Official 2005 MLB Thread
Out of context: Reply #258
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- peteski0
Manny to Mets trade talks back on track
(breaking news)
HOUSTON — A mega-deal that would land Manny Ramirez in Flushing was back on track yesterday, held up only by Tampa Bay’s attempts to add prospects to the blockbuster three-team deal involving the Mets, Red Sox and Devil Rays.
Mets owner Fred Wilpon signed off yesterday on absorbing the entire $64 million remaining on Ramirez’s contract, the Daily News has learned, an absolute condition on the part of the Red Sox, who would also receive Mike Cameron, Aaron Heilman and former first-round draft pick Lastings Milledge from the Mets, and Aubrey Huff from the Devil Rays.
Shortstop Julio Lugo would go from Tampa to the Mets to play second base.
The last stumbling block in the super trade was Tampa Bay general manager Chuck LaMar’s demand for an additional prospect.
The Devil Rays would get pitcher Yusmeiro Petit from the Mets and shortstop Hanley Ramirez from the Red Sox, but they are holding out for a third prospect from Boston, either pitcher Anibal Sanchez or catcher Kelly Shoppach. The Red Sox are balking, even though they would get outfield prospect Lastings Milledge from the Mets.
“This thing can get done if Chuck stops over-reaching,” said one official familiar with the negotiations.