Manny Ramirez Rumors: A’s In, Blue Jays, Orioles Out
By Editorial Staff
It was reported earlier this month that free agent Manny Ramirez was down to deciding between the Blue Jays, Orioles and A’s. Now, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that two of the teams seem to have made the decision for Manny. According to Rosenthal, the Blue Jays and Orioles are backing off of Ramirez while the A’s remain the frontrunners to sign the slugger. Beyond the free agency update, Rosenthal also provided readers with exactly what Manny can and can’t do during his 50-game suspension.
While Ramirez won’t be able to play in the first 50 games of the season, Rosenthal reported that the 39-year-old can play during Spring Training. Manny will also be able to participate in extended Spring Training, and once the season begins Ramirez will be able to work out with major or minor league clubs, as long as he leaves by the time gates open.
As he nears the end of his 50-game suspension, Ramirez will be able to head out on a minor league rehab assignment. However, unlike most rehab stints, Ramirez’s will only last 10 games instead of the normal 20.
All this being said, even with the baggage Ramirez carries with him, there have been several teams eyeing Manny this winter. Rosenthal reported that the A’s remain the frontrunners for Manny, but two clubs that had been showing interest in Ramirez are now backing off of him.
The Blue Jays and O’s were reportedly the first two clubs that watched Ramirez work out once he was reinstated by the league. Toronto and Baltimore have been tied to Manny for most of the offseason, but Rosenthal reports that the Orioles have backed off publically and talks between Ramirez and the Blue Jays have failed to progress.
You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.