Free agent Manny Ramirez is coming off, arguably, one of the worst seasons of his career. Granted, he hit .298 and knocked in 42 runs in just 90 games…but still.
Now entering his 19th Major League season, Ramirez is an old 38, been battling some nagging leg injuries (he hit the disabled list three separate times in 2010) and is probably relegated to DH-only duty. Also, considering he’s only surpassed 20 home runs ONCE (he hit 37 in 2008 and twice hit 20) in the last five seasons…you’ve gotta wonder if the dude is done.
ESPN’s Keith Law says of Ramirez…”(he’s) lost enough bat speed that when he squares a ball up it doesn’t take off the way that it did for him before the 2009 season. The explosiveness he had at the plate well into his 30s is all but gone.”
Add all that together and it begs the question, if he’s not done…will anyone sign him?
Super agent Scott Boras recently dropped this gem when talking about his Hall of Fame-caliber client.
It’s just like Vlad Guerrero. His last Angels season, where he had an injury season and he had 50 RBIs, was not a customary Vlad Guerrero season. He went to Texas and reestablished himself. This is really the course for great veteran hitters. We’ve seen, following an injury season, a player goes out and performs at optimum levels, because these players are still uniquely skilled. They’re still great hitters.
But, given what Law said about his batspeed, can Ramirez possibly replicate the .300 batting average, 29 home runs and 115 RBI that Guerrero put up for the Rangers in 152 games last season? Probably not, seeing how Ramirez has only appeared in that many games (or more) a handful of times in his career…but I guess we’ll find out.
But only if someone takes a chance.
So what do you think? Will anyone take that chance and sign the 38 year-old slugger? Go vote!
***Also, a big thanks to Tim over at MLBTradeRumors.com for use of the Boras and Law quotes.***
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