DANA POINT, Calif. – Life’s a pitch for Omar Minaya.
According to an individual familiar with the Mets GM’s thinking, it’s pitching, pitching and pitching that represent Minaya’s priorities this offseason. And then, depending on how much money remains, the Mets might make a play for a huge bat.
In other words, if the Mets whiff in landing a frontline closer and filling the vacancies in their rotation through the free-agent market, Manny Ramirez’s name could enter the conversation.
The twist? Scott Boras represents Ramirez, Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez, the last two of whom are on the Mets’ radar for their 2009 starting rotation.
If you want to play the conspiracy game, Boras can perhaps strengthen his chances of getting Ramirez a fat contract in Flushing if he plays keep away with Lowe and Perez.
Boras held court with reporters yesterday during day two of the GM Meetings, and as could be expected Ramirez’s free agency was a hot topic. The agent acknowledged that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti has made contact with him, but don’t expect a resolution anytime soon.
“The thing that Manny carries on his chest is the fact you talk to any major leaguer and say, ‘Who’s the best hitter in baseball?’ and they all point to Manny Ramirez,” Boras said.
With Boras seeking a contract that would take the 36-year-old Ramirez through his 42nd birthday, the starting price could be in the $120 million range.
Boras noted the fact that previous contracts he negotiated for Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez used the age of 42 as an endpoint.
“Manny realizes he wants to go to a place and stay there a long time and be part of an organization,” Boras said.
Minaya refused to comment yesterday on the possibility of landing Ramirez. That might be because the GM realizes if the focus becomes Ramirez, pitching gets pushed to the backburner, and the Mets need help in both the rotation and bullpen.
Minaya, who spent the afternoon bowling with many of his counterparts, said he’ll speak with Boras about Perez, who went 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA for the Mets last season.
“You’d always rather sign your guy if possible,” said Minaya, who has Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine set for next year’s rotation. “We know who he is, he knows who we are, there’s not the effect of the first year in New York and the adjustments.”
So who gets Ramirez? One GM predicted the Dodgers would retain the controversial star, while another seemed scared off by the potential asking price.
“Manny is probably the best offensive player that’s been around for several years,” new Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “That said, at least through the rumor mill, his ask might be beyond where we want to be.”
mpuma@nypost.com