Los Angeles, CA
In the oldest story since baseball ended last season, Manny Ramirez is a Dodger. Officially, nothing is coming out of the Dodgers camp right now. On the team website, it says Manny and the Dodgers are meeting tomorrow morning to close the deal. Other sources around town are reporting the deal is already done. Either way, come midday tomorrow, I expect to see some sort of press conference with Frank McCourt parading his newly signed prize in front of every available camera. McCourt was visibly upset Thursday when Ramirez not being signed stole the thunder out from under the grand unveiling of his new Camelback Ranch spring training facilities. That prompted him to say "dealings must start from scratch". Apparently scratch meant something right around the two year $45 million dollar offer the Dodgers had previously extended to the future Gold Glove winner.
Although Scott Boras assures all that no deal has been made, Ramirez is sounding the horn already. "I'm happy in L.A. I like my teammates and had a great time. The fans were so good to me; they treated me the best anywhere in my career. And now I think we're close." He then reiterated, "I know how people treated me in L.A.. And I want to thank them." Then in a case of Manny being Manny he added, "I can't wait to start playing again, and stealing bases. No more home runs. Tell everyone Mannywood is coming -- now go call Jeff Kent."
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