Star slugger Manny Ramirez signs with Oakland Athletics – MLB News
The Oakland Athletics’ has signed star slugger and former Tampa Bay Rays’ outfielder Manny Ramirez to a Minor League deal. Hoewever Ramirez will not be playing immediately in this season as he must face 50-game suspension first due to charges of using Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED) last season.
Many players in the Athletics’ roster commented in the media with great optimism.
"Gosh, in the American League, Manny is about as well-decorated a player as you can find," said outfielder Jonny Gomes, who worked out with Ramirez before the 2011 season. "He's in the top tier of his time."
"Manny ranks as one of the greatest hitters ever," catcher Kurt Suzuki said. "You put a guy like that in the middle of your order, and it makes everyone around him better."
Left-hander Dallas Braden also said, “He'll be just fine here, Obviously, Oakland, over the years, has been known for a freewheeling clubhouse, and we love it when anyone goes out there and enjoys what he's doing.”
Among many players, several baseball experts are also protecting the Athletics’ objective to sign Manny for future seasons. Ramirez contract gives him a potential chance to play in the Major League in the upcoming season. First he will perfect his skills in Spring Training to play once again whenever the team calls him to start a game in the Majors.
Ramirez, an 18-year veteran ball player, knows how tough the next season is going to be especially for him. He is coming with a breakout 2011 season where he only played five games before going into the controversy which forced him to retire from the game.
His experience, stats, hitting and slugging averages all are an inspiration for many players. His potential arrival in the League has already created a big buzz as how he will be playing in the next season. On the other hand, the Athletics are also hoping for a good beginning with Ramirez, who has also made several teams invincible in the past with his extraordinary performances. Previously, Ramirez has played for the Cleveland Indians along with Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.
Tags: