Manny Ramirez is keeping the dream alive.
Ramirez, who last played in the majors in 2011, still is eyeing a big league return, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. A major league scout told Heyman that Ramirez looked “impressive” in a recent baseball workout.
According to Heyman, the scout said Ramirez appeared “surprisingly fit” while lining baseballs on a park field near his home in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The 41-year-old reportedly has been working out with former major leaguer Miguel Tejada.
Ramirez tore up the Chinese Professional Baseball League in 2013, hitting .352 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 49 games before being released by the EDA Rhinos upon fulfilling his contractual commitment. The Texas Rangers then signed Ramirez to a minor league contract in July, but the slugger never reached the major league level before being released in August.
Ramirez, who played for five MLB teams — including the Boston Red Sox — over parts of 19 seasons, certainly was productive in his prime, racking up 12 All-Star selections and nine Silver Slugger Awards. But Ramirez will turn 42 later this month, he hasn’t faced big league competition in three years, and he carries a lot of baggage, including being one positive PED test away from a lifetime ban from MLB. It’s not surprising his market isn’t exactly booming.
Heyman points out that Ramirez has generated at least some interest, though. A few teams — mostly in the American League — reportedly have scouted and/or talked to Ramirez.
Ramirez reportedly prefers a minor league contract with an MLB franchise but also would consider Japan as an alternative while attempting to revive his once illustrious baseball career.
Photo via Facebook/Manny Ramirez
