Grave Digger

It is only a few weeks before spring training begins for Major League Baseball and one of the greatest hitters in history still can’t find a home.

Manny Ramirez has effectively dug his own grave. For the past few years, he had an annual off-season tantrum where he requested to be traded from the Boston Red Sox. Every time he did this, it was no surprise that the organization wouldn’t submit to his demands. It was just “Manny being Manny.”

During last season, it erupted.

First there were reports that Ramirez refused to play for the Sox. Then there were reports that several of his teammates refused to play with him on the team. It finally led to him being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline.

Once he got to LA, Ramirez said he was happy, even though manager Joe Torre made him “trim” his hair. He had one of the greatest second halves of a season anyone has ever had, hitting over .390 with 17 homeruns and 53 RBIs in 53 games.

But for all of his talent, can we be surprised that nobody wants to sign this guy? Let’s take a look at his potential suitors and what has/hasn’t happened.

The Yankees have spent a ridiculous amount of money so far on pitchers C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett and first baseman Mark Tiexeira. So why wouldn’t a team that can out-spend everyone else want the slugger? Wouldn’t they love to stick it to their rival? Simple, he is too costly for them. Manny wants at least a four year deal worth at least $25 million a year. For a 36 year old with temper tantrums? Even Brian Cashman won’t go there.

Then there are the cross-town Mets. It might have been the biggest insult to Manny when last week the team said no thank you to him. This is a team that has melted down at the end of the year for two years straight. Last year, Manny carried the Dodgers on his back to the playoffs. That has to sting when a team that NEEDS you, doesn’t WANT you.

For a while, the San Francisco Giants were flirting with Ramirez and his agent, Scott Boras. But after dumping a truckload of money on the greatest bust in the history of the world and history, Barry Zito, I think the Giants purse may be a little too tight for his wants.

Back to the Red Sox? That’s laughable. He burned every bridge in Cleveland when he left for Boston. The Angels are “satisfied” with their outfield. And neither Chicago teams will even take a look at him.

So where will Manny end up? By the looks of it, back with the Dodgers. A few months ago they offered him a two-year deal worth around $45 million. By the looks of it, that’s the best deal he’s going to get.

Ramirez’s options are either lower his demands or retire. In this economy, take what you get.