Boston showed that hardball does work with Scott Boreass. On January 22, 2009, they sent a Certified Mail Letter to Jason Varitek’s agent, Scott Boreass and said they would negiotate for one week and then slam the door. When faced with this team-mandated deadline, Boreass blinked. Done deal! THE GUY WHOSE NAME I WON’T MENTION (“TGWNIWM“) needs to be dealt with and now! Jason Varitek wanted to stay in Boston and he did have a “face-to-face meeting” with John Henry, the Red Sox owner. Does TGWNIWM want to stay in LA? I think Frank McCourt should talk face-to-face with him and determine that. Buster Olney reported this:
And the reality is that this late in the winter, the Dodgers might be the only team with $20 million available to spend on one player. “Who the hell has $20 million to $25 million available this time of year?” said one high-ranking executive this week.
Some rival executives believe that the Dodgers could offer a two-year, $30 million deal to Ramirez and still have the highest bid on the table — and of course, two years and $30 million would represent less money than Ramirez would have made had he just stayed with the Red Sox. But part of the discussion within the L.A. front office has been about what number would completely embarrass Ramirez to the point that he would roll over on his team, the way he did in Boston.
I think the Dodgers are painfully aware that they have to give TGWNIWM a good offer – and they did! Who is the liar Boreass or Albert Pujols? In the same week Boreass said the market for TGWNIWM was heating up, Pujols said TGWNIWM told him no teams are bidding on him. I believe Albert. The Giants are just messing with the Dodgers by saying they have interest in TGWNIWM . It’s time to put this issue to rest. If we move now, we can either have TGWNIWM or Sheets and Dunn and trade Pierre. My first choice is TGWNIWM, but you would have to admit that signing Sheets and Dunn would also improve the team. Ned and Frank need to send Boreass a Certified Letter and give him a week to accept the original offer he spurned. I am open to including a mutual option for a third year at the same salary (both parties have to agree) with a $6 million dollar buyout. That’s essentially a 2-year/$51 million deal if TGWNIWM rejects the 3rd year. Call the Postman – get it done and move NOW! Get on the phone and start talking with Sheets and Dunn.
By my way of thinking, the only team that should sign TGWNIWM is a team that already has said they don’t want him – the Angels. To me, he would be a great fit there, he could play LF or DH. He would turn their lineup into a much better one and fill the void Texieria left, but so far they have no interest. Arte Moreno has the only team out there I fear could sign the guy. Otherwise, he’s got to sign with us.
DODGER NEWS
Ken Gurnick reports that Russell J. Martin (as he will now be called in honor of his mother) has essentially settled down and will take his conditioning, nutrition and training more seriously this year. I think he also means that he will quit staying out all night. I mean, why would he do that? What happens at 3 AM anyway? 
Gurnick wrote this, in part:
Martin believes this also is the time he puts his game back on track. Those who had seen his first two seasons in the Major Leagues, and even those watching him for the first time, sensed something wasn’t quite right in 2008.
Although still an All-Star and postseason starter, Martin wasn’t the same player or person as the National League’s Gold Glove and Silver Slugger catcher the previous year.
Speculation ran the gamut from a hidden injury to a swollen ego. Whenever asked, Martin said nothing really had changed.
But not anymore.
“I understand completely why people thought that,” Martin said this week. “A lot had changed in my life. I think it’s just part of growing up and maturing. I’m finally just taking responsibility and taking control of everything.
“If you watched me play the game, you couldn’t question my desire or intensity. But things like nutrition, my preparation, my rest — I wasn’t 100 percent in those elements.”
Martin said he credits his new girlfriend, a model and fellow native of Quebec, with teaching him an organized, grounded way to run his life. And he credits teammate Manny Ramirez with showing him how to prepare for the game, and reminding him how to enjoy playing it.
“The idea is that when you come to the park, you know what to expect,” said Martin, who turns 26 next month. “You stretch in a certain way, take batting practice in a certain way. I used to have the mind-set that I would always get better just by working hard. Now, I’m working more efficiently.
“I was disappointed in my play last year and I was disappointed every time I heard somebody say I wasn’t the same. But I expect more out of myself. Some people say I had a good season, but I wasn’t happy with it.”
A re-dedicated Russell J. Martin bodes well for the Dodgers next season.
Diamond Leung wrote this: Joe Torre indicated on Larry King Tonight that he has spoken to Manny Ramirez “a couple times” this offseason and that Russell Martin has as well as part of the recruiting effort.
Hmmmm, where have I heard this before. I know it will come to me.
Very true Mark, obviously I can’t add anything more to your take that hasn’t already been said and argued about thoroughly (other words come to mind but I will stick to “thoroughly”)
Glad to see that Martin is planning and working towards a focused approach to the season. If the reports of his late night partying are true, it explains why he has always tailed off significantly in the last half of each season so far. Catching is hard enough without being a boozewhore. Last year in the playoffs, he looked so poor at the plate against the PHillies, I always dread when he was coming up to bat, he just looked over-matched and had the look that he new he wasn’t going to get a hit.
ManRam signs with the Dodgers before Feb. 10, book it! (okay with this crazy guy and his infallible agent, who really knows).
Throw a “K” into one of those above used words, please.
Jason Varitek hit .220 with a .313 OBP and a .785 OPS. He got exactly what he earned.
Unless of course he would have signed with the Dodgers, where he would have received around $10 million.
Scott Borass is a lawyer mover. You talk like lying is something we shouldn’t expect out of him. OF COURSE he is going to blow smoke. How else will he be able to obfuscate and manipulate? Mayhaps we are getting just a little obsessed with this guy?
Like I have said many, many times – I don’t like the man. But, if I was a player, I would want him representing me. Even with my limited skills, he could get me a Dreifort or Brown like contract with my team. I could live pretty good doing little for $15 million a year.
Boreass is also a scumbag, Badger. You may find this hard to believe, but I would never have him represent me. He represents some of the best atheletes (A-Rod) and some of the most self-centered people on the planet (A-Rod). Sorry, I’d take less for someone with integrity.
If you’d take less, the Player’s Union would want to have a little pow wow with you.
This is MLB, not the PUA (Philanthropists Union of America).
I suppose if KBR came along and offered you 5 million for your company you wouldn’t take it cuz they are scumbags?
I dont know if giving a deadline to Boras is gonna work.
Giving one to Varitek and giving one to Manny are very different.
Like I said, offer 3/70, and go public with the offer.
If he doesn’t accept it, uhh I’d still wait on him..haha
Boras may pull the chains of a lot of folks but remember this–he always puts the screws to managment. I can’t think of a case where he actually sold out one lof his clients. So unless your a player who doesn’t like to earn the most dollars possible, you’ll like having Boras as your agent.
Sure he’s a horses ass. Most effective lawyers are unconcerned with trurth or what’s fair. They are whores who have been hired to get the best possible outcome for their clients. One of the first lawyers I worked for as a young attorney told me to never forget, “clients are swine!” “Nice people don’t need lawyers to go screw others for them.”
For the most part he was right. I considered myself an honest lawyer who tried to get “just” results. And I was effective–but I was definitely in the minority. And on more than one occasion after I’d won a jury trial I’d look over at the losing party and their counsel and see all the blubbering and sobbing and wonder whether I’d reeally done the right thing. But most nice lawyers got their asses handed to them by the sharks who would run over their grandmothers for a nickel. Most nice guys didn’t last 5 years in the business. Practicing law is like being in the middle of a war all the time. It wears you down unless you’re a 24 karat asshole. Guys who enjoy live combat, inflicting torture and a life in the military we’re born to finish their lives as scumbag lawyers.
I’d hire Boras in a New York Minute if I was a major league baseball player looking for at least one big payday before I hung up the spikes.
Terrible thing happening to Drew and the Lakers last night. He’s just 21 and already major injuries to both knees. All that talent–it’s a real waste. Bynam is the Duke Snider of the NBA.
Badger,
You are right, I wouldn’t sell my company to scumbags. I refused an offer last year. It’s worth more than that anyway…
Lawdog,
Precisely why I never considered being a lawyer. It would have made me turn to the darkside!
I am with mario 100% on this one. The prospect of Manny being our clean-up hitter for the next three years is an exciting one to me. Furcal, Ethier, Loney, Manny, Kemp, Martin, Blake, Dewitt – that’s a darn good lineup.
And, if anyone knows lawyers, it’s a lawyer. Well said counselor.
Borass isn’t the devil, as has been portrayed here. He is just a well paid agent. Teams have to deal with agents. The hope is to have a GM that’s as smart as the agent – and I just haven’t seen that yet.
Mark, for the first time in many weeks I happen to agree with you. Giving Borass a time limit and making a 3 YR 70 Million dollar offer to ??????? whatever the license number was. That’s a very reasonable offer and if turned down we would know he’s not our man and he doesn’t want to be a Dodger. He not going to get that offer anywhere else. Waiting for the bargin price or winning the blink war is just insane. Sheets and Dunn would be a very good option B. However I don’t see the Dodgers going after Sheets, it would be Dunn and Wolf if we’re lucky.
Everyone is getting tired of the Circus type stalemate between the Dodgers and Borass. I just happen to think it’s both their faults FRANK/BORASS. I know you think it’s just Boras’s fault but 3 years guaranteed money would put an end to this mess. That’s 3 years non insulting money. $15 million for the 3rd year was just stupid.
We need to get this behind us so we can complete the roster for 2009. Finding out in 1 week would be a good move for everyone even if it means Manny’s not going to sign.
I still feel that the Dodgers can give the option to Manny on what he wants. Take your pick……
1 yr $25
2 yr $47
3 yrs $70
Final offer, one week
It worked for Boston on Varitek……
I would be crossing my fingers for Manny.
Message to Manny.
The LA fans love you. Where have you played where the fans give you a standing ovation everytime to come to bat. You are a super hero in LA. Mannywood. Joe Torre is a players manager and you know your teammates. Be Smart, ever if that means speaking with the Dodger Brass without your agent. WE DO WANT YOU BACK. But there’s a limit to the madness.
Billy,
How does it feel to be right today?
When the Texas Rangers signed A-Rod for $252 million, it was later learned that their bid was $100 million over any other bid. Felony Stupid as Lawdog would say! At the present time, THAT GUY has one contract offer $24,000/ 2 years. How felony stupid will we be? I would love to sign him for just 2 years as Andrew Lambo will be ready before then. Give him 2 years at $50 million and call it a day. I’d really hate to go 3 years for an aging, egocentric, delusional superstar.
Wait a minute….. mario, Ldog and myself have been screaming for weeks to just offer the third year and now it’s mover’s idea???? And all of a sudden mover says Bill is right for being willing to offer what the third year coalition has been asking for for weeks???
I am not going to stand for this! That’s an outrage! Where’s the justice? Where are the mea culpas??!! Where’s the credit for those of us who recognized the value from the beginning????
Ok I’m done.
We figured most of you would come around eventually. Make the offer, give him 72 hours to accept it, and then sign Abreu or Dunn.
Super Bowl Party – feast o’plenty. My friend here in the Arizona are going nuts over this team – should be a blast. I am obviously rooting for the Cards, but, my money says Pittsburgh.
Bummer about Bynum. If he is out, again, the Lakers will face the same results as last year.
that would be “friends” here in Arizona. I do have more than one, though some of you might find that difficult to believe. We should have about 20 people there.
Edit please.
Badger, how quick you are to forget my Manny campaign in here for the last few months. You Lawdog and Mario? Maybe the Superbowl has you charged up and in a forgetful mood. I am hoping it’s not an age thing as I’m not far behind.
Do women watch the Superbowl for the excitement of the game, huddlers, commercials, just another reason to party or another reason not listed. I would like to take a poll in here? Give me your thoughts….
Just to set the record straight, many in here have predicted that a 3 yr deal is what it is going to take, it ain’t novel, it’s yesterday.
Go Cards!!
BRuss you are a smart man! I love your contract idea. Multiple choice for Manny. And if you don’t like it goodbye!
Peace guys.
I am rooting for the underdog today. I could give a rats about either team. So go Cardinals!
The record IS straight Haze. Many in here said “the offer is two years, take it or leave it”. I wasn’t one of them. Neither were Bill, mario or lawdog.
And I was just yankin’ mover’s lanyard Bill. I know you have been supportive of giving Manny the third year. And, it is still my opinion that the 3rd year option is the one that will get the deal done. It is still my opinion that Manny will hit .300 with 100 rbi’s for the next 4 years, so the third year is safe. It is still my opinion that Manny, in the next 3 years, will have better numbers than any player currently wearing a Dodger uniform.
As for one year, maybe it would work. But I haven’t heard a peep from the Dodgers about that.
At this juncture, If we give him a 3rd year, we are just bidding against ourselves.
Felony stupid, I’d say!
“Thank you Badger for your input, I hope you are having a nice day and I am so glad I got to hear from you today.”
If I actually gave a rats ass, I could go back and provide evidence, if I recall correctly I mentioned a 3 year, $70 mil contract long ago (or something close) and I think even Gonzo or someone else intelligent thought at the time that should get things done. But that wasn’t really my point anyway in my previous post. I guess what I was really saying is that we have talked this ManRam thing in ever which way to Sunday.
“Have fun at recess and play nice with others, Badger. I will see you after lunch and we will read a nice story. You know you are my favorite little boy in class, so be good.”
———
Transference is a phenomenon in psychoanalysis characterized by unconscious redirection of feelings for one person to another. One definition of transference is “the inappropriate repetition in the present of a relationship that was important in a person’s childhood.”[1] Another definition is “the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object.”[2] Still another definition is “a reproduction of emotions relating to repressed experiences, esp[ecially] of childhood, and the substitution of another person … for the original object of the repressed impulses.”[3] Transference was first described by Sigmund Freud, who acknowledged its importance for psychoanalysis for better understanding of the patient’s feelings.
According to “The Source” published in June 2001, “During transference, people turn into a “biological time machine”. A nerve is struck when someone says or does something that reminds you of your past. This creates an “emotional time warp” that transfers your emotional past and your psychological needs into the present. In less poetic terms, a transference reaction means that you are reacting to someone in terms of what you need to see, you are afraid of or what you see when you know very little about the person. This all happens without you knowing why you feel and react the way you do.”
Typical OD.
It isn’t about “outbidding” ourselves mover. It’s about signing the guy who carried this team to the play-offs and is the perfect fit for out team. Who else would you rather have hitting 4th for the Dodgers?
I don’t want Manny hitting 4th, I want him batting 3rd. In any case, I want him in Blue quickly or not at all. The Circus is killing us all. It’s tearing us fans apart before the season begins. Get it worked out Ned, or sign Dunn, Sheets and Wolf. Someone once told me that you can’t have enough starting pitchers.
What a great Super Bowl. I was hoping the Cards could pull it out but what a great catch it took to beat them. That was an MVP catch.
I went to the nipple bowl back in 2004 in Houston. Janet was great. We didn’t even know that it happened until the next day. The excitement of being at a Super Bowl is undiscribable. The hair on the back of my neck was excited. I want to return again some day. There’s no greater sports event to watch in person.
My wish is for the Manny story to come to an end sometime in the upcoming week. They all need to check their ego’s at the door on both sides and get it done.
D Romo, nice to see an appearance from you again. I thought you switched over to Angel Red or something. That’s right, Bobby Grich made you a permanent Dodger fan. He is a bad ass. He wouldn’t sign your ball and he wouldn’t let me look at his girl friend at Santa Anita Horse Track. What a guy.
OK, Manny in the 3 hole it is. I have no objection to that.
I sat with a group of about 15 Cards fans yesterday and were they ever upset about that catch in the end zone. On their 60″ high def tv the freeze frame of that looked like Holmes right toe never touched. It was on top of his left foot, but, not clear enough to overule the call. Good game. Close game. One huge mistake by Warner was all it took to give the game away. I was hoping for one last throw into the end zone to Fitzgerald, but, the last play by the Cards wasn’t reveiewed. I guess they wanted the game over.
OK, any minute now we can get this deal done. I agree, it’s time to just ink the thing.