Joe - your argument is simplistic.

Without actually knowing the financial (or other) demands these players are making (and you have to believe that Boras is not giving in) how could you categorize the non-signings as "non-sensical"?

You don't have to rehash over and over that these players are good. We get it.

But let's assume that this issue is entirely about dumb GMs failing to realize that there are great players out there that could help their team.

The 7 AL teams without a reasonable shot at the playoffs don't really gain anything from signing Ramirez, Dunn, or Abreu; or need the money for other things.

Of the other 7 teams: The Angels are such a hands-down favorite to win the AL West for the foreseeable future that spending another $40-60 million over the next 3-4 years doesn't significantly improve their chances; the A's have to consider their new stadium before committing big coin to a FA; the Red Sox, Rays, and White Sox are set at DH; the Yanks have spent their money; and the Twins sent Livan Hernandez to the mound 23 times last season and still came within a game of winning a division that hasn't improved any this winter.

Nobody in the AL needs these guys at a price anywhere near their market value.

There's no problem with running Dunn/Ramirez/Abreu out onto defense (particularly due to an injury without minor league replacement options), provided that their defensive liabilities are considered given their contracts, and so long as they're notably better then the people they're replacing. Even a 50/50 field/DH split for those three would be notable upgrades for enough teams that they should at least make attempts to sign them at a reasonable cost.

For me it just seems like teams are (thankfully) starting to value offense and defense more equally, but are overdoing the correction.

The Blue Jays need one of these guys at DH and they've shown they're willing to spend money these past few seasons.

Why don't they go after Ramirez? Or at least Adam Dunn?

Perhaps they're just convinced that they can't compete for the AL East even if they do sign Manny Ramirez? Regardless, Dunn would still be a very good fit in Toronto.

RE: Waldon SC's argument, having a wet noodle playing the field makes a lot more sense than having a wet noodle play DH, which as Joe points out is what many teams are doing.

RE: eighteen's argument: The Angel's Pythag marked them as an 88 win team last year, and they've gotten worse over the offseason. Should the A's acutally pony up and sign one of these guys, there will be trouble in the West. Also, look for the Rangers in the next three years. Can't argue with the rest, except that the Indians should challenge in the Central again, which would make an upgrade for the Twins a wise decision.

The general line in the comments so far is that it is about the money. While I agree wholeheartedly, the market on these guys has slipped to the point where they're well worth the investment.

Waldon,

By "cascade of roster problems that leave an offensive wet noodle playing in the field," what exactly do you mean? Are you talking about injuries, or just a failure to choose the best player for a position?

The Tigers can call Sheffield a sunk cost all they want. It still won't revive the automotive industry. They can't bring on excess payroll, period.

Aren't we beyond ruling out half the teams in the league as having a reasonable shot at the playoffs? Did the Rays make your list before last year, or the Rockies the year before? Did the Marlins make your list before '03 or the Astros before '04? Every team in baseball gains something by signing good players.

Edman,

I would like to think that if the payroll were not hampered by the dismal economic situation in Detroit the Tigers would be aggressively pursuing Adam Dunn. He fits their offensive needs like a glove: a left-handed power-hitting, OBP machine. I wonder, though, if Dombrowski would go after Dunn even if he had more wiggle year in his budget. I have a hunch the answer would be no.

From Anthony Castrovince (MLB reporter): Ramirez would be a welcome middle-of-the order presence (particularly with nagging questions over what Travis Hafner will bring to the table following right shoulder surgery) in the Indians' lineup, he would generate enthusiasm in the fan base and put people in the seats, and he would probably be a slight upgrade over David Dellucci.

Now this last sentence provided me with my best laugh in a long time... Manny would "probably" be a slight upgrade over David Dellucci. Now that's funny!

Why play $10 to $20 million for a DH when they seemingly grow on trees? in the past few years there have been plenty of 950 OPS guys who have been singed to a minor league deal(Carlos Pena) traded for Einar Diaz (Hafner) or non-tendered in favor of Doug Mientkewitz (Ortiz)-This doesn't include guys like Bradley or Thomas. there are good DH's out there that can be had for peanuts and a good GM will find them.

i just think that teams don't want to win. winning is a game that is paraded out to make a narrative for the fans.

The roster cascade argument is that you use the DH slot as a rolling half-day for your regulars by keeping them off the field but in the offense.

Another issue with the DH is that it's been a position teams have used to rehab injured players, or keep older players fresh to play defense better when they do play in the field. The above list looks something like a hospital ward or a pending retirement home, no?

If a team wants to fork up some cash they can buy themselves a division title. If the Cardinals get Manny they will win the wild card easily, maybe the division, Manny and Pujols would be the most lethal 3-4 hitters in history.