We can't compare this to the year 2000, but Dan Duquette is showing interest in Manny Ramirez. The man who signed Manny to a monster deal 12 years ago could be Manny's ticket back to the majors. That is if Dan Duquette decides to take it beyond the "exploring the options" stage.
Duquette -- fresh off a morning trade with the Rockies that netted pitchers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom in exchange for veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie -- confirmed the Orioles' long-rumored interest in Ramirez and said that the team had watched him work out.
"We are still considering the composition of this club, and some of the challenges of integrating a player like Manny into our ballclub and market," said Duquette, who as general manager of the Red Sox signed Ramirez to an eight-year, $160 million contract in December 2000.
How nice would that be, Ramirez and Duquette reunited again. Too bad Manny will miss the first 50 games if he does return to the majors as a result of the violation of the league's drug policy. Duquette may be down-playing his interest in Manny, but more likely just doing as he said, and exploring.
If Manny does return to the majors he will be 40 when his suspension is completed. Not very appealing, but team looking to sell a few extra tickets may entertain the idea. That might be a stretch, there is not much appeal in Ramirez anymore.
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