Manny becomes a Yankee next year?

[chuckwillard]

I think Manny goes to an AL team that figures they're only 1 bat away from a title. Maybe Tampa (doubt it...too expensive). Maybe the White Sox. His defense is too poor for him to stay in the NL for long, he's a DH in waiting. I don't see the Yankees making a play for him, they'd probably rather keep Giambi. I don't see the Angels taking a shot at it either. I think they're going to lock up Teixiera long term as their primary bat, along with Vlad.

The Dodgers might try to keep him, but like I said, his defense...

Personally, I'd like to see the Sox get rid of Crisp and Lugo, at least, over the offseason, and go next year with an OF of Bay, Ellsbury, and Drew; and an IF of Lowell, Lowrie, Pedroia, and Youkilis. Yeah, I know they're both under contract, but they should be able to get something for them in a trade.

[grasshopper]

There is a 0% chance for Manny being a Yankee. Given the fact that Sabathia and Texiera (sp) will be out there, plus them keeping Nady and Matsui coming back, there is no way.

Also, Manny would have to get a hair cut.

[ohms_law]

I doubt LA will let anyone else sign Texiera. It's certainly possible, but I don't see it happening. Especially since the trade to acquire him included Kotchman.

[justanewguy]

...Maybe the White Sox...

Wow, that'd be something, actually. The White Sox need that as much as anything. Jim Thome will probably be gone next season, and Konerko is well, well past his prime. That's one bad thing though, is they've got a lot of money locked up in him and a couple other players who have no value in 2009. But as much as I'd love to see Manny playing for my favorite team in the city I live in (I can't even see him play for my *favorite* team right now), and at the park I watch games at, I doubt it'd happen. Ozzie would hate him (though I wouldn't be surprised at all if he's gone next season), and I don't even think the fans would want him.

I think there's actually a possibility the Dodgers try to resign him, which would be a rare type of move for them. But that's getting into some serious money issues, and the front office is cheap these days. But Furcal won't be on the payroll next season (clearing up money), and a trade to move Ethier could make a lot of sense (clearing up room). It wouldn't shock me if they decided to release Andruw Jones and buy out the second year of his contract, either.

Anyway, the Yankees probably would be the front runner...

but I think Manny going back to Cleveland could be very likely.