A's Take Chance on Ramirez
By Nick Ostiller
Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics made sports headlines again when he decided to be that general manager, the one who would take a chance on Manny Ramirez, the aging, dishonored and apparently retired slugger.
The signing of Ramirez to a one-year contract on Monday is a move that reflects Beane's style, which gained national recognition through the box office hit "Moneyball." The movie detailed how Beane uses non-traditional, cost-effective methods and statistical analysis to construct his teams.
Leave it to Beane to make the unorthodox move by investing in a player more recently known for his attitude problems than for his integrity.
Although Ramirez is arguably the best right-handed hitter in history with a career batting average of .312 and 555 homeruns, his contract with the A's is only a minor league deal worth $500,000. This is mere pocket change to most professional baseball players, especially someone like Ramirez. That money is only guaranteed if the 18 year veteran makes the major league roster. How could such a prolific, offensive machine over the years be reduced to a non-guaranteed minor league contract? The answer relates to why so many other general managers were wary of bringing Ramirez aboard.
Ramirez is old by baseball standards at 39 and can no longer effectively play in the field. This means that he can only be utilized as a designated hitter in the American League. Plus, he has had a plethora of problems of the field. After leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a deep playoff run in 2008, he tested positive for a banned substance the following year and was suspended for 50 games. He did not even complete his contract with the Dodgers. In 2011, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, only to be caught again for another banned substance. This time the suspension was for 100 games. Instead of serving the extended punishment, Ramirez walked away from the game amid disgrace and shame.
While in semi-retirement, Ramirez was still working out in the hope of returning to the game. He even filed paperwork that got his 100-game suspension reduced to 50 games. All of this dedication was overshadowed when Ramirez was arrested for domestic battery. The former superstar was now just a steroid user and spouse abuser.
With Monday's news, there will be a two-pronged resurrection campaign in Oakland this spring. While Beane attempts to revitalize Ramirez's career and dignity, the maligned Dominican Republic native will try to resuscitate a struggling franchise in the A's. Whereas Ramirez's antics over the years have been labeled as "Manny Being Manny," this move by Beane could have come right out of "Moneyball," and should be called "Billy Being Billy."
Nick Ostiller is a sophomore communication major and editor of the Sports section.