up in recent conversations with the front office, but it doesn't appear the veteran right-hander is close to being promoted to the majors and put in the club's bullpen. Instead, after four relief appearances for Triple-A Albuquerque - two of which were solid, two of which were mediocre - Weaver is going into the Isotopes' starting rotation, where he will debut on Saturday at New Orleans. "We want to have the option with him to be a guy who can maybe pitch out of the bullpen or ... fill in as a starter," Torre said. "We want ..."
Manny Ramirez would love second shot with Indians
Comment
April 13
USA Today
 
"Manny Ramirez will be back in Los Angeles Monday to renew his love affair with the city, but before his career ends he hopes to be reunited with his first love: the Cleveland Indians."I would like to play for Cleveland one more time, to go back where I started," said Ramirez, with the Dodgers playing their home opener Monday against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. "I have so many good memories there, why not? "I think to go back where you started is everyone's dream." Ramirez, 37, who spent the first 10 years of his career in the Indians organization, shared his sentiments this spring with Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome. They were teammates in Cleveland from 1993 to 2000, but ..."
Reliever Will Ohman tries out for specialist role
Comment
March 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers remain active on the free-agent market with only a week remaining until the start of the regular season, as they're waiting to hear back from Will Ohman, the situational left-hander they auditioned Sunday. Ohman, 31, was presented with a contract offer, which is believed to be for one year at around $1 million. The victim of a market that proved tough for relievers, he remains out of work because teams have refused to pay him the $2-million salary he is reportedly seeking. Ohman pitched for the Atlanta Braves last season and was 4-1 with a 3.68 earned-run average in 83 games. He spent his five previous major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs. The pitching-deprived Dodgers ..."
Dodgers bring in lefty Ohman for workout
Comment
March 30
L.A. Daily News
 
"He's not losing any sleep yet. It's still the end of March, after all. But as Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti looks out of his office and onto the practice fields at the Dodgers new spring training facility at Camelback Ranch, his greatest concern is the team's young, work-in-progress pitching staff. The offense could be among the best in the National League. The defense has been significantly upgraded with slick-fielding second baseman Orlando Hudson. But the pitching staff still has a few holes that need to be plugged. "We've obviously come into spring training knowing we needed to upgrade our pitching and we either had to do it by virtue of some of the veterans we signed to minor ..."
Dodgers still pleading for a fifth
Comment
March 26
L.A. Daily News
 
"Next. The Dodgers' seven-week audition for their fifth starter job continues this afternoon in Tucson, Ariz., against the Colorado Rockies after Wednesday's candidates - Eric Stults and Claudio Vargas - turned in underwhelming performances in a 12-8 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Ballpark. Today, James McDonald and Eric Milton will try to leave manager Joe Torre with more to say about his starting pitching than Wednesday's "Ehh." Stults looked strong for two innings, but fell apart in the third. He left the game with the bases loaded and was charged for three of the four runs the Brewers ended up scoring in the inning off Vargas, who took the loss after giving up a three-run ..."
Pedro Martinez still hoping for return to Mets
Comment
March 19
Newsday
 
"Pedro Martinez is still holding out hope for a return to the Mets despite every indication that they have no interest, according to a friend who has spoken to the righthander recently. The Dodgers appear to be Martinez's more likely landing point, being that they have openly admitted their interest in signing him. And Martinez, according to his friend, is intrigued by the idea of seeing his career come full circle as well as reuniting with Manny Ramirez and playing for Joe Torre. But Martinez's "heart is in New York," the friend said, so much so that Martinez has refused to put his house on the New York-Connecticut border on the market. You know, just in case. Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, ..."
Pedro talk persists in Dodgers camp
Comment
March 18
MLB.com
 
"Before one of the Dominican Republic's recent World Baseball Classic games, Pedro Martinez told Tom Lasorda and scouting advisor Ralph Avila he wanted to finish his career where it started, with the Dodgers. "That's what he said," said Lasorda, Martinez's former manager. "I don't know, it was just conversation." The longer the Dodgers go without a clear-cut No. 5 starter, the more conversation about Martinez occurs. Manny Ramirez said he called Martinez on Sunday morning after hearing media reports that Martinez might be coming to the Dodgers. "He said he has two options," said Ramirez. "I don't know what he's going to do. He has to do what's best for him." The two options most often ..."
Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez dominate Dodgers talk
Comment
March 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"One former Boston teammate blasted him, another may be joining him. Just another day in Mannyzona. Imagine if the star attraction had actually played. Manny Ramirez didn't make his much-anticipated spring-game debut Thursday because of a tight hamstring. But there were a couple of interesting topics to talk about anyway. Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon's calling Ramirez a "cancer" for one. Dodgers Manager Joe Torre's confirming the club's interest in free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez for another. Papelbon's comments came in an Esquire magazine story that was posted on the publication's website. In it, Boston's closer was quoted as saying, "It just takes one guy to bring an entire team ..."
Juan Pierre is unsure of his status now
Comment
March 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"Juan Pierre said he was expecting Manny Ramirez to re-sign with the Dodgers. But he had no answers Wednesday when asked how this affected his future with the Dodgers. "I have no idea," he said, shaking his head. "I can't even speak on it." Would this make him any more inclined to demand a trade? "I haven't even looked into that," he said. "I don't know what this does for me right now. I can't speak on it." Pierre, who is in the third year of a five-year, $44-million contract, finds himself where he was a season ago -- the odd-man out in a crowded Dodgers outfield. The signing of Andruw Jones pushed Pierre out of the lineup last year. He fought his way back onto the field when Jones ..."
Dodgers ready to get their Manny's worth?
Comment
March 4
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Dodgers' long, grueling and often-contentious pursuit of free-agent left fielder Manny Ramirez is tantalizingly close now to the resolution club officials were always hoping for. However, there is one hurdle yet to be cleared before it can be accurately said Ramirez has agreed to terms on a new contract. Ramirez flew to Los Angeles from Florida on Tuesday night with the intention of meeting with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt this morning. McCourt wanted to talk face-to-face with Ramirez before completing agreement on what is believed to be the same two-year, $45 million deal the Dodgers offered Ramirez last Wednesday then abruptly withdrew Thursday night. Ramirez would receive $25 ..."
Manny Ramirez is flying to L.A. to meet with Frank McCourt
Comment
March 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers' negotiations with Manny Ramirez have progressed to the point where owner Frank McCourt has scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the All-Star outfielder on Wednesday, according to baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal isn't finalized. Ramirez flew from Miami to Los Angeles on Tuesday night. McCourt had a day-long meeting with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, and they have agreed on the general parameters of a contract: two years at $45 million with an opt-out clause that Ramirez could exercise at the end of the first year. Both sides said the deal wasn't complete. "I assure you, we have no deal," Boras said. "We have no announcements today and ..."
Manny, Dodgers agree in general terms
Comment
March 4
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers' negotiations with Manny Ramirez have progressed to the point where owner Frank McCourt has scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the All-Star outfielder today, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal isn't finalized. McCourt had a day-long meeting with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, and they have agreed on the general parameters of a contract: two years at $45 million with an opt-out clause that Ramirez could exercise at the end of the first year. Both sides said the deal wasn't complete. "I assure you, we have no deal," Boras said. "We have no announcements today, and we don't expect one tonight," Dodgers spokesman Charles ..."
Manny Ramirez has some things to say
Comment
March 4
Los Angeles Times
 columnist T.J. Simers
"The phone rings, and the voice sounds familiar, the giggle unmistakable. "It's me," Manny Ramirez says, "your girlfriend." What perfect timing, Manny flying to L.A. on Tuesday night as The Times learns that discussions have resumed and progressed to the point where owner Frank McCourt wants to meet with Ramirez. McCourt had a lengthy meeting with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, and they are working toward consummating a two-year, $45-million contract, which still includes a player option to remain with the team the second year. You remember just what made him so endearing a year ago in making the Dodgers relevant in L.A. once again, the last time we spoke yet another joke closing out his ..."
Dodgers top prospect DeJesus suffers broken left leg
Comment
March 3
L.A. Daily News
 
"Ivan DeJesus Jr., the Dodgers' top shortstop prospect and the organization's reigning Minor League Player of the Year, suffered a broken left leg in a spring-training "B" game with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday morning. Mere weeks from what presumably would have been his Triple-A debut, DeJesus instead is now in danger of missing all of the upcoming season. DeJesus was admitted to Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix, where he was expected to stay at least overnight. A decision will be made today as to whether to surgically repair the fracture, said to be in the lower part of the tibia. Dodgers officials had set up the game because the club didn't have a regular Cactus League game ..."
Boras holding Dodgers hostage
Comment
March 3
L.A. Daily News
 columnist Bob Keisser
"Tommy Lasorda bleeds Dodger blue. Scott Boras, on the other hand, is bleeding the Dodgers blue. And frankly, the agent to the baseball stars is draining the team and the franchise like the latest star of the latest vampire movie. To know Boras, who is holding the Dodgers hostage in the Manny Ramirez negotiations, is to respect his ability to get the best deals for his clients. If you ever sat down with him, you'd find him engaging and smarter than 95 percent of the people in the room - 99.9 percent smarter if its filled with major league general managers and owners. Reading the reports he compiles for his clients is a study in statistical nuance and the twisting of quasi-facts into a ..."
Dodgers want 'fresh start' on Ramirez dealings
Comment
March 2
Orange County Register
 
"Scott Boras, Manny Ramirez's representative, said Sunday he has given the Dodgers a compromise plan that would increase the deferred money Ramirez would take from the Dodgers in a two-year deal. He had not heard back from the Dodgers as of late Sunday afternoon. The deal would pay Ramirez $17 million in 2009 and $15 million in 2010 with the rest of the $13 million to be paid over the three subsequent years. Boras said such a contract equaled $43.5 million in net value, because of the deferrals. But the proposal continues to preserve Ramirez's option to become a free agent after the '09 season. "Manny directed me to compromise between our last offer, which was $42 million net value ($45 ..."
Nothing new for Dodgers on Ramirez
Comment
March 1
L.A. Daily News
 
"One day after the breakdown of negotiations with free-agent left fielder Manny Ramirez devolved into an all-out media feud between Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and agent Scott Boras, most of the Dodgers' players went about playing a Cactus League game Saturday, putting Ramirez out of their minds long enough to steamroll the Colorado Rockies 13-5 in front of 5,962 at Hi Corbett Field. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch - the Dodgers' new spring-training complex in Glendale has been christened Camelback Ranch - McCourt and general manager Ned Colletti spent most of the day holed up in organizational meetings that are believed to have had nothing to do with Ramirez. Colletti did say via e-mail that ..."
Source: Agent Boras asked Dodgers to increase Manny offer to $55 million
Comment
February 28
L.A. Daily News
 
"A well-placed source with knowledge of the situation tells the Daily News that Manny Ramirez's agent Scott Boras asked the team to up his client's offer to $55 million. And that is where the whole thing broke down. This source also said that it was Boras, not the Dodgers, who requested as far back as last fall that a portion of the money be deferred so the total value of the package could be greater. At the end of Wednesday's meeting at Dodger Stadium, it was made clear to Boras that while there was no firm deadline, club officials expected to hear back from him in response to their two-year, $45 million offer and that they only wanted to hear one of two possible answers: yes or no. ..."
Deferred payments key issue in Dodgers' offer to Manny Ramirez
Comment
February 27
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a two-year, $45-million contract that included a player option to void the second year. Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, countered by proposing a two-year, $45-million contract that included a player option to void the second year. So why isn't the deal done? The reason is in the fine print, according to a baseball source familiar with the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the two sides are still working toward a deal. What Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti confirmed on Thursday is that by agreeing to the club's offer, Ramirez would've earned $25 million this season and another $20 million in 2010 by exercising the player option ..."
Dodgers make two-year offer to Manny Ramirez
Comment
February 26
Los Angeles Times
 
"Intending to discourage further questioning about Manny Ramirez's absence from the Dodgers' spring training camp, Manager Joe Torre said on Wednesday that the All-Star outfielder probably wouldn't be playing through the weekend. Torre's forecast could end up being wrong. While the Dodgers were facing the Chicago Cubs in their exhibition opener, owner Frank McCourt and General Manager Ned Colletti made their latest pitch to Ramirez's representatives in a meeting at Dodger Stadium: two years, $45 million. The proposed deal would pay Ramirez $25 million this season and includes a $20 million player option for 2010, according to baseball sources familiar with the negotiations who weren't ..."
GM's absence fuels Manny speculation
Comment
February 25
MLB.com
 
"General manager Ned Colletti's absence from the Dodgers' first exhibition game of their first full Arizona Spring Training could be the strongest indication yet that contract negotiations with free agent Manny Ramirez are heating up. With Arizona such a quick flight to Southern California, any game that Colletti misses will immediately fuel speculation that he jetted home to conclude talks for Ramirez's return to the Dodgers, especially when coupled with indications that chairman Frank McCourt's involvement escalated around the time Colletti said his communications with agent Scott Boras increased "in frequency and duration." The Dodgers couldn't confirm that Colletti was meeting with ..."
Never rule out Yankees
Comment
February 25
Boston Herald
 
"The Yankees have spent more than Congress, in the eloquent words of Larry Lucchino. They’re already overstocked in the outfield. Alex Rodriguez brought them enough controversy to last a lifetime, thank you very much. And yet . . . the longer Manny Ramirez remains unsigned, the less Red Sox players will be surprised if he ends up joining their most storied rival. If it sounds crazy - the Dodgers supposedly have been closing in on a deal since November - one needs only to consider Mark Teixeira for proof that anything’s possible at the 11th hour when it comes to the Pinstripers. “I didn’t think that was coming,” outfielder J.D. Drew said of Teixeira, “but I guess the Yankees can always slide ..."
Dodgers GM: Nothing new with Manny
Comment
February 25
MLB.com
 
"Ned Colletti briefed reporters Tuesday that nothing was new in negotiations with free agent Manny Ramirez, but for the second consecutive day club officials had to knock down rumors of a signing. The latest one was triggered by a Dodgers ticket sales representative who left a voicemail recording for a potential season-ticket buyer, providing "inside info" that the Dodgers "are on the verge of signing" Ramirez. The recording was quickly posted on the Internet and the sales rep had more phone calls than he ever wanted to handle. Club officials insisted the rep was acting on his own, that there has been no agreement with Ramirez and nobody in the sales department had been instructed to say ..."
Is Manny staying in the West?
Comment
February 24
Orange County Register
 
"It's nice to hear everyone vent about Manny Fatigue, as if Manny Ramirez was a candidate for Secretary of Commerce and not the best right-handed hitter either east, west, south or north of Albert Pujols, depending on where he lands. The Ramirez decision cannot be overrated. Anybody who saw Ramirez carry the Dodgers, piggyback style, to the N.L. West pennant last year in only two months - and for free, thank you Ned Colletti - knows what exactly what, and who, rides on this. The Dodgers keep talking, even though they have somewhat protected themselves by the Orlando Hudson signing, which allows Casey Blake to play left-field if need be. Whether these talks have gone beyond "Nice day, Scott ..."
Dodgers deny latest Manny rumors
Comment
February 24
MLB.com
 
"Despite radio rumors to the contrary, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Monday there is no contract agreement between the club and free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. "Nothing's changed in 48 hours," said Colletti, who on Saturday said negotiations between him and agent Scott Boras had increased in frequency and duration during the previous week, but would not characterize the progress made. Colletti did indicate Monday that at least the negotiations had not encountered a setback. "If they're moving backwards, they wouldn't exist," he said."
Garciaparra likely to sign elsewhere
Comment
February 23
Camden Courier-Post
 
"For weeks, the Phillies have waited for free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra to decide if he will play in 2009 or retire. But even if he plays, it may not be with the Phillies. Garciaparra, 35, reportedly is considering signing with the Oakland Athletics, who would use him as a backup first baseman/third baseman. The Phillies are interested in Garciaparra primarily as a right-handed pinch-hitter, and with a payroll that's expected to top $132 million, they likely can't offer him much more than a $1 million, one-year deal. Handle with care When he reached the majors in May 2006, Cole Hamels came with a warning label: Handle with care. Hamels, the ace lefthander, was riddled with injuries ..."
Effort to re-sign Manny Ramirez intensifies
Comment
February 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"Reporting from Phoenix -- On the phone and in newsprint, the Dodgers' negotiations with Manny Ramirez are intensifying. Colletti said he has spoken "much more" to Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, over the last seven days than in any previous one-week period since they opened talks in November. "The conversations are more frequent and longer," said Colletti, who wouldn't say if the increased dialogue is a sign of progress. "Days are ticking off the calendar." There is no indication that Ramirez is backing down from his demands of a long-term deal. Ramirez's only known offers were made by the Dodgers -- two years at $45 million, one year at $25 million and an offer for arbitration -- but Boras ..."
Dodgers showing interest in Cabrera
Comment
February 20
MLB.com
 
"The Dodgers, apparently uncertain they can work a deal for second baseman Orlando Hudson, have also begun talks with free-agent infielder Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera, a two-time Gold Glove shortstop, told the club he would be willing to move to second base, where Blake DeWitt came to camp as the heir apparent to the retired Jeff Kent. Shortstop is locked up by Rafael Furcal, who signed a three-year deal, although Cabrera would provide insurance if Furcal was injured again. The 34-year-old Cabrera hit .281 with eight home runs and 57 RBIs for the White Sox, who acquired him from the Angels after Cabrera had signed a three-year, $26 million deal. He has 184 stolen bases in his 12-year career."
Dodgers considering 2B Orlando Hudson
Comment
February 19
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Dodgers, who for most of the winter have had no interest in free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, are now actively involved in negotiations with the three-time Gold Glove winner. "We have had a conversation or two," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. It isn't immediately clear why club officials suddenly find Hudson so appealing when they previously found him so unappealing. Colletti's only response to a question on that subject was something about staying open-minded. The club does have an open spot on its 40-man roster, but it was presumed that spot, much like the lone vacant locker in the corner of the Dodgers' spring-training clubhouse, was being held for Manny Ramirez. ..."
For once-touted Dodgers prospect, is it finally Miller time?
Comment
February 17
L.A. Daily News
 
"For aguy who has to be getting tired of giving the same interview every spring, Greg Miller is remarkably good-natured about it. Then again, with what he has endured over the past three years and change, all he can really do is laugh about it. Miller, who was the Dodgers' top left-handed pitching prospect before anyone had ever heard of Clayton Kershaw, lost the strike zone in late 2005 as he was battling his way back from left shoulder surgery, and he has never really found it since. Last season, which he spent entirely at Triple-A Las Vegas, he walked 63 batters in 53"
Torre expects Manny Ramirez to sign with the Dodgers
Comment
February 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"Manager Joe Torre says he expects the Dodgers will re-sign free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. "I definitely would be very surprised if he's not a Dodger," Torre said. But, quickly quashing thoughts that he might have inside information, he added, "I'm just saying that because that's the way I want it to be." General Manager Ned Colletti said that talks regarding Ramirez are moving forward. "I think there's been some progress made but obviously not enough to consummate a deal," he said. What kind of progress? "I think we're both clear on why we stand where we stand," Colletti said. "Three months ago, it was more guesswork than it was anything else." The Dodgers remain intent on signing ..."
Dodgers Forum Top 5
  1. Furcal now leading off
    Last post:LAFord
  2. Dodgers @ Padres
    Last post:dodgers310
  3. Santana Update
    Last post:swells2048
  4. When Manny Gets Back...
    Last post:iggypop123
  5. Who do we trade for pitching at the deadline?
    Last post:The 6-4-3