Prepare for another year of Mannywood.
According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, the 37-year-old Manny Ramirez expects to exercise his $20 million option for the 2010 season to remain with the Dodgers.
Los Angeles general manager Ned Colletti and the team’s brass expected the move, but Wednesday’s report is the first we’ve heard from the enigmatic outfielder about his future.
Ramirez batted .290/.418/.531 with 24 doubles and 19 home runs in 352 at-bats during the 2009 season — totals that are right in line with his career levels, when his 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs is factored in.
Heyman points out that by forcing the Red Sox to export him at last season’s trade deadline, Manny effectively earned himself $25 million. If he remains with the Dodgers, as planned, Ramirez certainly will face some boo birds at Fenway Park during an interleague series on June 18-20 next season.
