According to a source close to the Phillies Organization, Philadelphia is "close" to acquiring Manny Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox and the team is "excited", but the deal is not done yet.

 

Ramirez, a five and 10 man, can veto any trade, so the organization is concerned with the outfielder?s willingness to play in the City of Brotherly Love, but it was reported the All-Star does have an affinity for manager Charlie Manuel. If Ramirez does agree and the deal is approved, it is reported outfielder Bobby Abreu would be sent to the Red Sox in return.

 

Ramirez, 33, hit .292 with 45 home runs and 144 RBI for Red Sox last season and his righthanded bat would translate well in Citizens Bank Park, which is know as a haven for hitters. Abreu, would also do well in Boston after the 31 year-old hit .286 with 24 home runs, 102 RBI and 31 stolen bases for the Phillies in 2005.

 

There?s no word if money would change hands or any other players would be involved, but Ramirez does make almost $7 million dollars more than Abreu and the Phillies were able to save money by trading Jim Thome and losing Billy Wagner to free agency.

 

 

http://www.philaphans.com/news/combined/1133471164.html

Jayson Stark was on sportscenter and said that this deal seems very very unlikely to happen....but then again we will see what he knows won't we

Manny just might hit 60 in that ballpark.