Dodgers Want to Give Manny an Option

Spring is in the air and Manny has no uni.  Reports are, the Dodgers have a new offer:

According to the source, the offer is for two years and $45 million, but it is structured differently than the Dodgers' previous offer at those numbers. This deal would pay Ramirez $25 million in the first year, with a player-only option for $20 million for the second season. The previous offer had been structured this way: $15 million for 2009, $22.5 million for 2010, a team option for 2011 for $22.5 million or a $7.5 million buyout.

I was a bit incredulous when I saw the team option in the previous offer.  Why anyone, and that includes Ned Colletti, would entertain giving Manny a team option is beyond me.  Manny has basically proven that he will hold your team hostage if he isn't guaranteed money to his liking. Giving Manny a player option makes a bit more sense, but I'm not sure I'm fully behind that either.  I just can't see a scenario where giving Manny and Boras the ability to hold an option over anyone's head is a smart move.  I've always viewed player options as high risk for a team for the obvious reason that they have no decisive control over that player or contract terms for that season.  It seems like a situation that should only be given when there is a certain level of trust. I wouldn't trust Manny Ramirez and I don't know why the Dodgers would, either.  And with the Dodgers being the only team at the bargaining table right now, I'm not sure why they have to cater to Manny's whims when it comes to option years.  Manny is simply setting himself up to try and go through this process next year and, if we're reading in the paper about yet another stimulus package, Manny will exercise his option.  If Manny breaks a leg and walks with  a permanent limp, he will exercise the option.  Either way, the Dodgers can be sure that Manny will do what is best for Manny and they will have no say in the matter. I don't know if Boras can exploit a player option like he did the Red Sox team option, which may be why the Dodgers are using this as a consession point.  If there's a will, though, Boras will find a way.