Now Dan Graziano is reporting that the Mets are in contact with the Redsox and willing to part with prospects not available for players like Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn.

Contrary to the denials that made the rounds Monday, officials from both teams say the Mets have contacted the Red Sox about Manny Ramirez and are interested in pursuing a deal for him if Boston decides to make him available.

The Red Sox suspect that GM Omar Minaya wants Ramirez more than Mets ownership does. Regardless, the Mets are reluctant to part with top-prospect talent in exchange for outfielders like Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn, but they (rightly) consider Ramirez a far superior hitter to those in that group, and they would discuss players in a Ramirez deal that they would not discuss in others.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was “totally just jerking Graziano’s chain”, said a deal was probably too complicated to get completed before Thursday’s deadline.

You know, I like a Manny to the Mets rumor. It makes a fan feel good. And why shouldn’t it? Ya figure you put that little rumor under your pillow at night, the Dan Graziano might come by and leave a quarter, am I right?

The point is, how do you know Dan Graziano isn’t a crazy glue sniffer? “Build model airplanes” says Graziano; well, we’re not buying it. He sneaks into your house once, that’s all it takes. The next thing you know, there’s money missing off the dresser, and your daughter’s knocked up. I seen it a hundred times.

Tommy Boy quotes aside, Yes Omar loves Manny. You know who else he also loves? Sammy Sosa. Do you see Sammy Sosa playing right field in orange and blue?

In actual news, MLB.com is reporting that the Angels and Braves are close to completing a deal with Mark Teixeira which at least keeps him out of the National League East and the NL in general.

As fun as Manny Mania is, the Mets desperately need another arm in the bullpen or we are going to be watching a lot more five run eighth innings. If Mets management is dead set against trading a prospect, it’s going to be an awfully long August and September. Lets hope Eddie Kunz gets major league ready fast.

For right now, anyway, in Omar I trust.