A major-league source with knowledge of the Manny Ramirez negotiations says an "offer" kicked around by the Boston Red Sox and Ramirez's agent Jeff Moorad was for seven years and for slightly more than the $119 million Ramirez turned down earlier this offseason from Cleveland.

	Manny Ramirez Right Field Free Agent Profile
	2000 SEASON STATISTICS G HR RBI AVG OBP SLG 118 38 122 .351 .457 .697

There were indications that the Red Sox could increase that offer as early as today.

Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette still hasn't arrived at the winter meetings. And it's believed that Duquette is actively involved in the Ramirez negotiations and may not arrive in Dallas until Saturday.

"My plan really hasn't changed at all," Moorad said. "My intention is to arrive in Dallas on Sunday morning. I have a number of meetings scheduled with interested teams. And I intend to follow through on those discussions. Then we'll likely move toward a deal over the next 10 days."

When asked if that meant that Ramirez was still in no hurry to sign, despite Boston's suddenly aggressive pursuit, Moorad replied: "I've said all along that Manny and I are not afraid to pull the trigger if we see a situation and a contract we feel comfortable with. At this point, we haven't seen that kind of deal that would motivate us to consider pulling the trigger."

It has been widely speculated that Moorad and Ramirez prefer to wait until Alex Rodriguez signs, in order to allow teams that lose out on A-Rod turn their attention to Ramirez. And Moorad acknowledged there "no doubt is some inter-relationship between the players and the teams pursuing them. But I think with every major deal that ticks off the board, less of that will occur. (Mike) Mussina obviously loosened the market up. I think Hampton will do that as well.

"But from that standpoint, we're open to doing a deal before A-Rod. Or if it happens to come after, so be it."

Moorad wouldn't identify other teams involved but said he had eight teams still interested. The six teams known to be in the hunt are the Red Sox, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, Orioles and Indians. There also have been reports that the Mets are willing to get involved if they lose Mike Hampton. No eighth club has publicly surfaced.