"I won't be here next year, so I just want to enjoy myself," Manny said. "I don't know [where I will play next year]. I just know I'm not going to be here. When the season is over, I will see where I'm at."Ramirez, 37, hit .290 for the Dodgers last season, but served a 50-game suspension for using Performance Enhancing Drugs. Manny will play out the last year of his two-year, $45 million contract this season.
Ramirez is a 12-time all star and has hit 546 home runs in his career.
Manny told reporters that he is not sure where he will play next season, or even if he will. He added that Dodgers officials haven't told him they aren't interested in resigning, but that he felt it was unlikely.
If Ramirez wants to play next season, it will likely be for an American League team -- where the DH is used -- because of his lack of ability to play left field.
Manny's chances of resigning next year are slim. The market hasn't proven to be gracious towards veteran outfielders who have problems in the field. Just look at Bobby Abreu last year, and Johnny Damon this year.
Because Ramirez has begun considering retirement, it is unlikely that he will have the patience to wait around on the market -- like Damon and Abreu did -- just to play for a random team that probably won't give him great money.
However, if Ramirez puts up great numbers this year, some teams may want to take a chance on the veteran outfielder. A hall of fame bound player like Ramirez would be a great addition to a young team. If Ramirez feels as though he can win, he will be on the baseball field.
jess.coleman@classactsports.com
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