In this economy, can you fathom turning a job offer worth 60 million? Manny Ramirez did...

[RiverStone]

Or how about 25 million dollars for one year's worth of work? Nope --- too low says Manny.

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — Manny Ramirez says he isn't upset at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He says he isn't bothered by how long it is taking him to sign a new contract. And he says being a free agent so close to the start of spring training isn't a source of anxiety for him.

Ramirez glances out a lobby window. Several hotel guests are sitting in a hot tub. Behind them, small waves push onto the white sands of this beach on the Florida Panhandle, the water gradually turning green as it moves closer to land.

"I like it here because I can focus on my work," Ramirez said. "I have one of the best agents on the market. He's kept me up to date on everything. I feel really calm."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2008722961_manny09.html

Can you imagine that? Manny feels really calm!!!

Of course, Manny is not alone in his alter-universe. Pro athletes from all walks enjoy grotesque wages and opulent lifestyles. I just wonder if Manny, upon hearing that 600,000 folks lost their jobs last month or that nearly one million homes were lost to foreclosure in 2008... ever asks himself how many more millions do I need? When you already have enough money to live 1000 lifetimes over, what is the difference between earning 25 million and say 28 million a year? I know, folks will talk about pro sports salaries being market driven and if the Dodgers want to pay Manny crazy money, that is their prerogative.

And compared to the 18 billion we donated to millionaire CEO bonuses last December, MLB dollars is chump change.

And compared to many families living in boxes or shanty towns in Somalia, or a family torn apart by ethnic violence in the Congo --- we are the ones who live in wealth and safety beyond comprehension.

It's all relative eh? :shrug:

[ACTION BASTARD]

1. Manny is about Manny.

He knows he's hot shit right now to a team looking for a monster bat in their lineup. That's damn near everybody. Somebody will break sooner or later and will beg Manny to sign. So yeah, he'll probably get what he wants.

[endarkenment]

2. When can we kill him?

Certainly this behavior deserves the death penalty. Oh wait, I really don't care how much money Manny makes, or doesn't make, or if he decides to retire instead of getting less than some huge number. Manny's salary doesn't cost me one dime. On the other hand, when my money goes to bail out wall street, and then wall street takes my money and gives itself a bonus check totaling at least 18B, then I am indeed concerned.

[monmouth]

3. Who can afford a ticket to a baseball game, a couple of hot dogs and a few beers??..n/t

[Ikonoklast]

4. It's the free market at work.

He will only work for those that he feels will pay him what he's worth.

Manny didn't create the hyper-inflated wages that professional entertainers (and lets be truthful here, sports stars and movie stars are in the same business) can earn, he is just profiting from them.



But I don't have to buy a ticket to watch, or patronize the advertiser that is subsidizing his salary.