Dodgers make Ramírez offer

Big money, short term is on the table

DANA POINT, Calif. - The Dodgers have offered former Red Sox star Manny Ramírez the second-highest average annual value in the history of major league contracts. Now, where do the Dodgers go from here?

General manager Ned Colletti announced the offer yesterday afternoon after meeting with Ramírez's agent, Scott Boras. According to sources, the deal was "two or three years" in length and contained an option year. That would likely not accommodate the long-term needs of Ramírez, 36, who would like to play for another six years.

Colletti, who while with the Giants negotiated a long-term deal with Boras for Barry Bonds at a similar age, would not comment beyond that, but it appears Colletti was not in position to offer Ramírez a Bonds-like contract in terms of length despite Boras's data that indicates Ramírez could be a productive players into his early 40s.

A major league source indicated the Ramírez offer is worth between Johan Santana's average of $22.9 million per year and Alex Rodriguez's $27.5 million.

"These things are preliminary," said Boras. "There's nothing about what's happening now that's relevant to Manny. As we get on this thing, we'll see."

The Dodgers have felt pressure from fans who want Ramírez back after he hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs over 53 regular-season games, and was 13 for 25 with four homers and 10 RBIs in eight postseason games.

Boras pointed out yesterday that Ramírez made the Dodgers money by putting "5,000-6,000" additional fans per game in the stands after renting Ramírez for free from the Sox, who picked up the remaining $7 million on his contract, and that Ramírez would "pay for himself."

Colletti was noncommittal on whether it was a take-it-or-leave-it offer, but when asked about negotiations, he said, "It will likely take a while . . . it usually does."

The Dodgers, who also declined the $9.25 million option on righthander Brad Penny's contract yesterday, have a policy of not giving out deals of more than three or four years.

One American League executive thought Ramírez could also receive interest from the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, A's, Giants, and Blue Jays. Boras was peddling his bevy of free agents, including Mark Teixeira and Derek Lowe, to a multitude of teams yesterday, including the Red Sox.

Varitek talks open

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein met with Boras yesterday. While Epstein wouldn't get specific, it was learned the sides spoke about Jason Varitek, with Boras holding on to his desire to get Varitek a long-term deal in the Jorge Posada range (four years, $52.4 million), while the Sox, according to industry sources, prefer a shorter term and would be surprised if a longer term unfolded for Varitek. The sides agreed to keep negotiating.

"They just talked about their interest in him and we talked about the fact he's interested in them," said Boras.

Asked whether other teams have brought up Varitek's name, Boras said, "Yes. Teams want leadership and they know Jason gives them that."

Epstein said the team also continues to pursue catching help. The Rangers remain the top target with Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden, but there may be other options for young catchers. The Sox could seek a veteran in trade, with the Giants' Bengie Molina a possibility.

There also seems to be interest in Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo. The Sox may be able to swap Lugo for another bad contract in a change-of-scenery deal. That team will not be the White Sox, who are looking for a greater return for righthander Javier Vazquez or outfielder Nick Swisher. The Tigers, who have a couple of poor contracts with lefthanders Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis, need a shortstop and Lugo might be of interest to them (as may San Diego's Khalil Greene). The Sox do not appear to have any budgetary restraints on eating some of Lugo's contract if they have to. Crisp is drawing interest from the Padres and Cubs.

Two pitchers who may be close to being out of the available pool for the Red Sox are CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. The Sox don't want to extend themselves that long contractually or money-wise for Burnett, who has had few healthy seasons, or Sabathia, who is looking to break the bank.

Mariners searching

New Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said he will "get the ball rolling" next week on a new manager. Epstein confirmed he was approached by Zduriencik about permission to speak to Sox coaches about the job. Pitching coach John Farrell may be a person of interest.

Zduriencik also said former Mets managers Willie Randolph and Bobby Valentine and former Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon may be candidates.

Zduriencik said he was not against pitching coaches becoming managers.

"I wouldn't rule that out because it's quite possible there's an individual or two or three out there that maybe were pitchers but meet a different criteria in terms of their experience in doing different things in the game, which could lead to being a good manager," said Zduriencik.

Martínez wants to pitch

GM Omar Minaya said he hasn't ruled out Pedro Martínez pitching for the Mets next season, and it's his understanding that Martínez "can and wants to pitch somewhere next year." Minaya is after a starter and a closer, but didn't rule out obtaining two starters. Lowe appears to be a prime target. Minaya also has been talking to the Rays about Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson and eyeing Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez. The Red Sox, who have tried to deal for Fuentes several times, will likely not have interest . . . According to Colletti, there's nothing to rumors that Russell Martin might be available to the Red Sox in a trade . . . Colletti said Greg Maddux, who won his 18th Gold Glove yesterday, has an open invitation to return if he decides not to retire . . . The AL Gold Gloves will be awarded today. Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has a strong chance to win his first.

Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.