Mets Have Interest In Ramirez

Official from the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox have both confirmed talks have been made between the clubs on Manny Ramirez.

While the Mets have been reluctant to offer top prospects for Adam Dunn, Randy Winn and Raul Ibanez they view Ramirez as a superior hitter and would discuss players in a Ramirez trade that they wouldn't in others.

UPDATE 3:00 PM
The Dodgers are apparently are showing interest with Boston for Manny Ramirez. They don't want to add payroll so they maybe asking Boston to pay a large part of whats left on his 2008 salary which would mean they would have to give up more to acquire him.

Jon Heyman speculates Boston could use this deal to acquire young talent and then turn them around to Atlanta for Mark Teixeira.

UPDATE 3:51 PM
The Dodgers have moved to the lead in the race for Manny Ramirez according to the New York Post, the Red Sox would pay most of the remaining $7 million owed to Ramirez while Boston would acquire someone along the lines of Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. Boston is then expected to move that player in a deal for Mark Teixeira.

Should Boston make both deals Kevin Youkilis would likely become the Red Sox leftfielder while Teixeira plays first.

UPDATE 6:05 PM
The Red Sox won't be making a deal for Mark Teixeira, but they should see him tomorrow as the Angels have sent Casey Kotchman to the Braves for Tex.

The Dodgers are also denying any interest in Manny Ramirez.

UPDATE 8:04 PM
The Red Sox are still in talks to trade Ramirez with Philadelphia viewed as the leading candidate. The Dodgers and Marlins are also talking with Boston.

Jon Heyman suggests Pat Burrell maybe the player Boston gets in return so one would think theres more to it then a one for one swap as the two players have about the same offensive output.

Burrell is one of the leading targets for Boston this offseason should they decline Manny's option.