Perfect Storm for Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry
February 6, 2009
by Patrick SJ Read…
In an ironic move, the Los Angeles Dodgers just made a third (and final?) offer to the highly-touted lightning rod, Manny Ramirez, just after Joe Torre had released his “new screenplay.”
In the book, Mr. Torre takes some off-the-cuff shots in a seemingly bitter manner at another lightning rod of a baseball star, Alex Rodriguez.
If Manny becomes a Dodger, then the two might go on to share equal starring roles in Joe’s sequel—instead of sharing a career home run chase on the same team, year after year. Think of Maris and Mantle in 1961 and then stretch it out over a few years…
Torre appeared on Larry King and explained that he “wouldn’t have written anything any different than what’s offered in the book,” which is expected to be released in the coming days.
Excusing the hypocrisy of a coach who is highly heralded for protecting his players from the mass media, Torre almost directly gave the same reason for his new book, “A-Rod is a lightning rod, and no matter what’s said or done relative to him, there will always be a huge reaction.”
Like the type reaction required when releasing a new tell-all?
News of Torre’s behind-the-scenes look at the Yankees and several key players broke last week, after Manny had already turned down LA’s second offer of two years, $45 million.
Since the book has been released, LA has now made a third offer for one year and $25 million.
Foot Meet Mouth
Some authors take liberties in their books to create buzz over its release—take any neo-history book for example.
Or take Kirk Radomski’s new thriller, which names more than 300 players not mentioned in the Mitchell Report. Note to self: Do not make deals with criminal elements lest they take advantage and a veritable mess ensues.
There is an obvious bias against the Yankees already, and Torre is cashing in on the feeding frenzy.
Perhaps he blames A-Rod for the team not winning a title, despite Joe’s own failure in reaching the postseason seven years in a row without another victory since the last championship in 2000. At least A-Rod earned two MVP awards.
There seems to be some spite between Joe and his ex-players; but professionals are expected to take it up behind the scenes. An old adage comes to mind, “What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room.”
“I knew it was you Fredo. You broke my heart.”
LA Joe’s penalty for his new book might be the loss of Ramirez to the very target of his new “screenplay,” but like his new commercial says—at least LA Joe can still enjoy his “wheat grass.”
I liked him better with a closed mouth and green tea—like he used to have when a Yankee. Now I am unsure if he ever really was a Yankee or was he just like an old lady, keeping a diary for his new drama??
Manny and the Yanks
According to a Dominican Source, it was rumored that the Yankees had offered Ramirez a three-year, $75 million deal—but maybe that source just got it wrong.
“Only fools count out the Yankees when it comes to free agents,” a source said of Ramirez. “Hank (Steinbrenner) wants him, but he isn’t alone in the organization. They need somebody to protect Alex (Rodriguez).”
Why would Manny take $25 million for one year to play in LA? A one-year offer should be worth his peak market, plus some. Another one year notable was Clemens, who made $28 million and 22 dollars. A-Rod makes $27.5 per year for 10 years. So, what does the market really make Manny worth?
IF LA was serious, then they would make a serious offer. There were far more serious offers for Teixeira—who has a lesser bat and career than does Manny.