Manny and C.C. updates

A few quick notes on the 2 biggest free agents this offseason, Manny Ramirez and C.C. Sabathia...

The Dodgers and agent Scott Boras talked Monday night about Ramirez to see where each other stands. While there's definite interest on both sides, the Dodgers have not put their 2-year/$45 million deal back on the table. The story is still the same: Manny wants a long-term deal (believed to be a whopping 6 years), but the Dodgers will only go for 2 with an option for a 3rd. Talks should/will continue.

As for Sabathia, the Dodgers are certainly not the only team that are hot on his trails. In addition to the Brewers, Yankees, and Dodgers, there's also the Red Sox and Giants that have thrown their names into the giant hat of his. Hearing that he has verbally expressed his interest in LA, it's still an encouraging sign, even with more teams stepping up. Keep in mind, however, that the Dodgers have not officially made an offer, but stay tuned.

Sabathia tells Colletti of interest coming to Dodgers

Take this for what it's worth, but GM Ned Colletti has said that C.C. Sabathia has told him he would like to play for the Dodgers. This conversation occurred during the Winter Meetings on Sunday.

There had already been reports that the Dodgers either have or were thinking of offering a huge deal for Sabathia (read a few posts back), but nothing really came of it... until now. For Colletti to flat out say that the ace free agent wants to come aboard, that would certainly be a good sign.

Still, will it happen? Well, I would think there's a definite chance of it. First, the Dodgers have lost Greg Maddux officially, and Derek Lowe and Brad Penny will soon be right behind. Two, Manny Ramirez never accepted the 2-year/$45 million deal he was offered before the start of free agency. Finally, Sabathia makes his home in Southern California, so if the money is there, he would seem to be more than willing to come.

We all know the Yankees are still hanging over his head, and with a deal like the one he was offered, it's no surprise. But if the Dodgers do step up, I think it's not out of the question that we all look forward to the big lefty on the mound Opening Day in Dodger blue.

Dodgers mull making their pitch to Sabathia

C.C. Sabathia is about to be a very, very rich man. Now all he needs to figure out is which coast he'd like to play on. For the Dodgers, they hope he makes Southern California not just his winter home, but his home year round.

Reports are surfacing that the Dodgers are considering offering Sabathia a 6-year deal worth $110 to $120 million. It's not quite the $140 the New York Yankees threw in his face, but still a pretty hefty chunk of change. It must be nice to be C.C. these days.

In addition to the Yankees and Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers still have their 5-year/$100 million offer out there. Plus, the San Francisco Giants are believed to be in the bidding. Gee, I bet they're still thrilled about that ridiculous contract Barry Zito signed a couple years ago. Ouch.

Sabathia could not have possibly had a better ending to his season, as he was practically unhittable with the Brewers to push them into the playoffs. True, he didn't look so hot in his only start against the Phillies, but it's hard to blame him considering how many innings he had to log just to get to that point. He proved just how dominant he can be.

So now the ball appears to be in his court. I should note that the Dodgers haven't officially made an offer like they did to Manny Ramirez. It's just a strong rumor, and one that appears to take place soon. There's no way both Sabathia and Manny will be signed together, so it may be a case of first come, first serve. And either way, you can't go wrong.

Dodgers in pursuit of C.C. Sabathia and Jack Wilson

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has an article today discussing the Dodgers' pursuit of both C.C. Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians and Jack Wilson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here's how it all breaks down:

* They are looking into possible deals, but will be unable to get both men. The reason is that they will need to give up the same minor league prospects in both deals. The question is which one they value more.

* The Milwaukee Brewers are still considered the front-runners for Sabathia, but the Dodgers certainly have some say in this matter. Signing with a big market team like LA would give them a good chance of resigning him at the end of the season, avoiding free agency.

* Wilson coming aboard would mean the probable end to Rafael Furcal's tenure as Wilson is signed through 2009. GM Ned Colletti has acknowledged a willingness to acquire a shortstop.

* The prospects mentioned are AA righty James McDonald, AAA shortstop Chin-lung Hu, and current Major Leauge 3rd baseman Andy LaRoche.

Here's my thoughts on all of this. Sabathia is definitely worth acquiring because dominant lefties like him are hard to come by. Can you imagine a rotation of Sabathia, Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, and Hiroki Kuroda next season? That's pretty nasty. Plus, there's still Derek Lowe and Brad Penny to consider. Talk about an outstanding rotation.

Wilson has had some injury problems the last 3 years, which is immediately a red flag. To be fair, they're not even close to what Furcal has gone through. He's a contact hitter, taking only 46 K's in 477 AB's last season. What he doesn't have a lick of is power, but I don't think the Dodgers are too concerned with that. He'd be a decent addition, just as long as Dodger fans don't expect him to work wonders offensively.

In the end, it would be hard to argue with getting Sabathia. Trading for him and then resigning him would be a huge signal that the Dodgers are ready to be major players again.