In a dialogue with Tim McCarver, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein said that he would try to trade Manny Ramirez if he would be willing to waive his no-trade rights. Joel Sherman and Mike Puma speculated today on a possible trade destination for Manny…the Philadelphia Phillies. According to the article, Philadelphia is the most likely destination due to Manny’s strong relationship with Phil’s skipper Charlie Manuel. In fact, they went on to say “he might not accept a trade to anywhere but Philadelphia.”
In my opinion…thanks but no thanks. There are several scenarios for a Manny trade to the Phils, I’ll break them down:
- Shane Victorino for Manny Ramirez – The idea is ludicrous. It’s also the most likely scenario if this trade were to occur, since every rumor involving the acquisition of an outfielder so far has involved the Phils shipping Victorino out of town. What a disaster it would be to have Burrell in left, Werth in center, and Manny in right.
- Pat Burrell for Manny Ramirez – Doesn’t sound bad on paper, but when you break it down for the Phils..it just doesn’t make much sense. Burrell’s having a better overall season…more home runs, better OPS, and is a better fielder. Why take on the distraction along with additional salary.
- Geoff Jenkins + Prospects – Alright, I’ll cave on this one so long as we’re not giving up Carrasco, Marson, Golson, Donald, or Bastardo. A couple mid-level prosepects and Jenkins would get it done for me…Boston wouldn’t go for it.
For the Phillies, this would be a one year rental. They’d appease Manny by promising not to pick up his $20 million option. There’s no shot they’d sign him to a long term deal. In my opinion…let Manny be Manny somewhere else.
Manny isn’t going anywhere and the Phillies can keep Pat Burrell and Shane Victorino, Sox wouldn’t take both of them combined.