Manny Ramirez Signs with Oakland A's: Billy Beane Takes Huge Risk with No Reward

In what may be the biggest surprise move of the MLB offseason, the Oakland A's have brought in one of the most controversial sluggers in recent memory in free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. 

According to ESPN's Pedo Gomez, the Athletics have agreed to sign Ramirez to one-year, $500,000 deal. This would make Ramirez one of the lowest paid players on the team, but the addition definitely makes A's general manager Billy Beane look somewhat desperate.

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Breaking News: Manny Ramirez (555 HR) agrees to 1-year, $500,000 deal w/ @Athletics, @pedrogomezESPN reports es.pn/ytM3h2

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 20, 2012"

The A's have constantly been a building ground for other team's superstars, such as guys like Josh Willingham, who opted to sign with the Minnesota Twins following his breakout year with the Bay Area club.

With the team being low on power hitters, they definitely were in the need of something, but this move smells like it has mistake written all over it.

Ramirez's last stop was with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, where he only appeared in five games after being once again suspended for his use of performance-enhancing drugs. With his reinstatement into the league, he will have to face a 50-game suspension before even making an appearance.

Not to mention, his recent stats can be attributed to the use of PEDs. While they are good—.290 and .298 batting average in 2009 and 2010, respectively—who knows what he will even be able to provide now that he is off PEDs and hasn't seen any action since April of last year.

I guess we will just have to see what comes of this situation. The A's have already acquired Jonny Gomes to fulfill the DH role, while the outfield is pretty much filled out, with players like Coco Crisp and potential up-and-coming everyday starters in Josh Reddick and Seth Smith.

At the least, Ramirez is an insurance option. An option that comes with lofty expectations and much controversy.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.

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