Manny Ramirez wants to get back in a Major League uniform. He was the equivalent of Godzilla in Taiwan, while playing for the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. However, after opting out of his contract, Ramirez has his sights set on a return west, where he looks to find employment in MLB.
Ramirez's numbers prove he is capable of hitting a baseball. He smoked pitching while playing for the Rhinos. He hit .352 and smacked eight home runs. Ramirez was an immediate sensation, helping ticket sales soar as many came to see the former MLB champion. There are plenty of MLB teams who could use a solid hitter in emergency situations. The Washington Nationals are one team looking for a pinch-hitter, and Ramirez would not have a problem coming off the bench, according to his agent, Barry Praver.
However, putting aside what Ramirez is willing to do in order to get back on an MLB roster, the more important question is, will anybody want him?
With Ramirez comes certain baggage not all teams are willing to deal with. He was one of the top stars in the game, making a splash as soon as he played for George Washington High School in New York City. He came up through the Cleveland Indians' organization and terrorized American League pitching as soon as he got a chance to play every day. Ramirez moved his career to Boston where he helped the Red Sox capture two championships, including the infamous end to the 86-year Curse of the Bambino.
Though his offense was loved in Boston, he was a mercurial figure. Ramirez lacked hustle and, at times, common baseball knowledge. His career took a turn for the worst when he was suspended in 2009 for violating MLB's substance abuse policy. He found work with the Tampa Bay Rays, but reports of a second instance of substance abuse, which, at first, prompted a 100-game suspension, led to sudden retirement.
Who will want to deal with this? Better question, which team would be so desperate to add such a tainted player to their roster? Ramirez's poor reputation as a teammate does not help his case for employment . Many will accuse him of cheating, though many dopers claim it was a part of the game from the 80's all the way to the mid-2000's.
Ramirez is 41 years old and does not have any offers on the table from any teams.
