Yankees Could, and Should Get Manny

Hi. My name is Dave, and this is a new blog dedicated entirely to baseball, specifically the New York Yankees. My first post will be on the Manny Ramirez debate, and, as many are wondering, where will he go?

 

Most people are saying he will go back to the Dodgers. I've heard some rumors about the Giants and Rangers, and even the Angels. I don't know about anyone else, but frankly, I don't believe any of them.

I don't see any reason why he can't go to the Yankees, especially when no other team seems to even be negotiating for him. He would be a perfect guy to protect A-Rod in the lineup, and the Yankees can have one of the most fierce lineups in Major League Baseball if Manny is added. If your top 5 is Damon, Jeter, Teixiera, Rodriguez, Ramirez, you would be unstoppable! Manny would take pressure off the rest of the order, and guys like Teixiera, A-Rod, and Robinson Cano would all improve their game. There are a few problems with it, but they are possible to get around.

The first, as people say, is his personality. No one, including me, will forget what he did to get out of Boston. But no one will also forget how he was the reason the Dodgers got into the playoffs last year. No one will forget that he hit almost .400 as a Dodger and hit a bunch of home runs, and then dominated the playoffs as well. Guys like Derek Jeter will deal with his personality in the clubhouse, and make sure he behaves. I don't think his personality should be a factor. The guy is one of the best clutch hitters in the game. Joe Torre said he was one of the hardest workers he had ever seen. The Yankees have missed clutch hits during the last 4 postseasons they have taken part in, and this guy can give it to them. You can't let this problem stop you.

The second problem, as you also probably know, is the cash. Brian Cashman is aiming to have a lower payroll than the 209 million they had in 2008. He has already hit the jackpot 3 times this offseason with the signing of CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixiera, but spent a lot of money in doing so. People will say "there is no way the Yankees can afford Manny Ramirez." I'm wondering if they thought it through.

CC Sabathia and Mark Teixiera make, on average, about 23 million a year. AJ Burnett makes about 17 million a year on average, a little less. That adds up to about 63 million spent. The Yankees shed close to 90 million by losing Mike Mussina, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Andy Pettitte, and others.  Manny has been said to want about 25 million a year. That would bring it to 88 million, about the same they had last year. However, they are shopping Nady and Swisher, and may be able to dump one of those contracts to lower the payroll so it still is less than last year. Also, if this market continues to pretty much shun Manny, he and Scott Boras may have to lower their cost, making it a perfect time to swoop in.

 

As you can see, it is possible to avoid the problems Manny might bring. And even if they do have to even their payroll to what they had last year to get him, don't you think they should? The Steinbrenners say every year that their number 1 goal is to put a championship team on the field. If Manny Ramirez can get them closer to that, then they should make that sacrifice.

 

What do you think? Please feel free to leave your thoughts, and remember this is may first blog entry, so there may be mistakes. If you find one, feel free to point it out. Thanks.