Angels mulling Plan B: 2 years for Manny?
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The Angels, bracing themselves for the loss of Mark Teixeira, are believed to be considering a two-year offer to Manny Ramirez.
Scott Boras represents both players. Once Teixeira signs, the agent will undoubtedly remind the losing bidders that an elite hitter remains on the market in Ramirez.
The Angels might buy in, warily. ‘Ramirez would fit here,’ Manager Mike Scioscia told The Times yesterday.
The Angels are considering an offer to Ramirez but would go no longer than two years, a source familiar with the club’s thinking said today.
The Dodgers also have offered two years, although they say the offer is not currently on the table. No other teams have publicly confirmed interest in Ramirez.
The Angels also have stayed in touch with Juan Rivera, who would like to return to Anaheim if a full-time job is available. The Angels could sign Rivera for roughly one-fifth the cost, then use the remaining money to fortify their starting rotation and bullpen.
Teixeira remains the Angels’ top priority, but the club remains reluctant to go beyond seven years to retain the first baseman. The Orioles and Nationals appear willing to go to 9 or 10 years, and the Red Sox could offer Teixeira the chance to return to his East Coast roots (he grew up in Maryland) and play for a winner.
-- Bill Shaikin