Mets won't deal for unhappy Manny

Manny Ramirez will likely stay in Boston for the rest of this season. Jim Rogash/Getty Images

NEW YORK -- The Mets are seeking a corner outfielder as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, and Mets GM Omar Minaya has long been an admirer of embattled Red Sox star Manny Ramirez. But even the Mets are saying "no'' to Ramirez now.

Ramirez's latest antics, which included shoving Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick, 62, may discourage all potential suitors in this trade market if the Mets aren't even interested. And Mets people suggest they will not be pursuing Ramirez.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told Tim McCarver on FOX's broadcast of the Yankees-Red Sox game that he would try to trade Ramirez if Ramirez would waive his no-trade clause. As a 10-and-5 player, Ramirez has veto power over trades.

However, baseball people doubt there'd be a great trade market for Ramirez considering his contractual situation and recent transgressions. Minaya has made several plays in the past for Ramirez but has always fallen short. Ramirez is said by a friend to be "very, very frustrated'' over his contract, which includes team options for $20 million for both 2009 and 2010 and gives the Red Sox the power.

Ramirez would prefer Boston to either extend him or release him after this year, allowing him to shop himself to all suitors. He is said by some to have his eye on the Angels, whose only obvious need is for another big bat and who may have Vladimir Guerrero coming off the books after the season. An Angels person said they don't expect to make any major changes before the July 31 trade deadline.

And even if Epstein could find an interested team, Boston might have to find a second deal to try to make up the offense, an extremely difficult task. It remains uncertain whether either of the two potentially available names who could approach Ramirez's offensive production -- Matt Holliday or Mark Teixeira -- will even be dealt. The Rockies' recent hot streak suggests Holliday will likely stay in Colorado.

The Red Sox have been upset with Ramirez in recent days, and according to the Providence Journal the team threatened to discipline him if he begged out of Saturday's game, as he had Friday. Ramirez played in Boston's 10-3 defeat to the rival Yankees..

The Mets had interest in Casey Blake and Xavier Nady but may now turn their attention to Mariners left fielder Raul Ibanez. Pirates star Jason Bay is also available, but Mets people balked at including top outfield prospect Fernando Martinez for Nady and are said to be extremely reluctant to part with either Martinez or lefthanded pitching prospect Jon Niese.