SAN FRANCISCO -- Indications continued to grow on Friday that the
Giants' interest in left fielder Manny Ramirez is genuine, although no
definitive evidence emerged suggesting the left fielder will be the
fifth free agent to join San Francisco this offseason.

Needing a productive hitter for the middle of their batting order, the
Giants certainly could use Ramirez, who carried rival Los Angeles to
the National League West title this past season after the Dodgers
acquired him from Boston. SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote that San Francisco
has "entered the bidding" for Ramirez, and KPIX-TV reported earlier
that the club had made Ramirez a multiyear contract offer. But two
industry sources said on Friday that recent reports linking Ramirez to
San Francisco have been overblown.

Numerous Giants officials could not be reached for comment.

The Giants' priority still may be obtaining an offensively proven
corner infielder, since their outfield is full. Moreover, signing
Ramirez would send the Giants beyond their payroll limit and might
force them to trade another outfielder, such as Aaron Rowand or Randy
Winn -- neither of whom has prompted much demand on the trade market,
despite their respectable track records.

For all his offensive prowess, Ramirez is considered a defensive
liability. Bent on maximizing the asset of a strong starting rotation,
the Giants have been reluctant to consider players who are subpar
defenders.

Yet, Ramirez would serve as the legitimate cleanup hitter the Giants
lack. Obtaining him might make them the favorites to win the NL West.
And ticket sales -- a concern for all clubs given the current economic
climate -- surely would accelerate if he brought his act to San Francisco.

It's believed that the Giants might consider Ramirez if he lowered his
salary demands, which were hovering around $20 million per year.

San Francisco, the NL West's most active team this offseason, already
has signed left-hander Randy Johnson, relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Bob
Howry and shortstop Edgar Renteria in an effort to halt their skid of
four consecutive losing seasons.

Source: Chris Haft / MLB.com