'Manny Land'?

When baseball's winter meetings open in Las Vegas on Monday, the Angels need to zero in on hitting when they write those free agent checks. If not to their own Mark Teixeira, then perhaps to Manny Ramirez.



Angel owner Artie Moreno praised Ramirez on a recent radio interview. Unquestionably one of the best post season hitters in recent memory, the 36-year old sometimes lackadasical outfielder doesn't come without baggage.



Ramirez' antics, both on and off the field, got him run out of Boston. The Red Sox could have used his bat in the American League championship series, which they lost to Tampa Bay. In 21 career post season series, Manny has hit .286 with a .550 slugging percentage. He has hit 28 homeruns and driven in 74 runs. His teams have won 13 series.



He single handedly carried the Dodgers to the NL West title . In 53 games after his acquisition from Boston, the hard hitting Dominican batted .396 with 17 homeruns and 53 RBIs. And he hit .500 and .533 against Chicago and Philadelphia in the National League playoffs. The Dodgers made an initial 2-year offer to Ramirez , but all has been quiet since.

The question in the Angels' mind has to be his off the field problems. His defensive deficiencies could be covered up by using him exclusively as their designated hitter. But team chemistry, comraderie in the clubhouse, could be the stumbling block. It's one of manager Mike Scioscia's strengths. Could Manny fit in?

Ramirez' value to the Dodger not only translated into wins, but also into increased revenue . Ticket sales went up and merchandise sales soared. 'Manny (Holly) Wood' engulfed Chavez Ravine. Is 'Manny (Disney) Land' next?

They Can't Be Serious!

With the Hot Stove League's free agent auction expected to warmup when baseball's winter meetings open in Las Vegas Dec. 8, the Angel hierarchy can't possibly be serious when they say their interest has turned to C.C. Sabathia.

Granted Sabathia put up some impressive numbers last season, especially over his final 17 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers after his trade from Cleveland. Down the stretch the 28 year old lefthander posted an 11-2 record with a 1.65 ERA and had a strikeout to walk ratio of 128 to 25 in 130 innings. He completed seven of his starts.

However, Anaheim general manager Tony Reagins must be brain dead if he thinks pitching is his priority. The Angels did lose Jon Garland to free agency, but Kelvim Escobar, who missed the entire 2008 season is expected to return in '09. Escobar, who won 17 games two seasons ago, rejoins John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Jered Wright.

What is Mike Scioscia suppose to do with six starting pitchers? The Angel staff is extremely formidable. They need a big middle of the order bat. Hopefully, this is just a public relations ploy.

Angel owner Arte Moreno has a fat wallet. He has entrusted his baseball people to spend wisely. Writing a check for $140M to a six foot, seven inch, 250 pound pitcher isn't very smart.
Neither is committing to a six year contract. In fact, it's unbelievably stupid. (See Kevin Brown).

The Angel brain trust had better come their senses. Otherwise, they'll all need their collective heads examined!

Don't Make The Same Mistake Twice

With the Hot Stove League season well underway, major league baseball's impressive list of free agents remain unsigned. The big names, including Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and Manny Ramirez, are hoping for resolution at the winter meeting in Las Vegas which begin Dec. 8.



The Angel contingent, led by general manager Tony Reagins, had better open up the pocket book and sign their free agent, Teixeira. At 28 years of age, the hard-hitting first basemen is in the prime of his career. Coming to Anaheim from Atlanta last July 29, Tex put up impressive numbers over the final 54 games. He hit .358 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs. His season totals were .308, 33 and 121.



Rumor says the Angels won't agree to a 10-year contract, which agent Scott Boras is seeking. Their fans will remember that the Angels made this same stupid mistake after winning the World Series in 2002. They let 28-year old homerun hitting Troy Glaus go, and they've been looking for another power hitting third basemen ever since.



Not only does Teixeira bring power to a power position, but by batting third in the Angel lineup, he also made cleanup hitter Vlad Guerrero more productive down the stretch.



Alex Rodriguez signed a similar 10-year, $250M deal with Texas in the 1990's and he hasn't missed a beat. If the Angels don't come close to matching that package it could be disastrous, especially if the switch hitter winds up in Boston. Teixeira is not only a sound, fundamental hitter, he's a great character guy and a class act.



If Reagins, who didn't take advantage of the opportunity to hammer out a deal before the trade was completed, and owner Arte Moreno can't strike a deal, it will be the same old story. Win the weak, weak American League West, and strike out in the playoffs. AGAIN!!!