Why do I see Manny Ramirez with the Orioles?
They seem to have an affinity for signing past-their-prime, over the hill guys. Last year, it was Vladimir Guerrero, who could still hit (albeit, without power) and didn’t do much else.
From Sports Illustrated: Manny Ramirez has let it be known that he’s interested in making a comeback to the major leagues, and apparently, there are multiple suitors for his services. In the words of FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal:
Sources: #Athletics, #Orioles most interested in Manny, but unclear if either has even made an offer. A’s looking at relievers too. #MLB
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal Ramirez retired from baseball on April 8, 2011 after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug. But he’s been working steadfastly toward a return, holding private workouts in Miami since December.
If Ramirez does land a job this season, he will first have to serve a 50-game suspension for his positive test, as per his agreement with Major League Baseball.
Ramirez played 19 seasons in the major leagues for the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays. He retired with a .312 career batting average, 555 home runs and 1,831 RBIs to his name.
If he can still play, why not take a chance?
I’d say give him a minor league deal and invitation to Spring Training. If he f**ks up, stinks is and/or a prim donna, there’s no need to feel guilty if you cut him loose. He’ll come cheap anyway.
However, would it make sense to sign a guy who will miss 50 games, sat out last year, and has severe baggage?
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It looks like the Nationals are now contenders with the addition of pitcher Edwin Jackson. Who knows the mystery team that offered Jackson a three year contract — that was turned down — but I think it might have been the Baltimore Orioles.
According to the Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore, Edwin Jackson will make $11 million in 2012, and his deal also includes bonuses for making the all-star team, receiving Cy Young and MVP votes and postseason awards.
As talented as Jackson may seem, his career record shows him to be a mediocre pitcher. Not to say that Jackson is Daniel Cabrera, but his history of inconsistency and being with six organizations (until he signed with the Nationals) would raise a lot of questions. Again, I am not sure that he would have been a great fit in Baltimore.
Then again, the Nationals have the makings of a dangerous contender in the National League. I guess the question is this: what are the Nationals – who are down route 295/Baltimore-Washington Parkway – doing right? What are the Orioles doing wrong?
The Nationals seem to be on the edge of digging themselves out of the second division; meanwhile, the Orioles are stuck in the mud. What can be done in Baltimore?
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Also, the Orioles released pitcher Rick VandenHurk, who became a casualty after the Wilson Betemit signing. They also added Chris Correnti as a performance consultant to provide fitness and conditioning services according to the Baltimore Sun.
