Strike Four

Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras have rejected the Dodgers' fourth offer, leaving owner Frank McCourt to only grumble and gripe:

"We want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said in a statement. "When his agent finds those 'serious offers' from other clubs, we'll be happy to restart the negotiations."

General manager Ned Colletti and McCourt met Wednesday in Los Angeles with Boras.

The offer is similar to the two-year, $45 million deal with a buyout or club option that the Dodgers put on the table in November. Ramirez refused the offer and the Dodgers withdrew their proposal. The team came back with a one-year, $25 million offer, but Ramirez turned that down as well. Ramirez also turned down salary arbitration.

"Even with an economy that has substantially eroded since last November, out of respect for Manny and his talents, we actually improved our offer," McCourt said.

"So now, we start from scratch."

I can't believe McCourt pulled the economy card. Perhaps he's been humbled a bit since sales of his $90 tickets at Camelback Ranch haven't been flying off the shelves? More importantly, do we have a shot at seeing beer at Dodger Stadium at the discount prices of $11???