Re: Articles
1382This board is starting to sound like the late Pete Franklin. If we get pitching and if our hitters who dont stay healthy stay healthy and produce at 125 % of their standard then maybe we will contend. Well duhhh.
Re: Articles
1383Hey, WE didn't predict 86.5 The oddsmakers did.
Fact, not opinion.
Fact, not opinion.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Articles
1385Indians sign Guzman, Garland on hold
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer 13 hours, 11 minutes ago
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP)—Cristian Guzman will have a chance to make the Indians’ roster as a utility player.
Jon Garland’s shot at a spot in Cleveland’s rotation may be over before it started.
Guzman signed a minor league contract Wednesday with the Indians, reuniting the 33-year-old infielder with Cleveland manager Manny Acta. The two were together with the Washington Nationals.
“We’ve got a really good relationship,” Guzman said. “He was the guy that called me. He asked if I wanted to keep playing and said I could come here. They said come here, work hard and let’s see. That’s it.”
Guzman didn’t play last season because of a shoulder problem, but he passed his physical and will compete for one of the club’s reserve roles.
“We feel that we’re adding a veteran middle-of-the-infield type of guy,” Acta said. “He’s a switch-hitter who, over the last four years that he played, has swung the bat very well, including a couple of seasons with 40-plus extra-base hits. He took a year off last year due to some nagging injuries, but he’s still only 33. He’s going to be in the mix.”
A two-time All-Star, Guzman is a career .271 hitter in 12 seasons with Minnesota, Washington and Texas. With the Twins, Guzman won three AL Central titles and played in 18 postseason games. He has been mainly a shortstop at the big league level but played in 72 games at second in 2010.
Meanwhile, the Indians’ deal with Garland appears to be on hold.
The right-hander agreed to terms on a minor league contract last week, pending a physical. But Garland has yet to arrive in training camp and the Indians have not provided any update on his status.
Garland was expected to join the competition for the fifth spot in the club’s rotation, a free-for-all that will have Kevin Slowey, David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez, Zach McAllister and possibly others fighting for the job.
The 32-year-old Garland went just 1-5 in nine starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He has 132 career wins and his experience and ability to compile innings would have been a big plus for Cleveland. Garland had his best seasons with the Chicago White Sox, twice winning 18 games in a season.
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer 13 hours, 11 minutes ago
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP)—Cristian Guzman will have a chance to make the Indians’ roster as a utility player.
Jon Garland’s shot at a spot in Cleveland’s rotation may be over before it started.
Guzman signed a minor league contract Wednesday with the Indians, reuniting the 33-year-old infielder with Cleveland manager Manny Acta. The two were together with the Washington Nationals.
“We’ve got a really good relationship,” Guzman said. “He was the guy that called me. He asked if I wanted to keep playing and said I could come here. They said come here, work hard and let’s see. That’s it.”
Guzman didn’t play last season because of a shoulder problem, but he passed his physical and will compete for one of the club’s reserve roles.
“We feel that we’re adding a veteran middle-of-the-infield type of guy,” Acta said. “He’s a switch-hitter who, over the last four years that he played, has swung the bat very well, including a couple of seasons with 40-plus extra-base hits. He took a year off last year due to some nagging injuries, but he’s still only 33. He’s going to be in the mix.”
A two-time All-Star, Guzman is a career .271 hitter in 12 seasons with Minnesota, Washington and Texas. With the Twins, Guzman won three AL Central titles and played in 18 postseason games. He has been mainly a shortstop at the big league level but played in 72 games at second in 2010.
Meanwhile, the Indians’ deal with Garland appears to be on hold.
The right-hander agreed to terms on a minor league contract last week, pending a physical. But Garland has yet to arrive in training camp and the Indians have not provided any update on his status.
Garland was expected to join the competition for the fifth spot in the club’s rotation, a free-for-all that will have Kevin Slowey, David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez, Zach McAllister and possibly others fighting for the job.
The 32-year-old Garland went just 1-5 in nine starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He has 132 career wins and his experience and ability to compile innings would have been a big plus for Cleveland. Garland had his best seasons with the Chicago White Sox, twice winning 18 games in a season.
Re: Articles
1386Sure am glad we got Guzman, we were desparately short on middle infielders after trading Valbuena. Just Kipnis and Cabrera and Donald and Phelps.
Re: Articles
1387The "good-old-boy" network continues. Acta takes care of his out-of-work buddy, Guzman, who's best year was over 10 years ago.
Re: Articles
1388Carlos Santana trying to avoid getting caught in the switches: Cleveland Indians spring training update
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:50 AM Updated: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 1:33 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- While players who hit from both sides of the plate sometimes drive themselves to distraction, they definitely challenge the people who coach and advise them. Patience is a requirement.
Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, who surpassed 3,000 hits and 500 homers as a switch-hitter, said it was never easy. Once the right-handed swing fixed, the left-handed swing needed repair. It was a constant game of adjustments.
Carlos Santana, the Indians switch-hitting catcher, is going through the same lessons Murray went through so many years ago.
Santana hit .146 (7-for-48) right-handed (vs. lefties) and .314 (32-for-102) left-handed (vs. righties) as a rookie in 2010. Last year he hit .318 (57-for-179) with five homers and 25 RBI right-handed and .201 (75-for-373) with 22 homers and 54 RBI left-handed.
He's riding the switch-hitting see-saw.
"I think last year he got caught up a little bit into not using the whole field from the left side," said manager Manny Acta. "He was rolling over (grounding out) a lot. It showed on the power numbers. The power numbers were there from the left side.
"But from the right side of the plate, he used the whole field much better against lefties. It comes with experience. He knows he can use the whole field and still hit a good amount of home runs because guys are going to make mistakes. It's a given.
"I think he's going to be better this year."
Acta says as Santana gets older, he'll find a way to keep himself balanced from both sides of the plate.
"It comes with time," said Acta. "You see it with those good switch hitters in the league. Finally, when they mature, they get a feel for what they need to do with their hands and their body, they can find some consistency throughout the year.
"Very few of then are flat-out even throughout the year. You're always going to have a smaller sample size from the right side due to the amount of right-handed pitchers they're going to see."
In case you're wondering, Acta said Santana will remain the Indians cleanup hitter. Last year Santana hit in every spot in the lineup except first and ninth. He spent the majority of the time, 96 games to be exact, hitting cleanup.
When Santana made his big league debut in 2010, Acta immediately put him in the middle of the lineup. His belief in his offensive talent has not changed.
"He was pretty impressive last year," said Acta. "I know his batting average is going to come up. That's a given. He's a 25 to 30 home-run guy. I think everyone knows that from his days in the minor leagues.
"I think he'll drive in 85 to 90 RBI. At some point he'll be 100-RBI guy, but that depends on the people around you. To me, he's a .280 to .300 hitter."
Santana hit .239 (132-for-552) with 84 runs, 35 doubles, two triples, 27 homers and 79 RBI last season.
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:50 AM Updated: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 1:33 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- While players who hit from both sides of the plate sometimes drive themselves to distraction, they definitely challenge the people who coach and advise them. Patience is a requirement.
Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, who surpassed 3,000 hits and 500 homers as a switch-hitter, said it was never easy. Once the right-handed swing fixed, the left-handed swing needed repair. It was a constant game of adjustments.
Carlos Santana, the Indians switch-hitting catcher, is going through the same lessons Murray went through so many years ago.
Santana hit .146 (7-for-48) right-handed (vs. lefties) and .314 (32-for-102) left-handed (vs. righties) as a rookie in 2010. Last year he hit .318 (57-for-179) with five homers and 25 RBI right-handed and .201 (75-for-373) with 22 homers and 54 RBI left-handed.
He's riding the switch-hitting see-saw.
"I think last year he got caught up a little bit into not using the whole field from the left side," said manager Manny Acta. "He was rolling over (grounding out) a lot. It showed on the power numbers. The power numbers were there from the left side.
"But from the right side of the plate, he used the whole field much better against lefties. It comes with experience. He knows he can use the whole field and still hit a good amount of home runs because guys are going to make mistakes. It's a given.
"I think he's going to be better this year."
Acta says as Santana gets older, he'll find a way to keep himself balanced from both sides of the plate.
"It comes with time," said Acta. "You see it with those good switch hitters in the league. Finally, when they mature, they get a feel for what they need to do with their hands and their body, they can find some consistency throughout the year.
"Very few of then are flat-out even throughout the year. You're always going to have a smaller sample size from the right side due to the amount of right-handed pitchers they're going to see."
In case you're wondering, Acta said Santana will remain the Indians cleanup hitter. Last year Santana hit in every spot in the lineup except first and ninth. He spent the majority of the time, 96 games to be exact, hitting cleanup.
When Santana made his big league debut in 2010, Acta immediately put him in the middle of the lineup. His belief in his offensive talent has not changed.
"He was pretty impressive last year," said Acta. "I know his batting average is going to come up. That's a given. He's a 25 to 30 home-run guy. I think everyone knows that from his days in the minor leagues.
"I think he'll drive in 85 to 90 RBI. At some point he'll be 100-RBI guy, but that depends on the people around you. To me, he's a .280 to .300 hitter."
Santana hit .239 (132-for-552) with 84 runs, 35 doubles, two triples, 27 homers and 79 RBI last season.
Re: Articles
1389Cleveland Indians' bullpen door flies open for Scott Radinsky to become new pitching coach
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 10:41 PM Updated: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:26 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The godfather has changed jobs.
Scott Radinsky, head of The Bullpen Mafia for the past two years, is the Indians' new pitching coach. He was named as Tim Belcher's replacement on Oct. 14 after Belcher resigned at the end of last season to spend more time with his family.
"I told the guys in the bullpen that they have a made man on the inside now," said Radinsky with a laugh.
Radinsky, who spent 11 years in the big leagues as a left-handed reliever, says the only difference between his philosophy and Belcher's will be the delivery. Since he's the lead singer of Pulley, a punk rock band, admission might be charged to the Tribe's pitchers meetings this year.
When Manny Acta was hired as manager after the 2009 season, his message to Indians pitchers was direct -- fewer walks and more strikes. Belcher and Radinsky carried it to the pitchers.
"We set a foundation here," said Radinsky. "I want to continue what we've done . . . It's a different way of saying it, but I don't think it's a different philosophy."
Indians pitchers walked the second-most batters (572) in the American League in 2010. Last year, they finished 11th with only 463 walks.
They finished 14th in strikeouts with 964 in 2010 and 13th in 2011 with 1,024.
Acta said the transition will be smooth.
He said Radinsky and Belcher worked so well together the past two years that it was hard to tell them apart.
"Belcher deserves a lot of credit because he never stopped Rad from working along his side," said Acta. "He gave him the freedom to express his opinion and help him out. He never felt threatened."
The freedom allowed Radinsky not only to work with his seven-man bullpen, but with the starters as well.
"He knows pitching," said starter Josh Tomlin. "He knows the mental and physical aspects of it. I don't think it's going to be hard for him to adjust to working with starters like he did with the bullpen guys."
The Indians bullpen, nicknamed The Bullpen Mafia last year, has been on a roll for the past 1 1/2 years. Last year, they ranked fifth in the American League in ERA at 3.71 and first in appearances with 482.
"Rad took great pride in the bullpen being one of the best in the league," said reliever Vinnie Pestano. "I think he'll bring that to the entire pitching staff this year. He'll bring that mentality, that aggressive nature that wants to attack hitters. I think it will rub off on everyone."
Radinsky spent six years as a pitching coach in the Indians minor-league system so he has had plenty of work with starters. He knows relievers are short-term adrenaline junkies, while starters must plan for the long haul.
"It's a different approach, but pitchers are pitchers," he said. "It's all about how you game-plan and attack the hitter."
Here's Radinsky's early impressions of some of the starters he will be working with this year.
• Justin Masterson: "He's a guy with above-average stuff who is learning how to pitch. He's starting to figure it out."
• Ubaldo Jimenez: "He can really throw the ball. Just on raw stuff, it's tough for the league to catch up to him. I'm excited about him."
• Tomlin: "He doesn't have to do anything different. . . . Just stay healthy and continue to learn."
• Derek Lowe: "I think he's going to be a big-time plus for us. He adds durability, experience and the possibility of throwing 200 innings."
• Kevin Slowey: "He came to camp in shape to compete for a spot. He's ready."
• Jeanmar Gomez: "He made some pretty good starts last year. I think he's gained some confidence and you know how important that can be up here."
• David Huff: "He figured it out last year. . . . He just has to attack the strike zone, not nibble. He'll hit his spots. He doesn't have to be perfect.
• Zach McAllister: "He made four starts, the first two were so-so. The second time around he was more comfortable."
Slowey, Gomez, Huff and McAllister are competing for the fifth spot. Radinsky will be watching.
"I think Rad is going to be great for everybody from the shoulders up as well as mechanically," said Pestano.
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 10:41 PM Updated: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:26 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The godfather has changed jobs.
Scott Radinsky, head of The Bullpen Mafia for the past two years, is the Indians' new pitching coach. He was named as Tim Belcher's replacement on Oct. 14 after Belcher resigned at the end of last season to spend more time with his family.
"I told the guys in the bullpen that they have a made man on the inside now," said Radinsky with a laugh.
Radinsky, who spent 11 years in the big leagues as a left-handed reliever, says the only difference between his philosophy and Belcher's will be the delivery. Since he's the lead singer of Pulley, a punk rock band, admission might be charged to the Tribe's pitchers meetings this year.
When Manny Acta was hired as manager after the 2009 season, his message to Indians pitchers was direct -- fewer walks and more strikes. Belcher and Radinsky carried it to the pitchers.
"We set a foundation here," said Radinsky. "I want to continue what we've done . . . It's a different way of saying it, but I don't think it's a different philosophy."
Indians pitchers walked the second-most batters (572) in the American League in 2010. Last year, they finished 11th with only 463 walks.
They finished 14th in strikeouts with 964 in 2010 and 13th in 2011 with 1,024.
Acta said the transition will be smooth.
He said Radinsky and Belcher worked so well together the past two years that it was hard to tell them apart.
"Belcher deserves a lot of credit because he never stopped Rad from working along his side," said Acta. "He gave him the freedom to express his opinion and help him out. He never felt threatened."
The freedom allowed Radinsky not only to work with his seven-man bullpen, but with the starters as well.
"He knows pitching," said starter Josh Tomlin. "He knows the mental and physical aspects of it. I don't think it's going to be hard for him to adjust to working with starters like he did with the bullpen guys."
The Indians bullpen, nicknamed The Bullpen Mafia last year, has been on a roll for the past 1 1/2 years. Last year, they ranked fifth in the American League in ERA at 3.71 and first in appearances with 482.
"Rad took great pride in the bullpen being one of the best in the league," said reliever Vinnie Pestano. "I think he'll bring that to the entire pitching staff this year. He'll bring that mentality, that aggressive nature that wants to attack hitters. I think it will rub off on everyone."
Radinsky spent six years as a pitching coach in the Indians minor-league system so he has had plenty of work with starters. He knows relievers are short-term adrenaline junkies, while starters must plan for the long haul.
"It's a different approach, but pitchers are pitchers," he said. "It's all about how you game-plan and attack the hitter."
Here's Radinsky's early impressions of some of the starters he will be working with this year.
• Justin Masterson: "He's a guy with above-average stuff who is learning how to pitch. He's starting to figure it out."
• Ubaldo Jimenez: "He can really throw the ball. Just on raw stuff, it's tough for the league to catch up to him. I'm excited about him."
• Tomlin: "He doesn't have to do anything different. . . . Just stay healthy and continue to learn."
• Derek Lowe: "I think he's going to be a big-time plus for us. He adds durability, experience and the possibility of throwing 200 innings."
• Kevin Slowey: "He came to camp in shape to compete for a spot. He's ready."
• Jeanmar Gomez: "He made some pretty good starts last year. I think he's gained some confidence and you know how important that can be up here."
• David Huff: "He figured it out last year. . . . He just has to attack the strike zone, not nibble. He'll hit his spots. He doesn't have to be perfect.
• Zach McAllister: "He made four starts, the first two were so-so. The second time around he was more comfortable."
Slowey, Gomez, Huff and McAllister are competing for the fifth spot. Radinsky will be watching.
"I think Rad is going to be great for everybody from the shoulders up as well as mechanically," said Pestano.
Re: Articles
1390I like the Guzman pick up. Lots of talent in him that could still catch fire again at age 33.
If we miss on Garland, I'm OK.
I still remember Wayne....and Judy.
If we miss on Garland, I'm OK.
I still remember Wayne....and Judy.
Re: Articles
1391Can we sue hoynsieee for for ruining the environment by killing trees for nothing with wasted articles like this.
J.R. wrote:Cleveland Indians' bullpen door flies open for Scott Radinsky to become new pitching coach
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 10:41 PM Updated: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 11:26 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The godfather has changed jobs.
Scott Radinsky, head of The Bullpen Mafia for the past two years, is the Indians' new pitching coach. He was named as Tim Belcher's replacement on Oct. 14 after Belcher resigned at the end of last season to spend more time with his family.
"I told the guys in the bullpen that they have a made man on the inside now," said Radinsky with a laugh.
Radinsky, who spent 11 years in the big leagues as a left-handed reliever, says the only difference between his philosophy and Belcher's will be the delivery. Since he's the lead singer of Pulley, a punk rock band, admission might be charged to the Tribe's pitchers meetings this year.
When Manny Acta was hired as manager after the 2009 season, his message to Indians pitchers was direct -- fewer walks and more strikes. Belcher and Radinsky carried it to the pitchers.
"We set a foundation here," said Radinsky. "I want to continue what we've done . . . It's a different way of saying it, but I don't think it's a different philosophy."
Indians pitchers walked the second-most batters (572) in the American League in 2010. Last year, they finished 11th with only 463 walks.
They finished 14th in strikeouts with 964 in 2010 and 13th in 2011 with 1,024.
Acta said the transition will be smooth.
He said Radinsky and Belcher worked so well together the past two years that it was hard to tell them apart.
"Belcher deserves a lot of credit because he never stopped Rad from working along his side," said Acta. "He gave him the freedom to express his opinion and help him out. He never felt threatened."
The freedom allowed Radinsky not only to work with his seven-man bullpen, but with the starters as well.
"He knows pitching," said starter Josh Tomlin. "He knows the mental and physical aspects of it. I don't think it's going to be hard for him to adjust to working with starters like he did with the bullpen guys."
The Indians bullpen, nicknamed The Bullpen Mafia last year, has been on a roll for the past 1 1/2 years. Last year, they ranked fifth in the American League in ERA at 3.71 and first in appearances with 482.
"Rad took great pride in the bullpen being one of the best in the league," said reliever Vinnie Pestano. "I think he'll bring that to the entire pitching staff this year. He'll bring that mentality, that aggressive nature that wants to attack hitters. I think it will rub off on everyone."
Radinsky spent six years as a pitching coach in the Indians minor-league system so he has had plenty of work with starters. He knows relievers are short-term adrenaline junkies, while starters must plan for the long haul.
"It's a different approach, but pitchers are pitchers," he said. "It's all about how you game-plan and attack the hitter."
Here's Radinsky's early impressions of some of the starters he will be working with this year.
• Justin Masterson: "He's a guy with above-average stuff who is learning how to pitch. He's starting to figure it out."
• Ubaldo Jimenez: "He can really throw the ball. Just on raw stuff, it's tough for the league to catch up to him. I'm excited about him."
• Tomlin: "He doesn't have to do anything different. . . . Just stay healthy and continue to learn."
• Derek Lowe: "I think he's going to be a big-time plus for us. He adds durability, experience and the possibility of throwing 200 innings."
• Kevin Slowey: "He came to camp in shape to compete for a spot. He's ready."
• Jeanmar Gomez: "He made some pretty good starts last year. I think he's gained some confidence and you know how important that can be up here."
• David Huff: "He figured it out last year. . . . He just has to attack the strike zone, not nibble. He'll hit his spots. He doesn't have to be perfect.
• Zach McAllister: "He made four starts, the first two were so-so. The second time around he was more comfortable."
Slowey, Gomez, Huff and McAllister are competing for the fifth spot. Radinsky will be watching.
"I think Rad is going to be great for everybody from the shoulders up as well as mechanically," said Pestano.
Re: Articles
1392What's wrong with that article? At least it's not about Manny or a Cuban winter league game.
Re: Articles
1393maybe the next time he interviews a guy named fausto and the name tag on his undershirts says jose heredia he might ask why is he wearing a friends shirt.
Manny reported to camp today. Dont know if he is still copying julio franco's batting style but at least we believe manny is manny.
Manny reported to camp today. Dont know if he is still copying julio franco's batting style but at least we believe manny is manny.
Re: Articles
1394Now this is an article
PHOENIX -- Manny Ramirez reported to the Oakland Athletics' training camp Friday, ready for a new adventure in his storied but turbulent career.
Ramirez signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training last week. The 39-year-old outfielder/designated hitter, who wore No. 24 for most of his career and No. 99 when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will wear No. 1 with the A's.
[+] EnlargeManny Ramirez
Kyle Terada/US PresswireManny Ramirez takes the field at A's camp for the first time. He will wear No. 1 to signify, he said, a "new beginning" in his career.
"Everything starts with the number one. To me, it's like a new beginning," Ramirez told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com after his arrival at Municipal Stadium. "God has given me a second chance and I'm not going to waste it. My arrival in Oakland is not a coincidence, it's a God-incidence."
Ramirez, who twice has tested positive for drugs banned by Major League Baseball, will have to sit out for 50 games before having his first at-bat this season. Barring rainouts, his debut could come May 30, when he turns 40, at Minnesota.
After taking batting practice, at which he hit at least seven home runs off A's coach Mike Gallego, Ramirez addressed the media, accompanied by his wife, Juliana, and two sons, Manny Jr. and Lucas.
"I made some mistakes and I want to show my children I can correct them," Ramirez said. "Every Thursday morning my wife and I went to church, kneeled down and prayed. I am blessed to have this opportunity again."
Ramirez decided to retire after he was suspended in April 2011 while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, but he reversed that decision and was reinstated in December.
"I'm a new man who found true happiness in God's word. Right now, I have a peace I never experienced in my life," said Ramirez, a .312 lifetime hitter with 555 home runs and 1,831 RBIs in 19 seasons.
Ramirez said he has no expectations other than to "show people I can still play."
A's manager Bob Melvin said someone of his stature could influence the rest of the team.
"He can be a great example with his work ethic," Melvin said. "We have some young kids and, who knows, maybe something will rub off."
Enrique Rojas is a baseball writer for ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
ESPN Conversations
PHOENIX -- Manny Ramirez reported to the Oakland Athletics' training camp Friday, ready for a new adventure in his storied but turbulent career.
Ramirez signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training last week. The 39-year-old outfielder/designated hitter, who wore No. 24 for most of his career and No. 99 when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will wear No. 1 with the A's.
[+] EnlargeManny Ramirez
Kyle Terada/US PresswireManny Ramirez takes the field at A's camp for the first time. He will wear No. 1 to signify, he said, a "new beginning" in his career.
"Everything starts with the number one. To me, it's like a new beginning," Ramirez told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com after his arrival at Municipal Stadium. "God has given me a second chance and I'm not going to waste it. My arrival in Oakland is not a coincidence, it's a God-incidence."
Ramirez, who twice has tested positive for drugs banned by Major League Baseball, will have to sit out for 50 games before having his first at-bat this season. Barring rainouts, his debut could come May 30, when he turns 40, at Minnesota.
After taking batting practice, at which he hit at least seven home runs off A's coach Mike Gallego, Ramirez addressed the media, accompanied by his wife, Juliana, and two sons, Manny Jr. and Lucas.
"I made some mistakes and I want to show my children I can correct them," Ramirez said. "Every Thursday morning my wife and I went to church, kneeled down and prayed. I am blessed to have this opportunity again."
Ramirez decided to retire after he was suspended in April 2011 while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, but he reversed that decision and was reinstated in December.
"I'm a new man who found true happiness in God's word. Right now, I have a peace I never experienced in my life," said Ramirez, a .312 lifetime hitter with 555 home runs and 1,831 RBIs in 19 seasons.
Ramirez said he has no expectations other than to "show people I can still play."
A's manager Bob Melvin said someone of his stature could influence the rest of the team.
"He can be a great example with his work ethic," Melvin said. "We have some young kids and, who knows, maybe something will rub off."
Enrique Rojas is a baseball writer for ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
ESPN Conversations
Re: Articles
1395Wow, that is a real scoop, ken! Please supply more documentation as to when this took place.kenm wrote:maybe the next time he interviews a guy named fausto and the name tag on his undershirts says jose heredia he might ask why is he wearing a friends shirt.