October: “You’re a vital part of the Dodger franchise. How does two years, $45M sound?”
November: “Point taken. Okay, what if I offered you $45M for 2 years?”
December: “You’re a man with strong convictions. Ok, I’m willing to go as high $45M over 730 days.”
January: “Ok, Manny, I didn’t want to do this and I have no idea how will fit everything into the budget, but you’re a special, once in a lifetime talent. (pause) How about…..2 yrs….$45M?”
February: “Holy sh….I mean, outstanding. Let’s set up a press conf…..”
March: “Ok, you drive a hard bargain and this is the most money we’ve ever offered a 36 year old free agent in March. Two years….forty-fi….”
