In 2003, the Boston Red Sox put Manny Ramirez on waivers. They had enough of his antics and were displeased with his eyesore of a contract. He was still in the heart of his career, slugging 40 homers and driving in 130 annually at that time. But the team didn’t want him in their clubhouse anymore. They willed anyone to take him off their hands.
No team did—not one.
So, he went on to hit 163 homers and drive in 532 RBI over the final four-plus seasons in Boston. Despite his incredible production, he did all he could to earn a one-way ticket out of Boston.
He ended up with Los Angeles. He was a hitting machine after joining the team for the stretch run in 2008, batting a whopping .396 in 53 games, and then hit well the following season despite missing 58 games. The injury bug continued to bite him this season, as he has made three trips to the disabled list.
The 38-year old is healthy enough to play now, but he hasn’t seen much action of late for the Dodgers. The Chicago White Sox were one of three teams to make a claim, Tampa Bay and Texas being the others, and ever since they did so this past week, Ramirez has played sparingly.
He didn’t appear in three straight games, and in Sunday’s game came in to pinch-hit only to be tossed arguing a terrible strike call with the bases loaded in the sixth. It was clear that his lack of playing time meant Los Angeles was on the verge of sending him packing.
It turned out that was his final appearance as a Dodger. It was a fitting end to a disappointing season with the team. And, considering his standing with the team soured, a fitting end to his career in L.A..
The White Sox won the claim, having the lowest winning percentage of the three playoff contending teams. There was some question whether Ramirez would waive his no-trade clause to go to Chicago and another whether a deal could actually be reached by the two sides.
Those two questions are moot now, as Ramirez will join the White Sox on an outright claim, meaning Chicago will pay the remaining $3.8 million of his salary while the Dodgers will get nobody in return.
Los Angeles, just like Boston years ago, didn’t seem to care if nothing would come their way for his services. It’s sad, really. He has always been a gifted hitter. But what’s done him in with two organizations is his outspoken nature and famed Manny being Manny persona. He’ll take that and a still very potent bat to the South Side, where he will fittingly join manager Ozzie Guillen.
What a dividend-paying move this could be for the White Sox. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. Their next two opponents on the road are the Cleveland Indians, whom he played for early in his career, and the Red Sox. Won’t this be an entertaining start to a career in Chicago!
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