Free agent slugger Manny Ramirez has drawn interest from several Major League teams and is only considering a return to the majors, minors or Japan, MLBTR's Zach Links reports (Twitter links). These are the only options Ramirez would consider in order to continue his career, Links hears, as rumors connecting Ramirez to independent league teams are "totally untrue." There isn't any timetable on when, or if, Ramirez could sign with a team.
Ramirez last appeared in the Majors in 2011, when he made 17 plate appearances for the Rays and was then served with a 100-game suspension for PED use. The suspension caused Ramirez to briefly retire, but he returned and served a reduced 50-game ban after signing a minor league deal with the A's before the 2012 season. Ramirez spent 2013 playing in Taiwan and for the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate. Though he turns 42 in May, Ramirez has been vocal about wanting to keep playing and switched his representation in February.
Amaro thinks Dom Brown can use a platoon.
Whitesox? They could use a 4th dh
I’m guessing Manny changed representation so he could find an agent with enough lack of self-respect to float rumors this ridiculous.
$206,827,769 in 19 years and you still want to play. SMH
Did you ever think he might want to play because he actually enjoys it, not just to cash checks?
In fact, in his early years with Cleveland he often forgot to cash his checks.
When he was with Boston he decided to pin a $5M check to his locker because he thought it was a pay stub
I’m pretty sure he said he donated the money from his last couple minor league contracts to charity.
I doubt it’s about the money. Actually, I’m certain.
I’m certain too, because I’m pretty sure he has said multiple times he’d play for league minimum as long as he is on an MLB roster.
Would be a great pickup for the Astros. I’m not a Manny apologist and I don’t think he has anything left in the tank, but he’s had his share of teachable moments in his career and it sounds like he’s now at a place in his life and career where he’s willing to be a teacher. Having him as, basically, a coach who can play the occasional game at DH or pinch hit sounds like an ideal situation. For a club with as many young guys on the way as the Astros, it might be Manny’s best opportunity to retire (for real) with dignity.
Good thought. Besides that, Manny deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. With PEDs over his head, it’s better for him to be eligible later than sooner. He also is a decent person and wants to get past a few ignoble displays in his career. To his credit: Raising his finger towards heaven when he homered, always having good workout practices and early arrivals regularly at the ballpark, and Reaching out and befriending awkward Korean pitcher Kim. Especially the last one, convinces me. Hope he plays some more mlb! He was one of the best, and most entertaining that I have seen.
Puig does need a mentor…
No I think he’s learned the art of Manny antics already.
Manny always had a great work ethic as it related to hitting.. he’d spend hours and hours in the cage and with his batting coaches. He could offer that kind of dedication and leadership by example, if nothing else..
Leading by example is an added bonus for signing a player. If there’s nothing else, you shouldn’t sign them.
Platoon for jays with Lind?
Why not? You can say what you want about Manny, but he likes to play the game and loves to hit.
Oh, come on, not this guy again…
There would be no better story if Manny joined a team like Seattle, went of one of his classic tears, and lead them to the playoffs. Highly unlikely, but I love Manny. My signed picture of him in my house is the one piece of sports memorabilia I’ll always hang onto.
While the few weeks he was here in Austin for the Rangers AAA team were fun, Manny is completely done playing at a major league level.
Why the heck not. I can think of several AL teams that don’t have much going on at DH and could use him part-time. Sell tickets too. I’ll bet anything the guy can still hit ropes all over the place.
Can he bring with him the Taiwanese announcer who yelled “gone just like an ex-girlfriend who will never return!” when Manny homered in the game against the Brother Elephants?
Shouldn’t this post start with “according Manny Ramirez’s agent…” and end with “the rumor was confirmed by “Manny Ramirez’s agent.”
He’ll obviously go to an AL team, right?
He won’t go to any team.
They will come to him . . .
I say the Indians bring him back for what will amount to 1 or 2 HRs and a lot of drama this summer. Sort of like the Jim Thome trade 2 seasons ago.
Angels? Hamilton out, Calhoun out, ibanez struggles against lefties. Just a thought. Doubt it happens.
Seems about right in age for the Phillies.
my sons little league would bypass on this
“Manny Ramirez has drawn interest from several Major League teams and is only considering a return to the majors, minors or Japan”
I’m glad he’s ruling out a stint in the NHL