1. Baltimore's ownership and management is largely opposed to dealing Tejada within the AL East; 2. Ramírez and Clement are owed approximately $22 million more in guaranteed money than Tejada. (Ramírez is due $57 million over three seasons, Clement $19.25 million over two seasons, and Tejada $48 million over four seasons plus $6 million owed on a prorated signing bonus); 3. Ramírez, who can veto any deal, would have to approve a move to Baltimore.
Of those issues, the second appears to be the most vexing to the Orioles.
''That's the problem," the source said. ''The money."
Whether Ramírez would accept Baltimore as a landing spot remains unknown. His agent, Greg Genske, did not return a phone call last night. But, one major league general manager said yesterday, ''Baltimore is pretty good, for what Manny wants." That want, presumably, is privacy. Added the GM, ''If he doesn't go there, where will he go?"
That remains a good question. The source with direct knowledge of the discussions between the Sox and Orioles believes the Mets ''still have interest in Manny, but I don't know if there's a direct match."
That could mean that if the Sox and Mets wish to renew discussions over Ramírez, they'd have to involve a third team, presumably Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press, citing a team source, said the Orioles agreed to a two-year deal for between $10 million and $12 million with 36-year-old Jeromy Burnitz, who would play left field and reduce the team's need for Ramírez. The source said the deal is pending a physical and was not finalized.
The Tejada situation, which has stalled of late, is expected to regain steam in the coming days. The Orioles are expected to spend the rest of the work week contacting teams and asking for best/last offers, with the intention of pulling the trigger on a deal or resolving to hold on to Tejada by sometime next week.
