Manny Back to the Dodgers, Abreu Stays With the Halos

In what can be considered a "no brainer," which is perfect for Manny Ramirez, he elected to take his option of another year and $20 million dollars from the Dodgers. There really was no question that Ramirez would opt to take the option. Coming off one of the best second halves of his career, he was unable to find the big money deal he wanted before last season. After this year, he certainly was not going to get any offers close to $20 million this offseason. Not only was his performance down, but he tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for 50 games. He finished the season with only 19 home runs and 63 runs batted in while appearing in only 104 games. In just 53 games with the Dodgers the prior season, Manny hit 17 long balls and drove in 53. Not only did he struggle at the edplate, but he constantly butchers plays in the outfield. He is basically a DH stuck in the National League. The Dodgers are hoping he regains his form of 2008. If the Dodgers want to get their moneys worth out of Manny, they might want to hope he finds a way around the tests again.


In what can be considered the best deal of the 2009 season, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed Bobby Abreu to a 1 year, $5 million deal. Abreu not only came through with a terrific season of his own, he acted as a mentor to the Angels' young players as well. Young stars Erick Aybar and Kendry Morales credit Abreu with teaching them about patience at the plate and how to be a professional hitter. Manager Mike Scioscia said all season that he considered Abreu the teams MVP. He was rewarded Thursday with a deal that seems to be good for both sides. He agreed to a 2 year deal worth $19 million and an optional third year for an additional $8 million. Abreu may not have the name recognition of Manny Ramirez, but the Angels clearly got the better of the two deals in Los Angeles this week.