It took practically the entire offseason, but Manny Ramirez has finally signed the $45 million dollar two year offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Although this was a big pain in the ass for the Dodgers, this was a must sign situation for the Dodgers. Without Manny in their lineup the Dodgers would have been drastically different. Not only does Ramirez improve the batting for the Dodgers, but with he pretty much single handedly makes the Dodgers into contenders in the National League.

The signing of second baseman Orlando Hudson was also huge for the Dodgers, but without Manny the Arizona Diamondbacks might have been the team to come of the NL West.

Who knows, maybe this is the season that Manny's production starts to drop off, but if it doesn't I fully expect the Dodgers to be favorites to be representing the NL in the World Series next season.

The Chicago Cubs and the defending champion Phillies will definitely put up a fight, but I think the Dodgers have all the right pieces to get back on top in the NL again.