All signs point to Oakland soon will be signing free agent Manny Ramirez as a designated hitter.
Ramirez, who must serve a suspension of 50 games before playing for violation of drug policy in Major League Baseball, has attracted interest not only in Oakland but also of the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays.
However, the Orioles' general manager, Dan Duquette, said recently that he sees as Ramirez, 39, can fit into his team.
Discussions between the Jays and Ramirez, reportedly, did not get far.
General manager Billy Beane said last week that BD wants to add a veteran to help strengthen the middle of the lineup. The co-owner of the A's, Lew Wolff has expressed interest in adding to Ramirez, who has 555 homers and a .312 batting average in 19 seasons in the majors.
The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that the A's "possibly" sign Ramirez just before or after the team comiemce spring training this weekend.
Barry Praver, one of Ramirez's agent, declined to comment Wednesday, but the A's officials have done nothing to discourage speculation about Ramirez.
According to a report by Fox Sports, while complying with the suspension Ramirez can play games of spring training and extended spring training games. When the regular season begins, Ramirez can train with the team big league or minor league squad, but has to leave the stadium as soon as you open the doors to the public.
