OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

[allstarsplus]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Wrong........See below


Limit on free-agent signings is up

Teams can sign up to eight Type A, B players due to flooded market

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com




The Yankees have already signed five Type A free agents -- CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira and their own Andy Pettitte and Damaso Marte. .

Thanks for that.

I had only counted 3 against the 5 slots anyway because I didn't realize that signing your own Type A/B as was applicable to the overall number as was the case with Petitte and Marte.

That doesn't make much sense to me that your own player would count, but anyway your clarification set this all straight.

I appreciate it.

[mwbosoxfan]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Actually, the Yankees CAN NOT sign Manny. Period.

Look at the Collective Bargaining Agreement - the Yankees have already signed their 'fill' Of Type A and Type B Free Agents who were with other teams last year. That alone BARS the Yankees from even being able to consider going after Manny until next year - or unless someone else signs him and the Yankees TRADE for him.

Under the agreement, a team can sign as many Free Agents as it wants of players who played for their team the previous season to retain their services, but they can only sign 5 Type A / Type B Free Agents from other teams.

The rule is in place to keep a team like the Yankees or Red Sox or Dodgers who have deep pockets from simply buying up all the Free Agents each year.

That said, unless (or until) Manny SIGNS somewhere, you can forget about the Yankees even being able to consider him until next year.

- Chris

Wrong........See below


Limit on free-agent signings is up

Teams can sign up to eight Type A, B players due to flooded market

By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com



Because of an exception granted, the Yankees -- or any other team -- can sign as many as eight Type A or Type B free agents this season, a top baseball official said on Friday.

Thus, if the Yankees were so inclined, they could still sign pitcher Ben Sheets or left fielder Manny Ramirez if there are millions more dollars remaining in the Steinbrenner bank.

Under rules stated in the Basic Agreement, an exception was made this offseason because of the high number of free agents on the market -- a combined 216 between six-year free agents filing before Nov. 14 and players who weren't tendered contracts on Dec. 12, said Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball's executive vice president of labor relations and human resources.

Manfred corrected earlier speculation that no exception had been asked for or given this offseason.

"The facts are that an exception was given early in the free-agency season because of the high amount of free agents filing this year," Manfred said.

The Yankees have already signed five Type A free agents -- CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira and their own Andy Pettitte and Damaso Marte. The quota, as defined in the collectively bargained rules established by management and the Players Association, state, "if there are from 39 to 62 players [filing], no team can sign more than three."

Manfred negotiates these kinds of terms with the Major League Baseball Players Association. The current Basic Agreement, agreed upon after the 2006 season, doesn't expire until Dec. 31, 2011.

The agreement goes on to say that if there are "more than 62 such players, the club quota shall be increased accordingly."

In any event, after signing five free agents at a guaranteed total cost of $447.5 million spread out over the next eight years, it appears the Yankees are done spending this offseason and are no longer in the market.


Rules about compensatory Draft picks have led to some confusion this offseason.

Only Type A or Type B free agents who have turned down arbitration yield compensation picks. That means the Brewers, who offered Sabathia arbitration, wound up being compensated by the Yankees with their second-round pick in next June's First-Year Player Draft. The Padres, on the other hand, didn't receive a pick for all-time career saves leader Trevor Hoffman when he signed with the Brewers, because he wasn't offered arbitration.

The main reason a club might decline to offer arbitration is that it's more concerned with the amount of money an arbitrator might award to the player than preserving the possibility of a compensatory Draft pick.

This year, 24 of the 63 players in that group were offered arbitration. Two of the 24, Darren Oliver of the Angels and David Weathers of the Reds, accepted arbitration and returned to those clubs. Thus, 22 of 216 free agents this year, or about 10 percent, carry Draft-pick compensation if they are signed by another club.

With 11 Type A and Type B free agents who were offered arbitration unsigned, the question arose regarding what might happen if one of them signed with a Major League club after the Draft, to be held in June.

The list of unsigned Type A players includes Ramirez, Oliver Perez, Jason Varitek, Orlando Cabrera, Juan Cruz, Orlando Hudson and Sheets. The Type B list includes Mark Grudzielanek, Paul Byrd, Dennys Reyes and Brian Shouse. "It's always been our position that if [a player] goes past the Draft, the compensation goes away," Manfred said, adding that it has never happened.

[chakes89]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Maybe he doesn't want to play for the Dodgers anymore and that is why he keeps rejecting their offers

Just a thought

[skyking26]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Offered $25 million (most people would consider that "winning the lottery"), a salary which if wisely invested would set most people up for life and would make him for one year the 2nd highest paid player in baseball, and its not enough. There are some people who think because a person is an athlete any amount of salary is great, $25 billion would not be enough for the pleasure they give us. But I think gradually there are a lot more people who are coming to believe that players turning up their noses at at contracts like this is a turn off. Its part of our society and not limited to sport, we're seeing it in CEO's of major companies too. This is a free country and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when millions are loosing their jobs and out of work its hard to feel too sorry for a player who turns down $25 million and does not always give 100% for his millions.

Exactly CJ. It's not like Manny is evaluating other offers from another team. Nobody is even close. He should have taken it for a year, and then if he has another great year (which he should), you have a better bargaining position at that point for more years.

[cjclong]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Offered $25 million (most people would consider that "winning the lottery"), a salary which if wisely invested would set most people up for life and would make him for one year the 2nd highest paid player in baseball, and its not enough. There are some people who think because a person is an athlete any amount of salary is great, $25 billion would not be enough for the pleasure they give us. But I think gradually there are a lot more people who are coming to believe that players turning up their noses at at contracts like this is a turn off. Its part of our society and not limited to sport, we're seeing it in CEO's of major companies too. This is a free country and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when millions are loosing their jobs and out of work its hard to feel too sorry for a player who turns down $25 million and does not always give 100% for his millions.

[xpress34]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Breaking news about the Yankees! Just read this quote----

"I do hear rumblings [that] people actually expect us to get in on Manny. That's not going to happen," said general manager Brian Cashman.

Actually, the Yankees CAN NOT sign Manny. Period.

Look at the Collective Bargaining Agreement - the Yankees have already signed their 'fill' Of Type A and Type B Free Agents who were with other teams last year. That alone BARS the Yankees from even being able to consider going after Manny until next year - or unless someone else signs him and the Yankees TRADE for him.

Under the agreement, a team can sign as many Free Agents as it wants of players who played for their team the previous season to retain their services, but they can only sign 5 Type A / Type B Free Agents from other teams.

The rule is in place to keep a team like the Yankees or Red Sox or Dodgers who have deep pockets from simply buying up all the Free Agents each year.

That said, unless (or until) Manny SIGNS somewhere, you can forget about the Yankees even being able to consider him until next year.

- Chris

[allstarsplus]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

That said, no need to continue to question the "Manny Haters" if you will.

I am not a Manny Hater, as I respect his work ethic. Spending time with Manny I saw him as the 1st player awake in the morning as he left the hotel before 9AM to go lift weights at the gym. His friend said Manny gets back after games and doesn't go out to the bars so he is early to bed and early to rise and also early to the ballpark. That is impressive so I have to respect that. As far as off the field, Manny hopefully will work at that too.

Breaking news about the Yankees! Just read this quote----

"I do hear rumblings [that] people actually expect us to get in on Manny. That's not going to happen," said general manager Brian Cashman.

[skyking26]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Steve - Well said, and I only know about my 1 encounter with Manny and his guys. If you want to call me, I will give you the summary. Like I said, I don't think it is fair to re-hash it here as Manny doesn't have the opportunity to respond.

On the Manny signing, selfishly I want him to stay with the Dodgers so the Washington Nationals can sign Adam Dunn because supposedly Adam Dunn is waiting to see what the Dodgers do.....

Another soap opera!

I agree Andrew, I believe this is what Adam is doing!!! I think LA should sign Adam, Hudson and one more and leave Manny be. Boras perhaps does not understand that LA is Manny's ONLY $$ option...

I'm sure Dunn is aware he could sign with WA in a second, for a year if he has to. He's played with the Reds so long in a losing atmosphere I'm sure he would prefer a contender (LA). If Manny signs with LA, no doubt you'll see Dunn in a Nationals uni. Reason is pretty obvious - not 1 other team wants a 40 HR/ 100 RBI guy. Say what you want about K's...look at OB% and the RBI's...that is what matters.

[skyking26]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Well put, Les. I got the same (obvious) impression.

Look......I'm not claiming I know anything about Manny Ramirez and his off-the-field antics.

I do know that if Andrew Lang says he had an "experience" while meeting Manny that was less than memorable.....I believe him.

But as a Dodger fan, I am perplexed.

WHY would the Dodgers make Manny a one year offer?

YES, the money is tremendous. But it's ALWAYS been about the LENGTH OF TIME the offer would be....Manny was looking for a MULTI-YEAR deal.

So one has to draw the conclusion that the Dodgers did that as a negotiative ploy...now maybe they can get Manny for 3 years instead of 4? I'm not sure.....maybe it was one last "Up YOURS" to Boras who originally wrote off the Dodgers 2-year offer for $45 Mil as "We'll wait to entertain some SERIOUS offers" in retribution?

But if that were true, why would you want to shed your possible team leader and superstar in the light the Dodgers have just done, by making him look greedy by turning down an offer they surely KNEW he wouldn't accept because of the TIME FRAME alone? How does that build up a good relationship with a guy you are trying to sign?

Man....the whole thing is a mess.

And on top of that.......I have to keep beating all you MANNY HATERS back with my own bat!!

We'll see....this is going to be an interesting few weeks before spring training.....

Suicide/Frik: Hey, we are all fans here...certified baseball nuts. I love the game. I've read many a negative column about Dave Kingman through the years. I've known him since 92 and have yet to have a negative experience, but that is me. I understand your devotion to a guy like Manny, etc. That said, no need to continue to question the "Manny Haters" if you will. The piece about Manny's refusal year after year to speak for 60 seconds to a child with cancer (that he has to walk past) speaks volumes... In my book it's a nuff-said no brainer.

You both go on, wave your flags, and say your prayers that your man will get his zillion dollar contract til his last breath....all the while Americans lose their jobs D-A-I-L-Y. I'm a proud US citizen, and I believe you can promote whatever you wish. I don't have to believe in it, and I think I'll find many backers herein...

[allstarsplus]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Look......I'm not claiming I know anything about Manny Ramirez and his off-the-field antics.

I do know that if Andrew Lang says he had an "experience" while meeting Manny that was less than memorable.....I believe him.

But as a Dodger fan, I am perplexed.

And on top of that.......I have to keep beating all you MANNY HATERS back with my own bat!!

We'll see....this is going to be an interesting few weeks before spring training.....

Steve - Well said, and I only know about my 1 encounter with Manny and his guys. If you want to call me, I will give you the summary. Like I said, I don't think it is fair to re-hash it here as Manny doesn't have the opportunity to respond.

On the Manny signing, selfishly I want him to stay with the Dodgers so the Washington Nationals can sign Adam Dunn because supposedly Adam Dunn is waiting to see what the Dodgers do.....

Another soap opera!

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Thanks for that information; that better contextualizes the acerbic comments. A piece with real merit would have gone through Manny's history with Boston, Cleveland, etc., and have showed his attitudes toward charity work and autograph signing. That would have been interesting to read. However, this writer has little more than a grudge against Manny for actions that a lot of us find to be unreasonable.

Well put, Les. I got the same (obvious) impression.

Look......I'm not claiming I know anything about Manny Ramirez and his off-the-field antics.

I do know that if Andrew Lang says he had an "experience" while meeting Manny that was less than memorable.....I believe him.

But as a Dodger fan, I am perplexed.

WHY would the Dodgers make Manny a one year offer?

YES, the money is tremendous. But it's ALWAYS been about the LENGTH OF TIME the offer would be....Manny was looking for a MULTI-YEAR deal.

So one has to draw the conclusion that the Dodgers did that as a negotiative ploy...now maybe they can get Manny for 3 years instead of 4? I'm not sure.....maybe it was one last "Up YOURS" to Boras who originally wrote off the Dodgers 2-year offer for $45 Mil as "We'll wait to entertain some SERIOUS offers" in retribution?

But if that were true, why would you want to shed your possible team leader and superstar in the light the Dodgers have just done, by making him look greedy by turning down an offer they surely KNEW he wouldn't accept because of the TIME FRAME alone? How does that build up a good relationship with a guy you are trying to sign?

Man....the whole thing is a mess.

And on top of that.......I have to keep beating all you MANNY HATERS back with my own bat!!

We'll see....this is going to be an interesting few weeks before spring training.....

[Rob L]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Manny being Manny is precisely why nobody else has taken a long hard look at him. The Dodgers were smart (Gosh, I hate saying that) in only offering a 1 year contract. It is the only sure fire way that a team has for him to be the player that he can be. If he took their original offer of 2 years with a third year option, he would end up being unhappy because he couldn't get the contract he feels he deserves (5 years). Signing him to a contract year assures he will perform.

That being said, I still want to see a Manny - Vlad combination

[metsbats]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

We can't blame just Manny for rejecting 25 million

[frikativ54]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Les,

I thoughtlessly left out that Gerry Callahan is a columnist for the Boston Herald and also a daily cohost of the Dennis and Callahan sports talk show in Boston.

Callahan recently survived throat cancer and was treated before this piece was published. Could serve as a disclaimer for Callahan's rancor. But he certainly spills his guts. Not every fan's cup of tea for sure but they give him the back page so he gets a lot of readers.

Thanks for that information; that better contextualizes the acerbic comments. A piece with real merit would have gone through Manny's history with Boston, Cleveland, etc., and have showed his attitudes toward charity work and autograph signing. That would have been interesting to read. However, this writer has little more than a grudge against Manny for actions that a lot of us find to be unreasonable.

[eisenreich8]

Re: OT: Manny Ramirez: 'No one wants to sign me'

Les,

I thoughtlessly left out that Gerry Callahan is a columnist for the Boston Herald and also a daily cohost of the Dennis and Callahan sports talk show in Boston.

Callahan recently survived throat cancer and was treated before this piece was published. Could serve as a disclaimer for Callahan's rancor. But he certainly spills his guts. Not every fan's cup of tea for sure but they give him the back page so he gets a lot of readers.