Peter Gammons blurbs in his ESPN Blog that Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez wants to go to the National League and not the Angels.
If an NL team is convinced it can withstand his sometimes lackadaisical efforts in the field for two seasons, then Manny would be quite a catch.
There is little doubt that he will hit.
What do the Red Sox need is the question that should be answered before specualting which NL teams could use him because a player of Manny's caliber should be dealt only to fill the obvious holes in the organization.
1st, the Red Sox would need an outfielder to replace Manny.
2nd, the Red Sox need a shortstop.
3rd, the Red Sox need a 1B if Kevin Youkilis can slide back to 3B or a 3B if he can not.
4th, the Red Sox need a closer.
5th, the Red Sox, like most teams, can use starting pitching although this isn't a pressing need with Schilling, Wakefield, Beckett and Papelbon.
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I think they're crazy if they trade him. That "lackadaisical" feeling would be almost non-existant in any other city (not named New York). That will fade in almost any other city and you'll just see how freaking good he is.
They'll never replace him in the outfield. He hit .355 and had a 1.125 OPS at Fenway this season. Getting someone to contribute to that is key but they'll have to expect a dropoff from whoever it is.
Beyond that I think they need a young pitcher with an upside that can approach a Jered Weaver. A stud. Manny has value despite the perception that they'll need to trade him for cents on the dollar. Pay a portion of his salary, but get real players back.
Good bullpen help is a necessity. SS and 1B would only need to be at a prospect level.
Bets case scenario is probably getting 1 or two of those wants though.
As for potential NL landing points?
How about Atlanta, Andruw Jones would be the best possible replacement in the OF. Does Atlanta want Manny though? He could also propel teams like Houston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, or San Francisco.
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