Manny Ramirez scoffed at $25 million.

He needed only one day to reject the latest offer from the Dodgers,
a one-year deal in which Ramirez would become the second-highest paid
player in baseball.

If that's not good enough, what is?

Ramirez is a rock star in Los Angeles for powering the Dodgers to
their first postseason series victory in 20 years. The Dodgers
couldn't keep their shelves stocked with enough Manny wigs and skull caps.

But a lot has changed since Ramirez lumbered around left field in
Dodger Stadium with those dreadlocks flapping on No. 99.

Many of those fans who scooped up expensive Dodgers jerseys and
playoff tickets have undoubtedly lost their jobs and their homes in
this unstable economy. They've watched the bottom fall out of their
retirement accounts and stocks. They've delayed retirement plans.

For $25 million, 50 $500,000 homes could be saved from foreclosure in
California.

Ramirez's inability to run out some grounders and lackadaisical
attitude wore on teammates and fans in Boston.

Money might crush his love affair in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers were willing to pay Ramirez about $154,320 per
regular-season game, and Ramirez wasn't buying it. How much more does
he need?

"Everybody is conscious today about being modest," sports psychologist
John F. Murray.

"You want to keep things in perspective. Everyone is struggling and
when a player of that status (rejects that offer), it's naturally
going to create some dissent among people that might be enthusiastic
about him.

"Privately, this is a business, and he could get more money. What's
wrong with that?"

Ramirez's contract negotiations are anything but private. Ramirez and
agent Scott Boras never officially responded to a two-year, $45
million offer from the Dodgers, either.

Yet the Dodgers, who need power in the middle of the lineup, are still
interested in signing him. They also need pitching.

A soon-to-be 37-year-old outfielder known for his hot bat and not the
ground he can cover in the outfield is digging in his heels and
holding out for more. When spring training starts, Ramirez might still
be waiting. He has no other known offers.

What's a parent to tell their child? How do you explain that
$25 million isn't good enough?

"We're pretty straightforward," said Sandra Shaikin, whose 12-year-old
son, Sam, is a Dodgers fan. "I think it's ridiculous turning down
$2 5million when people are losing their jobs and starving. I know the
economy and supply and demand. We explain this."

Sandra's son, Sam, couldn't believe Ramirez didn't accept the Dodgers'
offer. He's a Ramirez enthusiast and has worn his wig, but he doesn't
get it.

"It was pretty dumb," Sam Shaikin said. "I think they should've taken
the offer. I don't think anyone is going to sign him. They don't want
him for four years like he wants."

Does Ramirez think he's smarter than this sixth-grader?

Since Sam was in kindergarten, his father, John, has taken him out of
school to go to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. It's a tradition.

Shaikin, who plays shortstop, catcher and pitcher for the Woodland
Hills Sunrise Little League team, would give Ramirez more years for
less money if he was running the Dodgers.

And if he was Ramirez, he'd sign for $25 million. First, he'd give
some to charity. Then he'd buy a house, a car and provide for his
parents and little sister.

"Well, because of the economy, he should be looking for less money and
a better deal," Sam said. "Last year with the Red Sox, he didn't want
to play for them anymore so he didn't play his best. Teams don't want
that."

And fans don't want another superstar who's insistent on ridiculous money.

It's not the time.

Source: Jill Painter, columnist / dailynews.com/dodgers