Manny Ramirez has been eligible to join the A's major league roster for more than two weeks after completing his 50-game suspension, but the slugger remained in Triple-A. Last night, the situation reached its logical conclusion as Ramirez requested his outright release and the team obliged. Here's more on Manny and a look around the AL West..
- Ramirez told ESPNDeportes.com's Enrique Rojas that he isn't mad at Oakland for not promoting him and hopes to continue his career. "The A's treated me amazingly during all this time, but sadly didn't have space for me and this is something I can't control. I'm going home to continue my training hoping to get the chance to play again," said the slugger.
- Pitcher Joe Saunders was emotional when he learned that the Angels were trading him to the Diamondbacks in 2010 as part of a package for Dan Haren, writes Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times. Looking back on it now, the hurler says that he is glad to be a part of the building process in Arizona.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter) says not to discount the Mariners' Jason Vargas as a trade candidate due to his road ERA (4.53). In total, the left-hander has a 3.95 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 15 starts this year.
If he wanted a chance to play again, why did he ask for release?
Does he think anyone else would sign him?
If only the Redsox would take Saunders for Youk + Cash
Schalk got in partly for longevity, partly because he was one of the honest 1919 White Sox and mostly because he was a great defensive catcher. He was the first catcher to back up first and third bases and even made a putout at second base.