I was debating whether or not to even post this on the website, but it's drawing a lot of attention, so I think I'll mention it.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Sox offered Manny Ramirez to the Angels for Ervin Santana, Chone Figgins, and two or three of the Angels' top prospects, names like Brandon Wood and Howie Kendrick. Also, the Sox would want the Angels to take on the majority of Manny's contract.
Though all four of those players would be utterly fantastic to have on this team, it would be highway robbery if this trade were to occur. The Angels would be induced and put to sleep by their fans. Manny is good, but he's not worth those four really good players, plus close to $60 million left on the contract.
Maybe this trade would work if the Red Sox decided to take on 80 percent or more of what is left on Manny's contract. And if that's the case, then I say make the trade. We lose money from Manny, but the youth and talent we add would be immense.
Kendrick and Wood are two of the best prospects in the game right now. John Sickels rates both these guys in the Top 10 in his Top 50 prospects list, with Wood edging out Kendrick. Both are middle infielders also, with Wood being a shortstop and Kendrick a second baseman. Sickels has high praise for both these guys in his 2006 prospect book, another sign of sure success.
This trade rumor is just that: a rumor. The Sox may have made this offer for the plain reason to get Manny's name back in trade talks, showing that they still would trade him. I wouldn't read too much into this, but if you've got another scenario that might work, shout it out here on OTM. Maybe Orlando Cabrera could come back?