'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?