Giants out on Manny, maybe in on CC
LAS VEGAS -- The Giants say they have no interest in Manny Ramirez, even if he could transform them into the favorite to win the National League West next season.
The Giants could use a drawing card to replace Barry Bonds. They could use a thumper too after hitting the fewest home runs of any team in the major leagues last season. Ramirez hit 37 home runs. The Giants' starting outfield of Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand and Randy Winn combined to hit 32.
So we asked a Giants official if the team were interested in Ramirez.
"I can say definitively we're not," the official said.
The official said the Giants are interested in CC Sabathia, the ace pitcher who grew up in the Bay Area. The official would not confirm whether the Giants had offered a contract to Sabathia but said they would need to make other moves before they could sign him.
Sabathia has offers of $140 million over six years from the Yankees and $100 million over five years from the Brewers, with Milwaukee apparently willing to discuss a sixth year as well as an opt-out clause. The Angels are interested too, and Sabathia said he is interested in the Dodgers.
-- Bill Shaikin
Photo: Manny Ramirez. Credit: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
