New York and Manny Ramirez has been talked about for years. Omar Minaya nearly acquired Ramirez a few times when he ran the Mets. The Yankees flirted with the idea as late as last season, but elected to pass. It appeared that Ramirez’s career was over after he elected to retire instead of serve his suspension for the use of PEDs. Now Ramirez is attempting to make a comeback; wouldn’t it be a great story if the Yankees brought him into camp as a non-roster invitee?

Just three years ago he had 19 HRs, 63 RBI, and.949 OPS for Los Angeles in just 104 games. In 2008, he hit .396 for the Dodgers and drove in 53 runs in 53 games after being traded from Boston. Most important, he performed at a high level during the Dodgers postseason runs.

Ramirez looked broken down after being dealt to the White Sox in 2010. He also went just 1-17 with Tampa last April. Clearly, taking on Manny does not guarantee any type of production, however I believe you could roll the dice with the hope you get a great half-season from him.

It will only cost the baseball version of a free look. You offer him a minor league deal filled with very little guaranteed money and reasonable incentives that kick in only if he can produce. If he doesn’t, you can just waive him at any time. With Jesus Montero gone you also don’t have to worry about him “blocking” playing time for a young player.

Reports indicate that Baltimore and Oakland have the most interest in signing Ramirez. I doubt the Yankees would entertain this idea. I think it’s a worthwhile risk to bring a future Hall of Famer in for a look. What’s funny is the Yankees are the same team that claimed Jose Canseco back in the day. Of course, George Steinbrenner was in charge back then.

Ramirez will have to serve a reduced 50-game suspension for his drug infraction. When you factor in as short minor league stint you might night have him until July. That’s ok, since Ramirez tends to play better in short spurts at this point in his career.

It could be the ultimate low risk/high reward signing. Manny has been known to get motivated in short spurts. Beating his former team in Boston might be the spark he needs. He also might want to end his career putting on a show in the backyard where he grew up.

I don’t think you will get vintage Manny, but a healthy Ramirez is better than Andruw Jones- at least I think.

Manny Ramirez and the Yankees- why not?

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Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny Ramirez, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays