Ramirez rejects Dodgers offer

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Thursday that slugger Manny Ramirez has rejected the team's two-year, $45 million contract offer.

Franchise owner Frank McCourt issued a statement saying the team had received a letter of rejection from Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez.

"We love Manny Ramirez," McCourt said. "And we want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves. When his agent finds those 'serious offers' from other clubs, we'll be happy to re-start the negotiations.

"Even with an economy that has substantially eroded since last November, out of respect for Manny and his talents, we actually improved our offer. So now, we start from scratch."

The Los Angeles Times said the Dodgers' most recent proposal would have paid Ramirez $25 million in 2009 and included a player option for $20 million in 2010.

Ramirez is an unrestricted free agent, having completed an eight-year, $160 million contract he signed with Boston in 2001. He was traded to Los Angeles from Boston last July 31 and then helped the Dodgers capture a division title before the team fell to eventual World Series champion Philadelphia in the NLCS.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBI in 53 games after joining the Dodgers.