On the last day of July in 2008, Manny Ramirez was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move largely was seen as an attempt to add value by subtracting talent for the Red Sox, as Manny's antics had become too much for management to handle. Fifty-three games later, and the trade was seen as an instant success by the Dodgers. Ramirez was fantastic in the stretch for his new team, bashing seventeen home-runs and fifty-three RBIs while batting an amazing .396 average. Los Angeles capitalized on his contributions by making the postseason and ousting the Chicago Cubs in the first round.

It seemed inevitable that the team would do everything within its power to keep their new slugger after his remarkable performance. But with Manny looking for a long-term deal and the United States economy suddenly hit by recession, the Dodgers have been reluctant to shell out the big bucks needed to keep him. Their complete disregard for Ramirez's desire for long-term security has caused two of their offers to be declined flat out. And now, just a few months before spring training begins, both parties find their statuses unresolved.

For Manny, the wait is acceptable. With his history of success and pedigree for performing big in big moments, a short-term contract will be available whenever he wants one. For the inconsistent Dodgers, however, allowing Ramirez to go after playing less than half a season for them would be disastrous.

With the dread-locked Dominican batting in the middle of their order, Los Angeles became more dangerous than they have been for the past twenty years. They were able to gloss over a lineup with noticeable holes and become serious threats to win the NL Pennant. And for a team that hasn't won a title, or been to a World Series, for twenty years, one would think staying in contention would be paramount to the owners and executives.

But, apparently, it isn't. That can be the only explanation for balking at offering Manny a three or four year deal while other big names are receiving seven or eight year deals. On his resume, Ramirez has five-hundred plus home runs, two World Series titles (including one World Series MVP award), twelve All-Star selections, and nine Silver Slugger awards. And the best part? He has achieved all of these accolades without one serious steroid allegation being made.

Sure he occasionally can prove to be troublesome with his "Manny being Manny" antics. But is that really an issue with Joe Torre behind the bench? And sure he may be getting up there in his age. But has he shown one sign of dropping off in production? And don't great baseball players regularly play into their late thirties and early forties?

The bottom-line is with Manny, the Dodgers know they will get an everyday power hitter who will perform among the league's elite. They will get a player that will excite the fans and put thousands in the seats of Dodger Stadium game after game. And they will field a team that all will consider a contender, no matter how many other deficiencies the roster holds. Los Angeles needs to admit they lost on calling Manny's bluff and make the right move by offering him the deal they want. Otherwise it could be another twenty years before they get taken seriously again.