Manny on his way to L.A. *

Officially there is no deal between Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers, but it sure smells like one is close. ESPNdeportes.com reported earlier today that the two sides had reached general agreement, based on a source, then backed down a notch to saying they had "reached common ground." (* Update: Later this evening, MLB.com agreed that Manny is flying to L.A. for a meeting with the Dodgers on Wednesday.) Manny even called T.J. Simers to say a deal is close and that he's happy with the Dodgers, with L.A. and with a two year contract. In fact, he's just plain happy.

As long as I'm alive, I'm happy. I'm sitting here in my house by the water, drinking a Margarita, dark glasses on and I'm in a good place. I'm in pretty good shape, too, playing with my three kids all the time.

Manny's in mid-season media form. I'll be in Glendale on Thursday checking out the Dodgers and it wouldn't surprise me if Manny is there too. Of course, wouldn't surprise me if he's not. More Manny, from Simers:

I've looked at the big picture from every different angle and life is too short to be mad. I've already made a ton of money and now it's just about negotiating a deal. It's what happens in sports....

I'm happy in L.A. I like my teammates and had a great time. The fans were so good to me; they treated me the best anywhere in my career. And now I think we're close [to a deal]....He's [McCourt] negotiating as owners do, and I know he wants to win. I'm not bothered by what's happened. That's what negotiations are, but I just want to make one thing clear, I have faith in Scott. I know everything that's going on and we're communicating.

[skip]

Tell everyone Mannywood is coming -- now go call Jeff Kent.

Meanwhile, it looks as if Nomar Garciaparra will play the season in Oakland. I was kind of hoping he would hang 'em up and retire as a Dodger.