Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon Will Bring Experience and Excitement to Rebuilding Rays in 2011

by NESN Staff on Tue, Jan 25, 2011 at 9:37PM

The Tampa Bay Rays experienced a tough offseason in 2010, watching their successful roster get picked apart by an onslaught of free agent signings and trades.

However, the Rays finally pulled an interesting move of their own, signing two designated hitters/outfielders for the price of one on Friday. Tampa signed former Red Sox favorites Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez on Friday sending a buzz of skepticism and excitement running through baseball.

On one hand, Ramirez and Damon are inching toward the end of their respective careers, and might not bring a lot of productivity with them to Tampa. On the other, Joe Maddon might be just the right manager to drive up their efforts in 2011.

If anything, the deal definitely ignited a little excitement in Tampa after an offseason of letdowns.

To hear more about the reunion, check out the video above from Red Sox Hot Stove Live.