Tejada-for-Ramirez talks still on

[Pierzynski 12]

While the agent for Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez says that Ramirez remains open to a trade, the Orioles instead could deal shortstop Miguel Tejada for Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu, FOXSports.com has learned.

 

The Phillies have proposed an Abreu-for-Tejada exchange with the intention of playing Tejada at third base. The Orioles want pitching in addition to Abreu, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Ramirez's agent, Greg Genske, told FOXSports.com Thursday night that Ramirez would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the Orioles or another team, discounting Ramirez's statement to ESPNDeportes.com that he was "staying in Boston."

 

The Tejada-for-Ramirez talks, while stalled, are not dead, sources say. The same is true of the talks between the Cubs and Orioles regarding Tejada, which also are stalemated but could revive quickly. Other teams, such as the Angels, also could be in the mix.

 

The latest intrigue over Ramirez comes after he told ESPNDeportes.com, "There will be no trade. I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz."

 

Genske, however, said he called Ramirez after learning of the slugger's remarks, and Ramirez denied making the comments.

 

"If Boston is able to work out a trade with Baltimore or another team, Manny is still open to making a move," Genske said.

 

The Orioles reportedly have rejected the Red Sox's offer of Ramirez and right-hander Matt Clement for Tejada, seeking additional pitching or third-base prospect Andy Marte in the deal.

 

Abreu, who turns 32 in March, is not as accomplished a hitter as Ramirez, but he's less expensive, less controversial and two years younger. In addition, the Orioles almost certainly would prefer to trade Tejada to a club outside of their division rather than the Red Sox.

 

After losing free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz to the Pirates, the Orioles' outfield currently consists of Jay Gibbons, Luis Matos and Jeff Conine. If they traded Tejada for Abreu or Ramirez, they could make a separate deal for another shortstop or sign a free agent such as Alex Gonzalez.

 

For the Phillies, Tejada would represent a major upgrade at third over David Bell, who is signed for next season at $4.5 million and perhaps could be traded for a comparably priced outfielder. Tejada, who turns 30 on May 25, has only played shortstop during his nine-year major-league career. However, Tejada is pushing for a trade to a contender, and Alex Rodriguez agreed to move from short to third when he wanted to leave the Rangers for the Yankees.

 

Earlier this off-season, the Phillies sought to trade Abreu for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, inquiring about the Cubs' Mark Prior, Orioles' Erik Bedard and Dodgers' Derek Lowe, among others. The Phillies never obtained the pitcher they wanted, but did sign free-agent right-hander Ryan Franklin to a one-year, $2.6 million contract on Thursday. They continue to search for either another starter or setup man, which could make it difficult for them to include pitching in any trade with the Orioles.

 

Like Ramirez, Abreu has the right to reject any trade. He is guaranteed $28 million over the next two seasons, plus a $2 million buyout for 2008 if his $16 million option is not exercised. The Orioles' roster includes three other native Venezuelans — third baseman Melvin Mora, catcher Ramon Hernandez and reliever Jorge Julio — with the Orioles. But Abreu could require that the Orioles pick up his '08 option before he would approve a trade.

 

Ramirez is guaranteed $57 million over the next three years, and his contract also includes two option years, each worth $20 million. He, too, could insist that the Orioles or another team effectively extend his contract. A deal involving either Abreu or Ramirez almost certainly would necessitate the opening of a 72-hour negotiating window to resolve such issues.

 

Another obstacle to consider: Abreu, Ramirez and Tejada would gain the right to demand a trade at the end of next season if they were dealt in the middle of multi-year contracts. A player who makes such a demand can become a free agent if his request is not met by the following March 15, though players rarely are willing to take that step and forfeit their remaining salary. The Diamondbacks traded pitcher Javier Vazquez to the White Sox after he filed a trade demand in November.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5224028

[nitetrain8601]

Really goes against what Manny said in an ESPN article today.

[YASNY]

Earlier this off-season, the Phillies sought to trade Abreu for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, inquiring about the Cubs' Mark Prior, Orioles' Erik Bedard and Dodgers' Derek Lowe, among others.

 

This gives credence to the Abrue for Contreras rumor mentioned in another thread.

[iWiN4PreP]

id personaly LOVE Abreau. =)

[GoodAsGould]

if he gets traded to Philly than possibly the 2 best SS's playing right now would both be at 3B.....

[Flash Tizzle]

if he gets traded to Philly than possibly the 2 best SS's playing right now would both be at 3B..... 

 

This entire speculation of a positional shift sounds unlikely to me. I really doubt Tejada would be willing to move to 3rd base for Philadelphia of all teams. If he goes there, it should be Rollins who moves.

[Balta1701]

Really goes against what Manny said in an ESPN article today.

 

Manny Ramirez doesn't think he'll be traded to the Baltimore Orioles, or any other team for that matter. Now he's getting used to the idea of being in a Boston Red Sox uniform for a long time to come.

 

"There will be no trade, I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com while in Miami on personal business.

 

Ramirez, one of the most feared hitters in the majors, had once again demanded a trade from the Red Sox, and even threatened to hold out during spring training if Boston did not grant his wish. The outfielder's contract, through which he is still owed $57 millon over the next three seasons, in addition to the unpredictability of his expressed wishes, have hampered Boston's efforts to trade him.

 

Over the last two weeks, the Red Sox held multiple conversations with Baltimore about a trade for Miguel Tejada, who also asked to be dealt from the Orioles, but the talks stalled when Ramirez reportedly said that he would approve the trade only if the team he was dealt to would exercise two $20 millon options on his contract.

 

The New York Mets also attempted to acquire the slugger during this offseason.

 

"I'm going to take things easy and focus on my career," said Ramirez.

 

The MVP of the 2004 World Series thinks Boston may still try to trade him, but Ramirez has the right to veto any deal and wants to stay in the American League. "I know the American League system. That's one reason I don't want to go to the National League," he said. "I also want to play for a contender, and I think with Boston I'm assured of that."

ESPNdeportes

[toasty]

maybe we could get rowand back with abreu

[RockRaines]

maybe we could get rowand back with abreu

I would trade the count for Abreu, but then turn around and trade Abreu for something else.