Dodgers GM on Manny Ramirez: 'We still have differences'
The Dodgers re-established contact with Manny Ramirez's agent last week and remain in talks to re-sign the All-Star outfielder, General Manager Ned Colletti said today.
"Friday, we talked at length," Colletti said, referring to agent Scott Boras. "We still have differences on what we think, but we're still talking."
Colletti said the Dodgers don't have an offer on the table to Ramirez. In November, the club offered him a two-year, $45-million contract that it later withdrew.
Colletti said the Dodgers are focused on acquiring pitching, especially in the bullpen. All-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman remains a possibility.
The Dodgers remain open to re-signing Takashi Saito, to whom they didn't tender a contract last month. But, Colletti said, "We haven't heard a peep back."
The Dodgers aren't among the teams that are pursuing Pedro Martinez, Colletti said.
Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, said today that his client has narrowed his choices to two National League teams and two American League teams.
"Pedro feels so strong right now that he doesn't want to do anything but a one-year deal," Cuza said, explaining that he intends to re-establish his value and re-enter the free-agent market in a year.
Colletti declined to discuss the Dodgers' agreement to part ways with Andruw Jones.
For The Times' full baseball coverage, go to latimes.com/sports, including the Angels locking in Manager Mike Scioscia through at least 2014, something blogged about earlier today.
-- Dylan Hernandez
Photo: Manny Ramirez makes a point after hitting a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times
It certainly is refreshing to not see the traditional Los Angeles sandwich. For more years than I care to remember, the Lakers have occupied the top of the standings, and the perrenial cellar-dwelling Clippers have occupied the bottom. This year? A change looms on the horizon. I realize that every dog must have it's day, but it was the Clippers who were like bird dogs .... they had seasons ---- lots of seasons. Here's to hoping that the Lakers fight hard to avoid being the bottom slice.
Posted by: Jerome Colson | January 05, 2009 at 05:50 PM
WHATEVER THEY DO DON'T LET THE GIANTS SIGN MANNY.
Posted by: PHIL JACOBSON | January 05, 2009 at 05:50 PM
When are Dodger fans going to get a clue and ask when is the team going to sign two more starting pitchers. The team has only three starting pitchers. Billingsley, Kuroda and Kershaw. PItching and defense win pennants, not Manny Ramirez.
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Keep dreaming L.A. Manny is coming home to the Bronx!
Posted by: Mickey Mantle | January 06, 2009 at 11:28 AM
plain and simple...dodgers can't handle and don't want Manny. On top of that Manny is not serious about the Dodgers. So please dodger fans be happy with furcal because thats the best you will get. Manny is coming to the bay. The Giants can handle a giant like Manny Ramirez. MANNY'S COMING TO THE BAY...NOT LA.
Posted by: Miguel | January 06, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Everyone is dreaming. No LA, No SF, and no NYY. No great loss. You people should be lambasting that theif Scott Boras.
Posted by: BoSox | January 06, 2009 at 04:59 PM
The only team out there that Manny fits in with is the Mets. They can afford him. And its his hometown. NY and the Mets understand platano power. If you don't know what that means then you already lost Manny. Manny come back to NYC to get some good mangu.
Posted by: Realist | January 07, 2009 at 05:08 PM
TO LIVE AND DIE IN L A THE WHERE HE BELONGS AS A DODGER .IF MANNY WAS THAT GREAT OF BALL PLAYER THE TEAM WOULDNT HAVE ACCOMPLISDHED ITS ANYTHING LAST SEASON .WHEN HE CAME IT WAS LIKE ABREATH OF FRESH AIR TI THE TEAM,AND EVERYBODY SAW IT.WE NEED TO AQUIRE PERO VLADIMR,TO ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS EVER.TREVOR. H WOULD BE A BONUS ,LETS NOT BE LIKE THE OTHER WANT BE L A TEAM .THINK BLUE
Posted by: jamesquintero | January 08, 2009 at 08:41 AM