That the Manny Ramirez experiment didn’t pan out for the Rays shocks no one. While his heralded signing had come draped in red flags, it had seemingly been worth the gamble given his past hitting accomplishments, his relatively “modest” $2-million salary and the depleted roster and power vacuum that remained after all those free-agent defections. And it wasn’t as if they were bringing back Elijah Dukes. No one had ever accused Ramirez of being a predator.
Most fans, if not manager Joe Maddon, likely awaited an inevitable confrontation. And how would Maddon handle it the first time Ramirez, 38, abused his “Manny Being Manny” hall pass? The first time he didn’t run hard to first base? The first time he overslept?
But retirement after a week? A tenure of 5 games, 17 at-bats and one hit? To have been caught cheating–AGAIN–by a Major League Baseball drug test?
Ramirez just locked himself out of the Hall of Fame. He also gave new meaning to “Manny Being Manny.” It used to mean “indifferent” or “adolescent” or “unpredictable.” He could be a punk, albeit an outrageously talented one. Now it’s “Manny Being Stupid.” Consider he was 1-for-17 for the Rays. What kind of performance-enhancing drug was he on?
But there’s always an upside if you look close enough. Think major discounts on those Manny bobbleheads and dreadlock wigs.