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Boston Red Sox: Manny Ramirez aiming for return in CPBL

By David Hill

BOSTON - JULY 30: Manny Ramirez #24 of the the Boston Red Sox goes on to the field for batting practice before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park July 30, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JULY 30: Manny Ramirez #24 of the the Boston Red Sox goes on to the field for batting practice before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park July 30, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez is looking to make a comeback. This time, he has his sights set on joining the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

It has been nine years since former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez last played in the majors. That abbreviated stint with the Rays ended in disgrace, with one hit in 19 at bats, and a second PED suspension. Although he resurfaced for stints in AAA with the A’s, Rangers, and Cubs, he never returned to the majors.

Ramirez also spent time in the Chinese Professional Baseball League, appearing in 49 games for the EDA Rhinos. Now, he is looking to return to the CPBL, looking for a role as a designated hitter, or a DH/coach.

Well, at least Manny can admit that he should no longer be in the outfield. Although, one could have questioned whether or not he belonged in the outfield during his major league days either. Yet, based on video of Ramirez taking batting practice recently, he still has some pop in the bat.

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Back when Ramirez spent part of 2013 in Taiwan, he still had something left in the tank. Although he was 41 years old at the time, he produced an excellent .352/.422/.522 batting line, belting eight homers and 13 doubles in just 206 plate appearances.

Set to turn 48 years old at the end of the month, it is not clear what his motivation is. The competitive itch is still there, and the CPBL is only league to have officially started its season, explaining his desire to return to Taiwan. If he is looking to return to the majors at some point, that quest seems quixotic.

However, a return to the game, albeit overseas, could do something for his image. Despite his impressive major league statistics – a .312/.411/.585 batting line with 555 homers, 547 doubles, and 1831 RBI – he has not managed to eclipse 30% of the vote for the Hall of Fame. While his 28.2% showing on the most recent ballot was impressive for a PED user, it was not close to being enough for induction.

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Maybe Manny Ramirez can change the narrative. But first, the former Boston Red Sox outfielder will have to return to the game, which he is looking to do in Taiwan.

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