The Texas Rangers have taken a flyer on Manny Ramirez, signing the 41-year-old to a minor league contract. Ramirez is expected to report to the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate The Round Rock Express today.
Ramirez has not played in the majors since an 5 game stint with the Tampa Rays in 2011. That stint ended when Ramirez was suspended for his second violation of Major League Baseball’s substance abuse policy. He was given a 100 game ban.
In 2010, Ramirez struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His season also ended with a drug suspension. That one was for 50 games.
`It’s a no-risk flyer in a lot of ways,” Rangers GM Jon Daniels said. “Our history, we like giving guys second chances. We know on and off the field the good and bad of Manny’s career, but we’re inclined to give him an opportunity here.
“When it comes to playing for the Rangers, two things are important to us,” Daniels added. “You have to be talented and productive. And just as important, you have to fit our winning culture. Those are going to be the two tests we’ll judge Manny by.”
Up until last month Ramirez had been playing with the Eda Rhinos in Taiwan’s professional baseball league. He was hitting .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 49 games for the club. He left the team citing the fact that he missed his family in the United States.
Last season Ramirez played 17 games for the Oakland A’s Triple A affiliate before he was released.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave your comments below, and don’t forget to follow our baseball department on Twitter @Nvincelli, @tiltman1975 and @lastwordmark. You can also the site while you are at it – @lastwordonsport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
