-Dexter Sports
2:38 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

I know we have heard it over and over again this time of the season. They say Manny Ramirez cannot get by with antics that are, "Manny Being Manny." When the trade deadline approaches, we hear that the Red Sox are going to deal Manny. At this time, Theo is apparently upset with Manny's actions and is going to deal him.

I didn't buy it then, and I surely don't buy it now.

Sure, Manny is a nuisance, and he has his downfalls. His body collapses on baseballs, instead of catching them, and he ultimately doesn't care about October. But his production cannot be replaced. At least for the right place. Manny has a no trade clause, because of his veteran duty of ten years or more in the majors and five on the same ball club. It's going to be hard to find a team that will be willing to sign him to an extension, or at least pick up his options. Plus, all the contenders are stacked in the outfield. Theo Epstein claims that he has been trying to trade Manny for five and a half years. I do believe it. Of course I do. But I still don't think it would be the right move.

Of all the contending teams, I can really only think of two that would be willing to talk. The Tigers, who have been searching for a power bat, and had been rumored to be thinking about Bonds could be someone at least interested. But who do you give up for him? Plus the Tigers are searching for pitching help. And I don't think Jim Leyland and Manny Ramirez would get a long too well. With a slew of outfield prospects, and a big need for starting pitching, I just don't see this happening.

The Dodgers could fit. Sending back either Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier as well as a pitching prospect. But why? They have already overpaid for a man named Andruw. But he could be with another former Red Sox problem child, Nomar Garciaparra. But No, I don't see this happening.

Going down the list, the White Sox could make sense. They would most likely send Josh Fields and pitching prospects to the Red Sox. But then you have to either commit to Brian Anderson and give up on either Nick Swisher, Jim Thome or Paul Konerko. Or you would have to play Carlos Quentin in Center. Which I don't think is a good idea.

And of Course, their AL East teams match up pretty well, but they are division foes, and the Yankees already have found their hopeful solution to their woes. It is just going to be really hard to deal this man.

With that being said though, A Surprise team has to be the Texas Rangers. If they want to get a deal done, and can agree in principle with Manny on some type of extension, The Rangers could send some type of help to Boston. They have great catching depth, which could be needed in 09 for Boston. They also have some great pitching prospects that theo could fall in love with. The only thing is that you have to sell it to Manny. The Rangers are four over .500, but with Anaheim playing the way they have all season, it would have to be wild card or bust. And I don't think they have the major league pitching for that.

When its all said and done, I can see "Manny being Manny" somewhere else. Which is dissapointing. The clubhouse seems torn on how Manny has control over his situation. Just listen to Mike Lowell and David Ortiz in this Video:

-Dexter Sports
6:00 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

What a great start to the weekend baseball schedule. We saw Mr. Pujols ruin the Mets evening, and the Brewers are now tied with the cubs at 60-44 in the NL Central, thanks to Mr. Ryan Braun.

Oh yah, I forget to mention, The Yankees are quietly putting a big run together. An 8 game winning streak, which has a lot to do with Robinson Cano's big bat finally showing up this season. The pitching staff has been phenomenal. And to think they added a great lefty to their pen and possibly another good lefty to their rotation. Thrown in Xavier Nady in the outfielder as another producer too. I don't think they are going anywhere. This is going to be a good race in the AL East.

Every Division is so close. With the Phillies dramatic comeback, they have came within one game of the Mets with a 55-49 record, which is also the same as the Marlins. The NL Central is all nodded up. The AL central is a battle between three teams, and the NL west is nothing near what it was supposed to be, but it is really competitive. With the Deadline approaching, let's take a look at the done deals so far this weekend, and break them down.

New York Yankees/Pittsburgh Pirates -

Yankees Get: Demaso Marte, LHP/Xavier Nady, OF
Pirates Get: Jeff Karstens SP, Ross Ohlendorf SP, Jose Tabata OF, Dan McCutchen SP

I really like the package that this Pirates team gets in the final offer. Unlike many, I am pretty high on Jose Tabata, because his power potential is really attractive. He has suffered injuries, suspensions and attitude issues that need to be addressed, but if he comes back healthy for the Pirates in 2009, he could be another piece of a pretty good outfield in the future.

When you think about the Pirates needs, the number one thing that comes to mind is starting pitching. And in this deal, they give up such little, to receive some pretty good pitching talent. Both, which could be in the majors as soon as possible.

Karstens has been really good at the AAA level, and Ohlendorf could replace Marte in the bullpen. McCutchen is quietly becoming a good pitcher at the AAA level as well. I really like his plus curve and ability to spot pitches. I expect him to develop into a starter in the Pirates organization.

For the Yankees, this obviously bolsters their Lineup already. Nady will fill in for Matsui and Posada at DH if needbe, and just adds dimension to the lineup. I have a feeling though that it will be a slight adjustment to American League pitching. If Nady can slug at a decent rate, which he has been able to all season, he will help this team score a lot more runs. And though you give up a lot of pitching and a good outfield prospect, you still have Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes alongside you best outfield prospect, Austin Jackson. The future is still bright. I think at the end of the day, this trade will work out for both organizations. Especially if the Yankees officially add Jarrod Washburn.

Dodgers/Indians -

Dodgers Get: Casey Blake, 3B and Cash
Indians Get: Carlos Santana, C and Jon Meloan, SP

For the Dodgers, this deal makes a lot of sense. They are able to get a consistent, major league third baseman, which allows them to move Nomar to short and solidfy their lineup, without giving up a true top prospect. Though Meloan is ranked 8th in the organization, it isn't giving up much, considering he will most likely fill out as a reliever. With their already young bullpen, the Dodgers don't miss a beat.

Losing Carlos Santana though really could hit the organization in the future though. I know, I know, he cant hit that high note, or solo like nobody's business, but he can hit. At HiA the catcher already has 96 RBIs. I believe he automatically becomes the future catcher that replaces Victor Martinez when he moves to first base. He is that talented. But with Russell Martin locked up, It is a risk worth taking for this season.

For the Indians they bolster their pitching and add a super talented catching prospect. Overall, adding Anthony Reyes from the Cardinals, and more depth in the organization has meant a good day for this team. This could be a really fast rebuilding process, With guys like Matt LaPorta, Anthony Reyes, and Jon Meloan nearly being ready for major league competition. If healthy, I already like the Indians' chances in 2009. I wonder who the Indians have in mind for third base full time in 2009.

Coming up Later in the Day, I'll take a look at the Manny Rumors, and the possibility of the Mets making a move for an outfielder before the deadline.