OPINION

By Richard Justice

updated 7:13 p.m. ET Feb. 5, 2009

The Dodgers have waited long enough for free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. Time's up. If Manny isn't ready to make a decision, it's time to wish him well. There's a time to negotiate, and there's a time to do a deal.

That time is now.

Ramirez is a wonderful player, a Hall of Fame offensive presence. He transformed the Dodgers into a playoff team after joining them at the trading deadline last season. His devil-may-care attitude helped manager Joe Torre's young kids deal with the pressure of a pennant race. Suddenly, the attention and pressure were on Manny. Manny thrived and so did the kids.

The Dodgers have made it clear they want Manny back. They've offered him a two-year deal with an option for a third year. They've offered him $25 million for one year.

Agent Scott Boras has rejected both of those deals. Boras is brilliant at this stuff. He creates a market even when there doesn't appear to be a market. Sometimes, he drags out negotiations long enough that teams must give him what he wants or be left with a huge hole on the roster.

Because this free agent market is so different, however, the Dodgers have options.

Free agent outfielder/first baseman Adam Dunn has had a tremendous winter. He has worked out, reportedly has lost 17 pounds and is determined to prove he can be an impact player. Second baseman Orlando Hudson, a player with absolutely no negatives, is still on the market. So is outfielder Bobby Abreu.

If the Dodgers act now, they can replace Manny nicely. They won't get a player as good as Manny, but they won't be left high and dry. Spring training begins next week, so time is running out.

Because I have so much experience at being a major league general manager, I'd like to offer Dodgers G.M. Ned Colletti some advice. He should call Boras today and say, "Let's do it today, Scott." He should put his two offers back on the table: $45 million over two years (with an option for a third year) or $25 million for one year.

"Only thing," Colletti should say, "we need an answer. We're loading the equipment truck. It's go time." He should add, "This is not a negotiating ploy, Scott. We're withdrawing the offers at 5 p.m. and will be going in a different direction."

Interactive Maps to spring training sites Your guide to sites in Arizona, Florida

My guess is that Manny would accept. He seemed to like Southern California, and he certainly liked playing for Torre. The Giants might be an option, but, hey, it's cold there. AT&T Park is cold in the summertime, Manny. It might be baseball's most beautiful ballpark, but it's not Dodger Stadium. If you've got a chance to be a Dodger, you should be a Dodger.

If Manny still thinks he can get more money elsewhere — if he believes the Giants, Yankees or Mets will offer a better opportunity — he should take it. At the moment, it appears the Dodgers are his only option. Maybe they're not. Maybe Boras really has other teams on the hook.

Colletti could move on tomorrow. He could choose between Dunn and Abreu. He also could add Hudson and maybe a pitcher for the money he had offered Manny. He could look himself in the mirror and say he did the best he could. He began negotiating with Manny right after the World Series. He gave it his best shot.

Let's face it, Manny comes with some baggage. To offer him $45 million is to take a risk. He is 36 years old. He has a history of sustaining mysterious injuries, of not being able to play. His behavior in Boston was disgraceful. Any team offering Manny a dance had better go into it with its eyes open.

That said, he is a great player. He is 35 home runs and 125 RBIs. Slam dunk. At least.

But as teams have learned through the years, it's better to have Abreu or Dunn than nothing. If Boras is serious about moving Manny elsewhere, he should do it.

The Dodgers have done their part.

Also on NBCSports.com College football: What was Yale coaching thinking?   NFL: Best fantasy football moves  |  Waiver moves Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is NBA’s MVP  |  Fan Ranker NCAA hoops: Calipari says right now, his team ‘stinks’ Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Handicapping the Halladay chase Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach CTB: A prediction — Lackey will sign with Yankees   CTB: Indians unlikely to deal Wood this offseason   CTB: Mets could be interested in Royals’ Guilllen Complete list of free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz SCORES, SCHEDULES, STANDINGS, STATS Latest baseball videos Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: