Manny reaches agreement with Dodgers

March 4, 11:06 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File

It’s official – the Los Angeles Dodgers have (finally) agreed to terms with free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.  Most knew this was inevitable, but neither side can be accused of “rushing into things.”  It looks like the agreement is on a two-year, $45M deal.  Included in the deal is an opt-out clause for after the first year - you know, because we had so much fun following the Manny drama this offseason, why not do it again?

Most assumed that the Dodgers would resign Manny when they dealt for him at the 2008 trading deadline.  The most serious competitors for ManRam’s services this offseason appeared to be the San Francisco Giants.  I don’t think they ever came close to signing the future Hall of Fame slugger.

This signing immediately transforms the Dodgers into one of MLB’s elite teams, in my opinion.  Their lineup now features two excellent table setters in Rafael Furcal and the team's (other) new addition Orlando Hudson, and has big power with Ramirez, James Loney, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier.  Perhaps most importantly, Juan Pierre is now out of the Dodgers starting lineup.

Well I for one am glad this is over, and we can concentrate on the battles of spring training, the World Baseball Classic, and the upcoming big league season.  There are still some big names available (Pedro Martinez and Ivan Rodriguez) but neither carry the ability to impact a team like Manny.  As much as I though his (and Scott Boras’) act was childish, I couldn’t imagine a season without him around.