Dodgers make offer to Manny

• GM Ned Colletti said that the Dodgers have made an offer to Manny Ramirez that would be the second-highest annual average salary in MLB history. The question is whether or not the deal has enough years for Scott Boras to consider it. More than likely, it's of the two-year variety. Los Angeles also declined Brad Penny's 2009 option, instead opting for a $2 million buyout.
  
• The Yankees will make a colossal offer to CC Sabathia, who is clearly their first priority in free agency. If New York can't ink Sabathia, they'll turn their attention to the likes of A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez. Also, the only way the Yanks will attempt to sign Manny is if they can't sign Mark Teixeira. Surprisingly enough, they are also interested in bringing in a catcher, perhaps one from Texas. Finally, New York would still deal Robinson Cano if it could get pitching in return. If this occurs, then the Bronx Bombers would turn around and make a run at Orlando Hudson.
• Detroit will search around the league for a closer. Kevin Gregg, Huston Street, and J.J. Putz have been mentioned as possibilities.
• Derek Lowe seems to want the Red Sox, maybe even at a discount. But, will Boston be willing to pay him?
• The Mets are looking at Ryan Dempster and Jon Garland. They have also talked with the Rays about Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine.
• St. Louis is shopping Ryan Ludwick. Smart move, as they would be selling very high. Atlanta has been mentioned as an interested party.
• Contrary to an earlier report, the Braves have not put Jeff Francoeur on the trading block. If they did try to deal him, they would not get much in return taking his horrendous 2008 season into account.
  
• One rumor says that the Rays have talked to the Rockies about Matt Holliday, but Tampa Bay isn't a very likely landing spot for Holliday due to their financial constraints. Several teams have also called the Rays about B.J. Upton, although a trade involving the young center-fielder is unlikely.