MLB Fantasy Baseball Profile: Can Manny Be Manny in Tampa Bay?

Manny Ramirez brought his hair and wacky behavior to Tampa Bay. Did he bring his big bat along with him?

That is the million dollar question.

Things did not end well for Manny in Los Angeles. That has become his new M.O.. He played well enough when he played, hitting .311 with 32 runs, eight HRs and 40 RBI in 66 games, but he was either hurt or a distraction most of the time.

The Dodgers dealt him to the White Sox, but he did little to help their playoff push.

Manny hit just .261 with the White Sox; that’s not the worst of it though: He scored just six runs, hit just one home run and had just two RBI in 24 games (69 ABs).

That most definitely was not Manny being Manny. He failed to hit double-digit HRs for the first time since 1993. He has combined for just 28 HRs and 105 RBI the past two years.

Does that mean Manny is done? I wouldn’t go quite that far.

I know he’ll turn 39 in May, but I believe there is still life in his bat. He won’t have to take his circus act to the field with Tampa Bay. He’ll be a full-time hitter; that should decrease the chance of nagging injuries.

While I don’t expect his return to the 30 HR plateau, he could give you 20. He’s had success at Tropicana Field with a career average of .299 with 25 HR and 72 RBI in 77 games.

Manny is a hitter and while his bat speed may have dropped, if he can stay healthy, he can still contribute.

Plus, he’s not a big risk. His ADP, according to Mock Draft Central, is 156. He’s worth a gamble in the 13th round.

What’s your take? Is ManRam done or does he have another productive year left in him?

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MLB Fantasy Baseball Profile: Can Manny Be Manny in Tampa Bay?

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