http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/13306575.htm

Manny Ramirez to the Phillies?

It sure sounds nice, but don't bet on it.

The Phillies have kicked around Ramirez's name for some time - they talked about him before the July 31 trade deadline and have continued to discuss him this fall - but baseball sources indicated yesterday that there seemed to be little chance that they would trade Bobby Abreu for Ramirez.

Here are a few reasons:

Needs. More than anything, the Phillies need pitching help. Any trade involving Abreu almost certainly would require a starter in return.

Money. The Boston Red Sox owe Ramirez $57 million through 2008. Abreu is owed $30.5 million through 2007, which includes a $2 million buyout for a 2008 club option. (Otherwise, Abreu will make $16 million in 2008.) The Phillies are looking for more payroll flexibility, and an Abreu-for-Ramirez trade certainly wouldn't provide it unless the Red Sox paid some of Ramirez's salary.

No-trade rights. Both Ramirez and Abreu have veto power over any trade. The Inquirer reported Nov. 9 that the Phillies had learned that Ramirez would not accept a trade to Philadelphia. He prefers the Los Angeles Angels and possibly the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks.
As if there were any doubt