(Un)Limited Future for Manny Ramirez

Everyone knew that it would happen, but Manny has made it official that he will be leaving the Dodgers after this season. It does not stop there though. Not only has he stated that he will not play for LA, but he is not going to play for the National League. This may seriously hamper the "Big Bat from the Boston". There are numerous National League teams that would make room for Manny if they didn't already have a hole in the outfield. The fact that Manny wants to play primarily as a DH is rather mind boggling. He is still young and athletic enough to more than handle his outfield duties. Even with a vow to forever leave the National League, there are still many options left for Manny.

Back when Manny was fresh out of Boston, he made it clear that he wanted to play for the Yankees for at least a season or two. This quote can really be dismissed as a desire to get back at the team that turned their back on him. This is likely the driving force to his American League statement. One big motivation for Manny is to prove to the Red Sox that he is still a top shelf player that can out perform most other outfield bats in the game. The chance to play for the Dodgers was really a possibility of trying to beat the BoSox in the World Series. It came close to that, but was not seen to fruition. If there is a match up of the Red Sox and Dodgers in this years Series, it may be possible that Manny would at least stay with the American League.

Since it really boils down to revenge for Manny, the only way he can consistently play opposite his old team is to join an American League city. It is likely that Manny still desires a spot in the Bronx lineup. It is here that he will see some very aggressive and satisfying play against Boston. With the deep rivalry between the two teams, Manny would finally get revenge for the way that he was treated in his final days there. This would also validate the five year comment that Manny threw in. The Yankees are more interested in returning to their greatness on a more permanent level and will sign talent for several years. They also tend to lean toward the five year contract. By stating that he wants to play for at least five more years before he retires, Manny is pitching himself to the Yankees still. If that deal does not work out, there are several other teams out there that will find a spot for him, long term. The Rangers would be another suitor for Manny, and they would want a longer contract just like the Yankees.

With Manny still being handy with the lumber, there are many options still available for the slugger. He is still an All Star caliber player and very capable of playing an outfield position. This would make him a very huge piece to the hot stove next off season. The question is if he will make it that long. If the Dodgers know that they are not going to make the post season and Manny is not going to be there next season, what is keeping them from trading Manny to any team in need of a rental. Any player they can get for him would be a boon. Considering the alternative of nothing in return, a handful of decent scrubs could pry Manny away during the season. I really do not see Manny finishing the season in LA.

There are only two real reasons for a comment like this. The first would be that he has a contract loosely worked out with another team, and the second is that he is tired of the hype and wants a relaxing year with no responsibilities for his final tour. This still plays into the Dodgers trade plans as well. No matter where it is that Manny ends up next season, or this one, the Dodgers got two great years, inspiration and instruction for their youth, and, if they play it right, several top prospects for Manny. If Manny can help to guide them to a trade with a team that he wants to stay with, they may get even more than this.

It will be very exciting to see what this season has to offer Manny Ramirez. It is bound to be one of his greatest seasons yet. With a need to audition for an American League team, his numbers are going to be huge this year. The fact that he wants to move to the hitter friendly American League while facing the pitcher friendly National League teams, he will have to impress. I really see Manny having a breakout season this year. He will be a great addition to any fantasy team in this years pools. It seems that the end of every contract for Manny brings more and more problems. Hopefully he will be happy in his new home, wherever or whenever that is.