Manny Ramirez made some news today by declaring this year to be his last with the Dodgers. Upon the conclusion of the 2010 season, he'll likely retire or return to the AL as a designated hitter.
The reasons are simple. One, this is the last year of his two-year, $45 million contract. Unless something crazy happens, it's highly unlikely the 37-year-old outfielder will get a deal like that again. Two, as just stated, he's in his upper 30s, and his knees aren't getting any younger. Playing DH would give him the rest he needs while still contributing.
This may be big news to some people, but it's not to me. Honestly, what else do people expect him to do? Especially after last year's debacle of being busted 50-games for ster... er, "violating the drug policy," then coming back a shell of his former self. The writing is on the wall.
Of course, this doesn't stop him from having a big year this season. The Dodgers can't expect to win if he doesn't. They don't need the scorching hot Ramirez that came here at the trade deadline of 2008, they just need a big bat.
In a perfect world, Manny will have a big year, help the Dodgers get a ring, and ride off into the sunset. Of course, reality can be so much different. Let's just hope he gets back to being the impact player he was brought there to be.
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