(The Spread) – Word broke on Friday that 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez has decided to retire from the game of baseball.
This news comes on the heels of a report by the New York Times that Ramirez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in spring training. Had he not retired, he would have served a 100-game suspension from the league.
This is the second time in three years that Ramirez has tested positive for PEDs. The first time came in 2009 when he served a 50-game suspension. Instead of having to endure a longer suspension since this was his second suspension, Manny just decided to retire.
After signing a $2 million, one-year deal in the offseason, Ramirez leaves the Rays after just five games and 17 plate appearances. The news has to be frustrating for a Tampa team that has started the year 0-6 and was hoping that Manny would be one of their keys to success this season. Oh, well.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com, the Rays are 40/1 to win the 2011 World Series and 20/1 to win the American League East. Those are high odds for a team that won the AL East last season.
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!