Texas Rangers sign Manny Ramirez to a Minor League deal

Happy Fourth of July to everyone. While everyone is thinking of fireworks tonight, the Rangers definitely made a bang of their own yesterday when they announced the signing of troubled outfielder/designated hitter Manny Ramirez to a 1-year Minor League deal. I was completely shocked, and not going to lie, a little bit excited when I heard this news. I mean what does it hurt that the Rangers signed Ramirez?

Ramirez has been playing for Taiwan's EDA Rhinos in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He was suspended for his second drug violation in the spring of 2011. After serving his time, he played in the minor leagues in the Oakland A's system. Then when no Major League team signed him before this season, he signed to play overseas in Taiwan. Ramirez has played very well so far this season. He is hitting .352 with 8 home runs and 43 RBI in 49 games in Taiwan. I say if the man can hit, why not sign him. This is a no risk, major gain signing. If he ends up sucking, the Rangers don't lose anything. If he ends up looking like the Manny of old, the Rangers will look like a genius.

Ramirez will report today to Triple-A Round Rock. If he plays well, who knows when the team might call him up. All we know is that we are very close to having Mannywood in Arlington. The one question that lingers for me is...are the Rangers preparing themselves for a potential Nelson Cruz suspension? I hope this isn't the case. My hope is that you will see a Rangers outfield of Manny Ramirez, Leonys Martin, and Nelson Cruz with David Murphy and Greg Gentry as your backup outfielders. If he is in shape and ready to go, I believe the Manny Ramirez signing will be a very good thing for the Rangers.