Manny Ramirez close to signing with A's

PHOENIX (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the negotiations says slugger Manny Ramirez is close to signing a contract with the Oakland Athletics that would be worth approximately 500,000. ESPN first reported the sides had reached agreement Monday, speaking directly to the slugger. A person confirmed the sides were closing in on a contract, speaking on condition of anonymity because Ramirez still must take a physical and likely another drug test. The A's made public their interest in Ramirez, who must first serve a 50-game suspension for his second positive drug test before he can play for Oakland. Barring rainouts, his first game could be May 30 -- on his 40th birthday. Ramirez was expected to sign a minor league deal, which would keep him off the 40-man roster.