The Chicago Cubs have hired Manny Ramirez to be an official hitting consultant with the team moving forward.
Manny Ramirez, who was last seen in Major League Baseball circles avoiding a second failed drug test while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, is back in the game. According to ESPN reports, Ramirez has been hired by the Chicago Cubs as an official hitting consultant. This will actually be his second consecutive year with the organization, as the former left fielder signed a minor league contract for the 2014 season where he was a player/coach for the AAA Iowa Cubs. Ramirez will be joined by former infielder and teammate Kevin Youkilis.
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Some might be wondering why a guy closely linked with performance enhancing substances is receiving a job offer post-retirement. It might attributed to his knowledge of the game, which regardless of alleged decisions to cheat, is unquestionable, at least from a winning perspective. The guy played on two World Series champion Boston Red Sox teams (2004, 2007).
It is not exactly unprecedented either. The current hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, whom Ramirez played for from 2008-2010, is Mark McGwire.
The point remains clear that the substances taken during one’s career are less important than their baseball resume. Whether you want to point to PED usage as Ramirez’s method of achievement, or disregard them, his numbers are undeniably historic. On paper, the man was one of the greatest right handed hitters of all time. His scope of the science of batting is extremely valuable. Pair Ramirez with a young, and extremely talented roster, and the possibilities going forward might be difficult to fully project.
When home run wunderkind Kris Bryant finally emerges into the Cubs lineup (likely at some point this season), he would be receiving guidance from a man with 555 of them, 14th most in the history of the game.
It might be a move many fans, especially those of the Cubs, might be questioning. Does one really want a name associated with such a controversial topic linked to their favorite organization?
Chicago is a different kind of animal though; one that has not hoisted a World Series championship trophy since 1908. Anything, and everything that gives this club a chance to win in October should be embraced; Manny Ramirez included.
H/T ESPN
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