Report: Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez Sign One-Year Deals With Tampa Bay

by Jill Seward on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 12:28AM

Two former members of the Red Sox’ “Cowboy Up” squad are joining forces in Tampa Bay.

Outfielders Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez – two players under super-agent Scott Boras‘ umbrella — have agreed to deals with Tampa Bay, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman.

Damon reportedly signed a one-year deal worth $5.25 million, in addition to $750,000 in attendance bonuses. Manny has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal. Both players still need to pass a physical before the announcement is made official.

According to Heyman, Tampa Bay was a desired location for both Ramirez and Damon in 2011. Both outfielders were hoping to come back to the AL East, as Manny was also interested in Toronto, and Damon was thinking about a reunion with the Red Sox or Yankees.

The Rays needed to bulk up their batting power after losing Carl Crawford to the Red Sox and Carlos Pena to the Cubs during the offseason, and though Damon and Ramirez are heading toward the tail end of their respective careers, they could inspire a comeback down in Tampa.