Is the Million Manny March 2 an Act of Futility?

It has been widely reported today in a multitude of blogs and articles, the Mets are out of the running for Manny Ramirez. In fact, Joel Sherman of the NY Post, reports the signing of Oliver Perez does just about close the Mets shopping for the offseason. The only items they are still perusing are low-cost alternatives among righty reserve bats and lefty set-up men, the Post has learned.

For the optimist, the following events may offer a glimmer of hope, maybe; just maybe, the Mets may swoop in and scoop up Manny in the eleventh hour. As for me, I'm not to confident the Mets are willing to commit their resources and go the extra mile to bring home a World Series Championship.

• Now it appears the LA Dodgers have made a second offer to Manny Ramirez. What is puzzling to some, including myself, are the terms of one year at $25M. I'm not sure the Dodgers want a disgruntled Ramirez dogging it, as his track record would suggest, when he is not enamored with the terms of his contract. I believe going from $45M to $25M guaranteed, regardless of years will leave a sour taste in Manny's mouth. After all, Manny is looking for a five year contract in the neighborhood of $100M plus.
  

According to a report on Monday on ESPN.com, a two-year, $45 million offer three months ago didn't get it done. So on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a new offer to Manny Ramirez -- for one year and $25 million, according to a major league source.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti confirmed to ESPN.com that he met with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, on Monday and presented the new offer in person.

Colletti declined to confirm any details of the offer. But the offer was confirmed by another source with knowledge of the discussions. It's believed that Ramirez and Boras were given a 48-hour deadline to accept the offer.

• The buzz Tony Paige created with his comments below.

As reported by the incomparable Matt Ceronne of MetsBlog.com,

The last day or so, several people have e-mailed me saying WFAN’s Tony Paige mentioned the Mets had interest in Manny Ramirez, while on a recent overnight broadcast for the New York sports radio station.

I did not hear his statements first hand. However, Paige told me in an e-mail, “All I said was, someone, who deals with Mets management (and he’s credible), told me the Mets were interested in Manny Ramirez and something may happen this week.”

Paige added, “I didn’t say they were going to sign him,’ simply stating that the two sides could end up speaking soon.