Tampa Bay Rays: Is Manny Ramirez Happy?

Manny Ramirez seems to really be enjoying himself in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform. Although there are still a lot of skeptics that think that currently the Rays are only experiencing the honeymoon phase with Manny.

It is also possible that Manny and the Rays could truly be a very good fit for each other at this time. The key phrase being "at this time."

With the massive departure of regular faces and vital contributors from Tampa Bay in the offseason, bringing in Ramirez makes a lot of sense for both the player and the team.

Here are five reasons Ramirez and the Rays are a perfect match.

Designated Hitter

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FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Manny Ramirez #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during the Tampa Bay Rays Photo Day on February 22, 2011 at the Charlotte Sports Complex in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez's days of playing in the outfield on a regular basis are behind him.

The remainder of his career will most likely find him in the American League in a designated hitter role. This was a position of need for the Rays to add a power bat to the lineup to replace the departure of Carlos Pena.

Although Pena's .197 batting average last season will not be hard for Ramirez to replace.

Tropicana Field

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ST PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 22: The starting line-up is listed outside the stadium before the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Rays during game one of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 22, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Manny Ramirez has performed very well inside of Tropicana Field's walls. Over his career he has a .299 batting average, 25 home runs and 72 RBI. He has also hit 21 doubles in Tropicana Field.

As the Rays designated hitter he should find plenty of success at the plate in 2011.

His right-handed power bat should also help the Rays with their attendance woes, with fans awaiting Manny hitting a souvenir over the outfield wall.

Lineup Protection

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs after hitting a two run homerun against the Texas Rangers in the 5th inning during game 4 of the ALDS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Phot

Manny Ramirez's presence in the middle of the batting order will force more pitchers to pitch to Evan Longoria and other Rays hitters.

This will offer some lineup protection that the Rays will need, especially against division rivals New York and Boston.

Ramirez will show his value most as the Rays expect to battle for the division title in 2011.

Even with the pieces that they lost, they still have a good starting rotation and also a batting order that should prove good enough to keep them in contention throughout the season.

Veteran Leadership

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FORT MYERS, FL - MARCH 14: Outfielder Carl Crawford #13 of the Boston Red Sox fouls off a pitch against the New York Yankees during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at City of Palms Park on March 14, 2011 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by J. Mer

With the departure of veteran players, including Carl Crawford and Matt Garza, the Rays have a void of leadership in the clubhouse.

David Price and Evan Longoria are developing into leaders within the organization, but there is a presence that a Manny Ramirez brings to the team that they don't.

There is also the championship jewelry that he has that the Rays missed out on.

Manny is such a phenomenal hitter and has been working with and helping younger Rays players develop.

Last season, the Rays were among the league leaders in runs scored but near the bottom in batting average.

Without Carl Crawford stealing bases and Rafael Soriano to close out games, the Rays will need more players to reach base successfully in order to repeat as American League East champions.

Joe Maddon

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CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 06: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Tampa Bay Rays talks with the media before the start of the Grapefruit League Spring Training Game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field on March 6, 2011 in Sarasota, Florida. (P

Joe Maddon may be the perfect manager for Manny Ramirez to play for. His personality and the laid back way he manages the Rays will allow Manny to be comfortable in the Tampa Bay clubhouse.

A lot of the things that Maddon has done with the team, including the themed dress code for road trips, is perfectly aligned with Manny's personality.

It will be interesting and entertaining to see how their relationship grows and develops throughout the season.