It didn't take long for the Toronto Blue Jays new manager to attract players. In his welcome to the team press conference, new Blue Jays manager John Farrell was asked about the chances, and if he would welcome, the addition of Manny Ramirez. Farrell was on board with adding the former all-star slugger who he coached while with the Red Sox.
Although Farrell got to see the best of Ramirez during his Red Sox days (thanks to performance enhancing drugs?) he might not have followed his career all that closely since he left for the left coast. Ramirez struggled in his year and a half in Los Angeles due to injury and then was traded at the deadline last year back to the American League where he could be the DH and not worry about his defense. He didn't fair any better in the windy city and the White Sox actually dropped out of the playoff race once Manny arrived. So would adding the wild Manny Ramirez into the line-up help Toronto?
It wouldn't be terrible. You wouldn't take at-bats away from Adam Lind or Travis Snider as they could play in the field while Manny is the designated hitter. His outgoing personality would certainly draw fans to the ball park. He would also offer some protection for 2010 home run champ Jose Bautista.
The Blue Jays would only have to offer Manny a one year contract and if he succeeds in Toronto, they could use the "money ball" theory and trade him to a contender in August for draft picks or minor league stars. If he struggles, it is a one year experiment and gives all media types something to write and twitter about.
Would you like to see Manny Ramirez at the Rogers Centre player for the Jays come April?
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