Manaheim? Not In This Lifetime…
Manny Ramirez will not be making the jump across the freeway in 2009.
…Or is it?
If you take GM Tony Reagins at his word (which I do), then yes, it is the end of the story. But all around the blogosphere, people seem to have a different idea. Despite repeated denials by Reagins, including this latest gem – “I can make this very brief and very clear. We are not in on Manny — and will not be.” – writers and fans are unwilling to accept it as fact. As I (and Reagins) have said before, 2009 will be the year for the young stars of the Angels’ farm system to shine, and that could not happen with Manny here.
Let me explain…
Right now, the Angels have three outfielders – Torii Hunter, Vlad Guerrero and Juan Rivera – slated to rotate between the 4-slot OF/DH revolving door. That leaves one spot open for Mike Scioscia to fill. If the Angels are serious about giving the young guys a chance (i.e. Kendry Morales and Brandon Wood), they will shift Chone Figgins from third base to left field/right field and let Wood take over third base. That leaves us with this team taking the field:
C) Napoli, 1B) Morales, 2B) Kendrick, SS) Aybar, 3B) Wood, LF) Rivera, CF) Hunter, RF) Figgins, DH) Guerrero.
While it may not be “ideal” for some impatient fans, this lineup is in the best interest of the organization. If Manny was signed by the Angels, Figgins would be forced to stay at third base, and Brandon Wood would be left to rot for another year in AAA, where he has absolutely nothing left to learn or prove.
Don’t be deceived, Halo fans – our GM and owner are not stupid. They (and we) know how great of a talent Manny Ramirez is. Having his bat in this lineup would probably make the Angels an early favorite for the World Series, BUT it is not in the best interest of the organization.
By letting Brandon Wood (as well as Morales and Aybar) play a full, uninterrupted year in the majors, the Angels are strengthening their team for the future. I know that’s a tough concept to grasp as a fan, but management has to build for the future, not just the here and now.
Would the Angels be better off by signing Manny? Maybe this year, but certainly not in 3 or 4 years (or whenever his absurd contract would run out). By standing by and putting their faith in the youngsters, the Angels are tightening their grip on the AL West now, and for the future.
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