Ramirez, who we have rated as the best free agent in baseball, is a player who can carry a team on his back — as we saw last year with the Dodgers. After going to Los Angeles in a midseason trade with the Boston Red Sox, Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 53 games.

Although Ramirez’s possible destinations are somewhat limited these days, one possibility is Ramirez signing with the San Francisco Giants. The Giants desperately need a bat in the middle of their lineup and Ramirez could definitely answer that bell.

While the Dodgers appear willing to wait for Ramirez, there is growing sentiment that the franchise has grown frustrated with the process. They’ve yet to be given a number for Ramirez’s camp and one of their previous offers was simply ignored.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

The deal for Ramirez is expected to be four years in total. The first two years would be guaranteed, while the third season would become guaranteed if certain performance levels are met. The fourth year of the offer is thought to be completely a team option.

The Giants, who earlier in the offseason signed 45-year-old Randy Johnson, are quietly making moves to contend for the National League pennant in 2009. If they can land Ramirez, that would definitely help in that regard.

Last season, the Giants were very poor offensively. With Ramirez, he could step into the cleanup spot and single-handedly turn that lineup around.

Stay tuned to see if the Giants get their man.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve