Manny Ramirez Introduced in Toronto

Originally posted at BlueJaysHomeGames.com

Joshua Murray

Toronto – The Blue Jays made their first major announcement of the offseason today adding a potential Hall of Famer and 500+ home run hitter to their already potent lineup.  General Manager Alex Anthopoulos had a big smile on his face as he introduced Manny Ramirez to the media as the team’s new designated hitter.

The 18 year veteran Ramirez was all smiles as he put on his number 99 Blue Jays jersey and his new cap over top of his flowing dreads.  Contrary to what some skeptical fans had suggested, Manny did not speak through a translator but instead spoke enthusiastically about coming to play with the Blue Jays in Toronto.

When asked about the decision to bring Ramirez to the team Anthopoulos offered a measured response, “After looking at the options and our desired direction of the team we were excited to be able to fit Manny Ramirez into our 2011 season roster.  We all know about the numbers that Manny has put up over the length of his great career and we are certain that he will be able to contribute to our current team and help us to improve in the American League East.”

While Anthropoulos sat on his left, Ramirez smiled as he heard the praise and positive words being spoken about him.

Ramirez, who has often been known as a fun loving individual, maintained his smile as he started answering questions from the media in attendance.  In response to a question about what he would be able to bring to the team Manny offered this, “I’m here to have fun and win baseball games.  Toronto is a city that I (have) loved for a long time and am happy to be here now.  I am healthy again and know that I can hit home runs and play for the full season and maybe more and help this team win in the AL East.”

The Ramirez interest started when former Boston Red Sox Pitching Coach, John Farrell was named the Manager of the Blue Jays.  It was no secret that Manny had thought about Toronto in the past, during the prime of his career but he was never a fit for the plans of the organization.

“When John Farrell was hired here I knew that this was the team that I wanted to play for in 2011.  John is a smart baseball guy and I know that he can make us a winner” Ramirez said when he was asked about what made him think about Toronto as a free agent this winter.

Financial terms of the agreement were not made public immediately but it is believed that Anthopoulos and Ramirez’s agents were able to agree on a 1 year contract worth somewhere between 6 and 7 million dollars with a team option for the 2012 season.

The addition of a healthy Manny Ramirez to the Blue Jays lineup will replace the 20 home runs that last year’s catcher, John Buck provided.

Note:  Anthopolous refused to name Adam Lind the starting first baseman for the 2011 Blue Jays but there are reports that the GM and Lind have been in contact and that the young slugger has started taking ground balls and working on his footwork during his offseason workouts.