Manny Gets An "A"
By Frank Luna
The signing of Manny Ramirez by the Oakland Athletics today means one thing. Sacramento may get to see the celebrated slugger up close at Raley Field before he steps into the batters box in a major league game. That is, of course, after he finishes his 50 game suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. While nothing is set in stone, Ramirez could take a few swings in a River Cats uniform, hopefully in a home game. This is wishful thinking, but who wouldn't want to see the storied player with 555 career homers and lifetime 312 hitter? ESPN's reporting that Manny claims he's a changed man, rededicated to his family and the sport he loves. Athletics manager Bob Melvin would like to see him rounding out the middle of his lineup, adding a dangerous bat to his young team. Can Manny give the big show one more solid go? Sources close to him say he didn't want to end his career with a suspension in Tampa Bay. Hopefully, he can go out with a bang in Oakland, preferable over the left field fence.
