Good post Mike, on the numbers between Manny and Texeria.  The numbers are somewhat similar, of course Tex is better with the glove.  And this is a difficult choice – Manny isn’t perfect – otherwise it would be a no brainer.  I’m going to break with my more traditional inclinations and offer an enthusiastic vote to sign Manny Ramirez.  Preferably for two years, however I recognize that it may take 2 with an option or 3 guaranteed, and the Yanks should go that route.  Here are the reasons:

1) Manny is better.  Those numbers Mike listed in his post are true but only recently.  I’ve been watching Manny do his “right handed Ted Williams” impersonation since 1998 when he was on the Indians.  He is as devastating an offensive player as there’s been for the last 10 years (Bonds included).  Without ever breaking a sweat, he can hit 38 HRs and 130 RBIs. 

2) Contract length.  I don’t want to commit to Tex for 8 years.  We just came off of the Giambi contract.  The back end of the Tex contract might be scary.  I don’t want to be loced into this guy for that long paying him big dollars.  If the guy gets hurt too, that would worry me.   Manny – would get a short term deal – I think we all agree Manny would be motivated in year one of the contract.  He would stick it to every team in the American League and I would finally take pleasure in it.  If, Manny becomes disinterested in year two or year three – I’ll take that chance knowing that it’s short term, and if it sours I don’t have to look at him for too long.

3) We need first base to stash the DHs on this team.  Signing Tex clogs up first base and does not fit into a team concept that works right now.  If there was no alternative, I might cast this reason to the side.  But when there’s an acceptable alternative – I see no reason to eliminate a position that could help with flexibility.

4) The pitching staff.  The Yankees have now compiled a pitching staff that relies on power arms that miss bats.  Wang is a sinker baller but he’s the only one.  If Pettitte comes back, he induces ground balls but to A-Rod and Jeter.  When Andy’s cutter is on, he jams right handed hitters and forces ground balls to the left side of the infield. 

5) Manny being Manny.  This is a double edged sword.  Sure, we’ll get a little bit of a circus atmosphere – it might be bad and it might drive Girardi crazy.  But it’s short term.  Girardi has to put up with it, sorry, Joe.  But, think about this: How many times have we collectively lamented that if the team is not going to win, at least be entertaining.  The entertainment quotient would just increase exponentially.  That’s not a great reason, but it’s at the bottom of this list.  Manny would offer entertainment.  And… for some crazy reason, I believe it might be the best thing to happen to A-Rod.  A-Rod can relax – feed off of Manny’s goofiness, the press would bother Manny (and Manny won’t care) but I think it will benefit Alex in the lineup for protection and in terms of his psyche which we all acknowledge, is probably the fragile we’ve seen in some time.

Well, did I convince anyone?