Rays

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that while the Orioles maintain interest in Manny Ramirez, there are plenty of issues that must be rectified before the club considers offering him a contract.

Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com reported Friday afternoon that Ramirez was deciding whether to pursue a contract with the Blue Jays, Orioles or Athletics, but it doesn’t sound like he’s very far along in the process with Baltimore. “Manny is looking for a second chance,” said Orioles? executive vice president Dan Duquette.” I think it is a good story, but that’s about all I can say about it right now.” Ramirez, 39, would almost certainly have to accept a minor-league deal in order to continue his career. While he would need to serve a 50-game PED suspension before being able to play during the regular season, he would be able to suit up during spring training.

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, Manny Ramirez is deciding whether to pursue a contract with the Blue Jays, Orioles or Athletics.

None of the three teams have made formal offers to Ramirez, but Rojas was told by a source that Oakland is willing to give him the best opportunity at playing time. Once he makes a decision on where he would prefer to play, negotiations are expected to begin. It’s doubtful he’ll get anything more than a minor-league deal, though performance-based incentives could obviously vary. Ramirez, who turns 40 in May, will have to serve a 50-game PED suspension before being permitted to play during the regular season.

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles and A’s are “most interested” in Manny Ramirez.

Others could join the fray if Ramirez impresses in his upcoming workout for major league teams. The 39-year-old slugger posted an .870 OPS with nine home runs and 42 RBI across 320 plate appearances in 2010 before sitting out for almost the entire 2011 campaign. He will have to serve a 50-game PED suspension before being allowed to play in a regular season game this year.