A's, Orioles Reportedly Interested In Manny Ramirez

Apparently the race to sign DH Manny Ramirez is down to two teams -- the Oakland Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles.

Ramirez had originally signed a 1-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, and the team expected him to offer a sorely-needed bat. But Manny promptly failed a drug test, retired and left the Rays with Johnny Damon at DH and Sam Fuld at left field.

Indeed, the results were magical, but it is not hard to harbor a little resentment against the fellow we all anticipated would give the Rays 20 homers and a .380 on-base percentage.

So I say: Go Orioles! Sign him away from the A's!

Granted, Ramirez fits much better with the A's -- who seem to be perpetually on the cusp of competitiveness, while the Orioles fester in a pool of blown prospects, over-the-hill veterans and Matt Wieters. If Ramirez signs with the Orioles, the Rays will get to play him frequently, and Rays fans will get to watch personally as either one or two bits of revenge occur: (1) Ramirez flounders without PEDs to help him, or (2) Ramirez has a strong season, but the Orioles still suck.

Either way, the Rays win.