The Dodgers look solid and deeper in the infield this year, have an outstanding catcher and two key contributors in the outfield, but might need time, a miracle or a whole bunch of key hits again from Manny to compensate for a shaky starting rotation and bullpen.
But then how happy will Manny be after forcing his exit from Boston and playing at a level never seen before in L.A. only to fall so short in contract demands?
"You're not listening to me," he says. "I've looked at the big picture from every different angle and life is too short to be mad. I've already made a ton of money and now it's just about negotiating a deal. It's what happens in sports.
"As long as I'm alive, I'm happy. I'm sitting here in my house by the water, drinking a margarita, dark glasses on and I'm in a good place. I'm in pretty good shape too, playing with my three kids all the time."
He says he knows some people -- given the present state of the economy -- might consider him greedy, "but it's always been a part of negotiations in sports," he says.
"I'm happy in L.A. I like my teammates and had a great time. The fans were so good to me; they treated me the best anywhere in my career. And now I think we're close [to a deal]."
Negotiations had broken down recently, but they started up again Tuesday. A few hours after Manny called, ESPN Deportes was even reporting a done deal, but both sides quickly indicated the report was not true.
The Dodgers deserve credit for playing the negotiating game perfectly with Manny. But ultimately it's only a success if he winds up in a Dodgers uniform.
McCourt insists he wants Manny on the payroll, but he hasn't sounded thrilled with Boras.
There was thought that McCourt needed time to calm down and be reminded that it wasn't Boras he wanted playing for the Dodgers, but the news that both sides are meeting is a very positive sign that things are back on track.
The fear internally was that McCourt might toughen his stance, empowered by the economic times and public opinion that Manny and Boras were greedy. Lowering the Dodgers' offer might have opened the door to another suitor, but the resumption of talks has to be considered a positive sign for Dodgers fans interested in watching Manny play this season.
"He's [McCourt] negotiating as owners do, and I know he wants to win," ' Manny says. "I'm not bothered by what's happened. That's what negotiations are, but I just want to make one thing clear, I have faith in Scott. I know everything that's going on and we're communicating."
