Well let’s jump right into, shall we? Manny Ramirez minced no words on Sunday when he told reporters that he really didn’t care if Boston would re-sign him the following season. Of course, this means, above all, that Manny has at least a few jheri curls out the door. Which our esteemed contributing editor summed up as, “a circus” because Manny’s been asking for a trade since 2006. Well, he may be a few steps closer to having his wish granted.

Contrary to the denials that made the rounds Monday, officials from both teams say the Mets have contacted the Red Sox about Manny Ramirez and are interested in pursuing a deal for him if Boston decides to make him available.

The Red Sox suspect that GM Omar Minaya wants Ramirez more than Mets ownership does. Regardless, the Mets are reluctant to part with top-prospect talent in exchange for outfielders like Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn, but they (rightly) consider Ramirez a far superior hitter to those in that group, and they would discuss players in a Ramirez deal that they would not discuss in others. What remains to be seen is whether a Ramirez deal is too complicated to come together in time for the deadline.

Things will surely heat up for the National League if a big bat like Manny heads over. Question: would NY fans welcome him with open arms? Oh, who are we kidding? Of course they would. Just tell Manny to watch out for the escalators at Shea.

NY Mets have been in contract with Boston about Manny [NJ via Deadspin]
Image [Boston]