Manny Ramirez's agent ready for 'serious offers'
Scott Boras apparently doesn't think the Dodgers' proposed three-year deal falls in that category.
Manny Ramirez's agent said today that his client will entertain offers from other teams, meaning that if the Dodgers intend to re-sign the All-Star outfielder, they'll be forced to negotiate with him beyond the Thursday deadline they set for him to accept their contract proposal.
Ramirez, a free agent, can start discussing financial terms with teams other than the Dodgers on Friday.
"Beginning Friday, I will begin, for the first time, taking serious offers," said Scott Boras, who represents Ramirez.
Though Boras declined to comment on the Dodgers' offer, it appears that he doesn't think it falls in that category.
The deal proposed by the Dodgers includes base salaries of $15 million for 2009 and $22.5 million for 2010. There is also a $22.5 million club option for 2011 that could be bought out for $7.5 million.
Boras said last week that the 36-year-old Ramirez deserves a six-year contract.
Length might not be Boras' only issue.
Though the Dodgers' offer guarantees Ramirez $45 million, it wouldn't pay him the $7.5 million buyout until 2011 if the club declines his option. If the option is exercised, the average annual value of the contract would go down from $22.5 million to $20 million.
Indications are that the Dodgers' efforts to re-sign Ramirez won't end on Thursday. A team source, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations, said that owner Frank McCourt would be open to improving his offer by guaranteeing a third year.
Hernandez is a Times staff writer.
Dylan.hernandez@latimes.com
