Manny Ramirez Reinstated by MLB
Just when you thought the Manny Ramirez saga might be over, Manny continues to prove that he is indeed still the same Manny. Unwilling to call it quits, Ramirez was reportedly ready to make a comeback attempt in 2012. Ramirez has taken the first step in his comeback bid, as Major League Baseball announced that Manny’s been officially reinstated from the voluntary retirement list.
Early last season, Ramirez once again tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. This positive test brought with it a penalty of a 100-game ban. Rather than serve the punishment, Ramirez opted to retire from the game, leaving his new team, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the rest of the baseball world speechless.
Rumors swirled that Manny would attempt to return to play in his native Dominican Republic, but when it was discovered that Ramirez would still face suspension these talks soon ceased.
Just before last week’s Winter Meetings, Ramirez announced that he would instead seek to return to the majors in 2012. This decision was made easier by Major League Baseball when they announced that Ramirez would “receive a 50-game suspension under the Joint Drug Program upon his reinstatement from the Voluntary Retired list”.
Now the league has made it official; Ramirez was reinstated as of Saturday morning.
While this is all well and good for Ramirez, or not fair depending on your point of view, Manny still faces an uphill battle. Though he may be eligible to return to baseball, some team has to want to sign him.
Before his sudden retirement last season, it was clear that Ramirez’s only use was in the designated hitter’s role. As MLBTradeRumors.com points out, there are not a lot of teams in need of a DH, and there are other options available that carry far less baggage than Ramirez.
Prospects are so low for Manny that the slugger has taken to calling teams directly during his search for employment according to Bob Klapisch.
All of these factors will play against Manny as he looks to return to the game in which he’s made millions over the years. Tampa Bay signed Ramirez to a $2 million deal last winter. This time around many speculate that Manny will have to head to camp as a non-roster invitee.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.