Back And Forth: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Manny?

(Editors Note: Scott often refers to me as Ed or Eddie. He knows my name is Jordan. He can explain the meaning of this nickname.)

Scott: Alright Ed, we've both seen how long this Manny Ramirez saga has been dragging on. As of today, February 24th, Man-Ram has no home to call his own. Spring training continues, and he isn't on a team. We all know how great he is, and how frustrating he can be. IT seems like it's only the Dodgers in the running for the left fielder. If you're L.A., what do you do?

Jordan: Well if I'm L.A., I think it's a tough spot. One way you could look at it is: well, he didn't take either of our last two offers, (2 years, $45 million or 1 year, $25 million) we're not offering him more than that. And no one is bidding against us. So if he doesn't want to sign? Adios. On the other hand though, they really aren't good without him, are they? Don't they need him regardless of how much of a jerk he is?

S: Oh my God do they ever. The only reason, ONLY reason, that they won the division and a playoff series was because of him. Period.

J: I totally agree. Before Manny, they were a mediocre team. That said, what do you do if you're Ned Colletti and the Dodgers? (And, they also won a playoff series because the Cubs are a disgrace. But maybe that's beside the point.

S: Fair enough. I think that James Loney salami is still going. That was him right?

J: Yes. Ugh, yes it was.

S: Anyway, the Dodgers still hold the power here. That's the funny thing about all this, far as I see it. Every other team has pretty much said "Manuel, we're not going to budge." None of this 4-year, $25 mil a year crap. And with that said, the Dodgers are pretty much his only option.

J: Thing is though, is it possible the Dodgers could be better off without Manny's BS? Sure, we agree they wouldn't have gone anywhere without him. But that production hinged on the fact he was trying to get that 4-year, $25 mil per year crap. Will he be as motivated if he only gets a one year deal?

S: I think so. I thinknk to expect him to hit nearly .400 again is insane, but I think to expect him to be a big time offensive player isn't much out of the question. He seemed comfortable there last year, and more than anything else, tht Dodgers need him if they want to compete. And more importantly, he'll put people in the stands.

J: For that reason more than any other you'd have to think this deal gets done. But in either case, if you're the Dodgers, you need to make a decision already. This is a distraction, no matter how the shoothing Joe Torre wants to spin it, so they need to make this happen or not fairly quickly.

S: No doubt. Manny's going to be a Dodger, and frankly, how much does it even matter if he takes part in Spring Training? The guy didn't start playing last year till August, and he turned out fine.

J: True. He's a freak. HE could probably drive up to Chavez Ravine, walk into the park five minutes before game time in street clothes and hit three bombs on opening day.

S: I'll never love the guy, but damn him, I respect the hell out of what he does. Sounds ridiculous, but it's true.

J: I agree.

S: So what's the final verdict here? Sign him, or move on if you're L.A.?

J: Sign him. Just so we don't have to hear about it anymore. In the wofds of the great Dave Chappelle, "Zip it up, and zip it out!" (go to the 3 minute mark)

S: Zippidy Do Da, Eddie.