Teixeira or Ramirez?

If you were the General Manager of a Major League Baseball team, who would you rather have- Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez?

I was having this discussion with some sports fans recently over a few drinks. Out of five of us, three said they'd take Teixeira and two said Manny. Let's look at the reasons why I feel for most teams, Teixeira is the way to go.

First of all, obviously much of this discussion is ignoring the fact that the two play different positions, so it really is nearly impossible to compare them from the perpective of a GM because it obviously matters what positions need to be filled or upgraded. But let's just play a little make-believe and say that your favorite team needs an outfielder and a first basemen equally, but could only sign Teixeria or Ramirez. Who's it going to be??

Manny Ramirez is one of the most prolific right-handed batters to ever play the game of baseball. He hits for power, average, and drives in runs like it's his job. I guess it is, actually..... But anyways, there is no arguing that Manny has put up some incredible seasons and is an incredible force at the plate. But let's not ignore his, well, lesser talents.

Defensively, Ramirez would be considered average on a good day. He hasn't been getting any quicker these past few seasons, believe it or not. And all baseball fans know that defensively Manny can also act like a clown. Time and time again he has made what has to be referred to as stupid plays in the outfield, including one instance where he actually dove to cut off a throw from Jonny Damon that was headed to the infield (very comical, but in a way that you'd laugh at the class idiot when he makes a mistake). Who really wants that kind of ridicule happening to their team?

Ramirez is getting older too, and his numbers have decreased over the past few seasons. Which makes it fair to wonder if his production will decrease even more, as he will enter next year at 36 years old. But the biggest question mark of Ramirez, and what I honestly believe should be heavily considered, is his level of intensity towards the game. The Red Sox organization and fan base turned on Manny, as he had a history of taking days off in crucial games, and also his lack of hustle.

Mark Teixeira is only 28 years old, a slugger, a very good defensive first-baseman, and by all accounts he is a good guy who plays hard and wants to win. His power numbers were basically the same as Manny's last year, as they both drove in 121 RBI's and had over 30 HR's. They each batted over .300 as well. He's also a switch hitter. What else is there really to say? His numbers are very comparable to Manny's current level, and at Teixeira's age he could still be approaching his prime. Doesn't the choice seem easy? Teixeira's got the talent AND the attitude.

Wait; hold that thought. Ramirez did steal more bases than Teixeira, 3-2.