Hank talks — too much — about Manny

Via The Star Ledger staff comes another Hank Steinbrenner gem:

Ramirez in pinstripes?

Hank Steinbrenner said the Yankees will explore all options during the offseason, including the possibility of making an offer to the free-agent slugger.

“There’s nothing we are not looking at,” the team’s co-chairperson said Friday at the team’s spring training complex. “And personally, I like Manny. He’s one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. He’s a free spirit for sure, but he knows how to win. We like some of the other guys, too. We just don’t know yet.”

Personally, I too like Manny Ramirez. Despite his age, despite his baggage, he is still one of the top five hitters in Major League Baseball. What I don’t like, however, is Hank Steinbrenner spouting off about the Yankees’ off-season plans.

I have no problem with Hank’s tendency to talk too much. But as he did last year, Hank is in danger of overplaying the Yankees’ hand. He may not have the baseball prowess or power to make a move, but he is part of the family that signs the checks. If he says he wants Manny Ramirez, then Manny and Scott Boras have even more leverage. The Yanks are better off if Hank says nothing. Whether Manny comes to New York is an entirely different story altogether.